Are You Organized for the New Year?

It’s officially 2023, and what better way to start the year than having an organized home? Beth of Be Organized by Beth found her passion for helping people and their homes after getting her Bachelor's in Nutrition and Dietetics, years of working in the catering business and being an administrative assistant. Actually, her first task as an administrative assistant was organizing a file room, which sparked her love of organization. Beth was kind enough to share some of her wealth of knowledge, tips, and tricks when it comes to keeping you and your home organized year-round and during a move. 

1. What is one space that many people overlook/neglect that you think is vital to have organized and why? 

When people live in their homes, different areas just become blind to them; for example, the chair in your room that slowly collects items. Spaces like coat closets and under the kitchen and bathroom sinks get crowded, and items that may need to be thrown away get pushed to the back and become cluttered. Not only is it a blind spot, but you can also close the space off, making it easy to forget to keep those spaces organized. 

2. How do you teach/instill the importance of being organized in children? 

Some children are neat, and some are not; if you're lucky, being organized will come naturally to some children. Express to your children how it is easier when you are tidier; it saves you time, and you can do more things! For some children, the thought of cleaning can be overwhelming, so always focus on the positive and celebrate their organizational wins. 

3. How do you organize the small things? Like chargers, batteries, dog toys, medicine… 

Go through your junk drawers frequently; for example, test the collection of pens that has piled up. If a pen doesn't work, throw it away; if you have too many pens, put some in baggies for your child to take to school. Now that every device has a different charger, use labeled bags or boxes to keep them separate, so they don't become a tangled mess. And don't forget, drawer organizers are a lifesaver, don't be afraid to buy one and use it to keep you sane.

4. What are your tips on staying organized? / What do you suggest doing daily to stay organized?

Always be cleaning out your spaces; if you don't need something anymore, donate it! Do this at least once a month, so the organization doesn't become daunting or build up to be a larger issue. 

5. What can clients do to prep for you to come in that is helpful?

Think about what their goals are—having realistic expectations, gathering inspiration, and communicating what you want to me beforehand. 

6. What are your go-to materials for moving?

Sharpies and scissors are a must; Amazon's brown round masking tape is my favorite. Consider having small, medium, and large boxes; lightweight items in the large boxes, an assortment of weights in the medium boxes, and heavy items in the small boxes. To wrap your fragile items, newspaper and bubble wrap are great, but you can use your own towels, sheets, and blankets. 

7. What are the first steps you suggest to take to start packing for a move?

Get a plan together and take a mental note of your home. Then pack what you're not going to use and out-of-season items first, and leave what you use every day to pack last. Label your boxes by room and put arrows on at least three sides of the box to indicate which side is up and which side is down. If you like spreadsheets, make a labeling system: “box 1 has a cutting board, bowls, and cookbooks”. Lastly, pack your kitchen, and use paper plates once it's been packed! 

8. How far in advance should you start packing for a move? When you are assisting clients with their packing, when do you start? 

I come in at any point of a move to help clients. I can assist with the whole move or just bits and pieces in your process. Start packing six weeks to a month beforehand. Pack a few boxes daily to feel like you're accomplishing small attainable goals. 

9. How do you suggest unpacking to stay organized? By room or a little in each room a day, etc.?

Go box by box and know that once you unpack everything, moving things around is okay. 

10. What is something that people need to communicate to movers? 

Be clear on where boxes should go, and make sure to say please and thank you! 

11. From your point of view, what is the hardest part of moving? 

Moving is one of life's biggest stresses and can be paralyzing. Some people don't know where to start, and once they start, they realize they don’t have the best game plan to stay organized. If you are downsizing, that is a different mindset than just moving to a new home. Sometimes taking pictures of your home and replicating the rooms in your new smaller space is the best way to keep organized and make your new space feel like home.

12. Any other tips or pieces of advice? 

Keep an open mind; what you think might work in your new home might look wrong. Try your best to reuse your items as much as possible and give yourself more time than you think to pack and unpack. Lastly, be clear about your expectations to your movers and consistently communicate to your family and those helping you. 

Click HERE to view her website to learn more or have Beth assist you in a project in 2023.