There's an entire episode of one of my favorite TV shows, You're the Worst, (by the way, the show is quite explicit and not for everyone) where Gretchen has such severe anxiety about her only household chore--opening the mail. Her therapist assigns her this task, and when she finally sits down to do the job, feeling proud of herself and what she accomplished, she opens a letter containing news of a loved-one's death, confirming to her forever that nothing good can come from the mail.

This was very much a "funny because it's true" episode. I have definitely stared at a pile of mail in my early adulting years and realized that no good could come from it. People needed money, people wanted to con me into giving them my money, I forgot to give them my money and they were going to shut off my power, and they were getting married in a destination ceremony and could I afford the roughly $800 it was going to cost for travel, lodging, and gift? Christmas and my birthday were really the only time I looked forward to mail, because it was used for actually connecting with people. But even then, the papers resulting from mail would pile up and stress me out, no matter how many well-wishes were contained within the pile. 

After years of struggling with major mail purge systems, I finally realized that mail falls into three categories. That's it! It's simple. Three categories is TOTALLY manageable! And so I started managing it. 

Unless you're an extreme coupon-er, those multi-page ads can go straight to the bin. Credit card offers? Straight to the bin--you're better off doing your own research and applications. Whether you shred it, recycle it, or trash it, if you don't have purpose for it to be kept, DO NOT PUT IT DOWN IN YOUR HOME. Take it straight to the bin and dispose of it.

Action items are the ones that typically stress us out--we see a bill that needs to be paid, or an invitation that needs to be replied to, and then we have to remember to do it. Start by taking all of these papers out of their envelopes and disposing of the envelopes--UNLESS it has a return address you need to update in your records. Still take the paper out, but put that envelope in your Action Pile along with the flattened, unfolded bills and invitations. 

The next step with the Action Pile is to sort it according to urgency. The most urgent actions go on top--think the bills that have consequences if you forget to pay them. The least urgent actions go on the bottom--like that address you need to update.  Put the organized pile next to your computer or in the place where you will take action on these items and work on the most urgent items every day until the pile is gone. 

Did you recently get your car title mailed to you and see something like, "Please put with your records" plastered across the top of the cover page? You need to keep this paper. You also need to keep updated insurance policies, medical records, legal documents, or school records in a filing system. Does that mean that you're going to file everything as soon as it comes in? Maybe, but likely not. My files are locked in a fireproof safe, so I tend to file all of my documents that need filing weekly. They come in, I take them out of the envelope, unfold them, and put them in my To File Pile. For me, this pile lives next to my printer in an orderly fashion until my weekly filing session while watching an episode of Workin' Moms on Netflix. Fun fact? It never takes me more than 5 minutes once I sit down to just do it. If you don't have a filing system yet, just start with the pile. If you do? Go one step further and file these papers at least weekly to keep them safe for when you need them.

And that's it, friends. Three categories of mail. Items to dispose of, action items, and items to file. If you start this sorting practice daily, as soon as you bring your mail in, you will end up able to find what you need, when you need it!

Ever looked at an organizing project and felt immediately overwhelmed? SORT can help with that! Use the slide deck and worksheet below to actively work through creating a process for organizing your space--no matter how big or how small!

And, if you work through this process, be sure to send us before and after photos of your newly organized closet, car glove compartment, jewelry box, office, or any other space to hello@sortorganizationservices.com!

Interested in having Taylor speak about organizing or process development at your church group meeting, library class, fundraiser, workshop, conference, or other gathering? Send her an email at taylor@sortorganizationservices.com today!

So many of us have been cooped up in our homes for the past two years. Because of that breadth of time, it can be so easy to say, "I should have already done this" or "If I didn't do it yet, it's probably never going to get done." But here's a fact: the way we have experienced our homes for the past two years is different than ever before. To expect for all of your previous systems to work for the new way we live our lives? It doesn't add up, friend, and that's okay! It's highly likely that you have a few pain points that could use a little love, and I'm here to help! 

In this post, you'll hear 5 Organizing Goals to consider for 2022 for a more organized you. Pick one or all five, but take a moment to think about how these goals could serve YOU in the upcoming year!

How many times has someone on the internet told you to go through your closet and keep only the clothes that make you feel like you are your best self? I do this seasonally, and it's always such a great refresher for my self-confidence and my space. But have you tried applying this to other areas of your home? I have a book shelf in my office closet that houses ALL of the books that I want to keep, and each season, I pull books of a certain color and decorate the living room hutch with them. Since we recently moved, I was able to reassess my art collection and created a gallery wall of my favorite pieces--which all happen to be black, white, and yellow! By making visible only those things which I love in certain spaces and containing those I keep for practical reasons or reference, my home feels less cluttered and a lot more loving.

I have moved over ten times in my adult life--which is a lot! One move I made in my early twenties that has legally and logistically saved me many times? I have a paper filing system for significant documents. Though we live in a digital world, a small system for organizing papers you might need for reference or identification (think mortgage paperwork, birth certificates, marriage licenses, etc.) can save you days of searching for documents when you need them to make already stressful big life changes (buy a car, sell a home, change your name). Whether you keep it in a plastic filing tote, a binder, or a fireproof safe, a simple paper filing system can save you a lot of stress down the line.

One of the top barriers to my clients' happiness with their home? Getting rid of things quickly and efficiently. So many of my clients have previously decluttered their homes, only to end up with 3-10 piles of things going to as many places. Many were unsure if their items were even wanted before determining their location--to a friend's children, to a neighbor's dog, to a shelter that wasn't even taking donations when I called them. Guess where those piles were when I followed up with my clients a week later? You guessed it--still in their homes. By deciding ONCE where each category of stuff will go BEFORE you start decluttering (and verifying via phone call that it's actually needed there) you have eliminated the piles-in-waiting problem that keeps many from their dream spaces. (And, as a side note, unless my clients specify a specific location for their donations that is within the OKC metro area, I already have my decide once drop-off for each metro area town).

Does your purse end up junky and embarrassing before you realize it? Do your dog toys all get mangled and strewn about the floor before you can say, "Sit"? Did your Christmas decorations end up in different parts of the garage and attic, yet again? Grab a pen and paper, and sit down to think through an automation. Start with your end goal, and work backward through what steps need to be in place to make maintenance as easy as possible. So easy you could accomplish this task with two toddlers hanging off of you and a pot of soup on the stove. A little planning of our organizing systems can go SO far in the never-ending struggle of maintaining our spaces to serve us in the way we want them to!

Okay, yes, I'm going to take a moment here to remind you that my literal business is about supporting people through organizing projects. I love working closely with clients and helping lift the burden of shame and not knowing from their hearts. It truly makes me warm and fuzzy. But maybe you're a pretty organized person already and you want someone to come clean your home to help motivate you to keep it organized. Maybe you organized all of your print photos and need someone to help you figure out how to use them to tell your story (if this is you, please chat with my friend Lisa at Scissortail Digital, because helping people tell their stories through their photos is her literal job--and she's great at it!). Maybe you realized you need to donate some large pieces of furniture and need to hire some movers to get those items out of your home. Whatever the project is, figure out what you need help with, if you have the budget to hire someone, and finally request that quote or schedule the consultation! Get support when you need it and you'll make organization dreams a reality. 

So to recap:

1. Choose one space and make visible ONLY the things I love
2. Organize my papers so I can find the documents I need
3. Decide once where donations go when they leave my home
4. Automate an organizing system
5. Get support for projects I need help with

I hope these tips have helped you find a little bit of organization inspiration and motivation to meet your goals in the upcoming year and love your home a little more! 

by Taylor Vogel | SORT Organization Services

I have several products that I consider to be functional art that are perfect for someone who is short on space!  The petrified wood pieces are great because they can be used as a serving platter and when not in use they look beautiful on display on your kitchen countertop, or even on a mantle or shelf.  Pieces like the zebra onyx coasters are also great because they look beautiful sitting on your coffee or end table, but also protect your furniture.  A framed piece of agate is also a great way to add some natural décor to a small space!

You can learn more about Anna Clark and Rare Earth Mercantile by visiting the Rare Earth Mercantile website at www.rareearthmercantile.com. Be sure to follow her on Instagram @rareearthmercantile and Facebook at Rare Earth Mercantile for extra beauty in your feed and wonderful art for your home or to gift!

by Taylor Vogel | SORT Organization Services

Lucas Ross is an actor/comedian, beekeepers' son from Minco, Oklahoma. He is a 7-time Heartland EMMY-Winner as well as winner of a national EMMY for on-air performance. He currently appears as comic relief on Oklahoma City’s NBC affiliate KFOR-TV. Lucas has appeared in feature films, as well as nationally on The Tonight Show, SyFy Network, Reelz, Nat Geo and Disney Channel. He won “Best Comedy Actor” at the National Independent Television Festival for multi-character performances in “Lazy Circles” an Oklahoma-based comedy co-produced with his brother, Marcus. Recently, Lucas worked on MARTIN SCORSESE’s Oklahoma-based film where he played banjo in a scene with ROBERT DE NIRO and LEONARDO DICAPRIO. Lucas currently appears alongside KERMIT THE FROG in American Banjo Museum’s ‘Banjo Roots’ program and has worked with Disney’s THE MUPPETS providing the banjo track for Kermit on multiple projects including a special performance of “Rainbow Connection.”

Lucas has worked on stage with Star Trek Voyager’s ROBERT PICARDO in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum as well as opened for “WEIRD AL” YANKOVIC, BÉLA FLECK and others in concert. He is a Deering Banjo artist and has released 4 banjo albums: “Son of a Beekeeper” “Banjo Farm” “Banjos in Space” and recently, “Aubrie and Lucas” which he recorded with his wife. When he’s not making TV, Lucas can be found at the American Banjo Museum in Bricktown, OKC as their Community Outreach and Promotions Coordinator where he develops educational programs and teaches their award-winning “Pick-a-Tune” class. Lucas is married to Aubrie who directs the non-profit Heartbeat for Hope that brings aid to children in Ghana, Africa. They have two children, two dogs, one guinea pig and a turtle.

Lucas was so generous with his time to share with us about all things banjo and give us a peek into how he manages the organizing aspect of being a performer!

This client had an amazing transformation in her kitchen over just two short Maintenance SORT sessions! Check out the video and transcript below for the full before and after.

We take on a baker’s kitchen to totally transform and conquer clutter. Key takeaways include pantry organization tips and a beautiful display of frequently used ingredients.

Do you bake, too? Tell us about your favorite recipe in the comments below!

P.S.: Looking for your own kitchen transformation? Learn more about how SORT could work for you!