Organizing

Tuesday 02.26.13

Tip Tuesday :: Time for a Vacation!

Seems like we here at NEAT have traveling on the brain! Maybe it's because we've just opened our doors in Washington DC and South Florida and we are dying for a visit! :)

A trip is always exciting, but packing for it can be a pain and is typically put off until the very last minute. With that said, people tend to always neglect packing their carry-on bag correctly. And did you know, this is probably the most important bag you'll have?? A very wise old woman (aka Heather's grandmother) taught her to pack anything important or valuable in a carry-on, since it will never leave your side during your travels.

So the next time you are packing your carry-on bag the night before your flight departs, a few of our favorite organizational tips and items just may help get you through your trip!

traveling girl with suitcase, travel, carryon, luggage, summer travel, traveling in summer

First and foremost, what bag to use as a carry-on? We absolutely adore the Lo & Sons O.M. bag. We know we talk about it "all the time," but honestly you'll never find a NEAT girl without one!

lo & sons bag, travel bag, good carryon bag, lo & sons

Always remember to pack your makeup and toothbrush in your carry-on bag. God forbid you never see your checked bag again (fingers crossed) BUT just incase it is “lost” for a day or two, at least you can always brush your teeth and have a new face to reapply!

Our Ash never travels away from home without this super cute Kate Spade cosmetic bag.

kate spade make up bag, makeup bag, traveling bag, carryon bag

For the same reason, we always recommend packing your finest and most sentimental jewelry in something like this bag in your carry on.

jewelry organizer, jewelry case, traveling with jewelry

Who says great things don't come in small packages? This minimergency kit has just about anything you could ever need in a pinch. Now, you can always be prepared for travel’s little hick-ups!

A few other things that seem like common sense to pack, but for some reason always get left behind on accident: your cell phone charger, camera charger, any medications, and maybe even your retainer?? (nerd alert!)

So now that we've shared our little traveling carry-on secrets, we hope your next trip will be a little more NEATly organized!

the NEAT girls

:: image 1 ::

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by Marissa | posted in Tips | tagged TravelcarryonOrganizing

Tuesday 12.18.12

Tip Tuesday :: We're waiting...

It's that dreaded time of year when you start panicking about getting all of your holiday cards out on time! STOP ... no need to panic, because its not too late! We have some contact organizing tips that will have you done in no time.

Tip #1 - Whether your contacts are on your blackberry, iPhone or in your email account, you will need to first export them to an excel file. For iPhone users, this requires downloading the Contacts Backup - IS Contact Kit app. Once the app is downloaded, click 'export' - 'all contacts' - 'excel' - 'email'.

Tip #2 - Once the excel file is opened, delete all rows that contain contacts you don't wish to send your holiday card to. Save as 'Final Christmas List 2012'.

Tip #3 - Purchase blank address labels. We just love these Holiday red ones from Paper-Source.

Paper Source, Labels, Address, NEAT Method

Tip #4 - Do a Microsoft Word mail merge by following these steps ::

Open a new Word document.
Go to Tools - Mail Merge Manager.
Under Document Type, click 'Create New', and then 'Labels'. Select product manufactuerer and the product number, then click OK.
Under Select Recipients List, click 'Get List', and then select the CSV file that you saved earlier.
On the 'Insert Merge Field' pop-up menu, click the column name from your CSV file that you wish to appear first.  Continue to select column names and lay them out with the proper returns and spaces. For example ::
«Prefix». «First_Name» «Last_Name»
«Address_1_Street»
«Address_1_City», «Address_1_State»«Address_1_ZIP»
After you add all the fields you want, click 'OK' and your field names will be copied into the labels in your template.
Format the template with the fonts, sizes and alignment you wish to see on your labels.
Then under 'Complete Merge' click 'Merge to New Document' and your labels will be populated from your CSV file.
Immediately save and then print!!

Tip #5 - Finally, be sure to get your best family photo together!

We hope this helps make sending your holiday cards a super easy process this year!! Now send us your Holiday cards!

xx
the NEAT girls

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by Marissa | posted in Tips | tagged contact organizingholiday cardsNeat MethodOrganizing

Tuesday 09.11.12

Tip Tuesday:: Our Kind of Diet!

Working with an organizer is like working with a personal trainer! We provide that extra push to help kick start a lifestyle chage. YES living organized is a LIFESTYLE and will make you just as healthy as going to the gym. Today we are going to give you some ideas of how a beautiful pantry can help you shed those unwanted pounds.

We love placing labels on matching containers to create a more uniform look. Who wouldn't want to eat from this beautiful pantry versus the less healthy option of going out to eat?

pantry, organized pantry, organized kitchen, organized home, home organization, home decor, jars, martha stewart, jars for kitchen, labeled jars, pantry storage, pantry organization

Since many people think that dieting is bad for the budget, we also wanted to share a little secret to getting OXO Good Grips Pantry Storage Set at a discount.

jars, organized kitchen, OXO Good Grips Pantry Storage Set , OXO, good grips, pantry storage

Separate your baking/sweets from your healthy, everyday snacks in order to find exactly what you are looking for. This way, the cookies will less tempting since they will be NEATly tucked away in the 'treats' basket. We love the Container Store Water Hyancinth Baskets! For those kitchens that need more than a couple of baskets, you can buy them at a discount on Amazon!

pantry, organized pantry, kitchen organization, organized kitchen, baskets, labels bins

Container Store Water Hyancinth Baskets, container store baskets, hyancinth baskets, wicker baskets, seagrass basket, organized kitchen, pantry organization, organizing tips, home decor, modern home

Good luck with phase #1 of your NEAT diet and let us know when you are ready to take the next step to change your life!

p.s. thank you Marina for the tip request... we hope this helps!

the NEAT girls

by Marissa | posted in Tips | tagged KitchenpantryOrganizingContainer Store

Thursday 04.26.12

2 Blondes + 1 Brunette = ...

Wow! What a crazy month NEAT has had. As you know, Ashley has entered the Windy City and taking it on full speed, therefore we neglected to properly introduce you to NEAT's newest addition... HEATHER!! NEAT has begun to expand and with that expansion comes new fabulous people on the team. This week, we took a break from getting Heather acclimated to "The NEAT Life" and asked her some questions so you can get to know her on a more personal level. So... without further adieu...enjoy getting to know Miss Heather.

Ray Bans, bikini, suntan, Heather Byrne, Heather Gilligan, Max Byrne

NM :: You are a girl after our own heart since you did move from Chicago, but what got you to San Francisco?

Heather :: A diamond ring. No...this boy by the name of Max. He moved here for a job and realized he needed my constant entertainment, so he asked me to marry him! I said yes, and here I am!

NM :: Where are you the most organized?

Heather :: My personal calendar and scheduling. I love making it as colorful as possible. Hence, the reason I always carry around 16 different bold color marker pens.

NM :: Where are you least organized?

Heather :: Max would say my clothes... partly because I have a tendency to be lazy sometimes, but more because when I moved here I took over the entire closet and still don't have enough room. San Francisco is really lacking in the grand closet and storage department. However, I must admit, since working at NEAT - I am much more organized!

Heather Gilligan, Heather Byrne, Max Byrne, engagement, engaged, happy couple, tan, pink collared shirt

NM :: What are your favorite sites to follow?

Heather :: Brunch at Saks is pretty fabulous and of course because I am a blushing bride, Style Me Pretty is a site I frequently visit. Currently, the cooking website I am loving is How Sweet It Is! Overall, I love to check out Things that Sparkle - such an adorable blog!

NM :: Where is your favorite place to eat or what is your favorite food?

Heather :: Kilwin's ice cream is my favorite place to eat and my favorite food too!

Show Bunny, ski goggles, hot chocolate, Heather Gilligan, Heather Byrne,

NM :: What is your favorite TV show?

Heather :: Max would say any show with vampires, but I would say anything on ABC Family and/or the CW. I also really enjoy ABC Family movies.

NM :: Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

Heather :: My favorite vacation spot is absolutely hands down my family's lake house in Northern Michigan. I live for endless summers.

Max Byrne, Heather Gilligan, Heather Byrne, Jack Gilligan, Lisa Gilligan, Kerry Gilligan, John Gilligan, Sunset, Vacation

NM :: Are you known for always saying any phrases?

Heather :: Apparently I ALWAYS start a sentence with, "Guess what?!" and then proceed to say something very anti-climatic or un-important. i.e. "Guess what!?...Molly and I...filed teeth today for a client." True story!

NM :: Do you have a favorite nail polish color?

Heather :: Neon Pink. Essie's 'Punchy Pink' perhaps?

**(Please note the pink fur Heather rocked for a fashion show at a previous job - we swear to never do that to you Heather....er actually, that's hilarious so we swear to make you put that outfit on again!)

Fashion show, model, catwalk, pink fur, fur vest, orange dress, Luca Luca, Karen Zupko

NM :: Heather, you are killing this interview, but why are you a ROCKSTAR addition to NEAT?

Heather :: I am a rockstar addition to NEAT because I am personable, creative, have a positive attitude, and am motivated to contribute to NEAT's already well established reputation!

white hat, cute little girl, lake house, cabin, lake michigan

Don't you just adore her!?

NEAT

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by admin | posted in About Us | tagged HeatherOrganizing

Saturday 03.10.12

Giddyup! NEAT heads South

This coming Sunday, NEAT will be packing their bags and heading to Savannah, Tennessee! At the beginning of 2012, we shared that we were a prize for one lucky winner and are so excited that we are finally ready to meet him and his family. In the next week, we will be sharing photos and stories on facebook and twitter so be sure to follow us so you can keep up to date on our crazy shenanigans! We promise, your work week will be a little more entertaining as you follow our experience in Savannah!

P.S. We thought this picture was hilarious - what if we really looked like this traveling!?

Molly & Ashley

photo found here

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by admin | posted in About Us | tagged TravelingOrganizingSavannahTennessee

Tuesday 09.20.11

5 Must Read Books for Anyone Wanting to Get Organized

More Magazine recently shared 20 books that will help you to see the light of a "less is more" life. We already loved More Magazine to begin with, but now we have yet another reason to! From their 20, we narrowed the list down to a top 5 must read... after all... paring down is what we do best! These 5 books will simply change your life!

Buyology, organizing, home organization, NEAT Method

buy.ology by Martin Lindstrom

The Overspent American, organizing, home organization, NEAT Method

Overspent American by Juliet B. Schor

Scaling Down, organizing, home organization, NEAT Method

Scaling Down by Judi Culbertson, Marj Decker and George Booth

the 100 Thing Challenge, home organization, organizing, NEAT Method

The 100 Thing Challenge by Dave Bruno

Rightsizing Your Life, home organization, organizing, NEAT Method

Rightsizing your life by Ciji Ware

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by Molly | posted in About Us | tagged OrganizingBooksClutter

Tuesday 09.13.11

NEAT Relaunches!

After months and months of hard work, things are getting pretty fancy around here. We are proud to launch our brand new site and share with you some of the exciting things that we have in store.

The inspiration behind the re-launch was to give organizing a modern spin and showcase our unique method. We are ready to be the faces of professional organizing and we wanted our site to reflect that.

You can find us in both Chicago AND San Francisco, but remember, no organizing dilemma is too far for us to travel!

**want to see more behind the scenes from our photoshoot with photographer Michelle Drewes? head over to our Facebook and take a peek!**

Ashley Murphy, Molly Graves, NEAT Method, Organizers, San Francsico, Chicago

Ashley Murphy, Molly Graves, NEAT Method, Organizers, Organize, San Francisco, Chicago,

Ashley Murphy, Molly Graves, NEAT Method, Organizers, Organization, San Francisco, Chicago, home organization

by Molly | posted in About Us | tagged Neat MethodRedesignOrganizing

Thursday 08.04.11

Top 3 Things Women Hoard: What Every Man Should Know Before Moving In

Ladies, ladies, ladies. Did you really think we were going to point the finger at the men for being the only ones unorganized?? Think again. Even our good friend Giulana Rancic is trying to help women get rid of some things to make their relationships better. Men, CAREFULLY forward this email to your girl. Women, if you are ready to accept that you are indeed part of the problem, but you do not know where to start, here are the, “Three C’s” of what women hoard.

#1 Women Hoard Clothes

Hoarders, Hoarding, Women, Closet, Unorganized, Organizers NEAT Method

We know that clothes is the obvious choice here, but lets be serious… nine times out of ten women DO hoard clothes! Hanging on to clothing that you no longer wear makes it hard to see what you do wear. Over time your style is naturally going to evolve, so ask yourself, “what is my style?” Some items in your closet are not going to fit into that category so get them out! One fantastic idea is to host a clothing swap with your friends. Break open the bubbly and see if you can find new treasures. Inevitably there will be many items at the end of the party that are unclaimed and they can be brought to Goodwill.

#2 Women Hoard Cosmetics

Makeup, NARS, Chanel, Bobbi Brown, NEAT Method, Organize Makeup

Your purple eye shadow is from 1980 and if it is not... well then get rid of it anyways. Women tend to purchase makeup and then hang onto it FOREVER. InStyle did a fabulous article regarding this matter that every woman should read. Even the NEAT team had to say goodbye to a few things after learning about the expiration dates of different cosmetics (See! We're not perfect!) Keep in mind as you look through your old cosmetics, most men prefer women with a fresh, natural face.

#3 Women hoard cards

Cards, Greeting Cards, Organize Cards, Organizers, NEAT Method

Women tend to be more sentimental than most men. We cry during commercials and are easily offended when our significant other does not like something that we own. With this sentimental feeling comes the endless pile of greeting cards. Card offenders, you know what we are talking about. Every holiday season the cards come in and by February, you have them still stacked in a pile, hiding behind something else. Every birthday you display your cards on a mantle or shelf but then weeks later you quickly put them in a drawer because you do not want to throw them away. We completely understand the attachment but you must learn how to wrangle your emotional side. We suggest finding a desk tray that you love and using that as a “catch all” for your cards. To add a cute touch, tie the cards up with twine to give it an organized look. Once the tray is full, take some time to look through the cards and decide which ones you can part with.

Alright ladies and gents, it is time to ORGANIZE. Acknowledging typical problem areas is a great way to freshen up your space AND avoid an unnecessary argument. Let us know how you do!

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

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by admin | posted in Bathroom | tagged BedroomBathroomClosetsOfficeCardsClothesCosmeticsHoardDonatingOrganizingWomen

Monday 06.13.11

Five Quick Tips to Give Your Closet a Fresh Summer Look

Closet, organized, shoes, hangers, home organization, NEAT Method

With only two short weeks until the official start of summer, it’s time to get a jumpstart on the season by giving your closet a fresh summer look. Summer is a time where bright colors, fun florals and carefree dresses hold precedent over boots, sweaters and hats. If your closet looks more like a spring tornado hit, it will be hard to find your favorites and flaunt those great summer trends. Here are five quick tips to give your closet the visual appeal it deserves and to make your clothes feel new again.

Donation, home organization, organized, NEAT Method

Tip Number One: Purge

The best place to start freshening up your closet is to get rid of the things that you no longer wear. Did you wear it last year? If the answer is no, it is time to part ways. Not only do these clothes take up valuable hanger space, but they also distract your eye from picking the clothes that make you feel great. A tip that NEAT gives all of their clients is to pick a place to donate that inspires you to get rid of all unnecessary items..

Sweater Storage, Storage Solution, organize, organization, NEAT Method

Tip Number Two: Store Out of Season Clothes

Even the summer months can have some cold weather days but that is not an excuse to wear your favorite wool sweater and corduroy pants. Storing out of season clothes can accomplish two important things. First, it can help you to wear only what is appropriate for the season. Second, when clothes are stored in bins for the season, they tend to feel new again when they are brought back out. Nothing beats that “new clothes” feeling especially when it is with clothes that you already own.

Hangers, black hangers, closet organization, organized, organizers, NEAT Method

Tip Number Three: Matching Hangers

NEAT insists that every client have matching hangers in their closet. It is important to make your closet a place that you are proud of and enjoy opening. The right hangers can have a larger impact than most people think. We prefer, “Huggable Hangers” because they are thin and their velvety texture keeps clothes hanging. When all clothes are on matching hangers it begins to give your closet an unbeatable visual appeal.

Color Coded, closet organization, home organization, organized, organizers, NEAT Method

Tip Number Four: Color Code Your Clothes

Color coding your clothes may seem like an over the top type ‘A’ thing, but it will help you to find your favorite green shirt much faster than before. NEAT prefers to have whites first, then the good old ROY G BIV and finally grays, browns, and finish with black. If you are really feeling good about the way your closet looks after your color-coding, take it one step further and organize within the color. For example, put tanks first, then t-shirts and finish with long sleeves. NEAT prefers to keep all dresses, suits, and pants separate so that clothes that are typically the same length stay together.

Tip Number Five: Treat Yourself

When NEAT organizes a client’s closet, nine times out of ten the client finds something that they either forgot they had or swore they lost. We hope that by organizing your own closet, you rediscover your favorite top that you haven’t seen in a while. After some hands-on organizing, the NEAT team LOVES to get a good manicure. We suggest you put on your favorite outfit from your newly revamped closet and treat yourself too! Have dinner with friends, go out for a drink, get a manicure, you look good, and you deserve it!

For more information on where to find some of NEAT’s favorite organizing solutions, follow the links below. To learn more about NEAT San Francisco, please visit our website at www.neatmethod.com

Places to Donate:

Goodwill

Soles 4 Souls

Salvation Army

To store your out of season clothes find your storage bins here

To find our our favorite hangers click here

*If you are a Costco member, you can find the hangers in a box of 50 for a great price!

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by admin | posted in Closet | tagged BedroomOrganizingStorageTipsHangers

Wednesday 05.11.11

We're Wondering...Wednesdays: Color Me Crazy!

This week we are looking for your input – Ashley and I LOVE to organize closets but when it comes to putting the clothes away our color coding preferences differ. This is clearly a total type A issue, but we hope that you can help us settle this once and for all. Ashley is the master of light to dark but when I try to do it, I just can’t get it right – is red brighter than green!? When I color code, I am the queen of the standby, ROY G BIV. This may be the former teacher coming out of me, who knows! Today, we thought it would be fun to ask you, the reader, to tell us what you think. We used Ashley’s closet as our test case. Ashley worked on her light to dark and I made a rainbow – which one do you like best??

Light to Dark??

Organized Closet, Home organization, matching hangers, NEAT Method

Or rainbow?

by admin | posted in Closet | tagged ClosetColor CodingOrganizing

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.
More about us >