Rules for Rearranging
by Michele Miao
If you're having trouble getting your rooms to look the way you want, there may be a simple solution. Instead of buying new furniture or accessories, try rearranging what you have for a fresh, new look. Elizabeth Mayhew, decorating expert and author of Flip! For Decorating, shares her secrets for placing your furniture to make the most of your space.
Pick Your Room's Purpose
First, decide what purpose your room serves, advises Mayhew. Do you spend time in the room watching television, reading or having family time? Once you know what you need the room to do, you can arrange your furniture to help you get the most out of your space.
Find Your Focus
Every room has a special trait or feature that you can play up when you arrange the furniture, says Mayhew. It could be a great view, high ceilings, an interesting architectural element or a big-screen television. Figure out what's special about your room and you'll be able to arrange your furniture to show the room at its best.
Decorating Is an Evolution
You don't have to decorate the whole room in one afternoon, reassures Mayhew. Place your largest piece, like a sofa, first and live with it for a while. Lounge on the couch to see what your guests would look at if they were seated there. Walk through the room to see how traffic flows around the piece. Then decide if you like it there.
Don't Think Horizontally
Remember to look up when you're arranging your furniture. There's lots of space to decorate above eye level. Draw the eye up with a tall piece of furniture, a colorful piece of art or a cleverly placed light source, advises Mayhew.
Don't Forget the Lighting Fixtures
Lighting is one of the most overlooked elements in furniture arranging, reminds Mayhew. She uses it to create ambiance and draw the eye around the room. Use an assortment of standing lamps, table lamps and sconces to create a mix of light and shadow.
Think About Shape
If everything in your room is square, add something round to add interest to your decor, suggests Mayhew. That doesn't mean you have to buy a new table, though. If you're on a budget, see what's in your other rooms that could be moved before you make an expensive investment.
Think About Scale
Every room needs something big, advises Mayhew, but it also needs smaller pieces to balance out the decor. For example, mix a big sofa with smaller tables or chairs. The combination will make the room more harmonious.
Rugs Delineate Space
Rugs can anchor a seating area but they don't have to cover the entire floor, advises Mayhew. Use an area rug to separate a portion of a larger room for a special purpose
If It's Not Working, Don't Panic
Nothing is ever definite, assures Mayhew. There are numerous ways to correct your mistakes. If you don't like something, move it to another room or give it a coat of paint. A piece painted the same color as the wall will recede and look less prominent. If all else fails, simply put it up for sale on Craigslist or eBay.
MY THOUGHTS
i need to do something about my room in Laguna - get rid of stuff, repaint, some new cabinets???on the other hand, i was able to do it with s mall condo space. i can do the same with this room.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Organizing Tips for the Overwhelmed
Organizing Tips for the Overwhelmed
Where to start when you don't know where to start
by Jamie Novak, Professional Organizer (see more from this expert)
Why did your last attempt at getting organized fail? For many it's a matter of being overwhelmed.
Maybe you weren't sure where to start. Perhaps the thought of letting go of precious memories or objects was too unsettling. You might have gotten stumped by where to put something, so you put it back down and slunk away, dejected. But don't get discouraged. You are not alone. Together, we can solve your biggest clutter challenge with these simple organizing tips.
•Make a plan. Organizing without a plan is like driving cross-country without a map or working a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle without looking at the picture. Sit down and make a list of every area you'd like to de-clutter. It will probably be a long list, but this is no time to self-edit. Even if you're not sure how to do it or whether you can afford to, put it on the list.
•Pick your target. Your best chance for success is dealing with the area that will have the biggest impact. Do you always lose your keys or trip over shoes in the entryway? Start there. Do you pay bills late because you can't find them or you forget they're due? Start there.
•Make a date to conquer clutter. Put it on the calendar, in ink, and don't let anything else get in the way. An insider tip is to pick a block of time — all you need is 18 minutes — before a regularly scheduled event. Do you meet with a book club every Tuesday? Then schedule your clutter clearing for 18 minutes before you need to leave. Does your favorite TV show come on at 10pm on Thursdays? Plan to de-clutter 18 minutes before it starts, and you'll have an incentive to get busy and get finished.
•Get support. Share your goals with someone who will cheer you on, check on your progress and celebrate your success. Telling your spouse usually isn't recommended, because a spouse may be too close to the situation and is usually better off being surprised once you're finished. Consider using a message board to get quick feedback.
•Give yourself a deadline. Invite someone to spend the night in the spare bedroom you've been meaning to clean out. Hire someone to paint the playroom you've wanted to organize.
•Gather supplies. Take a page out of the professional organizer's book and keep everything handy so you don't waste time looking for things.
•Get busy. Set your timer for 18 minutes, and go to work. Put like things together, then put away what you use and love and give away or throw away what you don't.
•Reward yourself. Don't underestimate the importance of acknowledging a job well done. You will stay motivated if you have something fun to look forward to when you're finished. It could be a nap, a good book or lunch with a friend. Just don't go shopping and bring home more stuff to put away.
•Repeat. Organization is really just a habit. If you keep up with the daily stuff, it won't get the chance to overwhelm you again.
It all starts with a plan — once you know what to focus on, you can be clear about your first step, then the next step and the step after that. Keep in mind that done is better than perfect, so if that familiar overwhelming feeling starts to creep back in, just keep going and ask yourself, "What's next?"
Clutter-Busting Tool Kit
Put everything in a big tote bag, plastic container or laundry basket. Don't buy a new container — chances are you already own something to do the job, so shop at home first. Here's what you'll need:
•Three sizes of plastic food-storage bags. You can fit just about anything in them, and they're easy to see through.
•Trash bags. Don't forget to clearly label bags used for donations.
•Tape measure. This will help you avoid buying shelves or containers that won't fit your space.
•Kitchen timer. This will help you succeed, 18 minutes at a time.
•Label maker. I like the DYMO LetraTag 11944, which costs about $20 and is supereasy to use.
•Extra label tape and batteries. You don't want to run out of either in the middle of an organizing spurt!
•Notebook and pen. Keep these in one place to record ideas, measurements and a list of things you need to replace in your clutter-busting kit.
•Shredder. Save time by shredding as you go instead of making a pile to deal with later.
•Permanent marker. This is easier to read than pen or pencil, and it won't fade over time.
•Stack of boxes and laundry baskets. These will help you sort stuff into easily movable piles.
•Sticky notes. These are great for everything from labeling temporary files to identifying which pile goes where.
•Clear tape. You'll need this to attach signs to the sorting area so you know what to "keep," "donate" or "toss."
•Camera for before and after photos. There's nothing like the picture of progress—not to mention the mess of the past—to motivate you to keep up your organizing ways.
•Nail file and bandages. Even the most experienced organizers get hurt on the job.
•Cleaning wipes and dust rags. You can just imagine what you might find behind the file cabinet or desk.
•Rubber gloves. See above.
•List of local charities. This will make it easy to schedule pickup or drop-off of items you want to donate.
•Music. The right tunes can help you maintain energy and increase the fun factor.
•Water and snacks. Music isn't the only energy booster. Having snacks handy will also prevent you from getting sidetracked on the way to the kitchen.
MY THOUGHTS
my problem is not starting. my problem is maintaing or keeping things organized. i'll spend days organizing my closet. the next day, everything's a mess. i thought the culprit is that i haven't got the time - always rushing. the truth is i don;t manage my time - that's why i rush. that's why the clutter keeps coming back. of course, there's the shopping issue - but that's another story.
Where to start when you don't know where to start
by Jamie Novak, Professional Organizer (see more from this expert)
Why did your last attempt at getting organized fail? For many it's a matter of being overwhelmed.
Maybe you weren't sure where to start. Perhaps the thought of letting go of precious memories or objects was too unsettling. You might have gotten stumped by where to put something, so you put it back down and slunk away, dejected. But don't get discouraged. You are not alone. Together, we can solve your biggest clutter challenge with these simple organizing tips.
•Make a plan. Organizing without a plan is like driving cross-country without a map or working a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle without looking at the picture. Sit down and make a list of every area you'd like to de-clutter. It will probably be a long list, but this is no time to self-edit. Even if you're not sure how to do it or whether you can afford to, put it on the list.
•Pick your target. Your best chance for success is dealing with the area that will have the biggest impact. Do you always lose your keys or trip over shoes in the entryway? Start there. Do you pay bills late because you can't find them or you forget they're due? Start there.
•Make a date to conquer clutter. Put it on the calendar, in ink, and don't let anything else get in the way. An insider tip is to pick a block of time — all you need is 18 minutes — before a regularly scheduled event. Do you meet with a book club every Tuesday? Then schedule your clutter clearing for 18 minutes before you need to leave. Does your favorite TV show come on at 10pm on Thursdays? Plan to de-clutter 18 minutes before it starts, and you'll have an incentive to get busy and get finished.
•Get support. Share your goals with someone who will cheer you on, check on your progress and celebrate your success. Telling your spouse usually isn't recommended, because a spouse may be too close to the situation and is usually better off being surprised once you're finished. Consider using a message board to get quick feedback.
•Give yourself a deadline. Invite someone to spend the night in the spare bedroom you've been meaning to clean out. Hire someone to paint the playroom you've wanted to organize.
•Gather supplies. Take a page out of the professional organizer's book and keep everything handy so you don't waste time looking for things.
•Get busy. Set your timer for 18 minutes, and go to work. Put like things together, then put away what you use and love and give away or throw away what you don't.
•Reward yourself. Don't underestimate the importance of acknowledging a job well done. You will stay motivated if you have something fun to look forward to when you're finished. It could be a nap, a good book or lunch with a friend. Just don't go shopping and bring home more stuff to put away.
•Repeat. Organization is really just a habit. If you keep up with the daily stuff, it won't get the chance to overwhelm you again.
It all starts with a plan — once you know what to focus on, you can be clear about your first step, then the next step and the step after that. Keep in mind that done is better than perfect, so if that familiar overwhelming feeling starts to creep back in, just keep going and ask yourself, "What's next?"
Clutter-Busting Tool Kit
Put everything in a big tote bag, plastic container or laundry basket. Don't buy a new container — chances are you already own something to do the job, so shop at home first. Here's what you'll need:
•Three sizes of plastic food-storage bags. You can fit just about anything in them, and they're easy to see through.
•Trash bags. Don't forget to clearly label bags used for donations.
•Tape measure. This will help you avoid buying shelves or containers that won't fit your space.
•Kitchen timer. This will help you succeed, 18 minutes at a time.
•Label maker. I like the DYMO LetraTag 11944, which costs about $20 and is supereasy to use.
•Extra label tape and batteries. You don't want to run out of either in the middle of an organizing spurt!
•Notebook and pen. Keep these in one place to record ideas, measurements and a list of things you need to replace in your clutter-busting kit.
•Shredder. Save time by shredding as you go instead of making a pile to deal with later.
•Permanent marker. This is easier to read than pen or pencil, and it won't fade over time.
•Stack of boxes and laundry baskets. These will help you sort stuff into easily movable piles.
•Sticky notes. These are great for everything from labeling temporary files to identifying which pile goes where.
•Clear tape. You'll need this to attach signs to the sorting area so you know what to "keep," "donate" or "toss."
•Camera for before and after photos. There's nothing like the picture of progress—not to mention the mess of the past—to motivate you to keep up your organizing ways.
•Nail file and bandages. Even the most experienced organizers get hurt on the job.
•Cleaning wipes and dust rags. You can just imagine what you might find behind the file cabinet or desk.
•Rubber gloves. See above.
•List of local charities. This will make it easy to schedule pickup or drop-off of items you want to donate.
•Music. The right tunes can help you maintain energy and increase the fun factor.
•Water and snacks. Music isn't the only energy booster. Having snacks handy will also prevent you from getting sidetracked on the way to the kitchen.
MY THOUGHTS
my problem is not starting. my problem is maintaing or keeping things organized. i'll spend days organizing my closet. the next day, everything's a mess. i thought the culprit is that i haven't got the time - always rushing. the truth is i don;t manage my time - that's why i rush. that's why the clutter keeps coming back. of course, there's the shopping issue - but that's another story.
Friday, March 5, 2010
organize your desk in 8 steps
Organize Your Desk in 8 Steps
from http://www.lifeorganizers.com/
In almost less time than it takes to read this article, you can have an organized desk that fosters creative thinking and improves productivity. Wouldn't that be remarkable?
Organize Your Desk in 8 Steps
1. Remove everything from your desk. Place your phone on your left if you're right handed and on the right if you're left handed. Display personal items elsewhere.
2. Keep a spiral notebook by the phone for messages and phone notes. Write your voice mail messages in it and delete them from the system. Jot down reference notes before you make a call to reduce phone time.
3. Open your planner or turn on your PDA and place it on your desk. Use it to keep track of to-dos, follow-ups and ideas.
4. Keep office supplies in one drawer only. Buy a dozen of your favorite, inexpensive pens and keep them in a cutlery tray in the drawer. Keep back-up supplies in a plastic storage container with drawers
5. Sort through your desk files. Keep in your desk drawers only files you use weekly or those that are personal or confidential.
6. Place your computer at a 90 degree angle to your desk. Keep your desk work surface clear of everything except essentials and your current project.
7. Set up a system for active files either in a step file sorter on your desk or in your file drawer. Sort your paperwork into it: Do, Consider, Awaiting Answer, File, Hold, Read and Refer.
8. Take ten minutes at the end of each day to keep your desk organized. Place tomorrow's top priority project in the center of your desk. You're ready for anything!
MY THOUGHTS:
These tips sound sensible. I'm actually training myself to be paperless. I open the outlook calendar and put everything there - scheds, to-do's, instructions to staff. what helps the most is the task list - they get all red when unfinished. that's the signal for me to double-time.
from http://www.lifeorganizers.com/
In almost less time than it takes to read this article, you can have an organized desk that fosters creative thinking and improves productivity. Wouldn't that be remarkable?
Organize Your Desk in 8 Steps
1. Remove everything from your desk. Place your phone on your left if you're right handed and on the right if you're left handed. Display personal items elsewhere.
2. Keep a spiral notebook by the phone for messages and phone notes. Write your voice mail messages in it and delete them from the system. Jot down reference notes before you make a call to reduce phone time.
3. Open your planner or turn on your PDA and place it on your desk. Use it to keep track of to-dos, follow-ups and ideas.
4. Keep office supplies in one drawer only. Buy a dozen of your favorite, inexpensive pens and keep them in a cutlery tray in the drawer. Keep back-up supplies in a plastic storage container with drawers
5. Sort through your desk files. Keep in your desk drawers only files you use weekly or those that are personal or confidential.
6. Place your computer at a 90 degree angle to your desk. Keep your desk work surface clear of everything except essentials and your current project.
7. Set up a system for active files either in a step file sorter on your desk or in your file drawer. Sort your paperwork into it: Do, Consider, Awaiting Answer, File, Hold, Read and Refer.
8. Take ten minutes at the end of each day to keep your desk organized. Place tomorrow's top priority project in the center of your desk. You're ready for anything!
MY THOUGHTS:
These tips sound sensible. I'm actually training myself to be paperless. I open the outlook calendar and put everything there - scheds, to-do's, instructions to staff. what helps the most is the task list - they get all red when unfinished. that's the signal for me to double-time.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Closet Organizing Pinoy Style
5 Quick (and Free) Fixes for Your Messy Closet
Closets by Design Professionals Offer No-Cost Clutter Busters
July 24, 2009
Franchising.com
Professional organization systems installed by Closets by Design are helping consumers across the U.S. get organized and the company's professional designers offer up expert advice to help clients keep their closets uncluttered. Here are five simple tips from the pros that every consumer can use:
* An Operating System Isn't Just for the Office – Organize your clothes by color or by casual to formal and then hang like-types of clothing together (i.e. shirts, pants, skirts, etc.).
* Make the Shoe Fit – Squeeze in more shoes per shelf by arranging pairs with one toe facing out, one toe facing in. If you like to keep your shoes in boxes, make sure you label the original box or use clear storage containers.
* When Seasons Change, it's Time to Rearrange – Rotate your fall & winter clothes with your spring & summer clothes. Store the out-of-season clothes in covered clothing racks in the attic or basement or flat storage boxes under your bed.
* If You Don't Use It, Lose It – If you're hanging onto that pair of jeans that will fit only if you lose 10 pounds, donate them. Once you shed the weight, you can buy a new, trendy pair. Get rid of stretched out bathing suits, worn out shoes, and that pair of pants you've been planning to alter for months now. Cutting the clutter will automatically make you more organized and efficient.
* It's Not Your Closet, It's You – Get into a routine of straightening up your closet the same time each day. Whether its before work, after work, or before you go to bed, don't wait to put your shoes away or hang your clothes until you can't see your closet (or bedroom) floor.
About Closets by Design
Since 1982, Closets by Design has built a reputation as the nation's leader in the closet organizing and storage remodeling industry. The company offers customers comprehensive solutions to all their organizational needs in a short and simple process by designing, building and installing custom home offices, closets, garage cabinets, wall units, laundries, pantries, wardrobe mirror doors and other home organization systems. Closets by Design offers a wide selection of finishes, accessories and hardware. There are currently 33 franchise locations serving major markets across the country.
My Comments:
If you're anything like me, your closet organizing skills can either make or break your day. As we get busier (more work, more priorities) and our space gets smaller (more things, moe kids) effective closet organizing can save the day. I found this article on closet organizing very simple. I think most of us know these closet organizing tips. The question is how pinoy is this? will this really closet orhanizing tips work for us pinoys, who, like everyone else is always on the run? do you have ideas on how to do our own closet organizing. send me your comments on closet organizing, please....
Closets by Design Professionals Offer No-Cost Clutter Busters
July 24, 2009
Franchising.com
Professional organization systems installed by Closets by Design are helping consumers across the U.S. get organized and the company's professional designers offer up expert advice to help clients keep their closets uncluttered. Here are five simple tips from the pros that every consumer can use:
* An Operating System Isn't Just for the Office – Organize your clothes by color or by casual to formal and then hang like-types of clothing together (i.e. shirts, pants, skirts, etc.).
* Make the Shoe Fit – Squeeze in more shoes per shelf by arranging pairs with one toe facing out, one toe facing in. If you like to keep your shoes in boxes, make sure you label the original box or use clear storage containers.
* When Seasons Change, it's Time to Rearrange – Rotate your fall & winter clothes with your spring & summer clothes. Store the out-of-season clothes in covered clothing racks in the attic or basement or flat storage boxes under your bed.
* If You Don't Use It, Lose It – If you're hanging onto that pair of jeans that will fit only if you lose 10 pounds, donate them. Once you shed the weight, you can buy a new, trendy pair. Get rid of stretched out bathing suits, worn out shoes, and that pair of pants you've been planning to alter for months now. Cutting the clutter will automatically make you more organized and efficient.
* It's Not Your Closet, It's You – Get into a routine of straightening up your closet the same time each day. Whether its before work, after work, or before you go to bed, don't wait to put your shoes away or hang your clothes until you can't see your closet (or bedroom) floor.
About Closets by Design
Since 1982, Closets by Design has built a reputation as the nation's leader in the closet organizing and storage remodeling industry. The company offers customers comprehensive solutions to all their organizational needs in a short and simple process by designing, building and installing custom home offices, closets, garage cabinets, wall units, laundries, pantries, wardrobe mirror doors and other home organization systems. Closets by Design offers a wide selection of finishes, accessories and hardware. There are currently 33 franchise locations serving major markets across the country.
My Comments:
If you're anything like me, your closet organizing skills can either make or break your day. As we get busier (more work, more priorities) and our space gets smaller (more things, moe kids) effective closet organizing can save the day. I found this article on closet organizing very simple. I think most of us know these closet organizing tips. The question is how pinoy is this? will this really closet orhanizing tips work for us pinoys, who, like everyone else is always on the run? do you have ideas on how to do our own closet organizing. send me your comments on closet organizing, please....
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