3 Interior Design Decisions That Make Organizing Spaces Harder

There are so many architectural and interior decisions that are not always beneficial or helpful when it comes to actually organizing and making a space functional. Sure it looks pretty, but it is not always helpful for day to day living. When we are organizing client's spaces we try really hard to make it as functional as possible and when clients want it we try to make it aesthetically pleasing then we will do that as well. You can have form and function, but really to make a space sustainable then it needs to have function above all else. 

• Corner cabinets that are deep and unreachable from the sides. They are not effective because no one wants to bend over and struggle to get things out of those cabinets. If a lazy susan will fit properly in the space, we often install them to gain height and function. Also, we often install pull out drawers to help make the space more functional and so the clients can get things out easier. Or we use bins that have rollers on the bottom to make it a tad easier. If you have no other choice store things in areas like that, that you do not use often. 
  
• Architectural designs that don't make since and are not functional. We have seen some crazy things through the years and what we are seeing in some pantries are architectural design elements that are pretty, but not functional. When organizing we need function over form / prettiness. You can have both if it is done right. If a bin can fit in within that design then we often use it in that way or we unpackage things like paper towels to utilize it. I attached a photo for your reference. 
  
• Spaces with no pantries. I can't tell you have many times we walk into kitchens that have no designated pantries. We have to create one often with a freestanding shelving unit, free standing cabinet, coat or linen closet or with an existing cabinet. I attached a photo of us transforming a coat closet in an apartment into a pantry. We added shelving, an over the door rack to maximize space and bins for organization. 

What other design decisions make organizing spaces harder?

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Houston Professional Organizer // Montrose Client Closet Organization Before & After

We have been working for this professional organizing / concierge client for several years and have helped them through many life transitions from break ups to moving to getting married to having a baby. I always love when we get to help clients and see how things have grown and changed through the years. This closet project was after they moved into their new house. It took several hours and organizing is not always as easy or as fast as it looks. That is a very common myth with organizing. 

Here is what we did:

• Sort clothes by his & hers and then by type & color.
• Switch hangers where necessary.
• Fold jeans on shelves.
• Pair shoes together. 
• Separate and fold items in drawers like socks, underwear, bras, workout, pjs and t-shirts.
• Better utilize the shelves. 
• Go through bins and baskets. 
• Organize!

Before: 

After:

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6 Productivity Tips and Hacks

Staying productive is such a hard thing to do for many people. We constantly coach productivity and organizing clients to help them be productive and stay on task. Everyone learns and does things differently. Here are 6 simple things you can do stay more productive. 

• Create to-do lists and break big tasks down into smaller, manageable tasks.
• Set daily goals of what you want to achieve. Start with your most important or difficult task first. Commit to achieving one goal a day.
• Use the Pomodoro technique where you set a timer and work for 25 minutes and then break for 5 minutes. 
• Use app & website blockers that blocks you from getting on certain social sites and apps while you are working. 
• Have an accountability partner or business mentor you can talk to about your goals and check in regularly. 
• Use iPhone's screen time controls to help you increase productivity. 

Photo by fauxels from Pexels

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How to Organize Your Bathroom

Bathrooms are areas that we use everyday and can often become a mess extremely quickly because they are areas we get ready in, brush our teeth, shower, get dressed, and the list goes on & on. Here are some ways that professional organizers like myself organize bathrooms.

• Take everything out of the bathroom: This way you can really see the space you have to work with.
• Get rid of old and expired items: No need to keep items you no longer need, use or that are expired. 
• Sort like items together: This way you can see if there are any duplicates and get rid of them or distribute them to other rooms of the house, see what you may need to replace, etc.
• Organize: Organize bathroom products so you know where you would like them to be placed. 
• Contain: Use organization products to help you contain your bathroom items.
• Buy product after you declutter: This way you are getting the proper containers to fit the items you actually have and use.

How do you organize your bathroom?

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6 Tips for Balancing Virtual Schooling

Are your kids still doing virtual schooling this year? If so, below are some tips that may be helpful. I know most kids are doing in person this year, but there are schools that are offering virtual school. I know some people already have virtual school down to a science, but others may need a little more help. It can be a hard and daunting thing to deal with as a parent and child. We have helped countless clients get organized for the new school year. 

• Set up a consistent routine. This is essential in staying on track and making sure you have a plan in place. 
• Plan the night before. If something is needed for school the next day make sure it is ready to go on your desk or work area, prep your meals the night before so you are not scrambling, set up clothes out, make sure your spaces are organized, tidy and ready to go for the next day, etc.
• Use apps or a physical calendar to keep track of important deadlines, meetings, due dates, etc. Having important tasks written in one area or designated areas is great so you can make sure everyone is on the same page. 
• Create systems and encourage sticking to them. Creating systems in all areas always helps, but especially when you have a lot going on. Taking the time to set up systems and processes will reduce future stress, amount of work, questions asked, and time it takes to get things done.
• Outsource. If you are feeling spread too thin hire help to help you be your most productive self. It reduces stress and can be a huge time saver. This could be hiring someone to come into your home, buying pre made meals for dinner, outsourcing various household tasks to get done, etc.
• Give yourself grace. Not all things will go as planned and be perfect. Give yourself and do the best you can. It’s probably not life threatening and everything tends to work out in the end. 

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5 Things to Purge This Weekend

 

• Take out menus. You can look everything up online and since COVID so many restaurants are still not fully open and have limited menu options. 
  
• Water bottles. We all get water bottles randomly, at free events, etc. and many of them we never use or don't like keep the ones you like and get rid of the rest. We often use these water bottle organizers in client's homes. 
  
• Organizers that don't fit properly in drawers. Lots of people often buy organizing solutions that are one big item with divided slots to put things like silverware and utensils in, in drawers, but they are often not the right size. I suggest buying individual drawer organizers so you can customize your drawer based on what you are putting in it. 
• Gifts from others you don't like. Most people get rid of gifts that others gave them because they think "what if they come over" and don't see it. Truth is most people NEVER ask that person about the gift they gave them. If you don't like it, donate it!
  
• Clothes that no longer fit that you are "saving" to fit in. Many people hold onto clothes for many, many years that never fit. By the time they do fit most of them have gone out of style. Many people want to go shopping for something new and fabulous when they loose weight and no longer care about the old clothes.

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Professional Closet Organizing Questions

Being a professional closet organizer there are various questions we often get asked when it comes to organizing closets, since it is one of our specialities. We are based in Houston, TX, but travel all over. Being a closet organizer in Houston is similar to other places, but some answers to questions may be different because of different regions and climates.

 -What are the benefits to getting your closet organized? Endless! But here are a few, less stressed, saves time because you are not constantly looking for items, saves money because you know what you have and are not going out and buying additional items, added storage because you can usually have more room in an organized, etc. 

-How often should people get their closets organized? Maintenance is key, really you should constantly be maintaining. Some clients we go to weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly.

-When is the best time to get your closet organized? From the moment you move into a new home and if you are already in your home or have been there for years there is no right time, you preferably just need to start!

-Who can benefit from getting their closet organized? Everyone. You reap the benefits immediately, your partner because unorganized closets can be a point of contention for many because everyone is stressed, late, etc. If you or a loved one in your household happen to pass having an organized closet can help you find certain items that are needed of sentimental value, etc.

-So you’ve organized my closet, what happens to the items I don’t want/need anymore? Personally at Eco Modern Concierge, as of right now, if you want them donated we donate them for free, if they can fit in our vehicle, on behalf of clients. Client's sometimes donate to their church, give to friends, family or coworkers, some try to sell online or at local resale shops. 

-What are some tips I should keep in mind after my closet is organized? Maintain, purge often, go through your closet seasonally, have a spot designated for repairs, dry clean and alterations.

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