What do you wear when you’re at home?

Whether you’re working, doing chores, or chilling out, the clothes you wear can affect your mood, motivation and even feelings of self-respect.

If you find yourself struggling with procrastination, low productivity or lack of motivation, your at-home wardrobe could be to blame.

• Do you pull on any old thing because you’re ‘just at home’?
• Do you say to yourself, ‘No one can see me, so why bother?’
• If someone knocks at the door, do you stay very quiet and hope they’ll leave, because you’re too embarrassed to answer the door in what you have on?
• Do you keep clothes that look bad, are stained, tatty or ill-fitting, or just don’t suit you – because they’re ‘still good’?

If you answered Yes to any of these questions, then it’s time for a closet intervention.

You don’t have to wear your best clothes at home. If I’ve been out I usually get changed when I get home – that way my special clothes stay looking great for longer.

But your at-home clothes shouldn’t be barrel-scraping either. That will only make you feel less than your best. And huge, baggy outfits invite overeating, in my experience. (Do you find this too?)

Instead, have a few outfits that are comfortable and attractive for wearing at home.

I work from home and spend long periods of time at my computer, but I also go to the gym four to six times a week. I want to be comfortable, but I also want to feel productive and motivated, and I also want to be able to head to the gym without the added resistance and potential excuse of having to change. So for working at home I wear dance or active wear – it’s very comfortable for sitting cross-legged and typing and it also works well at the gym.

And for chilling out at home when I’m not working, I have jeans, tanks and hoodies that are perfect for embarrassment-free door answering.

Good outfits for you will depend on what you do at home and what types of clothes make you feel happy and motivated. You can safely rule out anything ancient, tatty, ill-fitting, not-you, or uncomfortable. In fact, go pull these offenders out of your closet now.

Actors often say they inhabit a character when they get into costume. What ‘character’ are you playing when you’re at home?

BTW…

While we’re talking outfits, I recently wrote the post: Have A Go-To Outfit For Business Meetings for Women’s Network Australia. You might like that too.

Image by totally pixelated

Related posts:

1. Get Organized Mission #11: Create Your Wardrobe Wishlist
2. Personal Style Clinic: 7 Dos & Don’ts For Upgrading Your Look
3. 30-Day Organize-athon | Day 11: Organize Your Shoes

Looking your best is a great way to boost your confidence.

You may argue that it shouldn’t, but the reality is that your grooming and dress style can make a big difference to the way people respond to you.

Perhaps more importantly, it can change the way you feel about yourself – adding a little spring to your step and twinkle to your eye.

If you’d like to make a few tweaks to the way you present yourself, try these 7 ideas for improving your personal presentation.

Get Organized For Personal Style: 7 Dos & Don’ts

1. Do Have A Professional Bra Fitting (For The Girls)

An ill-fitting bra instantly frumpifies you. 

Get a professional fitting at a department or lingerie store, and invest in at least a couple of flattering bras with excellent support.

They’ll refresh all your outfits, improve your posture and make you look and feel slimmer. That’s time and money well spent.

And avoid clutter – toss out the ill-fitting numbers immediately.

2. Don’t Keep The Same Hairstyle Year After Year

Fashions change and so does your outlook on life.

Keep yourself looking and feeling fresh by updating your hairstyle from time to time. Cut out pics from magazines and ask your hairdresser to suggest styles that would suit you.

If you’ve had the same cut and color for years and you’re not Anna Wintour (some might argue, especially if you are Anna Wintour), then get a style revamp and re-do your ‘do.

3. Do Make Only One Fashion Statement At A Time

If you’re wearing statement heels, statement earrings and a statement top, then your clothes are having way too much to say.

Tone down your look and tone up your style by limiting yourself to only one item per outfit that’s bold and eye catching.

Of course, if you’re a veteran fashionista and confident in your choices, then you can do whatever you want.

But if in doubt, impose good manners on your outfits and stop your clothes from talking over each other.

4. Don’t Wear Leggings With Short Tops

The only people who can get away with this look are TYTs (taut young things).

For the vast majority of us, though, the buttular region requires more support than is afforded by leggings. The same goes for jeggings, unless they’re very structured.

To maintain a flattering look, pair your leggings with a longer top or jacket that covers your bottom. You’ll be good to go – and it won’t matter if people watch you when you do.

5. Do Work A Uniform

If there’s a particular type of outfit that suits you, feels comfortable and goes with your lifestyle, then consider making it into a ‘uniform’ of sorts.

Skinny jeans, hoodies, and boots can be ideal work wear for home-based business owners.

T-shirts, jeans, sneakers, and cross-body bags might work perfectly for on-the-go moms.

Straight-leg trousers, tailored shirts, and structured jackets can be just right for some professionals.

Having a basic go-to style can save heaps of time and bother, and provide an excellent template for your daily dress code.

Just be sure to keep your look fresh by varying colors and fabrics, and opt for more adventurous outfits on weekends and nights out.

6. Don’t Glam Up Eyes And Lips

Avoid using strong make-up color on your eyes and your lips.

For a night out, smoky eyes look great with a nude or subtle, browny-pink lipstick.

Rich red or magenta lips can work beautifully with a toned-down look on the eyes.

But the two together are best reserved for Priscilla Queen of the Dessert parties. The rest of the time, opt for one or the other.

7. Do Check Yourself In a Full-Length Mirror

It’s a common mistake to ruin an otherwise great look with a bag, shoes or coat that’s too chunky, too lightweight, or simply doesn’t go.

The mistake is easily avoided by checking your entire outfit in the mirror.

If you don’t have one, invest in a full-length mirror. Place it near your closet, or if your shoes and coats are somewhere else, place it near them.

That way you can run an eye over your complete outfit before you head out. How you doin’?

More Personal Presentation Tips?

Disagree with any of my tips? Got your own ideas to share?

Please let me know what you think!

[Image by: by howlita]

Related posts:

1. Would You Answer The Door In That?
2. How to be Organized in 2009: Day 7 – Personal Presentation
3. Get Organized Mission #11: Create Your Wardrobe Wishlist

In this new Simplify Your Life series, I’ll be suggesting ways you can make things simpler for yourself in various life areas.

Let’s start with your closet and your personal style.

Simplify Your Closet: What Not To Wear

I recently did a major closet cleanse. (I’ll write more about how and why in later posts.)

Getting so much stuff out of my wardrobe in one go highlighted patterns in what simply didn’t work for me. When I went shopping a few days later to fill in some closet gaps, it was so easy – I knew which items, styles, shapes and colors to avoid. Life became a lot simpler!

Streamlining your personal style  can really help to simplify your life.  And although they offer fabulous advice, you don’t need Trinny & Susannah to create your own ‘What Not To Wear’ list.

My ‘What Not To Wear’ List

Here are some things I can safely rule out for myself, no matter what the current fashion:

• Polo necks – snug but not flattering on me
• Anything wool – too itchy
• Anything white – I always end up with highlighter/lipgloss/chocolate on me
• Pencil skirts – they look fabulous but are too much trouble to walk in
• Non-hipster tights – uncomfortable
• Large patterns – I’m petite and they overwhelm me
• Flat shoes – I like serious heels
• Corporate-looking clothes – never have anywhere to wear them
• Closed-toe shoes – I love boots in winter and open toes in summer, so these never get worn
• Gold evening shoes – my bling is silver or white gold, and gold shoes don’t go
• White underwear – it turns grey unless washed separately – why bother?
• Handbags without compartments – too hard to find things
• Warm color tones – they make me look unwell
• Miniscule evening purses – must be able to accommodate my iPhone, lipgloss, keys, mini-fragrance, tissues and a pen without losing shape
• Anything patchwork – um, do I need a reason?
• Denim on denim – just don’t like it
• Visible bra straps – ditto.

Your ‘What Not To Wear’ List

Now it’s your turn.

How do you know what belongs on your personal ‘What Not To Wear’ list? Try things on in front of a full-length mirror. Or mix a batch of cocktails and invite some honest-but-kind friends over for their advice.

Don’t worry about individual pieces that fail you here. Rather, be on the lookout for patterns – entire classes of fabric, color, shape or style that you can drop altogether from your personal style repertoire.

Think about:

• Outfits that get you compliments – and ones that never do
• Things you try on and discard every time
• Fabrics that feel uncomfortable on your skin
• Fabrics that never seem to fall right on your frame
• Shapes that make you look too short/tall/chubby/skinny/boyish/voluptuous, etc
• Hem lengths that don’t flatter your legs (TIP: A hem that falls to the widest part of your calf can make legs look chunky)
• Necklines that look dowdy (TIP: A high neck on a large bust can be unkind)
• Colors that make you look yellow, or red, or as though you’re about to faint
• Strap sizes that don’t suit your shoulders (TIP: spaghetti straps can exaggerate broad shoulders)
• Fit – either too baggy or sausage-skin.

As you identify these patterns, compile your personal What Not To Wear list. It will become an indispensible guide in helping you to clear out your closet, become a power-clothes-shopper, and develop your own personal style.

And perhaps best of all, it will make your life simpler.

Organize Your Personal Presentation

The way you present yourself is powerful – it affects how you feel about yourself, and how people perceive you. We’ve put together the Personal Presentation module in Design Your Life to help you present your best self to the world.

It guides you to organize your clothes, outfits, footwear, accessories, closet, grooming, poise, confidence, skincare, make-up, handbag, satchel, briefcase, PDA and lots more.

When you sign up for Design Your Life you can start straight away on any of the 12 modules, including Health & Fitness, Home Organization, Time Management, Personal Development, Happiness Strategies, Money & Finance, Business & Career and of course Personal Presentation.

Design Your Life also includes the bonus programs 52 Missions Home Organizer and Organize in 5.

SPECIAL OFFER: Join today for lifetime benefits at a one-off special rate. Learn more.

[Image by Ningyoboy's Closet]

Related posts:

1. Simplify Your Life: New Series Starts Today
2. Simplify Your Life: What Not To Buy
3. Simplify Your Life: What Not To Do

How’s your professional image?

Does it convey a true sense of your talent and expertise?

Or does it distract potential customers/employers and undermine the impression you make?

Whether you’re looking for more customers, a promotion or a new career, you need to avoid these common mistakes if you want to create a great impression. Developing a professional image takes a little preparation and personal organization, but you’ll gain huge dividends.

How To Make A Good Impression: 7 Keys To A Professional Image

1. Lose the blurry photo of yourself looking boozy at after-work drinks

Ideally, get a professional photo of yourself for your online profiles (eg, Facebook, Twitter, Linked In). It will make a good impression on others, and help you feel more confident about yourself, too.

If this is too expensive, ask a friend to take a photo that’s suitable for the work you do – or want to do.

At the very least, crop a head-shot of yourself from an existing photo that’s in focus and attractive.

2. Don’t be boring when explaining what you do

A bland description of your job or services can be an instant conversation killer. Avoid the ‘Oh. *pause* I have to go over there now.’ response by sprucing up your self description.

For instance, my description is adapted from a technique I learned in Michael Port’s Book Yourself Solid. Instead of saying,

‘I’m a writer for a website’ [BORING!]

I say,

‘You know how some people struggle to overcome procrastination, or to get organized, or to get rid of clutter? Well, I create programs at GetOrganizedWizard.com that help people to get motivated and take action.

You can use the same formula:

You know how some people [insert problem you solve]?
Well, I [insert how you solve problem].

So if you’re a financial planner you might say something like,

“You know how some people worry about how much money they’ll need for retirement, and how to go about preparing for it? Well, I help people analyze their goals and financial positions and set plans in motion.”

3. Avoid over-sharing online

Be personal and authentic in your online profiles – it will help people get a sense of you.

These days it’s common for both customers and employers to do online searches of people they want to work with. So be cautious about sharing information that’s too personal or *ahem* ‘inappropriate’.

Tweeting about your love of gardening, running or model trains is one thing. Providing graphic details about your feather fetish is another.

4. Scrap Sally34619@hotmail.com

Your email address should be simple and professional.

If you have a business, use your business URL – eg Sally@SallyTheSavvyPhotographer.com.

If not, at least choose a professional-sounding version of your name – eg Sally.Fortescue@Hotmail.com or SallyLouiseJones@HotMail.com.

Remember that a potential customer or employer may have to type in your email address – keep it professional.

5. Toss self-printed business cards

Cards run off on your home printer say ‘I don’t take my business seriously’ – so why should anyone else?

Business cards are a small expense that make a big difference. Invest a little time and money in cards that represent you.

Make sure you include your:

• Name
• Business name
• Email address
• Phone numbers/addresses
• Website
• Short description of your business or service, if this isn’t obvious from your business name.

Keep a stack of cards in your bag or pocket and replenish it regularly. Then when someone asks for one, you’ll be prepared.

6. Re-think the scruffy look

You might do fabulous work and believe you have the right to dress however you like. And of course you do.

The thing is, people don’t know you do fabulous work, so they will likely extrapolate from whatever information they have. If your clothes are untidy, they might subconsciously think, well, scruffy clothes, scruffy work.

So get yourself at least a couple of outfits you can wear for networking events, interviews etc. Choose clothes that look and feel good, and that give people a sense of the best of you.

7. Stop snarling

Smile! It looks good, feels good, makes you more approachable and comes through in your personality.

Whether you’re communicating in person, by phone or in writing, keep a smile on your face.

I’m smiling now – can you tell?

[Image by The-Lane-Team]

Related posts:

1. Business Networking: Top 5 Mistakes Made by Disorganized Networkers
2. This Time It’s Different: 3 Keys To Reaching An Elusive Goal
3. But I Might Need It One Day! [How To Stop Making Excuses & Get Organized, Declutter & Simplify]

Have you been feeling less than your best lately? Wondering what happened to your old glow/spark/spring in your step?

A mini makeover is a great way to regain confidence and restore a little sparkle to your life. So that’s what we’re doing in this week’s organizing mission.

Remember: you only need 30 minutes for the basic mission. Extended Options are below.
If you’re new, you might like to start here -> 52 Organizing Missions.

Organizing Mission #46:
Give Yourself a MakeOver

Step 1: Choose Your Makeover Projects (5 Minutes)

To make the most of our 30 minutes, we’re going to focus on one or two areas that will bring about the maximum transformation.

Okay, now go and take a look in the mirror. I know you don’t want to, but you’ll be glad you did. This won’t hurt, I promise.

I want you to imagine the voice of a kind friend or relative in your head. Got that voice? Now simply let the voice tell you gently and lovingly where you could do with a little freshening up. But no self-abuse!

With that revelation in mind, decide which of these mini-makeover projects you’d like to complete in this mission:

• Get rid of clothes that don’t work for you
  Go on a rampage through your closet and banish any clothes that don’t: fit, look good, feel good, suit you, etc. You’ll have to wear the good stuff more often!
• Launder, repair, dry-clean your clothes
  Pull out anything in your closet that you can’t wear because it needs cleaning, repair, alteration, etc. Take it straight to the car for later drop off – or drop it off now.
• Shop for missing pieces 
  Do you have clothes you can’t wear because you’re missing a belt, matching jacket, or a-line skirt? Make a list of these missing pieces for your next shopping trip. Or head to the stores now!
• Put together outfits for your lifestyle
  Never worked out what goes with what? Spend some time assembling your clothes into outfits. Then as a reminder, hang pieces together, make notes on post-its or take Polaroids.
• Work out what suits you 
  Think about what you get compliments on (skinny jeans? jewel colors?). Or ask friends. Or find a book on body shapes at the bookstore or library (eg The Body Shape Bible).
• Update your underwear
  Start with good basics – you’ll feel good and your clothes will look better on you too. Get a proper fitting and buy multiples of underwear that looks and feels fab.
• Augment your accessories
  Update your look and add a little pizzazz with belts, scarves, cufflinks, a signature watch – whatever suits your style but adds a little something more.
• Organize your closet
  Organize your clothes by color, use quality hangers, fold knitwear, put belts on hooks – take steps to take care of your clothes and make dressing a pleasure.
• Clear out your make-up 
  Get rid of old make-up (it has a shelf-life). Pare down to only the cosmetics that you enjoy using and that bring out your best features.
• Streamline your grooming routine
  If you take forever to get ready, look for ways to simplify. Opt for fewer gadgets, steps and products – and focus on playing up your assets rather than hiding what you don’t like.
• Get a new haircut/color
  A new hairstyle can do wonders for your confidence. Ask friends to recommend a hairdresser, cut out magazine pictures of styles you like, and book in your consultation.
• Visit your dentist for teeth-care
  If your smile lets you down, schedule an appointment to discuss options. Even a teeth-clean can make you feel refreshed and smile-worthy.
• Get a make-up lesson
  Cosmetics counters can be an excellent source of ideas and instruction for a new make-up look. Book an appointment and be prepared to watch and learn.

Is there something else that would help you feel good about yourself? Then do that instead.

Step 2: Give Yourself a MakeOver (25 Minutes)

Right, now that you’ve chosen your makeover projects, let’s get going!

Get into that closet, make those appointments, get to the shops – whatever you’ve allocated for yourself.

With a little willingness to step out of your comfort zone and determination to show more of your best, you can achieve a lot in these 25 minutes. Complete as many projects as you can.

You’ll still feel like you – only better.

Dos & Don’ts

• Don’t let people tell you this is superficial. You’re making the best of the resources you have. That’s something to feel proud about.
• Do address any critical voice jabbering away in your head. Thank it for trying to help, but tell it you’ll take it from here. Then find the kind voice and let that one guide and encourage you.

Extended Organizing Mission Options

Want to go beyond this 30-minute organizing mission?

• Do this mission with a bunch of friends. Support and encourage each other in choosing your mini-projects in Step 1, then go off and complete your tasks individually. Meet up for drinks or dinner to celebrate!
• Take a whole day and do a number of makeover mini-projects. You’ll feel awesome!

Ready, Set, Go!

Remember – move quickly, act fast, don’t overthink.

Start The 30-Minute Timer

Before You Go: Check In!

Please add a comment to say you’ve completed this week’s Get Organized Mission and you’re keeping your commitment.

And see you back here next week!

Organize Your Personal Presentation

The way you present yourself affects how you feel about yourself and how people perceive you.

The Personal Presentation module of Design Your Life helps give you the best starting point from which to face the world.

It guides you to organize your clothes, outfits, footwear, accessories, closet, grooming, poise, confidence, skincare, make-up, handbag, satchel, briefcase, PDA and lots more.

When you sign up for Design Your Life you can start straight away on the Personal Presentation module (you’ll have immediate access to the first 7 modules, including Health & Fitness, Home Organization, Personal Development, Business & Career and of course Personal Presentation).

SPECIAL OFFER: Join today for lifetime benefits at a one-off special rate. Learn more.

[Image: by Roland Ster]

Related posts:

1. Get Organized Mission #11: Create Your Wardrobe Wishlist
2. Get Organized Mission #10: Clear Out Your Closet
3. Get Organized Mission #7: Be Happy!

Want to simplify your life? Try this Quick Fix:

Simplify Your Life Fix #3: Limit Your Hangers

Keep just enough hangers for your current closet of clothes.

This works best if you’ve already completed:

• Get Organized Mission #10: Clear Out Your Closet and
• Get Organized Mission #11: Create Your Wardrobe Wishlist.

Now, whenever you buy something new, you’ll have to donate or ditch another item of clothing in order to free up a hanger.

It’s a great way to keep your closet under control – and your life nice and simple.

Do you have any closet simplifying tips to share?
To leave a comment: Scroll to the bottom of this post – a comment box is waiting for you.

Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/darwinbell/ / CC BY 2.0

Related posts:

1. Simplify Your Life Quick Tip: Have a Ready-For-Donation Basket
2. Simplify Your Life Quick Tip: Abandon ‘Everyday’ Versus ‘Guest’ Tableware
3. Getting Organized Quick Tip: How To Simplify Social Media Updates

I’m going to make 12 fresh starts in 12 life areas over the next 12 days.

I don’t expect to succeed at everything, but I want to give a bunch of things a try. Join me!

Day 1: Personal Development

My Day 1 Fresh Start was to raise my weights in Body Pump class for biceps and shoulders.

Report:

✔ Raised weights on days I’ve had Pump class. Starting to regain form, too.

Day 2: Health & Fitness

My Day 2 Fresh Start was to give up Smith’s Cheese & Onion Chips – at least for September.

Report:

✔ Six days chip-sober, but only just hanging in. Today I’m tired and headachy and feel that only C&O chips would make it better. Must. Resist. Chippies.

Day 3: Career & Business

My Day 3 Fresh Start was to refresh my website’s home page.

Report:

✔ Trying out a new home page. (Feedback very welcome – please leave a comment!)

Day 4: Fun & Recreation

My Day 4 Fresh Start was to listen to more fun music – rather than only podcasts and audiobooks.

Report:

✔ Loved my all-music Friday and plan to make it a weekly treat.

Day 5: Technology & Social Media

My Day 5 Fresh Start was to promote my new Facebook Professional Service Page.

Report:

✔ Sent a Page Suggestion to my Facebook friends on day 4, and have continued to promote my Page this week. (I’d love you to join, too!)

Day 6: Home

My Day 6 Fresh Start was to decide which of the two printers in my home office were better for my needs, and to remove the other.

Report:

✖ I’ve had a late night and busy day, all with a headachy overlay, and I haven’t done anything about the printers. Tomorrow!

Day 7: Personal Presentation

Today my fresh start is from category 3: To do more of something. I’m going to focus more on my posture – holding my shoulders back, core muscles in, and chin up. Oh – and smiling!

I’ll let you know how I go tomorrow when I make my eighth fresh start – in the Happiness life area.

What About You?

Think of your own Personal Presentation goals and plans. In what area could you:

• Start something new – or try something you haven’t done, eaten, read, or experienced before
• Give up something – maybe a habit that undermines you or an obligation that weighs you down
• Do more of something – be specific about ‘more’, but don’t be overly-ambitious
• Do less of something – be specific about ‘less’, but don’t be overly-ambitious

I hope you’ll choose something and join me!

Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaibara/ / CC BY 2.0

Related posts:

1. Fresh Start: 12 Days of New Beginnings [Day 6: Home]
2. Fresh Start: 12 Days of New Beginnings [Day 10: Relationships]
3. Fresh Start: 12 Days of New Beginnings [Day 5: Technology & Social Media]

This week we’ll make a list of clothes and accessories to help you look and feel your best in your various roles in life. You don’t have to rush out and buy everything straight away. But you’ll have a dream closet shopping list to focus future shopping trips, and to guide you away from things that don’t belong in your closet – or your life.

Remember – you only need 30 minutes for the basic mission. Extended Options are below.
If you’re new, you might prefer to start here: 52 Organizing Missions.

Get Organized Mission #11:
Create Your Wardrobe Wishlist

Get a notebook and pen and get comfortable on the bed or floor in front of your open closet. Write down on your notepad anything that’s missing.

Step 1: Missing Pieces

Add to your list any of these you need more of:

• Basics – like jeans, pants, skirts, tees, tanks for everyday wear
• Fun pieces – beaded, metallic, frilled, funky to liven up your look
• Neutral colors – navy, black, camel, grey, white, to balance the brights
• Bold or bright colors – to balance the neutrals
• Fitted tops or bottoms – to balance flowing or baggy items
• More varied shapes – to give you a variety of different styles

Step 2: Looks And Outfits For All Your Life Roles

Add to your list any missing components (as appropriate to your lifestyle):

• Professional/Work outfits – each composed of clothes + shoes (+ bag/briefcase) + accessories
• Weekend/Casual outfits – each composed of clothes + shoes (+ tote) + accessories
• Dining out/Evening outfits – each composed of clothes + shoes (+ clutch) + accessories
• Formal/Special Occasion outfits – each composed of clothes + shoes (+ clutch) + accessories
• Home/Workout outfits – each composed of clothes + shoes + sports bag

NB Bag, totes and clutch (probably) applies only to the girls.

Step 3: Things That Suit You

Add to your list the things that suit you:

• Styles and shapes – like fitted, tailored, modern, etc
• Colors – bright, bold, neutral, dark, pastel, etc
• Hem lengths – knee length skirts, hip-length jackets, etc
• Necklines – polo, vee, boat, etc
• Headwear – hats, scarves, headbands, etc
• Items to avoid – anything that belongs on your NO WAY! list

Step 4: Shoes, Boots And Accessories

Add to your list any of these you need more of:

• Coats, jackets
• Shoes, boots
• Leggings
• Purses, bags, totes, briefcases
• Sport, workout or ski wear
• Sunglasses – that suit your face shape

Now you have a list of pieces that will make the most of what’s already in your closet, work well with your lifestyle, and suit you beautifully. Whenever you go clothes shopping, take the list along to focus your attention on smart closet additions and steer you away from expensive mistakes.

Dos & Don’ts

• Don’t be afraid to add new, experimental things to your list – like brighter colors and more fitted shapes.
• Do think back on the outfits that have gained you compliments – what colors or styles do people comment on?

Extended Organizing Mission Options

Want to go beyond this 30-minute organizing mission?

• Include your spouse and kids and workshop each person’s closet wishlist as a family. You’ll be helping your children to learn how to present themselves well in the world.
• Get together a group of friends and workshop each person’s closet wishlist as a group, moving from one house to the next over the course of a day. Having your friends’ input on what suits you and looks to try can be like getting a closet audit from a personal stylist.
• If you’ve got the time and cash, go shopping – and start building that dream closet!

Ready, Set, Go!

Remember – move quickly, act fast, don’t overthink.

Before You Go – Please Check In

Once you’ve completed this week’s Get Organized Mission please add a comment to let us know you’ve done your assignment and you’re keeping your commitment.

And see you back here next week!

UPDATE:

You can now get your weekly organizing mission delivered to your inbox.
Click here to sign up for 52 Organizing Missions.

Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cosmic_bandita/ / CC BY-SA 2.0: eavk8txrwy

Related posts:

1. Create Your ‘Organized Life Bedtime Routine’ [Mission #20]
2. Get Organized Mission #46: Give Yourself A MakeOver
3. Get Organized Mission #10: Clear Out Your Closet

Do you long for a closet of comfortable, co-ordinated clothes that look great and make you feel fabulous? Well, you’re about to take the first step.

Before you can create your dream wardrobe you need to clear out the clothes and accessories that are more of a nightmare. So in this Get Organized Mission we’re going to systematically remove all the closet clutter that’s wasting hanger space and dragging your image down.

Remember – you only need 30 minutes for the basic mission. Extended Options are below.
If you’re new, you might prefer to start here: 52 Organizing Missions.

Get Organized Mission #10:
Clear Out Your Closet

Step 1: Grab a bag

You’ll need:

• One bag for discarding
• One bag for cleaning or repair
  This is only for items that deserve the time and money investment to return them to closet-worthy status. If you know they’ll never come out of the bag, save yourself the hassle and stick with only a discard bag.
• One bag for charity
  This is only for items in really great condition and likely to be useful to others. Otherwise, lose this bag too.

For most of us, we’ll be getting rid of clothes that are best released into the garbosphere, so one bag will suffice.

Step 2: Start From the Left

As we only have 30 minutes, we’ll leave everything in your closet.

But we’re going to be very systematic and run each item – starting from the left of your closet and working across to the right – through the ‘closet clutter check’.

Step 3: Run The ‘Closet Clutter Check’

Throw into your discard or charity bag any item of clothing, accessories, underwear, sportswear, footwear or nightwear that:

• Is out of style
• Is a color that doesn’t suit you
• Is a shape that doesn’t suit you
• Is in poor condition or looks worse for wear
• Feels itchy or scratchy against your skin
• Feels uncomfortable
• Is ill-fitting (too loose, tight, short, etc)
• Needs constant re-adjustment
• Has bad memories or associations
• Hasn’t been worn in the past 12 months
• Doesn’t suit your lifestyle
• Makes you look less than your best
• You just don’t love

Throw into your cleaning or repair bag any item that deserves the investment to return it to closet-worthy status and:

• Needs laundering
• Needs dry cleaning
• Needs alteration to fit properly
• Needs mending, new buttons, new zippers, etc
• Needs re-heeling, polishing, etc (um, talking about shoes and boots here)

Step 4: Release The Gowns

Next, you need to remove the bags so you’re not tempted to retrieve that Choose Life t-shirt or the jacket you Bedazzled back in 1983.

• Take the discard bag out to the trash right away
• Put the charity and cleaning or repair bags into the boot of your car for drop off at the next convenient time
• Place any items for home cleaning or repair in the laundry

Now at this point you may be feeling a bit bereft as you survey your decimated closet. But you only have to survive on these clothes for a week. Next week we’ll create your ideal wardrobe wishlist.

For most people, the clothes you have left are the ones you like best and wear most anyway.

Dos & Don’ts

• Don’t feel guilty about discarding clothes you don’t like, regardless of what you paid for them. Notice the mistake and let it make an impression so you don’t make the same shopping error again. Then let it go.
• Do savor the simplicity of paring down your closet to the items that work for you. ‘Less is more’ is the mantra of many a great fashion icon for good reason.

Extended Organizing Mission Options

Want to go beyond this 30-minute organizing mission?

• Include your spouse and kids and let everyone clear out their closets together. Teach your children the pleasure of getting rid of things that don’t enhance their lives.
• Get together a group of friends and clear out each person’s closet as a group, moving from one house to the next over the course of a day.
  Warning: It can take a lot longer this way, but also be a lot more fun – especially if Margaritas are involved.
• Take everything out of your closet, drawers and shelves first and then run the ‘closet clutter check’ before you return anything to its place.

Ready, Set, Go!

Remember – move quickly, act fast, don’t overthink.

Woohoo – You’re 20% Complete!

By completing this mission, you’ve made it one-fifth of the way through the 52 Missions program. Congratulations!

Over the past 10 weeks you’ve filled a huge trash bag with stuff, detoxed your bag or briefcase, organized your bills, turned your back on ‘free’ stuff you don’t want, saved time by smartening up your phone and email messages, detoxed your car, reminded yourself how to be happy, decluttered 50 items from your home, set up a simple filing system to take charge of paperwork, and now cleared out your closet.

So I’d like to award you your 20% Complete badge. You’ve earned it!

Collect your badge by grabbing the code here (the second one is the 20% Complete badge) and pasting it onto your blog or website .

Display the badge with pride – it shows that you’re following through on your commitment and creating a happier, more organized life for yourself.

Before You Go – Please Check In

Once you’ve completed this week’s Get Organized Mission please add a comment to let us know you’ve done your assignment and you’re keeping your commitment.

And see you back here next week!

UPDATE:

You can now get your weekly organizing mission delivered free to your inbox. Click here to sign up for 52 Organizing Missions.

Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/closetfactory/ / CC BY-ND 2.0

Related posts:

1. 30-Day Organize-athon | Day 2: Clear Out Your Hanging Closet
2. Get Organized Mission #11: Create Your Wardrobe Wishlist
3. Create Your ‘Organized Life Bedtime Routine’ [Mission #20]

Welcome to the second of our 52 Organizing Missions.

If you completed last week’s Get Organized Mission (Fill a-Hu-u-uge-Trash-Bag) you’re probably feeling pretty fabulous right now.

If not – what are you waiting for!

This week we’re getting organized on a smaller scale.

We’re about to streamline the receptacle you take with you into the world each day – purse, tote, handbag, wallet, briefcase, capacious carpetbag, whatever.

Remember – you only have to spend 30 minutes to complete the basic mission. If you want to go further check out the Extended Organizing Mission Options below.

Ready?

Get Organized Mission #2: Detox Your Briefcase/Tote/Bag

Step 1: Empty

Empty everything out of your bag (I’ll use this generic term for simplicity). Dust out any lingering detritus over a sink so your bag is lovely and clean.

Step 2: Wallet

If you have a separate pocketbook/wallet, start there.

• Remove old business cards, receipts, paper scraps, tissues, post-its, random hairclips, etc.
• Remove other items that don’t deserve the real estate – eg loyalty cards for stores you rarely visit, coffee cards you never remember to use, etc.
• Place the regularly used credit cards, store cards and ID in convenient locations in your wallet.
• Check any photos of loved ones are current and in good condition.

Step 3: Keys

Next, streamline your keys.

• Use a neat, functional keyring or case.
• Remove any keys you don’t need. If you don’t remember what they’re for, put them on a separate ‘Mystery’ keyring for later investigation.
• If you’re always fumbling with keys, consider putting them on the ring in the order you use them – eg, car, garage, mailbox, top lock, bottom lock.

Step 4: Make-Up Purse

Next, let’s tackle your make-up purse, make-up compartment in your bag, or for guys, any toiletries you carry with you.

• Remove items you don’t use regularly enough to justify their real estate.
• Discard anything old, in poor condition or funky smelling.
• Consider streamlining your daily essentials. Could you limit yourself to, say, a neutral lipstick or lipgloss, small tube of SPF hand cream, small blush with built-in mirror and brush, small mascara and small fragrance bottle?
• If you streamline the contents, consider downsizing your make-up purse too.

Step 5: Organize

Finally, return the streamlined items to your bag. Make use of compartments to help keep the contents organized.

Dos & Don’ts

• Don’t keep floating tissues, unneeded receipts, ancient mints and gum, loose coins, random pens, paper scraps, indecipherable notes.
• Do keep your streamlined wallet, keys and make-up purse, cell phone, iPod, attractive notebook, nice-to-use pen, small tissue pack or handkerchief, and diary/PDA (the target of a future organizing mission).

Extended Organizing Mission Options

Want to go beyond this 30-minute organizing mission?

• If your bag or briefcase lacks compartments, is in poor condition or out-of-touch with your current likes and lifestyle, take yourself shopping and invest in a better performer.
• If other household members want to participate let them get their backpack/briefcase/tote and join you.
• If you have other bags and briefcases you don’t love, take this opportunity to discard them. If they’re lovely, donate; if not, ditch.

Ready, Set, Go!

Remember – move quickly, act fast, don’t overthink.

Before You Go – Please Check In

You’re now accountable to your organizing mission-mates! Once you’ve completed this week’s Get Organized Mission please add a comment to let us know you’ve done your assignment and you’re keeping your commitment.
(Click ‘Comment’ at the very top of this post or scroll down to the bottom. Depending on how you’re viewing this post, one of those options will be available for you.)

And see you back here next week!

UPDATE:

You can now get your weekly organizing mission delivered to your inbox. Click here to sign up for 52 Organizing Missions.

Image by ume-y

Did you like this post? Please social bookmark it!

Related posts:

1. Get Organized Mission #1: Fill a Hu-u-uge Trash Bag
2. Get Organized Mission #6: Detox Your Car
3. 30-Day Organize-athon | Day 22: Declutter Your Bag

The 12 Days of New Year’s Resolutions

This is Day 7 of The 12 Days of New Year’s Resolutions for Better Personal Organization

I’m spending 12 days posting ideas for new year’s resolutions you might like to choose for yourself. Each day focuses on a different life area.

Remember: go for progress, not perfection.

Following is an edited extract from the introduction to Module 7: Personal Presentation in Get Organized Wizard for Smart Women. 

Day 7: Organize your Personal Presentation

We’ve all seen those make-over shows where Ms Frumpy gets a new haircut and wardrobe and – hey presto! Her whole life is transformed!

Those shows might be a tad extreme but let’s face it: the way we present ourselves to the world affects how we feel about ourselves, how people respond to us, and how we internalize the way they treat us. It can be a vicious or a virtuous circle, depending on what we see in the mirror.

So it makes sense to get organized and give ourselves the best starting point from which to face the world.

Let’s get our boots on!

Expressing your best self

Looking good:

You’ll be amazed how good you feel without clothes that are out of style, ill-fitting, don’t suit or look less than your best. Get rid of them!

Feeling good:

Same goes for clothes with bad associations, that need constant adjusting, don’t suit your lifestyle or just don’t feel nice on you.

Garment care:

Get clothes, shoes and boots dry-cleaned, mended, laundered or altered. Shape ‘em up or ship ‘em out!

Missing pieces:

After a wardrobe cleanse you’ll see what you need. Fun tops, fitted shapes, basics, neutrals, bold or bright – take inventory.

Outfits for your lifestyle:

You wear so many hats – be sure you have the outfits to match! Organize business, weekend, special occasion & whatever else your life demands.

Knowing what suits you:

Get organized to learn what suits you – colors, shapes, styles, lengths, necklines, accessories. Plus what to avoid. Take a critical look in the mirror, or ask a friend.

Coats, bags & accessories:

Do your shoes, coats, bags and accessories reflect your style? Check these items for condition, lifestyle & look.

Organizing your closet

Upgrade your hangers. Hang your clothes by look, type and color. Group tees and jumpers by warmth and color, and store them so they’re visible.

Grooming, poise & confidence

Skincare & make-up:

Organize your routine, streamline skincare and make-up products, attend to sun protection and have a look that suits.

Grooming:

Organize hair style, cut and color, brows, teeth and oral hygiene, fingernail care and polish, and toenail care.

Poise & confidence:

Organize yourself to address areas like posture, speaking up, speaking clearly, public speaking/presenting, dealing with nervous mannerisms and getting constructive feedback from people you trust.

Accoutrements

Wallet & keys:

Is your cluttered life reflected in a purse bulging with ancient receipts and a set of keys better suited to a prison guard? Then change all that – you’ll smile every time you use either one.

Diary/PDA, phone & iPod:

Ditch random paper scraps, keep all appointments in one place, update your contacts and organize your iPod playlists.

Handbag:

While a messy purse turns every attempt to find keys, money or a tissue into an ordeal, a well-organized handbag creates a lovely sense of order. Spring-clean your bag and you’ll calm your life.

Make-up purse:

Streamline the contents of your on-the-go cosmetics purse. Find small sizes of essential items and feel lighter straight away.

Question: What area of your Personal Presentation will you work on in 2009?

Note for users of Personal Presentation Wizard and Get Organized Wizard for Smart Women

Your Wizard contains guided worksheets for each one of these items, plus others, as well as additional prompts, ideas and suggestions to help you organize each one.

Monday – Day 8: Strategies for Happiness

Picture adapted from image by Aldon.

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Related posts:

1. Fresh Start: 12 Days of New Beginnings [Day 7: Personal Presentation]
2. How to be Organized in 2009: Day 1 – Personal Development
3. How to be Organized in 2009: Day 6 – Home

No matter how fabulous your outfit, a haphazard handbag will undermine your personal presentation.

Not only is an overfilled, misshapen bag a fashion faux pas, it also a time-waster when you scuba dive in search of lipgloss, an embarrassment when you can’t find a tissue, and an opportunity-killer when you ferret fruitlessly for a business card.

So how do you achieve handbag nirvana?

First, the bag itself should be practical, with enough size and compartments to suit your lifestyle. I personally fear those tiny-mouthed bags whose zip bites my hand every time I try to venture in. Ouch!

Second, it should be attractive and in good condition. A tatty, well-organized bag still looks tatty.

Next, it needs to be streamlined, containing only those items you need. This calls for discipline! Your items might include:

• Wallet
• Keys
• Attractive, nice-to-use pen
• Attractive, nice-to-use notebook
• Diary/PDA
• Cell phone
• iPod
• Small make-up purse (with mini sizes of essentials like lipgloss, mascara, a mirror, hand cream)
• Small tissue pack or handkerchief

Last, you need to regularly clean out the detritus that accumulates in every handbag, such as:

• Old tissues
• Old receipts
• Loose coins
• Random pens
• Ancient mints and gum
• Indecipherable notes and scraps of paper

By following these simple steps, you’ll be in handbag heaven.

There are plenty of tips, checklists and worksheets for organizing your Personal Presentation in Life & Goal Organizer.

Image by bbaunach

Related posts:

1. Get Organized Mission #2: Detox Your Briefcase/Tote/Bag
2. Getting Organized for a Better Memory: Use Smart Reminders
3. How to be Organized in 2009: Day 7 – Personal Presentation