July 2011

Thursday 07.28.11

Top 3 Things Men Hoard: What Every Woman Should Know Before Moving In

Like it or not, we all have things that we accumulate over time. Most of the time this happens without us even knowing. After working with many men, NEAT has put together the top 3 things that men tend to hoard in their homes. Now, if you are starting to think that we are insinuating that it is all the man’s fault – you are wrong. We will have a follow up post with the top 3 things woman hoard as well!

Men and women alike, you can thank us now. Guys, we will help you aviod a fight when your lady friend moves in and ladies...well..you've been warned.

Without further adieu, the "Three C's."

#1 Men hoard CORDS (hey, that rhymes).

Hoarder, wires, cords, organize, NEAT Method

NEAT has decided that men must have a fear that cords cannot be replaced. When working with our male clients, we have seen cords from old televisions to first computers and old remote control cars. NEAT’s rule is: if you haven’t used the cord in the past two years (and that is being nice). You can likely kiss it goodbye.

#2 Men hoard COSTUMES (and we don't mean sexy firemen ones)

hoarder, super hero, costumes, men's costumes, organize NEAT Method

Whether it is a single or married man, NEAT has found that every guy likes to keep costumes “just in case.” I mean, who doesn’t need a go-to disco outfit right? Chances are, if you wore the costume last year (and we aren’t judging you… grown men…) you will not want to be the same thing again this year. Just saying…

#3 Men hoard CRAP MAIL

mail, organizing mail, hoarder, men hoarding, NEAT Method

For some reason, we have found a trend with men and mail. When the mail comes in, it gets glanced through for important things and then the rest is placed on a desk. Here is a helpful hint: When you have grabbed your mail and you are walking into your home, have a recycling bin near by. Then, train your hand to let go of the items into that bin instead of on your desk. Trust us, this training process will be much less painful than the argument of your "stuff being everywhere" with your lady!

Photo 1 found here :: Photo 2 found here :: Photo 3 found here

by admin | posted in Home Office | tagged ClosetCordsCostumesHoarderHomeMailMenOrganization

Tuesday 07.19.11

Modern Kate Middleton: NEAT's Favorite Closets Fit For a Queen

Remember the times when you would put on dress up clothes, a crown was a must, and prance around the house pretending to be Queen? Well, even though those time are long gone, let’s be honest… who hasn’t been living vicariously through the Queen-to-be, Kate Middleton? We’re OBSESSED!

Not only has she been our recent inspiration for fashion, hair, makeup, poise…well, let’s just say everything… we’ve even taken it a step further and found our favorite Kate inspired dream closets. We LOVE how each one shows the simplicity of living NEAT and we are certain that Kate would agree!

Take a peek and enjoy our fantasy world…

Kate Middleton, closet, organized closet, closet installation, white closet, NEAT Method

The glass doors allow for easy viewing of all your shoes, from your everyday sandals to glass slippers (wink)!

Mirror in closet, Kate Middleton, NEAT Method, organize, white closet,

Mirror, mirror on the wall! The use of mirrors gives the illusion of a larger space and lets you make sure you are prim and proper.

large closet, walk-in closet, organize, closet installation, Kate Middleton, NEAT Method

Hooks or valet rods allow you to display your outfits for the many wardrobe changes.

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by admin | posted in Closet | tagged ModernClosetsLuxuryFashionKate MiddletonMirrorsQueenShoesWardrobe

Wednesday 07.13.11

Jen Dishes on Getting Over Brad - 3 Steps to Get Over Your Old Things

Recentlty, Jennifer Aniston talked about how she got over Brad Pitt which left us inspire to give you a few tips on how to get over your old things.

Step 1: Decide what your sense of style is...

Rustic, family room, Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, Organized, NEAT Method

Rustic Country?

Modern?

Or maybe even contemporary?

Once you have decided, find everything that does not fit that aesthetic, decide if you must keep it, if not, set it aside for donation; this is the best place to start. Then...

Step 2: Set limitations to the amount of furniture that you have in a room.

For example, if you have 1,000 books it does not mean that you should go out and buy enough shelves to house all of the books. Instead, find ones that you think will look pleasing in the space and decide which books you mest keep.

Here are a few of our favorite bookshelves (in case you were wondering).

Restoration Hardware, Organizing, Organized, NEAT Method, Modern

Amazing find at Restoration Hardware

Pottery Barn, bookshelves, organizing, books, home organizing, NEAT Method

A great standby at Pottery Barn

bookshelves, organized, books, IKEA, IKEA bookshelf, organizing, NEAT Method

and for those of us with furniture commitment issues...

AND FINALLY

Step 3: Find a plae to donate that inspires you.

Nothing is truly more rewarding than giving to a cause that you are passionate about. Whether it is donating books to a local school or clothes to a women's shelter, find something that makes you want to give. After all, there is no better reason to get rid of things that you do not use when you realize that they are going to someone who will appreciate them beyond comparison.

Room photos from this post were found here

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by admin | posted in Living Room | tagged Jennifer AnistonBrad PittContemporaryDesignDonateFurnitureModernNEATRustic

Friday 07.08.11

Whether You're Octo-Mom or Uno-Mom, Kids Need Organization

“Octo-Mom” Nadya Suleman has made headlines for years after giving birth to eight children at one time, but lets face it – raising even one child can be a total handful! Here are some simple tips to help organize your child and make your life one million times easier:

Keep a Daily Schedule: When your child knows what to expect from the day, your day will become less of a battle to get things done.

Children's Calendar, schedule, planning, organized, NEAT Method

Use the Same Storage Containers and Label them with Predictable Words: NEAT prefers the shoe bins from the container store with Avery labels. That way, your child can see what is inside and can predict the word on the front. This makes for easy cleaning and also fosters early literacy skills.

shoe box, children's shoes, organized, home, NEAT Method

Stick to Your Guns: If you do not want to spend the rest of your life picking up after your children, then take away things when they are not picked up properly; and for the love of parents and teachers everywhere – do not clean up after them!

Children's room, toys, organized room, organize, NEAT Method

by admin | posted in Kids's room | tagged ChildrenKidsOrganizationRoutineSchedulesToysStorage

Welcome

We're Ashley and Molly, the founders of NEAT Method. Lets face it - we obviously love to organize and are a little...or maybe we should say a lot type-A. This perfect storm created The Neat Life. Welcome! We've seen it all, heard it all, organized it all, and are always obsessed with the outcome of our work. Even if a clutter free space doesn't tickle your fancy as much as ours, we guarantee you will be entertained by our antics and will enjoy following the lives of a couple NEAT freaks.
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