What do fitness and organizing have in common?

Getting fit, dieting, and getting organized make the top New Year's resolutions EVERY year! If any of those were on your list and you've sidetracked a bit; take heart, it's only February and you can easily get back on track!I was presenting to a delightful group of ladies just recently. It was on the coldest day of the year thus far, and yet all these women had turned out to learn about more about organizing. Moreover, this group had just finished their regular exercise together at a local church's facility. When I asked them how often they exercise together, they replied: 3 times a week, and they have been doing it as a group for years! Just for the record, the youngest in the group is about age 50. Let me tell you folks, this was a group of "hot" looking women. They had figures and shapes that would defy those of many 20-year olds! Fitness is not defined by age.Interestingly, organizing and getting fit have a lot in common, I explained to them:Both are a lifestyle change.You make a decision to exercise and get fit. You must also make a decision to get organized. Change is not easy, but it is good! You can make a choice to change and start living a more simple and organized life.Both can be learned.Despite the routine school of thought, people are not "born with the organizing gene." I was not always organized. I learned as a young mom that when I was more organized, everything else went more smoothly in our home and we all had more peace. I'm still a work in progress and make a commitment to it each day! Organization is a skill which can be learned. Just like learning a new exercise routine, you can learn organizing skills which you can apply in every aspect of your life.Both have to be maintained.You don't exercise one time and your muscles are fit. The same goes with organizing a space, however, most folks seem to think of organizing as a one-time fix. You don't clean your house or office one time and never have to do it again. Lots of living and activity go on in a house and office. For those of you who wanted to hear there was a "magic wand fix," I apologize for bursting your bubble here.Both can be better when done with a friend.These ladies gather together for their exercise because they support and encourage one another in a variety of ways. Encouragement: It is one of the most powerful words I know. Having someone to help and support you in your organizing efforts will ensure success.You can have setbacks in both. "Practice makes...better," is the mantra of our friend and beloved Pastor, Bobby Vitek. You will have days where you have interruptions in your fitness schedule and things that deter you from your organizing goals. Organization is NOT about perfection; it is about simple, sensible solutions for real people in everyday life.The results are rewarding. The results of getting fit: feeling better, looking better, better health numbers where it counts (i.e. cholesterol), reducing stress, getting those endorphins pumping, and then later, sleeping better. The results of getting organized: peace of mind, reducing stress, reducing mental clutter, being able to enjoy your space, finding things when you need them, productivity, and saving money. What would getting (more) organized do for you? You fill in the blank: ________."Practice makes...better." Start somewhere. Start today!I'm here to help you find peaceful order where you live and work,~ Kat Jacoby

Elfa is on sale at Container Store

Being passionate about organizing & helping others, it's only natural for me to be in tune with lots of organizing tools & solutions. Not all Elfa requires laborious installation! Here are some of my favs which can be installed in minutes. The result: added storage for your pantry, bathroom, utility room or media room.

One of my favorite things

One gift I gave myself last Christmas was a Reader's Stand from Brookstone. It has been a fav all year long. It keeps the magazines and books I am currently reading available, yet neatly stacked (and sorted / separated). Mine sits right by my recliner. I typically read while hubby watches TV. I can settle into my chair and grab the next read! The Reader's Stand would be great by a Master Bed or in a Guest Room, too! It's $199.95 at Brookstone; takes a tiny bit of assembly; available in Mahogany or Distressed Black. Love, love, love it!

Give the Gift of Organization!

So often I hear feedback from my clients, "My best friend could really use your services." "My husband needs your services at his office!" "I have a family member who has expressed an interest in your services, but cost may be an issue; can I buy them a gift certificate for your services?"

The other thing I hear is, "I know you helped to organize my friend. I'd rather have a gift certificate for your services more than anything!" SANTA BABY, HERE'S YOUR CUE! The Holiday Season is upon us! In these economic times, consumers are looking for interesting, helpful, and wise purchases for their gift recipients.Rather than buying a gift that may become yet more clutter in someone's space, consider giving one that will relieve stress and take away the feeling of overwhelm.

• Instead of making a trip to the mall and dealing with crowds and long lines, why not give something that is functional and useful?

• Inspire family, friends, and loved ones to organize their living areas, working areas, spaces, and lives! Give the Gift of Organization!

• Contact me and we will personalize a Gift Certificate!

Helpful Guidelines on Giving the Gift - Thoughts from The Organizer

Now that I've made the suggestion of giving the Gift of Organization, I do feel the need to share some helpful tips on giving a gift such as this:

• Folks who look like they could use the services of a professional organizer might be perfectly happy with their current state of affairs. Or they might not be quite ready to think about decluttering. They could be insulted by the suggestion, which is an awful reaction to a gift.

• It's not unlike giving someone who needs to lose a few pounds or firm up a bit a gift certificate to a gym. If the gift recipient has been dying to join a gym but just can't afford it, the gift will likely be received with great enthusiasm (particularly if the gift giver has gone out of his or her way to find just the right gym). However, if that gym membership might be received with a "Are you saying I'm fat?" response from your recipient, think well before giving.

• If your friend or family member has expressed out load they are ready for change and would love to have some help, then they are the perfect candidate for a gift certificate for organizing.

The Gift of Organization IS truly a gift, but if you want your gift to be received well, and to truly be helpful, be certain it will be welcomed with open arms.

One of my favorite things

I am often asked if I believe in using those vacuüm seal storage bags you see on infomercials (space bags). Most do not work well. If you finally do get them to seal up, the seal will likely break open and you may unfortunately finds your linens or other contents have "exploded" into your storage area.As an option, I love the PEVA Clear Storage Containers from The Container Store.

• they are clear so that you can see the contents of your bag;

  1. the zippers are durable so that the contents may be removed &replaced time after time;

  2. they have handles on each side for ease of use;

  3. they come in 3 different sizes;

  4. they are affordable $7.99 - $9.99 each;

  5. they will stack on top of one another on shelves or fit nicely as under-bed storage.

I store extra linens in this way: comforter or sleeping bag / blanket / sheets / pillow -- all in one bag. This way, when we have "overflow" company at the holidays (more than will fit into our 3 extra guest rooms) and we need to utilize sofas and bring out the air mattresses for sleeping, I can simply pull out one storage chest for each guest. So easy!

Clear the Clutter! Fav sites, blogs and a free opportunity!

One of my strengths is realizing I can't do it all. Thankfully, I have over 4,000 other Professional Organizers in NAPO to network and resource with through a variety of means. As veteran organizer, Barbara Hemphill notably says, "Together we are better!"I wanted to share some sites I refer to for information. Of course, I admit to being a Container Store junkie and they have fantastic tips & advice on their site, http://www.containerstore.com but here are a few other favs:Best for pretty desktop items. The "life organization"" section of this site has all sorts of list-makers. SeeJaneWork.com http://www.seejanework.comBest for drawer and craft storage and great for all around the house: OrganizedAtoZ.com http://www.organizedAtoZ.comAnd here are a couple of blogs for organizing & decluttering tips:I'm an Organizing Junkie http://www.orgjunkie.com -- read for inspiration and motivational boosts, like the "28 Day Organizing Challenge..."Unclutterer http://www.unclutterer.com -- read for quick easy-to-accomplish daily tips.If you are decluttering THIS week, get rid of your clutter FOR FREE & DO A GOOD DEED. This Saturday 01/22/11, NAPO San Antonio is sponsoring a community service event from 10 am to 2pm, at the parking lot of Goodwill at 281 & Bitters. See details. http://www.naposanantonio.com/ClubPortal/ClubStatic.cfm?clubID=2829&pubmenuoptID=33475