When Your Nanny Kids Grow Up to Be Amazing Humans

I was a nanny for the Schiffler kids for over 10 years. Even though I didn't know it yet, working with these crazy busy kids was my professional organizer in training bootcamp! Now all young adults Elizabeth, Benjamin and Eleanor are my family and I can't help but feel so proud of them and their accomplishments. If anyone says today's kids are lazy I simply look at this family and can see how hard they work and not just for themselves. 

Eleanor, now a freshman in college (am I dating myself here, because she's the youngest?) is going to Argentina with Habitat for Humanity to build a house for a family in need that's asking for help. While most of us feel we have "too much stuff" there are too many families who don't have enough. Her fb post shares the following "I did serious research into whether this trip could end up being detrimental or be more of a "voluntourism" trip, but I've learned that Habitat is really an awesome organization that has helped families all over the world, including the US, build houses on the families own terms." 

All Grown Up: Elizabeth, Eleanor, myself and Benjamin. Photo courtesy of their amazing mother Suzanne Schiffler

If you would like to support Eleanor please click here to contribute or simply share this post. All donations will go towards the cost of materials needed to build the house. Her goal is $1,500. Good luck in Argentina Eleanor!    

Stasia Cymes
(504) 920-1800
Stasia@clearthecluttertoday.com
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VIDEO: Clear the Clutter on WWL-TV, Hurricane Preparedness

I have a confession to make. I've been living in New Orleans for over 5 years now and have never been fully prepared for a hurricane season. Is that crazy? Motivated by the recent flood and ongoing devastation in Baton Rouge I've finally started to prepare for an emergency. A little online research led me to Nola.gov where you can find a full checklist of items to gather. This weekend I visited WWLTV Channel 4 News to talk about my experience. Watch it now for additional tips and local's suggestions for eating without electricity. 

1. Have on hand at least 3 to 5 days worth of water. A gallon of water per person per day including pets. 

2. Stock 3 to 5 days worth of food. Canned meat and soups, beef jerky, trail mix, granola bars, peanut butter and instant coffee are staples.  

3. In case of evacuation it's good to have single serving portions so you don't have to worry about storing leftovers or having them going bad. 

4. While many suggest bringing a hand operated can opener and agree it's a great suggestion I decided to only buy easy open (pop top) canned goods.  

5. Don't forget specialty items such as baby formula, pet food and being that this is New Orleans it's probably best to have at least one emergency bottle of wine. Buy a screw top bottle or if you forget the bottle opener at home a shoe will do the trick!

                                                                                                                                   
Stasia Cymes
(504) 920-1800
Stasia@clearthecluttertoday.com
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Forget About Getting Organized! Do This Instead.

FestiGals 2016: Overwhelmed with too much stuff? As a clutter expert I believe that compassionate downsizing is the fastest way to eliminate the stress of mess for good! Here's how.

Happy Downsizing!                                                                                                                                   
Stasia Cymes
(504) 920-1800
Stasia@clearthecluttertoday.com
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FestiGals Speakers Deliver a Positive Message

I was proud to be among the featured speakers this weekend at FestiGals 2016. FestiTalks, a fast paced presentation inspired by TED Talks was introduced to the line up this year and it did not disappoint. I couldn't help but notice a common theme among my fellow female entrepreneurs as each of us in our own way highlighted the importance of self worth.  

Consider this your daily reminder to be kind to yourself. When we take care of ourselves we are more capable of being there for those that need us most.

Happy Downsizing!                                                                                                                                   
Stasia Cymes
(504) 920-1800
Stasia@clearthecluttertoday.com
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Clutter Busting Inspiration at FestiGals 2016!

Overwhelmed with too much stuff? You're not alone! Clutter is known to contribute to anxiety, stress and depression. Not exactly the most positive way to begin and end your daily routine but how can you stop the madness? You may be surprised to hear New Orleans #1 professional organizer say forget about getting organized but that's exactly what I'm telling you to do. 

As a guest speaker at this years FestiTalks I'll share in greater detail why it's time to shift your focus. Instead of trying to organize your clutter I encourage you to let your clutter go! There are many reasons why we may cling to things that no longer serve a purpose, emotional clutter being a major contributor. However you have the power to change your personal environment and to improve your quality of life simply by downsizing. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Schedule a time to declutter and put it on your calendar.
2. Start with a small & manageable task. 
3. Make a decision on every item you touch. 
4. Donate, donate, donate! Call Bridge House to schedule a donation pick up. 
5. Celebrate your accomplishments big and small. 

What are your clutter challenges or success stories? I look forward to hearing your experiences and seeing you at FestiGals.

Happy Downsizing!

Stasia Cymes
(504) 920-1800
Stasia@clearthecluttertoday.com
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Clear the Clutter Has a Fresh New Look!

Home is where the heart is. That was the inspiration behind my logo redesign and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. My simple philosophy is that when you take care of your home it returns the favor by taking care of you. This mutually beneficial relationship is what I strive to accomplish with my clients through clutter busting. 

What do you love about your home? Tell us what you think about Clear the Clutters new look! 

Happy Downsizing!                                                                                                                                   
Stasia Cymes
(504) 920-1800
Stasia@clearthecluttertoday.com
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Mystery of Missing Socks

Thinking about organizing your closet? Before you get in over your head watch this short video and discover the best place to begin. 

Happy Downsizing!                                                            

(504) 920-1800                                                                                                                                   Stasia@clearthecluttertoday.com

Newest 5 Star Review!

I always appreciate it when clients take the time to share their experience via social media. It allows someone else struggling with clutter to identify with another persons particular challenges & maybe not feel so alone. The struggle is real!

This morning Clear the Clutter is thrilled to receive the following 5 Star review on Google Business. 

"Highly recommend Clear the Clutter. Stasia not only helped me tackle bins of papers I'd avoided for years but she gently taught me practical and simple ways to prevent further pile ups! She quickly assessed the situation and immediately had a strategy for getting started, often the hardest part for me. Then as she got to know me and my habits, she came up with more helpful observations and solutions she shared. She is worth every $ as the piece of mind and lightness of spirit that has resulted from our sessions is priceless.I have learned skills that I will take to my new dwelling and new life! Feels great to start over."

Happy Downsizing!

Stasia Cymes                                                                                                                                       Professional Organizer & owner of Clear the Clutter                                                             

(504) 920-1800                                                                                                                                   Stasia@clearthecluttertoday.com

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Is Tupperware the Bane of Your Existence?

If your like most people chances are you've got a mountain of tupperware toppling out of your cabinets & a multitude of lids with no mate. So what's the solution? Watch this clip from WWL-TV Channel 4 Morning News for a Clear the Clutter demonstration. In less than 4 min you'll know what to do!

Happy Downsizing!

Stasia Cymes                                                                                                                                       Professional Organizer & owner of Clear the Clutter                                                                  (504) 920-1800                                                                                                                                  Stasia@clearthecluttertoday.com

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Life Hacks for an Organized Kitchen!

Spoiler alert! There is no such thing as perfection when it come to an organized kitchen. Life is messy. So what can you do to control the chaos? Spend a few hours to take inventory of what you have & notice what you can live without. 

Here are 4 life hacks for the kitchen that anyone can do. 

If you'd like to take a deeper look at the relationship you have with your belongings be sure to read this Yahoo Business article featuring yours truly!

Happy Downsizing!

Stasia Cymes                                                                                                                                       Professional Organizer & owner of Clear the Clutter                                                                  (504) 920-1800                                                                                                                                   Stasia@clearthecluttertoday.com

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Spring Cleaning for Small Businesses

Here's a topic I often get asked about. Office clutter! If your business or home office struggles with organization this short article by Adrienne Burke offers 4 great tips to get you started! 

Happy Downsizing!

Stasia Cymes                                                                                                                                       Professional Organizer & owner of Clear the Clutter                                                                    (504) 920-1800                                                                                                                                   Stasia@clearthecluttertoday.com

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Happy Mother's Day!

Wishing all you hard working moms a well deserved day of rest & relaxation. Praying for those that are loving us from heaven. To all the mother figures in this world. Thank you for taking care of us!

Happy Mother's Day!

Stasia Cymes                                                                                                                                       Professional Organizer & owner of Clear the Clutter                                                                    (504) 920-1800                                                                                                                                   Stasia@clearthecluttertoday.com

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Clear the Clutter Sessions Now on Skype/FaceTime!

I'm so excited to announce that a nation wide service is now available to help you Clear the Clutter! This months newsletter tells you everything you need to know about 3 hour virtual sessions, a great option for the DIY clutter busters everywhere.  Read more....

Happy Downsizing!

Stasia Cymes                                                                                                                                       Professional Organizer & owner of Clear the Clutter                                                                      (504) 920-1800                                                                                                                                   Stasia@clearthecluttertoday.com

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Can you be Organized on Crutches?

While running with my dog Mr. Zulu my foot landed wrong causing me to roll my ankle. One trip to urgent care, a visit to the podiatrist & almost 4 weeks later I'm still on crutches. I don't have to tell you what a huge inconvenience this has been, losing your ability to walk really changes the game. So how hard is it for an already organized person to remain or continue being organized after an injury?

Turns out it's really hard! For me it's meant being less independent & asking for help. Naturally I wanted to continue going on with life as usual but when that's not an option you adapt. Once I accepted this I began to turn my attention to other areas of my life such as relationships & projects that I never had time for. It's been a tough road but here are a few things I've learned from the experience so far.

1. Being organized before the accident was a huge advantage! Simple things like having clean dishes, finished laundry & groceries in the fridge bought me time to rest & worry less. 

2. Having a messy house or clutter on the floor would have been a safety hazard for me on crutches. 

3. I plan out my household actions in advance to save energy & effort. Such as if I'm getting up to go to the bathroom I should take my dishes back to the kitchen & while I'm there I should take my medication & feed the dog. Otherwise I could be hobbling back & forth for an hour!

4. When you need help, ask. When help is offered say yes, thank you! 

If you're currently suffering from injury or illness your energy is better spent healing. However when you're back in the swing of things I urge you to make downsizing & simplifying your home a huge priority. It will benefit fit you greatly in sickness & in health. 

Happy Downsizing!

Stasia Cymes                                                                                                                                       Professional Organizer & owner of Clear the Clutter                                                                        (504) 920-1800                                                                                                                                   Stasia@clearthecluttertoday.com

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WWOZ, Organizer of the Groove Part 2!

Last month I was invited to organize two offices over at WWOZ. If you've ever felt distracted by clutter at work know that you're not alone. When your space lacks order then precious time can be lost looking for items that should otherwise be easy to find. 

Once we eliminated the clutter & found a proper home for everything else, this office was transformed from a storage room into a professional workspace that's now the envy of other coworkers!  

We organized everything! Filing cabinets, desk drawers, bookcases & more. Even the mailing station got an upgrade.  

Not only do I find beauty in simplicity but I also find great joy in decorating in a way that inspires creativity. When you walk into your office how does it make you feel? 

There's more on the horizon for me here at WWOZ. That's the thing about getting organized. It motivates those around you to get organized too. Sometimes you just need a little inspiration. 

Happy Downsizing!

Stasia Cymes                                                                                                                                       Professional Organizer & owner of Clear the Clutter                                                                          (504) 920-1800                                                                                                                                   Stasia@clearthecluttertoday.com

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Recycling Mardi Gras!

Mardi Gras is here & chances are your home is already filling up with bags of beads & throws. But when the season is over what do you do with all the stuff?

Donate your beads & throws with Arc of New Orleans! Arc’s Mardi Gras Recycle Center is open year round collecting items that are then sorted, packaged & sold. Creating jobs for our disabled community by keeping Mardi Gras out of landfills is a win win!

Can't wait? Recycle your beads & throws after Saturday's parade. Look for Arc's 10 purple roller bins walking behind Krewe of Feret! I look forward to the day that we can recycle after every parade. 

Happy Mardi Gras! 

Stasia Cymes                                                                                                                                       Professional Organizer & owner of Clear the Clutter                                                                      (504) 920-1800                                                                                                                                   Stasia@clearthecluttertoday.com

WWOZ, Organizer of the Groove

As a lover of music I was really excited when my favorite radio station asked if I could help them get organized! A new team member recently joined the station & unfortunately for her the only office space available happened to double as a storage room. I believe that our surroundings should inspire, not hinder our productivity & right away I could see why this room was a problem. 

The challenge is that 80% of this stuff doesn't belong in this room. The problem is that the other offices are just as full which means a lot of thought is going into finding a forever home for every single item. It's a jigsaw puzzle with many colorful pieces!

Over the next few weeks my goal is to bring a sense of order to the WWOZ offices for the wonderful people that work there. This is already turning out to be one of my favorite Clear the Clutter projects! I'll be blogging more photos & Guardians of the Groove office updates as progress is made. Stay tuned! 

P.S. Get your 2016 Brass Pass & become an OZ member! 

Happy Downsizing!

Stasia Cymes 

(504) 902-1800                                                                                                                             Professional Organizer & Owner of Clear the Clutter                                                                    Stasia@clearthecluttertoday.com

The Advocate, Urge to Purge!

After losing weight, getting organized is the 2nd most popular New Years resolution. In this follow up article with The Advocate we take a look at the top 3 common clutter offenders. Click here to read to the full article! 

Happy Downsizing!

Stasia Cymes 

(504) 902-1800                                                                                                                             Professional Organizer & Owner of Clear the Clutter                                                                      Stasia@clearthecluttertoday.com

The Advocate, How to Stay Organized After the Holidays!

I was so excited when The Advocate recently contacted me for advice on Holiday clutter. Click here to read the full article. 

Happy Downsizing!

Stasia Cymes                                                                                                                                          

(504) 902-1800                                                                                                                             Professional Organizer & Owner of Clear the Clutter                                                                          Stasia@clearthecluttertoday.com