Tips for Organizing Clutter and Much More

Re-examining the SMART Acronym for New Year’s Resolutions

calendar in book showing month of January signifying re-examining SMART acronym for new year's resolutions

Productivity experts and life coaches recommend setting SMART goals; Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. That acronym works well when you want to reach a particular target. New Year’s Resolutions are a different story. We live in a world that changes rapidly. Many things can interfere with our daily routines… Read more

Donation Etiquette

overflowing charity bins in parking lot with more donated items on the ground showing poor donation etiquette

When we donate clothing, household goods, and toys, we want them to go to people who need them most. And if a non-profit agency sells our donations, we want them to use the money they earn to support people in need. But, if we don’t respect donation etiquette, our contributions… Read more

Regifting: The Dos and Don’ts

one set of hands giving a gift to another set of hands representing the regifting process

In theory, when someone gives you a present, it is yours to do with as you please. In practice, however, when people give gifts, they choose a specific item with the recipient in mind. When you think about it in this way, regifting can be a precarious endeavour. However, you… Read more

Why I am a Frequent Shopper

holiday gift bags representing frequent shopper

Most people think professional organizers rarely shop, so I bet you are surprised to learn I am a frequent shopper. I explained my reasons to Anita Saulite in the Tangerine article “What Kind of Holiday Shopper Are You?” (internet archives) I created a “Gift Ideas” list in the Notes app… Read more

Productivity Gift Ideas

card with Out of Chaos logo sticking out of it beside box with red wrapping paper signifying productivity gift ideas

You can’t give someone extra time, but you can help them maximize the time they have in the day with a few of these productivity gift ideas. Calendars and Planners Calendars help younger children and students understand scheduling develop long-term planning skills. Planners are ideal gifts for people who prefer… Read more

Investment Executive: Take a Load Off

investment executive logo for article entitled Take a Load Off

I was quoted in Investment Executive last week in a retirement and downsizing article entitled, Take a Load Off. I highlighted some practical steps retirees can use to organize their estate. It will reduce the burden on their executors after they have passed on. On Purging Possessions… One challenge is… Read more

The Best Methods to Declutter

messy living room before and tidy living room after using the best methods to decluttter

There are three basic methods to declutter your home. Some techniques work better than others. The strategy you use depends on the type of clutter, where it is located, and your own working style. I’ve listed the three best methods to declutter and how and when to use each type…. Read more

How to Pack Fragile Items for a Move

Linda Chu demonstrating how to pack fragile item for a move

Moving to a new home is stressful. One concern is ensuring our household goods arrive safely. That’s why knowing how to pack fragile items for a move is essential. Watch the video below and read on for our advice and tips. The Three Layers of Protection To safely pack fragile… Read more

How to Overcome Perfectionism and Be Productive

graph showing law of diminishing returns indicating how to overcome perfectionism and be productive

Striving to perform at your best is an admirable goal and worthy of pursuit. Perfectionism, on the other hand, is sneaky. It makes you think you’re trying to do your best. It is helpful to examine the Law of Diminishing Returns to understand how to overcome perfectionism and be productive…. Read more

How to Organize Toys

Lil Chu and Linda Chu demonstrating how to organize toys

When you have children’s toys and games all over the place in every room of the house, it can be a little overwhelming. It might be so cluttered you even forget that adults use the space too. But never fear! Use the Out of Chaos C.L.E.A.R. method to organize toys,… Read more