5 Questions with Chelsey Lauer, Founder & CEO, JLB Simplify

Now that the holidays are over, retail ads have transitioned from gifts and holiday decorations to endless storage solutions, totes, and containers, all promising a quick fix to create an organized home.

Valley News recently visited with Chelsey Lauer, Founder & CEO of JLB Simplify, a professional organizing service provider, for expert advice on tackling clutter at home.

Tell us a bit about why you started JLB Simplify.

I was organized before I had kids, and as an organized person it drove me nuts that I couldn't keep my house clutter free after having them. I wanted to create a service to help other people like me, who were overwhelmed by the state of their homes, and due to some life changes needed extra help and guidance with getting their home organized again.

Many people place "getting organized" on their list of new year's resolutions. What are your general tips for those who are trying to get more organized at home?

Start by deciding what areas of your home you want to organize and then decide which areas are a higher priority. When you decide to organize any area, set aside a minimum of 2-3 hours where you can work on the project. Have bags for trash available and create a pile for donation items. Then focus on removing as many trash and donation items from the area which will make the area less visually overwhelming.

Create specific homes for everything. The homes can be a broad category such as "First Aid" or "Sports". Having small groups of items scattered throughout the home is not only stressful when you are looking for something but also makes letting go of items harder. When we don't really know what we have, and we can't see it all at the same time, we tend to want to keep everything "just in case" we need it. Once everything is in one area, it will be easier to make decisions on what can stay and what can go as well as how best to store the items.

What are some basic steps you suggest for someone to get started organizing their home in January?

Figure out what areas you want to be more organized and then think about what is functional about the area and what frustrates you about the area.

Create an "Organizing Tool Box" so when you are ready to start a new organizing project you don't get discouraged by not being able to find supplies. In your tool box you should have trash bags, Post-It notes (for labeling piles), a marker, masking tape, and miscellaneous sized resealable plastic storage bags.

Find a donation center near you and know the days and times for donation drop off. It is best to remove donation items within a few days after completing an organizing project.

Set realistic goals. Try to do one large project a month, such as the garage, basement, or kitchen. If that feels overwhelming or if you want to do more, try to do one small to medium sized job every other week, such as a bathroom or linen closet.

At what point should someone reach out to a professional organizer?

If you feel stuck and can't figure out what to do first. This is a common feeling to have especially after any life changes.

If you or a family member need help with the manual labor aspect of getting organized.

If you simply don't have the time, don't like organizing, or need an extra pair of hands to tackle a project.

What kinds of assistance can a professional organizer provide?

A professional organizer can help with implementing a new organizing system in your home. This can make keeping up with the day to day issues much easier.

A professional organizer is also helpful when dealing with projects that can be emotional. Having a third party there can help you focus and make decisions.

JLB Simplify can specifically provide assistance with unpacking and hew home organization, donation removal, organizing product recommendations, paperwork organization, and virtual organizing for anyone who just wants some guidance from a professional.

Lauer is offering Valley News readers a free copy of the JLB Simplify 4-Step Organizing Booklet and Video. Visit http://www.jlbsimplify.com/diyorganizing-booklets--videos.html and use the promo code GVNEWS to download the booklet and video.

For more information on JLB Simplify, visit www.JLBsimplify.com.