Latest Blog Posts

How do you Organize a Successful Transition to a New Work Situation?

By Julie Stobbe / October 21, 2016 /
Janet Barclay of Organized Assistant

Janet Barclay of Organized Assistant

Today I am happy to introduce you to Janet Barclay of Organized Assistant.

Here is her  story of following her passion and successfully transitioning her business focus.  I hope it will motivate you to take a step towards making changes in your life, work or business.

  1. When I first met you, you were a Professional Organizer.  What did you do before becoming an organizer and how did you choose to become a professional organizer?

Before starting my business, I worked as a customer service rep, office supervisor, administrative assistant, computer instructor, and employment counsellor. When I was an employment counsellor, I decided to take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Qualifying Program. Because the MBTI is a widely used career assessment tool, I thought it would be a good thing to have on my resume.

In the course, I learned that our personality type influences not only our career choices, but many other aspects of our lives, and I was particularly fascinated with the way that personality type affects the way we deal with time and space. I was so excited by the possibilities that I wasn’t satisfied to simply have the MBTI listed on my resume – I wanted to actually use it! Since there was no opportunity to do so in the position I held at the time, I decided to start a side business where I would use my new knowledge to help others choose a career or become more effective by using organizing strategies that respect their natural preferences.

  1. contact www.organizedassistant.com

    contact www.organizedassistant.com

    How long was it before you transitioned from being a professional organizer to becoming a virtual assistant?  How did you make that business transition?

A year or so after becoming a professional organizer, one of my organizing colleagues hired me to automate her monthly newsletter. At that moment, I realized that you can organize someone’s workspace, and you can teach them good time management skills, but sometimes the best way to help them is to free up some of their time.

This was a real turning point for me, and I began adding virtual assistance and website design (which I’d also been doing on the side for several years) to my professional organizing service offerings. I enjoyed this type of work so much that I resigned from my job to work in my business full time. As my client base grew, organizing became less important and eventually I gave it up altogether.

  1. When transitioning your business services, what do you feel is one mistake you made or something you could have done better to make the transition easier?

When I decided to become a virtual assistant, I had to change my business name from Barclay Career & Organizing Solutions to something more in line with my new service offerings. I chose Organized Assistant, because it was something I could stick with in the event I decided to discontinue either organizing or virtual assistance down the road.

The transition itself went pretty smoothly, because it was gradual and my business seemed to evolve naturally. However, over the past few years, I’ve become less of a virtual assistant and more of a marketing consultant and web designer, and my business name no longer feels like a good fit. Had I anticipated further changes, I would have simply branded myself as Janet Barclay.

  1. Although you are still a virtual assistant the focus of your business is changing again.  Tell us about your new focus?

I’ve always enjoyed working with solopreneur women, and they seem to enjoy working with me too. However, solopreneurs tend to look after their own marketing, either for financial reasons or simply out of personal preference. In order to cater to their needs, earlier this year I founded Maximize Marketing Club. In this supportive online community, members learn and develop important marketing strategies for less than the cost of a virtual assistant, and much less than a one-on-one marketing coach.

  1. How important is it, in making a successful business transition, to start a networking group and/or an online group?

Building a network is essential no matter what stage you’re at in your business. When you’re making a transition, a well-established network of supporters can help you test your ideas and spread the word about your new products or services.

  1. Is there anything else you would like us to know?

I’d like to invite any of your readers who’d like a free taste of Maximize Marketing Club to sign up for my free Maximize Your Content Marketing eCourse at http://maximizemarketing.club/.

If you need assistance with your website or marketing please contact Janet Barclay.

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Julie Stobbe, professional organizerJulie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, in person and virtually. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situation. She uses her love of physical activity to reduce clutter, in your home and office. She guides and supports you to manage your time. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.

Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca

Click here to learn more about her online course Create an Organized Home.

 TwitterFacebook Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space

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Solve the Mystery of Laundry Tags

By Julie Stobbe / October 14, 2016 /

Kiersten Bush is my guest blogger this week.

Laundry is a chore, but there’s no way around it. There is, however, a better way to do laundry, one that will save your clothes, save your appliances, and save your energy. To do that, it’s necessary to get to know your clothes a little bit better by studying the tags.

Tags aren’t just a window into the fabric makeup of your clothing. Every tag has to have certain care information that tells you what temperature water, what wash cycle, and what dry time to care for your clothes. Those same tags also tell you whether or not laundry additives like bleach are appropriate, or whether you should skip self-wash and self-dry altogether and go straight to the dry cleaner. Use this infographic to learn more about the right way to do your laundry. How to read laundry tags

launder-like-a-boss.jpg (770×5128)

Thanks to Kiersten Bush of  http://ghergich.com for writing this article. You can contact her at
kiersten@ghergich.com

 

Julie Stobbe, professional organizerJulie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, in person and virtually. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situation. She uses her love of physical activity to reduce clutter, in your home and office. She guides and supports you to manage your time. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.

Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca

Click here to learn more about her online course Create an Organized Home.

 TwitterFacebook Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space

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Smart Organizing – Simple Strategies for Bringing Order to Your Home

By Julie Stobbe / September 27, 2016 /

 

Paperback book Smart organizing

Author Sandra Felton

Sandra Felton, the organizer lady, is the author of this very practical book to help people bring order to their life. The book helps people to “reach their organizational goals in the simplest way possible.  This is why I recommend the book.  The book is full of people’s stories, quizzes, tips and practical solutions to suit a variety of personalities.

She focuses on planning.  I recently twitted “hope is not a plan”.  She outlines how to develop a plan that is right for the person, how to work with the plan getting each space in the house organized and how to live with the plan and maintain the new organized life.

Here are some of the tips that appear in her book.

Bathroom

If a bathroom is shared by several children and is cluttered with their things, get them their own coloured basket for toiletries.  Each child can take it back and forth to the bedroom leaving the bathroom clear.

Garage

Use the walls to hang up smaller items you need more often.  Put up a peg board in the garage and use S- hooks to hang up gardening equipment, tools and sports equipment.

Laundry Routine

If you do laundry for a number of people, refuse to wash unpaired socks.  Insist that everyone pins each pair of socks together with a sturdy safety pin or those little plastic circles into which some sock pairs will slip.  If they aren’t paired you won’t wash them.  Now no more pairing socks.  Another good idea is to colour code socks.  Buy a different colour band or sock for each individual and let him or her match their socks.

Sandra Felton encourages,” spending less time and energy on the mechanics of living and  giving more time for more significant pursuits.” Her books help people to be successful at this.

If you need help getting organized book a complimentary 30 minute chat with me on Zoom.

Julie Stobbe, professional organizerJulie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, in person and virtually. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situation. She uses her love of physical activity to reduce clutter, in your home and office. She guides and supports you to manage your time. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.

Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca

Click here to learn more about her online course Create an Organized Home.

 TwitterFacebook Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space

 

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5 Tips for Organizing your Kitchen

By Julie Stobbe / September 14, 2016 /

When you begin to organize your kitchen, think of dividing it into centers.   Here are some suggestions.

The area with the most counter space 

1.Use the cupboards above and below the counter as the meal preparation centre.  It is the home of items needed to prepare and cook food – cutting board, knives, bowls, graters, pots, pans, casserole dishes, strainer, etc.

Store everything you need to make your meals in one area.

Store everything you need to make your meals in one area.

The area with a smaller amount of counter space near the fridge

2. The drink centre contains coffee, tea, hot chocolate, drink mixes, cups, glasses, sugar/sweetener, coffee maker, kettle, tea pot, etc.  Try storing your glasses and mugs in this area instead of with your plates and bowls

Plan a drink center in your kitchen

Plan a drink center in your kitchen

The area near the dishwasher or sink

3. The dish centre contains dishes and cutlery and should be near the dishwasher for fast and easy unloading.  Aim to store items at an age-appropriate height so children can participate without needing assistance.  If you like thinking outside the box, store your dishes in the base cabinets until your children are tall enough to reach the cabinets above the counter.  Some homes have a pantry.  Instead of storing food try storing your plates and bowls in it.  Everyone will be able to reach them and it may help to have less traffic near the food preparation and cooking areas.

Dishes in cupboard in the kitchen

Area with counter space 

4. The baking centre contains food items and utensils specifically for baking – spices, flour, nuts, chocolate chips, spatulas, cookie sheets, casserole dishes, pie plates, cake pans, etc.

Recycling area

5. Establish a recycling/garbage centre for easy collection.  There are great products that fit under the kitchen sink and hold 2 or 3 container to make recycling easy.

Make recycling easy.

Make recycling easy.

Paperwork area

6. The desk/paperwork centre, can be located near the telephone or computer, holds recipe,, notepaper,  a white board or bulletin board, a charging center for cellphone.

Miscellaneous Drawer

The miscellaneous drawer contains small tools and items  which you need quick access in the kitchen – screwdriver, tape, twist ties, scissors, pen, marker, etc.   Don’t let the one miscellaneous drawer turn into 2 or 3 drawers.

Use one drawer to store items that are handy to have close at hand, marker, tape, screwdriver

Use one drawer to store items that are handy to have close at hand, marker, tape, screwdriver

 

Determine what centers you need in your kitchen and plan your space to hold everything so it is easy to reach and use.

How do you store your plastic food containers?

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4 Tips for a Better Organized Bedroom

By Julie Stobbe / July 28, 2016 /

Start by determining any special uses of the bedroom other than sleeping and relaxing (e.g., home office, baby’s crib and supply storage etc.)  This will let you plan how to use the space in your bedroom.  Conversely if your bedroom has items in it that shouldn’t be there remove them.

Get your clothes off the floor 

1. Store your clothes in the closet on hangers or shelves or in a dresser.  Double your hanging space by installing a lower hanging bar.  A lower bar also makes it easy for children to tidy up their rooms and select their clothes to wear.  Add an extra shelf up high in the closet to store off-season items.

Two bars for clothes

Add a second bar to your closet to double your hanging space.

Look for storage spaces in unused areas of your room

2. Under-bed storage containers are very helpful for oversized items or off-season clothing.  If your bed is very low to the ground you can purchase bed risers to raise the bed and make room for containers.

Slide bins under the bed for storage

Use bins under your bed to increase your storage space.

Use the wall space in your room when there is limited floor space

3. Use vertical space to add more storage.  An armoire or tall-boy dresser may suit your room better than a long, low dresser.

Use a tall dresser instead of a long low dressor

Use vertical space when floor space is limited

Use the back and inside of doors to store items.

4. Use the inside of the bedroom and closet doors to hang items.  Over-the-door rack and hook products accommodate shoes, jewellery, scarves, ties, etc.

There are many over the door products to help you store items

There are many over the door products to help you store items

How do you keep your dresser drawers organized?

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6 Tips for a Better Organized Basement or Garage

By Julie Stobbe / June 29, 2016 /
Use vertical space to optimum your storage space.

Use vertical space to optimise your storage space.

Use Vertical Space 

  1. Make use of vertical space. Buy shelving units to keep your items off the floor.  This will help protect them from water damage and allow for air movement in and around containers, reducing the build-up of mould.  Choose shelves that are 24” deep, if your room permits.

Create Zones 

  1. Divide your storage into zones – sports equipment, decorations, household items, electronics, and memorabilia – categories that best suit the items you wish to store.

Use Plastic Storage Bins

  1. Use plastic storage bins to protect your items from moisture. Use clear bins, labelling them so you can easily see what is inside.

Measure your Space then buy the Shelving Units

  1. If you need five shelves you may find that two storage units – one with two shelves the other with three shelves – fit the space better.

Need a Deep Shelf for Large items

  1. Two 24” storage units laced together will make a 48” deep shelf to hold hockey bags.
Secure 2 shelves together to make a place for storing large items

Secure 2 shelves together to make a place for storing large items

Leave Space for Tall Items to Stand

6. Place two storage units side by side, with a space in between, to create a support for golf bags.

Add your Advise

What product have you found to help keep your basement organized?

 

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5 Tips for a Better Organized Laundry Room

By Julie Stobbe / June 23, 2016 /

        

Set up your laundry room to suit your needs

Set up your laundry room to suit your needs

Collection Area

  1. Keep a central collection area for your laundry close to where people change.  The main bathroom, near the bedrooms, is often a good choice. Keep three hampers – one each for light, medium and dark colours Make sure everyone knows to empty pockets, because no one else is going to check.

Treat Stains

  1. Keep a stain remover nearby so that everyone can treat the stains on their clothing. Children may need help with the most difficult, like blood.  Use shampoo without conditioner on grease stains. Once stains are treated, fold the clothing to prevent stain remover from touching the hamper. Remember to place clothing in the correct laundry hamper.

Make a Space for Folding

  1. Have a table or space available so you can fold and pile items as they are removed from the dryer.

Have a Rack for Hanging Clothes

  1. Have a place to hang up clothes – a line, door hooks or a free-standing wire rack.

Keep Supplies Handy

  1. Establish a laundry supply shelf or cupboard. Be sure to have a variety of supplies available so you can easily handle any stain – detergent, bleach, shampoo, stain remover, and a bar of laundry soap for quick hand-washing items.  Include a basin so you can conveniently soak or hand wash items.

Add Your Advice in the Comments

What do you do to make laundry easy in your home?

Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.

Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca

Click here to learn more about her online course Create an Organized Home.

 TwitterFacebook Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space

Click here to learn more about working with a Professional Organizer.

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ADD-Friendly ways to organize your Life

By Julie Stobbe / June 16, 2016 /

Reading time  – 3 minutes

This is the name of a book that can help people with ADD to get organized.  It can also help other people to understand how they can assist someone with ADD to get organized. The person without ADD acts as a coach.

ADD Friendly ways to Organize your Life

ADD Friendly ways to Organize your Life

The book mentions:

  • Stop coaches – help to determine when the task is finished
  • Decision Coaches – someone who can help to clarify thoughts and feelings by asking questions
  • Priority coaches – talk things over to help make things clearer

There are chapters on:

  • different approaches to organizing,
  • thing organizing,
  • time organizing and
  • paper organizing.

Each chapter suggests strategies and processes for a person with ADD to try.  Then the chapter continues and explains how a coach, friend or family member can assist.  The last part of the chapter explains how a Professional Organizer would work with the client.

Easy to Use

The book is written and formatted so it is easy for a person with ADD to use.  The sections are short.  There are circles and boxes, headings and bullet points and a review section at the end of each chapter. Judith Kolberg, a Professional Organizer and Kathleen Nadeau, a Psychologist have collaborated to create a book full of strategies that work.

Share with us

What has been a helpful resource for learning about organizing skills?

A blue and white striped tunnel in the background with Julie Stobbe in the foreground wearing a white blouse.Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, in person and virtually. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situation. She uses her love of physical activity to reduce clutter, in your home and office. She guides and supports you to manage your time. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.

Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca

Click here to learn more about her online course Create an Organized Home.

 TwitterFacebook Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space

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The fatigue factor affects productivity

By Julie Stobbe / June 9, 2016 /

The fatigue factor affects productivity

By Harold Taylor

Working long hours makes you good at one thing – working long hours. It does not increase either your efficiency or effectiveness. Any anticipated increase in personal productivity is usually offset by a lower work pace, additional errors, more frequent self-generated distractions, decreased creativity, and a decline in energy and motivation.

Long hours can reduce productivity

Long hours can reduce productivity

If the increased working hours, reduces the total amount of sleep that one gets, it could also impact their physical and mental health – causing obesity, diabetes, memory impairment, high blood pressure, heart disease, and a weakened immune system.

Sleep deprivation can affect your health

Sleep deprivation can affect your health

The total output does not vary directly with the amount of time worked. If you cut one-third off your working hours, for instance, you would not cut one-third off your output. In fact, for those people working 12 hours per day, a reduction to eight hours may not result in any perceivable drop in total output. Productivity, (output per hour) would actually increase.

Overwork, lack of sleep and energy drain can cause accidents as well. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the US estimates that drowsy drivers cause 100,000 accidents, 71,000 injuries and 1550 fatalities each year.

In January 2011 an Air Canada flight from Toronto to Zurich made a sudden descent, injuring 14 passengers and two crew members when a fatigued pilot mistakenly believed the plane was on a collision course with another aircraft.

In general, people need to shorten their working hours and lengthen their sleeping and resting hours – and this usually entails turning off their electronic devices sooner at night.

How long do you think our work week or each workday should be for the best outcome at work and in our personal life?

Need help planning routines to help shorten your day book a 30 minute chat with me.

Julie Stobbe, professional organizerJulie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situation. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.

Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca

Click here to learn more about her online course Create an Organized Home.

 TwitterFacebook Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space

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Some Donations go to Charity and Some Don’t

By Julie Stobbe / April 29, 2016 /

CBC has a great article about how companies help charities and are able to make a profit for their business.  Click the link to learn more about the business of donations.

What is your favourite place to donate to?

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2012/01/26/charity-clothing-bins-millions.html

Julie Stobbe, professional organizerJulie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situation. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.

Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca

Click here to learn more about her online course Create an Organized Home.

 TwitterFacebook Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space

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