NAPO Houston Professional Organizers' #1 Tips for Getting Organized in the New Year

Happy New Year! Hope your new year is going well so far. Being part of NAPO and NAPO Houston January is considered GO (Get Organized Month) and I asked some of my colleagues what their #1 tips were for getting organized in the new year and here is what they had to say. 

Amy Vance of Eco Modern Concierge: Start small on projects. When you start small, you don't set up yourself up for failure as much and are often able to accomplish the projects you want to. Instead of saying I want to organize my whole bedroom and closet today. Say I want to tackle this dresser or a drawer within a dresser. Tackling projects bit by bit helps you eventually tackle the whole, big project and you obtain the goal you want. 

Lisa Giesler of atimeandplace: Writing a list of things you liked and didn’t like in 2020. Write goals large and small that you’d like to accomplish. Set new routines. Find the perfect quote or scripture that inspires you to be your theme for the year.

Prathima Kodali of Sorted Nest: Have a dedicated place for everything and put everything in its place.. Create yourself a habit and stick to the habit for 21 days. Habits can be as simple as keeping the shoes back on the shoe rack, instead of leaving them on the floor , doing one load of laundry a day, or.. discarding the junk mail as it comes in the door...

Ellen Delap of Professional-Organizer.com: The single most important action every day is all about your bedtime routine. Set the same morning alarm time rise time and same bedtime each evening. A great night’s rest ensures a good mood and better productivity.

Helen Schutz of HBS Organizing: Stay on top of your taxes - set up a file folder and put important tax documents in it as they come in the mail. Also put in any donation receipt letters and paperwork from any other big ticket items such as new house, new car, property taxes paid, etc. in the tax file.

Adonna Braly of Clutter Roundup: Have a morning ritual that feeds your mind, body and soul. For your mind, you can read or journal. For your body, stretch, or do some kind of movement/exercise. For your soul, meditate, pray, or use affirmations. Whatever works for you. This starts your morning out feeling grounded and able to face anything. It gives you the umph you need to tackle your organizing endeavors!

Mary Jo Contello of Organized by MJ: Don't buy organizing products first. You should group like things, then edit/purge and then a place to store it. Last  buy a product to contain / store.

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Photo by Olya Kobruseva from Pexels

What NAPO Houston Organizers Are Doing During Quarantine

I asked my NAPO Houston organizing colleagues to weigh in on what they are working on during quarantine time because of COVID-19 and here is what they had to say! What are you working on during all your downtime? 

Liz Tucker of Serenity Organizing Solutions: "I’m doing some organizing of my own! Mostly spending time refining systems I’ve put into place and clearing out my physical inbox."

Ximena Lopez Owen of Zensible Organizing: "I have been listening to NAPO podcasts, NAPO free webinars, previous NAPO Conference recordings, and today I finished my first free COVID-19 Resource class!! The more I learn, the more I am fit and skilled to help others with their organizing needs!"

Ellen Delap of Professional-organizer.com: "Learning on NAPO.net"

Kerry Spencer of Vibrantly Organized: "Homeschooling 😉 but I am still able to help my college students and now parents homeschooling. All virtually of course."

Michelle Smithpeter of Pretty Practical Spaces: "Today I finally got back to my garden! Gave 2 bouquets to neighbors, before taking this photo: 

"Pantry rescue project this weekend. I had to redistribute heavy items and change support pins.  

Need to add black center brackets when I find some that aren't $50 each 🤑"

Melony Davis of All About Space Organizing: "I was able to virtually work with a client who now lives in Georgia. She decided she wanted to purge her closet, but was feeling overwhelmed. I gave her this advice: “Before you get too far in, ask yourself why you’re wanting to minimize and what your objectives are. Once you know that, go through everything and see if what you’re keeping meets those objectives. Remind yourself that you’re in a very different time and place than you were when you got certain pieces. I’m happy to assist you any way I can. It seems simple, but it was just what she needed to hear. 

I am also organizing and getting ready to plant the largest garden I have ever had. This may end up being harder than working with clients."

Ann Zanon of A2Z Organizing Solutions: "I am working but just with one client and just part-time. I have been counting on my VA to do more back-end work. Gotta put in my plug here though...for those of you who are doing NAPO and ICD classes, be sure to track them! It's a great time to assess where you are in terms of achieving your CPO® status!" 

Helen Schutz of HBS Organizing: "Working remotely with clients - thank goodness the technology exists to do this!"

Karen Baker of Soho Productivity Solutions: "I’ve working remotely with clients too. I’m getting more emails than usual from clients with questions about working from home and maintaining productivity in these less than ideal circumstances."

Amy Vance of Eco Modern Concierge: "I’m trying to catch up on my various business renewals, schedule blog posts, think of ways to sustain business if this goes on for 3+ months (because it is going to get worse), etc."

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Napo Houston Professional Organizers' #1 Tips & Tricks to Get Organized for Fall

I asked my NAPO Houston organizing colleagues to weigh in on what some of their #1 or top organizing tips for the fall were and here is what they had to say! What is your top fall organizing tip? 

Amy Vance of Eco Modern Concierge: " start thinking about the holidays now and get your family calendar under control"

Adonna Braly of Clutter Roundup: "Get your calendar out now and start writing in all the events you will be attending through the New Year. There’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, with all the parties and events in between. Pick and choose which events you can attend and those you can’t. Don’t fill up your calendar with so many obligations that you don’t have time to rest and rejuvenate. If bringing a food item get the ingredients together so it’s easy to make ahead of time. If bringing a hostess gift, find it now and keep in a gift area to grab as you’re going out the door. Keep it simple and you’ll enjoy the events you do attend so much more."

Ximena Lopez Owen of Zensible Organizing: "Before decorating for the Holidays, I open up all my holiday decor bins and give them a good purge. I trash any damaged items, and give away those that don't go with my current style and decor, or that just don't make me happy. I keep a "maybe" pile for those items I still like, but don't want to use this year. I review all my "keep" items and decide if I need to buy something new or what I have is what I need and love!"

Kerry Spencer of Vibrantly Organized: "Toys-We make it a habit to purge toys every month or two. It doesn’t have to be lots of toys all at once. Sometimes, it is only a few. But toys that never get out of the bottom of the bin definitely go out the door. With holidays year round, birthdays right after Christmas and lots of family nearby, we have to constantly get rid of toys. They can pile up quickly. If you can’t evaluate toys that often, try to declutter toys in September and then again in November to get ready for the holidays.

Delegate responsibility- My husband and children have sweet tooth habits. Candy is also collected year round. This isn’t really about the candy. It’s about delegating the responsibility to the person it’s important to. Candy is the sole responsibility of the sweet tooth parent and that parent makes the rules for receiving the candy. I know the rules, but storing, organizing and rule making have been delegated. I loathe the amount of candy we collect and it takes up so much space. Now it takes up space for the person it is important to and is no longer a headache for me. Mommy, can I have a piece of candy? Please ask Daddy."

Melody VonFeldt of Finding Joy in Enough: "Start discussing what part gifting will play in the holidays. If you’re wanting people to get you or your kids experiences instead of items, start having the conversation now instead of waiting until the week before the holiday (a lot of people have already finished shopping for you by then). It’s also good to start thinking about who you need to plan gifts for so you can start thinking about it and watching for the right thing instead of rushing around last minute."

Laura Gunn of Strategic Hourglass Solutions: "I start reviewing my coupons so I can get good deals on items I need for holiday baking. I make sure my spices are fresh. And make sure I have room in freezer to accommodate items I can make ahead of time!" 

Ann Zanon of A2Z Organizing Solutions: "Make flight plans for the holidays so you don't pay too much for last minute flights!" 

Donna Matthews of Slay the Chaos: "Make your list and check it twice! Decide now who and what you’ll spend on each person. Write it down and commit to staying within your budget."

Meredith Brister of Sorted & Styled: "Start gift planning now. Make a spreadsheet with columns: Person, Gift, Purchased, Wrapped, Sent. Use check marks to keep track once things have been purchased, wrapped, and sent. MAKE SURE you include upcoming birthdays. There's nothing worse for late November/December babies than to overlook their birthday."

Ellen Delap of Professional-organizer.com: "Ask your family the most meaningful holiday events. Be sure to calendar these and make it happen. Go through your gift closet and designate gifts specifically you already have. Spend extra time on self care. Holidays are busy and we get worn out. Gather a team to help you!"

Tammy Atchison of The Busy Corner: "As you decorate for the holidays, take this time to clear out old and unused decor from years past." 👻🍁🌲

Liz Tucker of Serenity Organizing Solutions: "Get your holiday letter and/or card photos together early! There’s always more than enough to do between Thanksgiving and New Years without that as an added stressor!"

Mary Jo Contello of Organized by MJ: "Really mine is simple - plan. Get your list together for gifts and start shopping now. If your a baker start planning when you can bake. Possibly freeze items to allow for more time. Get your holiday card list together, schedule photos and get out early. Get all events on the calendar."

Exact Mats a NAPO Houston Business Partner: " When Thanksgiving comes around, you probably want a beautiful table. Well, ExactMats are an excellent way to up your Thanksgiving table-setting game while protecting the surface beneath! They even work as table runners. 

And Christmas, for those of you who use, or have customers who use live trees, you know the clean up can be quite the ordeal. Especially if you have a cat 😻. So, we’ve created something special - a circular (or any shape you need) floor protector to go right under your tree!

When Christmas is over and you’re ready to clean up, simply lift the mat, fold it in half like a taco, and dump the remnants of Christmas trees past into your trashcan. Easy!" 

Melony Davis of All About Space Organizing: "Plan menus for meals and parties taking place in your home, and don’t forget guests with special dietary needs. Don’t forget to plan for the accessories too! 

If you’re attending several events, think about what you’re going to wear. Make sure everything fits and that it’s clean and ready to go. This includes shoes and jewelry as well. If buying gifts for adults, it’s okay to ask for gift ideas. It’s always better to give a gift that’s needed, than wasting money on something that’s not."

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

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NAPO Conference Packing List: What I am Packing for the Conference This Year

I am headed to the NAPO Conference today and am super excited to see all of my professional organizing friends from Houston and beyond, meet new ones, and learn lots from all of the classes. Here is a glimpse of what I am packing on the trip. If you know me personally and have been following on here for a long time you know that I am passionate about eco products, but sometimes I like non-eco products or use things because of recommendations, gifts, etc. I am many shades of "green", but I will be sharing some of my favorite eco products below as well. 

Here is a similar duffle bag that I have had for years and LOVE. I noticed that my exact one is no longer on their website, but they still have the leather version. 

Packing cubes that I used. 

***sorry not sure why the pictures came out so blurry this time.

Toothbrush: necessity. 

Toothpaste: necessity.

Living Proof humidity shield: my brother gave this to me for Christmas and I like is so far. Houston humidity is no joke. 

Lulu Organics dry shampoo: I have been using this for years and really like it.

Sunday Riley C.E.O.: I was given this as a gift and really like it so far.

Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser: I LOVE this cleanser and have been using it for years.

Tata Harper Floral Essence: I like this as a little refresh.

Say YES to Cotton face wipes: I saw, I think, Donna Karen rave about these in a magazine and really like that they are not scented and feel great.

Venus travel razor: I love this compact razor with the case.

Ursa Major Deodorant: I just got this natural deodorant not long ago. I have tried SOOO many. So far I like it.

Travel floss picks: I saw these at the store and liked that it came in a little case.

Wet mini hairbrush: necessity.

Hair ties: I really like these hair ties that were recommended by a friend. 

Cotton Swabs: necessity. 

Shower cap: because I don't wash by hair everyday.

La Roche-Posay ultralight sunscreen: I just starting using this because 2 of my clients that are doctors both recommended it. 

For the purse

Hand wipes: I really like the ones in the link, but this was convenient when I was at the store.

Aesop hand sanitizer: I like to have hand sanitizer around when I travel in case I need it.

Tide stick: for those pesky stains and since I am wearing white pants and jeans I have a feeling I may need it.

Thieves spray: this is great to use to spray down things in the hotel room.

Lysol spray: same as above. 

Band-aids: just in case.

Band-aid friction stick: perfect in case I need it from all of the walking I will be doing. 

Doterra orange essential oil: I use this as a hand sanitizer at times.

Avene spray: I like to use rose spray because it is so refreshing and this is the same refreshing feeling. 

Wellness and "Just in Case" bag

Elderberry vitamins: to help fight illness.

Multivitamin: because I need to take my vitamins.

Doterra On Guard pills: to help with illness.

Candle: because sometimes hotel rooms can be stinky.

The Laundress crease release: to help with wrinkles in my clothes.

Mini lint roller: just in case I need it.

Emergen-C: to help me not get sick.

Drip Drop: to help me with hydration and just in case I get a hangover from all of the celebration going on ;)

Advil: because sometimes I get hunger headaches and same as above.

Electronics needed

Bose headphones: I had wired Bose earbuds before and love these wireless ones as well.

External charger: in case my phone needs extra juice.

iPhone charger: because I have an iPhone. 

Earplugs: this is my first time having a roommate, so just in case I need them. Love ya Michelle!

Notebook for ALL the notes I will be taking.

Thank you cards in case I need to send some.

Stamps. Same as above.

Business cards because you hand them out a ton.

Sharpie that writes on glossy business cards. Thanks Ann for the tip!

Snacks just in case I get hungry. I mean, I really like to snack. I like to use reusable bags like these to store my snacks. 

Clothes. This is one of my favorite JCrew tops. Of course have to represent my Astros!

Shawl because it gets cold in the conference rooms. 

Tennis shoes to work out in.

Casuals shoes that are comfortable to walk all over in.

Boots because the president's party is western themed. 

Swimsuit because the hotel has an indoor pool and you never know if you might want to go for a swim. 

Jewelry. I got this jewelry pouch years ago and really like it because I don't where a ton of jewelry. 

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NAPO Conference Packing Tips: From NAPO Houston Members

Next week a whole bunch of Houston professional organizers are headed to the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) conference in Fort Worth, TX. We have about 30 or so Houston members and business partners going and this may be the largest amount to have gone because it is only a 4 or so hour drive from Houston to Fort Worth. A whole bunch of us are super excited. I personally can't wait to catch up with colleagues, meet new people, learn and have fun! Will you be there? Here are some tips from our members on what you should bring:

Adonna Braly of Clutter Roundup: "Comfortable shoes!....lots of walking going on there!"

Ann Zanon of A2Z Organizing Solutions: 
"-a pen or marker that writes on shiny business cards. 
-a sweater or large scarf for the cold rooms
-reusable water bottle (remember Pittsburgh with the dixie cups?)
-small snacks if you are a snacker" 

Naomi Kealy of Charming Spaces: "I was planning to bring business cards, a notebook and pencil, and probably my phone charger."

Susan Wade of Sunflower Strategies: "Highlighter for handouts, rubber band for all the biz cards you'll be getting, 2 binder clips in case your room faces East and the drapes don't close all the way (past experience) lol, ribbon or something to tie or clip or your conference bag since they are all the same"

Ellen Delap of Professional-organizer.com: "Sweater or shawl. It’s cold in there"

Michelle Smithpeter of Pretty Practical Spaces: "I appreciate all the tips! It is my first NAPO Conference.

I will bring my own tote bag to haul the daily take + session prep materials."

Mary Jo Contello of Organized by MJ: "A notebook for all your notes or print out the session handouts to write on as they do not give you copies. And a reusable cup or water bottle as mentioned above. Never leave without a sweater or light weight jacket...it is freezing. Since we are mostly driving lots of snacks and your favorite adult beverage!"

Tiffany Mensing of Space and Serenity: "Tissues for when they talk about the community partner 😭"

Gayle Goddard of The Clutter Fairy: "My favorite conference helper is an office supply - a clear, pleated, zippered pouch. I use it to capture all my receipts while I'm there, plus all the business cards I get from organizers and vendors both. There's always some coupon from a vendor or small info sheet to keep track of - it's the perfect way to capture all the little papers you need when you get home!"

Amy Vance of Eco Modern Concierge: "I agree with everyone else, but also want to add. Bring cash for tipping if you go out or need it unexpectedly, medicine / vitamins to stay in tip top shape like emergen C, multivitamin, etc., swimsuit if the hotel has a pool or hot tub, portable charger, if you are driving or bring in wine or beer, don't forget the opener ;), and the list goes on..... "

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Photo by Studio 7042 from Pexels

NAPO 2018 Conference Recap

NAPO 2018 Conference started off with a bang! This year it was retreat style at the Q Center in a suburb of Chicago called St. Charles, IL. It was so fun to have 9 NAPO Houston members join in on the fun this year. The best part, our own Ellen Delap was NAPO President this past year. Below is a daily recap. This was also cross posted on the NAPO Houston blog.

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Several NAPO Houston team members, Gayle Goddard, Mary Jo Contello, Liana George, Meredith Brister and Amy Vance,  arrived at the Q Center. Except Ellen Delap, who was already there. Since some were already busy and some didn't arrive until late, we walked the property to get acquainted with everything. At dinner many of us talked to new & old colleagues and friends. 

Friday, April 27th, 2018

Everyone else on the NAPO Houston chapter team arrived! This included, Susan Wade, Karen Baker and Valerie Thompson. Today began the big day of learning. Early in the morning some of us went to the leadership forum, some slept in, some hiked and others began to arrive at the center. We met for lunch and all went to see the keynote speaker Jessica Butts talk about personality types. Plus, an awesome bonus upon arriving for the keynote was that we all got swag bags filled with a Time Timer, a Container Store pouch (one of my favorite pouches ever that I use constantly), Meori foldable box and all kinds of other goodies. As the day winded down and we finished up various classes, we all met in the cafeteria for a Houston group photo! Afterwards we were supposed to have a bonfire, but it got rained out so it was turned into an indoor bonfire. Then many of us stayed up WAY too late chatting. 

Saturday, April 28th, 2018

Since we were at a "retreat" this year, many of us got up and went to a 6:30am yoga or belly dancing session. Then it was another full day of conference sessions and learning. Midday was the NAPO annual meeting and awards. Our friends and colleagues in NAPO Dallas / Ft. Worth won chapter of the year! At night was the president's reception where we ate, drank, sang and danced the night away. Then a few of us once again, stayed up WAY too late chatting. 

Sunday, April 29th, 2018

This was our final day here. Some of us left early while others stayed for the conference sessions and then headed out. 

Overall, the conference was another great success full of fellowship, learning, laughter and FUN!! Will you be attending next year in Dallas / Ft. Worth? 

NAPO banner conference photos courtesy of napo.net

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