Thanksgiving Must Haves: For Organized and Stress-Free Thanksgiving Hosting

When hosting Thanksgiving there a few things you want to make sure you have on hand for those just in case moments and for moments when you may need a little extra something. What do you like to keep on hand during Thanksgiving for those unexpected moments.

1. Red Wine Stain Remover: We have all been there where somebody accidentally spills something, so much suer you have red wine stain remover handy.
2. Carpet Cleaner: For all other stains from food to kids to pets. I have used this stuff for many, many years and it is all of the sudden super popular again. I think because some blogger posted about it, who knows lol. If you are local in Houston, you can get it at Bering's Hardware.
3. Goo Gone Pen: for markers, when you see a label on a new dish that you need to get off, etc. 
4. Silver Polish: If you use silver on a regular basis, this is great 
5. Something that smells good: whether that is a reed diffuser, candle or essential oils. You want people to step into your home feeling welcomed. 
6. To go containers: If you are hosting Thanksgiving there is sure to be leftovers, so make you sure you are prepped and ready to send people home with leftovers. You can find reusable containers at Sam's Club & Costco or online. As you probably saw in this post. One organizer suggested downsizing your personal storage container stash. 
7. An iron, steamer or wrinkle releaser: If you are the type that likes to have fresh, crisp linens on hand than this is especially helpful. If someone arrives super early and wants to help have them freshen up the linens for you.
8. Mints or mouthwash in the bathroom: After a full meal some feel like to have something on hand to freshen up their breath. Decant mouthwash and have a little station set up with mini cups for your guests to use. I have been to many of houses where where they have mouthwash stations and I always think it is a great idea.
9. Folding chair: It is always nice to make sure you have plenty of seating for any unexpected guest that may show up. 

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A Houston Professional Organizer / Concierge's Fave Product PT 1

Do you have favorite product? I have so many and will need to start featuring more on here. 

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Professional Organizer's / Concierge Must Haves: Double Sided Tape Roller

Being a professional organizer I have tried out SOOOOOO many different products through the years. This Scotch tape double sided roller tape is awesome!! It is especially great when wrapping gifts. With the holidays around the corner, this will come in handy. What is some of your favorite products?

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Made in the USA: WrapMaster Hand Held Paper Cutter

When I was on a work trip in Austin with Mary Jo, from Organized by MJ, we did a quick Container Store run and came across this hand held paper cutter that we had not seen at the Houston location yet. After some TCS employees told us it worked great we had to get it and give it a go. I love it and love that it is made in the USA. Have you seen or used this before?

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Concierge Must Have: Extension Cord

It has been awhile since I last did a "Concierge Must Have" item. Extension cords are something that I am always using for personal assistant and professional organizing clients, along with for myself. Personally, I prefer fabric extension cords over the just plain plastic ones. Until recent years, I had a hard time finding them. A few years ago I found some at Lowe's and then a few months ago I found this one at Staples in Houston. What I really love about this one is that  you can plug 3 prong cords into it and it is long enough to reach where I need it to in most places.

What are some of your must have items for your job?

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Tools of the Trade for a Concierge

There are so many things that are necessary for a concierge, but below are some of the tools of the trade that are necessary to be good at what we do. This post is piggy backing off this past article that I wrote last year. 

Planner. Whether it is a paper one or an electronic one this is necessary to keep track of clients and schedules. 

Pen & Pencil. I almost always have a pen or pencil with me to keep track of everything that is necessary. I am constantly writing things down.

Electronics. Computer, phone, headphones, etc. are necessities for a concierge because this is how we conduct a good chunk of our business. 

Tape measure. Since I am a professional organizer I carry a small tape measure in my purse. It comes in handy for so many different things. 

Cash. You should have cash on hand most of the time because you never know when you will need it for parking, valet, tips, etc. 

Vendors. Any good concierge has a list of vendors that they prefer using on a regular basis. 

List of resources. Besides vendors you should have a list of resources like stores, individuals, companies, websites, etc. that you can refer to when needed. 

Network. There are so many networking events you can go to and ways to network. This is how you meet others who may be interested in hiring a concierge.

Get to know your area. I do a lot of business in the downtown Houston area, so I am constantly walking and talking with all kinds of people and businesses. 

Professional organizations. Join professional organizations that may be beneficial to your business. I am part of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), among other organizations,  because I am a professional organizer. 

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Made in the USA + Concierge Must Haves: Franklin Covey Planner Pages

Continuing with the theme of getting organized this month, I wanted to share that I went back to using my old, trusty Franklin Covey planner after years of trying different ones. They stopped making the pages I liked, so that is when I switched, but just couldn't find what worked best for me. So this year I decided that I loved the size and pockets of my old planner, so I switched back. I have only been using it for just over a week now and LOVE it! This is perfect for helping keep track of clients in Houston and virtual, concierge tasks /personal assistant tasks that I need to complete and helps me stay organized professionally and personally. The great thing is the planner pages are made in the USA! What is your favorite type of planner?

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Concierge Must Have Item: Stationery

As a concierge and just me in general, I write a lot of letters. I know I have mentioned this on here several times throughout the years.  For work I will send thank you notes or just notes in general to clients, vendors, etc. I consider this a must have because people notice when you send a note to follow up, a thank you note, etc. and it is usually appreciated. It let's them know you are thinking of them and you took time out of your day to write them a note.

I have all kinds of stationery. Some of my favorites just for blank cards is Tiffany & Co. and it is not as expensive as you would think. I love the quality of the paper they use. I just call the NYC store to order over the phone. For other cards it is no secret that I love Rifle Paper Co. I also pick up random cards that are on sale, that I see at Trader Joes, that people give me, etc.

Do you have a favorite brand of stationery you use?

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10 Things I Use on a Day to Day Basis For Eco Modern Concierge

• Car. I use my car for everything, especially since Houston does not have a good public transit system.  I use my car to go to meetings, visit clients, run errands, etc. etc.
• Computer. I use my computer for so many different things to write emails, send invoices, research, write blog posts and the list goes on and on. 
• Phone. This is how I communicate with others. I receive calls from potential clients, current clients, business calls, I use it to text, send emails, and once again, the list goes on and on. 
• Internet. This is a must as you know to send emails, invoices, etc.
• Company Debit &/ or Credit Card. Having a company debit or credit card is a must because it helps you keep your business and personal money separate. I use it to purchase client items if needed, business lunches, supplies, etc. 
• Cash. You never know when you will need cash for parking, to tip valet or a server, go to cash only places, etc. 
• Phone Charger. I need my charger with me because my phone dies so quickly, especially if I am on Snapchat, Insta stories or taking some type of video. 
• Planner. I write most of my appointments, events, to-dos, etc. in my planner. I much prefer a paper planner to an electronic one because I can make notes in it with stickies and I am a visual person so I retain more. 
• Notebook / Pen & Pencil. I am constantly writing things down. Like I said I am a visual person, so I retain more when I can write it down. When I meet with new clients and current clients I will more than likely write, write, write so I don't miss anything.
• Food. Throughout the day I will sometimes forget to eat and then I get really bad hunger headaches. I try to always keep snacks on me, so I can remember to eat and so I don't have to spend a whole bunch of money going out to eat.

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