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July 25, 2016

Pack with a Plan!


It’s summer vacation time!  Why not take the stress out of packing your suitcase with these helpful tips.  Whether you’re heading out of town for the weekend or for a couple of weeks - pack with a plan and you’ll have everything you need.

Begin the packing process a week before you leave; grab a pen and paper and start making your list!  (And don’t toss the list, store it in your suitcase for the next trip!)

Start by listing clothes, followed by shoes, outerwear, then toiletries.

Ask yourself the following questions:  How many days will you be gone? What will the weather be like?  Will you need formal wear? Do you plan to exercise?  Will you have access to laundry facilities?  Will you be able to shop for items (toiletries) you forgot?  
Be sure to check the forecast for your destination; you’d hate to bring items unnecessarily. 

Once you’ve finished the list, it’s packing time!

First pack shoes!  If you’re not using shoe bags, pack them with soles to the outside to protect your clothes, and line the outer edge of the case with them.  If you do have them, shoe bags are great protection for your shoes, as well as your clothes.  

If you won’t have access to laundry, bring along an empty bag for dirty clothes.  I love foldable garment bags from MUJI.

Next pack the bigger items: jeans, sweaters, jackets.  Lay them flat and layer them.  An alternative method is rolling your clothes. Fold the item in half lengthwise, and roll it up! 

Pack undergarments, socks, bathing suits in plastic zipper bags or small garment bags.  They will be easy to find and easy to transfer to a drawer!  

Packing thoughtfully and with a plan will take some of the stress out of traveling.  Don’t wait until the last minute!




July 18, 2016

Rediscovery

A friend recently asked if I had anything to donate to her upcoming fundraising yard sale.  One of the items she was looking for was jewelry, so I decided to see if I had anything I could get rid of.  After spending about 15 minutes sorting through rings and necklaces and bracelets, I found a few items for my friend and set them aside.  I then felt inspired to clean some other pieces that I hadn't worn in awhile.  After shining them up, I moved some of them to my regular rotation and have been wearing earrings again for the first time in 3 years!   I love rediscovering old "friends" that are now new again :)


July 15, 2016

Where Are My Keys?!


If you designate a place to put your keys every time you come through the door, they will be right there when you need them next.  Makes sense, right? :)



July 11, 2016

Video: Organize a Kitchen




A few years ago I made this video at my brother's apartment in NYC.  It was a small space and he needed help!  Watch us organize his small kitchen.





July 8, 2016

Make Space


I was recently asked to contribute to an article on de-cluttering for MakeSpace:
How To Start Decluttering Your Home: 15 Actionable Tips From Certified Professional Organizers.  Great tips from some great Organizers!




July 5, 2016

Love it? Use it!

Ever since I can remember, I've been arranging and decorating.  I love to look at things that I love!  Whether it's a photo, a bowl, a plant or a pillow - I surround myself with things that make me happy.  Right there, front and center.  

Where are the things that make you happy?  Are they prominently displayed in your home or office?  Or are they shut away in a cabinet or box?   Take a minute to look around you - what do you see?  What would you LIKE to see? Find those things you love and set them out where they can shine, and you can look at them and smile. :)