Home Office

Thursday 10.13.11

Emmy Award Winning Show Asks for NEAT's Help

Last week, Modern Family, the Emmy award winning show practically begged for NEAT's help... well at least that is the way that we took it as we watched the episode. If for some reason you do not like the show modern family, just stop reading this right now - you should be ashamed of yourself! In this particular episode, Cam and Mitchell had an upcoming visit from the Adoption Services representative. Mitchell finds out about the meeting when he picks up the latest Glamour Magazine and sees that Cam has scribbled a note across Katie Holmes' hair about the time the representative is coming. Cam of course has a hard time deciphering what time the representative is coming and Mitchell tells him he needs a new method for keeping important dates and times. Of course Cam disagrees and swears by his method only to have the Adoption Services representative show up at their door and the two are completely unprepared.

This hilarious episode is actually the story of something that we see every day. Our clients are busy; their hands are full and they write down information on any flat surface that ink can be removed from. If you can relate to Cam, Mitchell, or any of our clients, here are some great places to keep important dates:

This adorable date book from Paper Source has plenty of room to write it all your daily information AND comes with Stickers to place on your calendar to document very important dates.

This Kate Spade wall calendar adds a bit of style to your home but is perfect for a busy family. When the calendar is hung in an appropriate place, the whole family can be aware of the events for the day.

Graphic Image, Daily Planner, Organized, NEAT Method

Every man has the right to a date book too! We love Graphic Image's pocket sized leather journal. This makes it easy for the on-the-go man to make it to the right place at the right time.

google calendar, NEAT Method, Schedule, Organized

And finally, for those of us who are totally into digital, Google calendar allows you to create a calendar online that can also be synced to your phone. The calendar can be color coded for family, friends, work events AND can be shared with others! AMAZING!

Hopefully one of these options is the perfect choice for you!

Molly & Ashley

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by Molly | posted in Home Office | tagged Modern FamilyOrganizedCalendarDate Book

Thursday 08.25.11

There's a Monster Under My Bed?

Two days ago, the East Coast had a rare earthquake scare and that very same night, this midwest girl's bed shook in San Francisco. You would think that I would immediately know that I was experiencing my first small earthquake but no.. I thought there was someone under my bed! Seriously, I even got up and checked. As organizers in San Francisco, we are finding that most of the homes that we work in all have a small area designated to earthquake preparedness. And by small, we mean water jugs full of water, dry food, blankets, flashlights, trash cans on wheels, emergency kits, etc., etc. WE have quickly learned that one flashlight next to our bed doesn't count as prepared for an earthquake. It does work fine to scare the monsters though!

Since we like everything to have a designated place and a lot of the items need in an earthquake are small, we thought we would share some suggestions for ways to store your earthquake essentials.

Earthquake backpack, San Francisco, organization, Emergency Kit, NEAT Method

We suggest putting them in a waterproof backpack so that it can be easily transportable and stored in compact spaces. Trust me, we tried to find a cute pink one to no avail, so green will have to do!

Earthquake pack, San Francisco, organization, Emergency Kit, NEAT Method

Another option would be a storage cart on wheels if you have more items than the amount that would fill a backpack.

First Aid Kit, Earthquake, Organize, NEAT Method,

Or, for those of you who are minimalists, we love this retro first aid kit!

For more information on what you should have in your earthquake kit, visit this site

by admin | posted in Home Office | tagged StorageEarthquakeKitEmergency

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

Thursday 05.19.11

We're Wondering...

Mail organization, filing, organized, neat, NEAT Method

We’re Wondering….which areas of your home cause the most stress when it comes to disorganization??? Is it your closet? Kitchen? Or….our all time favorite, the Mail? Believe it or not, ever client gives the answer we are expecting. And from that answer….we ALWAYS have the same conclusion. Please give your feedback where your clutter concerns lie. We need to prove that our theory works (fingers crossed) or we may be finding new professions!

Stay tuned for our response once we hear your answers!

by admin | posted in Home Office | tagged ClutterDisorganizationMail

Wednesday 04.27.11

Eliminate Clutter - We Mean Business!

Cardmunch, LinkedIN, iphone, organize, business cards, NEAT Method

Almost ever client that NEAT works with has a pile of business cards that exceeds any filing method. Even in our own homes, we find business cards hidden all over the place. The problem is obviously the clutter it creates, but also if you ever needed to actually contact someone that gave you a business card, the chances are slim to none that you will ever find it...until now...

This iPhone App that we came across is an organizer's dream come true! Card Munch is currently only available on the iPhone however they are working on a blackberry app as we speak! We will give you the Cliff Notes on this magical App:

1. Download the App: CardMunch and create a profile

2. Take photos of your business cards using your iPhone

3. Wait a few minutes for the app to read your business cards and voila! Your business cards are organized by name AND company!

4. Share the business cards you have collected by touching the photo of the card and Card Munch will email it for you

5. Follow up with business contacts by touching the, "follow up" button

6. All of your cards are SAVED on the site ONLINE!!

We are completely certain that you will be as amazed by this app as we are but if you don't believe us, we will let you in on a little secret....shhhhhhh..... LinkedIn just bought the app (that must mean they think it is pretty useful!)

You can thank us later.

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by Molly | posted in Home Office | tagged Business CardsOfficeOrganizingSmart Phone

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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