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10 Tips to Get Clutter Under Control in 2008

The coming of a new year brings renewed commitment to making our lives better. A common goal is getting organized, but it is difficult to know where to start, especially in a home full of clutter. Seriously Organized, LLC, a Twin Cities-based professional organizing service, offers the following organizing tips to get you on the road towards a clutter-free 2008.

Top Ten Organizing Basics

1. The 70/30 rule:

If a cupboard is so full that you have to take apart half of it to reach what you are looking for, it won't stay organized. Fill up 70% with stuff and leave 30% empty to have room to find things and have space to add items.

2. Use up what you have:

Do you have five half used bottles of shampoo under your sink Don't buy a new product until the old product is completely used up and thrown away.

3. Everything needs a home:

Nothing should permanently lremain on a table or the floor unless it is a decoration or furniture. Items like receipts, lost buttons, and a random puzzle piece need to find a real home.

4. Go online:

About 80% of paper in your home, bills, bank statements, magazine articles and reference materials can be located on the web and it is already organized for you.

5. Label everything:

There is a reason why all professional organizers own label makers, labeling works. Labeling drawers, shelves and bins will help everyone in the family stay on the same page.

6. Less is more:

Don't fill countertops and shelves to the brim with decorations, nick knacks and photos. Having space makes the area look less chaotic and helps reduce the tendency to let clutter get out of control.

7. Have a reasonable amount:

It's okay to collect certain things, but is it reasonable to have 12 sets of sheets for one bed Does one person really need 85 pairs of socks Let available storage space be your guide. If your hall closet is full of just towels, it's time for that garage sale.

8. Have items that serve double duty:

Don't have multiple sets of dishes for every occasion (BBQ, fall, Christmas) or specific foods (pasta, sushi, desert). One set for everyday and a formal set for special occasions should be plenty for any household. Your frying pan can make quesadillas. You don't need a special quesadilla-making appliance.

9. Buy items that match:

When buying storage containers buy a lot of the same kind, this will allow them to stack and store easily together. The same goes for drawer organizers, Tupperware, and dishware.

10. Know when to call in for backup:

If organizing is not your strong point hiring a professional organizer is always a good idea. Not only do they have the expertise to get you organized in the most efficient and time saving way, you will have support throughout the process.

"We know that clutter can quickly take over a home and become overwhelming. That is why we offer free tips on our website and in-home consultation to help homeowners identify ways to get clutter under control," says Seriously Organized founder Nikki Havens.

For more organizing tips and to learn more about what organizing services are available, go to http://www.seriouslyorganized.com or contact Seriously Organized at 612-227-4079.

About Seriously Organized:

Seriously Organized, LLC is a professional organizational service that helps its clients gain control over the piles of clutter that can overwhelm them, and gets them organized once and for all. By developing an understanding of their unique goals, routines and life-style Seriously Organized transforms their rooms or homes into well-ordered and efficient spaces. Seriously Organized also offers cleaning services to help clients maintain their organized homes. To learn more, visit http://www.seriouslyorganized.com or call 612-227-4079.

About Nikki Havens:

Seriously Organized owner and founder, Nikki Havens, is uniquely qualified to help people get their homes and lives in order. After eleven years as a social worker, helping people address issues that prevented them from reaching their full potential, Nikki recognized the need in the Twin Cities for organizing services. She founded Seriously Organized in 2006. As a professional organizer and a member of the local and national chapters of National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), Ms. Havens is a sought-after speaker on organizing. Nikki Havens can be reached at nikki @ seriouslyorganized.com.

Contact:

Kris Huson, Public Relations Director, Seriously Organized

651-757-0427

marketing @ seriouslyorganized.com

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