I have come up with a method that helps me with retail therapy. If I fell like I just have to go shopping, I go to Dollar Tree. I will buy things like small games, puzzles, stuffed animals, school products, etc. when I get it home, I store it all in a large tote. When Christmas time comes I have lots of stuff to fill Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes with ready to go. I got my shopping fix. I didn’t break the bank at any given time. The stuff will be leaving my house. AND I get to share the message of Christmas with children around the world. It’s a win all the way around!
Amen, and if something has a 'home' in my house, I will return it 99.9% of the time. I have trouble finding homes. Not that I even have that much stuff lol
"life gets in the way" yes, Omg, I have never been able to utter those words but I have been avoiding having to look at some of the stuff that needs to be either organized, stored away long term, thrown away or donated. Sometimes it's just overwhelming but Norrine's approach and encouragement is motivating me. And her FB group is also helpful!
Thinking life is treating you well. You look younger and more beautiful than usual today. I like your ideas and use them as much as possible. Yeap, when I want something that will make my life easier, I think, where will I store it? That prevents me from purchasing. No room in this tiny house.
I’m back home... Yes, been working on purging, selling & packing what I want to keep to get our house up for sale. Of course, housework, work, life, health & TBI brain get in the way! I work better & have another to bounce off ideas that they may see another way-better to do it! More motivated when doing it with someone else! Today, is catch up on coming back home, unpacking, restart making my broth & healthy (no salt items I can buy) chores. Have to squeeze in my CEUs too due this month! You’re not alone!! I too can go into someone’s home &’organize it. Did some for my sister’s spice shelf/drawer. Taught her how to make broth from scraps & yogurt in the Instant Pot.
In week three of my office/craft room overhaul and totally, identify with the last one. After my first night of having everything out, I looked at the piles and thought, “OMG. What have I done!” 😂 I keep working at it a little a time and make a plan each day so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. I wish I would have taken pics. I’ve come so far! Thank you for videos.
I'm so excited for you!!!! And PROUD that you've kept going! It's so smart to go a little at a time - and you are also going with a plan. You've got this in the bag! Keep me posted on how it's going. 🌺
Guilty of all! Thank you, I really already knew these ten "mistakes". The overwhelming part keeps me in limbo. One area, one project at a time, and stop beating myself up!!!
GIANT hugs to you first!!! No beating up! Pick an area that is easier... set that timer... and then post before and after pictures or just talk about what you accomplised on my FaceBook page!!!! You will be met with so much excitement and support!!!! facebook.com/groups/730125317461615/
I look at organizing or cleaning a big project like being pregnant and wanting to lose weight. It took nine months to grow the baby right and a room or space doesn't become crazy messy overnight. It's going to take time to get things to the way you want them. Patience and consistency are the only way to get a big project done. Im not very good at my own advice though. Lol. I'm one of the types that jumps in with both feet for like two days and then doesn't touch the project for a month. I'm working on changing my mindset to get things done. Thank you Norden for reminding me that I need to give myself a break and not be so hard on myself.
That is one of the best analogies I've heard!!! And you are ABSOLUTY right!!!!! Hope you get better at not being too hard on yourself. I am rooting for you!!!!!
I've been watching you maybe around 2 months and I love your style, your manner, your presentation, the organizers you build from foam board. You are precise in your instruction and have put so much time and effort in what you do. I think it's wonderful you have a business and I know you have health issues. This I can totally relate to. I've been ill for 27 years and crafting is the only thing keeping me somewhat sane. I am 70 years old, retired/disabled and live in HUD Senior housing, in a 500 sq. ft. apartment. I do multiple crafts, some art and I give it all away. I tried selling but am too sick and broke to do anything anymore. And I love it! I have supplies in a storage place my kids pay for and am getting to a point where it's getting very difficult to go there, plus it's so dang depressing not having my supplies with me. You lose so much you start going crazy...right? I really love this particular video as I'm going to donate my kitchen table and replace it with bookshelves. I'm guilty of all 10 of your organizing mistakes. I do have to say I have some very organized things that I have in bookcases in my bedroom along one whole wall. I have crafts under my bed, in my bedroom closet. Last year I bought 2 chests with a lot of drawers and they have been wonderful and are very pretty. I have a lot of plastic drawers which are labeled. I have a huge ottoman in my Living Room, such as it is and its completely full of supplies. I always have a lovely chest in my LR that hold my mosaic supplies. At least these things look pleasing to the eye. That's why the plastic stuff is along a wall in my BDRM and can't be seen unless you actually go in the bathroom. I have a wonderful work space desk my kids bought me and that has been a godsend. It gets so crammed, I barely have any work space. That seems to be my biggest battle and then comes the sea of paper as you mentioned. I do have a file system, but did it recently, so I have a lot and I mean a lot of filing and that is a very frustrating thing for me and yet I print a lot. I print tutorials, but also size ATC cards, all sorts of shapes I will put in wood, dominoes, bezels, etc. I appreciate your methods and they are what I want to mirror. Thank you and God bless you as you continue to bless those of us who benefit from your RUclipss.
I wish I could come help you!!! At least we could get some of your favorite things out of storage to help set up a 'craft corner' in your apartment. I am glad to hear bookshelves are working for you - and it sounds like you are utilizing all the spaces you can for storage. I appreciate your kind words and look forward to hearing from you again. 💜
Love the "1 in, 1 out" system. Helps keep me from buying on impulse and purchasing more containers! Also, every year I designate "frugal February" - I don't buy anything but food and gas. It gives my budget a break and resets my mindset. I find that the practice extends for a couple of months after Feb 28th just because I've interrupted the habit.
I used to be guilty of "craft room retail therapy" at the beginning of covid. That probably lasted a couple of months till I started to feel overwhelmed by all the "stuff" I bought! No more though! In fact I've seriously been thinking of giving up some of my crafts and just keeping the ones I truly enjoy. Throughout the 10 day challenge I haven't had the urge to go out and buy anything as I have a few containers in my stash so I go to that first. Thank you for all your great advice Norrine!
LOL I did Covid Craft Holiday Shopping too!! I had such plans to make holiday deco, etc. But, I ran out of time!!! I made very little actual things. But it was fun planning and gathering supplies. I am going to do some Easter Decorating and crafts. When Fall comes around this year, I will be ready with supplies to make things I want and my craft room will be all organized!!! I will probably make some in the summer too!!!! I love all of Norrine's advice and videos!! I love her personality too, so bright, heart to heart, she understands me and my budget! She is just like me and does not judge anyone. I love her!
Thanks, Noreen. You have given us lots of helpful suggestions. I've been working on our home for about a year. I can see and feel the difference in some places more than others, but it's enough to encourage me to keep going. The toughest things for me are: 1) time (I need to make a list of 20 minute projects); 2) too much stuff and too many commitments (I need to hone things down); 3) too heavy to move (I need to find a way to put things together so my guys can haul in small increments of time); 4) our home is the gathering place when 3 - 5 families come at once (finding storage space in the garage for "gatherings" would be helpful). Listening to your tips gives me some ideas on just focusing on one of these at a time. Thanks again!
Oh, Cathy!!!! I love that you are taking this slow!!!! And it sounds like you have the perfect plan - Making the list of everything you need/want to do... and then breaking it down by time estimates really is helpful!!!! Please keep me posted!
I love the term "Retail therapy". Nice expression for "shopoholics on the loose". Ask your therapist about it. LOL! I needed that video to continue in my decluttering journey. Thank you, Norrine.
Thank you for your words of wisdom. I wanted to do the 10-day challenge but got stuck on cleaning, sorting and re-organizing, my craft/office space which I'm still working on. Thank you for getting me started it was a project long overdue and I should be back crafting and sewing again in a few days. I wanted to rush it but taking it one step at a time has kept me sane, seeing all the clutter was getting overwhelming. A big thank you!!
I've heard your organizing tips before but always listen because they are so true and I need to be reminded... often it seems! I have many odds and ends of this and that and because I craft by color or holiday, that's how I organize, mostly. But I was also a micro organizer and could never find anything because small things just went into whatever small drawer was available. I quit doing that and discovered lots of real estate getting rid of most of my small 4 drawer towers. I was also terribly guilty of buying stuff and putting the bag into my craft room without putting items away. By time I actually organized my craft room to use, I had so many bags I couldn't move or open drawers. I took 6 months deciding what to keep, where to put it all and getting rid of stuff... at least two carloads a week to the thrift store. My craft room is still a challenge but I always put things away now and I almost always know where everything is. Unfortunately I moved my tim holtz word stickers thinking they belonged in a different category and they have not come to light yet. Boo Hoo!! Noreen is absolutely a life saver!
Yes indeed made everyone of those mistakes. I have learned so many tips and tricks from you Norrine. I am still working on my office but it so much better compared to last year.
Fantastic as always, your voice is so calming and reassuring that when I listen to you give tips and ideas on what to do I too think I definitely can do this, I am joining your 10 day challenge I started yesterday on my laundry when the vacuum cleaner just landed after being used but I didn’t put it away, so that is all sorted now, my biggest challenge is my craft space/office I too have been buying during covid and now need to sort out my space so I can use some of those lovely new products, thanks for your inspiration and sharing with me across the other side of the world, you are a truly a blessing to all who follow your channel.xxx
I make all of these mistakes in my craft room and craft buying, micro managing storage, and buying containers before I even start. I am a decorative painter, so have a stash of unpainted wood items, then a paper crafter and all the many tools and cazillion pads of pretty paper. Then during the pandemic started learning how to make jewelry and never met a pretty bead that I didn't want to bring home via online shopping. My studio used to be nice and tidy, but the craft storage room I needed shoulder pads and a helmet to get a needed supply. Now the studio is starting to resemble the craft room. I have started little steps in the studio, but my severely bad back has been acting up. Two neurosurgeons recommended extensive spinal surgery, and I want my craft mess cleaned up and organized before that happens. Thank you for a wonderful, insightful video lesson for us.
Oh, I hope you can get your back feeling better soon!!!!! That really makes things difficult! There is no quick and easy solution... just slow, small, steady sessions that add up to an amazing space. I am here to cheer for you and provide suggestions any time you want them. 💜
Thank you for the tip on setting the timer. I have found it especially helpful for my pain and inflammation when I can get up and walk around if I have been sitting or if I've moved around a lot in the 15 minutes I can sit down to rest or do a sitting task. I find that I do my personal best with keeping organized when I manage my time. I had that built into some things, but not all. To use your grocery store analogy it would be like shopping, getting it all home, and leaving it on the counter. It can go bad/spoil quickly. The mistake of not comparing ourselves to others is freeing. Hoping to follow that more.
Taking the time needed is so important, sometimes we get side tracked with family, events, sickness, children etc..I am still working in my craft room reorganizing after months of interruptions and a kitchen remodel, but I have kept on getting what I can do one day at a time..It is all coming together..almost there! I JUST wont give up! I see the big picture in my head and I see I have enough supplies to go a long way without shopping..It took me a year to use up my scraps, and I made some sweet things from them! TFS I have learned much from you..
I need you in my life 😭 Our home is a combination of all the possible reasons a home would be unorganized or straight up messy (and I'm talking slightly above entry-level hoarding 😔). Everything you mentioned here and in previous videos exists under this roof 😞😭😞. I can clean and organize for others but I was never able to for myself. Even as a youth, I would clean the entire house (clean, not just tidy up) but my bedroom was always a mess! Once or twice a year I would go on a cleaning and organizing bender pulling all nighters but it wouldn't be long before it was back to the previous state. It's super embarrassing and I feel ashamed. The worst part about it is I'm slightly OCD. If it can't be done the right way, right away, I won't touch it and I refuse to let others help me because they won't do it the right way (my way).
I'm so sorry you've struggled with this. There are so many things that our brains make difficult for us. I am proud of you for continuing to find something that will work. You never know when the right thing will 'click'. I hope we can find a system that works for you soon. 💜
You have just set me off to a wonderful new day of no guilt. I have been trying to organize my sewing room and I would get so discouraged because I would do one area, feel good about it and look around to see so much more I need to do. Now I still don't have it all done but I feel free to go right ahead and enjoy the area I have cleared to sew freely in and then continue to tackle another area. Sewing, well, rather piecing quilts is my comfort zone. I will be 72 on 08/12/2021 and I still work full time so I need my comfort zone. I'm a widow for 11 years on 09/20/2021 and if it weren't for my sewing, my depression would have me curled up inside one of my closets never to come out again. Now I feel free to go in my sewing room and enjoy sewing and continue organizing a bit at a time. FYI, the reason I still have to work is because my husband and I owned a construction company. We had a C3 framers license and when the bottom fell out of construction in 2008 we fell hard. We lost my husbands life insurance policy, our company, our home, everything was gone. Our bankruptcy filed on September 20, 2010 and my husband died the same day. He had just turned 66 on Aug. 20, 2010. He had been sick for such a long time and had been in a coma since September 4th. I'm glad he missed all the mess and is with God right now. I miss him every minute of every day. I spent so much time taking care of him and then taking care of everything else and then folding in on myself that I have no friends. Some people just don't understand so if anybody just needs to chat, let me know. Also, if anybody knows of jobs I can do from home that don't involve numbers, I'm a bookkeeper and I can feel myself burning out, please let me know. Thank So Much
Darla - sending you giant hugs. I know it's hard. I have a wonderful Facebook group where we just support each other in all ways - if you'd like to join. It helps to be in a group of people who support, encourage, and understand 💚: facebook.com/groups/730125317461615/ On another note, I am SO proud of you for finding joy in sewing! It is those little things that keep us going. I am so happy to have you here and hope to see you in my Facebook group. It really is a special place. xoxoxo
I am the same way. For many years, i would go to my sister-in-laws home to help her organize once a year. My brother-in-law would have a giant smile on his face. He knew that in a day, i would have it all completed. I was in my 30s then. Now I am 66, recent illness and fibro issues, I am not so organized. Spending lots of time in bed. But with Spring approaching I am feeling renewed. I am starting with the easy rooms first. My dining room and living room. Just needs a good polishing of furniture and a few items that need to go somewhere else. This will give me motivation and a sense of accomplishment. My major issues are my craftroom, (I am a card maker) and my guest room which is a spill over of yarn and fabric. I just need the energy and a book case to story the yard and fabric and I will be done. This room is two guest rooms in one. I moved from a 4 bedroom home to a 3 bedroom home. The timer suggestion is a great idea. Since my stamina is compromised right now. But if i tackle an area for 15 minutes a day i should succeed. It does not matter that I win the race only that I complete the race. Love your encouragement and advice. Thank you so much. \
YES!!!! Keep me posted!!!! It's amazing what you can actually get done in 15 min... but even more important to REST afterwards, so that you don't overdo it and prevent yourself from going on due to pain. 🌸💜 You've got this!!!! I am rooting for you!
I am in the midst of a craft room re-do because we moved my craft room from one room in the house to another. I am completely overwhelmed and have no idea where I want my stuff in my new room or how I want it organized. I am guilty of many of the things on your list - definitely the first one as I have several empty storage containers I thought I needed but now I'm not so sure. I haven't been giving the room the attention it needs but I need to! This is really tough for me right now! I want it done but I don't know how I want it done so it doesn't get done. Ugh.
You've got this!!!! Get a chair and just sit in the room. Imagine what you WANT to be doing in the space. Then start planning what you have or will need to allow you to do that. Example: Do you need a work surface? Do you have one? Do you need larger storage solutions like a bookcase or shelves? If you have them already, where can they go so they will be easy to access from your work surface? Then get your supplies categorized likes with likes. This will take a bit... but you will slowly get to create the perfect space for you!!!! I have a video on space planning that may help: ruclips.net/video/aq6MHXRFUSw/видео.html
Me too! I moved into this house with a smaller craft room. And I’m so,tired of using the cheap , make do storage solutions. I hate having to search for a craft supply, it totally destroys my creativity. So as a birthday gift My husband and I are taking a small road trip to ikea. I’ve been poring over the ikea website and catalog and organizing videos and Pinterest . I’ve been measuring my space and the existing furniture and storage that I will be keeping. So I know what I’m keeping, what’s going and what I need to buy storage for . I also have to keep in the front of my mind, my working style ....what I use most, what I need to have close by my working area. And planning areas for different purposes, like die cutting , some flat surface areas . I’m really considering getting at least one consultation from a professional organizer.
Thank you for this! In a few months, after a minor renovation, I have my crafts space in my garage! So I will take heed to all of this when I start to tackle ALL the mesh, ribbon, scrapbooks, pom poms, glue, ornaments, etc. that I have! I will be in touch, I promise!
I don't know how I ever managed to organize anything before I found you. I did organize, but I micro-organized so bad that no one could keep up with my system, which stressed me out so bad that we would argue, and I would just give up on organizing altogether. You are the organizing guru!!
Great video & tips. I totally agree with not buying any containers until you’ve decluttered the area first. Also, it’s better to work in smaller amounts of time rather than larger ones. I usually find that if I spend too much time trying to decluttering/organise something that I get bored & just dump the whole lot back in the same place. I don’t look at houses on Pinterest anymore. To me, they don’t look real & lived in. When I come home I hang my handbag up on a couple of hooks & hang my key, watch & coat up & put my shoes away. In the UK our post comes through the letter box, so we see it roughly as soon as the postie has been. You look great in red, it really suits you. x
Oh my gosh Norrine! Your videos are such a big help. I made your #1 mistake when I organized my craft room & ended up with extra containers. I have no doubt that in time I will use them but for now I'm not. My biggest problem, I think, is that I can't focus on one thing or room until it's done. Like after Christmas, I decided to go from the big enormous totes to smaller totes for storing my seasonal decorations. I am not getting any younger & the smaller totes will make it easier for me to get them up & down the attic stairs by myself. So, now I have all the Christmas decorations laying all over the house because I got bored with it & decided to go organize photos on my computer because I got an external hard drive to store all my computer files on. Now I'm almost done with them & am getting bored with them. I take breaks but I need to find a way to stay focused & get one job done before starting another. I get it done eventually but I live with a mess until then.
Good tips - especially the 'command center'. Here's my story of THE GREEN BOWL... Back in the 1970's, when we were living together, my now hubby (of 45 years) used to ALWAYS forget where his keys were. ALWAYS. Whenever we were on our way out the door to meet friends or whatever, for 1/2 hour or more he'd rant and run around looking for them. Finally, I had enough of his 'shenanigans' spoiling the start of my evening. I came up with 'the GREEN bowl' for him. We had a large, flat, green, ceramic bowl that I designated as the 'home' for his stuff when he walks in the door. His keys, wallet, shades, Altoids, (now cell phone), whatever was in his pockets goes in 'the GREEN bowl'. Over our decades together, that GREEN bowl eventually broke. But we got another large, flat, ceramic bowl (this time cream colored with flowers decorating the outside) - and still call it 'the GREEN BOWL'. Good news is: he (almost) never loses his keys. yay! :-) P.S. I made my whole foyer closet MY GREEN bowl! He attached shaker-style double hooks (from the container store) to the back wall. I hang my keys, sun visor, and covid19 mask on 2 hooks. Backpack (for casual outings) on another hook. There's a small plastic tub on top of a shoe organizer on closet floor. In that tub I keep my fave black satchel (for fancy outings and medical appointments) plus a small water bottle to grab on the way out. Thanks for all your great videos and tips! Peace, LuLu
I'm so glad I watched this. I have been so overwhelmed trying to figure out how to organize my crafts, my rooms. I just have stuff everywhere & I just don't know where to start without feeling so overwhelmed. I think my main problem is I ran out of room for everything to have a home. You had some great tips, so I am going to try them. Thank you!
A great refresher..... I worked retail for years so my kitchen cupboards are one of the few places that are organized😁❤️ My craft room is the area where I think I "bite off more than I can chew"
Great tips Norrine. You look beautiful and refreshed. I'm praying that your heart is mending well. I'll be looking forward to seeing others virtual organizations, but for me - not an option. But do have a question, how do others out there get their organization projects done when they have others taking their time, focus and energy in every other direction but what they are trying to get done? I hope I made sense. Anyway, looking forward to your 100 thousand subscriber party/celebration. Just seeing the joy on your face will be good enough for me. Take care. Sincerely Becky B from Arkansas
That is a really hard one to answer..... Now that I am working from home, my kids come to me throughout the day. Most of the time I don't mind. But many times I am mid filming - or facing a deadline - they don't understand that just because I am home, doesn't mean I am not working! I try to set up kind boundaries - and let them know ahead of time if I am going to be unavailable. I also try and check in with them once I am done. That doesn't work with everyone though!
Yes, lots of things tug at us and there is never enough time. But you have to make time to do the organization as it is so important to helping you and your family. Schedule it in just like anything else. You can also steel time, just make a game of it. For example we are working on getting my kitchen sink to drain. I cleaned out everything under the sink this morning, put an old towel down and a bucket to catch any water. Earlier, we tried running a snake down it, with no good results. Then we had some other things to do. My Grandson-16 1/2 yrs. has been helping me, he is amazing. We were making some Marie Calendar Pot Pies in the Microwave for an easy quick dinner. I told my Grandson, why don't your try the snake again, we have 10-15 min. to wait for the pot pies. He did, used a 25' snake, with a drill attachment, ran it all the way down and speeded up the drill, back and forth. Well, guess what? It came back with some plastic bag on the end!!! Where did that ever come from???? The water goes down better, but we have to do it again, after we finish eating. But that is some progress!! We mad use of the "wasted" waiting time. I frequently do this in the kitchen, straightening a shelf, getting veges ready ahead of time for the next day, etc. Always, always schedule some time for yourself too!! You need it, you deserve it, and life will be better for you and everyone if you do it! @The Crafty Organizer
My favorite tip from you....when you talk about having all your ribbons in on spot. I think I'm pretty organized, I got my craft stuff, paint stuff, tool box etc. So I had my painters tape and masking tape in my paint bin, electrical tape in my tool box, well I got tired of my tape being in different places so I got a paper towel holder and put them all on there. Makes better sense! Thank you!!
LOVE that tip of NOT buying the containers until you have categories and figure out what needs to be stored and how! I always fall into the trap of buying the storage first! I am glad I saw this video today, because I was planning on doing this again this week! AND I STOPPED! Thank you!
so so true! i have ONE drawer file cabinet i found for important keeps. one 3 wire holder that is over that one metal file drawer. Those i am working on. In 3 levels. level 3 means i need to work on it. Level 2 means i am waiting on something for it. Level 1 means I need to keep it for a reason just for period of time... . after it hits level 1, it gets filed or tossed. everything else gets tossed... no more papers are allowed!
You hit the nail on the head with this one! I recently made the decision to NOT buy a beautiful plant until I know where it’s going. As always, I apparently like to learn the hard way! I also have a ridiculous number of containers that I may have to donate. Keeping these basic rules in mind will be a huge help. I haven’t been able to create art of any kind for way too long - distracted by unfinished projects and always end up searching for what I need. Which is why I haven’t finished anything! You’re the best 🙃
I have done the “buy containers first” so many times and have ended up with containers upon containers upon containers that do not really get used! BTW, you look so pretty in this video!
Once again THANK YOU. I may have heard these points from you before but need to hear again to motivate me and/or tweak something. Stay safe and...keep smiling😁😊😀🙃🤪
I have a huge mess in my craft room. I combined 2 places into one room. I am faced with a sea of boxes and didnt know where to go from there. This helps. Thanks!
I was 45 years old before it occurred to me that those people whose beautiful homes were featured in magazines and online didn’t have their homes like that *all the time* That was an incredible revelation for me. And a huge relief.
Thank you Norrine, love your decluttering videos they always inspire me, I'm trying to declutter and decorate 35years of stuff so I can put the house on the market, I've looked at loads of utube videos and find yours are the best, ❤️🏴
I keep coming back to you for encouragement. I take comfort from being reminded of the same things again and again. Some of your suggestions just hadn’t occurred to me , but make so much sense.(Address book for passwords-still working on that one.) I think your positive and forgiving attitude is most helpful of all. Thank you.
I have a wonderful friend that helped me so much when I needed to clear out my very large, very disorganized basement closet. She helped me decide what to keep and what to let go , and we actually threw away very little. She instead helped me determine who needed or could use a lot of the things I had instead of just putting things in a “discard” box. Knowing someone else would benefit made a huge difference. At one point, she saw me walking around the basement looking at all of the piles while clutching some fabric yardage tightly to my chest. She took me out to get coffee and to breathe without being overwhelmed. The process took three days to go through my stuff. Every day she loaded everything into her car labeled with the names of the recipients.That way it wasn’t left in my house to be forgotten or reincorporated. Having a friend who understands me was the best “tool” for organizing.
What an amazing gift that was!!!! Patience and compassion go a long way when helping someone. I am so glad you were able to do this with such a kind person, and that you were able to find new homes for your treasures!!! Everybody was a winner. 💜
Hello lovely lady, I’m going to tackle my art room. One of your best tips, in my opinion, is sorting before you buy containers...I’ve made that mistake and it wasted money. Do you think I could use the closet doors and cut the up into shelves to save money?
Absolutely! I do crazy things like that all of the time!!!! Especially if they are bi-fold doors already! Just check if they are hollow core first...... that type is a bit more difficult to work with.
Love leaving a note where something extra is located. Thanks for the reminders as well as new ideas. I am able to have organization in only a few rooms. Our bedroom and my craft room are always my big issues. I am 71 so yes, I mean ALWAYS. I am still able to dress, lose weight, shop, etc. But am overwhelmed with my clothes (just lost a lot of weight) and returning items when project is complete or I am at least through with certain items. The piles get huge and I get depressed and run to recliner! I'll set the timer and start again tomorrow. Thanks.
One of the best gifts I gave myself is permission to let go of my clothes. I have enough so that if there was a strange emergency, and I could not wash clothes nor wear them more than once... I have enough clothing items to wear for 2 weeks. That's it! I have not missed having all of those extra options at all! It's been so nice to free up that space - and I find I STILL only wear the same few items of clothing. LOL
You have such a nice way of telling me what I’ve been trying to ignore ☺️ You got me with buying things and then sitting the bag down. I literally JUST organized bags & bags of “great sales items” from the new year. Great advice.
Well. I am at that point that I need to do some serious reorganization. The tips and inspiration you give are just what I need thanks so much for everything 😁🌹
Love your videos. I did #10! I started emptying off my storage shelves and put everything into bins. I got new IKEA storage cupboards with doors in the hopes of making it look more organized. Now I’m overwhelmed with the task of finding a new homes for everything. I keep running into road blocks, especially when I’m looking for a specific product that is out of stock or doesn’t work the way I thought it would. I filled up the storage cabinets much quicker being organized than when stuff was just piled on the shelves. So now I’m purging and decluttering too. I keep watching your videos to keep my inspiration from fading! Thanks for so many good tips. This was my dining room and living room areas. Next is my bedroom where a lot of stuff got dumped because I didn’t want to stop my process with dealing with boxes of stuff. I’m learning what to do, but wish I had started living with less long ago! I need a decluttering fairy to tell me that I really don’t need it. So I can go to bed at night and not feel overwhelmed with the stuff in my room too. Thanks for your videos and your patient way of explaining your thoughts. Kathy Combs
Kathy - Consider me your personal cheerleader and giver of suggestions! I have a wonderful Facebook group where we just support each other in all ways - if you'd like to join. 💜 It helps to be in a group of people who support, encourage, and understand: facebook.com/groups/730125317461615/
Number nine about finding a system that works for you is important for professional organizers to remember. I’ve had at least three different organizers insist that their system is the best and not even listen to the system I’ve chosen. One came in and tried to change everything! So trust yourself and do it your way, if it works for you.
YES! It was one of the strange things that made me think I was doing things 'wrong' when I started my career. I figured it was my job was to find a solution that FIT the family... not the other way around.
Good video. Your tips encouraged me in my journey of decluttering and organizing my house and life. I could finish some of what you were saying before you finished the tip and that made me feel encouraged that I'm on the right track. I did make the "buy the storage containers first" mistake and learned that lesson quick 💕🌱
Thank you for your encouragement my room is a messy combination of craft and bedroom . I collect coke memorabilia small things mostly but some containers which are used to hold stuff on my work table such as crochet hooks and yarn needles , scissors pencils in one place
I’m in the bomb went off phase, but I’m very familiar with it! I can’t leave well enough alone usually. This time I gave up two rooms in my house for my daughter and my son in law and I lost my craft room!
Ooohhh my dear Norrine! You are a blessing! I've been a subscriber since the early days, and you've never steered me wrong. Plus, you're inspiration is infectious and you're so kind. Anyhoo, I posted some weeks ago that after 6 years in my duplex, I was moving to an apartment. Terror. Already fighting clutter, carrying around my late Mother, Grandmother, and Father's things (among others); only Dad wasn't a pack rat. So as I attempted not to panic (I have major health problems that I did NOT have 6 years ago, so I knew for the first time in my life- you and I are the same age- that I wouldn't be able to handle it all myself, pushing through the hardest parts like a bull. My 2 sons lift heavy things. Period.), so I asked your advice. Even with the huge amount of comments you get, you responded, with helpful and thoughtful advice. Fast forward- I've been in the new place for 2 weeks, and am following your method of grouping like with like, being near ruthless about donating and trashing, rather than shove everything in any available space, ignoring it and living inefficiently (my normal). I will admit that all of these piles surrounding me were making me crazy at first, but now that I'm through the worst, I feel much better and see a light at the end of this tunnel! Already I can locate an item I need in less than 4 hours, lol! Next up- bit of decorating, and refreshing my memory (or learning for the first time) how to "use tools" and "install things" and "hand things other than pictures requiring one nail and a hammer". Wonder if wonders; I'm looking forward to it! I simply cannot tell you how much you've helped me and can never thank you enough!!! You are gifted in many ways. I've heard you say that if you could help even one person, you'd be happy; well, BE HAPPY!!!
I don't know how I missed this comment!!!!! How did the move go????? I'm so sorry this got missed!!!!!! Please let me know how things are going. xoxoxo
I am perpetually "re-organizing" my craft space. I went from the dining room to the office and while it is not an ideal set up (desk is built into the closet space), I am making it work. I have gotten very good at "do you need this or do you want it because it is on sale/you have a coupon". I have put countless items back on shelves and closed online shopping carts just by asking that question. Talking to yourself is helpful! :) Thanks for sharing your gift!
what you said about "landing spaces" is soo true and important, I bought an extra cube organizer @target very cheapfor my craft room, and when I have shopping bags or a mail-order arrives I put them there and I don't allow myself to use them until they are labeled and put away has made a world od difference since I started this!
I think I should label our trash can: Trash 🗑 🙃 My hubby showed me a video a long while back about a couple. The guy was leaving his dishes and trash on the coffee table. He told his wife, this table is magic! I leave things here and in the morning, it's clean again! Of course, his wife was not happy with that statement. 🙄 I told my hubby, This is Not a magic table! Lol 😆 😉 He still likes to think it's magic. 😏 Love your tips! Especially about not buying something before I decide what to put in it. I'm bad about that. ❤
Thank you. You tips hit home. I now understand why I get so frustrated. Also. I over start then get discouraged. I will set timer and also leave myself a note for where to start when I return.
I am a very logical and basically organized person, but that is great advice....get rid of the excess stuff, THEN see what storage you really need.......another great tip, Thanks sweetie:) Retail therapy?....nah.......gummies!
this is my problem is to figure how to sort the items . I have a bed full of containers, gifted to me by a teacher friend. what do I put in them, lol It makes so much sense when you are talking but when I start, I get confused. lol love your show, and your calmness
So many great tips. Going to start doing it a little at a time and maybe I can get my kitchen and craft room finally organized. Love watching your videos
Everything you said resonated with me and your tips and advice on how to start we're very helpful and also very encouraging because yeah it's gonna take at least a couple of months to do the project that I have to do in my craft room. Thank you thank you thank you. We need people like you to help us, motivate us, encourage us and let us know that it will take time but set a timer, take a break, and I know it does help to keep hydrated and food in the tummy to get through this.also what you said about not comparing yourself to others is so true!
You gave me lots of good ideas and I agree with what you said. I am going to write down what it is that I want to accomplish in my space and then tackle those one at a time. Thank you for the motivation.
I have come up with a method that helps me with retail therapy. If I fell like I just have to go shopping, I go to Dollar Tree. I will buy things like small games, puzzles, stuffed animals, school products, etc. when I get it home, I store it all in a large tote. When Christmas time comes I have lots of stuff to fill Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes with ready to go. I got my shopping fix. I didn’t break the bank at any given time. The stuff will be leaving my house. AND I get to share the message of Christmas with children around the world. It’s a win all the way around!
That IS a win-win!!!!
wonderful of you, and great idea!
what a great idea...I usually wait until fall,
Excellent idea and a great cause, too.
Great idea, Dana! My great neices & nephews are at an age where small inexpensive items just tickle them to death!
I can help anybody else organize their stuff, but I have no emotional attachment to their things. When it’s my junk, it’s not so easy.
So true!!!!! Try focusing in short timed intervals on specific 'items' - it helps!
Amen, and if something has a 'home' in my house, I will return it 99.9% of the time. I have trouble finding homes. Not that I even have that much stuff lol
Thanks Norrine 🤗
Have them return the favour?
@@ArtyAntics Great idea!
Sometimes it takes a year or two to do one room. Life keeps getting in the way. But one day, it will all be done!
"life gets in the way" yes, Omg, I have never been able to utter those words but I have been avoiding having to look at some of the stuff that needs to be either organized, stored away long term, thrown away or donated. Sometimes it's just overwhelming but Norrine's approach and encouragement is motivating me. And her FB group is also helpful!
OMGosh! That just makes me so happy to see!!!!!!!!
At which time it's time to start over
Thinking life is treating you well. You look younger and more beautiful than usual today. I like your ideas and use them as much as possible. Yeap, when I want something that will make my life easier, I think, where will I store it? That prevents me from purchasing. No room in this tiny house.
What a sweet thing to say!!! Thank you
Wow! #10, you must have been a fly on my wall several times while I've tried to organize!
:) I've torn apart a few closets and said, 'uh oh... what have I done" more than once. LOL
Love seeing your smiling happy face. You really lift my mood and make me feel better about my chaos. thank you from the bottom of my heart. ❤️🇦🇺
I’m back home...
Yes, been working on purging, selling & packing what I want to keep to get our house up for sale. Of course, housework, work, life, health & TBI brain get in the way! I work better & have another to bounce off ideas that they may see another way-better to do it!
More motivated when doing it with someone else!
Today, is catch up on coming back home, unpacking, restart making my broth & healthy (no salt items I can buy) chores. Have to squeeze in my CEUs too due this month!
You’re not alone!! I too can go into someone’s home &’organize it. Did some for my sister’s spice shelf/drawer. Taught her how to make broth from scraps & yogurt in the Instant Pot.
That's what I need!!!! An Insta pot and someone to show me how to use it!!!! LOL
So many great tips. But not comparing ourselves to others may be the best for organization and for life!
She only giving advice, it's not personal.
In week three of my office/craft room overhaul and totally, identify with the last one. After my first night of having everything out, I looked at the piles and thought, “OMG. What have I done!” 😂 I keep working at it a little a time and make a plan each day so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. I wish I would have taken pics. I’ve come so far! Thank you for videos.
I'm so excited for you!!!! And PROUD that you've kept going! It's so smart to go a little at a time - and you are also going with a plan. You've got this in the bag! Keep me posted on how it's going. 🌺
Guilty of all! Thank you, I really already knew these ten "mistakes". The overwhelming part keeps me in limbo. One area, one project at a time, and stop beating myself up!!!
GIANT hugs to you first!!! No beating up! Pick an area that is easier... set that timer... and then post before and after pictures or just talk about what you accomplised on my FaceBook page!!!! You will be met with so much excitement and support!!!! facebook.com/groups/730125317461615/
I look at organizing or cleaning a big project like being pregnant and wanting to lose weight. It took nine months to grow the baby right and a room or space doesn't become crazy messy overnight. It's going to take time to get things to the way you want them. Patience and consistency are the only way to get a big project done. Im not very good at my own advice though. Lol. I'm one of the types that jumps in with both feet for like two days and then doesn't touch the project for a month. I'm working on changing my mindset to get things done. Thank you Norden for reminding me that I need to give myself a break and not be so hard on myself.
That is one of the best analogies I've heard!!! And you are ABSOLUTY right!!!!! Hope you get better at not being too hard on yourself. I am rooting for you!!!!!
I've been watching you maybe around 2 months and I love your style, your manner, your presentation, the organizers you build from foam board. You are precise in your instruction and have put so much time and effort in what you do. I think it's wonderful you have a business and I know you have health issues. This I can totally relate to. I've been ill for 27 years and crafting is the only thing keeping me somewhat sane. I am 70 years old, retired/disabled and live in HUD Senior housing, in a 500 sq. ft. apartment. I do multiple crafts, some art and I give it all away. I tried selling but am too sick and broke to do anything anymore. And I love it! I have supplies in a storage place my kids pay for and am getting to a point where it's getting very difficult to go there, plus it's so dang depressing not having my supplies with me. You lose so much you start going crazy...right? I really love this particular video as I'm going to donate my kitchen table and replace it with bookshelves. I'm guilty of all 10 of your organizing mistakes. I do have to say I have some very organized things that I have in bookcases in my bedroom along one whole wall. I have crafts under my bed, in my bedroom closet. Last year I bought 2 chests with a lot of drawers and they have been wonderful and are very pretty. I have a lot of plastic drawers which are labeled. I have a huge ottoman in my Living Room, such as it is and its completely full of supplies. I always have a lovely chest in my LR that hold my mosaic supplies. At least these things look pleasing to the eye. That's why the plastic stuff is along a wall in my BDRM and
can't be seen unless you actually go in the bathroom. I have a wonderful work space desk my kids bought me and that has been a godsend. It gets so crammed, I barely have any work space. That seems to be my biggest battle and then comes the sea of paper as you mentioned. I do have a file system, but did it recently, so I have a lot and I mean a lot of filing and that is a very frustrating thing for me and yet I print a lot. I print tutorials, but also size ATC cards, all sorts of shapes I will put in wood, dominoes, bezels, etc. I appreciate your methods and they are what I want to mirror. Thank you and God bless you as you continue to bless those of us who benefit from your RUclipss.
I wish I could come help you!!! At least we could get some of your favorite things out of storage to help set up a 'craft corner' in your apartment. I am glad to hear bookshelves are working for you - and it sounds like you are utilizing all the spaces you can for storage. I appreciate your kind words and look forward to hearing from you again. 💜
Paper is my biggest friend (I'm a paper crafter) and my biggest foe! I need to work harder on keeping that sorted and organized better!
Have you watched my paper organization video: ruclips.net/video/migbSUlzL-g/видео.html
Love the "1 in, 1 out" system. Helps keep me from buying on impulse and purchasing more containers!
Also, every year I designate "frugal February" - I don't buy anything but food and gas. It gives my budget a break and resets my mindset. I find that the practice extends for a couple of months after Feb 28th just because I've interrupted the habit.
That's a great idea!
I started just doing a small area at a time. I find that it is easier for me to do it that way
I think that's a great way to go as well!!!!
I used to be guilty of "craft room retail therapy" at the beginning of covid. That probably lasted a couple of months till I started to feel overwhelmed by all the "stuff" I bought! No more though! In fact I've seriously been thinking of giving up some of my crafts and just keeping the ones I truly enjoy. Throughout the 10 day challenge I haven't had the urge to go out and buy anything as I have a few containers in my stash so I go to that first. Thank you for all your great advice Norrine!
LOL I did Covid Craft Holiday Shopping too!! I had such plans to make holiday deco, etc. But, I ran out of time!!! I made very little actual things. But it was fun planning and gathering supplies. I am going to do some Easter Decorating and crafts. When Fall comes around this year, I will be ready with supplies to make things I want and my craft room will be all organized!!! I will probably make some in the summer too!!!! I love all of Norrine's advice and videos!! I love her personality too, so bright, heart to heart, she understands me and my budget! She is just like me and does not judge anyone. I love her!
Your kind heart shines through in your videos. 💞
Wow, thank you
Thanks, Noreen. You have given us lots of helpful suggestions. I've been working on our home for about a year. I can see and feel the difference in some places more than others, but it's enough to encourage me to keep going. The toughest things for me are: 1) time (I need to make a list of 20 minute projects); 2) too much stuff and too many commitments (I need to hone things down); 3) too heavy to move (I need to find a way to put things together so my guys can haul in small increments of time); 4) our home is the gathering place when 3 - 5 families come at once (finding storage space in the garage for "gatherings" would be helpful). Listening to your tips gives me some ideas on just focusing on one of these at a time. Thanks again!
Oh, Cathy!!!! I love that you are taking this slow!!!! And it sounds like you have the perfect plan - Making the list of everything you need/want to do... and then breaking it down by time estimates really is helpful!!!! Please keep me posted!
I love the term "Retail therapy". Nice expression for "shopoholics on the loose". Ask your therapist about it. LOL!
I needed that video to continue in my decluttering journey. Thank you, Norrine.
You would totally give up if you would see my place and I’m taking notes for my crafting “mess” but my kitchen is organized to a tee. ☺️😉
You can do it! Get those notes written, get a plan, and dive in! Consider me your personal cheerleader and giver of suggestions if you need them! 💜
Thank you for your words of wisdom. I wanted to do the 10-day challenge but got stuck on cleaning, sorting and re-organizing, my craft/office space which I'm still working on. Thank you for getting me started it was a project long overdue and I should be back crafting and sewing again in a few days. I wanted to rush it but taking it one step at a time has kept me sane, seeing all the clutter was getting overwhelming. A big thank you!!
That means you ARE doing the challenge!!!! The point was not to get through many spaces... but to take organizing in little bites! Well done!!!!
@@TheCraftyOrganizer A big thank you not only for your time to respond but your great words of wisdom, you are Awesome!!!
You really know your business, Norrine. I needed to hear this. Thank you. 😃👍
Glad it was helpful!
I've heard your organizing tips before but always listen because they are so true and I need to be reminded... often it seems! I have many odds and ends of this and that and because I craft by color or holiday, that's how I organize, mostly. But I was also a micro organizer and could never find anything because small things just went into whatever small drawer was available. I quit doing that and discovered lots of real estate getting rid of most of my small 4 drawer towers. I was also terribly guilty of buying stuff and putting the bag into my craft room without putting items away. By time I actually organized my craft room to use, I had so many bags I couldn't move or open drawers. I took 6 months deciding what to keep, where to put it all and getting rid of stuff... at least two carloads a week to the thrift store. My craft room is still a challenge but I always put things away now and I almost always know where everything is. Unfortunately I moved my tim holtz word stickers thinking they belonged in a different category and they have not come to light yet. Boo Hoo!! Noreen is absolutely a life saver!
Oh, Cass!!! This just makes me so happy to read!!!! I am so excited for you!!!!!!
Yes indeed made everyone of those mistakes. I have learned so many tips and tricks from you Norrine. I am still working on my office but it so much better compared to last year.
That is so wonderful to hear!!!!!!
Fantastic as always, your voice is so calming and reassuring that when I listen to you give tips and ideas on what to do I too think I definitely can do this, I am joining your 10 day challenge I started yesterday on my laundry when the vacuum cleaner just landed after being used but I didn’t put it away, so that is all sorted now, my biggest challenge is my craft space/office I too have been buying during covid and now need to sort out my space so I can use some of those lovely new products, thanks for your inspiration and sharing with me across the other side of the world, you are a truly a blessing to all who follow your channel.xxx
Yay!!! I am so excited to hear you will be joining the challenge!!!!! xoxoxo
I make all of these mistakes in my craft room and craft buying, micro managing storage, and buying containers before I even start. I am a decorative painter, so have a stash of unpainted wood items, then a paper crafter and all the many tools and cazillion pads of pretty paper. Then during the pandemic started learning how to make jewelry and never met a pretty bead that I didn't want to bring home via online shopping. My studio used to be nice and tidy, but the craft storage room I needed shoulder pads and a helmet to get a needed supply. Now the studio is starting to resemble the craft room. I have started little steps in the studio, but my severely bad back has been acting up. Two neurosurgeons recommended extensive spinal surgery, and I want my craft mess cleaned up and organized before that happens. Thank you for a wonderful, insightful video lesson for us.
Oh, I hope you can get your back feeling better soon!!!!! That really makes things difficult! There is no quick and easy solution... just slow, small, steady sessions that add up to an amazing space. I am here to cheer for you and provide suggestions any time you want them. 💜
@@TheCraftyOrganizer Thank you Noreen. I will take my time, and I will get the job done. Thank you for being so supportive of all your subbies.
Thank you for the tip on setting the timer. I have found it especially helpful for my pain and inflammation when I can get up and walk around if I have been sitting or if I've moved around a lot in the 15 minutes I can sit down to rest or do a sitting task. I find that I do my personal best with keeping organized when I manage my time. I had that built into some things, but not all. To use your grocery store analogy it would be like shopping, getting it all home, and leaving it on the counter. It can go bad/spoil quickly. The mistake of not comparing ourselves to others is freeing. Hoping to follow that more.
That IS a great analogy!!!! Thank you for sharing!
@@TheCraftyOrganizer You are the inspiration!
Very wise words and great advice. I always look forward to your videos. Thank you so much again❤️
You are so welcome
Taking the time needed is so important, sometimes we get side tracked with family, events, sickness, children etc..I am still working in my craft room reorganizing after months of interruptions and a kitchen remodel, but I have kept on getting what I can do one day at a time..It is all coming together..almost there! I JUST wont give up! I see the big picture in my head and I see I have enough supplies to go a long way without shopping..It took me a year to use up my scraps, and I made some sweet things from them! TFS I have learned much from you..
I need you in my life 😭
Our home is a combination of all the possible reasons a home would be unorganized or straight up messy (and I'm talking slightly above entry-level hoarding 😔). Everything you mentioned here and in previous videos exists under this roof 😞😭😞. I can clean and organize for others but I was never able to for myself. Even as a youth, I would clean the entire house (clean, not just tidy up) but my bedroom was always a mess! Once or twice a year I would go on a cleaning and organizing bender pulling all nighters but it wouldn't be long before it was back to the previous state. It's super embarrassing and I feel ashamed. The worst part about it is I'm slightly OCD. If it can't be done the right way, right away, I won't touch it and I refuse to let others help me because they won't do it the right way (my way).
I'm so sorry you've struggled with this. There are so many things that our brains make difficult for us. I am proud of you for continuing to find something that will work. You never know when the right thing will 'click'. I hope we can find a system that works for you soon. 💜
You have just set me off to a wonderful new day of no guilt. I have been trying to organize my sewing room and I would get so discouraged because I would do one area, feel good about it and look around to see so much more I need to do. Now I still don't have it all done but I feel free to go right ahead and enjoy the area I have cleared to sew freely in and then continue to tackle another area. Sewing, well, rather piecing quilts is my comfort zone. I will be 72 on 08/12/2021 and I still work full time so I need my comfort zone. I'm a widow for 11 years on 09/20/2021 and if it weren't for my sewing, my depression would have me curled up inside one of my closets never to come out again. Now I feel free to go in my sewing room and enjoy sewing and continue organizing a bit at a time. FYI, the reason I still have to work is because my husband and I owned a construction company. We had a C3 framers license and when the bottom fell out of construction in 2008 we fell hard.
We lost my husbands life insurance policy, our company, our home, everything was gone. Our bankruptcy filed on September 20, 2010 and my husband died the same day. He had just turned 66 on Aug. 20, 2010. He had been sick for such a long time and had been in a coma since September 4th. I'm glad he missed all the mess and is with God right now. I miss him every minute of every day. I spent so much time taking care of him and then taking care of everything else and then folding in on myself that I have no friends. Some people just don't understand so if anybody just needs to chat, let me know. Also, if anybody knows of jobs I can do from home that don't involve numbers, I'm a bookkeeper and I can feel myself burning out, please let me know. Thank So Much
Darla - sending you giant hugs. I know it's hard. I have a wonderful Facebook group where we just support each other in all ways - if you'd like to join. It helps to be in a group of people who support, encourage, and understand 💚: facebook.com/groups/730125317461615/ On another note, I am SO proud of you for finding joy in sewing! It is those little things that keep us going. I am so happy to have you here and hope to see you in my Facebook group. It really is a special place. xoxoxo
I am the same way. For many years, i would go to my sister-in-laws home to help her organize once a year. My brother-in-law would have a giant smile on his face. He knew that in a day, i would have it all completed. I was in my 30s then. Now I am 66, recent illness and fibro issues, I am not so organized. Spending lots of time in bed. But with Spring approaching I am feeling renewed. I am starting with the easy rooms first. My dining room and living room. Just needs a good polishing of furniture and a few items that need to go somewhere else. This will give me motivation and a sense of accomplishment. My major issues are my craftroom, (I am a card maker) and my guest room which is a spill over of yarn and fabric. I just need the energy and a book case to story the yard and fabric and I will be done. This room is two guest rooms in one. I moved from a 4 bedroom home to a 3 bedroom home.
The timer suggestion is a great idea. Since my stamina is compromised right now. But if i tackle an area for 15 minutes a day i should succeed. It does not matter that I win the race only that I complete the race. Love your encouragement and advice. Thank you so much.
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YES!!!! Keep me posted!!!! It's amazing what you can actually get done in 15 min... but even more important to REST afterwards, so that you don't overdo it and prevent yourself from going on due to pain. 🌸💜 You've got this!!!! I am rooting for you!
I am in the midst of a craft room re-do because we moved my craft room from one room in the house to another. I am completely overwhelmed and have no idea where I want my stuff in my new room or how I want it organized. I am guilty of many of the things on your list - definitely the first one as I have several empty storage containers I thought I needed but now I'm not so sure. I haven't been giving the room the attention it needs but I need to! This is really tough for me right now! I want it done but I don't know how I want it done so it doesn't get done. Ugh.
You've got this!!!! Get a chair and just sit in the room. Imagine what you WANT to be doing in the space. Then start planning what you have or will need to allow you to do that. Example: Do you need a work surface? Do you have one? Do you need larger storage solutions like a bookcase or shelves? If you have them already, where can they go so they will be easy to access from your work surface? Then get your supplies categorized likes with likes. This will take a bit... but you will slowly get to create the perfect space for you!!!! I have a video on space planning that may help: ruclips.net/video/aq6MHXRFUSw/видео.html
Me too! I moved into this house with a smaller craft room. And I’m so,tired of using the cheap , make do storage solutions. I hate having to search for a craft supply, it totally destroys my creativity.
So as a birthday gift My husband and I are taking a small road trip to ikea.
I’ve been poring over the ikea website and catalog and organizing videos and Pinterest . I’ve been measuring my space and the existing furniture and storage that I will be keeping.
So I know what I’m keeping, what’s going and what I need to buy storage for .
I also have to keep in the front of my mind, my working style ....what I use most, what I need to have close by my working area. And planning areas for different purposes, like die cutting , some flat surface areas .
I’m really considering getting at least one consultation from a professional organizer.
I'm so sorry I'm just seeing this!!! HOW EXCITING!!!!! Did you get furniture? Is your room done or in progress??? UPDATES PLEASE!!! xoxoxo
Thank you for this! In a few months, after a minor renovation, I have my crafts space in my garage! So I will take heed to all of this when I start to tackle ALL the mesh, ribbon, scrapbooks, pom poms, glue, ornaments, etc. that I have! I will be in touch, I promise!
Wonderful!!!! That will be such an exciting space for you!!!!!! 💜
You are such a soft spoken person and a sweetheart!! You also give such great tips and advice!! Thanks for sharing with us..
You are so welcome!
I don't know how I ever managed to organize anything before I found you. I did organize, but I micro-organized so bad that no one could keep up with my system, which stressed me out so bad that we would argue, and I would just give up on organizing altogether. You are the organizing guru!!
💜 So glad we've found each other.
Great video & tips.
I totally agree with not buying any containers until you’ve decluttered the area first.
Also, it’s better to work in smaller amounts of time rather than larger ones. I usually find that if I spend too much time trying to decluttering/organise something that I get bored & just dump the whole lot back in the same place.
I don’t look at houses on Pinterest anymore. To me, they don’t look real & lived in.
When I come home I hang my handbag up on a couple of hooks & hang my key, watch & coat up & put my shoes away.
In the UK our post comes through the letter box, so we see it roughly as soon as the postie has been.
You look great in red, it really suits you. x
Thank you, Julie!!!
Oh my gosh Norrine! Your videos are such a big help. I made your #1 mistake when I organized my craft room & ended up with extra containers. I have no doubt that in time I will use them but for now I'm not. My biggest problem, I think, is that I can't focus on one thing or room until it's done. Like after Christmas, I decided to go from the big enormous totes to smaller totes for storing my seasonal decorations. I am not getting any younger & the smaller totes will make it easier for me to get them up & down the attic stairs by myself. So, now I have all the Christmas decorations laying all over the house because I got bored with it & decided to go organize photos on my computer because I got an external hard drive to store all my computer files on. Now I'm almost done with them & am getting bored with them. I take breaks but I need to find a way to stay focused & get one job done before starting another. I get it done eventually but I live with a mess until then.
Good tips - especially the 'command center'. Here's my story of THE GREEN BOWL...
Back in the 1970's, when we were living together, my now hubby (of 45 years) used to ALWAYS forget where his keys were. ALWAYS. Whenever we were on our way out the door to meet friends or whatever, for 1/2 hour or more he'd rant and run around looking for them.
Finally, I had enough of his 'shenanigans' spoiling the start of my evening. I came up with 'the GREEN bowl' for him. We had a large, flat, green, ceramic bowl that I designated as the 'home' for his stuff when he walks in the door. His keys, wallet, shades, Altoids, (now cell phone), whatever was in his pockets goes in 'the GREEN bowl'.
Over our decades together, that GREEN bowl eventually broke. But we got another large, flat, ceramic bowl (this time cream colored with flowers decorating the outside) - and still call it 'the GREEN BOWL'. Good news is: he (almost) never loses his keys. yay! :-)
P.S. I made my whole foyer closet MY GREEN bowl! He attached shaker-style double hooks (from the container store) to the back wall. I hang my keys, sun visor, and covid19 mask on 2 hooks. Backpack (for casual outings) on another hook. There's a small plastic tub on top of a shoe organizer on closet floor. In that tub I keep my fave black satchel (for fancy outings and medical appointments) plus a small water bottle to grab on the way out.
Thanks for all your great videos and tips! Peace, LuLu
I love how your green bowl evolved! That is too cute.
I'm so glad I watched this. I have been so overwhelmed trying to figure out how to organize my crafts, my rooms. I just have stuff everywhere & I just don't know where to start without feeling so overwhelmed. I think my main problem is I ran out of room for everything to have a home. You had some great tips, so I am going to try them. Thank you!
Norrine I always feel you're directly talking to me and about me! This video really hit home and helped me set some goals and reexamine my thinking.
I'm so glad! :)
A great refresher..... I worked retail for years so my kitchen cupboards are one of the few places that are organized😁❤️
My craft room is the area where I think I "bite off more than I can chew"
Great tips Norrine. You look beautiful and refreshed. I'm praying that your heart is mending well. I'll be looking forward to seeing others virtual organizations, but for me - not an option. But do have a question, how do others out there get their organization projects done when they have others taking their time, focus and energy in every other direction but what they are trying to get done? I hope I made sense. Anyway, looking forward to your 100 thousand subscriber party/celebration. Just seeing the joy on your face will be good enough for me. Take care. Sincerely Becky B from Arkansas
That is a really hard one to answer..... Now that I am working from home, my kids come to me throughout the day. Most of the time I don't mind. But many times I am mid filming - or facing a deadline - they don't understand that just because I am home, doesn't mean I am not working! I try to set up kind boundaries - and let them know ahead of time if I am going to be unavailable. I also try and check in with them once I am done. That doesn't work with everyone though!
Yes, lots of things tug at us and there is never enough time. But you have to make time to do the organization as it is so important to helping you and your family. Schedule it in just like anything else. You can also steel time, just make a game of it. For example we are working on getting my kitchen sink to drain. I cleaned out everything under the sink this morning, put an old towel down and a bucket to catch any water. Earlier, we tried running a snake down it, with no good results. Then we had some other things to do. My Grandson-16 1/2 yrs. has been helping me, he is amazing. We were making some Marie Calendar Pot Pies in the Microwave for an easy quick dinner. I told my Grandson, why don't your try the snake again, we have 10-15 min. to wait for the pot pies. He did, used a 25' snake, with a drill attachment, ran it all the way down and speeded up the drill, back and forth. Well, guess what? It came back with some plastic bag on the end!!! Where did that ever come from???? The water goes down better, but we have to do it again, after we finish eating. But that is some progress!! We mad use of the "wasted" waiting time. I frequently do this in the kitchen, straightening a shelf, getting veges ready ahead of time for the next day, etc. Always, always schedule some time for yourself too!! You need it, you deserve it, and life will be better for you and everyone if you do it! @The Crafty Organizer
My favorite tip from you....when you talk about having all your ribbons in on spot. I think I'm pretty organized, I got my craft stuff, paint stuff, tool box etc. So I had my painters tape and masking tape in my paint bin, electrical tape in my tool box, well I got tired of my tape being in different places so I got a paper towel holder and put them all on there. Makes better sense! Thank you!!
Love that! You are so welcome!!!!!
LOVE that tip of NOT buying the containers until you have categories and figure out what needs to be stored and how! I always fall into the trap of buying the storage first! I am glad I saw this video today, because I was planning on doing this again this week! AND I STOPPED!
Thank you!
SO SORRY!!!! YT hid comments... so I am very late responding. How did your closet project go??
so so true! i have ONE drawer file cabinet i found for important keeps. one 3 wire holder that is over that one metal file drawer. Those i am working on. In 3 levels. level 3 means i need to work on it. Level 2 means i am waiting on something for it. Level 1 means I need to keep it for a reason just for period of time... . after it hits level 1, it gets filed or tossed. everything else gets tossed... no more papers are allowed!
You hit the nail on the head with this one! I recently made the decision to NOT buy a beautiful plant until I know where it’s going. As always, I apparently like to learn the hard way! I also have a ridiculous number of containers that I may have to donate. Keeping these basic rules in mind will be a huge help. I haven’t been able to create art of any kind for way too long - distracted by unfinished projects and always end up searching for what I need. Which is why I haven’t finished anything! You’re the best 🙃
Consider me your personal cheerleader and giver of suggestions! Hope you get to start creating again soon! 💜
Your great Norrine, love your videos
Thank you so much!
I love your videos.... You are so inspiring
Thank you so much!
I am guilty of buying containers before I organize. Great tip. 👍
You and me both! Thanks for watching!
I have done the “buy containers first” so many times and have ended up with containers upon containers upon containers that do not really get used! BTW, you look so pretty in this video!
It's happened to me too!!! And thank you for the kind words. xoxoxo
You and your organization concepts just make so much sense! ♥️♥️♥️
Once again THANK YOU. I may have heard these points from you before but need to hear again to motivate me and/or tweak something. Stay safe and...keep smiling😁😊😀🙃🤪
You are so welcome!
Really helpful. Especially about the guilt because my home is not “visitor ready”
I have a huge mess in my craft room. I combined 2 places into one room. I am faced with a sea of boxes and didnt know where to go from there. This helps. Thanks!
I was 45 years old before it occurred to me that those people whose beautiful homes were featured in magazines and online didn’t have their homes like that *all the time*
That was an incredible revelation for me. And a huge relief.
Right? I beat myself up for years - especially when my kids were little. So glad we both had that epiphany 💜
Thank you Norrine, love your decluttering videos they always inspire me, I'm trying to declutter and decorate 35years of stuff so I can put the house on the market, I've looked at loads of utube videos and find yours are the best, ❤️🏴
WOW!!! Thank you, Jan!!!!
I agree with you. I have a major issue with retail therapy. I am trying to improve. I have way to much stuff that I need to get rid of.
I keep coming back to you for encouragement. I take comfort from being reminded of the same things again and again. Some of your suggestions just hadn’t occurred to me , but make so much sense.(Address book for passwords-still working on that one.) I think your positive and forgiving attitude is most helpful of all. Thank you.
You are so welcome! I am happy to be your cheerleader 💜
really enjoy your videos. its so helpful and you give suggestions without judgement. you are a real gem Norrine.
I appreciate that Naomi xoxoxo
Great tips! As always thank you for sharing your tips & hacks! Stay safe, healthy and positive! GOD bless you and your family! 🙏❤🇺🇸🌞
Great ideas and tips! And I totally agree with Gypsy Belle you hit the nail right on the head with that one. 🥰🐝🤗🐞😍🦋
Such great advice! I need to listen over and over again lol!
How are you my friend? I think it's coffee time again!!! ;)
@@TheCraftyOrganizer absolutely!! Anytime ❤️. Set a time and I’ll be there!
I have a wonderful friend that helped me so much when I needed to clear out my very large, very disorganized basement closet. She helped me decide what to keep and what to let go , and we actually threw away very little. She instead helped me determine who needed or could use a lot of the things I had instead of just putting things in a “discard” box. Knowing someone else would benefit made a huge difference. At one point, she saw me walking around the basement looking at all of the piles while clutching some fabric yardage tightly to my chest. She took me out to get coffee and to breathe without being overwhelmed. The process took three days to go through my stuff. Every day she loaded everything into her car labeled with the names of the recipients.That way it wasn’t left in my house to be forgotten or reincorporated. Having a friend who understands me was the best “tool” for organizing.
What an amazing gift that was!!!! Patience and compassion go a long way when helping someone. I am so glad you were able to do this with such a kind person, and that you were able to find new homes for your treasures!!! Everybody was a winner. 💜
Great video!! Needed to hear all that great advice!!
Hello lovely lady, I’m going to tackle my art room. One of your best tips, in my opinion, is sorting before you buy containers...I’ve made that mistake and it wasted money. Do you think I could use the closet doors and cut the up into shelves to save money?
Absolutely! I do crazy things like that all of the time!!!! Especially if they are bi-fold doors already! Just check if they are hollow core first...... that type is a bit more difficult to work with.
Love leaving a note where something extra is located. Thanks for the reminders as well as new ideas. I am able to have organization in only a few rooms. Our bedroom and my craft room are always my big issues. I am 71 so yes, I mean ALWAYS. I am still able to dress, lose weight, shop, etc. But am overwhelmed with my clothes (just lost a lot of weight) and returning items when project is complete or I am at least through with certain items. The piles get huge and I get depressed and run to recliner! I'll set the timer and start again tomorrow. Thanks.
One of the best gifts I gave myself is permission to let go of my clothes. I have enough so that if there was a strange emergency, and I could not wash clothes nor wear them more than once... I have enough clothing items to wear for 2 weeks. That's it! I have not missed having all of those extra options at all! It's been so nice to free up that space - and I find I STILL only wear the same few items of clothing. LOL
Great tips! I need to set up and organize my craft space. I’m going to make a list of smaller tasks so I’m not overwhelmed.
Consider me your personal cheerleader and giver of suggestions! 💜
Did you notice, I’m logging in as StampersSecret? Going to do a QuiltersSecret too.
You have such a nice way of telling me what I’ve been trying to ignore ☺️ You got me with buying things and then sitting the bag down. I literally JUST organized bags & bags of “great sales items” from the new year. Great advice.
Well. I am at that point that I need to do some serious reorganization. The tips and inspiration you give are just what I need thanks so much for everything 😁🌹
Consider me your personal cheerleader and giver of suggestions! 💜
This has been really helpful - especially trying to get my craft room organized -
Love your videos. I did #10! I started emptying off my storage shelves and put everything into bins. I got new IKEA storage cupboards with doors in the hopes of making it look more organized. Now I’m overwhelmed with the task of finding a new homes for everything. I keep running into road blocks, especially when I’m looking for a specific product that is out of stock or doesn’t work the way I thought it would. I filled up the storage cabinets much quicker being organized than when stuff was just piled on the shelves. So now I’m purging and decluttering too. I keep watching your videos to keep my inspiration from fading! Thanks for so many good tips. This was my dining room and living room areas. Next is my bedroom where a lot of stuff got dumped because I didn’t want to stop my process with dealing with boxes of stuff.
I’m learning what to do, but wish I had started living with less long ago!
I need a decluttering fairy to tell me that I really don’t need it. So I can go to bed at night and not feel overwhelmed with the stuff in my room too.
Thanks for your videos and your patient way of explaining your thoughts.
Kathy Combs
Kathy - Consider me your personal cheerleader and giver of suggestions! I have a wonderful Facebook group where we just support each other in all ways - if you'd like to join. 💜 It helps to be in a group of people who support, encourage, and understand: facebook.com/groups/730125317461615/
Wow your just what I needed!
Number nine about finding a system that works for you is important for professional organizers to remember. I’ve had at least three different organizers insist that their system is the best and not even listen to the system I’ve chosen. One came in and tried to change everything! So trust yourself and do it your way, if it works for you.
YES! It was one of the strange things that made me think I was doing things 'wrong' when I started my career. I figured it was my job was to find a solution that FIT the family... not the other way around.
Good video. Your tips encouraged me in my journey of decluttering and organizing my house and life. I could finish some of what you were saying before you finished the tip and that made me feel encouraged that I'm on the right track. I did make the "buy the storage containers first" mistake and learned that lesson quick 💕🌱
That is awesome! I'm here as your cheerleader and suggestion giver xoxox
Perfect timing!💖
This is great. Thank you!
You're very welcome!
Thank you for your encouragement my room is a messy combination of craft and bedroom . I collect coke memorabilia small things mostly but some containers which are used to hold stuff on my work table such as crochet hooks and yarn needles , scissors pencils in one place
Omg! I wish this video was up last week😹😹😹 I bought containers, lots of containers🤦🏻♀️
That's ok!!!! Sort and use what you need, and return the rest. xoxox
I’m in the bomb went off phase, but I’m very familiar with it! I can’t leave well enough alone usually. This time I gave up two rooms in my house for my daughter and my son in law and I lost my craft room!
That is so generous of you!!!!! Hoping this phase passes quickly for you. 💜
Ooohhh my dear Norrine! You are a blessing! I've been a subscriber since the early days, and you've never steered me wrong. Plus, you're inspiration is infectious and you're so kind. Anyhoo, I posted some weeks ago that after 6 years in my duplex, I was moving to an apartment. Terror. Already fighting clutter, carrying around my late Mother, Grandmother, and Father's things (among others); only Dad wasn't a pack rat. So as I attempted not to panic (I have major health problems that I did NOT have 6 years ago, so I knew for the first time in my life- you and I are the same age- that I wouldn't be able to handle it all myself, pushing through the hardest parts like a bull. My 2 sons lift heavy things. Period.), so I asked your advice. Even with the huge amount of comments you get, you responded, with helpful and thoughtful advice. Fast forward- I've been in the new place for 2 weeks, and am following your method of grouping like with like, being near ruthless about donating and trashing, rather than shove everything in any available space, ignoring it and living inefficiently (my normal). I will admit that all of these piles surrounding me were making me crazy at first, but now that I'm through the worst, I feel much better and see a light at the end of this tunnel! Already I can locate an item I need in less than 4 hours, lol! Next up- bit of decorating, and refreshing my memory (or learning for the first time) how to "use tools" and "install things" and "hand things other than pictures requiring one nail and a hammer". Wonder if wonders; I'm looking forward to it! I simply cannot tell you how much you've helped me and can never thank you enough!!! You are gifted in many ways. I've heard you say that if you could help even one person, you'd be happy; well, BE HAPPY!!!
I don't know how I missed this comment!!!!! How did the move go????? I'm so sorry this got missed!!!!!! Please let me know how things are going. xoxoxo
Lots of helpful reminders and new tips. Thanks so much!
A solution to my multi-everything with no more room- leave a note- I would have never come up with that solution- made my day! 05:45
Yay!!!! Glad it helped!
I am perpetually "re-organizing" my craft space. I went from the dining room to the office and while it is not an ideal set up (desk is built into the closet space), I am making it work. I have gotten very good at "do you need this or do you want it because it is on sale/you have a coupon". I have put countless items back on shelves and closed online shopping carts just by asking that question. Talking to yourself is helpful! :) Thanks for sharing your gift!
Gosh.... we are so alike!!! ;) I end up redoing my craft space about every 3 months. LOL
Another awesome video! You're such a gift to us.
what you said about "landing spaces" is soo true and important, I bought an extra cube organizer @target very cheapfor my craft room, and when I have shopping bags or a mail-order arrives I put them there and I don't allow myself to use them until they are labeled and put away has made a world od difference since I started this!
Awesome solution and system!!!! Way to go!
I think I should label our trash can: Trash 🗑 🙃
My hubby showed me a video a long while back about a couple. The guy was leaving his dishes and trash on the coffee table. He told his wife, this table is magic! I leave things here and in the morning, it's clean again! Of course, his wife was not happy with that statement. 🙄
I told my hubby, This is Not a magic table!
Lol 😆 😉 He still likes to think it's magic. 😏
Love your tips! Especially about not buying something before I decide what to put in it. I'm bad about that. ❤
Thank you. You tips hit home. I now understand why I get so frustrated. Also. I over start then get discouraged. I will set timer and also leave myself a note for where to start when I return.
Consider me your personal cheerleader and giver of suggestions! 💜
I am a very logical and basically organized person, but that is great advice....get rid of the excess stuff, THEN see what storage you really need.......another great tip, Thanks sweetie:) Retail therapy?....nah.......gummies!
this is my problem is to figure how to sort the items . I have a bed full of containers, gifted to me by a teacher friend. what do I put in them, lol
It makes so much sense when you are talking but when I start, I get confused. lol love your show, and your calmness
Maybe we could set up a virtual session to go through the items together??
Thanks for the tips. Now to follow them.
Thanks for the tips! I’m getting ready to move into my new art room and these suggestions, I’m sure, will help!
So glad!
Hi there sweetheart. Standing here with a burger flipper waiting on you to get to Dallas. Lol
Hey hey!!! Love the new name!!!!! How exciting!!!!
Great advice, thank you. 🥰
Thanks for watching!
What great advice! Thank you!
So many great tips. Going to start doing it a little at a time and maybe I can get my kitchen and craft room finally organized. Love watching your videos
You can do it!
Everything you said resonated with me and your tips and advice on how to start we're very helpful and also very encouraging because yeah it's gonna take at least a couple of months to do the project that I have to do in my craft room. Thank you thank you thank you. We need people like you to help us, motivate us, encourage us and let us know that it will take time but set a timer, take a break, and I know it does help to keep hydrated and food in the tummy to get through this.also what you said about not comparing yourself to others is so true!
I'm so glad it was helpful for you. xoxoxox I'm here as your personal cheerleader whenever you need it!
You gave me lots of good ideas and I agree with what you said. I am going to write down what it is that I want to accomplish in my space and then tackle those one at a time. Thank you for the motivation.
You can do it!
Thanks for the how to organize this craft stuff. I have been at wits end!