Re-think ways to Go Green

We’ve been talking about this blog for a while as Genius Organizing practices the “Repurpose, Recycle, Reuse” mantra. We would like to share with you some really cool green products that go along with this philosophy and make your life easier. These are some big picture ways to help the Earth and cause less buildup in your life, thus continuing to help you be more organized.


Food Storage:

So you constantly struggle with where and how to store those boxes of sandwich bags-well, say goodbye to throwing more plastic and cardboard (packaging, don’t forget packaging!) into the Universe and say hello to LunchSkins. Not only is this a great green product but it is a COOL looking, well-designed product as well.




These bags are made in the USA, dishwasher safe and particular models even give 5% back to organizations that support cleaning up our planet. So you are double-timing it on earth goodness if you buy this product!!






What’s worse than storing multiple boxes of sandwich bags is the dreaded stack of plastic containers. The lids breed, we all know that. If you microwave the plastic it gets icky and discolored and the big AND is that eventually you throw it away.

As more people are getting rid of plastic water bottles and replacing them with stainless steel, so goes the way of the plastic food containers.

This set, from Kids Konserve, nests so as not to take up a ton of space and the containers are leak-proof so they can go from home to work or school without disaster. Downside is, you can’t put them in a microwave, but plastic in the microwave is questionable for your health anyway; upside is a more beautiful planet!



Furniture & Household:

Not only is this furniture from Legare made from Moso bamboo which is the most sustainable bamboo in the world, since it regenerates over 100 feet in height in less than 6 months, but this stuff goes together without hardware!

Goodbye crazy directions that only make you angry!

Hello, beautiful, responsible furniture that leaves you headache free.










Cork flooring is an exceptional alternative to rugs, tiles and wood flooring. Cork is great for Mother Earth, as the outer layer of bark on a cork tree can be stripped off the tree without harming the tree in any way.



It is a tremendous acoustic and thermal insulator.

Cork has a memory like an elephant and will bounce back 99% if you decide to re-arrange.

Unlike carpet, cork doesn’t harbor dust or absorb dirt.

Expanko makes numerous designs that could compliment any home.





Extra ways:

Paperless Post is a couture version of e-vite. You can do all the same things like design, email and monitor invites but the designs are 100 times classier and with a lot less hubbub than e-vite.

Making a conscious decision to go paperless…all the way paperless…forces you to think creatively about every paper-using opportunity you encounter. Paperless Post helps!


Start thinking big picture about your efforts to make a change in the world. When you think about organizing, going green can be a part of that. With some of these creative tools Genius helps you get started.

Getting Past the Block

Have you ever started an organizing project only to, hours or days later, feel completely helpless? Have you abandoned a project altogether because it is just too much to handle? Well…you aren’t alone. AND, good news, you can overcome this block!

Today’s Tip: Getting past the block

If you get hives just by looking at a messy closet you should pay special attention to today’s blog. Here are some simple tips in overcoming fears and anxiety surrounding organization.

Tip One: Forgive yourself

You don’t have to be perfect and no one is expecting you to. Extreme feelings of doubt sometimes cause us to self-sabotage by not completing a project. If you find yourself getting close to finishing a task and giving up before the end, or never even getting started, most likely your subconscious thought is that once you succeed and finish this problem, it will no longer be in your way. Then you will have to face other possibly harder, more important problems. It can all be overwhelming. Forgive yourself for feeling this way, and stay on target. You CAN finish. You SHOULD finish. Keep giving yourself timed sessions to work at it. Stay focused on ONE small area and get through to the end. Even if it is a relatively unimportant project, you need to feel a sense of completion.

Tip Two: Don’t take on the world

You don’t have to do it all at once. Pick one small project a WEEK, get a success under your belt and THEN you can move on to the big stuff. Its like Thanksgiving Dinner…when you pile your plate so full of different foods, you overeat and end up not really enjoying but powering through- resulting in a bloated, tired, uncomfortable day. The same can be said about organizing. When you have a list of 50 items and you try to do it all, you end up not finishing, and feeling tired and uncomfortable.


Tip Three: Create small accomplishments

Make a list of the things you have to do to complete a project and put ABSOLUTELY EVERY STEP on the list. Crossing items off a list gives us a sense of accomplishment; accomplishment creates good feelings and momentum. For instance, say you are organizing your junk drawer. Here are some of the things that might go on your list:

1. Take everything out of the drawer
2. Wipe down the drawer
3. Line the drawer with liner
4. Throw away unwanted items
5. Sort all pens
6. Sort all tools
7. Sort all paperclips/rubber bands/matchbooks…
8. Put in dividers or divider tray
9. Put items back in the drawer

When you complete a part of the whole task, cross it off! You will feel a heightened sense of accomplishment, creating momentum to keep going to completion. Keep crossing items off. Know that the end result is a clean drawer and a lighter heart!

Tip Four: Call in the troops

At some point you may not be able to succeed on your own, and that is OK. It really is. Does everyone work alone, only on his or her goals? No.
Think of an office. Many people are working together to reach a goal. Call a caring friend to come by and help the task seem less arduous. It will also help you stay on target by having someone by your side that knows they are there to help create accountability.

If you have a lot of stress and embarrassment due to your disorganization, a professional may be in order.

We believe in you…now believe in yourself!


Don't forget to come see us LIVE to learn FREE organizing ideas and address your own clutter issues!

WED JAN 20: DECLUTTER AND GET ORGANIZED MANHATTAN
7pm
Solas Bar
232 E. 9th Street
btw 2nd & 3rd New York, NY 11218
Join us to discuss your clutter and hear innovative ways to get started on your most pressing projects.


TUES JAN 26: DECLUTTER AND GET ORGANIZED BROOKLYN
7pm
Burrito Bar Brooklyn
307 Flatbush Avenue
at Prospect Place Brooklyn, NY 11217
Join us to discuss your clutter and hear innovative ways to get started on your most pressing projects.

Nicole and Julia

"Guest" Practices

This holiday season is about to come to an end and we at Genius are thinking about our clients tackling clutter and disorganization in the New Year.

Often one can become overwhelmed and feel guilt over a disorganized situation. Don’t let it consume you. Don’t let it impose on your enjoyment of this time with loved ones.

Use the fact that you have guests coming or currently in your home as motivation to keep moving forward with your organizational goals.

While your guests are there, the dishes get done more often, laundry gets put away, shoes and clothes get put in the closet, right? Why not carry those practices into your everyday life? YOU deserve this meticulous care, as well as your guests.

If every day you take the time to implement a few of these “guest practices” you will find yourself not only less cluttered but with more free time. You will also find there will be less need to scramble right before you have guests come visit.

Here are just a few small things that can cause a big impact:

1. Hang your clothes up / put them in laundry as soon as you take them off, EVERY DAY.

One shirt on the dresser is no big deal, but 3 shirts and a pair of pants becomes a pile and a pile is stressful and overwhelming.

2. Do your dishes, EVERY DAY

Even though this is more cleaning than clutter, it is one of the world’s most daunting but common tasks that sets the tone for other areas in the home. Go around the house, pick up all the cups and glasses and wash everything, every day.

3. Put away laundry, THE MINUTE IT IS DONE (or comes back from the cleaners)

If it sits in the bag or basket, you can still get to it, right? Then what happens is you keep using it out of the bag or basket and now you have no place to put your dirty laundry. If you put it away, it is a small “win” for you that you accomplished something in your day. Self-encouragement is a helpful way to stay organized AND feel good about you.

4. Process mail, EVERY DAY.

That mail isn’t going to open itself, and you certainly won’t know how much you owe without opening it. When mail piles up, it is not only unsightly but it is financially dangerous. If you haven’t gone totally digital and you still get statements and bills open them EVERY DAY and immediately put the discarded envelope in your recycling bin. It is ok if you then put the bill in your “In Box” or "Bill Box," but by reading it first, you make a mental note of what you owe and you are storing less paper by discarding the outside used envelope. IF you cannot do this EVERY DAY, make sure you have selected - and noted in your planner - a time each week that you are going to take care of incoming mail. Take it from us, this is essential.

5. Straighten up, EVERY DAY.

Take ten minutes every evening as you are wrapping up your day, to walk around your house and put things back in their places, empty waste baskets, close drawers and doors, etc. This is painless daily maintenance that makes every day in your life neater with only ten minutes of effort! It's an unbeatable plan for keeping your act together.

We hope this helps in your quest to become a better, more organized you! Let us know your feedback on these "guest practices." We love to hear from you!

Make sure you check out our new before and after pics on our FACEBOOK page.

Small steps to make your Holiday go off without a hitch

We have already talked about gifts and the “Big Meal” so what is left?
GUESTS. Ugh. Save yourself the trouble of last minute scurrying with a couple of planning ideas.

Today’s Tip: Prepare for the INCOMING by taking small steps


Starting next week:

Monday - Wash all towels & bedding and set aside specifics for guests.

This is a time consuming task that has to be done so best to get it out of the way.

Tuesday - Clear out a drawer/closet for guests to be able to put some of their stuff

Don’t go bonkers. Guests know that they are invading your space; it’s a nice touch to offer a couple of hangars or half a shirt drawer.

Wednesday - Plan at least ONE sit down home cooked meal. Don’t just think it, WRITE IT.

If you write things down you are less likely to forget anything and have to make that last minute run to the grocery store. Plus, this will also help keep you on budget when you have to look at all the things you have to buy.

Thursday - Make reservations/get tickets for one event out of the house

It’s cold outside, its family inside and its tense all the way around. Get up and out to give yourself a break on cooking and give everyone something new to talk about while showing off your town.

Friday – Shop for all dry goods from your home cooked meal

Start to put together your special section of your pantry for your big holiday menu.

You are on your way. In one more week you will be done with everything and ready to sit back and let the family roll in.

Happy Holidays

Nicole & Julia

Gobble Gobble Toil and Trouble

Today’s Holiday Tip: Setting the menu without it going a-fowl…


Planning ahead.
Pick plenty of recipes you can make ahead of time and pull out of the
fridge at the last minute. Wow your friends with variety and recipes like this Sweet & Spicy Mixed Nuts.

Spiced nuts Recipe


Don’t sweat it.
Choose recipes with quick cooking times, or cold salads. One stove burning around the clock with lots of people in the house makes for a very unpleasant Thanksgiving, as well as a moist, frantic host.

Kale Salad Recipe


Take all the glory.
Make the Big Bird and let the guests bring the rest. Who cares if you
can’t do it all? You work hard all year long and this day should be a
vacation for you, too. Don’t try to do too much. You’ll enjoy the day much
more!


The path less traveled.
Watching your weight? Do something radical. Plan a family hike or bike ride.
Volunteer at a food bank or a shelter. Who says you have to have
can-shaped cranberries and overstuff your face with turkey and green
bean casserole?

Happy Holidays!

Nicole & Julia

Here come the holidays!

Holiday advice can be overwhelming. Throughout the next month we will give you easy and concise things to keep in mind that will help you maintain your holiday composure.

Today’s Tips: How to KEEP the JOY in giving gifts

Think YEAR ROUND.
Spread out your holiday shopping over the whole year. When you travel or see something that is right for your friend or Mom, why wait? Get it then.
By the time the holiday comes…you have several things ready to give not to mention, you won’t be strapped for cash having spent an extra lump sum in one month on presents.

Be sure to create a dedicated space (box, shelf or drawer) for “gifts” so they don’t create clutter, and/or get lost, damaged, or used by someone other than the intended recipient. Establish a place for these future gifts and always put them in their place as you bring them home.

The KIT.
Scissors, wrapping paper, labels, tissue paper, bows and ribbon should all be kept in one place. The size of the storage depends on how often you wrap gifts. If you are a once a year wrapper then a simple shopping bag will do. Or, you can purchase a “gift wrap center.” Here are three examples available at The Container Store:






This last one is the big winner because you should always choose VERTICAL storage if you can. This saves the most space.


WRAP It Up.
Start wrapping presents the second you get them home. Wrapping presents can be the most time consuming thing you do this season. Don’t procrastinate. A little bit every day will save you LOADS of time.

SAVE MONEY & Be Unique.
Use unconventional wrapping paper.

-Subway/Road/Country maps
-Newspaper (then paint on it!)
-Old T-shirts (cut in strips and weave them together, or just wrap the shirt around)
-Good ol’ aluminum foil
-Extra fabric you have saved

BE LAZY!
Order every gift online and choose “gift wrap”. Most online retailers offer a gift wrapping service for an extra fee. If you have the cash and not the time…you could be done with all of your shopping and wrapping in just an hour or two.

Happy PRE-holidays,

Nicole & Julia

It’s time to clean the pantry.

Have you ever purchased a can of black beans only to get home and look deep in the depths of your pantry to find out you already have two cans already?

It happens to everyone. Let’s change that!

Today’s tip: Use unique products and organizing tools to make your pantry work for you.



Get the Ball Rolling

First follow these steps…

1. Take everything out of your pantry.

2. Clean everything and line the shelves with contact paper. This makes cleaning easier down the road and a clean pantry is a pest-free pantry.

3. Group like items together on your counter or table. This makes putting things back in easier and creates order. Don’t just think “grains”, “canned food” and “pasta” when grouping; make groups like “Kids After School Snacks” and “Easy One Pot Meals”.

4. Check expiration dates on EVERYTHING and throw away anything expired.



NOW...let's get to organizing.


Use Your Space Wisely:

Think UP.
A double stack lazy susan is a great way to increase your vertical space and still see what you have.









Think UNDER.
Put a basket under your shelf. This picture doesn’t have food in it, but imagine if all your pasta was up out of the way, not getting smashed behind and under cans and boxes.








Think INNOVATIVE.
How about using a pull down spice rack? Those tiered racks are great for seeing the spices but how practical is it for USING the spices? This is one of the most amazing tools we’ve seen to date.


Label the Contents:

Think CONTAINERS.
Shoe boxes are great and if you cover them with contact paper that you used on your shelves it makes for a MUCH neater cabinet. Or if you want to get fancy, purchase some boxes with a very clear labeling system.

Think SPECIFIC.
Put large labels on the boxes so there is no mistake by anyone in your household about where things “live” in the pantry.

Think AHEAD.
If you are hosting a big holiday or dinner party you might want to think in advance about what you have or need to purchase. Place a sticky note that lists the ingredients of what you are making on the outside of a new box. As the days go by, you assess what you have and place what items you already have in the box then strike through what you have. When it’s time to go shopping, simply take the note with you and buy what’s left!


Keeping it tidy:

Think INSIDE.
Use the inside of your cabinet doors! Today there exists many technologically advanced paints that you can apply to the inside of your cabinets. There is a magnetic paint we are absolutely crazy about that will allow you to hang magnetic hooks or put up recipes. Or you can use chalk board paint which will allow you to write shopping lists and reminders. The same goes for dry-erase board paint. These are amazing, fun to use and show off, and we encourage their use!

Think QUARTERLY.
Now that you are organized AND have a handy surface inside your cabinet for notes, put up a cleaning schedule for the pantry 4 times a year, repeat the steps 1-4 listed at the top.

Think HOUSEHOLD.
Make sure to include people in your house when labeling items and cleaning out so that it isn’t just the “weight of the pantry” on your shoulders.




Don't forget to come see us LIVE for FREE Organizing ideas and address your own clutter issues!

SAT NOV 14: GETTING FIT INSIDE AND OUT
PARK SLOPE FOOD COOP
10am
782 Union Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues in Park Slope)
Come hear Nicole speak about getting your space organized for a much better you. She will be joining personal trainer Aja Davis in discussing overall wellness.

THURS NOV 19: DECLUTTER AND GET ORGANIZED
7pm
Ellis Bar
627 5th Ave (between 17th and 18th Streets in Park Slope)
Join us to discuss your clutter and hear innovative ways to get started on your most pressing projects.

Nicole & Julia