Start Small

"There is no such thing as a long piece of work, except one that you dare not start. " - Charles Baudelaire

The simple thought of organizing an entire room wall-to-wall is overwhelming for most of us. It is important to start with small spaces and surfaces. It is easier to manage a countertop, dresser, bookshelf, or cabinet - in comparison to an entire closet, kitchen, bedroom, etc. The desire to change your habits and create order in your home is a big step forward. Be proud of yourself. Taking on more than you can handle initially may cause you to take two steps backwards. I've witnessed many people excited to clear out the clutter - to then be in the middle of the project and quit from being completely overwhelmed by their "stuff". Don't allow yourself to have a "clutter breakdown." Start small and save yourself the headache.

Write down the small space you want to organize and the date you will complete the task. Once you begin to see how great that small area looks - you will most likely be motivated to organize the next space, and the next space, and the space after that, and so forth. This idea is similar to losing weight. Once we work hard at losing the first 15 pounds and see the great results - we become motivated to work-out harder to acheive greater results. Take baby steps and allow your desire to drive your results! You'll be glad you did!

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CEO, Organize N Refine

Do You Think More Stuff = More Success?

What is your definition of success? Look around you. Does your environment make you feel more or less successful? Often times people think the more "stuff" you have, the more successful you are. This isn't necessarily true. Are you keeping things you don't use or value much, simply because it makes you feel as though you have more?

Well, I am not here to preach or define what success should mean to you - but I am here to tell you that success goes beyond material treasures. There are millions of people across the globe in need of the things you refuse to do away with. I'm not just referencing third world countries, but right here in the U.S. Donating and being charitable allows one to clear their space, alongside their mind and heart - while positively enhancing the lives of those in need.

Do not live a life of chaos and clutter, blindly thinking it is symbolic of progress and success. The only thing clutter symbolizes is your weakness for material things and your dependency on "stuff". I want each person reading this blog to take a look around their home and find 5 things to GIVE AWAY. This is a great start toward creating a balanced lifestyle. There are several ways and places to donate your items. I've listed a few suggestions below - but ultimately, choose a place or person you feel most comfortable giving.

DONATE IN HOUSTON, TX

1. www.Houstoncharityagency.org
2. www.Houstonhelpinghands.com
3. www.houston.donatestuff.com

DONATE NATIONWIDE

1. Local Salvation Army
2. Local Goodwill
3. www.actiondonation.org
4. www.cars4causes.net
5. www.donateforcharity.com
6. www.donationwizard.com

There are so many more options across the globe. Pick one! Donate! Donate! Donate!

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CEO, Organize N Refine

Keep Up With Your Computer

When it comes to your computer, keeping up with numerous manuals, passwords, and software can be a hassle. Most people set up their computers and toss all associated documents to the side or amongst other irrelevant papers. This is a big mistake! What does one do when searching for a password or when attempting to find the manual? The answer is usually, get a headache first and second, call someone to help you figure out information that is probably laying around your house somewhere - disorganized.

Let's face it! Computers are becoming more and more of a necessity than a luxury. Most people can't function without one and if they aren't on their laptop - they're on their smart phone. It is important to keep record of all passwords, software codes, and manuals - because technology is man-made, and there will always be the possibility of error or crashing. You do not want to lose everything or be unable to access necessary information simply because you can't find the associated papers and passwords.

Here's the easy way out. Purchase a small binder and neatly place all manuals, software documents, and passwords in an orderly fashion. If you have more than one computer, feel free to use the same binder, but use dividers to separate computer #1 from computer #2. This one method will save you hours of searching, frustration, and headaches. Be sure to store the binder in a private area, but where it is easily accessible at your discretion.

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CEO, Organize N Refine

Create Space for the New You

One of the greatest benefits of gaining control over your clutter and getting organized is the freedom you feel to be a new you. Often times our clutter is a daily reminder of bad habits, chaos, stress, and the negative points in our life - but when you create space in your environment, you are not only creating a functional environment, you are creating space for the new you.

This is crucial to your future fulfillment and overall peace of mind. You have limitless potential and are able to start fresh every day. The great thing about tomorrow is that it's a new day to be a new you. Do not allow work, family responsibilities, or life's tasks to hinder your progress and comittment to a fulfilled life. I write, not only about getting and staying organized, but about first, acknowledging your worth, your potential, and your capabilities. Regardless of your sex, status, or circumstance - YOU have the ability to live a remarkable life - but it starts within you.

Look around your home or office. If it seems to be out of wack - your life is usually a reflection of your space. When you are cluttered in space, you are cluttered in your thoughts. Therefore, becoming cluttered in your daily tasks and responsibilities. Create order in your life and see the change in clarity and precision within yourself. Create space for the new you!

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CEO, Organize N Refine

Junky Love

Love and relationships are great for the soul - but how does one neat freak deal with their junky significant other? It is important to acknowledge that all clutter dampens the energy within any environment. If your home or the bedroom you share with your significant other is disorganized - your relationship may reflect this energy. It is important, whether you are Mr. Tidy or Mrs. Messy, to communicate with your partner and create strategies to maintain order and peace within your shared environment. Work together to create positive and relaxed energy. A major factor in this equation is to build each other up and actively listen each person's frustrations and new ideas. For example, if your partner works from home and uses the bedroom as the "office" - suggest creating a new office area in another part of the home to run their business. Return your bedroom to its original purpose - a place for relaxation, rest, and enjoying the company of the one you love. When people living together have items thrown about the house, it shows they don't feel they have a place of their own. No matter how much you love a person or how long you have been together, everyone wants a private space to call their own, whether it be a separate closet, game room, work shed, office space, etc. Do not be the partner that dominates the home while your significant other takes the left-over space, like the corner by the front door, a shelf in the laundry room or a single night stand on their side of the bed. When a person has a place or space of their own for the items they value - it is shocking to see how organized they keep it. Look around your home and ask yourself if, although a shared general environment - do we each have a space to call our own? If not, collectively develop a plan to ensure each other feels as though they belong.

We often hear the common phrase "opposites attract" and this has proven to be true. As a neat freak, I know first hand the difficulty involved when sharing a living space with a clutter-happy individual. Do not exhaust your precious time and energy trying to change the person. Be more productive and show through actions and encouragement how organizing one's surroundings can create a more intimate and less-stressful environment for your relationship to flourish. Don't allow papers and junk to create a wedge in your love life. No more paper cuts from late night cuddling on a pile of unorganized documents! Do not allow cluttered spaces and lifestyles to drown the excitement and intensity of your relationship. Get a hold of yourself and/or your partner. Get organized! You'll be glad you did.

Now, for my single friends, it is important that you acknowledge your behavior patterns that could use improvement and create new space in your home. The space you create by ridding yourself of clutter will help to lift your spirits and increase your energy - which will make you more enjoyable and attractive to everyone you meet. As I have stated before, if your space is in shambles - your life is probably in shambles, as well. Don't let disorganization be the reason you aren't living and enjoying the great life you have been given. We attract that which we are. If your life is chaotic, you attract chaos. If your life is in order, you attract others living in order and clarity. Make a change!


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CEO, Organize N Refine

The Night Before The Day Of

What do you do the night before the day of? Do you prepare or do you simply "wing it"? I'll tell you one thing. Winging it won't allow you to fly far. Many have learned that the hard way. One of the key components to ensuring your day runs smoothly and balanced is to prepare the night before. Preparation includes reviewing your scheduled events/priorities for the following day, creating what I like to call an "Execution List". We all have things "to do" but ultimately, it's about execution and completion of high-priority tasks - not just doing stuff.

As a professional organizer, I see the worst of the worst and the best of the best when it comes to time and task management. I've seen first hand the benefits of pre-day preparation, alongside the chaos of day-of winging it. Often, our daily activities lack thorough planning, causing high stress levels which lead to disorganized environments. When your mind is out of order - your space usually serves as a reflection.

To prevent your morning from starting off downhill, it is important to create a mini blueprint of your day the night before. Decide what you are going to wear and what you're going to accomplish wearing it. Our wardrobe reflects our mood and our purpose. Create your purpose the night before and knock 'em dead the next day. As working individuals - whether it be corporate, small business, home business, or even flipping burgers - it is important to always be on your A-game. You never know what opportunities may come your way. Another idea for preparation is to get your paperwork and/or briefcase in order the night before. Write down people or businesses you must contact the next morning. Wake up ready to handle business. Your results are correlated to your preparation. Here's a thought. If you didn't prepare to run a 10 mile marathon for a charity of your choice and simply decided to wing-it, wouldn't your results reflect your lack of preparation? You would probably pass out on the first mile! (Depending on your fitness level - maybe the second mile, but you get my drift.) PLANNING IS KEY!

As I have stated before - time is one of our most valuable assets. Use it wisely and efficiently. Don't waste time winging your life away, while not flying anywhere. Spend time preparing, executing and accomplishing. I know many of us have varying lifestyles and finding time to ensure our tomorrow starts great tonight may seem time consuming - but truth is - we all make time for the people and things we deem important to us. Is tomorrow important to you?


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CEO, Organize N Refine

Procastination Evacuation

Procrastination is a terrible plague affecting many people across the globe. How do we stop it? What is the cause? What is the cure? It's time we stop thinking about making a move and just MOVE. For some of us - it's that simple but for others - it's not.

I have asked many friends, followers, and clients their opinions regarding the cause of procrastination and the ongoing responses boiled down to one main idea - fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of success, fear of failure, fear of completion, and the list goes on - are all reasons people delay taking action. Procrastination leads to lack of achievement and wasted time. Time is one of our greatest assets, yet millions of people waste it, as though it were trash. Your time is valuable and your goals are critical. Until you fully grasp that idea - you will waste much more of your valuable time.

Procrastination occurs amongst all ages. It is important to address the issue the moment you recognize it as an issue. Denial will only prolong your positive development. The first step to progressively changing a bad habit is to first, acknowledge one exists. Once you have acknowledged your habit of procrastination - think about the effects you've experienced from waiting until the last minute, never completing a project, or never starting. I'm sure the results that come to mind won't be pleasant. It's time to make a change.

The first step is addressing your fears. I understand that this idea alone may not be the easiest, considering we all come from different lifestyles and upbringings. Unfortunately, I don't have the pleasure of meeting each individual reading this blog, but I am willing to bet my last dollar that you are all awesome people and have each been positioned on this earth to do amazing work. Do not allow fear to hinder your growth personally and professionally. Your success awaits you.

Often, procrastinators make excuses while simply thinking of the task at hand. They create a million scenarios as to why they can't start or finish the task, think of other things that have priority over this task, etc. The fact of the matter is that when you think this way, you are subconsciously sabotaging yourself and your success. Why would you want to sabotage someone destined for greatness? Yeah, I'm talking about you!


Tips for Procrastination Evacuation

1. Write down all goals short and long term. Create a daily task list of things you must accomplish before the days end. As you complete each task - check it off in a bright colored marker. This gives most people a great feeling of satisfaction seeing their goals realized on paper.

2. When starting a task - turn off all potential distractions. (i.e. TV, music, cell phone, etc.) You work smart to play harder! (I don't believe in "hard work". I believe in "smart work". Work hard at working smart - it will take you far.)

3. Create a schedule for your tasks. Stick to it! This idea works better if you complete each task in sequential order. Do not move forward until the current task is completed.


Learning to act now, instead of later is a continuous process - but with time and practice - you will experience greater freedom, less stress, and an undeniable feeling of accomplishment.


Until We Blog Again....




CEO, Organize N Refine

Happy Mother's Day

This post is dedicated to all mothers, step-mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, adopted mothers, Godmothers, and Guardian mothers. Your courage and unwavering love for the children you raise will never go unnoticed.


Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs... since the payment is pure love. ~Mildred B. Vermont

A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. ~Tenneva Jordan

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new. ~Rajneesh

When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. ~Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty


OrganizeNRefine would like to wish all of our beautiful and hard-working mothers a Happy Mother's Day! Your continual love and support is forever appreciated.

Have a wonderful day full of relaxation and joy.



CEO, Organize N Refine

You've Got Mail!

Do you ever feel overloaded with advertisements, bills, notices, letters, and everything of its kind? I'm talking about mail! We all have it - but how do we manage it? Most people toss it off to the side to read or take action later, but when exactly is later? Often times later never comes and the junk pile gets higher and higher. Allow me to share with you tips to handle the task of mail sorting without getting overwhelmed.


Tip #1: GO PAPERLESS

It is 2010. The internet rules the world and the majority of banks, credit unions, electric providers, cable providers and the like utilize this convenience. If most of your bills are coming through your mail - go paperless immediately. Save the trees and save the stress! If you are unsure of how to do this, go to the website of the company billing you, log in to your account and there is usually a link available that reads "go paperless." Click it! This alone will make your mail easier to handle each day and each month.


Tip #2: TOSS/RECYCLE IMMEDIATELY

Depending on the proximity of your mail box in relation to your home, if you pass a recycling bin on the way to your front door - toss the junk mail before it enters your home. Junk mail is an unwanted visitor. The more papers you bring into the home and say "I'll read that later" - the easier it is to become cluttered and overwhelmed. If you find yourself bombarded with junk mail and only 1 or 2 envelopes are of importance, contact the company mailing you the "junk" and request to be taken off their mailing list.


Tip #3: OPEN MAIL INSTANTLY

Face your fears and face your mail! Do not go out to check the mail if you do not have time to sit down immediately after and open it. This idea may take some practice but the payoff is great! When you face your mailbox dead-on you are able to act on important matters more efficiently. How many of you have received a court notice for a traffic citation or a final notice for a bill - but didn't open your mail for days even weeks, to then discover you missed all deadlines and are now a complete wreck? You instantly panic and your thoughts are as scattered as the mail you're days behind on opening. Getting in the habit of opening your mail instantly will save you the headache and the heart attack.

Tip #4: CREATE STORAGE FILES

Although it is better to go paperless, some items must come through the mail and be stored for future reference. Create a simple filing system for mail documents that must be kept. Once you immediately open all mail and discern its importance, place all necessary documents into the appropriate file. You can purchase a simple multiple file folder or portfolio folder from Wal-Mart or Target for around $8. Your peace of mind from the mail madness costs $8! Go figure!


Until We Blog Again....



CEO, Organize N Refine

I Look Better Organized

As a professional organizer, I not only value the task of organizing but I understand its ultimate return. For many people, decreasing the clutter and seeing a clear-cut space gives peace of mind and allows one to be their best self. Our daily schedules are constantly packed to the max, attempting to make time for everyone and everything. Our homes should be our sanctuary. When was the last time you entered a cluttered sanctuary? Never, right? Then why should your sanctuary be the exception?

Sorting through the old and the new things gives us all the opportunity to create change in our lives. Primarily, positive change. When we rid our environment of items that keep our minds in a constant chaotic state, we are then able to function in a state of ultimate clarity and direction. How many of you have a difficult time in the morning simply because you cannot find all of the things needed, in order to leave the house for work or to drop the kids off for school? If there were systems in place and/or everything was in its appropriate storage area - those frantic mornings would be slim to none. Ideas such as once your closet has been organized, lay out the clothing items you plan to wear the following day. Do the same for the kids. Choose a weekend afternoon to write out a breakfast and dinner menu for the week. This practice will take the stress out of deciding "what to cook?" or it could keep you on track with your health regimen, or even make it easier to grocery shop since you know exactly what you're cooking.

I have found that when I am organized everything in my environment and interactions with the world seems to fall in place. I dress better and my appearance is neater. My work is of greater quality and I make more precise decisions because I don't have to think through the clutter. Overall, I just feel better about life in general. People underestimate the power of a refined space. My mother always told me, "A cluttered house is a cluttered mind." Even in my adult years that holds true in my mind. Let's get organized friends! Let's better ourselves in the process!


Until We Blog Again.....



CEO, Organize N Refine

Twit Pic's and more...

Hey there! Here at OrganizeNRefine we enjoy and appreciate comments from our friends, followers, fellow bloggers, and blog readers.

Follow us on twitter @OrganizeNRefine.

Send us a Twit Pic or Tweet Photo of your problem area and we'll post an informational blog geared directly toward your trouble area. Or send us a Twit Pic of your before and after organizing photos! We will post your de-stress success on our blog! We would like to be a part of your journey to more efficient and relaxed living.

Follow: @OrganizeNRefine

Website Coming Soon!!!




CEO, Organize N Refine

Bathroom Blow Out

Many of us have bathrooms that are seemingly organized and clean yet, when we open those cabinet doors, drawers, and the linen closet it looks as if the closet or cabinet had a fist fight with the clutter and the clutter won!

How many times have you repurchased items that you couldn't find initially due to bathroom disorganization to then find it later? Overtime you begin to accumulate doubles and triples of items you already have. This is the beginning of a messy monster! Stop the bathroom clutter cycle now and consider the following steps:


1. What is your daily bathroom routine?
We all know the obvious answers - shower and "use it". Establish what routines are performed in your bathroom specifically versus other rooms. For example, some women apply their make up each day in their bedroom mirror while others apply their make up in the bathroom mirror. Once you have established your bathroom routines you will have a clear idea as to what should and shouldn't be located in your bathroom. I have seen many linen closets stuffed with clothes, toys, boxes, etc. These items belong in their appropriate spaces throughout the home.

2. Sort through the toiletries and junk
Take time to sort through all the brushes, toothpastes, soaps, body creams, makeup, razors, cotton balls, medicines, and all other things creating a traffic jam in your bathroom. If you see more of an item than there are people in your home - toss it. There is no need for 7 spare toothbrushes when you live alone. How many teeth do you have? :) What could you possibly do with 8 hair brushes? Unless you are a hair stylist you should toss 6 of them unless they each have an individual desired effect on your hair. If you are initially uncomfortable with the idea of tossing a few toiletries - create a gift basket of unused and unopened toiletries and donate it to your local women's shelter, homeless shelter, or church. Get creative but get it out of your way.

4. Invest in affordable storage solutions
Visit your local Target, Wal-Mart, or even Family Dollar and invest in a few affordable drawer dividers, trays and storage bins, laundry hampers, etc. I understand that every bathroom is unique and the level of disorganization may vary, but from experience if you minimize your extra "stuff" and only keep what you can and will use regularly - your investment shouldn't be more than $30. Also, feel free to use storage items you already own. You don't have to go purchase storage items if you have something at home - but put it to use! I recently reorganized my bathroom and purchased 4 organizing crates, drawer divider trays, and a new hamper for a whopping $12! You can't beat that with a stick.

5. Everything in its place
Now that you have your storage solution materials in place, begin assigning your bathroom items a storage space. For example, all of my cosmetcs are in my 4th bathroom drawer under the sink. Each group of cosmetics has its own storage tray inside the drawer such as, foundation, lips, eyes, nails, blush, brushes, cosmetic cleanser. With this system in place all of my cosmetics are in one place and situated for efficient use. Be sure to make the items you use regularly (i.e. deodorant) easily accessible and the items you don't use as often (i.e. hair dryer) should be neatly stored away.

Following these 5 steps will give you the blow out your bathroom needs! Let's get organized together one space at a time!


Until we blog again....



CEO, Organize N Refine

Be Receptive! Be Astonished!

There are thousands of tips and strategies to creating a more functional space. Often times we don't know where to begin once the clutter has become overwhelming. I've engaged in many conversations with clients regarding organizing solutions for their space and I often hear the common phrase, "I know."

We all like to feel in control of our lives and enjoy showcasing our knowledge, but the fact of the matter is that if we knew everything - we wouldn't find ourselves in half of our current situations. When reaching out for professional help regarding your organizational matters - be receptive. In the end, your results will astonish you.

Until We Blog Again...



CEO, Organize N Refine