gettingthingsdone4U

Nubia DuVall of Real Simple interviewed Nancy for the "clutter control" issue:

Q) What advice would you give people who are actually so organized it's almost counterintuitive? People who are overly organized or "perfectionists" remind me of the woman who wouldn't sleep in her bed for fear of messing it up and having to make it" perfect" all over again! So silly! Any habit taken to excess , can cripple your creativity and productivity, and make others feel uncomfortable in your presence. We have all known people who are so hard to please that we just give up trying to meet their expectations. Good organization is about being able to find things when you need them, and utilizing systems and habits that enhance your productivity. " There is not much joy, creativity, or industry when one cares more about how the office or living room looks, then what accomplishments or good times can be had there".

Q) What advice would you give to people who have organizing systems in place, but their kids or spouses just won't follow the rules to keep things organized? If you want success when organizing your home, you must interview each family member to get their input on new systems, new rules, and new products. If everyone "buys in" to the new idea, the rate of success will be much higher when the new system is in place. If a system is simple, easy to use and convenient, it will have a high rate of acceptance and success. I just helped a client who wanted to reorganize and refurbish her family room to better accomodate her family of five. When I interviewed her to find out where everyone spent their time and what their hobbies were, she informed that most of the time the three men in her house were in the garage. We determined her money would be better spent on new garage flooring and closets, a workout area, and a small TV for the new "sports room" in the garage. We got complete buy in from the men, a bigger budget from the husband, and some very enthusiastic helpers when it came time to organize the new space. They even added a refrigerator and a poker table!

Q) Why do people buy all those bins and boxes from the Container Store and either can't use them because they didn't measure the space before and the boxes don't fit, or they just don't know how to use them in the best way possible to stay organized? This question is a perfect commercial for the benefits of hiring a professional organizer. I always measure and evaluate cabinets, shelving, closets and loft spaces before buying products for each job. I only buy products that I have tested for durability and ease of use, and only buy from stores with a good return policy. You can determine what kind and how many containers you will need by measuring the largest items first, to determine where and how they will be stored.As a general rule, plastic containers are better than cardboard to keep out dirt and bugs. Clear, stackable plastic containers 23"x 17" x 12" will accomodate most household storage items. Fill them but also make sure they are light enought to lift and move. Plastic shoeboxes ( toss the lids) are great for keeping small itmes organized on shelves and in cabinets. And small plastic or metal containers/sorters work well in desks, drawers, and bathrooms. Always buy 10% more of each size container that you will need, because you don't want to run out of them while you have the momentum and helpers to get the organizing accomplished. For garages and storage units, I label each container with a number and an I. D. name, such as "Ski Stuff". When the project is complete, I give each client a plasticized map of the area, showing each numbered container, its location and contents. This map is hung by the entry door so everyone can locate and return items to the proper container. This map system really eliminates the "I can't find it" heard around the house and Mom's especially love to say " Just look on the map!"