Wanna see my linen closet?

Yes, I know I started the summer with the idea that re-doing a space in your home to be something other than what it was originally designed for is possible.  And we will get back to that.  The only defense I have for not posting the re-do yet is, well, Summer happened.
In the meantime, I'd like to share a couple shots of my tiny linen closet with you.

Top shelf: Seasonal stuff.  Harder to reach and out of my way.

Quilts, Beach towels, and Tissue boxes.

Next shelf: Twin sheet sets.  Folded and placed into the pillow case for the set and stacked like little library books.  On the far right, mattress covers rolled into burritos to fit all on the twin shelf.

Shelf #3: Lots of containers needed! Baskets for hand towels and wash cloths on the far left.

Big bin of pillow cases front and center. Guest bed linens (stacked like a book again) on the far right.

Shelf #4: Bath rugs, Basket of Holiday hand towels, and bath towels.

Bottom shelf: Close up of my lovely Placemats.  I can never remember how many are in each set, so I stacked them and clipped a clothes pin to remind me. Why didn't I think of this before?  I don't know.  But I can tell you it is sheer genius!

More bottom shelf: All the table linens.

And the floor: All rags and sheet fort making supplies contained in a laundry basket.

Shelf liner for a pantry project and spray starch are on the far right. Why? Why not.

Don't forget the door! It's my handy ironing board and iron holder! (That little pink tag is just a reminder for the location of the spray starch.)

So that's my organized linen closet.  The whole sha-bang. What do you think?

It is time for you to get organized, manage your time, and set up systems in your home and office.  You deserve better efficiency and harmony. Shoot me an email at juliebavi@gmail.com, stalk me on twitter@juliebavi, and show me some Facebook love https://www.facebook.com/OrganizeWithJulie.  

Changes in Attitude...

Do you HAVE TO use an area in your home for the purpose it was designed?  If you don't ever have formal dinners in your dining room, could you morph that room into something you could use every day - an office, playroom, craft room, or homework nook?  Does it have to remain a formal dining room because the realtor, your floor plan, or a relative told you that is what the room was designed to be?

Eight years ago when I moved into my current home, I had a little baby and I was starting a new business.  I needed to be in the main part of the house and didn’t need much space, so our 1980’s wet bar was my office and my little guy’s art area.  Soon his art materials and our home schooling adventures took over my office space in the wet bar.  And my organizing business was growing to the point of me needing more than a work surface and a single cabinet.  The wet bar became an art/school area.  My office moved to (and has taken over- Hallelujah!) the spare bedroom. 

(Photo of our art/school supplies circa 2009- organized, containerized, and labeled)

Fast forward a few years and we are no longer home schooling.  The homework area has expanded to a small table in the corner of the dining room, the couch, or the computer desk – depending on kiddo’s mood and type of homework.  In turn, the wetbar, which stores art supplies and games, has really become a catch all for all sorts of – well – detritus. 

What’s an organizing Mama to do?

Find out next time!

It is time for you to get organized, manage your time, and set up systems in your home and office.  You deserve better efficiency and harmony. Shoot me an email at juliebavi@gmail.com, stalk me on twitter@juliebavi, and show me some Facebook love https://www.facebook.com/OrganizeWithJulie.  

Now through June 15, Find out how you can receive 4 FREE hours of organizing services. 

Let it go! Let it go!

My hubby, infant son, and I moved into our current home 8 years ago.  Before that the longest hubby and I had resided in any one spot was a maximum of 2 years.  Moving often gave us the freedom to part with unused items rather than storing them.  Who wants to pay to pack, move, and store junk time and time again?

I’ve noticed, however, that in the past 8 stationary years – with a growing kiddo – that the willingness to store unwanted items has become a little too comfortable.  So what’s the solution?

First things first:
Get rid of the broken stuff.  You really aren’t going to fix it.  Part with the trash.  Anything that is truly not of salvageable worth needs to go to its proper dumpster home. 

Then what?

Sell. Sell. Sell. 

I take any good condition kid clothes and toys to semiannual consignment sales.  Doing the inventory and tagging myself is a little work, but the paycheck I get within a week is really really really worth my time.  Did I mention how worth my time it is?

I have also gone the more conventional route using area consignment shops.  I feel it is a lot of work to keep up with tracking the inventory over time and I don’t have control over the pricing of my items.  However, I do get some money back for my clothes while expending a minimal amount of physical effort. 

For big items, like furniture, large appliances, swing sets, and other heavy/hard to move things – Craigslist is my go to source.  Selling online has been profitable and I don’t have to move the items myself.  I have always asked for cash and have used precautions to stay safe. 

If you have lots of stuff and the time to do it, a yard sale may be your best bet.  Yard sales are easiest when you have a buddy.  Whether it is a friend, neighbor, or spouse -- it’s just nice to have someone to chat with during the lulls, and to give you a potty/snack/cool-off break when needed.  Advertise on line and in your local paper.  Put up signage the day before your sale.  Be ready early in the day.  Make sure your big ticket items are really obvious to draw in those looking from the street.  Keep things off the ground.  Hang clothes from a drying rack (or a makeshift rack of a pipe).  If you don’t want people IN your garage, close the door.  Have plenty of change and keep the money on your person. 

At the end of the sale, don’t let unwanted items trickle back into your home.  There is a service in the Jacksonville, St. Johns area that pays per pound for textiles (clothes, sheets, linens, shoes).  *If you want to know more about how to help people in need and get paid for your unwanted items, let me know!  I'd love to put you in touch with http://www.jaxcashforclothes.com/!* Check your local listings to see what charities (Vietnam Vets) will pick up unwanted items.  Set a date and say good-bye to the old.  Load up your car with the remainder of the unsold stuff and make a trip to your favorite drop off spot.  A few of my favorites in my area are The Betty Griffin House (Fruit Cove/JCP), Goodwill, and The Salvation Army.

So are you ready to do it with me?  Part with your unwanted unused items this month and let me know how it goes.  I'll post back with some pictures about what I have dug out of our (already organized) 8 years of build up.  

If you'd like to learn other ways to LET IT GO, get organized, manage your time, or set up systems in your home and office for better efficiency and harmony shoot me an email at juliebavi@gmail.com, stalk me on twitter @juliebavi, and show me some Facebook love https://www.facebook.com/OrganizeWithJulie.  

Doctor Who? Organizing in a Moment's Time.

Do you have time to get organized?  If you have 15 minutes, then YES you do! 

I constantly hear the reason for people being disorganized is that there isn’t any time to get it all done.  Here’s a little secret friends – it doesn’t have to get done all at one time. 

For today’s organizing moment, let’s look at the medicine cabinet.  If you have small children, this may be something you can do nearby while they splash in the tub.  Use commercial breaks between shows in the evening.  Sort through while you’re waiting for the shower water to warm up or the mirror to defog.

Why is it important to organize the medicine cabinet?
Ingesting some expired meds can be toxic.
If medication is organized you can clearly see what is out of stock.
Medication mix ups are common and can have serious repercussions. 

Remove any expired or outgrown medications.  (Locally, our sheriff’s department will take old medications off your hands.) 

Keep track of your first aid supplies too!
There are a couple of different ways to think about organizing what’s left—

1. Situate medications by the person (or pet) who takes them so that each family member can find their own. 

2. Separate medications by type: cold/allergy, pain relief, tummy troubles. 

Containerize using small baskets, drawer dividers, or whatever your space will accommodate and…
Label. Label. Label!

And done! 

I’d love to hear from you.  How old was the oldest medicine you found? What was it? A client and I once found decades old Mercurochrome in her “bug out” stash.  We both got a good chuckle out of that.

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

Organizing and the Polar Vortex

I can tell you that this Florida girl has been very cold this January due to the Polar Vortex our country is experiencing.  Yes, I realize, it’s Florida… and winter… and there’s no snow to shovel or ice on the roads - but let me tell you, friends, it’s COLD. Polar cold!  So what is the perfect cold weather activity?  Well, I can only curl up on the couch with coffee and Netflix for so long before I get a little antsy.  But I never get tired of organizing!  Turn up the heat, put on your hoodie and tackle your own organizing projects for National Get Organized Month!

This little guy is ready to get organized. Are you?

What’s on your to-do list?  Organizing files/paperwork? Preparing for tax time? Tackling closets and sorting out seasonal clothes? Getting ready for consignment sales?  Creating efficiency in your kitchen? All of the above?  

Yep. I can help you with that.  I’ll even bring my own hoodie. 

See you at the Jacksonville Home and Patio Show Feb 28 and March 1!

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized (and your season simplified!) and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

GO MONTH 2013

Greetings!  We're halfway through the first month of a new year.  Don't you just love packing up the Christmas decor, sending the kids back to school, and getting life back to "normal"?  I have been a purging and organizing fool around my house.  The bug has finally bit me to let go of things I was holding onto.  I used some of the same excuses you do "I have the space for it" or the ever popular "I may need that someday".  It's easy to justify holding onto stuff sometimes.  You know what's an even better feeling though?  Letting go of stuff!  Freeing your space and your mind of the clutter.  Letting someone else benefit from the things you pass on to them.  What could a professional organizer possibly have to purge?  Art supplies, books, outgrown workbooks, coloring books (where did all of these coloring books come from in the first place?!) - donated to the school.  Pantry items - to the local food bank.  Toys and clothes - to the consignment sale or handed down to friends. Magazines and catalogs - into the recycle bin.  Each week is like a new treasure hunt to see what I can purge next.

So tell me: What's cluttering up your house and mind?  What do you need to purge from your home and life?  Do you need some help along the way?  That's what I'm here for!

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized (or you want some help Simplifying YOUR Season), and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

Simplify the Season Begins Here!

I was blessed enough this week to speak to a local MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers) group.  These women were inviting and inspiring.  I presented “Simplify the Season” and it was a wonderful time of interaction.  I promised to have a list of gifts posted this weekend and you will find the (rather lengthy) list at the end of this blog.

Since we are now in Nov, we definitely need to begin talking about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and how to keep it all SIMPLE, right?  Let’s start with planning Thanksgiving.  This gathering of loved ones should be like any other special event.  If you were to send out an invite for such an event, you would need to include the “Who, What, When”.  In thinking of planning a large dinner, let’s look at these W’s. 

Who? – Who is hosting?  Who is coming?  If you aren’t hosting, offer to help the hostess by making your favorite dish or two.  If you are hosting, it’s time to start getting that head count.

What? – This is menu plan time.  What is everyone bringing?  It is perfectly fine to delegate dishes.  You still get to make your favorites (if you wish) or you can just be the hostess with the mostess by concentrating on preparing your home. 

When? – Thanksgiving Day or some other point near the actual holiday?  Lunch or dinner or somewhere in between?  If you have a large family or if your family is separated on the actual holiday, you can make the actual dinner (or if you are so motivated, a second dinner) on a day other than Thanksgiving Thursday.  Because of my dad’s work schedule, growing up my family NEVER had our Thanksgiving Meal on Thanksgiving Day.  Dad was usually off from work the Sunday following Thanksgiving and we would have our dinner and family celebration on that day.

Whatever day you choose and what ever plans you make, remember that this is often a stressful season, but it doesn’t have to be.  Thanksgiving in and of itself is a time to be THANKFUL!  Don’t let the stress of this season rob you of that.  I am so thrilled that you are starting on this journey with me!  As we continue the process of Simplifying the Season comment with your questions, your stories, and what is/isn’t working for you.  I always look forward to hearing from you!  Now let’s breathe and get started.

Oh, and here’s that list! 

Wow what a long list it is!  No, I'm not this creative on my own.  I had help.

Are you’re tired of the same old bottle of wine? Sure it’s a classic, but some tee-totalers may not find it all that useful. Here is a list of some fun, cheap, and cute Christmas gift ideas for neighbors, hostesses, teachers, and friends. As I have said before, consumable gifts are my favorites for this type of gift-giving! No clutter! Practical gifts to help out are a great (and novel) idea as well.

• Christmas balloon bouquet — "Uplifting" wishes for a fun-filled holiday!
• Bouquet of flowers or cookies — We're sending a "bouquet" of Christmas wishes your way!
• Bag of pistachios or peanuts in shells — Don't go "nuts" this Christmas! From your "nutty" neighbors.
• Fresh grapes — A "bunch-ful" of wishes for a "grape" holiday!
• Frozen lasagna — "What's for dinner?" During the holidays we hear this a lot, just heat this lasagna until it is hot!
• 7UP — (great for Holiday punches and tonics!) There's "seven" reasons why you are "up" on our list of favorites! Merry Christmas (list seven reasons).
• Christmas plates — Hoping you'll "arrange" to have a wonderful Christmas this year with a "plateful" of fun! (You can even fill with homemade cookies!)
• Christmas paper plates, napkins, cups and plastic utensils — A bit of "disposable" Christmas cheer! What could be better? No dishes, my dear!
• Bag of salad and dressing — "Tossing" out a wonderful Christmas wish to you and yours all "dressed" up with Christmas cheer!
• Magic Markers — Friends are the "magic" of Christmas!
• Roll of wrapping paper — "Wrap" yourself up in a wonderful holiday season!
• Bolt of Christmas ribbon — This simple gift is meant to help you "tie" up those loose ends this Christmas season!
• Mittens (fill with tape, scissors, tags and pen) — Let us "lend" you a "hand" this Christmas season!
*  Kitchen Towel and oven mitt sets -- For a "warm" hand of friendship just as you've given me, and the wish for a joyous season with love aplenty under the tree!/ "Hot" holiday wishes for you! Merry Christmas!
• Note cards or Post-It-Notes — Take "note!" We're thinking of you this holiday season! (Add a pretty pen!) – Perfect for a Teacher!
• Package of pens — Whenever you need them, they're never around, so here is a supply ... 'cuz you're Christmas bound!
• Symphony candy bars — Just a "note" of "sweet" Christmas tidings! (Music Teacher gift, anyone?)
• Starbursts — We are "bursting" with wishes for you to have a "starry" bright Christmas!
• Jolly Rancher soft chews — We "chews" to wish you a "jolly" holiday season!
• Christmas taffy — We're "pulling" for you to have a very merry Christmas!
• Christmas Rolos — "Rolo-long" with a Christmas song, spreading good cheer at the time of year!
• Werthers Original Butter Candies — "Original" Christmas greeting for no "butter" friends around.
• Reeses Peanut Butter Cups — There are so many "Reeses" why we like you!
• Mint M&M's — These are "mint" to wish you a "Magical" and "Merry" Christmas.
• Big candy bar or candy cane —"Enormous" Christmas wishes to you!
• Package of Milky Way reindeer — For won-"deer"-full friends from the whole herd!
• Poinsettia — Our friendship is forever "blooming." Hoping you have a wonderful Christmas!
• Ice cream roll or frozen drink concentrate — Happy "freezin'" season! Have a happy Christmas!
• Animal Crackers or Teddy Grahams — This neighborhood/family would be a "zoo" without you! Merry Christmas to a "beary" "grrreat" neighbor/granddad!
• Ritz snowflake crackers and a can of cheese — Have a "ritzy" Christmas season and "spread" around the joy!
• Townhouse crackers and cheese ball — From "our house" to "your house" with love. We hope you have a "ball" this Christmas!
• Cheese Nips — We're going to "nip" it in the bud and wish you "cheesy" holiday wishes!
• Jello Mousse Mix — Merry "Chris-mousse" to you!
• Frozen item — You're the "brrr-y" best!
• Frozen cinnamon or orange rolls — "Rise" to the occasion and celebrate the holidays in a "tasty" way.
• Pancake mix and syrup —We're "pouring out" Christmas wishes and hoping you have a Christmas to "flip over!" (What a bonus for a Christmas Breakfast!)
• Eggo Waffles and syrup — For a "quick-o" breakfast that will be just fine, when running late this holiday time! Merry Christmas from our house to yours!
• Toaster Struedel or English muffins — May your holidays be warm and "toasty" Merry Christmas!
• Frozen or refrigerated turnovers — The holidays are wrapping up, there is still one thing we want to do. We couldn't go another day without this holiday wish for you. May the new hear "turn over" with health, wealth and happiness, too!
• Baked item — It's a Christmas miracle ... I baked! Warm Christmas wishes to you and yours!
• Pepperidge Farm cookies — Homemade cookies would be so fine, but these are so much better than mine! Merry Christmas! (We love the little ginger men!)
• Bagels and cream cheese — "Spreading" a little Christmas "shmear" to our friends who are so dear!
• Soup mix — We wish you a wonderful holiday "simmering" gently with love!
• Bean soup mix — You've "bean" such good neighbors!
*   Popcorn and flavored seasoning -- Just "popping" in to wish you a Merry Christmas!
• Fritos Scoops and bean dip — Here is the "scoop" for "bean" so nice. "Dip" into fun!
*   Tortilla chips and and Spinach Dip -- Gifting you with some "Green" this Christmas Season!
• Apples and caramel dip — To a most "a-peel-ing" family. "Dip" into a very happy holiday season!
• Snack mix — Here is a "mix" of holiday wishes for you! (or) May your holidays be "Chextra" special!
• Bag of mini carrots and veggie dip — We know you are 24 "carrot" neighbors! What a treasure! Have a happy holiday!
• Flashlight — We love how you "light up" our lives. We've come to depend on your "glow." Here's a "flashlight" to store, so you'll always be sure to create "light" wherever you go!
• Batteries — "'Twas the night before Christmas and Santa was worried, he had an emergency. Boy was he flurried! The power was off, and his flashlight was dead. He didn't buy "batteries" when Mrs. Santa said. We don't want you in a similar plight, so we give you "batteries" to "lighten" your night! Merry Christmas to you. May you walk in the "light"!

See all the helpful solutions? Who doesn’t love dinner or breakfast provided during this busy time of year? How easy is it to write a cute note to stick on a bag of candy before heading out to a party?
Thanks to a mom of four from Utah for helping me compile this list. 

~J