Sorting it Out in 2008

EIGHT LOCAL ORGANIZING EXPERTS REVEAL THEIR FAVORITE TECHNIQUES AND PRODUCTS

by Betty Huotari

We can’t all be professional organizers – or even hire one to come rescue our homes from clutter. But thanks to the metro Detroit chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers, we can at least learn from the pros. Metro area experts have hand picked their favorite organizing gadgets and tricks just for you.

EASY BEING GREEN
Carolyn Anderson-Fermann
Simply Organized Life, Dexter 734.646.4177,
www.simplyorganizedlife.com

Be eco-friendly in 2008! Before purchasing any products, see how much you can recycle, donate or share with friends. Then buy only those organizing products you still need to store treasured items. This saves money and the environment.

THE ’OL OVER-THEDOOR SHOE HOLDER
Cynthia Gentit
Eat That Elephant! Organizing Services, LLC, Farmington Hills 248.752.0966
http://eatthatelephant.net

Buy a canvas over-the-door shoe holder, but don’t use it for shoes. Instead, hang it on the back of your child’s bedroom door to hold stuffed animals or other small toys. Use fabric paint or pens and, together with your little Van Gogh, put the animals’ names on each pocket or decorate the holder to suit the room’s décor. Children who participate in the organizing process are much more likely to use the new tools and systems.

Strut tip: You can also use the shoe holder to corral supplies for your own grown-up projects, such as office, scrapbooking or crafting supplies.

REPURPOSED PACKAGING
Christina K. Moore
Moore Organized, Clawson 248.765.2909
www.mooreorganized.net

Warehouse stores sell produce such as apples in clear plastic rounded containers that make wonderful storage for Christmas bulb ornaments. Some lunchmeats come in storage containers that can be used to store small items such as girls’ hair accessories, makeup and small doll accessories.

CORRAL PAPERS IN A BINDER
Betty Huotari
Logical Placement LLC, Fenton 810.348.1772
www.logicalplacement.com

Having trouble keeping up with the papers and schedules that your family members generate? Create a Family Binder. You will need a three-ring binder, sheet protectors, and colored tab index dividers. Label each tab with your family member’s name, then include another one for school, frequently called numbers, menus or any other categories that are relevant in your household. Use sheet protectors to slide your papers in and out, eliminating the need for a three-hole punch. Bonus: The kids know where to look for their extracurricular activity schedules.

SORT VERTICALLY
Judy Lubowicki
Clutter Free Organizing, Inc., Fenton 810.577.2687
www.clutterfreeorganizing.com

Many people struggle to keep up with the laundry. Using a vertical set of shelves with bins or baskets to “pre-sort” loads solves this problem. If loads are pre-sorted, all you have to do is grab a basket and toss the contents in the washer. In one minute you have a load washing and can go on to other tasks. Products to consider include Target’s Organize-It fiveshelf wire unit (72” x 36” x 18”, $39.99) and Sterilite brand 56-quart (53-liter) clear bins ($5.99 each) also available at Target.

MAKING ORGANIZING MEANINGFULL
Trish Hibberd
A Yen for Zen, Milford 248.875.7286
www.ayenforzen.com

Honor the things you love by displaying them, and find a new home for the things you do not love, do not fit or do not use.

SET THE TIMER
Debbie Tebbe
Organized Happy Helper, St. Clair Shores 313.469.9089
www.organizedhappyhelper.com

Make the most of 15 minutes! That’s all the time it takes to make your bed, put the dishes in the sink, put dirty clothes in the hamper, put away toiletries, and wipe the kitchen counter, bathroom sink and vanity with Clorox wipes. Practice every day and then keep adding chores until you have a neat house.

GET HELP
Debbie Stanley
Red Letter Day Professional Organizers, Clinton Township, 586.746.1428
www.RLDPO.com

If you’ve tried and tried to get organized and nothing seems to work, you might be chronically disorganized. Chronic disorganization can be caused by ADHD, depression, pain- or fatigue-causing illnesses, and many other conditions or circumstances. It is definitely not hopeless, but chronic disorganization usually requires more than selfhelp efforts. To make lasting, manageable changes, a professional organizer trained in chronic disorganization is your best resource. Visit the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization at www.NSGCD.org for more information.