The Speak Organized Podcast

7 Tips to Make Getting Organized for Back to School a Breeze

Somehow, summer is almost over and most of us are thinking about our back to school 2022 routine. As an organizer, I help many busy families gear up for the school year so I invite you to tune in for these tips to get organized with me. Let’s go! 
 
SPECIAL OFFERS 👇
 
Now is the time to take action towards living a more organized lifestyle! Start TODAY by joining my Better Habits in 30 Days Challenge 👇USE CODE: EARLYBIRD2022 for $5 off. 
 
https://www.melaniesummerscoaching.com/better-habits-hub 
 
Snag a copy of my FREE Back To School Shopping lists to take some of the stress and pressure off your shoulders to get organized 👇
 
http://www.ispeakorganized.com/back-to-school-lists 
 
Thank you to AJA & MORE for sponsoring today’s video! Their home laundry room organizational solutions are the absolute best. Please join me by supporting this top notch small business 👇
 
Follow them on Instagram for laundry day humor, laundry tips and of course, their organizational products. https://www.instagram.com/ajanmore/
 
Shop directly from their website https://www.ajanmore.com/
OR
Shop from their Amazon storefront 👇
https://www.amazon.com/stores/AJAMORE%C2%AE/page/989C5DB3-265B-4742-A505-91D1819D98C5?ref_=ast_bln 
 
Here’s what we’re discussing in today’s episode 👇
 
Declutter their wardrobe. Keep a list handy so you can write down items that need to be replaced during your back to school shopping extravaganza. 
Review their school shopping list. Check their backpacks, desks, and art supplies to see what you already have. Then, grab that list and start to plan your purchases.
Create and organize bathroom morning routine spaces. Use divides in drawers to keep hygiene and hair products easily accessible and organized.
Compile a master list of lunch ideas. If you have 20-50 ideas, you’ll be able to rotate through them throughout the year without your kids getting totally burnt out. Checkout and download lists from Pinterest or create your own! Then, plug these lunches into your weekly meal plan so you know what you're packing each morning. Bonus: Many sandwiches can be made ahead of time and put in the freezer to easily grab and go in the morning.
Create a transition zone near the main entrance of your house. Each person should have a set of hooks and bins or cubbies to store coats, shoes, and backpacks. Start practicing this routine before those morning rushes hit.
Set up homework stations. Designate a space or grab a portable file box for kids to keep their papers organized and easy to find. Stock their stations with supplies they might need to complete their homework and set out snacks and water.
Set up an archival file box for art work and special projects/assignments. Use a stacking bin or memorabilia box to contain zipper pouches from each school year. Label the zipper pouches by year and store them chronologically in the bin or box for each child. 
 
Bonus tips: Find ways to celebrate back to school! Grab a couple story books about the first day of school, help your kids choose a fun outfit, and grab a couple small gifts - one for your kids and one for the teachers.
 
Hope you Enjoy! 
 
LINKS 👇
 
Clothing Recycle Bag from For Days - https://fordays.com/products/take-back-bag
Stacking bin for art work - https://amzn.to/3bKpnFa
Acrylic school supplies organizer - https://amzn.to/3zNE6qN
IKEA letter tray - https://amzn.to/3w0JC8a
Mesh zipper pouches - https://amzn.to/3C3j8XK
White woven storage baskets - https://amzn.to/3PhRQzF 
Bento sandwich cutter shapes - https://amzn.to/3dnqESP 
Shoe rack for entryway - https://amzn.to/3zTVlqg 
Acrylic drawer organizers - https://amzn.to/3dpaDf8 
 
Watch this podcast episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/rdc1uHO3tJU 
 
If you’re new to my channel, my name is Melanie and I’m a Professional Organizer and Productivity Coach. I help hard working families and professionals find form in their space and purpose for every phase of life. 
 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ispeakorganized 
Facebook - https://www.fb.com/ispeakorganized 
OR join my private Facebook group! https://www.fb.com/groups/ispeakorganizedpnw
Website - https://www.ispeakorganized.com

It’s NEVER Too Late to Start Your Own Business - Interview with Shannon McKinney

If you are just starting or leveling up your Pro Organizing Business, this is a great interview with tons of tips to build a better biz the right way.
 
Shannon and I discuss 👇
 
Customer relationship management and other automation software
Benefits of NAPO
Subcontracting work
How it’s NEVER too late to jump in and start your own career that fills you with purpose and excitement
 
Follow Shannon on Instagram 👇
 
https://www.instagram.com/holman_hope_/ 
 
SPECIAL OFFERS 👇
 
Need help figuring out your next steps in starting or growing your pro organizing business? Schedule a low cost consultation with me and get ALL your questions answered! Hurry and get on my calendar before it fills up for the month 😱👇
http://www.ispeakorganized.com/become-a-professional-organizer 
 
Grab my complete Pro Organizer Forms Pack - NINE done-for-you forms that are 100% customizable 👇 USE CODE YTPRO8 for $8 OFF at checkout.
https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/po-forms-pack
 
Thanks for stopping by. Consider becoming part of the Speaker Fam and subscribing to this channel for more home organization and decluttering tips + coaching to start a professional organizing business.
 
If you’re new to my channel, my name is Melanie and I’m a Professional Organizer and Productivity Coach. I help hard working families and professionals find form in their space and purpose for every phase of life. 
 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ispeakorganized 
Facebook - https://www.fb.com/ispeakorganized 
OR join my private Facebook group! https://www.fb.com/groups/ispeakorganizedpnw
Website - https://www.ispeakorganized.com
Hours Keeper App - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appxy.hourskeepernew&hl=en_US&gl=US

What to Do (besides screen time) When Your Kids Say, “I’m Bored!”

9 kid's activities to get them off their screens and enjoying the last days of summer!
 
As summer winds down, we’re in that limbo phase between soccer camp and the first day of school. This is our chance to savor some unscheduled time with our family before the school year. The flip side is lacking a routine that has our kids saying, “I’m bored” all month long. I aim to not only share some great kid’s activities with you, but also change your mindset surrounding boredom.
 
SPECIAL OFFERS 👇
To dive in and take action towards achieving your goals before the end of 2022, start by joining Better Habits in 30 Days 👇USE CODE: EARLYBIRD2022 for $5 off. 
 
https://www.melaniesummerscoaching.com/better-habits-hub 
 
Stay connected and join my Facebook Group! 👇
 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ispeakorganized 
Facebook - https://www.fb.com/ispeakorganized 
OR join my private Facebook group! https://www.fb.com/groups/ispeakorganizedpnw 
Website - https://www.ispeakorganized.com

Do I need to get certified to run a Professional Organizing business?

Oh man, this is a JUICY topic! My coaching clients ask me this question a lot so I’m gonna spill the tea and tell you all about the reality of getting certified as a professional organizer to start a professional organizing business. 
 
SPECIAL OFFERS 👇
 
Need help figuring out your next steps in starting or growing your pro organizing business? Schedule a low cost consultation with me and get ALL your questions answered! Hurry and get on my calendar before it fills up for the month 😱👇
http://www.ispeakorganized.com/become-a-professional-organizer 
 
Grab my complete Pro Organizer Forms Pack - NINE done-for-you forms that are 100% customizable 👇 USE CODE YTPRO8 for $8 OFF at checkout.
https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/po-forms-pack
 
Thanks for stopping by. Consider becoming part of the Speaker Fam and subscribing to this channel for more home organization and decluttering tips + coaching to start a professional organizing business.
 
If you’re new to my channel, my name is Melanie and I’m a Professional Organizer and Productivity Coach. I help hard working families and professionals find form in their space and purpose for every phase of life. 
 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ispeakorganized 
Facebook - https://www.fb.com/ispeakorganized 
OR join my private Facebook group! https://www.fb.com/groups/ispeakorganizedpnw
Website - https://www.ispeakorganized.com
 
Disclaimer: This is my opinion and personal experience with starting my business. I encourage you to seek additional opinions or schedule a call with me to discuss this subject and resources in more detail. 
 
Do you need a certification to start an organizing business?
When is it a good idea to get certified?
What are the pros and cons of certification? 
What are the most reputable options for certification? 
 
Resource Links 👇👇
 
https://www.napo.net/page/joinNAPO - National Association of Productivity and Professional Organizing 
https://www.challengingdisorganization.org/ - Institute for Challenging Disorganization 
 
https://www.qcdesignschool.com/online-courses/professional-organizing/ - QC Design School Professional Organizer Course 
 
https://www.iapcollege.com/program/professional-organizer-course/ - IAP Career College Professional Organizer Course 
https://konmari.com/consulting/ - KonMari Certification Course

Summer of 2022: How to Simplify Your Life in 4 Easy Ways

I had such high expectations for myself in 2022, particularly in business. Daily life seemed to be more stable and businesses were opening back up so I set my sights on growing in 2022. Well let me tell ya, I was the last one to admit that my expectations were NOT realistic. I planned on launching a few courses and an online membership this year, designing tons of free monthly training, meal planning and prepping, launching this weekly podcast,  and being home as much as possible with my girls. 
 
I certainly accomplished a lot of those things but also realized that I needed to adjust my goals and simplify my schedule DRASTICALLY. 👈 Can you relate? I’m certain you can…
 
Today we’re going to talk about implementing The Summer of Simplicity. I’m challenging myself to simplify life and I’d love for you to join me in this challenge. 
 
SPECIAL OFFERS 👇
 
To dive in and take action towards achieving your goals before the end of 2022, start by joining Better Habits in 30 Days 👇USE CODE: EARLYBIRD2022 for $5 off. 
 
https://www.melaniesummerscoaching.com/better-habits-hub 
 
Snag a copy of my focus calendar to start designing a simplified schedule for the rest of your summer 👇
 
http://www.ispeakorganized.com/focus-calendar
 
Here is $120 for you to enjoy Thistle with me! 👇
 
https://www.thistle.co/?referral_key=MELANI8844 
 
When you sign up with my referral code, you will get $120 off five weeks worth of craveable, nutritious, and ready-to-eat meals delivered free straight to your door.  Stop worrying about how you will eat healthy and start feeling incredible by adding Thistle into your routine.
 
Here’s what we’re discussing in today’s episode 👇
 
The Summer of Simplicity Challenge - Each week for the next 6 weeks
 
Cancel a subscription or email newsletter
Take one thing off your plate 
Tackle one 10-20 minute decluttering project
Schedule designated free time
 
Hope you enjoy!

The Easiest, Organized Laundry Routine in 5 Simple Steps

Want to know what a professional organizer’s laundry routine is like? My goal is to help my clients (and YOU) get out from under the laundry avalanche, stop the procrastination that leads to needing MASSIVE amounts of laundry motivation for hours, and take back your free time to focus on what you ACTUALLY want to do. 
 
The I Speak Organized Laundry System has helped people create a laundry routine that runs virtually on autopilot. Stress less about lost socks and mildew from clothes forgotten in the washer, and enjoy your free time to focus on other things!
Special Offers 👇
 
To dive in and take action towards achieving your goals before the end of 2022, start by joining the waitlist for my new laundry mini course. Click the link below to join Better Habits in 30 Days 👇
 
https://www.melaniesummerscoaching.com/better-habits-hub 
 
Want to get started with a better laundry routine? Check out the link below for my Weekly Laundry Routine Planner! This will help you get those piles under control - no matter how overwhelming it all seems.  
 
https://ispeakorganized.com/laundry-printable 
Stay connected and join my Facebook Group! 👇
 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ispeakorganized 
Facebook - https://www.fb.com/ispeakorganized 
OR join my private Facebook group! https://www.fb.com/groups/ispeakorganizedpnw 
Website - https://www.ispeakorganized.com
 
Instructions for using castile soap for laundry 
Here’s what we’re covering in today’s episode 👇
 
Step 0. Create a clothing decluttering routine that repeats throughout the year or is triggered by running out of space.
 
Step 1. Simplify the products you use to clean.
 
Step 2. Use small laundry baskets and limit how many you have per family member.
 
Step 3. Create a weekly routine based first on members of your household and then by type. 
 
Step 4. Establish your laundry flow at either the beginning or the end of the day.
Thanks for stopping by and hope you enjoy! 

5 Myths About Professional Organizers

Let me ask you a question… and I want you to be honest (since you’re just over there thinking the answer to yourself.) When you think of a professional organizer, how do you picture them? Their home is always put together? They judge their friends every time they get invited over for dinner? They only help wealthy clients with lots of money?
 
Y’all… I hear these assumptions or some form of them all the time. So I’m here to set the record straight and bust 5 of the most common myths about pro organizers. My goal is to show you the value in hiring a good professional organizer and how that partnership could help you live the lifestyle you truly deserve.
 
Here are the myths we’re talking about in today’s episode 👇
 
Our homes are always perfectly organized
They will judge me and my home
They’ll make me get rid of everything 
They’ll make me file fold and color code my whole wardrobe
They are for famous people with lots of expendable income
Bonus - I can’t hire one because that means I’m lazy and should be able to do it myself
 
Special offers 👇
 
Use the code: EARLYBIRD2022 for an exclusive discount to my awesome mini course - Better Habits in 30 Days. You’ll be on your way creating more time in your day to get things done AND still have #metime 
http://www.melaniesummerscoaching.com/better-habits-hub  
 
Join my Facebook group! It’s a super supportive community with access to free training and tips to help you live a more organized and productive life. http://www.facebook.com/groups/ispeakorganizedpnw 
 
Hope you enjoy!

How to Find Freedom, Fun, and Harmony in Life Through Better Time Management | Interview with Megan Sumrell

Whenever I talk to folks about productivity practices and time management, I’m surprised that there is still this idea that being productive means cramming your schedule with priorities and finding the perfect system or hack that will help you balance it all and get it all done in as little time as possible. I am on a mission, along with my fabulous podcast guest today, to help you simplify life’s clutter and employ the mindset shifts that will allow you to be truly productive and take back your free time. 
 
I’m pleased to interview Megan Sumrell, host of the Work and Life Harmony podcast, Productivity Coach and Time Management Expert. Megan shares some dynamite mindset shifts that got me rethinking my own concepts of finding balance in my life and what that really means. You definitely don’t want to miss what she has to say so stick around, let’s get into it. 
 
Special Offers 👇
 
Join my free Facebook group 👇
http://www.facebook.com/groups/ispeakorganizedpnw
 
Check out Megan’s Pink Bee app in your app store!
 
Sign up for Megan’s bootcamp 👇
www.thetopbootcamp.com 
 
Learn more about Megan 👇
 
Megan Sumrell is a former corporate techie turned entrepreneur.  As a business owner, mom, and wife, she knows exactly how hard it is to juggle #allthethings while still maintaining your own sense of self and purpose. When her daughter was born in 2010, life as she knew it completely changed.  After struggling to manage work, motherhood, family, etc, Megan set about a new way to manage her time and organize her calendar.  She took her 20+ year career in systems and processes and applied it to one of her favorite things…time management!
 
As a Time Management Coach for women seeking Work+Life Harmony, Megan teaches specific strategies to help women get on top of their time, calendar and goals while getting rid of stress, overwhelm, and exhaustion.
 
Her proprietary planning approach is the only "feminine" planning system that works from the "bottom up."  It acknowledges that women have a lot on their plates and gives pragmatic, real-world strategies to help women manage #allthethings.  Her courses and planner teach exactly how to plan your weeks and days to maximize productivity and efficiency while still allowing for flexibility and down time.
 
She is the creator of the TOP Program and TOP Planner, a program and planner that teaches her proprietary system and processes regarding time management, organization and productivity for women.   
__________
 
Thanks for stopping by. Consider becoming part of the Speaker Fam and subscribing to this channel for more home organization and decluttering tips + coaching to start a professional organizing business.
 
If you’re new to my channel, my name is Melanie and I’m a Professional Organizer and Productivity Coach. I help hard working families and professionals find form in their space and purpose for every phase of life. 
 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ispeakorganized 
Facebook - https://www.fb.com/ispeakorganized 
OR join my private Facebook group! https://www.fb.com/groups/ispeakorganizedpnw
Website - https://www.ispeakorganized.com

Organize Any Space in 10 Minutes or Less

When it comes to getting organized, the key to lasting progress comes down to one word - Maintenance. 
 
In order to keep the results of a hard-fought decluttering and organizing session you’ll need a simple routine to help make that progress stick. 
 
Today I’m going to be sharing one of the organizing principles I teach all my clients and students - it’s called the 10 Minute Reset. I’m spilling all my tips and mindset shifts to make this principle work for you. 
 
Special Offers 👇
 
To dive in and take action towards achieving your goals, start by joining the waitlist for my newly updated mini course - Better Habits in 30 Days. Click the link below to join the waitlist
 
https://www.ispeakorganized.com/course-waitlist
 
Want to get started living an organized + productive life? Check out the link below for my Decluttering Roadmap! This is my signature 6-step process to tackle any organizing project - no matter how overwhelming it may seem.  
 
https://www.ispeakorganized.com/decluttering-roadmap
Thanks for stopping by. Consider becoming part of the Speaker Fam and subscribing to this channel for more home organization and decluttering tips + coaching to start a professional organizing business.
 
If you’re new to my channel, my name is Melanie and I’m a Professional Organizer and Productivity Coach. I help hard working families and professionals find form in their space and purpose for every phase of life. 
 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ispeakorganized 
Facebook - https://www.fb.com/ispeakorganized 
OR join my private Facebook group! https://www.fb.com/groups/ispeakorganizedpnw
Website - https://www.ispeakorganized.com

Easy Project Planning with Sortifi - For Pro Organizers

When you're working on an organizing project, it's not always easy to get your clients to visualize the final product. That's why we do all of these extra things like space mapping, project planning, taking super detailed measurements, providing specific product suggestions and making sure that that vision becomes their reality.
All of these things are essential to running a successful organizing business, but they're also very time consuming and there's no specific tool to help us with any of it. Or is there? 
In today's episode of the speak organized podcast, I am pleased to interview professional organizer, Kristy of KLP Organizing based out of Southwest Florida. We talk about everything - from her leaving her corporate job to start her organizing business, what it's like to be a member of NAPO, and how during the pandemic, she was able to use her background in engineering to build a software specifically for professional organizers, to help them with project planning called Sortifi.
Kristy is awesome. She's got a lot of great things to share. So you're definitely going to want to stick around. Let's get into it. 
 
Snag 15% off your subscription to Sortifi - Use code ISPEAKORGANIZED15 at checkout.
Join my exclusive Facebook group!
Contact Kristy for info about Sortifi.