Luci has been organizing folks since 2000. Here are a few of the more typical situations and issues that she has become skilled at recognizing and rectifying over the years:
Typical Client Profiles: Which one are you?
Energizer Bunnies...
So, it’s time to clear out your clothes closet and in you go, pleased that this will get checked off the list. Oh look, here’s the book you started two months ago - that should go by the bed. Oh look, on the nightstand, it’s a coffee cup, a screw driver, old newspapers, some (ahem, used) Kleenex, some cough medicine from two weeks ago – and off you go to put all those things where they really belong, while the book gets left in the bathroom (where you went with the cough meds). And so it goes for the next hour (or 4), until you remember the original goal – the closet. But, now it’s almost time to pick up the kids.
pick one project that fits 3/4 of the time you have right here, right now. then sit and stay.start at one end of the first rod, remove any items that need to be donated, cleaned, or repaired and put them in designated piles.when 1/4 of your time is left put each pile where it goes (bag dry cleaning & donation for your car). it is better to get a little bit done completely. the next time you feel like organizing, begin where you left off.
List Makers...
You LOVE your lists – everything about them. They are fun to make, fun to check off, and they make you feel so organized. The only problem is, they are really fun when what is really happening is that you are too overwhelmed to actually start anything. And, every time you go to them to get started, you think of more items to add, or a different order to do things in, or even a whole new category that has been forgotten that must be considered before you can begin a project. Or you just start a new list because you can't find the old one. And of course the list should be perfect and complete or you will do the wrong thing. So, you work on your lists some more.
it's time to take action.the paralysis is the projects feeling too big. pick one and break it down and down until it fits into time frames you can tolerate, but then you must return to the same project repeatedly until it is complete.done beats perfect for my perfectionists.
Typical Client Profiles: Which one are you?
Energizer Bunnies...
So, it’s time to clear out your clothes closet and in you go, pleased that this will get checked off the list. Oh look, here’s the book you started two months ago - that should go by the bed. Oh look, on the nightstand, it’s a coffee cup, a screw driver, old newspapers, some (ahem, used) Kleenex, some cough medicine from two weeks ago – and off you go to put all those things where they really belong, while the book gets left in the bathroom (where you went with the cough meds). And so it goes for the next hour (or 4), until you remember the original goal – the closet. But, now it’s almost time to pick up the kids.
pick one project that fits 3/4 of the time you have right here, right now. then sit and stay.start at one end of the first rod, remove any items that need to be donated, cleaned, or repaired and put them in designated piles.when 1/4 of your time is left put each pile where it goes (bag dry cleaning & donation for your car). it is better to get a little bit done completely. the next time you feel like organizing, begin where you left off.
List Makers...
You LOVE your lists – everything about them. They are fun to make, fun to check off, and they make you feel so organized. The only problem is, they are really fun when what is really happening is that you are too overwhelmed to actually start anything. And, every time you go to them to get started, you think of more items to add, or a different order to do things in, or even a whole new category that has been forgotten that must be considered before you can begin a project. Or you just start a new list because you can't find the old one. And of course the list should be perfect and complete or you will do the wrong thing. So, you work on your lists some more.
it's time to take action.the paralysis is the projects feeling too big. pick one and break it down and down until it fits into time frames you can tolerate, but then you must return to the same project repeatedly until it is complete.done beats perfect for my perfectionists.
Never ending Project creators...
You love crafting. Multiple kinds! You have collected materials, and tools, and instructions, and ideas. You have taken such great classes with so many good ideas. And then, there’s always the internet…The only problem is, you are drowning in your disorganized supplies, half-finished projects, and there’s no space to work on any of them, so you spend time trolling from one to the other because you don’t know what to do with all the stuff. Plus, there’s just a bit of guilt about the time and money already invested. So more accumulates with un-kept promises to yourself and a whole lot of "shoulds" rolling around in your head.
you get a magic hat.each project goes into a bag and onto a slip of paper.the slips go into the hat, the bags into numbered bins (corresponding numbers on the paper). you are allowed 3 current projects drawn at random from the hat.either complete the projects or donate the materials.there is a moratorium on purchases until the project bins are empty.
I do not know where to start...ers
The house is too small and the kids are on top of each other. Rooms need to be painted, closets need to be redesigned, you could probably get rid of some old furniture but aren’t sure what to buy, there is a budget to consider, and your husband promised to clear out the basement but hasn’t yet. Nothing has a permanent home, so everyone is always asking you to find whatever it is they need. And you have to work, and the bills do need to get paid before they are late, and there’s a call from school about some paperwork that’s missing…
do a brain dump list.take a hard look at the categories on the list and your schedule.write in realistic appointments with your self (must be awake and not distracted for bills/laundry is great for distracted time).for the projects, break them down.for the organizing, start with the storage spaces first.Rome was not conquered in a day...
You love crafting. Multiple kinds! You have collected materials, and tools, and instructions, and ideas. You have taken such great classes with so many good ideas. And then, there’s always the internet…The only problem is, you are drowning in your disorganized supplies, half-finished projects, and there’s no space to work on any of them, so you spend time trolling from one to the other because you don’t know what to do with all the stuff. Plus, there’s just a bit of guilt about the time and money already invested. So more accumulates with un-kept promises to yourself and a whole lot of "shoulds" rolling around in your head.
you get a magic hat.each project goes into a bag and onto a slip of paper.the slips go into the hat, the bags into numbered bins (corresponding numbers on the paper). you are allowed 3 current projects drawn at random from the hat.either complete the projects or donate the materials.there is a moratorium on purchases until the project bins are empty.
I do not know where to start...ers
The house is too small and the kids are on top of each other. Rooms need to be painted, closets need to be redesigned, you could probably get rid of some old furniture but aren’t sure what to buy, there is a budget to consider, and your husband promised to clear out the basement but hasn’t yet. Nothing has a permanent home, so everyone is always asking you to find whatever it is they need. And you have to work, and the bills do need to get paid before they are late, and there’s a call from school about some paperwork that’s missing…
do a brain dump list.take a hard look at the categories on the list and your schedule.write in realistic appointments with your self (must be awake and not distracted for bills/laundry is great for distracted time).for the projects, break them down.for the organizing, start with the storage spaces first.Rome was not conquered in a day...
I used to be organized before…
I had the third child, I had the first child, my Mom died, I got sick, I got married, I got divorced, my spouse got sick, I got a promotion at work, I moved but never finished unpacking, my kids left home but all their stuff didn’t, I decided I want to move but have no idea what to do about it, I got remarried and now we have enough stuff for 4 homes…
we all get overwhelmed at some point.it's time to take the bull by the horns, take a deep breath, and figure out what the priorities are.then, break each issue into lists based on priority and on who you can delegate to.talk the bigger issues through with someone else, hire some help, or partner up with a friend to work on projects together.
I could do it – but I don’t want to…
I hate paper, I hate taxes, I hate kids’ toys, I hate my clothes closet, I hate the garage, I hate the basement…It's time to go to the gym and then meet my friend for coffee. Please, could a magic fairy just wave a wand?
no one does everything themselves.hire out what you truly don't want to do.the important thing is that it get done so it's not hanging over your head.you can learn to do anything - the question is why would you want to?
Perfection and children do not mix – now what?
I used to be so organized before these children. My files were color coded and labeled with a label maker, my spices were alphabetized, my drawers were perfect, I did not have single socks, my bills were paid ahead of time, I changed decorating schemes with the seasons, my calendar was planned 3 months out, and I never ran out of milk…I don’t know what to do if I can’t do it the way I used to and these kids may be around for a while…
perfectionists fall the hardest when life gets overwhelming (and it does for everyone at some point).there are times when the "good enough" must trump doing nothing. give everything a name and an imperfect, labeled, home. either it will become important enough to perfect it, or it won't but at least you will know where to find what you need when you need it.start with "bigger buckets" and work backwards with each one once the chaos has been tamed.
I had the third child, I had the first child, my Mom died, I got sick, I got married, I got divorced, my spouse got sick, I got a promotion at work, I moved but never finished unpacking, my kids left home but all their stuff didn’t, I decided I want to move but have no idea what to do about it, I got remarried and now we have enough stuff for 4 homes…
we all get overwhelmed at some point.it's time to take the bull by the horns, take a deep breath, and figure out what the priorities are.then, break each issue into lists based on priority and on who you can delegate to.talk the bigger issues through with someone else, hire some help, or partner up with a friend to work on projects together.
I could do it – but I don’t want to…
I hate paper, I hate taxes, I hate kids’ toys, I hate my clothes closet, I hate the garage, I hate the basement…It's time to go to the gym and then meet my friend for coffee. Please, could a magic fairy just wave a wand?
no one does everything themselves.hire out what you truly don't want to do.the important thing is that it get done so it's not hanging over your head.you can learn to do anything - the question is why would you want to?
Perfection and children do not mix – now what?
I used to be so organized before these children. My files were color coded and labeled with a label maker, my spices were alphabetized, my drawers were perfect, I did not have single socks, my bills were paid ahead of time, I changed decorating schemes with the seasons, my calendar was planned 3 months out, and I never ran out of milk…I don’t know what to do if I can’t do it the way I used to and these kids may be around for a while…
perfectionists fall the hardest when life gets overwhelming (and it does for everyone at some point).there are times when the "good enough" must trump doing nothing. give everything a name and an imperfect, labeled, home. either it will become important enough to perfect it, or it won't but at least you will know where to find what you need when you need it.start with "bigger buckets" and work backwards with each one once the chaos has been tamed.
I have moved 6 times in 6 years...
I have had an amazing few years. Great job, great travel, so many good changes – probably a marriage in there somewhere, maybe even a baby or two. Now we have come home to roost and I don’t even know what’s in half the boxes still in the basement, let alone where this blouse in my closet came from. I need some order, help making decisions, and a plan that this family can live with.
start with everything that is out and bring order to your home creating open space as you go.then tackle a box at a time, knowing what you have and making definitive decisions.usually there's a lot of donating done in these projects.
It was supposed to be a paperless society…
That’s what they said, and that’s what I have tried to do – sort of. Half my bills are on auto-pay, some send emails, others I get in the mail. Some of the reading I do, I do on line. But I love my books, and nothing beats a good paper on a Sunday morning in January! I have all these great recipes clipped out, some I print out from the computer, some are in cook books, and then I have my Mom’s old recipe cards. Coupons are a favorite – some are on line, others in the mail, but I never seemed to actually have them when I’m in the store. Then there is all the mail in the mail box. Who asked for that? And what to do with all the memorabilia? Photos, kids art projects, old letters…
paper is a category in 90% of the jobs I work on.80% of what is filed is never retrieved.there is more now then ever before.the key is being consistent with your categories and utilizing technology to the full extent of your comfort level.no matter what the system, it must be organized or it won't help you.
I have had an amazing few years. Great job, great travel, so many good changes – probably a marriage in there somewhere, maybe even a baby or two. Now we have come home to roost and I don’t even know what’s in half the boxes still in the basement, let alone where this blouse in my closet came from. I need some order, help making decisions, and a plan that this family can live with.
start with everything that is out and bring order to your home creating open space as you go.then tackle a box at a time, knowing what you have and making definitive decisions.usually there's a lot of donating done in these projects.
It was supposed to be a paperless society…
That’s what they said, and that’s what I have tried to do – sort of. Half my bills are on auto-pay, some send emails, others I get in the mail. Some of the reading I do, I do on line. But I love my books, and nothing beats a good paper on a Sunday morning in January! I have all these great recipes clipped out, some I print out from the computer, some are in cook books, and then I have my Mom’s old recipe cards. Coupons are a favorite – some are on line, others in the mail, but I never seemed to actually have them when I’m in the store. Then there is all the mail in the mail box. Who asked for that? And what to do with all the memorabilia? Photos, kids art projects, old letters…
paper is a category in 90% of the jobs I work on.80% of what is filed is never retrieved.there is more now then ever before.the key is being consistent with your categories and utilizing technology to the full extent of your comfort level.no matter what the system, it must be organized or it won't help you.
My husband (wife) (mom/dad) did everything and then…
Something sad and sudden happened. So on top of all the grief, there are bills that need to be paid, and medical insurance, and people wanting answers about legal issues. There are a lot of files – or piles – here but I don’t know a thing about them, and frankly, I am in no shape right now to learn.
it's time to get help now, before it becomes even more overwhelming.call on a relative or hire help.the depression and grief will sap your energy and your ability to concentrate, so allow trusted helpers to put systems in place and learn gradually as you heal.
We are getting ready to downsize/upsize/stage/move…
I don’t know what to do first, second, third, or even tenth. There’s a lot to get done, and no time to do it. Plus, there are the showings – so things must stay neat and put away. I would like a plan that accomplishes things in stages as we get closer to the deadlines so I feel more in control and so I don’t lose track of where things go.
what you don't want to do is move unwanted things.divest as much as you can, write out a plan with dates to keep you focused,and organize items you are packing for their new location (not the current one).be sure boxes are itemized on all 4 sides for stacking,and let movers pack anything you want them to insure.
My adult child needs help…
Being organized was never her (his) strength and now they are far away and drowning (or so I fear). Plus, this has been a bit contentious in the past and I do not want it to color our relationship now. Perhaps someone with a bit of objectivity, some professionalism, and a lot of understanding could help?
the most interesting thing happens when I work with adult kids.they spend the time telling me how great their parents are!give the gift of organizing and it will last a lifetime.
My college student needs help…
I was hoping that college would improve his (her) study skills and organizational skills. Perhaps it was just a maturity issue, and being able to control his (her) life would make it easier. But really, there’s so little structure, and so many temptations, and I don’t know how to help from so far away.
you can explore what is available through the school.your child is not the only one!however, what I do know is that theory is not enough.hands on individualized help is the answer.
Mom, where’s my…
I am organizing for all 6 of us and no one will hold still!
Well – that sentence says it all, really.
children and adults hate loosing their stuff.chaotic environments create all sorts of tension and wasted time and energy.the short answer is that everything needs a name and a home, plus the time and focus to return used items to their homes.the more everyone is empowered to take care of their own belongings and contribute to the communal spaces the better.
Something sad and sudden happened. So on top of all the grief, there are bills that need to be paid, and medical insurance, and people wanting answers about legal issues. There are a lot of files – or piles – here but I don’t know a thing about them, and frankly, I am in no shape right now to learn.
it's time to get help now, before it becomes even more overwhelming.call on a relative or hire help.the depression and grief will sap your energy and your ability to concentrate, so allow trusted helpers to put systems in place and learn gradually as you heal.
We are getting ready to downsize/upsize/stage/move…
I don’t know what to do first, second, third, or even tenth. There’s a lot to get done, and no time to do it. Plus, there are the showings – so things must stay neat and put away. I would like a plan that accomplishes things in stages as we get closer to the deadlines so I feel more in control and so I don’t lose track of where things go.
what you don't want to do is move unwanted things.divest as much as you can, write out a plan with dates to keep you focused,and organize items you are packing for their new location (not the current one).be sure boxes are itemized on all 4 sides for stacking,and let movers pack anything you want them to insure.
My adult child needs help…
Being organized was never her (his) strength and now they are far away and drowning (or so I fear). Plus, this has been a bit contentious in the past and I do not want it to color our relationship now. Perhaps someone with a bit of objectivity, some professionalism, and a lot of understanding could help?
the most interesting thing happens when I work with adult kids.they spend the time telling me how great their parents are!give the gift of organizing and it will last a lifetime.
My college student needs help…
I was hoping that college would improve his (her) study skills and organizational skills. Perhaps it was just a maturity issue, and being able to control his (her) life would make it easier. But really, there’s so little structure, and so many temptations, and I don’t know how to help from so far away.
you can explore what is available through the school.your child is not the only one!however, what I do know is that theory is not enough.hands on individualized help is the answer.
Mom, where’s my…
I am organizing for all 6 of us and no one will hold still!
Well – that sentence says it all, really.
children and adults hate loosing their stuff.chaotic environments create all sorts of tension and wasted time and energy.the short answer is that everything needs a name and a home, plus the time and focus to return used items to their homes.the more everyone is empowered to take care of their own belongings and contribute to the communal spaces the better.