Scrapbooking has become an entire industry in recent years with supplies and tools that do everything from die-cutting to stamping. There are so many pieces, big and small, and it’s important to keep things sorted and categorized.

One product I really like is this stackable paper tray which protects the paper and also provides an extremely neat display. The trays have a “lipless” design – you can pull any sheet of paper from a tray, even from the bottom, without disturbing the entire stack. And of course, it reduces clutter and increases your scrapbooking productivity!

The latest purse fashion seems to be that bigger and slouchier is better, and that can spell trouble for all the loose items that we carry in our bags. Here are two product ideas that can help add some structure to your tote or oversized purse so you can stay organized.

• The Purseket wraps around the inside lining of your bag and features gusseted pockets to hold everything from cell phone to note pad to sunglasses.
• The Pouchee is a purse insert that has divided pockets to hold small and large items like make up, keys, and cds, and it also has a zippered pocket for loose change.

This is an insightful new book written by two college professors who have studied hoarding for 20 years. They share stories about real people and try to explain the reasons behind this behavior. You can read an excerpt from the book here.

Restoring organization to your purse! There are lots of different ways to keep things from falling to the bottom of your bag or purse. Some people use small, clear bags to hold items such as gum, tissue or make up, attach charms or tags to cell phones and keys, or use accordion files for coupons and receipts.

Recently I discovered a product called the Butler Bag that actually has compartments that lets you see what’s inside at a glance!  Learn more here.

When I saw this tip, I knew I had to share it right away. Sometimes the smallest object can make a huge organizing difference. And talk about innovative!

You may have seen my recent newsletter where I answer a question about one of my favorite closet organizing products. If you missed it, I talked about the slimline hanger – a must-have for any client who is organizing their closet space. As its name suggests, it has a slim profile and takes up much less room than wooden or tube hangers. They’re flocked which allow them to hold thinner fabrics in place and also have convenient notches for clothes with straps. Also, they have hooks so you can cascade multiple hangers together to save even more space. Check them out.

It’s not always necessary to buy a lot of new products to get organized. I tell my clients that a lot of organizing solutions are already in their home or office. It’s just about looking at them from a different perspective. For example, glass jars aren’t just for jam or snacks. Use them to group and categorize items for crafts or supplies – it’s an easy and simple way to prevent clutter. For more ideas, check out this Real Simple article.

Files not piles! No matter your preference, there are a multitude of ways to file your documents that can work for you. It can be as simple as using in and out boxes or hanging bins on the wall – here are some of my favorite recommendations:

• Traditional File Drawers: Great for when you want to file quickly and retrieve easily.
• Accordion Files: This is best for treating papers like files and it’s also portable. Hint: Use this to file monthly receipts.
• Wall Sorters: Use this to contain mail and sort many files at once. Hint: Use one that can be easily removed when its time to pay bills.
• Paper Trays: Besides acting as the obvious Inbox/Outbox, adopt this for sorting printer paper and holding filing supplies.
• Vertical Sorters: Keeps active files at eye level. Also works well for sorting mail. Very versatile.
• Magazine Files: Great for holding magazines and project files that are still “works in progress”.
• Binders: Best for storing information you use regularly and flip through quickly. Hint: Great for recipes when using  clear protective sleeves.

Need a product recommendation for a paper organizing project you’re working on?  Just send us a message and we’ll help you out!

Click here to read more on my blog post about organizing with binders.

My favorite closet organizing tool from The Container Store is on sale! Versatile, durable and easy-to-use, elfa® is a modular shelving and drawer component system that helps you maximize your space, increase storage and boost productivity. It works for tiny closets as well as walk-ins and is also great for the garage, home office and kitchen. Check it out!

A few months ago, Wing-It Productions won the Extreme Office Makeover Contest sponsored by Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce members and Microsoft. The office makeover was valued at over $35,000 worth of services and products, and I was able to contribute my business organizing services to help streamline their space and files. The before and after pictures speak for themselves!

Before: Cluttered Space

After: Organized Success

Wing-It Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enlightening, educating and entertaining audiences of all ages by producing theatrical events and bringing the art of improvisation into the mainstream thought of our everyday culture.