Abundance Organizing Blog

De-clutter Your Life

2012-02-18T17:14:00.003-05:00

Article from Chesterfield Observer, Feb. 15, 2012

De-clutter your life

By Joan Tupponce

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Late comedian George Carlin found great humor in the junk that people accumulate in their homes but for most people, junk, now commonly referred to as clutter, isn’t a laughing matter.

“If you have a lot of stuff and it seems overwhelming, don’t let it get to you,” said Bruce Wiley, owner of Junk Shuttle in Chesterfield. “Do a little bit at a time and eventually it will get done. Amazingly, the simplest accomplishment will make you feel great.”

Wiley finds that many people begin thinking about clutter in the spring as the temperatures warm.

“When the weather is nice they start getting out into their garage, shed or attic,” he said. “Right before the holidays is also a big time because people are cleaning for parties and New Year’s resolutions provide a spurt of business as well.”

Wiley’s company removes all types of clutter, everything from television sets to hot tubs.

“Right now we are seeing a lot of people downsizing,” he said. “They can’t take everything with them and their kids don’t want it all. They need help figuring out what to do with it.”

He believes that people accumulate clutter because they are always on the go.

“People are busy working and raising kids,” he said. “They haven’t had a chance to tackle it. Now is the time to get it done.”

When Mindy Godding, owner of Abundance Organizing in Richmond, works with clients she finds clutter in areas such as bonus rooms that have no clear function.

“I also find a lot of clutter building up in spaces that are high traffic,” she said. “Areas where people are coming and going attract clutter.”

Clutter, Godding said is “simply unmade decisions. A lot of it is avoidance, things building up over time. People don’t want to deal with it.”

Many people struggle with an overabundance of paper and become overwhelmed.

“Getting rid of paper is more challenging than anything else in the house because people are scared to let go of a piece of information for fear that they are losing that information and won’t remember it,” Godding said. “We recommend that you talk to your favorite expert, an accountant or financial advisor, and get guidelines on what paperwork you should hold onto.”

When it comes time to remove clutter, Godding suggests getting the entire family involved.

“We have worked with kids as young as 4 years old,” she said. “The more invested they are in the organization process the more inclined they are to use the systems that are created. Everybody in the family can and should have an impact.”

She often finds that children are more pragmatic than their parents when it comes to getting rid of objects.

“Parents project more emotional significance on items,” she said. “Kids rarely do that. It’s a learned behavior.”

Ranee Kamens, owner of Simplify Me in Richmond, finds that women tend to store clutter in their closets.

“Each woman tends to collect one item such as white shirts,” she said, noting that in addition to closets she helps people organize and de-clutter other rooms in the home.

“Women don’t go through their clothes. Often things still have tags on them. They keep shopping because they don’t know what’s in their closet.”

Many women hold on to a piece of clothing because the item was expensive but Kamens doesn’t believe that’s a valid reason for keeping clothes that aren’t being worn.

“Women feel guilty about getting rid of things,” she said. “People have a very strong attachment to clothes. Clothes need to be worn or you need to get rid of them.”

Kamens encourages people to go through their clothes at least once a year, preferably twice a year.

“Get rid of things that you haven’t worn in three to five years,” she said. “Look at your clothes as you are putting them away for a season. Do they have stains or tears?”

Over buying is not the answer to looking good, she added.

“Take into account what you really need and know what you have,” she said. “If you have clothes that are two sizes different than what you’re wearing, get rid of them. You don’t need to have each size you have been. You don’t need to be a department store.”

An Abundance of Attention- Indeed!

2012-02-18T17:09:00.003-05:00

Article from Richmond BizSense

An abundance of attention
Posted By Michael Schwartz On February 1, 2012 (6:47 am) In Featured, News, Startups

Richmond now has two local companies soaking up the limelight on reality shows about hoarders.

Abundance Organizing, a Richmond startup founded last year, made its TV debut Sunday night on “Hoarding: Buried Alive.”

The program airs on TLC.

As the name implies, the show deals with hoarding, a behavior marked by the inability or refusal to discard ungodly amounts of worthless stuff.

Abundance Organizing is at least the second local cleanup company to make it on the small screen.

Richmond-based Clutter Cleaner and its owner, Matt Paxton, have been featured on the A&E series “Hoarders.” Paxton wrote a book about his experiences with a local author.

Mindy Godding, co-owner of Abundance Organizing, says the company didn’t go on the show solely for attention.

“I don’t know an organizer who would take this on and do it for the glory,” Godding said. “A lot can go wrong. And when you are in the thick of it, it can be an intense situation.”

Nevertheless, a little attention never hurt a year-old startup.

Goddard said hits to the company’s website spiked after the show aired, and she expects an increase in calls and emails this week.

The extra exposure comes at an opportune time.

Abundance is looking to expand beyond Richmond. In August, the company opened an outfit in Kansas City, Goddard said, adding that she has thought about franchising.

Cleaning up hoarders’ homes is a tiny piece of Abundance’s overall business. Still, the episode of “Hoarding: Buried Alive” was filmed locally late last year and features a local family drowning in its own stuff.

“They unfortunately about 20 years ago lost a child. It sent them really into a downward spiral,” Godding said.

Battling depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, the family let itself go.

“Everything in the household came to a grinding halt,” Godding said. “Once they finally looked around and realized what happened, they really didn’t know where to start.”

For reality TV, that’s ratings gold.

Producers of the shows sometimes reach out to companies like Abundance Organizing or to county property inspectors to see whether they have any interesting cases.

Other times, the companies will contact the producers themselves.

“Our industry has a love/hate relationship with these shows,” Godding said.

“It can be argued the entertainment industry is trying to exploit these people.”

But the shows have also increased awareness about hoarding, and they show hoarders they are not alone in their cluttered world.

The shows also pay for the cleanup and often feature homes that couldn’t normally access or pay for such a service themselves.

Being featured multiple times on TV doesn’t necessarily imply that Richmond has a hoarding problem.

“There is a hoarding house in every neighborhood,” Godding said.

With that prevalence and the popularity of hoarding shows, copycat businesses have begun to pop up, Godding said.

“There are a lot of unskilled organizers who are trying to jump on the bandwagon,” Goddard said.

If you missed it Sunday night, the episode will air again Wednesday at 8 p.m. on TLC.

Article taken from Richmond BizSense - http://www.richmondbizsense.com
URL to article: http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2012/02/01/an-abundance-of-attention/

Tips for a Successful Conference

2012-02-14T14:26:00.002-05:00

It's that time of year again! NAPO conference is only a few weeks away. We seem to receive questions every year from our colleagues about how we make the most of industry conferences. Here's a list of tips that we've compiled over the years from other veteran organizers and our own experiences:

What to pack:

Plan a professional wardrobe that will impress. You are at a professional conference, you are meeting people for the first time, and you are making a big impression. (We heard this one from almost all of our veteran contributors.)
Industry “bling”—this includes your ICD button, CPO-CD pin, Golden Circle pin, or CPO-CD pin. You will NOT need your NAPO name badge at conference; so, leave it at home.
“Bring plenty of business cards. You'll be surprised how many you can go through in four days. Always write on the back of business cards some notable detail about the person you just met so that you'll be able to remember the conversation later when you're home.” (Erin Wells- Living Peace)
A small journal or notebook
Plenty of pens
“Get your connections' cell phone numbers in advance and put them in your cell in order to connect at conference.” (Ellen DeLap- Professional-Organizer.com) *Just remember to keep those phones turned OFF during the sessions!
Even though we often receive complementary conference bags, we recommend taking your own. The style suits you, you can easily find the items you need, and you will always know which bag is yours!
“Wear comfortable shoes - there is a lot of walking.” (Kathy Jenkins- Organized A to Z)
If you are going digital, make sure your conference program book has been successfully downloaded onto your laptop or notepad so you can access it easily during sessions.

If you're a new organizer:

“Request a buddy for Conference; these experienced professionals provide you invaluable suggestions and tremendous networking opportunities.” (Susie Hayman- In Your Business)
“Don't just aim for beginner sessions. Challenge yourself and try out advanced skills, you'll be surprised how much you learn by listening to veterans talk about challenges that you'll face down the road.” (Erin Wells- Living Peace)
“Attend the “First Timer’s Orientation, and the “Ask the Organizers Panel!” These sessions are loaded with ideas and suggestions.” (Susie Hayman- In Your Business)

While you’re at Conference:

“Pace yourself. Conference can be overwhelming even for veterans. Give yourself a break if you need it. While it's less expensive to share a room, I always opt for my own room so that I can have the quiet and space to think when I need it. When I've had ‘enough,’ I take a break.” (Linda Samuels- Oh So Organized)
Make sure you add the right “flags” to your conference name badge, identifying yourself as a First Time Attendee, Speaker, Chapter Board Member, Volunteer, etc.
Ask colleagues for feedback on the sessions they have attended and make a note of any that are highly recommended. You can check out these CDs from your chapter library when they are available. If you don’t have access to a chapter library, partner up with some colleagues and invest in your own “library” to share.
“Identify at least one person you want to connect with at conference. Try to seek that person out early at conference and create time to engage with them. Each year I have done so and have found mentors and friends. We stay in touch throughout the year and I look forward to seeing them each year at conference.” (Kim Oser- Put It Away!)
ASK your question: If something pops into your head during a session, write it down so you don’t forget to ask it when the floor is opened up. In the interest of time, limit yourself to ONE clarifying statement before you ask your question—no story-telling!
Our NAPO pros on Twitter want to remind you that you can follow Conference at #NAPO2012.
Check the message board (usually centrally located near registration) throughout the week to find out about small group and committee meetings scheduled outside of conference sessions.
As you think of them, write down a list of "ah-has," great ideas, things you want to do, or people you want to contact later. (This was another one we heard again and again; but, then one of our pros gave this thought more juice.) “Use the travel time after conference to review your list and decide which items you want to act upon.” (Linda Samuels- Oh So Organized)
Take full advantage of networking opportunities! Seek out someone new to sit next to and meet during each meal.

After conference:

“Try to avoid scheduling ANYTHING for the Monday after conference (and the week would be even better). Give yourself time to integrate all the new things you just learned.” (Erin Wells- Living Peace)
Consider contacting one or two presenters whose material really made an impact on you. They might be able to recommend additional resources on their topic or keep you aware of other classes that they are conducting in the future.
“Send handwritten thank you cards after conference. It's amazing how a simple gesture can make such a difference in a relationship.” (Standolyn Robertson- Things In Place)

Our favorite tip from NAPO Chat:

“I always go into conference having one question I want to get answered. For example, my first conference as a new organizer I wanted to know how different organizers set up their rate structures (hourly, by project, buy x get x). So, when I met people before sessions or at meals, I worked that question into my conversation. By asking many, many people I got a great range of ideas from which I could decide my own set-up.”

Hope to see you in Baltimore!

Tune In! AO featured on TLC's "Hoarding: Buried Alive"

2012-01-27T18:56:00.002-05:00

Media Contact:
Jennifer Kresl
804-869-5131
P.O. BOX 17603, Richmond VA, 23226
jennifer@abundanceorganizing.com
www.abundanceorganizing.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RICHMOND, VA- January 27, 2012- Abundance Organizing is excited to announce it will be featured on TLC's "Hoarding: Buried Alive." Mindy Godding, Cathy LeHew, and Suzanne Shultz are the featured organizers. The episode, titled "This is Romantic," airs this Sunday, January 29th at 9:00 eastern/8 central.

Godding, who was also the project leader, said, "We are thrilled to be a part of this show. We had a great time working with this family, everyone at Discovery and TLC, as well as our friends at Junk Shuttle. Shows like this have opened up people's eyes to the real issues of hoarding while providing information and support. We hope that it continues to encourage those who suffer from this disorder to get help."

LeHew said, "It was a privilege to work with this family as it is with all of our clients. We are honored that our clients trust us with the most personal aspects of their lives."

"They were such nice people and truly ready to make this change," Godding said. "They made great strides during filming, but when the cameras leave, they are still in the process of change. Almost nothing was salvageable, so we found them some items like furniture and paint. Since filming ended, we've been in touch and we want to help give them a healthy household again."

Filming of this episode took place in Central Virginia late last year. This is season 3 of "Hoarding: Buried Alive."

About Abundance Organizing
Abundance Organizing is a privately held, woman-owned company providing organizing and relocation services, training and public speaking. Founded in 2010 by Sara Bereika, Mindy Godding and Cathy LeHew, Abundance Organizing is headquartered in Richmond, VA. For more information, visit www.abundanceorganizing.com or call 804-212-2160.

# # #

Another Reason To Reuse and Recycle

2012-01-11T16:14:00.002-05:00

I recently spoke to a group of moms who are members of the Johnson County, Kansas chapter of Mothers and More. A lot of the questions I received pertained to their kids toys and how and when to get rid of things One Johnson County mom compared the task of purging her children's toys to watching Woody in Toy Story 2 get tossed in the donation box. She felt so guilty tossing those stuffed animals when those little plastic eyes were looking up at her! Another wise JoCo mom shared a perfect way to clean out your kids stuff and pay forward some kindness as well.

She told us about this terrific organization called Stuffed Animals For Emergencies (SAFE).
SAFE is a 14-year-old non-profit organization run completely by volunteers. There are 14 chapters of SAFE across the United States. They collect various items such as stuffed animals, toys, books and baby blankets to benefit children during emergency situations such as fires, illness, accidents, neglect, abuse, homelessness and even weather emergencies such as tornadoes, floods and hurricanes. SAFE also donates the items to other childrens organizations, military organizations, libraries and even nursing homes. They accept new and gently used items for donation. What a great way to reuse and recycle stuffed animals, toys, books and baby blankets that so many us have in our homes.

It can be difficult to part with items that belonged to our kids when we think they just end up in the trash. SAFE gives you the opportunity to clear out the clutter and help a child in a difficult situation. After the Moms and More meeting, I went home and talked to my kids about SAFE. We filled a couple of boxes full of stuffed animals and books. We felt great about giving to kids who really needed a reason to smile.

Check out http://www.stuffedanimalsforemergencies.org/ if you have items to donate. There is a SAFE chapter in Kansas City, Missouri.

Abundance Organizing is Expanding

2011-11-16T11:28:00.002-05:00

Here's news you don't hear every day: our company is expanding! Richmond-based Abundance Organizing has hired two new employees in the Richmond office and is expanding nationally with a new location which has just opened in Kansas City. Below, please find the press release with all the details.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Kresl
804-212-2160
P.O. BOX 17603, Richmond VA, 23226
jennifer@abundanceorganizing.com
www.abundanceorganizing.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RICHMOND, VA- October 24, 2011- Abundance Organizing is proud to announce the opening of a new corporate location in Olathe, Kansas which will serve greater Kansas City and the surrounding area. Patty Hoyt, Principle Organizing Consultant, will lead the Kansas office.

Mindy Godding, Owner, said, "We have been very pleased with the success we've experienced in our first year of business, and we couldn't be more excited to expand our company and our vision beyond the Central Virginia area. This is the first step on the path to being nationwide."

Cathy Lehew, Owner, said, "Our growth means we have more hands on deck, and that means we can truly help more clients. Patty is a fantastic addition to our team, and we're so pleased to have her on board."

Hoyt will offer home and office organizing and specializes in working with adults and children with ADHD and other special needs. She has been organizing professionally for 3 years. Hoyt said, "I am thrilled to be a part of Abundance Organizing and to bring their unique approach to the people of Kansas."

The Richmond office also welcomes two new employees. Suzanne Shultz joins the team as an Organizing Consultant, and Jennifer Kresl will support the company with administrative services.

About Abundance Organizing
Abundance Organizing is a privately held, woman-owned company providing organizing and relocation services, training and public speaking. Founded in 2010 by Sara Bereika, Mindy Godding and Cathy LeHew, Abundance Organizing is located in Richmond, VA. For more information, visit www.abundanceorganizing.com or call 804-212-2160.

# # #

AO Contributes to Industry Book and Conference

2011-11-14T20:51:00.004-05:00

Media Contact:

Jennifer Kresl

804-212-2160

P.O. BOX 17603, Richmond VA, 23226

jennifer@abundanceorganizing.com

www.abundanceorganizing.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RICHMOND, VA- November 14, 2011- Abundance Organizing is proud to announce two of its founding partners, Sara Bereika and Mindy Godding, are contributing to a forthcoming book and have been selected as speakers for the 2012 NAPO conference.

The Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) will release "The ICD Guide to Challenging Disorganization: For Professional Organizers" on January 1, 2012. This softcover, 400 page book will be printed and distributed by Lightning Source, a division of Ingram Publications. Find more information and submit book orders at http://www.challengingdisorganization.org/content/cd-textbook.

Editor Kate Varness says, "'The ICD Guide to Challenging Disorganization: For Professional Organizers' is the first book to bring together the knowledge of so many organizing experts. This book will no doubt be the book that all organizers want to have in their arsenal for understanding and working with clients."

Bereika says, "This book goes beyond traditional organizing methods to examine disorganization complicated by co-existing conditions such as ADHD, depression, hoarding and physical limitations. Until now there have been very few resources that support an organizer so thoroughly in their day-to-day work."

Godding and Bereika have also been chosen to speak at the next annual conference of the National Association of Professional Organizers. NAPO is a membership organization of over 4,000 professional organizers. The conference will be held in Baltimore, MD, March 21 - 24, 2012.

Godding says, "We are honored to be chosen and look forward to sharing our experiences with the conference attendees."

"Education is vital to our industry and central to the mission of Abundance Organizing," says Bereika. "We strive to help clients, the public and other professional organizers every chance we get."

About Abundance Organizing
Abundance Organizing is a privately held, woman-owned company providing organizing and relocation services, training and public speaking. Founded in 2010 by Sara Bereika, Mindy Godding and Cathy LeHew, Abundance Organizing is located in Richmond, VA. For more information, visit www.abundanceorganizing.com or call 804-212-2160.

# # #

Catalog Overload! Stop the Madness!!

2011-11-14T11:13:00.003-05:00

I opened my mailbox other day, not knowing that I would need a wheelbarrow to get my mail from the driveway to the front door. I was bombarded with catalogs and junk mail that immediately went into my recycling basket. I usually get a few more catalogs when it gets close to the holidays, but this was ridiculous! The catalogs were from companies I had never heard of with products I would never buy. It's a frustration most of us have. We order an item online with a company, who puts us on their mailing list, who passes the list on to another company, and so on and so on . . .

Not only have the companies wasted resources on creating catalogs that I don't want. But, they create more clutter in my home. If you have this same frustration, check out www.catalogchoice.org. Through this site you can contact all the companies at one time to get off their mailing lists. Trust, me I've tried calling each company individually, this is so much easier and less expensive. The service is free, and you save a few trees in the process. It may take up to 60 days to stop getting catalogs. So, if you do it now, you could start 2012 with a lot less mail. For a small fee, Catalog Choice will help you stop other junk mail as well.

We all get enough paper daily without being overloaded with junk mail. Catalog Choice is just one option to help get rid of those unwanted catalogs and keep your home clutter free.

Mindy Godding Wins ICD Volunteer of the Year Award

2011-11-01T10:20:00.001-04:00

Media Contact:
Jennifer Kresl
804-212-2160
P.O. BOX 17603, Richmond VA, 23226
jennifer@abundanceorganizing.com
www.abundanceorganizing.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RICHMOND, VA- October 31, 2011- Abundance Organizing congratulates Mindy Godding, Owner and Founder, for receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD). The award was presented to Godding at the ICD annual conference on September 17th in Raleigh, NC.

Incorporated in 2001, ICD is a non-profit educational organization whose mission is to benefit people affected by chronic disorganization. Its members are professional organizers and related professionals.

Godding's award recognizes her work with the organization's Speakers Bureau, whose presenters educate other professionals and the public on Chronic Disorganization (CD) and its challenges.

Godding said, "I am honored to be recognized by ICD, an organization that I truly respect. I look forward to continuing to work with the Speakers Bureau to educate as many people as possible about CD. Help for those struggling with CD begins with understanding."

How Many Organizers Does it Take to Change a Tire?

2011-10-17T17:36:00.003-04:00

Even the most thorough planners experience an occasional bump in the road. Flights get cancelled, special orders get lost, and, as was the case this past Saturday, tires go flat. But wait-- there are four organizers in this car! We should be ready for anything, right?

Uh, wrong.

As we analyzed our situation (while unsuccessfully pulling the tire iron with our full body weight) we accepted some basic facts. Fact One: We are not able to change the tire ourselves. Fact Two: We will have to wait for help to arrive. Fact Three: We cannot drive 150 miles on a spare. Fact Four: Since we will not make it to our conference in time, we will miss educational programming and therefore lose some of our investment. And, Fact Five: This situation is a major pain in the hiney.

We could have gotten frustrated, upset and impatient. But instead, we laughed. We reminded ourselves that our situation could have been drastically worse (considering we were going about 70 mph on I-95 when the tire blew), we took a deep breath, we charmed the Rescue Ranger who changed our tire, and we put some silly pictures on Facebook.

I believe that part of being organized and feeling in control is recognizing when something is out of your control-- and rolling with the punches. The best lesson I have learned from my work with clients and my own experiences as a business owner is that a little patience and self-compassion goes a long way. When situations go wrong, and the plan falls to pieces, remember that there is usually a bright side. If nothing else, you might end up with a new tire, a good story, and some new material for your blog.

The Legacy of Hoarding

2011-10-10T16:17:00.002-04:00

Most of us have had the opportunity to tune in to an episode or two of the popular television shows that focus on Hoarding. As intrigued as I am to hear someone else’s thoughts on this topic I find so fascinating, I have learned to avoid the public message boards. I find that the comments of outrage frequently hurled at the participants on these programs usually fall on the spectrum between insensitive and offensive.

Parents who hoard in particular are subject to unbelievable vitriol. The same viewers who rip these individuals to shreds often express sympathy for their children. Sometimes I desperately want to join the fray, saying in my mind: Hold on a minute-- did you ever take a moment to consider how that individual grew up? And did you stop to wonder what kind of habits and behaviors those children may eventually exhibit?

I wish I could encourage everyone to see it from a different perspective.

Ask your favorite organizer how frequently they hear the statement, “My parents were packrats,” and you might think twice about the individuals you are judging. Our team has recently started working with yet another client who is the quintessential product of grief, loss, and hoarding. This individual grew up in a hoarding home-- in fact, still resides in the house that has now sustained three generations of hoarding. This person has watched every other member of the family pass, one by one, leaving behind a lifetime of possessions, and a legacy of chaos. I wish I could say this situation is rare; but, this individual could be a carbon copy of so many others who we have tried to support over the years.

In my professional opinion, this client never had a chance at having a healthy relationship with the space and the stuff. First of all, at it’s core, the house still feels like someone else’s home. Usually, the original decor and furniture are still intact-- entombed by layers of everyday possessions (and trash) accumulated over decades. Efforts to introduce “new” items simply exacerbate the extreme clutter that already persists. When uncovered, any attempts to remove these original items are often viewed as an offense against that mother, aunt, grandfather, who is now long gone. Those of us who have experienced a family estate can relate to the emotional charge that can be associated with even the most mundane of items-- simply because they once belonged to a loved one who has been lost. Imagine if you inherited several generations of accumulated possessions-- with no history of a clean out.

Secondly, I often wonder how profoundly an individual is impacted by a childhood in a hoarded environment. How is he or she shaped when extreme clutter is the fabric of the family narrative. The chances that they learned basic organizing skills and efficient systems are slim. Picture your childhood home. What values did you learn from the condition of that home? Now, imagine if every image of hearth, home, and family was associated with extreme clutter and hoarding. How do you cleave the two? Many of these clients have never known anything different. A clutter-free existence might even feel unnatural or stark.

I am glad that the shows are leading these people to people like me and my team. I am happy that so many of you are taking notice and joining the conversation. And if, in the near future, you find yourself on one of the message boards-- a little sensitivity and perspective, please.

Halloween Decorating Isn't Scary!

2011-09-26T21:06:00.001-04:00

The days are a little cooler. The nights are a little shorter. The leaves are starting to turn to beautiful autumn hues. Fall is my favorite time of year. Yes, the weather is great. But the best part of Autumn is Halloween. I love seeing little ones in their costumes, creeping through haunted houses and searching for the perfect pumpkin. So, it shouldn't be a surprise that I go all out in the decorating department for this scary holiday. If there was ever a year that I didn't want to pull out the halloween decor, my kids would channel into Freddy Krueger and slash me to bits! I don't want you to scream in horror over decorating. A little organization and planning will make it stress free.

The first issue with decorating for a holiday is time. Who can remember to put out the wreath with little witches on it when there is work and soccer practice, homework, etc. Make an appointment with yourself (and your kids) to decorate. Put it on your calendar or smart phone. You are more likely to keep an appointment on your calendar than randomly squeezing it in. Make another appointment when it's time to take down decorations. The dancing ghost next to your nativity scene is just plain wrong!

I have many friends and clients who "plan" to decorate for Halloween (or any other holiday). The trouble is the plastic jack-o-lanterns are somewhere in the basement. The skeleton is in the closet (I couldn't resist) and the grave stones might be in the garage in a box with christmas lights. The best way to find what you are looking for is to put all like items together. So, if you have decorations scattered throughout your house; take a sweep through it and collect all the fake spider webs, super hero costumes and trick or treat bags. Toss or recycle the broken haunted house candle holder you know you will never fix. Donate the mummy in the top hat that you never plan to display.

It's time to take every plastic spider and stuffed rat away. A clear plastic bin with a lid is best for storing your precious Jack Sparrow costume and the rest of your Halloween items. Cardboard won't protect them from moisture in you basement or heat in your attic. Don't forget to label your bin so you will be able to find it next year.

Decorating for Halloween doesn't have to be scary if you organize your decorations and plan ahead!

2011-09-20T13:39:00.009-04:00

Abundance Organizing officially opened a new corporate location in Kansas! AO wants to congratulate Patty Hoyt, our new Principle Organizer, for joining the team! We had quite a journey with Patty and we are so excited to have her on the team.

Previously, Patty lived here in Richmond, VA. As a contractor, she worked several jobs with us for various clients. She became quite a fixture at AO and some of our clients really connected with her. When she told us last spring that she was moving we (and our clients) were so bummed. We knew we would all miss her.

At that time we weren't sure what was in store for AO but we knew we couldn't lose touch with Patty. So we asked Patty to stay in touch. Eventually, Patty got settled in Kansas and contacted us and wanted to get back to work. As a result, our Kansas corporate location was born. Despite our lack of knowledge on opening another company in another state, a hurricane and no power we managed to make it happen. Regardless of the distance between us and Patty, it's as if she is still next door. You have to love technology!

Patty is a reformed clutter junkie with a past-life in advertising and media. Once she became a stay-at-home mom, a volunteer in her community and learned her daughter had ADHD, the Professional Organizer in her was born. Patty has been organizing for several years. She has a knack for keeping it simple, confidently taking on any challenge, and remaining patient in any situation. Not to mention, her height was a major asset. She was always willing to grab items from high places. Personally, It's one of the things I miss the most (wink, wink)!

Patty we are so glad you've joined the Abundance Organizing team!!! If you are in the Kansas City area and need help getting organized, contact Patty.

What A Week At Abundance Organizing!

2011-09-18T21:01:00.004-04:00

It was amazing, to say the least. Mindy, Cathy and I just got back from the Institute On Challenging Disorganization Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina. We topped off the conference with the first, ever, pre-conference for the public. With Mindy as the presenter and moderator, and Cathy and I as her Vanna White's, the evening was a huge success. Throughout the conference we networked with some of the most amazing woman (and two men) in the Professional Organizing industry. We learned from some excellent speakers like Reid Wilson, Ph.D, Corinne May Botz and a self proclaimed hoarder who courageously told us her story and did it with grace and humor.

Mindy won the "Volunteer of the Year Award" for her amazing work on the speakers bureau for ICD. Mindy and I officially became authors for contributing to the ICD Guide To Challenging Disorganization: For Professional Organizers.

While out of town we learned that Mindy and I were accepted to speak at the NAPO National conference in 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland. The week prior we hired two new employees. One here in Richmond and one who will open our Kansas location. And... yes there's more... Patty (our Kansas employee) got her first client this week!

So much excitement here. Tonight we are exhausted (not hard to believe, i'm sure) and full of anticipation for what more may come our way. With the new friends we made and the old friends we connected with, the new things we learned and the immense enthusiasm we feel after attending the ICD conference, the sky is the limit.

You Can Donate What?

2011-09-15T09:25:00.001-04:00

Finding the means to donate/recycle, even the oddest of items, is easier than one may think. A few weekends ago I took my son to the Children's Museum of Richmond. Posted on the front counter was a wish list of items the museum accepts as donations for their art studio. The list includes: drawing paper, tissue paper, yarn, staplers, glue sticks, ribbon, silk flowers, #3-7 non-recyclable plastic containers and much more. I can't tell you how often I stubble upon wrinkled or torn tissue paper or various random ribbons when working with my clients.

If you read my post about the Goodwill, you know how fabulous they are for recycling and keeping items out of a landfill. But so many other organizations have wish lists that include items we all have lying around the house unused. Virginia Supportive Housing's wish list includes items like: cleaning supplies, mops, brooms and buckets. The Richmond SPCA's wish list includes: towels, blankets, shredders (and already shredded paper), sink stoppers, tupperware and more.

Do a little research of your own and find out what your favorite organization has on their wish list. It could help reduce the probability of your own home becoming a landfill.

Make This 9/11, 10 Year Anniversary, Special

2011-09-11T10:10:00.000-04:00

This September 11th will be the 10 year mark on the terrorist attacks in NYC, DC and PA. I lived in NYC when the world trade center was hit.

I'll never forget the smell that lingered in NYC for weeks after the towers fell and the silent and eerily vacant streets when I walked outside the following day. Imagine NYC silent and vacant. I recall entering the elevator at work, the day of the attacks, when two complete strangers told me an airplane hit one of the towers (at the time we thought it was an accident). I remember my boss calling me at the office and telling me terrorists were attacking the city and to vacate the building immediately. I remember running with my coworkers and not knowing where to go. We screamed and cried while we watched the towers collapse through the panoramic window of a coworkers high rise apartment in midtown. I recall the hundreds of posters for missing loved ones that lined the streets weeks after the attack. I remember not knowing for days if friends of mine were safe.

I just flipped through some pictures in Time Magazine of artifacts found at the WTC. Museums and memorials around the world will pay homage and become home to several of these artifacts in preparation for the 10th anniversary. It got me thinking... maybe we can all pay our respects in a similar way in our own homes.

Take time now to dust off your keepsakes. Pick them up off the floor and from under the piles of clutter. Make time to appreciate your things and all that you have. Take it a step further by paying-it-forward and donating what you don't use, sharing what you have and giving what you can to others in need. Instead of watching the sad stories about 9/11 on the news over and over again use this 9/11 anniversary as an opportunity to remember how fortunate we all are.

I Know She Needs The Help...

2011-07-08T12:12:00.002-04:00

I just got off the phone with a woman who was calling on behalf of her sister. “I know she needs your help. But, I just don’t think she would ever call you herself.” We receive calls like this one almost every week from people who are contacting us because their loved one needs help with extreme clutter. They know something needs to be done; but, they aren’t even sure that the person will acknowledge that there is a problem. In these cases, we find often find ourselves in a coaching role, talking the caller through the conversation where they offer compassion and support to someone who is stuck. We work together towards a common goal-- to connect their loved one with a qualified organizer or counselor who is ready to help.

Here are the two first steps we recommend:

Establish that the person wants to make a change- Many people who struggle with extreme clutter are living in a state of avoidance and denial. Change is scary, even if a person is existing in the most dire and depressing of circumstances. In many cases, this individual has experienced trauma and has developed a relationship of mistrust, anger, or paranoia with the outside world. We often work with people who are “cocooning” and “barricading” in their space in an effort to block out the outside world. This conversation may feel invasive and scary to someone who has made every effort to keep others out. Always maintain a tone of support and compassion. Stick to the facts if you mention examples of times that their clutter has resulted in negative circumstances. Nagging, criticizing, and bullying will get you nowhere fast.

Encourage your loved one to connect with a professional who has experience and training that matches their needs. In both the organizing and mental health fields, professionals can vary widely in the scope of their work and the focus of their expertise. Do your homework! Investigate credentials and training. Resources may be available to them of which they have been unaware. Remind your loved one that a phone consultation does not commit them to future work. They can move forward when they are ready and feel they’ve connected with the right professional.

You may have to repeat this process over the course of time until your loved one eases into the idea of making a difficult but positive change. Be patient! Help will be there when she is ready to receive it.

My phone call this morning ended on a positive note. The caller felt confident that she could convince her sister to make a phone call and reach out for the help that she has needed for years. It sounds like that first conversation could be a transformative step for the entire family.

Have you ever had a tough conversation like this with someone you care about? Have you been on the receiving end of one of these talks? How did it go?

Embracing Email Bankruptcy

2011-07-05T14:06:00.000-04:00

What is going on with our inboxes? Is anyone else out there receiving more emails per day than humanly possible to read, let alone reply to? Between my work email and my business address, I am wading though hundreds of emails on a daily basis. And I’m not talking about the “You’ve Just Won!” and “For the Strong Women in My Life...” b.s. that we all got sick of in 1997; I’m talking about the quasi-legit stuff. Somehow, I seem to have found myself on everyone’s list. Businesses that I’ve never even heard of are sending me canned newsletters and promotional messages. Industry colleagues I’ve never had a conversation with are trying to “Link me In.” After recently checking out a shopping deals website recommended by a friend, I started receiving 3 emails a day from the site. I like a deal on designer handbags as much as the next girl, but COME ON people!!

How does a professional person strike a balance between accessibility and tech-time well spent? At first, I tried stringent filters and controls, but I would inevitably miss some message from my Aunt Karen or the most recent visitor from my chapter meeting. I’ve heard a number of people recently admitting to the creation of “throw-away” email addresses or keeping an old address just so the junk-mailers will be thrown off the scent. That sounded like more work to me. I know other colleagues who have auto-replies that spell out their limited email-time policy to explain a longer response turnaround. This option sounded great but it doesn’t solve the problem of the inbox deluge that I was facing every day. Sara told me a while back about “email bankruptcy.” Basically, you delete everything in your in box- all of it- letting the chips fall where they may. Sounded scary in a double-dog-dare kind of way.

Then, I took a two week break from the computer. Seriously-- I didn’t check email once during that time. (Wrap your brain around THAT one, tech addicts!) On the day of my return, I had 896 new messages in one of my email accounts. Yikes! That was the final straw. If I was going to make it through at least half of my to-do list for that day- heck! for that week- bankruptcy seemed like the only way to go.

Delete All. Boom. Suddenly, the box was empty. You know what? It felt great. I have since been diligent about unsubscribing from the dozen or so unwelcome form letters I receive each day instead of just ignoring them or manually deleting. Over the course of two weeks, I have noticed a significant reduction in the amount of messages waiting for me at the beginning of the day. I have not had a single person inquire about my lack of response to their message. (Even my Aunt Karen, thank goodness!) Similar to a major clutter purge with our clients, email bankruptcy saved my sanity and helped me get traction where I couldn’t before.

Never thought I would be saying how great it was to “go bankrupt.”

Goodwill. What A Resource!

2011-06-01T12:52:00.008-04:00

A few weeks ago my business partners and I had the pleasure of getting a tour of the local Goodwill facility on Midlothian Turnpike. I mean it when I say... "It was so cool!"

Goodwill does SO MUCH for the community. I don't think people truly grasp their impact. Upon entering their warehouse, we all gasped. It's huge and it's full of donations. All donations are sorted and stored in large, crazy-size, bins on wheels. Toys, electronics, clothing, yard tools, recreational equipment, medical supplies, the list is endless. Ultimately, all this sorting creates jobs for individuals in the community and provides opportunities to train others who have been out of the workforce and need support. Over 150,000 people will gain employment because of this structure.

Let's not forget the green aspect of this service. All the items donated are diverted from landfills. Goodwill partners with Dell on all of their electronic equipment. They refurbish what they can and properly dismantle what can't be used and dispose or reuse the parts. We saw first hand the number of refurbished computers they have for sale. There is absolutely no need for anyone to purchase a new computer. Clean, stylish and well working computers are available for a fraction of the price.

They also partner with Free Foundation. When goodwill obtains medical equipment like wheelchairs, walkers or general supplies they work with Free Foundation to get the items into the hands of the people who need them most.

Goodwill offers shredding services! Yes, it's true and they'll pick it up! Anything you dispose of is stricly confidential. Goodwill is NAID AAA certified which means their operation adheres to strict policies and procedures in order to keep your information safe.

Ok, so are you just as surprised as we were? I strongly recommend using Goodwill for all your donations. By cleaning your closet your not only decluttering, you're doing an amazing service for your community on so many levels. If you needed some motivation to declutter your home, this should do it!

Learn more about all the other services the Goodwill provides.

Get Organized Before You Move

2011-06-01T12:40:00.005-04:00

Once again Mindy makes a guest appearance on Virginia This Morning. We haven't received video from channel 6 yet but we just couldn't wait to share. So here's a link where you can watch and learn how to be organized when you move. Mindy has some great tips!

What do Bookkeepers and Organizers have in common?

2011-04-19T22:39:00.004-04:00

Apparently, a lot!

I decided recently to take my own advice (what a concept huh?) and hire a bookkeeper. I've been doing my company books since I started my business. You might assume I have experience in accounting to take on such a task. Nope, I have none! Zip, zero, zilch. The only training I ever received was from two of my friends. One suggested I use Quickbooks, so I did. The other suggested I reconcile my accounts, so I did. That about sums up my "training."

So, last week I met with my bookkeeper for an initial consultation. Previous to this meeting I sent along my Quickbooks file for her to review. As I drove to the appointment I considered many things:

1. Skipping the appointment

2. Calling in to cancel the appointment

3. Throwing up

4. Lying through my teeth and blaming all errors on my imaginary assistant

Anything to avoid the humiliation of someone else seeing my financial reality. For over 6 years I have been the only one managing my company finances. Opening up my books to a complete stranger is like being seen... in my undies. But not just any undies. The undies you wear when no other undies are clean, undies. You know what I'm talking about.

Well, I showed up for the appointment. The bookkeeper sat me down and began asking me questions. I immediately asked her if she reviewed my Quickbooks file. I had to know how vulnerable I really was and how much lying I could get away with. Surprisingly, she hadn't looked at my books. She said "Oh no, I like to meet my clients before I see them naked." She was very conscientious of how personal her job was. I instantly felt relief. We talked at length about my business finances, my goals, my fears and we developed a plan. As it turns out, I don't think my books are all that bad. But even if they are, there was no judgment. This bookkeeper has seen it all. She has a set of skills that I don't have and she doesn't hold it against me. And best of all, she had a sense of humor about it.

It was so clear that my experience with this bookkeeper was parallel to how my clients feel when I arrive for an initial consultation. It's nerve-racking, emotional, and scary. It's also a roller coaster. I have my second appointment next week. We'll go over my books together, set up bill pay, invoicing, fix any problem areas etc. I may actually puke before that meeting. But when the meeting is over I know I'll feel relief. Because slowly things will improve, become more streamlined, and reduce stress. All I need to do is show up.

If you're looking for help with bookkeeping go to www.net30.net

The Final Frontier

2011-04-13T20:48:00.005-04:00

Ah, Spring is in the air and everyone wants to open the windows and clean out the clutter. It seems like we have been in every attic, basement, or garage of our clients in the last few weeks. Let's face it, it's that time of year and there is a limited time that you can work in the elements of these seasonal spaces. We like to call these areas of the house the Final Frontier. Everything seems to end up in these spaces and they are usually the last place to get organized. When was the last time your friends asked for a tour of your attic? I don't know about you, but I'm beginning to fantasize about an easy closet or an office full of piles of papers instead of an attic.

I'm not going to bore you with helpful tips about organizing the Final Frontier, but share some of the wacky mementos we have recently encountered. We have spent so much time in the attic, we came up with a fun list of what is NOT memorabilia. Believe me when I say that we have seen all of this in the past few weeks. Don't ask, only amuse yourself while pondering if and how the client discarded or kept their keepsakes.

NOT A KEEPSAKE

Food and/or food wrappers. When there is no expiration date, it's because it's so old that it was before expiration dates. Unlike the urban myth, a Twinkie doesn't last forever! Some wrappers were kept from travels to look up that delicious candy, however, that was ten years ago. When will you find time to do the research? Let it go, you'll feel better and stop feeding the bugs and rodents.
Travel toiletries. I'm sure you have photographs of your trip and don't need the hotel shampoo to keep the memory of your vacation. They are handy when you have overnight guest, so put them in a basket with the towels in the guest room. Your guest will feel special with the extra touch.
Clothing. OK, I'll agree that this one is tough, especially shoes. Baby clothes are especially hard to discard because they're so cute. However, only keep the extra special ones, i.e. christening gown, first pair of shoes and such. Your Duran-Duran t-shirt from the 80's is probably not a keepsake, Dylan, in my opinion is another matter.
Medicine and medical supplies. Who really wants the crutches in the corner to remind you of the time you broke your leg while skiing on the first day in Vermont. If you get hurt again, you'll leave the ER with another set of crutches. The ones in the attic won't do you any good.
Party hats, deflated balloons, gift wrap and ribbon. If these were going in a scrapbook, it's to late now. Once they have gone through a few seasons of hot and cold in the attic, the balloons have melted to the hat and gift wrap. If it was stored in a cardboard box or bag, it also has attracted some unwanted bugs or rodents. Nobody wants that memory of opening that box.
Body parts (teeth, retainers, ashes, umbilical cords, etc.) I don't think I even need to go there.
Office supplies. It may have been your first stapler at your first job or extra stationary or post-its, but is it a keepsake? Is it worth storing and even paying to move it two or three times? What is it really worth to you?
Dishes, china, crystal, silver, barware and shot-glasses. So often we a saving our parent's china for our grown children, hoping they will want it one day. Apparently we didn't like it enough to use and display in our china cabinet, but we'll store it and hope we can pass it along to our kids. Right.....they probably don't want it either. Just ask and if they don't, recycle it out to the world. Whether you donate or consign it, someone would love to have it in their cabinet.
List, notes, and greeting cards. Do you really need to know what you picked up at the grocery store on October 28, 1986? No list is that important. Greeting cards are only keepsakes if they have a memorable note written on the card. Only keep the most special ones that still make you smile.
Outdated technology. This has become a new one that we are now encountering. They are keeping obsolete computers, video games, and cell phones. I actually uncovered a cell phone that was identical to my first cell phone from the 80's. You know the one I'm talking about, the original flip phone that was so enormous that it didn't fit in your pocket. Amusing, but not a keepsake!

When a client gets stuck on a keepsake, I like to ask if it is a happy or sad memory. Unless it makes you laugh or smile, let it go. Tears of joy are the only ones worth storing.

Three Organizers in a Hotel Room...

2011-04-11T15:57:00.001-04:00

Sounds like the beginning of a (bad) joke, right? Well, last week, the Abundance Organizing team was in sunny San Diego attending the NAPO Annual Conference. After a year together now, we have established a few conference traditions and best practices. Among others, we always share a room, we order extra hangers and towels within 5 minutes of checking into our room, we take extra time to visit with our favorite colleagues from across the country, we review all outfits and share pieces as necessary, we always get a bottle of wine for the room, and--oh yeah-- we ROCK!

Conference truly seems to be our time to shine. Sara analyzes and writes down every brilliant idea she comes across, Cathy makes instant friends with any person she meets who is wearing a “First Time Attendee” badge, and I receive comments of shock and awe from my sensibly-soled colleagues as I make it through 10 hour days in 4-inch heels. (Cathy and Sara claim that I am NAPO's “image nazi.”) Seriously though, conference is validating, it’s also challenging, inspirational, and fun. We leave every year completely exhausted and immensely proud of the work that we do.

Even though our colleagues think we are nuts to, we insist on sharing a room. Staying together gives us a chance to compare our experiences at the end of each day and strategize about the interesting ideas that we’ve learned. Each year, we are propelled forward through our proximity to the best and the brightest in our industry. We owe our success as much to them as we do the fresh-faced newcomers who remind us of how exciting this work really is.

Today, as I reflect on last week’s learning and adventures, I wonder if there’s any way we can have a better time in Baltimore. If you regularly attend conferences, is there a best practice you would like to share? And to all you NAPO organizers-- congratulations on another fantastic year.

Ladies Home Journal asks Sara Bereika for her expert advice!

2011-03-23T09:00:00.011-04:00

The April issue of Ladies Home Journal is stuffed (no pun intended) with material on decluttering. It is spring after all. Time to roll up your sleeves, open the windows, pull out the broom, and start cleaning and organizing. But be sure to read Ladies Home Journal first. I was interviewed for the article titled "Declutter Your Life." You just might learn a few organizing tricks. Their website also has useful checklists and other resources that can help put you on the right track. Is it possible you'll actually have a relaxing summer this year? Ahhh, what a concept!

Past-Present-Future

2011-03-21T16:38:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite by-products of our company’s team organizing approach is the opportunity to be a “fly-on-the-wall” during another organizer’s interaction with a client. Every organizer has his/her own technique and every client relationship is different. Even as a seasoned, experienced organizer, I am constantly inspired and educated by the work of my two partners and the other professionals with whom we surround ourselves. Viewing even a tested technique through a new lens can be a valuable learning experience.

Last week, as I assisted Cathy on one of her jobs, I listened to her dialogue as she assisted her client through a tough decision process. She helped the client view her possessions in a different way by teaching her the past-present-future technique that we’ve learned through the ICD. Although I learned this technique in my first few weeks of organizing and have used it in the field and shared it from the platform many times myself, I found myself thinking in that moment: “How brilliant!”

The past-present-future technique was first developed by Judith Kolberg, so let’s give her a shout-out here before we go any further. Here’s my loose interpretation, for those of you who are unfamiliar with the concept. All of the items in your space can be categorized in one of three ways; they represent either the past, the present, or the future. Here are some examples:

The Past- The person you used to be. Old photos and memorabilia, materials from a past career or hobby, an item that you have since replaced (outdated technology, etc.) parts or pieces from an item that you no longer own, clothing that is out of date or a former size, a business report you wrote two years ago, or items you’ve held on to simply because they belonged to or were once used by someone you loved.

The Present- The person you are today. The bill that needs to be paid next week, keys to your current house and car, technology that is in use, clothes that fit today (not hopefully after that crash diet you are starting on Monday), basically anything that you are currently using with regularity

The Future- The person you hope to become. Recipes that you would like to cook, travel brochures for that trip you want to take one day, craft supplies for projects yet to be made, gifts to give, books or magazines you are planning to read as soon as you find the time, etc.

I hope you get the picture. It is a relatively simple exercise that can quickly show you where you are getting stuck. Realistically, every household will have a healthy mix of all three categories, but should focus on the “present” items in primary spaces for day-to-day activity. You have items to honor and appreciate from your past, you have daily responsibilities, and you need to plan and prepare for the future. In our work, we frequently see clients who have unintentionally let their past or future squeeze out happiness and calm in the present.

Anyway, I listened as Cathy helped her client look at her belongings through the past-present-future lens. Together, they realized that the client’s main challenge lies in the “future” category-- especially craft supplies. I was so happy to hear Cathy compliment her client on her good management of items from the past. I’ve said it before; but, when we’re feeling overwhelmed, we sometimes need to be reminded of what we are doing well. That Cathy is SUCH a pro!

Think about your space. If you are having trouble finding your keys, the scissors, or this month’s water bill, you might want to ask yourself the past-present-future question. Are you living in the past? Do you truly have the time to tackle all of those tasks you’ve planned for the future? How do you feel about the realities of your present?

I recently read this quote and it seems appropriate right now:

“The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it is called the present.”