10 Sneaky Spaces to Get Organized!

Marcia Ramsland practices what she teaches. I have been in her well-ordered and welcoming home. In this Organization UPGRADE she offers suggestions each of us can tackle to make our living space more organized.

“Sneaky Spaces” are small clutter troves hiding from your everyday life... until you face the embarrassment of someone spotting them," Marcia said.

"Worse yet, they are clutter of one category that keeps you from finding exactly what you need fast."    

I (Dawn) identify with that "sneaky spaces" concept... and the embarrassment of someone seeing them. I opened a closet with guests present, and blushed as some photos—in a loose, messy stack—tumbled out onto the floor! Red-faced and uncomfortable!

Marcia continues . . .      

Do you have what I call “Sneaky Spaces” that fill up with small items?

These spaces are small clutter troves hiding from your everyday life... until now. Use them up and let them go!

Pick a couple of areas below and entertain yourself and/or your family sorting them. It’s fun, easy, and productive to do in an evening. 

You’ll wonder how so much collected and how little of each you actually use.

This remind me me of Luke 16:10 when Jesus said, “He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much.”

What is it we are to be faithful stewards of? That which we own is at the top of the list.

As you read below, check how many you might feel “guilty” of... and then simply schedule the time (30-60 minutes) to deal with one of the “sneaky clutter spaces.”

 10 Sneaky Spaces to Get Organized 

1. Use Up Bathroom Products

All those little makeup samples, shampoo products, conditioners, nail polish, lipsticks, soap samples equal clutter!

You know what you like. Minimize the rest by using it up or tossing it out.

2. Sort Linen Closet Bedding and Towels

Take the time to wash all the towels, keep the sets you like and “Demote, Donate, or Trash” old stuff you don’t use.

3. Recycle Batteries and Lightbulbs

Gather them in one place, organize what works, and create a box ready to recycle when you can.

Now is a good time to replace bulbs and fire alarm and flashlight batteries.

4. Label Cable and Cord Collections

Do you have a stash of cables and wires you don’t even know what they are for? Now is the time to get family together to divide and conquer the cord collection.

Label chords, especially those that only the techie at home knows what they’re for.

5. Shred Old Credit Cards and Papers

You probably own a shredder, so now is the time to use it.

Credit Cards are good “fodder” and can be shredded as well as old financial papers that are filling up file drawers. Now is the time!

6. Fix it or Toss It—Repair Stuff

Do you have a random pile of things to be glued or repaired? Now is the time to use it or lose it.

Make a repair list, take it to dinner and decide who’s going to fix it or if it’s time to let it go.

7. Give Up the Receipt Collection

Continue shredding with receipts that have piled up.

You can practically have a confetti party when old receipts are gone through and gone!

8. Sort Your “Bag Lady” Stash

Seriously, how many bags do you need?

• Divide the plastic bags into Small, Medium, and Large and store in plastic containers with a lid.
• Refold canvas and cloth bags with the handles inside and the smooth edge lined up like books on a shelf.
• Don’t forget to include the ones in the car!

9. Clean Up Car Clutter

What a good time to get outside and cleanup the inside of your car.

Clean out all the clutter, vacuum, and be ready for the day we are released from Home Quarantine. It is well worth having a clean car.

10. Recycle Kitchen Plastic Ware

So often we collect more plastic containers than we use when food comes packaged in them.

Count, discuss, and release what’s filling up your cabinets.

Make a Clean Sweep of your kitchenware!

Today’s Tip:

“One of the fastest ways to save time is to organize what you use and let go of the excess.

"Keep your favorites and let go of the rest.”

Take a few minutes now and get started decluttering simple, small spaces like those listed above.

Be faithful in all the small spaces of clutter in your life.

It will reward you 10 x over once you get just what you need back into organized place!

What “Sneaky Space” would save you time and energy each day if you organized and decluttered the collection – makeup, receipts, cords, or bags?

Marcia Ramsland is well known as the “Organizing Pro” and teaches ten online organizing courses and coaches individuals to be highly productive personally and professionally. She is the author of the Simplify Your Life: Get Organized and Stay that Way book series, which has sold over 100,000 copies. Marcia believes anyone can become more organized and live an organized lifestyle that’s easy, simple, and productive - even YOU! For courses, personal coaching, and free inspirational materials visit her website at www.organizingpro.com

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Shaun Finn at Pixabay.

5 Ways to Create an Inspiring Workspace

Marcia Ramsland is one of the most organized women I know, and she's professional and so nice when she teaches others how to be organized too! In this Organization UPGRADE, she tackles an area some women think is just too hard to deal with, especially when paperwork takes over—the Workspace.

“An inspiring workspace will help you focus and be ready to work when you sit down at your computer,” Marcia says. “Make it tasteful, streamlined and inspiring!”

I (Dawn) think this is an excellent time to think about re-ordering our homes. With all the cautions about the Coronavirus pandemic, many people have more time to organize their home offices, and to think about how they might change their personal workspace.

Marcia continues . . .   

In organizing hundreds of offices and workspaces, I’ve discovered these 5 elements that can make for an inspiring environment. When any of these is out of balance, making it “just right” can change a person’s entire outlook.

And they take so little time.

When any of these five elements is out of balance, you can make it “right” and improve your entire outlook. And they take so little time.

Which one can you do right now?

1. Pick Your Focal Point and Set the Tone.

The main focal point of your workspace is what you first see when you walk into your workspace, usually the space above your desk or computer. It should be currently inspiring and calming.

Visual space sets the tone to increase your mental energy when you work.

This should have a picture that sets the tone in style and color for your whole office, whether it’s a canvas print from a store, a landscape that means something to you, or simply a framed poster.

Hang something pleasant to look at!

2. Lighting is Key to Where You Work.

Ideally, the lighting should be directly over your clear workspace in the center of your desk.

So often I see people working in a limited 15-inch space because that’s where their lighting is. If you’re crouched over your keyboard trying to do paperwork, readjust the lighting to have desk space to work on.

If you want a warmer touch or meet with people in your office, add a lamp with a shade to soften what could otherwise be a sterile workspace.

Pick a lamp base with wood, metal, or a color that you like. Make your choices by asking, “What is my style that reflects who I am now?” Let that show up in your workspace.

3. Clear your Desk and Organize Your Paperwork.

Clear your desktop of paper piles and office clutter!This one action makes a huge step forward in creating an inspiring workspace.

Paper piles are clutter and distracting to your concentration.

Clean up your desktop daily by writing a Master To Do list of items clears your mind, too. It allows you to file projects until you are ready to work on them.

I’ve organized hundreds of desk and workspace areas and this one step makes a HUGE difference. For inspiration look at these six “Before & After” desk spaces I’ve coached clients through.

4. Motivate Yourself with Uplifting Inspiration.

Inspiration can be anything from a poster to family or friends’ photos with you in the picture. Frame these photos with a similar style of your workspace.

Be sure to have a photo of your family that is no more than six months old so you don’t have to apologize for how outdated the photo is. It’s a conversation piece as well as a motivator for you.

5. Personal Items Should Be Tasteful.

What is tasteful? It’s what your boss, spouse or mother would approve of!

What you put in your workspace becomes public and others often will make a judgment about you based on what they see.

It’s completely acceptable to include elements that reflect your passions, a framed photo of a favorite vacation, or a saying that always inspires you.

If you find yourself sighing and dreading sitting down in your workspace, some simple changes to “own” your space will change your outlook—especially if they include things that have meaning and touch you in an emotionally positive way.

Maintaining an organized workspace reminds me of Jesus’ words: "Whoever can be trusted with little can also be trusted with much…” (Luke 16:10).

Manage your space to write, create and communicate responsibly.

The Lord Himself cares how you manage this one “little” aspect of your life. Do it for Him and for yourself, if even no one else sees it.

My Helpful Tip: Be selective about what goes in your workspace. Become visually aware of workspace clutter. File and recycle paper piles until they’re gone. Clean it up and clear clutter out so you stay focused and inspired.

What could you organize and improve right now to create an inspiring workspace you love to work in?

Marcia Ramsland is well known as the “Organizing Pro” and best-selling author of the Simplify Your Life: Get Organized and Stay that Way book series, which has sold over 100,000 copies. Marcia teaches her online Organizing Courses and Coaches individuals to be highly productive personally and professionally. She believes anyone can become more organized and live with ease—even YOU! For “Before & After” desk organizing photos, visit organizingpro.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of DarkWorkX at Pixabay.

Are You a Perfectionist? 3 Ways to Know

Marcia Ramsland is an organizer extraordinaire! With that accolade, you might expect her to be a perfectionist, but the good news is, she knows what to do with that tendency. In this Wisdom UPGRADE, she not only pinpoints the characteristics of perfectionism, she offers helpful insight to recover from it.

"Are you a Perfectionist? I have to confess I am," Marcia said. "Sometimes I’m proud of it, and other times I have to sheepishly say 'guilty.' I bet you might be a perfectionist, too, in at least one area of your life.

I (Dawn) am right there with you, Marcia.

It's taken me almost a lifetime to learn how to deal with perfectionism, so I know what you say is true!

Marcia continues . . .

3 Ways to Know You’re a Perfectionist  

One of the ways to discover you’re a perfectionist is to listen to what you say.

Have you ever said:

1. “I’m just about done. Give me another minute.” (And it stretches into 20 minutes.)
   
   
2. “I would have done a better job, but I had to turn it in.” (Blaming others is old school.)
   
   
3. “I don’t really plan to be perfect, I just want to do it right!” (Is that a problem?)

Yes, perfectionists want to do it “right” in the areas that are important to them, but have trouble recognizing when “enough is enough” on a task. 

This can be satisfying to our perfectionist tendencies, but irritating to those who have to wait for us to finish.

Another Way to Know You’re a Perfectionist

Being a Selective Messie!

Another way I can tell when a client is a perfectionist is to look at what’s NOT organized in their life. For example, their home might be immaculate, but their desk is a mess!

The reason a perfectionist’s lifestyle is so black and white is because perfectionists tend to not start a project until they know how to do it perfectly! Hence the cluttered desk, man cave, garage, or kitchen.

The 3 R’s of Perfectionism Recovery

Can we stop the dark side of our perfectionism and turn it around for good? Yes, of course! 

1. Recognize where perfectionism shows up in your life.

It could be in a small area like picking up everything at home before going out the door and arriving late to appointments.

2. Recognize what it’s costing you and how it affects others.

Check your family and friends displeasure and that could be a clue where your perfectionism lies.

3. Resolve to Make a Change in One Area at a Time

Rome wasn’t built in a day, nor will our tendency that took years to develop go away in a moment of insight. Be persistent to overcome the habit.

If you have trouble stopping your perfectionism—whether it’s responding to every last email or social media comment—it’s time to look at how this habit is impacting you and those around you. It may be time to “fess up” and drop a tendency that could be holding you back.

Why give up perfectionism? Because there’s so much God has for us to do to benefit ourselves and others.

The verse that motivates me personally to give perfectionism up is:

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

Here's a Tip:

Learn the difference between striving for excellence and insisting on perfection.

Pursuing perfection zaps our energy, while striving for excellence brings joy in passing milestones toward our desired result.

Are you addicted to perfectionism? Do you want to recover? Which of the 3 R's for Perfectionism Recovery would help you most today?

Marcia Ramsland is well known as the “Organizing Pro” and author of the Simplify Your Life: Get Organized and Stay that Way book series, which has sold over 100,000 copies. Marcia regularly teaches online courses and coaches individuals to be highly productive personally and professionally. She believes anyone can become more organized and live with ease - even YOU! For courses and personal coaching, visit www.organizingpro.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Geralt at Pixabay.

Get Organized with a Holiday Notebook

Marcia Ramsland, The Holiday Coach, has so many ideas for organizing our lives, homes, offices and more; and in this Organization UPGRADE, she helps us organize the holidays!

 “The Holidays are as much a matter of organization as a matter of heart," Marcia says.

"Organize your plans and tasks in a Holiday Notebook to let your heart shine through and be relaxed enough to celebrate the reason for the season."

 I (Dawn) love that... "let your heart shine through." We're to let our light shine for Christ—actually, a reflection of His light—so others will be drawn to the Lord.

But it's hard to "shine" when we're a mess mentally and emotionally with holiday chaos.

Marcia continues . . .

I used to start every holiday season from scratch . . . until I realized my scattered lists from last year weren’t organized enough to give me a springboard to build upon this year.

So I started My Holiday Notebook.

It worked so well even a major retailer had me be a Holiday Entertaining spokesperson and called this “My Holiday Hub.” It works!

Select a three-ring notebook, put in these five tabs, and write in it whenever you get a brilliant idea.

Everything will be in one place and take the mental stress out of the season once you see all your planning in one place.

The goal is to be calm enough to celebrate the season with joy—not stress. 

Remember the angel's words?

“Behold I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10).

Tab #1 — THE HOLIDAY CALENDAR

Keep my 8-Week Holiday Season Calendar to improve on the dates you did things last year.

Refer back to what weeks you did holiday prep and events last year. (DOWNLOAD HERE.)

Tab #2 — GIFTS & CARDS

Keep your Master Gift List here so you can regularly jot down ideas and update purchases. Check off with a red pen if is wrapped and where it is stored. (DOWNLOAD HERE.)

Keep your Christmas card address list here, printed from your computer, or screenshot your email holiday list.

Tab #3 — DECORATIONS

Take pictures of decorations as you place them in your home. This will be a time-saving reference.

Neatly label the decoration boxes and donate what is not used by the first week of December so someone else can use it.

Tab #4 — RECIPES

Keep your favorite recipes and menus in this section. It will be easy to start baking your favorite Christmas cookies along with a grocery list for the season.

Include your holiday menus. Next year will be a breeze.

Tab #5 — EVENTS

• THANKSGIVING — This tab with photos, notes, and menus will make next year easier, especially what to do on the days before anything you host. Listing specific details helps you simplify.
• CHRISTMAS —Keep your notes and photos here as a memory jogger for next year, such as the family opening presents, eating together, and a journal page of “The Best Things that Happened This Christmas.” You’ll love the annual summaries.

Think of the possibilities for a calm season if you kept all your holiday ideas in one place, followed the Holiday Season Calendar Plan, and cleaned up your notes for next year!

You really could be organized and less stressed for the holidays!

Create a Holiday Notebook and start today.

Do you have a Holiday Notebook?

(If not, I highly recommend Marcia's resources. I think her Holiday Notebook would be a wonderful "heritage" item to pass down to family members someday too! - Dawn)

Marcia Ramsland is The “Organizing Pro,” a Coach and Online Trainer, and author of Simplify Your Holiday Season and Simplify December Devotions. For your free Holiday Calendar & Master Gift List visit organizingpro.com. 

Graphic adapted, courtesy of jill 111 at Pixabay.

5 Steps to Organize Your Closet Like a Pro!

If I could give someone a crown for best-organized, it would be Marcia Ramsland. There are so many areas she helps people get organized, but in this Organization UPGRADE, she tackles one area where all of us can use some steps for improvement.

"Have you organized your closet recently?" Marcia says. "Spring and fall are ideal times to organize your clothes."

I (Dawn) was able to organize my closet a few years ago. What fun ... and what a relief. And I just re-organized it last week! I think we can all use a fresh tweak when it comes to closets.

Marcia continues . . .

My client Debbie recently did her first annual closet organizing and carried FIVE bags off to charity!

She said, “I didn’t realize how much had accumulated. Now I’m happier and getting dressed is so much easier.

"My teenage daughter is so impressed," she said, "and we’ll do her closet next!”

Every spring and fall, I find “donations”—which means with a twice annual clean out, you can, too!

Be generous and share. You’ll dress better and feel better with fewer well-chosen outfits.

What’s the Best Way to Organize a Closet? *

Here are the 5 steps I recommend to all my clients and course participants. It can be done in just one day or 10 minutes a day as you get dressed.

Step #1 – Get Ready to Organize

• Make your bed so you have a flat surface to do any necessary sorting.
• Designate a bag or box for “giveaway” clothes, plus two others for “fix” and “dry clean.”
• Now get ready to organize your closet by hanging categories together—blouses, slacks, skirts, dresses, etc.

Step #2 – Sort Hanging Clothes

Sort one section a day or sort it all on a weekend. Start at one end of the closet rod and sort the hanging clothes.

Pull out each item and ask yourself these two questions:

1. Do I like this?
2. Do I wear it?

If the answer is no, place the item in your “giveaway” box.

If the answer is yes, then rehang the clothes by categories, such as long-sleeved tops, short-sleeved tops, slacks, and jackets. 

Step up your organization by arranging each section from dark colors to light colors, like a rainbow. Often you will find too many of the same color or style, so keep the best and let go of the rest.

Step #3 - Organize by Categories

Finish by using matching hangers about one inch apart.

• Place the front of the clothing items toward you so you can easily see what it looks like.
• Place your most used category of items closest to you.
• Hang items from light to dark like the rainbow colors. That way you’ll see if you have too many white blouses or black tops—that’s what you donate.

Step #4 - Keep Your Best and Donate the Rest!

Note that I said, “Keep YOUR best and donate the rest.”

If you never wear the most expensive item in your closet, it’s not “YOUR” best. It’s pricy clutter that someone else could be wearing.

So give that away and think of how happy someone else will be to wear it!

It’s a "win-win" helping someone else and gaining space in your closet.

Step #5 – Deliver Your Donations within 24 Hours!

The most important step is to bag up and deliver to charity all the things you’ve weeded out!

This must happen the same day to leave the house. Otherwise, you’ll be tempted to put it down the hall or in the garage, and it will never leave you.

It must go to another very worthy person right away.

Keeping your closet organized reminds me of Matthew 25:23:

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

* BONUS: DOWNLOAD a Free Closet Inventory Worksheet to “Organize Your Closet in 10 Minutes a Day!” With this worksheet you’ll have a clear plan how to organize your closet by doing one small section a day!

Marcia Ramsland is well known as The Leading Online Organizing Coach, a Business Productivity Expert, and author of the Simplify Your Life: Get Organized and Stay that Way book series, which has sold over 100,000 copies. Marcia regularly teaches online courses, has over 8,000 email subscribers, and coaches individuals and organizations to be highly productive personally and professionally. She believes anyone can become more organized and productive - even YOU!

For courses and coaching, visit www.organizingpro.com.