It’s high time I let you in and showed a little of what makes me the woman I am...
I guess it’s no accident that my Creating Order from Chaos logo is all about squares. It turns out...
Last week, as part of my usual service, I mentored someone over a video conferencing call. Isn’t technology wonderful?...
I do enjoy a Saturday morning relaxing read of the newspaper, and always enjoy checking out the Domain section....
Last week I worked on my testimonials web page. In the process, I received some wonderful testimonials from past...
Working face to face with clients in their home is how most organisers deliver their services. The process works...
It seems to me that Mary Poppins is very much like a good professional organiser. Let’s see 7 things...
I love to give gifts, and to receive them! Who doesn’t? But none of us needs more clutter. At...
Giving a handwritten card is a wonderful way to show you care. Receiving a heartfelt card makes you feel...
I want to tell you about a few simple ways you can organise greeting cards. Handwritten cards are still...
How is it that some people find decluttering easy, and others find it so difficult? It sure does come...
Today’s post is brought to you from the wonderful world of shoes. Shoes are a girl’s best friend, right?...
Do you think you don’t have time to get organised? What if I told you there are lots of...
Is your car organised? Is your car maintenance up to date? There’s so much to having an organised car. ...
The good news and the bad news Over the years I’ve worked with some wonderful women with one common...
At some point in our lives, most of us will move house. If that’s coming up for you, read...
Organising children can be like herding cats. But life is definitely easier for everyone when things are organised. Read...
As well as working as a Professional Organiser, Tracey Warren from Professional Organising Solutions is a sole parent to...
Is your email out of control? Look no further. Organise email once and for all with tips galore in...
It seems like we all struggle with keeping email under control. If that’s you, read on because Tracey Warren...
Continuing the Downsizing theme for this week, I thank Tracey Warren from Professional Organising Solutions for her downsizing tips....
Downsizing is a hot topic. Whether you are an empty-nester, or looking to reduce your mortgage by reducing the...
Your home office needs organising, right? There are some simple things you can do to create an organised home...
Part of the organising process is letting go. Letting go of clutter, of piles, of appointments that sneak into...
Paper is everywhere. Organising paper is something almost everyone struggles with. Thank goodness for my organising colleagues and their...
Spring has sprung and, in my humble opinion, there is nothing better than organising in Spring. Organising in Spring...
Pets pick us up when we are down. They share love and make us feel happy to walk in...
Are you ready to listen to organising tips? These days there are so many ways to consume information, learn...
Do you hate decluttering? I get it. Even though I love to declutter and organise, I understand that it’s...
What is the best reason to have an organised bedroom? For me it has to be all about the...
Are books the hardest thing to let go of? So many of my clients say that they are. I...
One of my very first paid organising projects was to organise recipes. It was a collection of recipes, with...
My granddaughter just might be a Professional Organiser in the making. I had some special time with her over...
Let’s face it. We’ve all been there… a wardrobe full of clothes, but “nothing to wear”. It’s a common...
I think I’m pretty good at keeping an efficient, functioning, decluttered wardrobe. But recently, out of necessity, I had...
Have you ever wondered what it’s like working with an organiser? Or even what a Professional Organiser actually does? ...
The kitchen is the heart of the home. It nurtures you, and it keeps you healthy. A cluttered kitchen...
I am getting a personal lesson on what being “organised enough” is all about. It’s cold at my house! ...
The bathroom is the unsung hero of our daily organising routines. It’s where we look after our bodies and...
Back in the days when I worked in childcare and kindergartens, to organise toys was a daily task. As...
Every organiser comes to professional organising via a different path. Our past life experiences, our values and beliefs, our...
Memorabilia can be the toughest items to declutter and organise. How do you balance the need to remember with...
I’m pleased to present another guest post from my friend and colleague, Tracey Warren, from Professional Organising Solutions. Thanks,...
The kitchen is the heart of the home. If the heart of the home is organised, then you’re off...
Who doesn’t love a clever storage idea? Big thanks to my organising colleagues who generously share their best storage...
It’s hard to be organised if you don’t have the time. My amazing organising colleagues from around the world...
I’m pleased to share this guest post from Tracey Warren from Professional Organising Solutions, where Tracey helps individuals, families...
The change of seasons is the ideal time to take a look at what’s in your wardrobe, make room...
Now is the time to get out your basket and practice for the Easter Egg Hunt. Seriously though, now’s...
Here’s my tip for organising an Easter Egg hunt. Keep it simple. 1. Hide eggs 2. Have fun hunting...
School holidays are an excellent time to involve the children in getting organised. Here are some great ideas to...
It’s my pleasure to present another guest post by Tracey Warren from Professional Organising Solutions. This time Tracey gives...
These are a few of my favourite tools for getting organised… check out these past posts… Absolutely essential favourite...
What’s for dinner??! Don’t worry. Check out these articles about meal planning to help you put an end to...
Well here we are at the end of National Organising Week, and the end of the NOW Mini Declutter...
Our mini declutter challenge is really ramping up today with challenge #6. But don’t worry. Even though it’s a...
We are on a roll with this mini declutter challenge, and here comes #5. But first, if you missed...
On we march with the mini declutter challenge. So far we’ve covered the wardrobe, the linen press and the...
Already it’s Day 3 of our week-long mini declutter challenge. Yesterday we tackled the linen press. Take a look...
Being organised saves you money. Read about how in these articles from me and my organising colleagues. Save money...
Here we are at Day 2 of our week-long mini declutter challenge. Yesterday we tackled the wardrobe. In case...
Happy National Organising Week! NOW is a great time to get organised. Because NOW stands for National Organising Week. ...
Thanks to Tracey Warren from Professional Organising Solutions for this guest post. Many of us struggle to keep...
Last week I wrote about whether there was room in the current market for more organisers. You can read...
The bathroom is the centre of self care. It’s where most folks keep their medications, as well as lotions...
Hooray! This semi-regular blog round up has a name – Organising Wisdom. Look out for the wisdom of others...
Have you’ve been asking yourself whether you could make a career as a professional organiser. Maybe your friends and...
One of the things I am especially good at is supporting my fellow POs (professional organisers). There are some...
Last week I did what I love to do most – shared my love of organising with others who...
In my last post, I wrote about making big changes one small step at a time. Read it here....
So often we want, and need, to make big changes in our lives and our homes. We want change...
It’s almost back-to-school time and parents all over Australia are collecting school uniform, booking haircuts, buying stationery supplies, convincing...
I attended a funeral last week. It was a lovely send off for a lady who had lived a...
So we’re one week down in 2017. Statistically, a good many resolutions have already fallen by the wayside. Hang...
Is there a “right” way to start the New Year? Maybe. There sure are plenty of “wrong” ways, but...
It must be New Year’s Eve. There are ads to quit smoking and weight loss programs all over the...
As I write this, I have just returned from 5 fabulous weeks away in Europe. It was wonderful to...
Adam Centofanti is a man on the go. He works for Melbourne City Football Club, as well as...
NRL player, Billy Slater, is pretty sure that his Melbourne Storm teammates would call him organised. But it was...
What’s your organising superpower? Consider this… everybody, yes everybody, has at least one thing they do well, and where...
One of my favourite pens ran out of ink. Sad face. No problem. I knew that I had a...
Are you struggling to make a new habit stick? This is for you… I was in the habit of...
On this very last day of the year, I have 2 questions for you. What will you take with...
Thanks to You! I am so grateful for all the messages from my readers and followers, letting me know...
Today is a really special day in our family. It’s a milestone for my son. It’s the culmination of...
Today I am grateful for compassionate people. Thank goodness I have lots of them in my life. It doesn’t...
Today I am reminded of the power of new habits. First I noticed that I have developed a new...
I am grateful for a night at the opera with my opera-loving friend. The Marriage of Figaro was a...
As a grandparent, I am delighted to be included in the little things that make up my granddaughter’s life. ...
I just love my place of work. My office is the place I spend a lot of time in...
Here I am at Day 53 of my Gratitude Project, with just a week left to go. (But I’ll...
Ah ha! Thank goodness for those bright, shiny, Ah Ha! moments. Yes it happened to me today. There was...
It’s raining, it’s pouring. As much as I enjoy warm sunshine, we need some rain in my part of...
I love to bake. The other day I was watching The Great Australian Bake Off on TV and even...
Today is the first day of three for this month’s Professional Organiser Training. I so enjoy sharing with new...
In The Success Principles by Jack Canfield and Janet Switzer, there’s a chapter called Acknowledge Your Positive Past. One...
You know what’s brought me a lot of joy over the years? Doing things for others. Yes, volunteering has...
Today started out like a typical relaxed Sunday. A chance drop in at a local heritage centre brought such...
I attended a baby shower today and it was a joy. There was so much love and hope and...
Oh the joy of having a really good massage by a professional that knows what they’re doing. As much...
Don’t forget to show some gratitude for the most important person in your life – You! One wonderful gratitude...
Spending just 30 minutes once a month speaking with my business coach provides me with clarity, encouragement, drive and...
It should be no surprise that as a Professional Organiser, I am a big fan of lists. When I...
Today marks the first anniversary of my mother-in-law’s passing. Although she hung on for a long time through illness...
Home again, home again, jiggety jig. There’s no place like home. Home is where the heart is. Yes it’s...
To me, a truly relaxing holiday has 2 important components – warmth and swimming. When I have those 2...
Being on holiday has meant eating out for dinner every evening and a buffet breakfast daily. We’ve been making...
Today marks the 10th anniversary of AAPO’s incorporation. AAPO is the industry association for Professional Organisers in Australasia. And...
There are little clues to the wonder of life everywhere. On our walks through the rainforest here on holidays,...
Hats and horses and high heels and hors d’oeuvres. It’s all about the Melbourne Cup in Melbourne (and I’m...
As much as I love my work, it’s great to have a break now and then, especially if it’s...
These wonderful tropical products of Mother Nature really caught my eye today, and I sure am grateful for them. ...
Boo! I’m grateful for Halloween. Yes, I know lots of people say it’s “American” and we live in Australia...
I’m thankful for the start of the Melbourne cruising season. Seeing the cruise ships at berth adds a little...
Quite often, as I load my dirty laundry into my modern front-loading washing machine, with its detergent dispensers, electronic...
Oh the joy of having a clean home! It’s so nice to have a space to return to at...
One of the things I enjoy most about my work is the unexpected conversations I have with my clients. ...
I spent the weekend with a group celebrating a friend’s significant birthday. One of the fun things we did...
On this day when I am feeling under the weather with aches and pains and a nasty tickle in...
My gratitude today is a little left-field. Yesterday I mentioned I’d been to see the tax accountant. He always...
This morning I am still smiling from my unexpected treat last night. Here I was thinking that my husband...
Remember that song in the film, Mary Poppins, “I Love to Laugh”? It’s a good’un and my kids and...
I know I lead a blessed life. I have a roof over my head, food in the fridge and...
The other day I gave praise to my morning routine, and briefly mentioned my accountability buddy. Today it’s her...
I’m pleased to have Sharon McWilliams from All Things Organised share her wisdom and experience about Estate Organisation in...
Don’t you just love holidays? I sure do. But I love planning holidays almost as much. It’s so fun...
I’m grateful for art, in all its many forms. I went to an exhibition today that showcased art in...
I am grateful for the couple of hours I spend getting my hair done. Oh the quiet time to...
I am grateful for audiobooks. I have found something that makes driving and housework a joy, keeps me company...
I’m so grateful for my morning routine, which sets me up for a productive and fun day. On the...
My desk friends are reminders that people have thought of me, and reminders for me to think of others...
Life is good, especially when I’ve had a great night’s sleep. And I can’t get that if my bed...
Hallelujah it’s Monday! I love Mondays, the start of a fresh new week, full of possibility and promise. On...
I’m grateful for my car. It’s not fancy but it is reliable. I’m most grateful for what it gives...
When I wake up in the country, one of the first things I hear is the birds. Today I’m...
Coming into the warmer weather means there is a greater variety of the fruit I like to eat available...
I’m going to get a bit mushy. I really can’t talk about gratitude and joy in my life without...
I feel grateful for crafting. That little bit of alone time, creating something with my hands. My personal favourites...
I’m celebrating the joy within as a daily reminder of all the wonderful things in my life. Today I’m...
Cats. Yes, today I’m grateful for cats. I can’t look at a cat without smiling. I can’t watch a...
Today I’m grateful for Daylight Saving. I really enjoy that “extra hour” of daylight. I use it to get...
Today I’m grateful for my legs. Yes, even though they are not perfect with their varicose veins and occasionally...
Today I am grateful for my home – the strong walls and roof to protect me, a safe place...
For a long time I’ve known that a grateful attitude is a wonderful, powerful asset. Privately I practice gratitude...
Yes, being organised having more time feeling less stress can be its own reward! But I truly believe in...
Asking the right question is one of the Professional Organiser’s most effective tools to help you get organised. Some...
Go to your most comfortable chair. This “challenge” could take a few minutes or an hour. I want you...
Go to your Outdoor Storage. Today we’re looking at the shed or garage. At my place it’s a teeny...
The Pareto Principle, aka the 80/20 Rule and named after the Italian economist, Vilfredo Pareto, states that approximately 80% of...
Go to your Medicine Cabinet. It’s very important to keep your medications in a safe place, and out of...
We are flying through these challenges. Go to your Herbs and Spices. Whenever I declutter a client’s pantry, we...
If your free time is limited, have you thought of outsourcing, aka delegating? Outsourcing tasks frees you up to...
Let’s keep up the momentum with Day 3 of the challenge that celebrates National Organising Week. Go to your...
Onwards with our National Organising Week Declutter Challenge. Day 2 brings us to … Your Linen Press. Let’s assume...
It’s National Organising Week – NOW. Time for a challenge, I reckon. Go to your Wardrobe. Find 5 items...
Planning your meals is a surefire way to save time and money while ensuring control over your diet. Simply...
You might have heard it before but I’ll say it again… Clutter is anything you don’t use, need or...
I love labels. They help you find things more easily, as well as put them away again, right where...
Could you be the next Marie Kondo? Could you be the next clever, articulate person who takes the world...
The best organising systems and strategies are so SO simple. The fewer steps there are the better. More steps...
Getting organised and staying organised is a journey, not a destination. You don’t “get organised” once and then never...
Forgive me for being shy. I find it hard to blow my own trumpet. But something happened to me,...
An overflowing email inbox is the bane of many people’s existence. It can be so overwhelming, some people describe...
Habits can be helpful, like brushing your teeth daily. Habits can also be downright unhelpful, like dumping your mail...
Most of my clients find that getting rid of things they don’t use, need or love is easier when...
To be really efficient, focus fully on the task at hand. I mean really give that task your full...
Eliminating just one thing from your life makes a difference and helps to get you organised. It doesn’t have...
Have you ever heard this expression…? Clutter is just delayed decisions It’s true. Clutter and piles build up...
An enquiry came in about storing craft papers. I know this is something a lot of people wonder about,...
Good communication makes life easier. It is the key to good organization. Process manuals at work that everyone can...
Everybody sets personal boundaries, mostly without even realising. “I will not go out of the house without makeup on”...
Whichever organising goal you’re aiming for, being accountable to someone for your actions (and inactions!) will help you succeed. ...
Mid way through January, many of the goals and resolutions that were set on the first of the month...
At the beginning of each year, I take time out from the day to day routine of my business. ...
Welcome to 2015. I just love the start of a new year, don’t you? It’s so sparkly new and...
I’ve been thinking about writing this post for a long time. It’s something I feel strongly about. In this...
So here we come to the final day of our Spring Fling. And the most important of our challenges....
Don’t let paperwork get you down. It stacks up quickly, and the best way to keep it under control...
The car is sometimes neglected when it comes to decluttering. Grab a bag or two (one for garbage, one...
Is your utensils drawer overflowing? Is it so full it jams as you try to close it? Is it...
Magazines. They come in to our lives with the promise of delicious recipes, interesting articles and gorgeous glossy photos....
Yesterday we looked under the bed. Today we’re looking on top. Your pillow is one of the most...
What’s lurking under your bed? Today I want you to get down on your hands and knees and take...
Do you buy gifts in advance and stash them away in a special place? And is that special place...
Today’s challenge for the Spring Fling is a little different. I want you to fling any 5 things you...
How many games do you own? And how many do you actually play? Today’s a great day to do...
Every parent knows that toys are necessary. And they are plentiful. And they keep coming. Every birthday and Christmas...
Babies are tiny. But their stuff takes over! Right? No doubt about it, babies change your life for the...
Just like a kitchen counter full of clutter, an overflowing inbox can produce similar feelings of overwhelm and distress. ...
You know those handy sticky notes? You know, the ones that are supposed to remind you of important things? ...
How many pens, pencils, notebooks, scissors, post-it notes, rulers, and paperclips does one home need? Stationery can take over...
In celebration of being half way through the Spring Fling, let’s declutter all those half-filled containers you haven’t touched...
Come Spring, sporting equipment gets dusted off and start to be used again. Cycling, running, swimming and more start...
Today’s Spring Fling challenge is easy. You can even do it while you’re out and about. Declutter your purse...
Spring is a great time to go through your wardrobe and check what still fits, and what doesn’t....
Shoes! I’m not a shoe-loving kind of girl, but even I have too many. How does it happen? For...
C’mon girls, it’s time to take a look at your handbags and purses. When you brought a new handbag...
Are your shelves overrun with books? Want to make room for more? Or for something different? The answer is...
Today we’re (gently) flinging vases. Go on, you know there are some you just don’t use. Maybe it’s the...
How many cookbooks live at your place? And how many recipes do you use from those cookbooks? Here’s what...
Being organised is a chance to live with your best stuff. The kitchen is the perfect place to do...
Life is too short to use blunt knives. After tackling the kitchen counter yesterday, now is a good time...
I often hear about people’s frustrations with the kitchen counter and its ability to collect clutter. Does that happen...
As you fling open the doors and windows during Spring, it’s time to fling open the doors to visitors...
One of the easiest areas to declutter is the bathroom. It’s a small space and much of what you...
Spring has sprung! It’s time to fling open the windows and fling out anything you no longer need, use...
Here comes Fathers Day. You can tell by the value packs of socks, jocks and aftershave for sale in...
A few weeks ago I was thrilled to receive the 2014 AAPO President’s Award. I mean really thrilled. It’s...
Question from someone on Facebook: Is there an app that records what you have in your cupboards so you...
This recording from 2012 gives you 3 essential questions to ask yourself to stay organised. Let me know what...
This 2-part recording gives you my top 5 tips for creating order. Aimed at the business person but definitely...
I am not a fan of the glorification of “busy”. Yes, there’s a lot to do, but mostly just...
I’m so excited to be speaking at the upcoming AAPO (Australasian Association of Professional Organisers) Conference. Twice! First I’ll...
My clients and I do enjoy a good laugh. Recently one lovely lady I worked with coined a new...
It’s been a family joke for a while – that I hoard Hoarders. That’s the TV show. I’ve been...
I remember so long ago when we were promised the paperless home office. Since that promise was made it...
Narelle Todd, from Successful Living, is a woman with vision. She is a leader in the Professional Organising industry. ...
Picture this… A young mum, 2 growing kids, a small house and a new hobby that said mum hopes...
“I don’t want to live like this any more” said my client as we started our session together. She...
Being organised can help you achieve all kinds of goals. Clients come to me with lots of different motivations....
Just over 3 years ago my husband and I downsized our home. We went from a 4-bedroom + study...
If you’re a crafter like me, then you may keep many different categories of craft supplies. From instructions (patterns,...
I’m often asked to help with household filing. It can be scary to make decisions on important papers. What...
One of my favourite things about driving is that I get to listen to my audiobooks via my iPhone....
All the best to you for a 2014 that supports you and your goals. I’m a little late sending...
It’s the last minute. You just remembered you need one more gift. Don’t worry. Food is the ultimate clutter-free...
What do you give someone who has everything? Some kind heartfelt words. Years ago when my children were still...
Most women love a good pampering. Would you be surprised to know that many men do too? Don’t underestimate...
Want to buy a gift that won’t create clutter? The gift of Participation is always a winner. How about...
The Christmas File has come of age. Way back I wrote a blog post about keeping a Christmas File....
Lots of people tell me they have enough “stuff”. Lots of people also ask me for clutter-free gift suggestions....
With the festive season on the way, will you be hosting overnight guests? How is the guest room looking?...
I was asked a question today. It’s a frequently asked question I hear often from the Professional Organisers I...
No two organising projects are the same. That’s one of the things I love about my work. See from...
It goes without saying, I hope, that I love what I do. I love to help people make a...
My top 5 favourite tips for keeping clutter at bay are lessons we can all learn from. What’s YOUR...
Most people working as Organisers call themselves Professional Organisers (or Organizers in America). And yet many people looking for...
“My kids have too many toys!” “The kids don’t play with their toys, they just throw them around.” “The...
One thing people ask me about a lot is books. I love books myself. But since downsizing to an...
Without a doubt, paperwork is the one organising challenge that comes up again and again. Whether you run a...
Happy Day 3 of National Organising Week. Today we’ll concentrate on your handbag. And if that’s not your thing,...
This 2nd day of National Organising Week is dedicated to the kitchen pantry. (Yesterday we worked on email. Read...
National Organising Week (NOW) 2013 has the theme of Reduce, Rethink, Reorganise. Each day this week I’ll share a...
I am conducting a little research about what we Organisers call ourselves. If you’re an Organiser, and want to...
When I work with a client in her wardrobe, we usually identify things which are cast offs. For various...
Have you noticed I like to talk to interesting people and find out what makes them tick? And also...
Jill Chivers is a speaker, writer, coach, creator, author, designer, professional facilitator and workshop leader and avid movie watcher. ...
Jill Chivers is a speaker, writer, coach, creator, author, designer, professional facilitator and workshop leader and avid movie watcher. ...
Mornings can be rough, especially if you haven’t had enough sleep things you need for the day ahead aren’t...
I want to share with you a work of art – inspired and thought-provoking – which will be entered...
Back in the days when my children were at school, I worked from 7am to 6pm, minding 4 preschool...
Hands up if you’re a crafter! Sewing. Scrapbooking. Knitting. Bookbinding. Felting. Quilting. Embroidery. Cardmaking. There are so many great...
Chantal Imbach, from Simply in Order, agreed to be interviewed for this blog. She shares how she got into...
I am not a fan of the Garage Sale. Let me tell you why. Firstly, the time they take...
A funny thing happened to me this week. I got organised. Don’t get me wrong. I’m pretty organised. But...
I’m pleased to share a new post I’ve written for The Calm Space. Happiness is Room to Dance...
The subject of Hoarding is in the media a lot lately. Yesterday I participated in a talkback discussion about...
Being organised at home means having what you need on hand for any common and predictable situation. AND being...
The nights are getting colder. Winter is just around the corner. Good home maintenance is the organised way to...
It is all systems go here so that I can take some time off for the rest of the...
Because of my experience and years of involvement in the industry association, I am often asked by people wanting...
Protecting your assets is part of being organised. Your home is probably your biggest asset. Protecting it will pay...
Children grow so fast. Before you know it, they’ve grown out of clothes, and if you’re not careful, the...
Every client I work with has their own “Why” for getting organised. For some it’s so they can eat...
Each month I am pleased to write about organising for The Clam Space, an online magazine that inspires women...
I came across an article on Houzz.com I’d like to share. Great reading, and personal insight, in Decluttering –...
