Brashinger: Get organized in 2012

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Emily Smith (right) and Breakthrough Urban Ministries reading specialist Gynger Garcia are organizing a common office space for Garcia and three other staffers who are giving up their offices for a weight-training area for clients. | Supplied photo

Updated: February 23, 2012 8:05AM

Several weeks into the new year, most of us know in which direction our 2012 resolutions are heading.

Despite the short time that has passed, many people already have given up, disappointed that they haven’t been able to meet their goals immediately.

Frankfort resident Emily Smith, owner of Simplify with Smith, thinks there is a great resolution anyone can keep — just get organized.

Smith said January, National Get Organized Month sponsored by the National Association of Professional Organizing, is the right time and a great way for everyone to start the new year.

The 30-year-old entrepreneur uses her business degree from Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights and her degree from the Professional Organizers Training Institute in Oregon to help people take control of their personal and business spaces without breaking the bank or feeling overwhelmed.

“I’ve always had a passion for it, always loved to organize,” Smith said. “Ever since I was a little kid — 8 years old — I had to have the kitchen counters cleaned off. Even the mail had to be off the counters.”

Now, Smith is helping others make “a place for everything and everything in its place,” from her first client’s closet organization to helping people organize their entire home. She said organization is not only a time-saver and stress-reliever, but it saves money, too.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in clients’ homes and they found duplicates of items they already have,” Smith said.

She said a cluttered home also can be a source of depression and even anger. Smith said about 85 percent of spousal arguments are caused by clutter and disorganization.

Smith said whether you tackle the clutter yourself or get professional help, there are several tips to follow.

♦ Only keep what you use, need and love.

♦ Keep one calendar.

♦ Do one organizing job daily for about 15 minutes.

♦ Have a place for everything and follow through consistently.

Smith has a 31-day organizational Facebook page, Simplify with Smith, with more tips to help anyone who wants to get organized.

For those who fear having their personal information compromised by bringing someone into their home, there is good news. The NAPO group, of which Smith is a member, has a strict code of ethics for members. All client information remains confidential, Smith said.

Smith said most people with clutter aren’t hoarders, but may fear they are. Typically, someone who can’t throw things away is just “chronically disorganized” and may only need someone to help them get started.

“That’s my ultimate goal, to get a system in place that people will maintain and that works for the whole household,” Smith said. “You’ve got to make organization kindergarten-easy.”

Smith is a business person with a heart. She is donating her services to the nonprofit Breakthrough Urban Ministries of Chicago, an organization whose good work impresses Smith. She is helping to organize a common office area for four staff members who have given up individual spaces and a large storage area in the building.

For more information, go to www.simplifywithsmith.com or contact Smith at Emily@simplifywithsmith.com or (708) 439-0703.