A Look Inside the Bag of a Professional Organizer

I always dreamed of having a bag as practically perfect as the one Mary Poppin's carries. She would have been a great professional organizer. I recently bought my first "work bag." And the whole time I couldn't get her out of my head. It had me thinking, what do other people carry in their work bags? Mothers of infants most likely have an extra diaper or two; Nurses carry stethoscopes & pen lights; and businessmen seem to be rather minimal: Computer, notebook, pen. 

I am almost a year into professional organizing and have found that having just the right thing is a wonderful bonus to offer to my clients. A stray key that needs a ring, A bin that needs labeling, A lamp that needs securing. Two second fixes that rid you of nagging problems for good! 

Here is what's in my bag. I can't wait to see whats hidden in yours!

1. LABEL MAKER. No professional organizer can leave home without it. Even if you are not in this profession, I would seriously consider investing in one. It can make life so much easier. Not only do you know what is inside that bin or this box, but it also helps others know where to put stuff. No more, "I would have put it away but I didn't know where it goes." Each shelf, bin & basket can be labeled for your family's convenience. A space, a place, and a label for everything!

2. FURNITURE POLISH WIPES. These come in handy and are a part of my organizing process. Once the shelves are cleared and the items are sorted, I dust off any of the shelves or tabletops prior to returning items. A light dusting never hurt anyone.

3. A BALL OF YARN. This is great for binding linens, attaching a label or tying your shoes. 

4. SCOTCH TAPE. Don't leave home without it. This office supply essential has been around since the 1930s for a reason.

5.  SHARPIEs & a PENCIL. Leaving my mark in a variety of colors, widths, and mediums. 

6. Command ANYTHING.This is my go-to product for hooks. Whether it be a broom, an apron or holiday garland, these strips are great. I love that they are removable, non-damaging, and hold fast to daily life. For more great ideas on making the most of command hooks look no further than this article.

7. PRICE LABELS. Attaching a dollar sign to an item often makes letting go a little easier. In a matter of minutes, I can have an entire garage labeled and ready for sales. 

8. CHALKBOARD TAGS & 9. CHALKBOARD PEN. Wonder how people can write in chalk so well? I did too! Some people may spend years honing their chalk-writing skills, I bought this pen. Plus I love the look of the chalkboard labels and the fact that it is easy to change the tag if need be. 

10. KEY RINGS. Whether entrusted with the key to a client home or wrangling an unruly set of loose keys, these little key rings are fabulous. 

11. SCISSORS

12. STICKY STUFF. This stuff is great. Similar to the command hooks, it sticks to your stuff without damaging it on removal. Great for keeps that plant or lamp from being knocked over or a bin from sliding. I love that sticky stuff!

I am starting to feel a bit like Mary herself, if only I had a lamp and spoonful of sugar!

What do YOU keep in your work bag? 

Are you a minimalist businessman, a busy mom, or a Mary Poppins-type? 

Tips for Organizing the Play Area

This past week I had the pleasure of organizing a play area for two little girls. Their space is proof that you don't have to have a designated "playroom" to have a great play space.These are my best tips and tricks for giving kids a place to play and a space you will LOVE too!

BEFORE

I will help you rearrange your furniture to MAKE THE MOST of your space. You don't have to a huge space to have a great space. By creating a place for all of the toys, the kids now have a place to play.

AFTER

1. Use Bins & Label Everything. If kids are old enough to read, label bins with words. If they are younger, it may be helpful to use pictures to assist them in finding and putting away their toys.

2. Open Up and Brighten Up the Space by Designating a Place for Everything. Before, there was limited floor space. By rearranging some of the furniture and investing in a table to house the computer supplies and printer, I increased the floor space and play area...as well as spruced up the desk! I also added a larger lamp for the desk to brighten up this dark corner.

BEFORE

AFTER

3. Make the most of Nooks & Corner Spaces. Although this window nook had some available storage, it didn't utilize the area to its full potential. By creating a window seat using storage ottomans, I created a seating area and added additional storage in this adorable nook!

BEFORE

AFTER

4. Purchase Appropriately-sized Baskets. Finding the appropriate sized bins for your space can be difficult. Pick baskets that fit your space (like here, where they fit snugly under the console...measure before you go!)

Starting an organization project can be daunting, and that's where I come in! I will assess your needs, create a plan for the space, determine the items needed for a successful organization, and organize it all. 

Contact me at organizingnashville@gmail.com if you are interested in my organizing services. 

Organizing Toys and Books in a Laundry Room

This is one of my favorite organizing projects so far. My client has recently redecorated, and while the space is absolutely gorgeous, it has left her with little storage. That's where I come in! She needed a toy storage solution in her laundry room. In addition, the side entry (seen below) to her home, used by family and close friends, was cluttered with toys so I wanted to make this more visually appealing by adding proper toy storage here as well. 

BEFORE

In the laundry room, the counter-top space did not function well as a storage place but was more of a landing spot for everything that didn't have a place. So, I used a storage cube system to create a space for everything.

BEFORE

AFTER

Under the counter-top was a similar problem. Lots of need for storage but not a specific space for each item. By creating a designated space for each grouping of like items I seemingly created more space, which accomplished the overall goal of providing MORE toy storage.

BEFORE

AFTER

On the shelves above the counter-top, the storage bins did not fit the shelves and it was hard to determine what was in each bin. By purchasing the appropriate sized bins and labeling them, I created a space for each group of items so they can be easily accessed. 

BEFORE

 AFTER

The same was true on the other side of the laundry room with the shelving above the washer & dryer.

BEFORE

AFTER

On the washer and dryer side of the laundry I took advantage of the wall space by placing two hooks for reusable grocery bags. This provides easy access to a regularly used item.

I also added a large hook to the back of the door for bags.

In addition, I reorganized the laundry supplies for a cleaner and more functional look. Before, there were several organization bins to house all of the laundry supplies. Once I sorted through those items, it was easy to consolidate into one storage tower. Then I moved the tower in between the washer and dryer for easy use.

BEFORE

AFTER

With more storage available for toys in the laundry room, sprucing up the side entry was easy! I moved the pink child's chair upstairs (more on that in a later post!) and eliminated the need for the two storage ottomans. I also added a decorative basket for larger toys, making this room inviting and clutter free!

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

I loved providing toy storage solutions in this gorgeous home.

 If you are in the Nashville Area and interested in my organization services, 

please contact me at OrganizingNashville@gmail.com

or fill out this form: Client Interest Form

Organize Nashville

Caroline Dilbeck, Organizing Consultant

Bringing peace and restoration to your home through organization

Some more photos from this project: