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Archives for A Year Ago

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

• Self-cleaning toilets: Genius!
  The people in Switzerland are brilliant.
• Spring cleaning your yard
  Spring is right around the corner and now is the time of year when we emerge from our homes to find our yards in disarray.
• Paperless postal service
  I’m not sure this is going to catch on as fast as email, but I can see it being more popular among younger folks who have very different views of privacy in an increasingly online world.

Posted by PJ on Mar 17, 2010 | Comment | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

• Can a person clutter up his time by constantly uncluttering?
  What can we learn from Sisyphus and the economic law of diminishing returns about decluttering and organizing?
• Spherical minimalist living
  Could you take up residence in a minimalist sphere?
• RSS feeds: A primer
  If you don’t know what an RSS feed is, then this post is for you.
• Increase productivity with voice recognition software
  Dragon NaturallySpeaking claims to improve typing speeds from 35 words per minute to 120 words per dictated minute.

2008

• Brainwash your way to a clutter-free life?

Posted by PJ on Mar 10, 2010 | Comment | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

• Make time for organizing work
  Changing your focus to simple organizing tasks gives your brain time to mull over more taxing ideas in a relaxed state and give you energy to propel you to your next round of difficult work.
• Unitasker Wednesday: The Bra Dryer
  The Bra Dryer dries your bras.
• Kindle application now on iPhone
  Introducing the new Kindle application ebook reader to the iPhone.

Posted by PJ on Mar 7, 2010 | Comment | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

• Scheduling a 20 minute meeting with yourself
  Gina Trapani provides tips on mitigating the urgent to focus on the important tasks in your work day.
• A supplement to a child’s book collection
  My wife and I recently discovered the website One More Story. It is a great way to supplement your child’s book collection while increasing her reading comprehension and basic computing skills.
• Xerox pushing services that eliminate machines and cut paper use
  According to a Wall Street Journal article, Xerox is pushing consulting services that show clients how they can save money by eliminating unnecessary machines and cutting down on paper use.

Posted by PJ on Mar 3, 2010 | Comment | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

• Replace exercise DVDs with video podcasts
  I don’t have to waste space storing videos and DVDs, and I can mix up my routines by simply downloading different video podcasts.
• Unitasker Wednesday: Underground time capsule
• Purchasing the right CFL bulbs
  Martha Stewart Living had an article in their September 2008 issue that highlighted the differences of all the CFL options.
• Could your productivity benefit from a professional nagger?
  What if you didn’t have any kind of an emotional or physical connection to the person who was nagging you to keep moving?
• Workspace of the Week: Garage wonderland
  This week’s workspace of the week is Jake Loupe’s well-organized garage.
• Ask Unclutterer: What should I do with old journals?
  Should I keep or dump my old journals?
• Let go of your clutter crutches
  Keep your crutches from becoming life clutter.

2008

• Reader suggestion: Staying organized with binder clips
  Reader Christine shows us how to create a hanging file system with binder clips.
• Multifunctional home office hub
  You are sacrificing quality for quantity, but you are also saving space and did I mention it features a wireless network interface?
• Casualties of the format wars
  It is always a risky decision to make when competing formats are at each other’s throats for market dominance, but what if your early adoption choice is on the wrong end of the format wars?
• Creating extra storage and counter space in a small kitchen
  Rolling kitchen cart can provide extra space for the smallest of kitchens.
• Weekend project: Tackle the area beneath your kitchen sink
  The last thing you want to do is have to waste time clearing a path for someone who is about to cost you a hundred dollars an hour to fix the plumbing beneath your sink.

Posted by PJ on Feb 28, 2010 | Comment | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

• Never again
  It is a wise person who can learn as much from failure as success. A Never Again folder on your computer might help you be more productive in the future.
• Real Simple’s six causes for clutter
  Real Simple has a helpful list of causes for clutter.
• Best Buy takes electronics recycling program national
  You can now take your broken or out of date electronics to your local Best Buy.
• Organizing food storage wraps
  If you’re not lucky enough to have a designated drawer for food storage wraps in your kitchen, you probably have to sacrifice space in your pantry or cupboards for these items.

Posted by PJ on Feb 24, 2010 | Comment | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

• Planning your perfect day
  At the beginning of every day, I set aside five minutes to plan my perfect day. It doesn’t always turn out exactly the way I expected, but it rarely gets completely uprooted. Also, the plan is more about putting anxieties to rest than a rigid to-do list.
• Unitasker Wednesday: The Chompr
  If you want the high-end clients you’ll just have to make sure that all hamburgers are served in an elegant walnut and polished aluminum Chompr.
• Simple plug converters reduce travel clutter
  No more heavy, brick-like containers to carry your plug converters while on vacation or business travel.
• Universal cell phone charger by 2012
  A single power cord is a brilliant idea. However, I worry that Micro-USB may be irrelevant in three-years’ times.
• Workspace of the Week: Music workstation
• Ask Unclutterer: Cable clutter and wall-mounted televisions
  What is the best way to eliminate the cable clutter from my wall-mounted flat screen TV in order to give it a clean look?
• Digital books for your mobile device
  Over the course of the past few months, more electronic reading options have hit the market and we wanted to bring them to your attention.

2008

• Going paperless
  According to the New York Times article Pushing Paper Out the Door, a paperless future is coming quicker than a lot of us may think.
• The Socket Sense Surge Strip
  The size of the black cube takes up two or possibly three outlets on the strip. That’s not fair, is it?

2007

• Of wants and needs
  Never let anything cross the threshold of your home unless it’s something that you know you need or that you know you will love and cherish for a long time to come.
• Living more simply through eBay
  You don’t need to be as hip and PoMo as John Freyer–who sold all his possessions online–to see the benefit of eBay as a tool for turning clutter into cash.

Posted by PJ on Feb 21, 2010 | Comment | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

• Unclutterer article in latest issue of Real Simple magazine
  In the article “10 ways to let go of your stuff,” I spend 1,000 words talking about my transformation from a clutterer into an unclutterer on pgs. 119-120.
• Animal hoarding
  Animal hoarders are usually lonely, older individuals that accumulate a large number animals to protect them from harm.
• Collapsible funnel
  Please forgive my relatively high level of excitement for such a bland product, but sometimes it is the smallest things that make life better.
• Instructions for decluttering your home (in less than 500 words)
  How do you make the decisions to get rid of things?

2008

• Second favorite organization tool: The labelmaker
  The labelmaker is such a simple device that it belongs on my all-time list of favorite organization tools.

Posted by PJ on Feb 17, 2010 | Comment | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

• Creating a central binder for your home
  A central home binder offers a safe haven for important paper, vital contacts for anyone to access and a receptacle for health information.
• Unitasker Wednesday: Tootsie tanner
  Do you know any foot models? How about a friend with unsightly foot tan lines? This may be the product for them.
• This Valentine’s day, make a change
  Valentine’s Day this year, think about changing something you do that bothers your roommate, partner, housemate or spouse.
• Simple lists with Printable Checklist
  Printable Checklist is a site that exists for the sole purpose of basic list making.
• Workspace of the Week: An Unclutterer’s office
  This week’s workspace of the week is Erin’s newly redesigned office.
• Ask Unclutterer: Trophies, plaques, and medals
  Reader Jeannine wants to know what to do with old trophies and plaques?
• Please, use my home for your clutter
  I can’t imagine myself becoming so desperate as to rent out space in my home for others to use as storage.

2008

• Are cookbooks a thing of the past?
  The internet is slowly making cookbooks obsolete.
• Unitasker Wednesday: The pancake puff
  Do you like pancakes? If you do, you’ll probably question why you have been eating flat pancakes all of these years when you could have been eating pancakes in the shape of a ball.

Posted by PJ on Feb 14, 2010 | 1 Comment | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

• Do organized people have a bad reputation?
  Why is there the misconception that organized people spend a great amount of time looking down on people who are messy?
• Get organized on a shoestring
  When you take on an organizing project, sometimes what is convenient isn’t always in the budget. Here are some tips to help cut costs and become a little more organized.
• LendAround is a great alternative to buying
  Whatever encourages people to stop hoarding goods is a pretty good service in Unclutterer’s view.
• Tips for taming e-mail in Outlook
  I wanted to call your attention to a terrific article in this month’s issue “Six Tools to Help Tackle Overflowing Email” by Robert Scoble.

2007

• Is clutter not all that bad?
  A new book argues that too much organization can hamper creativity, and some clutter is A-OK.

Posted by PJ on Feb 10, 2010 | Comment | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

• Storing specialty hangers?
  How do you keep the non-standard hangers organized when they aren’t in use?
• Unitasker Wednesday: The snowman kit
  Snowman kits include everything except the snow!
• Flipside wallet
  I wanted to add the Flipside Wallet to the list of wallet alternatives due to the ease of use and cool design.
• ROO: Return on Organization
  A recent article in USA Today explores organization and how it can help keep expenses low in these tough economic times.
• Workspace of the Week: Crafts contained
  This week’s workspace of the week is Ali’s craft office.
• Ask Unclutterer: Corner kitchen cabinets
  The answer we discovered are storage systems that use the descriptive phrase “blind corner” in their names.
• Valentine’s day gift ideas
  Valentine’s day is here again and some of us are probably scrambling to find that perfect gift for their loved one.
• Coming in 2009: An Unclutterer book
  In late November, I signed a contract with Simon Spotlight Entertainment, an imprint of Simon and Schuster, to write an Unclutterer book.

2008

• Letting a corner of clutter slide
  Small pockets of clutter can serve as little humbling reminders that I am human and am far from perfect.
• The wireless Wii nunchuk
  Nyko, a third party supplier for gaming accessories, has Wii owners covered with the a wireless nunchuk.
• Barbecue accessory essentials
  It is the middle of winter, so what better time to dream about heading outside in the warm summertime air for a good old fashioned barbecue?
• More reasons to purge disposable plastic bags and try reusable bags
  With more stores and municipalities requiring patrons to use their own bags, we’ve compiled a more extensive list of reusable bag options — all of which collapse.
• Getting the most out of your storage closets
  How to organize and effectively maintain a storage closet in your home.

Posted by PJ on Feb 8, 2010 | 3 Comments | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

• Seeing spring
  Before most people realize that spring is on the horizon, now is a great time to get ahead of the curve and start making appointments for all of your spring cleaning activities.
• Compulsive clutter in New York City
  While readers of Unclutterer may be familiar with hoarding, it is a psychological ailment that still isn’t understood by much of the general public. It is encouraging to see these journalism students work to increase public awareness about the disorder’s damaging effects.
• Baby safety clutter
  After browsing through an unsolicited baby product magazine that I received in the mail, I am now aware of the products that over protective parents just can’t live without.
• Tracking your favorite wines
  If you’re a wine enthusiast, check out the list of online and software programs that might suit your needs, download one of the iPhone applications, or consider starting a wine notebook.

2008

• Book review: Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat?
  Peter Walsh’s latest book provides tips for treating your body with honor and respect.

Posted by PJ on Feb 3, 2010 | 3 Comments | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

• E-mail Resolution: Enabling multiple device communication and spam filtering improvements
  2009 is the year that I get e-mail under control, and I start by fixing two major problems.
• Unitasker Wednesday: Japanese face slimmer
  I’m not exactly sure how the face slimming actually works (crushes your bones? causes you to sweat so much you become dehydrated?), but don’t let things like “doubt” stop you from ordering this attractive item.
• Folding kitchen island
  The folding island saves on space in the kitchen and it also serves you well while you need extra counter space.
• GarageBand rocks more with less
  The new iLife ‘09 suite updates GarageBand with several exciting new features that will help beginner, and even advanced, guitarists keep their hobby clutter-free.

Posted by PJ on Jan 31, 2010 | 2 Comments | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

• Preserving digitized photographs
  What to do after you have your print photographs digitized.
• Positives from downsizing our home
  We have saved about fifty percent on home energy costs.
• Wireless kitchen
  Powermat wants to put an end to power cords in the kitchen.
• An efficiency becomes efficient
  Architect Gary Chang’s Hong Kong apartment is the gold standard in space-saving solutions.
• Advertise

2008

• Stop hoarding magazines
  Many magazines are now putting their entire publishing history on CDs or DVDs.

Posted by PJ on Jan 27, 2010 | 2 Comments | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

• Kick the procrastination habit
  The Scientific American says that to get past the procrastination habit, plan time-specific actions into your schedule.
• Unitasker Wednesday: The flying alarm clock
  At the appointed alarm time, the attached propeller launches and flies away from the base station. An audible alarm can only be silenced by the user retrieving the propeller and returning it to its base.
• Uncluttered home office design
  On top of the sleek and modern design the K Workstation would definitely cut down on my desk’s footprint by about 50%.
• Let go of anger and cut people slack
  Continually focusing on others’ imperfections can easily clutter up our lives and get in the way of a remarkable life.
• Workspace of the Week: Office makeover
  This week’s workspace is Tabitha’s refreshed space.
• Ask Unclutterer: How can I change someone into an unclutterer?
  Tips for how to live with someone who is a clutterbug.
• Donating clothing to Vietnam Veterans of America
  The VVA is a great cause, they make clothing donation easy, and it unclutters your closets and dressers.

2008

• Book review: One Year to an Organized Life
  If you’re in the market for a comprehensive, concrete, methodical guide to home organization, Regina Leeds’ latest book is an excellent place to start.
• Keep your tax documents organized
  When it comes to clutter the federal government has all of us beat. The tax code alone is over 60,000 pages and continues to grow by leaps and bounds.

Posted by PJ on Jan 24, 2010 | 1 Comment | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

• Storing board games and puzzles
  If board game and puzzle organization has you stumped, here are some suggestions for getting your games in order.
• Soundbar includes Blu-ray, Netflix and Pandora
  With all of the features that are included in this speaker it is a decent option for those of us who want to keep our cable clutter under control without sacrificing our sound or entertainment options
• Safe storage for your digital data
  You may want to take a look at the ioSafe Solo. It is a fireproof and waterproof hard drive enclosure that can protect your data and your digital mementos.
• Hiring a professional organizer
  If you decide to hire a professional organizer, start by looking for someone who is diplomatic, empathetic, willing to listen, non-judgmental, creative, patient, and trustworthy.

Posted by PJ on Jan 20, 2010 | 2 Comments | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

• Productivity and organizing insights found in Lean systems
  Programs that strive to increase productivity in the workplace are usually worthwhile systems that increase morale and creative thinking, instead of stifle it. Additionally, most have proven records of increasing quality and efficiency.
• Unitasker Wednesday: The book brush
  I don’t know about you, but I have a serious problem with dust covered books in my home.
• TripIt organizes your travel itinerary
  For those of you who travel quite a bit this looks like a helpful tool to keep your travel information in one place.
• Choose from the heart: Clutter free and feeling fine
  Danielle LaPorte heads helpful advice for keeping your clutter under control.
• Study: Disorder begets disorder
  A new study finds that mess creates more mess.
• Workspace of the Week: Simple split desk
  This week’s workspace is Nicole’s simple and small office.
• Ask Unclutterer: Exhausted after work
  How do you stay on top of your chores if both members of the household work demanding jobs all day?
• Power strips that work well with wall warts
  Three alternatives to traditional power strips. These alleviate or reduce the space-hogging wall wart problem.

2008

• Reader suggestion: Cleaning ornaments
  Clean ornaments with compressed air.
• Storing coffee
  Is your coffee equipment taking over your kitchen?
• Unitasker Wednesday: Snowball maker
  This contraption will supply you with round snowballs that your enemies will envy.
• Techniques for taming pet fur tumbleweeds
  Institute a few changes in your behavior to keep pet fur bunnies from multiplying out of control.

Posted by PJ on Jan 17, 2010 | 1 Comment | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

• Book review: Career Renegade
  If you’re ready to have a career you love, then Career Renegade is the book for you.
• Classic and timeless toys are the way to go
  My daughter has received some rather gimmicky toys over her first couple years and we have been pretty good at predicting which toys will be the duds.
• Fix My HTML
  Having trouble trimming down your HTML code?
• Winter storage event at Home Depot
  Home Depot is currently holding a sale on all storage products until January 31.
• Design Public’s Organization Blog Fest
  The website Design Public is hosting an Organization Blog Fest for the month of January.

2008

• Making your resolutions a reality

2007

• Take-out menu filer
  Every time you get a take-out menu, put it in a binder for easy access.

Posted by PJ on Jan 14, 2010 | 3 Comments | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

• Book review: The Power of Less
  If you are looking for sound advice on how to improve your productivity, The Power of Less will help you to be more efficient in all your dealings.
• Unitasker Wednesday: Paw plunger
  Apparently, someone has become tired of wiping their dog’s paws so they decided to introduce the Paw Plunger to the dog owning public.
• The multi-tasking unitasker: Bag TV
  There is some hope for those of you who didn’t receive that new designer bag and that new LCD television.
• Keeping new year’s resolutions from NPR’s Science Friday
  Clinical psychologist John Norcross provides information on how to increase the odds of keeping new year’s resolutions.
• Workspace of the Week: Wall writing
  This week’s workspace of the week is Hillary’s home office.
• Ask Unclutterer: Sell or donate?
  In the first installment of Ask Unclutterer, we answer the question of what to sell vs. what to donate.
• January is Get Organized Month
  The National Association of Professional Organizers has once again declared January Get Organized Month.

2008

• Sony and Borders join e-book forces
• Unitasker Wednesday: Spinmallow
  Why roast a marshmallow like a caveman using a stick when you can sit back and relax while the Spinmallow does all the work.

Posted by PJ on Jan 10, 2010 | Comment | Tweet This

A year ago on Unclutterer

2009

• Win a time management seminar with Julie Morgenstern
  Win one of two free tickets to Time Management for the New Year by Julie Morgenstern.
• Desk by Jarl Fernaeus
  The stool/desk combo features some very useful compartments that can cut down on wire clutter and it also has some great solutions for storage.
• Stay at My Home
  The compact sleeping solution includes a mattress, removable drawer, lamp, and carpet, and is stored in and around a side table when not in use.
• Happy birthday to us!
  Today marks the second anniversary of Unclutterer.
• Winner announced for time management seminar with Julie Morgenstern
  Winners of our contest to participate in an online seminar with Julie Morgenstern.

2008

• Post-holiday cleanup, part 3

Posted by PJ on Jan 6, 2010 | Comment | Tweet This

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