Reorganizing just one drawer can make a huge difference.
This dvd/vhs drawer was filled to the brim and stacked so you couldn’t see the titles- no fun!

I pulled out everything and categorized by genre first, then alphabetized by name. A spreadsheet was then created to help keep track! (This is a great idea if you have a very large collection and want to check on your inventory quickly. Also great for noting whether you’ve loaned it out or if you run an Airbnb, etc!)

Since the items were few enough to be placed back in the drawer and easily recognized, tabs weren’t needed. But in larger situations it would be a handy tool to differentiate the categories!

#spacebykim #dvdorganization #dvd #vhs #vhsorganization #drawers #drawerorganization #drawer #drawergoals #organize #organization #organizedhome #organizer #organizers #getorganized #organizedhome #organizedlife #personalorganizer #orderbegetscreativity

I'm often asked the ways in which I can help someone clear their clutter or organize their space - sharing tips on the best concepts & plans.
But, let's talk about why you desire more order in your area to begin with. If you get down to the heart of it, our physical surroundings reflect our inner hopes, dreams, desires, aspirations, and esteem for ourselves. 
If you had a clean, un-cluttered, well-ordered space what would that signify to you? 
Some examples could be: 
Tranquility, Pleasure, Pride, Satisfaction, Fulfillment, Peace, Untroubled, Restful, Stillness, Serenity, Flexibility, Ease, Contentment, Self-Worth, Usefulness, Pleasure, Worthiness, Satisfaction, Comfort...
What feeling does this question spark in you?  - You can achieve it, and I'm here to support you!
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For the month of January I'm providing a reduced offering to you of "ONE AREA, ONE HOUR" for $75 (a $15 discount.)
We'll work together virtually addressing one specific area so you're closer to how you want to feel. 
​​Have Questions? Email me!  info@spacebykim.com
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​The small print!
*special session price valid only during the month of January 2021*
*please have working skype, facetime, or zoom capabilities*
*multiple hours can be booked at checkout*

Ever since the pandemic hit, the entrance to our homes has become more important than ever. Because it’s not just how we feel when we set foot inside, it’s now an important threshold for crossing safely to the outside world too.
It’s a great time to re-adjust since we’re moving into winter. I like to take a look at this area as the season’s change, at least twice a year as we move into fall/winter and spring/summer.
Let’s give it some TLC, and imagine what our entry/exit areas can do for us and consider our current needs.
Take a look at the space and ask yourself:
1) Has my routine changed? Other member’s of the family routine different?
2) Are there items in this area that don’t get used anymore? If not, take them away.
3) Are there items that aren’t there, and need to be? Bring them to the area.
4) How do you want the area to feel? Purely utilitarian, or does the location require some design elements that flow in to the rest of your home?

Look at the items in the area and see what makes sense in the entryway now:
• Trash/Recycling: If you leave it here to go out is it in a bag or container that makes this easy?
• Donations/Returns: Are these organized so you can take them out easily? Are they prepared with return labels? If you want a donation receipt, do you have a list of the donations you are taking out?
• Pet Supplies: Can you place them in one or two baskets or bins? One for leash, harness, poop bags, wipes, brushes and the other for towels/jackets/footwear?
• Gardening supplies: Does it make sense to have them there? Now that it’s wintertime, can they be re-located to another location, or, might they be placed in a covered bin or on a higher shelf in a closet?
• Makeup/Hair Accessories: Do you put makeup on right before you leave? If so, what are the essentials that you absolutely need? Remember that these items are going on your face, so make sure they are protected in a case or zippered bag. Do you have a mirror in the area to put your makeup on and check your appearance before you head out?
• Mail: Do you have a dedicated spot to place this? If you’re sifting through mail at the door, consider putting a sorter nearby with people’s names on it. Also consider placing paper recycling right here as well for easy transfer out of your home.
• Sporting Gear: Take note of what’s being used and what isn’t. For instance, if outdoor games aren’t happening as the weather gets colder, move them to another location or invest in a trunk. Or, if you bike to work everyday, then your helmet, gloves, camelback, etc. might work really well here as you head out the door.
• Bags: What are you currently using on a regular basis? Bags that you used pre-pandemic may not be useful at the moment. Keep only the bags you use now in this area, as well as farmer’s market or grocery shopping bags that you can pop on your shoulder when you leave.
• Clothing & Accessories: What coats are you needing right now? Have them handy at the door if you can. A rack or cubby with often worn shoes is nice to organize, especially if you have a lot of people in your home. Pick a favorite hat, scarf, and gloves to have nearby for each person, and if you have more than one pair, alternate weekly or so to add flavor to your outdoor look! Items such as sunglasses, chargers, and headphones could be placed in the bag you use most to cut down on clutter.
• Umbrellas: Always good to have one or two at the ready! Small ones can be popped in a bag, and bigger ones can be placed in a stand or underneath a shoe rack.
...last but not least....
* Face Masks/Hand Sanitizer/Alcohol Wipes: Can each person in your home have their own face mask area? Or perhaps kept in baggies to ensure they are separate from each other? Are small bottles of sanitizer available to pop in a bag when you leave? Would you like alcohol wipes there to wipe down your door handle and items you've brought in from the outside?

Give yourself a starter time limit for addressing this area, say 15-20 minutes. If you don’t finish the entire task, keep going if you’re able. If not, keep scheduling 15-20 minute sessions in your schedule until your entryway works for you!
Entering and leaving your home can be a beautiful transition if you set up the space to do so.
Reach out to me if you’d like help organizing and purging items in this area!
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Photo: Jon Tyson on Unsplash
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#entryway #entrywayideas #entrywaygoals #spaceorganizer #space #organizingideas #organizer #organization #organize #organizedhome #arrive #leave #assistant #spacebykim

Paper piles strewn about; bills, advertisements, subscriptions, statements, coupons…they're building up and you don’t know where to begin addressing it.
Paper clutter is one of the most talked about issues in organization and for good reason. Paper can be as important as birth certificates, wills, or life insurance forms to as unimportant as the take-out menu to a restaurant you hate.
The key to keeping papers under control is to have a system where you know exactly where to dispose or keep them, and taking care of them swiftly.
Let’s start the paper arranging conversation with mail.
I recommend that you quickly open all of your mail once you’re home to see what it is. You’ll know immediately what’s junk to recycle or what to hold on to. Then, place the papers within one of these categories:
IF IT'S JUNK TO RECYCLE: Have a paper recycling bin handy so you can drop them in right away. A good place is in your kitchen or near your door. If you want to shred items with your name on them, great, otherwise tearing up in pieces is fine too.
IF IT'S MAGAZINES OR LITERATURE TO READ: Pick a spot in each room you read in, and have a receptacle where they always go. For example, a basket in the living room or your bedside table in the bedroom.
IF IT'S RECORDS FOR SAFE-KEEPING: These go immediately in your filing cabinet or accordion system. A fire-proof box can be useful for records of major importance that aren't easily replaced.
IF IT'S TO-DO'S: These should be placed anywhere you know you will see them and take action. Your workspace is a good choice for bills that need to be paid, appointment reminders that need to be scheduled, etc. Have a designated file folder, filing tray or cork board that you go to on a regular basis to place these. If they are time sensitive, writing a due date on them is really helpful.
IF IT'S BRIEF REMINDERS/SENTIMENTAL: These should be placed where you’ll see them and can be grabbed quickly as you’re going out the door, or displayed for the time being. This can be coupons, tickets or wedding invitations, as well as special letters from family or pictures. A nice place can be the refrigerator or nook in your kitchen, as well as a hanging white board or pin board.
If you’re just starting this process, go through your home and figure out where all of these categories will be. Then, start gathering papers that are lying around and place them in the spot for each category. Soon enough you’ll see how the system works for you and the great part is you can always course -correct and adjust as needed.
Mastering paper clutter can take some time and patience so don’t get frustrated with yourself! It's a habit that will take hold if you take the time everyday to sort it.
I’m always here to help you make decisions on how to do this best in your home. Reach out to me for a free 30 minutes consultation.
Happy organizing!
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Photo: Sharon McCutcheon via
Unsplash
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#papers #paper #papershredding #papershredding #mail #organizingideas #clutterfree #clutterfreeliving #clutter #clutterfreelife #shredding #recycle #recycling #snailmail #magazines #Bills #organizingtips #filingcabinet #filing #assistant #space #administrativeassistant #spaceorganizer #organizer

Rest is not a luxury; it’s a must for a busy and organized life.
Some of us run around with our to-do lists and we forget to rest!
Giving yourself breaks is just as important as checking off your tasks. We call this “filling your well.”
Everyone has different levels of energy so it’s important to recognize what your limits are. You may have low energy, bursts of energy, or run at 100% all the time. For people who feel like the energizer bunny, it’s important to build time into your day for relaxation. For those with bursts of energy, take note of when you typically feel up and when you naturally like to calm down so you can take advantage of your rhythms.
Differentiate between mental and physical rest.
If your body needs down time you could sit and read a book, or play a video game.
If your mind needs down time, leave your phone at home and take a long walk or turn on some music and have a dance party!
In today’s fast world, embracing our inherent needs for unwinding aren’t valued nearly enough so we have to hand ourselves the reigns. We aren’t robots and we'll be happier and more able to manage the rigors of life if we revere ourselves and our bodies' natural needs.
Taking the time to carve out the gift of leisure will make you a better "doer" in the long run. How many times have you had that spark of intuition, or a great idea while you've been relaxing?
Want help? I can guide you in managing your calendar & activities to best suit your much needed down time. Reach out!
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. Victor Garcia via Unsplash
​#rest #relax #assistant #organize

A new year is almost upon us! With many of us working from home, educating from home, and seeking new ways to find joy in our living environment, this is a great time to take a hard look at our clothing closets, dressers, and storage.
Maybe your career has changed, you moved, or your style priorities have shifted. If you’ve never done a thorough purging of your attire it can be emotional, so set time aside without distractions, start with a small area and pieces that are more neutral, like a sock drawer!
Going with the sock drawer theme let's follow these steps:
a) Take everything out of the drawer and lay it on your bed, a table, or the floor.
b) Separate everything that was in the drawer into categories such as light colors, dark colors, knee socks, ankle socks, warm woolies, work out socks, etc.
c) Check all of the socks for holes, or wearing down. If you’re gifted at sewing and can mend them, great. If that’s not who you are then set aside socks with holes to be either recycled or thrown away.
d) If there’s only one sock from a pair, and you know it’s not in the laundry, it’s probably lost. Set these aside to be gotten rid of as well.
e) For each category, pick out all of your favorites that you absolutely know you want to keep and put them back in the drawer.
f) Go back to the piles, pick up each pair and ask yourself if you still like wearing them season to season. If so, place them back in the drawer as well.
g) The remaining socks you don’t wear go in the recycling/throw away pile.
h) A note on organizing the drawer: As you place the socks back in the drawer, it’s a nice idea to place like items next to each other. You will always know how many of each type of sock you have and you’ll be able to grab and go!
The rest of your clothing purging can be handled in much the same way, with the added step of trying items to see how they fit, if need be.
Follow these steps and see how you’ll create a closet that has working items in it you can wear now.
I have literally sifted every piece of client's clothing as part of purging projects. I can be there to discuss different necessities and assisting with decision-making. This task is very easily done virtually and I’m an empathetic accountability partner during the undertaking!
Contact me for details. 
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Photo: Becca Mchaffie

Welcome to your dose of SPACE! 

​Today we're talking about Purging items in your home or office and GYLIO (Getting Your Life in Order)  by bundling your tasks.
PURGING
"I want to get rid of stuff but I don't know how to separate the items!" 
It depends on what you're trying to purge, but a good rule of thumb is a recommendation that comes straight from Marie Kondo: create a trash, keep, recycle, and donate area. As you go through each possession, decide what area it goes in. As Marie says, does it spark joy? For each item ask yourself if you use it, does it still work properly, do you enjoy it? Does it bring value to your life? Are you holding on to it for sentimental reasons? Why? Trust your instincts. 
A great way to create these four separate areas is to label boxes, large trash bags, or any other handy receptacle so when you are finished everything is in one spot. 
I like to give myself the time to do the actual purging, then allow time to take the trash and recycle items out, and donate pieces to a Goodwill-type store. You will feel so good to have them out of your space; it's a tangible change you'll be able to see and feel. 
It's really important to set how much time you want to purge and keep to it. Get rid of distractions and set yourself up so you can concentrate. Know yourself. If you get distracted or tire easily, try this process for 10-20 minutes and see how you do. If this feels good, move on to 30-45 minute intervals, and so on! The longer you practice purging, it can become a soothing experience knowing what and why you have objects in your space. 

GYLIO PRACTICES (Get Your Life In Order)
The theory of GYLIO is to set time to attend to your Life Admin. This helps with constant overwhelm and allows the opportunity for downtime that is guilt-free. 
Life Admin is essentially all the errands, tasks, and to-do's that add up while you're trying to build a career, raise a family, get an education, etc! 
Try sitting down every week to build your to-do list, then give yourself an hour during that week to check items off the list. Grouping your activities is helpful. For example, you can make phone calls, send emails, and balance your checking account from your home. Another week you may want to spend some time running errands like returning purchases, picking up groceries, or dropping off clothes to be laundered. 
And make sure to add in self-care and pleasure activities in this exercise as well. One of the benefits of giving yourself this time is to create dedicated space for rest and relaxation. 
You can find an article on GYLIO here. 

MINDSET MOMENT
The "Slow Movement" has gained in popularity in some circles as an alternative to our society which has advanced so quickly due to technology, bringing our lives into an unprecedented fast pace. Sometimes we don't feel like we have a moment to slow down. This week, take a moment to pause and reflect on one of your ideas. Churn it over in your mind like a daydream, use a journal, or record yourself talking. Relish in a fews moments to expand on the thought. Then, share it with a friend or in the comments! 
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As always, I'm here to help you purge that closet or set up a game-plan to GYLIO, task master style! Reach out to me for more information.