Have you ever received a gift that you don’t need or want? Maybe it’s something you already have or just don’t like – regardless of the item, you may feel bad or disrespectful by getting rid of it.

When you accept a present, it’s about thanking the giver for the gesture. It doesn’t mean you have to keep the item forever. Sometimes, the gift simply creates clutter because you feel obliged to store it or display it. When this happens, ask yourself, “Have I appreciated the meaning behind the gift?” You don’t have to feel guilty if you are able to feel good about the reason for the gift.

You can still honor the positive memories attached to the gift and donate or give away the item to someone who really needs or wants it.

Recently I discovered this innovative product line which offers a variety of bulletin boards, including this dry erase one, that can be positioned and repositioned anywhere on your walls. Simply peel and stick above your desk, in your entryway or kitchen, or in the kids’ room as a canvas for their art. It would also make a great organizing tool for college students to use in their dorm rooms.

Whether it’s for the home office or the dorm room, The Container Store® has great tools for maximizing productivity – organize files, school supplies, clothes, make-up and more. Also, check out the ones that maximize space and take on double duty such as stools with storage, stackable bins and collapsible baskets.  See all the organizing items on sale.

Keep better track of your to-do list on your iPhone with 2Do, a free iPhone application to help you stay organized on-the-go! Since your contact list already lives on your iPhone, this is a great tool to remember birthdays, meetings, phone calls, errands and shopping lists.

Image from marthastewart.com

Blouses, pants, dresses and coats often come with extra buttons and thread – how do you save these sewing notions so you can find them when needed?  A basic business card organizer that you can find at an office supply store is the perfect way to keep these small items neatly sorted and accessible.

Using plastic bins, baskets or boxes is a great way to corral loose items or store seasonal decor.  Anything that needs to be put away in a closet, under the bed or in the garage should be kept in a sturdy and well-labeled container so you don’t end up going through boxes and boxes when searching for something specific.  These self-adhesive office labels are technically meant to identify folders and binders, but their efficient pocket system is perfect for your plastic totes and bins!

Just attach and slip in a card stating the contents, name, date, expiration, etc.  When the contents change, simply turn the card over or insert a new card – you can even use photographs to show what’s inside.

Multi-purpose, stackable, space-saving and colorful – it’s the perfect item for an organized kitchen.

There are several different uses for this set of cups and bowls – measuring cup, sieve, colander and mixing. Essential for every day cooking and special meals. Learn more here.

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!

Get Hitched Give Hope is a local non-profit group started by businesses in the Seattle area who specialize in the wedding and bridal industry. They host an annual event to raise funds to grant wishes for breast cancer patients. This year, they are partnering with BuyMyTronics to help reduce and recycle electronic clutter and raise money!

I’ve talked about this specific organizing challenge many times – and here is a great way to get rid of that old cell phone or laptop that is gathering dust in the closet at work or home. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to donate any gadget you’re not using anymore and feel good about it, too.

To make it even easier, Innovatively Organized will act as a collection agent, so just get ready to hand over that old cell phone, computer or video game when we see you!  Or contact us to have us pick it up or schedule time to drop it off with us.  They won’t be collecting forever so contact us SOON!

Image from organizedatoz.com

There is no excuse for towels to be on the floor or bath accessories to be scattered in the tub with this innovative organizing product. And the best part is that no tools or hardware are needed for installation.

The Everloc system uses suction cups with a special silicon ring that adheres to the surface and creates an airtight seal. That means no more washcloths or back scrubbers perched precariously on the tub ledge or on the counter top!

Learn more here.