1. Zone it Out: To start, create distinct zones within your garage to separate different categories of items. Designate an area for bikes, scooters, and skateboards, another for sports equipment, and one for arts and crafts supplies. By giving each item a dedicated place, you’ll reduce clutter and make it easier to locate specific items when needed.
2. Clear the Clutter: Take the opportunity to declutter your garage and let go of items your kids have outgrown or no longer use. Donate or sell those toys, games, and gear that are taking up valuable space. Not only will this free up room, but it will also create a more organized and visually appealing environment.
3. Smart Storage Solutions: Invest in practical storage solutions or repurpose existing ones that maximize space and keep items within reach. Sturdy shelves, cabinets, and wall hooks are excellent options. Utilize wall-mounted bike racks or ceiling hooks to store bikes and other large equipment, freeing up precious floor space. Clear bins and labeled baskets work wonders for organizing smaller toys, balls, and art supplies. Don’t forget to involve your children in the process, allowing them to contribute ideas for storage solutions and making it easier for them to access and put away their belongings.
4. Teach Tidy Habits: Take the opportunity to teach your kids the importance of keeping things tidy. Encourage them to put away their toys and gear after each use. Make it fun by using colorful labels, creating a reward system for organization, or turning cleanup into a game. By instilling these habits early on, you’ll not only maintain an organized garage but also teach valuable life skills to your children.
5. Seasonal Switch: As seasons change, adapt your garage organization accordingly. Store winter equipment, such as sleds or skis, in the back during summer, and bring forward items like beach toys or outdoor games. This rotational approach maximizes available space and ensures that the most relevant items are easily accessible.
6. Regular Maintenance: Lastly, incorporate regular maintenance into your routine. Think about setting aside a few minutes each month to tidy up the garage. Put away any stray toys, sweep the floor, and reassess the organization system if needed. By consistently maintaining the garage’s order, you’ll prevent clutter from piling up and ensure a clean, functional space.

With these practical tips, you can transform your garage into an organized oasis that accommodates both your storage needs and your children’s summer gear. By creating designated zones, clearing clutter, utilizing smart storage solutions, teaching tidy habits, adapting to seasonal changes, and maintaining regular upkeep, you’ll reclaim your garage space and enjoy a stress-free summer. So, roll up your sleeves, involve the kids, and conquer the garage chaos one step at a time. Your organized garage awaits!

CALL IN A PRO

We understand this can seem like a big, seemingly overwhelming task, and that’s why people put it off. Luckily, you can call in a pro for help! Curtis E Organizing tackles garages of different states of disorganization and works with the homeowner to not only bring them into order but also create manageable plans to keep them that way. Give us a call today at 847-421-8651 for your no-obligation, complimentary consultation.

Remember to share this blog post with fellow parents who could use some organization inspiration. Let’s support each other in creating functional and clutter-free spaces for our families.

Curtis E Organizing is a professional organizing company founded by Tina Curtis, a certified professional organizer. With over a decade of experience in the organizing industry, Tina has a passion for helping individuals and families declutter and reorganize their homes to create more functional and stress-free living spaces. Tina Curtis holds a certification from the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD). With her expertise and certifications, Tina is well-equipped to handle any organizing challenge, big or small.

The post Conquer Summertime Chaos: Keeping Your Garage Organized with Kids and Summer Gear appeared first on Curtis E Organizing.

How Clutter Affects Your Brain

Studies have shown that clutter can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health, linking clutter to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. A cluttered environment can create a sense of chaos and make it difficult to relax and unwind, leading to a constant state of stress. 

According to Libby Sander, Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour, Bond Business School, Bond University,

“Our brains like order, and constant visual reminders of disorganisation drain our cognitive resources, reducing our ability to focus.
 
“The visual distraction of clutter increases cognitive overload and can reduce our working memory.
 
“In 2011, neuroscience researchers using fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) and other physiological measurements found clearing clutter from the home and work environment resulted in a better ability to focus and process information, as well as increased productivity.” Source 

Furthermore, WebMD states, “Researchers have found that being around disorganization makes it harder for your brain to focus. It can be especially tough for people with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). If you have ADHD, a professional organizer or coach may be the best way to restore some order to your space.” Source 

Clutter Can Create Chaos for Your Health, too 

A cluttered home can create a breeding ground for dust, mold, and other allergens that can lead to respiratory problems. In addition, clutter can make it difficult to clean and maintain a healthy living environment, leading to further health risks. 

Clutter has also been linked to weight gain. “People who fill their homes with so much stuff that they may have a hoarding disorder also appear to be more likely to overeat and become obese. One study found that as hoarding got worse, so did body mass index (BMI) and binge-eating symptoms (eating large amounts of food in a short time).” Source 

Sander echoes this belief, stating, “It can also make us less productive, triggering coping and avoidance strategies that make us more likely to snack on junk and watch TV shows (including ones about other people decluttering their lives).” 

Working with a Professional Organizer Can Be a Lifeline 

Fortunately, there is a solution. By working with certified professional organizer Tina Curtis, you can take control of your clutter and create a peaceful, stress-free environment. We will work with you to declutter and reorganize your space, creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment that brings peace and comfort to your home. 

With our help, you can work on reducing stress, improving your physical health, and creating a home that you can be proud of. Don’t let clutter make you sick – contact Curtis E Organizing today and start your journey to a clutter-free life! 

Curtis E Organizing is a professional organizing company founded by Tina Curtis, a certified professional organizer. With over a decade of experience in the organizing industry, Tina has a passion for helping individuals and families declutter and reorganize their homes to create more functional and stress-free living spaces. Tina Curtis holds a certification from the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD). With her expertise and certifications, Tina is well-equipped to handle any organizing challenge, big or small.

The post How Clutter Can Affect Your Health appeared first on Curtis E Organizing.

1. Clothes: Donate your gently used clothing to organizations such as LillyPads in Peru and LillyPads Two in Ottawa, Goodwill, The Salvation Army in Ottawa, or St. Vincent de Paul Society in Morris. Don’t forget about local thrift stores, such as Ottawa Community Thrift. These organizations accept clothing for men, women, and children and often have drop-off locations throughout the county.
2. Electronics: If you’re looking to get rid of old electronics, Goodwill accepts electronics in good condition.
3. Books, DVDs, and CDs: Local libraries in LaSalle County are always happy to accept book donations. You can also donate these items to Goodwill in Peru. Check with the organization before dropping them off, though.
4. Baby and Children’s Items: If you have baby clothes or children’s toys that your kids have outgrown, consider donating them to Under His Wings Ministry in Ottawa.
5. Sports Equipment: The YMCA and local sports teams are often in need of sports equipment. Goodwill in Peru also accepts sports equipment in good condition.
6. Musical Instruments: If you have a musical instrument that you no longer play, consider donating it to a local school or the Salvation Army or Goodwill. The instruments should be in good condition.
7. Cars: If you have an old car that you no longer need, consider Wheels for Wishes, which benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Habitat for Humanity and Kars 4 Kids are highly-rated organizations accepting car donations.
8. Eyeglasses: The Lions Club in Streator and Walmart Vision Centers both accept donations of eyeglasses.
9. General Goods: The Salvation Army in Ottawa, St. Vincent de Paul Society in Streator, and Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Streator accept various items, including furniture, household goods, and appliances.

Gather up your unwanted items and donate them to one of these great organizations! We recommend contacting the organization first to ensure your donation can be accepted before packing up the car and heading on over, though. Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore – it can be a great opportunity to give back to your local community and help those in need in LaSalle County!

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About Curtis E Organizing

Curtis E Organizing is a professional organizing company founded by Tina Curtis, a certified professional organizer. With over a decade of experience in the organizing industry, Tina has a passion for helping individuals and families declutter and reorganize their homes to create more functional and stress-free living spaces.

Tina Curtis holds a certification from the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD). With her expertise and certifications, Tina is well-equipped to handle any organizing challenge, big or small.

The post Donate and Make a Difference appeared first on Curtis E Organizing.

The post Pantry Organization 101 appeared first on Curtis E Organizing.

The Causes of Home Clutter

Accumulation of Items

We often accumulate more items than we have room for, leading to cluttered homes. Busy lifestyles and not understanding how or when to declutter can make it easy for items to pile up and create a feeling of chaos. 

Systems and Strategies

Not having clear storage solutions and structure can make it difficult to keep our homes organized. When we don’t know where to put things, they tend to pile up and create clutter.

Emotional Attachments

Emotional attachments to items can make it difficult to let go of things we no longer need or use. This can lead to clutter and a feeling of being weighed down by our possessions.

Disorganization

Disorganization can be a major contributor to home clutter. When we don’t have a clear plan for how to store and organize our belongings, it can be difficult to keep our homes clutter-free.

How to Tackle Home Clutter

The good news is, there are simple and effective options to tackle home clutter. Here are some examples to experiment with:

• Always start small – Choose a small area to declutter, such as a single drawer or a small section of a room.
• Experiment with the “One Touch” rule – When you pick up an item, make a decision about it then and there. Keep it, donate it, or throw it away.
• Reconsider sentimental items – Keep a few sentimental items that bring you joy, but let go of the rest.
• Make a plan for donated items – Have a plan in place for what you will do with items you no longer need.
• Get the whole family involved – Decluttering can be a great opportunity to get the whole family involved. Assign tasks to each member of the family and make it a fun and enjoyable experience. Support of other family members will make the job seem less overwhelming and easier to maintain.

Understanding the reasons behind home clutter is the first step to finding a solution. By using the suggested tips above, you can tackle home clutter and create a more organized and peaceful environment.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need a little extra help with decluttering your home, consider working with a professional organizer like Curtis E Organizing. Tina Curtis, Certified Professional Organizer, will work with you to create a personalized plan to declutter and organize your home, so you can enjoy a more organized and stress-free life. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation!

About Curtis E Organizing

Curtis E Organizing is a professional organizing company founded by Tina Curtis, a certified professional organizer. With over a decade of experience in the organizing industry, Tina has a passion for helping individuals and families declutter and reorganize their homes to create more functional and stress-free living spaces. 

Tina Curtis holds a certification from the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD). With her expertise and certifications, Tina is well-equipped to handle any organizing challenge, big or small.

The post The Real Reasons Behind Home Clutter appeared first on Curtis E Organizing.

This time of year is the perfect time to get your garage under control.

Why? 

Agreeable Weather

For starters, the days are starting to get cooler, but aren’t yet cold. You can work comfortably in pants and long sleeves (safety first!) for longer periods of time. Aside from an occasional rainy day or two, the rest of October looks to be sunny and dry, so you can clear out spaces without having to worry about your stuff getting water-damaged. Use this season to your advantage! 

Make the Holidays Less Stressful

If your Christmas tree, Menorah, or box of holiday lights is buried in the back of the garage behind a collection of pool toys, yard waste, bikes, and other fun memories of summer, unburying them when the holidays come around is going to be a painful chore. Remember what we said about the weather? Late November or early December is likely to be chilly and/or rainy. Clearing a path to get to what you need is not going to be easier in these conditions. 

By taking the time to create an intentional, well-organized space with easy access to the things you need, your holidays will be all that less stressful. And putting all of your decorations away after the holidays are over (another chore everyone just loves, right?) will be a breeze because you know exactly where they belong. 

Set Yourself Up for Success in Spring

Even though most of us are just starting to enjoy the changing of the season, spring will be here before you know it. Is your yard maintenance equipment easy to access? Or, is it buried under the pool cover that got hastily thrown in the garage at the end of the season? Maybe it’s tucked behind that piece of furniture you said you’d donate when you got around to it? Much like your holiday decorations, creating a dedicated, organized space for the different categories of belongings in the garage will make them easier to find and use, saving you time and effort. 

Safety First

Tripping hazards. Falling objects. Sharp edges. Unsecured chemicals. A cluttered garage is a safety hazard, especially if you have small children and/or pets in your home. Taking the time to clean out the trash, donate items you’ve been hanging on to for too long, and create safe, walkable spaces in your garage will help keep your family safer. In the event of an emergency, having a clear exit out of your garage could make all the difference. 

Call In a Pro

We understand this can seem like a big, seemingly overwhelming task, and that’s why people put it off. Luckily, you can call in a pro for help! Curtis E Organizing tackles garages of different states of disorganization and works with the homeowner to not only bring them into order but also create manageable plans to keep them that way. Give us a call today at 847-421-8651 for your no-obligation, complimentary consultation.

___

About Curtis E Organizing

Curtis E Organizing is a professional organizing company founded by Tina Curtis, a certified professional organizer. With over a decade of experience in the organizing industry, Tina has a passion for helping individuals and families declutter and reorganize their homes to create more functional and stress-free living spaces.

Tina Curtis holds a certification from the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD). With her expertise and certifications, Tina is well-equipped to handle any organizing challenge, big or small.

The post Now is the perfect time to organize your garage appeared first on Curtis E Organizing.

Take Courtney’s advice and “don’t overthink and convince yourself to hold on. Fun music will help. Challenging a friend to join will make it more fun. Do it to make space. Do it for more light. Do it to smile. Do it because things are too heavy and too much right now. When excuses pop up, turn up the music.”

Decluttering your entire home can quickly become an overwhelming project, so we are going to focus on 5 things you can remove from your life – this weekend.

10 articles of clothing that don’t fit (your body or your lifestyle).
The changing of the seasons is a great time to reassess your wardrobe. Why store summer clothes you didn’t wear once, all summer long? Or, if you’re unpacking your fall and winter wardrobe and find an article of clothing that you know doesn’t fit you, is hopelessly out-of-style, or just isn’t “you” anymore, it’s time to get rid of it. 

10 emails sitting in your email box.
Some of us are very diligent about cleaning out our email inboxes, and then there are those of us who have 95,000 unread emails, taunting us every time we open our emails. Spend a few minutes this weekend deleting emails taking up space in your inbox and your life. While you’re at it, unsubscribe from those you no longer wish to receive, and start to tackle that unread-email behemoth.

10 spices you never use (or sauces, condiments etc.).
You know you have them. Lurking in the back of the fridge or cabinet with expiration dates back when George W. Bush was president: it’s time to let those babies go. Make room for the spices, condiments, or foods you do want to eat. Or, just free up more room and enjoy the “unclutteredness” of it all. 

10 coffee mugs.
Make room for new mugs! 

10 goals, hopes, or dreams for the future that you’ve held on to but don’t really care about anymore.
This one took us a little by surprise when we saw it on Courtney’s list, to be honest. We all have long-held goals (“Someday, I’ll write that book.”), but now is a great time to re-evaluate if that goal is something you’re still interested in, or something you’re hanging on to out of obligation or a fear of letting yourself down. As Courtney says, “You are allowed to have new goals, hopes, and dreams but you have to make room for them.”

Addressing these 5 things is a great step toward freeing yourself from things weighing you down. However, if this project feels out of your comfort zone, contact Tina for a complimentary consultation on how we can help you gain control over your clutter. 

The post 5 Things to Remove From Your Life – This Weekend appeared first on Curtis E Organizing.

Start the school year off right with these organizational tips.

Create a Family Command Center

If you and your child were scrambling before the bus came to find their shoes, backpack, or jacket, it might be time to create a “command center” in your home. Think of it as the space everyone in the family knows to look first for important information (and shoes. It’s always shoes). By dedicating a space where kids know to put on their shoes, hang up their backpacks and jackets, and share important school paperwork, you can streamline your morning routine and reduce the stress of not finding “that one thing” right before the bus comes to pick them up.

Homework Starts Here

While the kitchen table might make a nice, large workspace, it’s likely to be in the center of your home, meaning there are plenty of distractions and opportunities for important paperwork to go missing. Creating a homework station in a quiet space of your home provides a distraction-free area for your child to concentrate on their work, makes it easier to keep their things organized, and gives your child a sense of ownership over the space. It doesn’t have to be a large area; a quiet nook in your home is just the right size for a homework station. Have your child help pick out the necessities and let them personalize it so it’s a place they want to spend time in, not a space they have to spend time.

Get on a Schedule

If you don’t control your schedule, it will control you. Time blocking is a simple and effective way to create order in your daily routine. It’s a time management method that asks you to divide your day into blocks of time. Each block is dedicated to accomplishing a specific task, or group of tasks, and only those specific tasks. Instead of keeping an open-ended to-do list of things you’ll get to as you’re able, you’ll start each day with a concrete schedule that lays out what you’ll work on and when. This can be especially helpful after school. By designating blocks of time for play, homework, winding down, and bedtime, you can reduce stress and be more accomplished- win-win!

Pro tip: set aside time in your schedule to prep for the next morning; whether it’s getting lunches ready, or clothes picked out, you’ll feel great waking up knowing you have some tasks already completed!

Need a Hand?

Whether you’re working parents, managing a house full of little ones, or aren’t sure where to start, Tina Curtis is here to lend a hand. She has years of experience helping clients get – and stay – organized and works with you to design systems that work for you. Contact us today for your complimentary consultation.

The post Back-to-School is the Perfect Time to Get Organized! appeared first on Curtis E Organizing.

One of my clients, let’s call her “Jane,” recently contacted me about getting some help with cleaning out a storage unit belonging to a relative who had passed away. I came to find out that she actually had 3 relatives who had passed away, each leaving behind a storage unit filled with “stuff.” Jane felt overwhelmed by the thought of sorting, managing, and disposing of items from her family members.

She’s not alone.

An average of 1 in every 10 Americans has belongings in a storage unit. The average cost of a small unit in Illinois is $100 a month, or around $1,200 a year. If you want a climate-controlled unit or insurance, you’re looking at even more per month to store items you’re not even using and can’t access easily. Often, storage units end up being more expensive than the items being stored in them.

Along with the financial cost of keeping items in a storage unit, there are usually sentimental or emotional issues at play, too. Like Jane, it can be emotionally overwhelming to sort through the belongings of a loved one who’s passed. Perhaps you don’t have room in your own home for their personal belongings, or you just don’t want them but can’t bring yourself to get rid of them. If the storage unit is for your own belongings, it might feel wasteful or “wrong” to get rid of items you’ve spent your hard-earned money on, so you keep paying the rental fee, month after month. The items often end up left in storage, collecting not just dust but expensive rental fees.

“It’s typically all about procrastination,” says Ann Gambrell, a founder of the National Association of Professional Organizers, who runs decluttering workshops and clutter support groups. “People end up spending money because they can’t make a decision.”

By following three simple rules, you can help minimize your need for long-term storage.

• Ask yourself if you have used an item in the last 12 months. If not, donate or get rid of it.
• If you rarely use it, or if it is something that can be replaced for less than $25.00, let it go. (At $100/month in storage, you’ll have paid for it several times over. Also, items tend to decrease in value over time, so the longer you store them, the less they’re worth.)
• If it is a family item you have inherited, ask yourself if your children really want to deal with it in the event of your passing. Would they really want it? If not, let someone else find joy in it.

If you absolutely must place items in storage (such as a relocation for work or home improvement projects, for example), be intentional about your storage unit:

• Purge and eliminate before purchasing the unit.
  • Be very clear about what you’re storing and why; don’t store items you know you won’t need in the future just because you have a place to put them.
• Have a plan for the length of time that your items should stay in storage. Set a goal with a time frame to either eliminate or sell the items if necessary.
• Shop around – most rental facilities offer minimal fees for the first month, saving you money.

If you need help with managing or eliminating your storage unit, schedule a free consultation with us today.

The post What is all this crap really costing you? appeared first on Curtis E Organizing.

I have a few tips to make travel less stressful (and maybe more relaxing):

1. 2 words…Travel Agent!  No Really!! This NO CHARGE service is the real deal.  Schedule a meeting with someone who has industry contacts and knowledge who can “cater” your trip to you desire or needs. Beach, Disney, Mountains, Family trip?? They do all the research, make reservations and give everything to you in a neat package with all the details at not 1 cent more than if you spent all that time, hassle, aggravation yourself and the cost (in my experience so far) has been cheaper.
2. Plan to pack – depending on your trip and destination you probably need LESS than you think! Generally just 2 pair pants, 1 shirt or top for each day and undergarments.  REALLY!  I am a fan of packing cubes (check out this article to make packing easier: https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/packing-tips/best-packing-cubes-for-travel) to take just a carry on and skip the baggage carousel.
3. Plan down time and be flexible.  Sure a ski trip for 5 days in Colorado packed with skiing at 4 places SOUNDS fun, but once you realize the travel between, the cost and the stress…maybe just 3 slopes with a day off to explore in the Springs, Boulder or another location, so everyone can unwind, regroup and enjoy the next slope or destination.
4. A little prep before you leave home…I suggest the following:
   1. Put on clean sheets on all the beds and clean the house (if you can afford even a once a year service, NOW IS THE TIME for a deep clean, while you’re away) to come home to.  You’ll have enough to do just with laundry catch up.
   2. Schedule a day (better 2) to get back into the routine before returning to school and/or work routine.
   3. If you’re boarding your beloved pets, pick them up Monday, when everyone is back in their routine. This seems to be less stress on the pets, the kids and probably you too!

HAPPY TRAVELS!!

The post Organizing tips to make travel easier & more fun! appeared first on Curtis E Organizing.