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Fall Organizing: Preparing For Seasonal Changes

Fall Organizing: Preparing for Seasonal Changes

Summer is over, kids are back in school, football is back, and I don’t know about you, but I’m dreaming of cooler weather. Life is about to get busier! Are you ready for it? Fall organization is essential as you prepare for all the parties, events, and weather changes.

1. Seasonal Wardrobe Transition

Fall organizing starts with prepping your wardrobe for the cooler weather. It’s time to say goodbye to summertime shorts and tanks and hello to sweaters and jackets!

  • For Southern Living: If you live in the South like I do, you know we keep summer clothes around all year—at least t-shirts, shorts, and a pair or two of flip-flops! It can be 50 degrees one day and 75 the next. However, sun dresses, tank tops, and swimsuits can be stored away until next year.
  • Practical Storage: Move those summer clothes to the back of your closet or an empty closet if you have one. In the spring, I packed all of my winter bedding in resealable bags and moved them to my attic. Now, it’s almost time to bring that bedding out, purge what I won’t use this year, and wash the rest.

2. Declutter and Donate

As we transition into fall, it’s the perfect time to declutter. Last week, I took a large drop of fall/winter clothes to donations and some to consignment.

  • Set a Shopping Budget: I encourage you to set a shopping budget and let go of items to make space for anything new you might want for the fall season.
  • Smart Shopping: Make a list of clothes you need and commit to buying only those items. Don’t buy new clothes if you don’t have room to keep them!

3. Fall Decoration Organization

The next task on the list is fall decorating. I absolutely love decorating for fall! Is there such a thing as too many pumpkins? 🎃

  • Assess Your Decor: As you pull out all your fall decorations, take notes on how you stored them last year. Use these tips to effectively organize your summer and fall home decorations.
  • Toss the Old: Get rid of anything that’s faded, torn, or damaged.

Happy Fall, Y’all!

Paige

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Utilizing Space When Organizing

Utilizing Space When Organizing

When a client reaches out for an organizing job, our first step is to discuss their problem areas and schedule a meeting. During this consultation, I make sure to ask about other areas in the home used for storage, such as closets, cabinets and drawers.

Assessing Space Utilization

I frequently discover that clients are not utilizing their spaces as efficiently as they could be. Common issues include:

  • Kitchens: Higher cabinets and top pantry shelves are often used to store infrequently used items like platters, holiday decor, and crock pots.
  • Coat Closets: These are often almost empty, while the mudroom might be overcrowded with items.

This is where the process of purging and relocating items becomes essential!

Strategies for Efficient Space Utilization

  1. Declutter: Start by removing unnecessary items to keep your space clear and organized.
  2. Establish Zones: Prioritize frequently used items and place them in the most accessible locations.
  3. Hidden Storage: Utilize furniture with hidden storage, such as seating that lifts, to save space and keep things tidy. Reserve high cabinets for seasonal decor and larger appliances.
  4. Use Wall Space: Think vertically! Install floating shelves, pot racks, wall hooks or additional shelves or cubbies to maximize wall space.
  5. Inside Door Space: Don’t forget to use the inside of doors for additional storage options.

By employing these strategies, you can make the most of your space, enhancing both storage and functionality.

Happy Organizing! 💗

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The Importance of Networking As A Small Business Owner

The Importance of Networking As A Small Business | Neat Organizing

As we move forward in 2024, my primary goal for NEAT is to maximize our business networking efforts. I am determined to put our services in front of as many people as possible.

What is Business Networking?

Business networking is the process of building strategic and valuable relationships and connections for expanding your services or products. It’s all about relationship building and creating a supportive network of contacts.

The Benefits of Industry-Specific Conferences

Attending industry-specific conferences is essential for keeping up with the latest industry trends and for meeting competitors, companies and individuals who can benefit from your services. Building a network with your peers is a great place to start. This year, NEAT joined Business Networking International (BNI), and the experience has been fantastic!

Our Experience with BNI

BNI’s weekly meetings and networking opportunities are outstanding. These gatherings bring together passionate business people who share leads and support each other. Typically, each BNI chapter allows only one representative per industry, such as one accountant, one financial advisor and so on, ensuring a diverse and non-competitive environment.

The Weekly BNI Meeting Rundown

Here’s what a typical BNI meeting looks like:

  • 8:00 am: Arrival, open networking and a refreshing cup of coffee.
  • Welcome Session: An opportunity to introduce yourself to the group.
  • Referral Exchanges: Engage in exchanging referrals with other members.
  • Featured Presentation: Gain insights from a featured speaker.
  • Treasurer’s Report: Review the financial health and activities of the chapter.
  • Wrap-Up: New members and visitor orientations ensure everyone feels included and informed.

While the format may vary slightly between chapters, this is generally what you can expect.

Join BNI to Grow Your Business

If you’re looking for ways to build your business and connect with potential customers, I highly recommend finding a BNI chapter in your area. It’s an invaluable resource for expanding your network and growing your business.

Neat’s 2024 Business Goals

With six months left in 2024, my goals are clear:

  1. Engage in 1:1 Meetings: Meet with other business owners to understand their work and share what NEAT offers.
  2. Maximize Networking Opportunities: Attend as many business meetings and networking events as possible.

I am passionate about what we do at NEAT Organizing and eager to share how beneficial our services are. Our focus extends beyond closets and pantries; we can transform any space in your home or business.

2023 Organizing Conference in Cleveland, Ohio
2023 Organizing Conference in Cleveland, Ohio
Neat is an affiliate member of the Baldwin Realtors. This is an event for affiliates
Neat is an affiliate member of the Baldwin Realtors
Neat at Southern View Media’s Summer Social
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Neat and Organized: A Guide To Decluttering and Maximizing Your Space

Neat and Organized: A Guide to Decluttering and Maximizing Space

Recently, Neat organized a large and spacious kitchen and pantry.

We always begin the organizing process by removing everything from the spaces we organize—every drawer, cabinet, and shelf.

We did the same in another home: our client’s master closet.

So often, as life goes on, we end up with things in areas of our homes that don’t necessarily belong in that area.

For example, tools, medicine, or paperwork in the kitchen. Serving trays, candles, and holiday decor in the pantry.

Master Closets can become a drop zone for many things besides clothes, shoes, and accessories. When Neat organizes, we do our best to remove anything that does not belong in the correct place.

We work with our clients to declutter and purge what does not belong in a particular area.

I often see areas full of “stuff” and other areas, which I call prime real estate areas, not being utilized.

Once the purge/declutter/donate/trash/relocate happens, our clients will be amazed at the space available in their kitchen, pantry, and closet! 

If you want to do a quick reset of any area of your home, start by removing anything that does not belong in that area. Empty one drawer, one shelf, and reset one space at a time. 

Do you ever spend more time than needed looking for something? Get frustrated because you can’t find a shirt, a pair of earrings or documents you need asap? Once you relocate things to their correct place in your home you will be amazed at how quickly you will feel less stressed and distracted.

Get Neat and Organized over the summer one space at a time!

Happy Organizing

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Creative Solutions for a Functional Kitchen Space

Creative Solutions for a Functional Kitchen Space

Organizing your kitchen can make cooking and meal prep a breeze. Our approach focuses on one simple rule: make the most of your space. Whether you’re dealing with cramped cabinets or overflowing drawers, we’re here to help you clear the clutter and create a kitchen that works for you.

Visualize Your Clutter

Start by emptying out every drawer and cabinet. This helps you see what you have and makes it easier to decide what to keep and what to get rid of. Sort your items into these categories:

  • Plates and bowls
  • Cups, glasses and water bottles
  • Baking
  • Kitchen gadgets
  • Cooking utensils
  • Pots and pans
  • Serveware
  • Spices
  • Pantry

Then, create piles for items you want to donate, sell or keep.

Strategic Storage Solutions

You have to think outside the box when organizing a cluttered kitchen. We use products like lazy susans, risers, utensil holders and dividers, but you don’t need to purchase extra products to get organized. The key is to let go of things that are causing clutter.

When organizing, create specific zones such as a coffee bar, place a dish towel rack next to the sink or keep daily use cups near the dishwasher. Store items you use less often in higher cabinets, and place seasonal items such as cookie cutters or serving platters with other holiday decorations in the garage or attic.

Make use of vertical space, as well. You may be able to add shallow racks or hooks to the inside of cabinet and pantry doors to take advantage of every inch of space. Or, add a wall or ceiling-mounted pot rack to clear up some space inside cabinets. Don’t forget the space between the upper cabinets or shelves and the countertop. It’s a perfect space for hanging paper towels or adding magnetic strips for knives and other utensils.

Embrace Routine Decluttering

Don’t forget to regularly declutter and toss out broken or unused items to keep your kitchen organized. I suggest taking the time to work on each zone at least four times a year, where you toss broken or unusable items. Also keep an eye on plastic containers, to-go cups and shopping bags so they don’t take over any of your new-found storage space.

By maximizing your space and keeping things simple, you can create a kitchen that works for you. With a little effort and the right strategies, you can enjoy a clutter-free and functional cooking space every day.

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Spring Organizing 🏡

Spring Organizing

•Tackle a junk drawer in your kitchen or office to give yourself an easy 15-minute win. Start building momentum! 

•Do a quick pantry check for expired food items. Give your fridge a wipe down while you’re at it! 

•Pack away your bulky sweaters, extra layers, hats, and gloves. Bring out your dresses and sandals!

•Take inventory in your garage. Toss any old potting soil or gardening tools and think about what you’d like to plant this season. 

•Paper Clutter-Did you know you only need to keep tax records for 3 years from the date you filed them? To keep your papers sorted for the rest of the year, try using  stackable acrylic inboxes with labels such as “to do, to pay, to file.” 
I keep my tax filings on my computer in a folder. 

Happy 😊 Spring Organizing.

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Edit and Organize like a Pro

Edit and Organize like a Pro

•You need boxes: Amazon boxes, plastic boxes, cloth shopping bags, trash bags, etc. 

•Sticky notes and a Sharpie. Create labels for boxes: Donate, Return, Resell, Recycle, Trash and other locations (items that belong somewhere else in your home).

•Cleaning supplies: always begin organizing with a tidy and clean space.

•Tape measure to measure shelves, drawers, and cabinets if you want to add organizing products: bins, baskets, etc.

• Use sticky putty dots when organizing a drawer or cabinet; use them under containers to prevent slippage. 

• Notepad and pen project-related notes.

•Label maker or chalk pen.

•Remove all contents from the space you are organizing; begin with a clean slate.

•Categorize and sort. Put like items together; for example, if you’re organizing your pantry, put breakfast items together, condiments together, and so forth.

This category or items in a zone goes for any area you’re organizing: Closet, drawer, pantry, etc.

Ask yourself these questions:

What needs to be discarded? What needs to be donated? 

Do I love it? Use it.

Do I have duplicates?

Is it broken?

Does it belong to me? (Borrowed and needs to be returned).

Would I want it if I didn’t already have it?

Is it expired?

Am I saving it for someone else? 

This process may be time-consuming and for some emotional, and that’s completely ok.

Containers and Organizing Products! This is where the fun begins. Bins, baskets, trays, carts, drawer dividers and more! And don’t forget to measure the space you’re organizing. Even if you have a zero product budget, please don’t let that slow you down. Shoe boxes and Tupperware work, too! Most of the products will be stored in other spaces like closets and pantries. You can always go back and replace it. 

Maintain

Once each category item has a home, you will always know where to return them. 

Happy Organizing🏠
Paige

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Neat Pantry

Neat Pantry

Let’s say clutter costs💲100 monthly to store; that’s💲1200 per year. 

It’s a common misconception that holding on to those unused items will somehow save you money 💰 down the road. The truth is that clutter is actually costing you money. 💵 

When your pantry is unorganized you can’t see what you have and repeat 🔁 buy.

Any area of your home or business that’s unorganized costs you money.

Statistics show Americans spend 38 billion every year on self-storage. 😳😳

Just think of all that cash spent for items simply sitting in storage or sitting in closets, attics and garages!! 

Your clutter is expensive even if you don’t rent a storage unit. Storing unused items in your home costs roughly $10 per square foot. Of course, that cost depends on how much you pay for your residence; you can calculate your “clutter cost” by dividing your monthly rent or mortgage by the square footage of your home. That’s how much you’re paying for your space per square foot. Then, add up how much you’re paying to house just your stuff. 

It’s time to let go and get NEAT!

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A Guide to Decluttering for a Fresh Start in 2024

The holiday season can often be overwhelming and over-extended.

Remember to carve out some time to rest, recharge, and remember the reason for the season.

As we move into the New Year, I encourage you to start 2024 with a mind, body, home, heart, relationships, people, places, and all things that weigh heavily on you.

Declutter……

Clutter is stressful and distracting. There’s a connection between clutter and procrastination. Clutter causes stress, decreases productivity, and can make it challenging to unwind. 

Overall,  clutter can negatively impact your work, your relationships, and your health. 

Thankfully, there are simple and effective ways to start reducing the clutter in your life.

  1. Make a declutter checklist
  2. Start Small
  3. Ask yourself, does this bring me joy? 
  4. Unsubscribe and remove.
  5. Shred, Trash, and Recycle anything outdated. 
  6. Tidy up your workspace and vehicle.
  7. Don’t buy things that don’t serve a purpose. 
  8. Don’t keep things “just in case the other breaks.” Owning multiple of the same items is a big part of clutter.
  9. Practice being mindful. We often forget not to get consumed with the past, future, and negative self-talk.
  10. Toxic Habits and Relationships.
  11. Unplug; the brain needs time to rest and relax. 
  12. Hire a professional organizer; this is an excellent opportunity to start the home and business process of Decluttering.
  13. Make decluttering a priority. Whether weekly, bi-monthly, or quarterly, mark your calendars for time to reflect, decompress, and clear out your space.

Merry Christmas 🎄 and Happy New Year. Thank you for following Neat.

Paige

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How Often to Clean Out Your Pantry

Ideally, you should clean your pantry at least four times a year as the seasons change. However, twice a year is a good start!

• Take everything out of the pantry.

• Clean the shelves and floor.

• Remove any items that belong in other places and put them where they belong.

• Check the expiration date on each product and decide what stays and what goes.

• Now start organizing. Place items that are used daily within easy reach.

• Group similar items together so you can find them easily. Consider placing all baking items, all canned goods, breakfast items, etc., together.

• Maximize your storage space with shelf risers, over-the-door shelves, turntables, and reusable storage containers. And label 🏷️ everything!
Paige❤️