Get Organized: Conquer Spring Cleaning!

Spring has sprung! Which means it's officially time to start up your annual spring cleaning overhaul. Here are a 4 ideas to jump-start your efforts:

(1) Update your files.

We all have the looming April 15 tax deadline ahead of us. (At least the Americans do!) This is a great time to sort through not only your financial paperwork but also other documents in your files. Clear out the old stuff, back file what is necessary in storage, and shred whatever you don't need to keep.

(2) Prep your house for spring rains.

Check your roof for curled, cracked or missing shingles. Inspect window and door seals to ensure they'll keep out water. Clean out your sump pump, its drains, and its filters. Ensure gutters are clear, and that any downspouts and extenders are firmly attached. Keeping an organized home maintenance schedule will save you costly repairs down the road.

(3) Start spring cleaning!

Make a list of all that you need to do: take drapes to the cleaners, wash comforters and winter coats, etc. Depending on the length of the list, accomplish 1-3 items each week. By the time summer rolls around, you'll be done cleaning and ready to enjoy the sunshine!

(4) Prep for garage sale season.

Purge a room a week throughout spring. As you are clearing out a room, take the things that you want to sell, tag each one with a price and then store in a central area for all sale items. This way, you will avoid rushing around the house a week before the garage sale, trying to figure out what to get rid of. And you'll have already given everything a price, so you can avoid the late-night pricing session the night before the sale.

Remember: You don't have to do ALL the above to make the most of springtime. Pick 1 - 2 and go from there! Either way, you'll be a few steps closer to feeling balanced and organized.

© 2010 Clutterbugs, LLC

Would you like to use this article in your e-zine or on your website or blog? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Carmen Coker is a professional organizer who helps individuals find the motivation and know-how to get organized and stay organized. To learn how to save money, create more space, and manage your time through organization, claim your "FREE Tip Kit: 10+ Pages of Tips and Tools to Help You Get Organized — Finally!" at www.OrganizeClutterbugs.com

Get Organized: Exposed! Top 20 Procrastinating US Cities -- Is Yours One?

Click on the interactive map below to find out what US cities are "top slackers" when it comes to filing taxes on time.

And if you are a procrastinator, then check out Last-Minute Tax Tips for Procrastinators. (Note: Once on the page, make sure you scroll to the bottom of the post to see those tips. They are sort of hidden.)

Get Organized: 5 Things That Should Not Be in Your Closet

You didn't know it when you woke up this morning, but today is your day of reckoning. Yep, that's right! It's time to open up your closet doors and face your wardrobe head-on.

There are many considerations when it comes to editing your clothing and accessories, and here are the top 5 "wardrobe violations" that should not be in your closet - EVER.

(1) Stains

This seems like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many sweat stains and ketchup stains I run across in my line of work. Staining is a constant threat to any article of clothing! And it can happen anywhere, so clothes should be checked all over. The biggest problem spots tend to be the edges of long-sleeve shirts or jackets, around the inside of collars, and underarm areas.

(2) Outdated Style

What happened in the 80s, fashion-wise, should stay there and not your closet. (Unless it's for a "totally rad" costume, of course!)

(3) Wrong Taste

This is not to say whether or not a piece of clothing is tastefully-made, but rather - does it truly reflect your taste? Perhaps it did at one time, but it doesn't anymore. Or maybe it was gifted to you, but you never wear it because you hate it. If it's not right for you, then it's time for it to go.

(4) Poor Comfort

Is something too low-cut? Is it too tight or too loose? Are you always making adjustments when you have it on? Assess how comfy you feel wearing a garment or accent, and if it doesn't make the cut, get rid of it.

(5) Duplicates

If you have more than two identical or similar pieces, then it's highly likely that you don't need the extras at all. (Uh-huh...I'm talking to you with the 10 pairs of black shoes!)

Each of these "should nots" are a cinch to spot and give you a very good reason for discarding and making some extra space in your closet. So your challenge for this week: purge 5 - 10 offending items from your closet. And don't forget to recycle or donate when possible!

© 2010 Clutterbugs, LLC

Would you like to use this article in your e-zine or on your website or blog? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Carmen Coker is a professional organizer who helps individuals find the motivation and know-how to get organized and stay organized. To learn how to save money, create more space, and manage your time through organization, claim your "FREE Tip Kit: 10+ Pages of Tips and Tools to Help You Get Organized — Finally!" at www.OrganizeClutterbugs.com

Get Organized: MagnaPods

I just discovered a new organizer, and I'm so excited to share with you because it's REALLY cool.

They're called MagnaPods, and they're basically a small storage unit designed to magnetically adhere to anything steel. Here's a close-up:



As a pro organizer, I love storage and organization solutions that multi-task. And MagnaPods do just that! Not only can you use them in the bathroom to organize toiletries and beauty products, but you can use them for many other things like...

- Want to keep stickies near your family message center? Store a handful of Post-it pads on a magnetic board in the MagnaPods Cosmetic Organizer (just take the adjustable dividers out).

- Visit the vending machine regularly for mid-day munchies? Collect loose change in the MagnaPods Cosmetic Organizer (moving the dividers to fit different-sized coins) and attach it to the inside of your desk drawer.

- Need a pen to be handy at all times? Use the MagnaPods Toothbrush Holder to keep a pen on the fridge or file cabinet for quick lists and notes.

- Are you a student? Stash small necessities within easy reach (instead of buried under books and clothes) on a locker wall with any one of the MagnaPods products.

I could go on...but I'll let the MagnaPods website speak for me: http://www.magnapods.com/

How would you use MagnaPods to help you get organized?