Too many cookbooks?

Cook books can be a huge space hog. They can fill up an entire cupboard in the kitchen which is probably already lacking for space. Here is a simple solution. Photo copy the recipes that you use from each cook book and then donate/sell the books. In general, people tend to use the same few recipes from each book. If that is the case, then you do not need the entire book. Photo copy that which you use and keep them in a binder/file folder/recipe box. Without those books taking up precious space, you are free to have a more organized/clutter free kitchen. And what happens if you need to look up a new recipe and you no longer have your books? Check out www.epicurious.com or www. foodnetwork.com. Both websites have amazing recipes for pretty much any type of cuisine.

Meagan Farrell, professional organizer, is the owner of Clear the Clutter organizing services. She can be reached at (360) 631-7268 or at clear_theclutter@yahoo.com. Check out her blog at http://cleartheclutterprofessionalorganizing.blogspot.com/

Cook Books

Are you a cookbook junkie? Do cook books take up an entire cabinet in your already storage challenged kitchen? Here is a simple solution. Photocopy the recipes that you use out of each cook book and donate/sell the cookbooks.

Organizing the Garage

It is spring and as it warms up, it is a great time to get that garage cleaned out! Always begin any organizing project with the process of elimination. The best way to eliminate clutter in your garage is to do small sections at a time. Pick either a corner or a shelf and work on that area only. Focusing on a smaller area is less overwhelming. Take everything out of that space and divide it into three piles: keep, throw away, or donate/sell. After everything is sorted, put the “keep” pile away in an organized manner. Do not put things away as you sort or you are likely to get sidetracked from your main focus. Immediately discard the “throw away” pile, and then either drop off donations or start the selling process of the remaining items. Stay focused until the space is entirely done.

Next, consider your storage space. Shelving is always a great option. Using clear plastic storage bins to hold categorized items, such as holiday decorations or camping equipment, is the way to go. With clear bins you can see what you have inside without having to pull the bin down and rummage through it. Make sure to label all bins with the general content of the category. Another option is ceiling space. There are ceiling hanging shelves for items infrequently used or there are hooks that hang from the ceiling and hold bikes or sporting equipment.

Finally, install your storage items and put everything away in a neat and categorized way. Now that everything has a home, keep it there. Enjoy your clean and usable space!


Meagan Farrell, professional organizer, is the owner of Clear the Clutter organizing services. She can be reached at (360) 631-7268 or at clear_theclutter@yahoo.com. Check out her blog at http://cleartheclutterprofessionalorganizing.blogspot.com/

Organizing store/membership cards

Do you have a big stack of store rewards cards? The grocery store cards, Blockbuster, movie watcher, etc? I do too and it was making me crazy. Not only did they slide all over in my wallet, but when I needed one, it took a while to shuffle through the pile and find the correct one. The solution? Get a business card holder to store all these cards. These can be found at an office supply store or even a Target/Wal-Mart type shop. This can be carried in your car or in your purse so it is available when you need it.

To be even more efficient, you can take a few extra moments to alphabetize the cards. Sound like too much work? Pay your favorite child fifty cents to do it. It will be educational for them and one less thing to do for you.


Meagan Farrell, professional organizer, is the owner of Clear the Clutter organizing services. She can be reached at (360) 631-7268 or at clear_theclutter@yahoo.com. Check out her blog at http://cleartheclutterprofessionalorganizing.blogspot.com/

Why Hire a Professional Organizer?

My windows are filthy. I have tried to clean them myself, but they always end up streaky. I’ve tried all the supposed techniques, but no matter how I try, they just don’t look good. So now I hire window washers. It isn’t very expensive and they make my windows sparkle in no time at all. Should I be embarrassed?

No way! These guys (and gals) are good at what they do. They have honed the art of cleaning windows. You may think that your windows are pretty bad, but they don’t care. Their focus is on getting your windows clean, no matter how bad they were to begin with.

The same is true with professional organizing. People always tell me that they need my services, but are embarrassed to let me see the problem. I am here to tell you that there is nothing embarrassing about hiring an expert to help you with a problem. Professional organizers are not there to pass judgment. Rather they are there to help you and share their knowledge.

Personally, I have admiration for people who seek professional assistance with things that are important to them. I always admire that my clients are willing to work so hard to make their home or office a better place. Don’t let the fear of being judged stop you from improving your life and reducing your stress. Call a professional organizer today!


Meagan Farrell, professional organizer, is the owner of Clear the Clutter organizing services. She can be reached at (360) 631-7268 or at clear_theclutter@yahoo.com. Check out her blog at http://cleartheclutterprofessionalorganizing.blogspot.com/

Effective Emails

Many people think that kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland brings good luck. Actually, it brings the “gift of gab” which is the skill or eloquence or flattery. The “Gift of Gab” does not translate well to emails however.

In this day and age of constant communication and information - quick, simple and to the point is best. Considering that most people are bombarded with emails each and every day, make sure that you are maximizing your contact time. Here are some tips for effective use of email:

· Use your subject line. Be specific so the receiver knows exactly what they are about to read. This will also help those who need to refer back to your email at a later date, making it easy to locate.
· Be brief and to the point. Use bullet points and bold wording to make it organized and easy to read.
· Stick to the point. If you find that there are two separate issues that need to be addressed in one email, make sure you include both in the subject line.
· If you are forwarding an email, clean it up. Cut and paste the actual text into a new email and clean up the wording so extra symbols or spaces are not in it.

Remember that the more email you generate, the more you will get back. Think before you hit “send.” Everyone will appreciate your effort to make your emails more concise and effective.



Meagan Farrell, professional organizer, is the owner of Clear the Clutter organizing services. She can be reached at (360) 631-7268 or at clear_theclutter@yahoo.com. Check out her blog at http://cleartheclutterprofessionalorganizing.blogspot.com/

Q & A - Moving to a smaller space

Q: Please help need organizing ideas for a small apartment!?
I am moving into a much smaller apartment with my boyfriend in a couple of months..our bedroom furniture is king size and we have alot of stuff in general..the place were moving too the kitchen is very small...i need some more ideas on how to maximize space..this is what i have so far: I am getting an oval hanging pot rack (u hang it fromthe celing and hang your pots from it) i am getting a 2 hanging cabinet door organizors ( u hang them on the inside of the cabinet doors) for the bathroom i am getting a white shelf that has 5 shelves in it and i am putting baskets in it (putting the towels/wash clothes/cleaning supplies in the baskets) I hope I am explaining it right...well there u have it do you have any more ideas? We are trying to save money thats why were moving to a smaller place (plus all utiltiies are included in the rent)

A: Hi - utilize the backs of your doors with door hanging shoe organizers (cheap and can be purchased at Target/Wal Mart). They can be used for office supplies, kitchen utensils, bathroom supplies. Also, huggable hangers (target) are great for maximizing closet space.There are also great foot stools or coffee tables that double as hidden storage space. They are hollow in the middle.Finally, consider what you truly need. Is this a short term move or a long term plan? If it is long term, reconsider the furniture and stuff you have. Consider selling it on Craig's List and using the money you make to buy a CD or money market account. That money can be earmarked for future furniture when you get a bigger place.I would take an honest look at your stuff again after 6 months. If you haven't used it in that time, consider getting rid of it.