NAPO WDC Blog

Janet Schiesl

Basic Organization 

Do you know that we receive more mail in one day than our grandparents received in a month? These days, it seems like an endless task.

The post office does a pretty good job of delivering a pile of decisions to you every day. On average, it takes ten minutes a day to sort through your mail and make those decisions. Should I keep this, can I throw away that? Do you have the time to ponder these questions for every piece of mail you carry in your home? Do yourself a favor and make helpful changes now.

Decide to toss the junk as fast as you can. Pretend those envelopes have been sitting in your oven all day, instead of your mailbox, ready to burn your fingers. Remember “stop, drop and roll”. Use this lesson, ‘stop’ at the trash can or recycle bin, ‘drop’ the fliers, coupons, and anything else that’s junk, and ‘roll’ away with the important stuff. You should have much less in your hands to deal with.

Try this method with the mail that has piled up inside your home. Instead of ten minutes a day, try adding five more minutes to that time to make it fifteen minutes to help get through the backlog. Slowly you will see the pile decrease until it is gone.

Use these unsubscribing services to alleviate some of these decisions:

• Unsubscribe from catalogs CatalogChoice.org
• National Do Not Call Registry DoNotCall.gov
• Receive less mail DNAchoice.org
• Stop junk mail Eco-cycle
• Mailstrom
• Opt-Out Prescreen
• Stop junk mail app PaperKarma
• Clean up your inbox Unroll.me
• YellowPagesOptOut.com

For more information, contact Janet Schiesl.

Janet Schiesl

Basic Organization

I have a small collection of glass vases. You know that kind that you get filled with delivered flowers. they are nice, but not as nice as the few crystal vases that I own. I never want to just toss them, so usually, I donate them. But every once in a while I want to keep them. How about you? Do you do the same?

Here are 10 ideas to repurpose those glass vases.

1. Use a vase outside to house a fat candle. The glass will prevent the flame from being blown out by the wind.
2. Collect coins inside a vase. Place it near the front door and encourage everyone to toss their spare change inside when they enter the house.
3. Serve a summer salad in a vase. You’ll make a beautiful presentation by layering a salad in a glass vessel.
4. Use a vase as an ice bucket or to keep a bottle of wine cold for a party.
5. Place a vase on your bathroom vanity to store jewelry or makeup inside.
6. Replace your utensil crock near your stove with a vase for a modern look.
7. Re-purpose a collection of vases on your desk to hold office supplies like pencils and pens, paperclips, or rubber bands.
8. Display a collection by filling a vase with marbles, seashells, or whatever you love and want to show off.
9. Decorate for the holidays by displaying jelly beans in the Spring and Christmas tree ornaments in the winter in a glass vessel.
10. Offer healthy nibbling by placing fresh fruit in a vase and leaving it on your kitchen counter.

In what ways do you repurpose your collection of glass vases?  Or are you ready to donate them to your local charity?

For more information, contact Janet Schiesl.

Samara Goodman

Samara Interiors

Have you ever wondered how to incorporate family heirlooms and sentimental furnishings into your home decor in a way that looks updated and intentional? At Samara Interiors, we love expertly blending old and new items to create beautifully curated design. 

WHAT IS CURATED DESIGN?

Curated design appears as though the decor has been collected over time and put together with a sophisticated design eye rather than overly planned and straight off of a catalogue page. Well-curated interiors are carefully and intentionally pulled together. This Thoughtful  planning results in interiors that reflect the homeowners personality, a.k.a. client-centered design, and with clients loving their spaces. One client told us that they "feel happy every morning" when they come downstairs and see the space we designed. Another client told us that they feel relaxed each time they arrive home and open their front door. Other phrases, such as "It's so us!" and "I love that my grandmother's chair in that new fabric works in my space," let us know that we have accomplished this goal.

ANTIQUES

What is the difference between antique and vintage items? Put simply, an ANTIQUE is an item that is at least 100 years old. VINTAGE refers to a younger item, typically at least 20 years old. In the article 'New Uses for Old Things' in Worthwhile magazine, Sarah Reeder of Artifactual History Appraisal offers fantastic suggestions on how the most commonly encountered antique and vintage furnishings can be repurposed in a new way. In the well-curated living room below, we strategically mixed the client's INHERITED items, such as the stunning art and beautiful dark wood furniture, with a contemporary rug, sofa, and custom-designed new fireplace. In the art-inspired dining room beneath, the client's antique grandfather clock was just the right size to flank the doorway in perfect balance with the modern artwork. Bonus – having sentimental pieces such as these invokes meaningful memories.

BLENDING 

Creating a well-curated look involves thoughtfully picking out new furnishings and mixing them with older items such as art, furniture, and accessories. Often, these are items that you already own and love. The 'How To Incorporate' box below highlights our top three tips. For a one-page GUIDE with specific examples on blending the old and new, please see this Samara Interiors Decor Guide.

STARTING NEW

When a client does not already own antique or vintage decor, we rely on the Samara Interiors 'Design Style Assessment' to determine the client's design likes, dislikes, and style. This allows us to acquire antique and/or vintage decor that reflects the client's personal taste. Starting with a BLANK SLATE  is a 'problem' that we love to solve! It allows us to shop in some of our favorite places such as auctions, vintage shops, and antique shows. For many clients, we seek out original art that complements their style and elevates the depth of the decor, such as in the images below.

YOUR HOME

This phrase, attributed to the British sitcom Ab Fab, is a fun one to keep in mind when decorating. To us, this humorously captures the principle that a home looks best when it appears as though it has been curated over time. Not every home needs furnishings that are technically older than the homeowner, but a well-curated home will definitely not look as though all furnishings were recently produced and purchased. 

For more information, contact Samara Goodman.

Janet Schiesl

Basic Organization

May 22, 2022

Recently, I was on my way to a client’s home. We were finishing up the transformation of his home office. Like many of my home office clients, he had compiled a bunch of mismatched, inexpensive pieces to furnish his office space. This client is a busy man with lots of paperwork attached to the various business ventures he is involved in. He was in great need of different furniture that would make his space function better.

Why do we do this?

We spend on the furniture that fills the rooms of our homes that we seldom use, like a formal living room and dining room. Typically these are spaces that we use for guests. At the same time, rooms that we spend hours in each day, hold our cast-offs. The stuff we didn’t want to get rid of but doesn’t really work for us.

What does this say about how we are treating ourselves?

If you spend a lot of time in your home office each day or you live in the family room or kitchen, look at how you are “living”. If you are putting up with furniture that doesn’t work for you it is probably making your life harder and more complicated. Think about changing things around. You will immediately see and feel a difference.

Yesterday’s client now has a completely transformed office, with well-functioning furniture pieces. This will make it easier for him to work. Not to mention that the space looks great and he will probably enjoy the time he spends in the space much more.

It has me thinking – maybe my home office needs a change?

For more information, contact Janet Schiesl.

Samara Interiors

Spring 2022

Happy Spring! This newsletter presents ideas for how to display collections in your home in a way that honors your treasures and features them in an aesthetically appealing manner. Highlighting a client's special collection is a favorite part of decorating for us, and it is part of our design plan from the beginning. From bookcases and curio cabinets to gallery walls and coffee tables, your collections can shine!

EDIT

To highlight your collection best, PARE DOWN the items to your absolute favorites. Once this selection is done you can determine how much room you will need for the display. Only display the items that you treasure the most. If you are not ready to give away the other items, put them in storage. After editing your collection, display things according to these FOUR GROUPING OPTIONS.

1. CLUSTER

Instead of scattering all of your collections, go through and gather all LIKE ITEMS such as vintage pens, mantel clocks, ceramic figurines, or paper weights and group them together in just one area of your home. For example, we grouped all of one client's religious items into a curio cabinet with a gallery wall display above it. For another project, we used a mirrored tray to cluster and amplify a Limoges box collection.

2. THEME

We have numerous clients that are world travelers and highlighting their amazing travel-themed collections in their home decor is a treat. We love the look of grouping travel treasures from AROUND THE GLOBE all together as we have done with these two clients' collections.

One client had lovely artifacts from various countries in Asia that we featured on a built-in bookcase in their family room amongst non-Asian décor to maintain a casual feel. Another client’s carefully curated global collection wows on a pair of oval wall shelf units. This client was thrilled to see the items expertly arranged in a thoughtful grouping that enhances their appeal. In the bathroom pictured below, we grouped the clients' Washington Nationals SPORTS MEMORABILIA in their second powder room and we complemented the collection by painting the walls in Nats red! 

3. MATERIAL

Instead of co-mingling materials, group all of your crystal vases in one area and all of your ironstone pottery in another. SEPARATE your leather-bound books from your canvas-bound books. For this client we gathered all of their brass candlesticks together and placed them on a side table where they accentuate the brass tones in the painting above.

4. COLOR

Display all of your blue and white objects TOGETHER in one space, as we have done with this client's ginger jars. For more blue and white collection display please see our Fall 2020: Blue and White newsletter here. Consider "rainbow arranging" collections such as all of your Lego creations; it will make more sense and be more pleasing to the eye.

TIPS

Our eyes enjoy symmetry and ODD NUMBERS, so arranging three or five similar items with the tallest in the center is visually appealing. For large collections with multiple colors, such as salt and pepper shakers, try grouping by both the cluster and color! For a one-page GUIDE on collection display, please see this Samara Interiors Decor Guide.

Janet Schiesl

Basic Organization

May 1, 2022

We all spend a lot of time commuting. While it’s necessary, it’s just such a waste of time. Could it be spent getting something done?

It could be used to an advantage that you haven’t yet thought about.

Here are 10 ideas of ways to spend your commuting time.

1. If you like to read then listen to audiobooks I find it’s more compelling than listening to the radio.

2. If you want to learn something new then listen to podcasts. You might be able to catch an interview or a business lesson.

3. If music is your desire then try Pandora or the plain old radio.

4. If you like to be informed then listen to the news then you will be up on the latest happenings.

5. If you are stuck in traffic and sitting still then make some business calls. Be careful, this may not be legal in your area.

6. If you haven’t shown some love lately then call a loved one. They’d love to hear from you and you know you’ll get too busy once you get into the office or home.

7. If you are a planner then take this opportunity to plan out your day. I do my best thinking in the car, maybe you do too.

8. If you are carpooling then by all means get to know your passengers. If they are your kids this is a great opportunity to catch up with them.

9. If you just want to relax then simply take in the sights. As they say  “enjoy the ride”.

10. If you just need to relax then do nothing. Just breathe and drive. A little downtime could do you good.

For more information, contact Janet Schiesl.

Changing Where You Live On The Routine Spectrum

Jill Katz

One to Zen Organizing

May 1, 2022

The Story

Part of my job as a Professional Organizer is to help people create habits and routines, and then stick to them. And I am great at doing that! In fact, my own life is filled with habits and routines that keep me on track throughout the day and week.

But while I love my routine-filled day, I always marvel at those who take an hour to have coffee with a friend or even an occasional spa day. I want to introduce more flexibility into my schedule but my routines are what keep me tethered to a sense of normalcy. Without them, what would happen? 

The Routine Spectrum

My thinking led me to approach “Routine” as a spectrum. On one side of the spectrum is Flexibility and on the other side is Structure. There is a tendency for different neurodiverse brains to fall on different ends of the spectrum For example, when I organize with people who have ADHD, I often find they fall on the flexiblililty end of the spectrum. Because those with ADHD struggle with executive functioning, they need help creating structure and order.  On the other hand, when I work with people who live with OCD or Aspergers, I often find the opposite phenomenon. In their need to exert control, those clients tend to have highly routinized days and fall on the structure end of the spectrum.

The Strategies

So what do you do if your schedule is completely flexible and you want to create more structure? Or if, like me, your days are full of structure and you want to create more flexibility?

Here are some strategies I created for those of you who would like to change where you lie on the spectrum:

1. Mindfulness in your goals

Yes, changing your behavior always starts and ends with mindfulness. In order to change, you first need to decide where you want to lie on the spectrum. What bothers you about your day? Which routines do you need and which ones are getting in the way? For example, perhaps you would like to have 2 days a month where you upend your work routines and make a playdate. Or maybe you would like to establish a morning routine because you feel your morning “gets away from you.”

1. Ask “why” 5 times 

The “5 Whys” techniqueis a problem-solving technique that gets to the core of your motivation. If you truly want to add more rigidity or more flexibility to your schedule, you need to drill down a bit. You can do this by asking a question, answering it, and then taking that answer and turning it into the next “Why” question. Here is an example of how it works:

Why #1: Why do I want to establish a morning routine? Because I want to get something done in the morning.

Why #2: Why do I want to get something done in the morning? Because I want to feel more productive.

Why # 3: Why do I want to feel more productive? Because I feel bad when I don’t get things done by the end of the day.

Why #4: Why do I feel bad when I don’t get things done by the end of the day? Because then I feel I am a failure as a parent.

Why #5: Why do I feel I am a failure as a parent? Because I want to do more for my children.

Motivation for a morning routine: I want to do more for my children

1. Practice

Look for small opportunities to implement change. Start small in order to create success that you can build on. For example, if you want to create more flexibility in your schedule, think about one fun thing you can do that month. Then the next month, aim for two fun things.

1. Play to your strengths

People can be hard on themselves. We tend to hyperfocus on our deficits with harsh judgment. For example, one person might say, “There is something wrong with me. I can never stick to a routine.” Another might say, “I am so boring. I never do anything spontaneous.” Turn that script around! For example, you can say “I am a caring person” and use your strength of caring to build a workout routine – go walking with a friend who can use the company. Or say “I am a great planner” and use your planning abilities to plan a fun day if you need time to adjust to a change in schedule.

1. Be curious

Lean into the “Power of the Pause” by reflecting on your attempts at changing your place on the Routine Spectrum. When reflecting, consider your goals, what happened when you tried something new, and how you felt about it. If it worked, consider the reason for your success and don’t forget to celebrate! If your attempt fails, consider why and tweak as needed. But keep trying! 

In Conclusion

Where do you lie on the Routine Spectrum? Where do you want to be? Which strategies resonate with you? Please share in the comments.

For more information, contact Jill Katz.

Jill Katz

One to Zen Organizing

November 9, 2021

The History

I missed my September Blog.

I created my Organizing & Mindfulness Blog in March 2020 right before Covid hit. Every month since then, I have been faithfully publishing one blog at the end of each month. But when this September rolled around, insanity hit. I had so much happening - celebrating five Jewish holidays in a row (In order: Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shmini Atzeret & Simchat Torah), preparing for guests, getting my two kids settled in school at home and abroad, and carrying my regular client load. So September came and went without a blog. And even though I preach self compassion to my clients, boy did I beat myself up about it.

And it’s not just me who has this self-flagellating tendency. Countless times, I have shown up to a client session only to hear the client berate him or herself. Here are some common phrases that I hear:

I am so embarrassed by this mess.

I didn’t get to your homework. I am terrible.

How could I let this room get so out of control?

The Research

Why are we so hard on ourselves? Psychologist Kristin Neff explains that we carry around these common misconceptions surrounding self-compassion and self-criticism:

• We think that being kind to ourselves will stifle our drive to do better.

• We think harsh criticism will push us to improve.

• Our brain perpetuates the myth that “Perfection can be a reality.”

However, in truth:

• Self-criticism serves as a barrier to self-improvement

• Harsh criticism is similar to corporal punishment: It will work in the short term but produce harmful long-term effects

• We are by nature imperfect

  The Strategies

So how can we break through these brain barriers and improve our practice of self-compassion? Here are some tips:

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the first step in assessing your feelings and needs, an important part of any kind of compassion. How are you feeling at the moment? Are you hurting? Disappointed? Those feelings signal the need for self compassion.

Connectivity

We all make mistakes - attempting and failing is a universal struggle. Recognizing this imperfection in ourselves allows us to be more compassionate with others. For example, if I give myself a break when I am late to an appointment, I am more likely to treat others with compassion when they turn up late to our meeting. The next time you treat someone harshly consider: Are you perhaps intolerant in this area because you don’t allow yourself some leverage? Perhaps this is more about you and your feelings and needs.

Practice

 Give yourself a hug

 We all know that “Practice Makes  Better.” (Remember, there is no such  thing as Perfection). But how do we  practice self-compassion?

•  The next time you fail to live up to your  own expectations, say out loud. “It’s  OK, insert your name, everybody  makes mistakes” or “That’s OK, you will  do better next time.”

•  Use soothing gestures such as a pat on  your own back or a self-hug, even a  shoulder kiss.

• Speak as though you are talking to a friend or loved one instead of in first person (“You” or your name in third person instead of “I”). Studies have shown that we can think more clearly when regarding others over ourselves. Why? Learn more about the Solomon Paradox.

In Conclusion

In her Happier podcast, Gretchen Rubin shares that many teachers dub the first week of school, “Mercy Week”. During that week, teachers extend a free pass to any late students as they adjust to their school schedule. I have decided that September is my “Mercy Month” and am giving myself a free pass. “It’s OK, Jill - you deserve it!,” I am now telling myself. And don’t forget that YOU deserve self-compassion when you fall short of your own expectations.

For more information, contact Jill Katz.

Samara Goodman

Samara Interiors LLC

Fall 2021

As we head into the fall with daylight decreasing each day, this is a good time to make sure that our homes have great lighting to keep our spirits bright year-round. Lighting is a critical decorating layer to consider in all aspects of home design. Whether you're lighting for mood, function, style, or safety, there are more options than ever to choose from. This article will look at the layers of lighting (general, accent, and task), as well as safety lighting and a brief overview of light bulb lingo.

GENERAL 

Most often, people think of CHANDELIERS as light fixtures for the dining room. But they aren't just for dining rooms! Consider installing chandeliers in a bedroom, walk-in closet, and over a freestanding bathtub. For more information on size, style, and placement of a chandelier, please see this Samara Interiors Decor Guide. PENDANT lights are sometimes used for task lighting, but often, they are used as a primary overhead light source. For that function, at Samara Interiors we prefer using clear glass to maximize the light output, as was done in the client's kitchen below. Other common overhead light fixture types are SEMI-FLUSH MOUNT and flush mount. These are typically used in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms. In both foyers below, we coordinated the style of the semi-flush mount fixture to complement the other fixtures throughout the home.

Samara Interiors; Arlington, VA 

          Samara Interiors; Arlington, VA 

TASK

A critical lighting layer is FUNCTIONAL task lighting. Lights such as desk lamps, under-cabinet lighting, picture lights, and reading lamps provide directional illumination that will spotlight the task while causing minimal discomfort to the eyes. Good lighting is also critical for both security and for aging in place. Too much light is not visually comfortable and too little light causes eye strain and can be a safety hazard. For SAFETY lighting, consider lighting all staircases and steps, both inside and outside the home. Amber night lights provide safety lighting that does not interfere with circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. 

                                          Samara Interiors; Bethesda, MD & Arlington and Falls Church, VA

In many of the photographs seen throughout this newsletter, one can see examples of ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING – lighting that is integrated into the rooms structure and is hard-wired as opposed to plug-in. This type of lighting is seen in many forms, such as recessed, spotlights, and cove. Architectural lighting can be used to create mood, to highlight artwork, or to function as the primary overhead light source. In the example below, we have used an LED puck light to illuminate the client's beautifully reframed artwork in the built-in niche.

                                                                             Samara Interiors; Fairfax, VA 

For more information, contact Samara Goodman.

Janet Schiesl

Basic Organization

November 2021

What do you do when you are ready for the next stage of life, but need help getting there?

Moving on to a new phase in life can be hard. No, let me change that – For most people it’s extremely hard. Even if it’s a happy “new phase”, like a new home or addition to the family (baby or puppy). With change comes upheaval. You have to adapt schedules and routines and reimagine parts of your life. When I started organizing I didn’t realize that I’d be part of the support people need when moving to the next stage of life.

Sometimes making a change requires getting support

It may take a while to get yourself moving to the next stage. Have you wanted to look for a new job for a while? Or maybe you’ve wanted to move, but just can’t find the motivation to get out and look for a new place. This is often the case when people hire a coach, to help them move on. Sometimes the Basic Organization organizers find themselves in a “coaching role” when a client is ready to move to the next stage in life but needs some support to do so.

Today I’d like to tell you the story of how we helped one client move on to the next stage in her life. I’ll tell you now, it’s not all about organizing.

The Beginning

At our first meeting, I found “Jane” to be a delightful, motivated, and focused individual. This is not always the case with organizing clients. Jane showed me her detailed, written plan of what she wanted to do. I think if someone can get to the point of a written plan they don’t need the help of an organizer. I learned so much from Jane. She knew when she wanted to work (around her work schedule) and she knew where she wanted to start (in the storage room). Jane wanted to review and declutter her entire house, but like a lot of our clients, she wanted to see how it went. I understand. If you’ve never hired a professional organizer, it is not easy to give over to the process right away.

Jane had spent the pandemic working from home. I think having this extra time in the space had her rethinking how she was using it. Jane had become a widow 5 years earlier.  Since then she had not made big changes in her home. Spending all this extra time had her re-examining how she wanted to live in the space – for herself and no one else.

The assessment went stunningly well. I toured the home with her. She showed me every room. We talked about what she wanted to do in each space. I asked Jane about her goals in each room. How she wants to use the space in the future is important to have a good outcome with an organizing project. Most of the house was lovely, albeit a bit cluttered. The exceptions (in my opinion) were her kitchen and her storage room.  Jane wanted to start in her storage room. Awesome! In my experience, your storage room is a great place to start, because when your storage space is disorganized, pockets of clutter grow in your living spaces.

We scheduled 4 days to declutter and organize the storage room. I can hear you say “WOW! 4 days!”. Let me tell you, this storage room was big and had a lifetime of items inside. The biggest challenge (I knew from experience) was going to be Jane’s deceased husband’s things. His things took up about half the space. Also included in the storage room were a few of her adult daughter’s things, holiday decor, the laundry room, and some storage for cleaning and kitchen items. The typical storage room really. Jane’s daughter came home for the first two scheduled appointments to help out. We scheduled 3 organizers for the first 4 appointments.

We always try to use the materials that our clients already own while organizing a space. Jane had all the shelving and storage bins that were needed to complete this space, so she didn’t have to purchase anything to get started.

The Middle

I was lucky enough to be part of the team for the first appointment. As the story goes, we spent most of the first two days sorting through what was in the storage room. Jane had a lot of items that she wanted to sell. So as we worked, we separated those items out, into another room and took photos so we could post them on her neighborhood Facebook sell page.

Jane chose a lot of items to go to the curb. GO TO THE CURB means “good for someone else” items that the client does want any longer, but is willing to give away for free. These items are usually not good enough to donate, like well-used furniture or a pile of wood. We posted these immediately on the Facebook marketplace for free, each day that we were there and by the end of the day (always) everything was gone, saving Jane a junk removal fee. Jane also identified what was trash, which was bag up to go out in her regular pickup. We also loaded our cars with donations each day. This alleviates Jane from taking multiple trips to her local charity drop-off location or making an appointment for a pickup.

Jane and her daughter made quick decisions on items . . . until they didn’t. We learn that Jane had lost a child many years ago when we uncovered some items that had memories attached to their lost loved one.  At times like these, we give the client space. Things tend to slow down and we step well into a supporting role. These are emotional times for clients and we want to honor their emotions and wishes. Jane and her daughter worked through these memories at their pace and did the hard work making decisions on what the Next Stage was for these things. We were honored to help them through the process.

Moving on, we tackled the storage room and left Jane with an organized, half-empty space. Now she can find and move easily get to what she needs. Jane can also now re-imagine and use the empty space for something that supports her present-day interests.

The End

Jane was so happy with her newly organized storage room, that she made more appointments to tackle other spaces in her home. Next came the kitchen reorganization. Jane sorted and let go of many items that no longer fit her present-day lifestyle since she’s now living alone and does cook those big meals that she used to. Eventually, we worked in her office, linen closet, and bedroom.

Oh and by the way, we were quite successful in selling many items for Jane on Facebook, so she recouped a bit of our fee as well.

For more information, contact Janet Schiesl.