Tips for Organizing Clutter and Much More

How to Avoid Burnout

person sitting in front of computer covered in flames representing how to avoid burnout

It is hard to avoid burnout. Our workdays are filled with back-to-back online meetings and endless email notifications. These days, we seem to have more autonomy over when and how long we work. However, there appears to be a never-ending pile of work to do. We are bombarded with the… Read more

Storage Container Sales

display in store of storage container sales

Over the past few weeks, store advertisements have flooded my inbox with their storage container sales. The deals are tantalizing – from shelving units and storage bins to food containers and toolboxes. Discount prices seduce you with the idea that by purchasing these containers, you can miraculously organize your home…. Read more

Time Is Your Friend When Moving and Downsizing

person writing on to do list representing that planning ahead means time is your friend

When you are moving or downsizing, time is your friend. The more time you have to plan, the more resources are available at a lower cost. You can also make environmentally friendlier decisions on what to do with your stuff. There are three basic ways to part with your unwanted… Read more

Re-examining the SMART Acronym for New Year’s Resolutions

calendar in book showing month of January signifying re-examining SMART acronym for new year's resolutions

Productivity experts and life coaches recommend setting SMART goals; Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. That acronym works well when you want to reach a particular target. New Year’s Resolutions are a different story. We live in a world that changes rapidly. Many things can interfere with our daily routines… Read more

Donation Etiquette

overflowing charity bins in parking lot with more donated items on the ground showing poor donation etiquette

When we donate clothing, household goods, and toys, we want them to go to people who need them most. And if a non-profit agency sells our donations, we want them to use the money they earn to support people in need. But, if we don’t respect donation etiquette, our contributions… Read more

Regifting: The Dos and Don’ts

one set of hands giving a gift to another set of hands representing the regifting process

In theory, when someone gives you a present, it is yours to do with as you please. In practice, however, when people give gifts, they choose a specific item with the recipient in mind. When you think about it in this way, regifting can be a precarious endeavour. However, you… Read more

Why I am a Frequent Shopper

holiday gift bags representing frequent shopper

Most people think professional organizers rarely shop, so I bet you are surprised that I am a frequent shopper. I explained my reasons to Anita Saulite in the Tangerine article, “What Kind of Holiday Shopper Are You?” I created a “Gift Ideas” list in the Notes app on my phone…. Read more

Productivity Gift Ideas

card with Out of Chaos logo sticking out of it beside box with red wrapping paper signifying productivity gift ideas

You can’t give someone extra time, but you can help them maximize the time they have in the day with a few of these productivity gift ideas. Calendars and Planners Calendars help younger children and students understand scheduling develop long-term planning skills. Planners are ideal gifts for people who prefer… Read more

Investment Executive: Take a Load Off

investment executive logo for article entitled Take a Load Off

I was quoted in Investment Executive last week in a retirement and downsizing article entitled, Take a Load Off. I highlighted some practical steps retirees can use to organize their estate. It will reduce the burden on their executors after they have passed on. On Purging Possessions… One challenge is… Read more