Clutter is Clutter...

Clutter is not money. Clutter is clutter.

Say you're going through your closets and every time you go to eliminate something you stop because you've just computed that this scarf, this radio, this toaster-oven cost you money and hey, now you deduce you're throwing out money. Sound familiar? Equating clutter for money limits your ability to get rid of old clutter that is no longer serving you.

Clutter has the potential to be money only when:
· You still have the receipt.
· The "return by date" has not expired.
· You sell it on-line.

I say "potential" because this involves actually doing something about it, not just thinking about doing it and not procrastinating another seven months.

You have already spent the money and no matter how long you hang on to this item, no matter how deep you tuck it into the closet, it's not going to miraculously turn itself back into money.

The only miracle that's happening here is you doing yourself a favor and moving it out. Donate it… someone else could start using it today!

Just remember.. most clutter is really only clutter.

Organize Magazine Has Arrived!

In Tuesay's New York Times there was an article on the new Organize Magazine that I have talked about recently. It is such an interesting article as it touches on Organize Magazine as an "independent" magazine and what goes along with it. I mean, I didn't know that 60 percent of new independent magazines fail after their first year, while only 16 percent to 18 percent survive four years.

Also, it is fascinating to read about the ONLY magazine dedicated to organizing. I believe the magazine will definitely find a niche and agree with one of the experts quoted that "people constantly complain about being disorganized and not having enough time."

I myself have already subscribed and have been contacted by the editor. I hope to be contributing and/or writing for the magazine in the upcoming months! I am very excited.

So, if you haven't already done so, check out the most recent article on Organize Magazine and pick up a copy for yourself!

Rosey's in the Washington Post

I don't know if you all saw it but Rosey's was featured a few days ago in the Washington Post's Home Section. The article was then reprinted in several national newspapers over the past week or so.

I was interviewed about some of the challenges people face when storing items in apartments. This is a real challenge for many people who live in smaller apartments in the DC Metropolitan area as well as any city. Check out some of my tips for storage of items like suitcases, cooking gear, ties and handbags in smaller spaces.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/13/AR2007061300561.html

I would also love to hear all of your creative ideas on storing items!

Washington Post's Wedding Week

This week the Washington Post is hosting a wedding week online. They have several different chats that you can write in questions and thoughts on things like DC Weddings, Fashion, Celebrity Weddings, Green Weddings and Relationships and Honeymoons. What a great way to ask questions to experts in the wedding business as well as browse all the other articles on things like bakeries, bands, florists and jewelers.

This is a great resource for all in the DC area as well as anyone w/ access to a computer! Enjoy.

The Peak of Wedding Season

So, we are now in the peak of wedding season with most weddings happening in the next few months. I don't know about you but I love this time of year! I get to help brides with organizing all the little details of their wedding along with doing some personal shopping for them or those involved in the wedding.

For all of those in the Washington, DC area there are some great sales going on now for wedding attire.

First, Hitched is offering sample gowns by Oscar de la Renta or Judd Waddell at up to half off. How fabulous is this? The sale is going on from now until June 30. Tues.-Thurs., noon-8 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; However, call ahead as gown trials are by appointment only. Hitched is located at: 1523 Wisconsin Ave. NW, at Volta Pl. (202-333-6162).


Next, Sylene's (a fabulous place for undergarments and bathing suits) is offering
30-50 percent off swimwear and lingerie from Manuel Canovas, Eres, Betsey Johnson, and La Perla. You can't beat this! The sale runs from June 16-28. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m. Sylene is located at 4407 S. Park Ave., Chevy Chase (301-654-4200).

Happy shopping!

The Gift of Organization for Father's Day

I recently organized a garage as a surprise birthday gift from one of my clients to her husband. I thought it was the most thoughtful gift she could give him! And now that Father’s Day is right around the corner, I keep thinking that giving your father the gift of organization- whether it be organizing the garage, his closet or his office- is really the perfect gift. Fathers are hard enough to shop for. Does he really need another tie or bbq set? Don't give him any more "stuff" he doesn't need or want.

Then around Mother’s Day I picked up People Magazine and looked through their gift giving guide. Kelly Ripa was quoted as saying “A no fail Mother's Day gift for a [busy woman] would be something she normally wouldn't do herself, like hire someone to clean out her closets."

So now that Father’s Day is approaching we have to also think about our fathers. Don’t they deserve the gift of organization? Give your father the gift of organization this year and help him save time, money and stress. Whether it be bringing in a professional organizer or doing the organization yourself...all the fathers I know would love to be able to walk into their closets and find exactly what they want to wear without hassle in the morning. And would’t this gift give all you gals out there more peace of mind to? No more asking, “where is that green shirt I wanted to wear?” “where is the hammer? I thought it was in the garage..”

Have a wonderful Father’s Day!

Peter Walsh's Summer Clutter Challenge

Today, June 12th, on Oprah's website, professional organizer Peter Walsh will launch his Summer Clutter Challenge.

This ten-week program will help you de-clutter your home, your office, your car and your life! Throughout the summer he will be chatting with people online, checking out your before and after clutter photos, offering advice and encouragement and assisting in any way he can to help you de-clutter and organize for your best life!

I am excited to watch the progress of people who sign up for his challenge. I think it will be like working with all of my clients. We go over their "before" areas and then work on de-cluttering until we have an "after" area (s). It is a magical and rewarding journey that I encourage all my readers to try!

I want to know if anyone will be taking Peter's Challenge? If not, what would be the best way for you to get a jump start on your own organizing?