July 13, 2011
An Organizer’s Bag of Tricks
When I show up at a client’s home or office, I always bring my bag of tricks. Unfortunately, I don’t have a magic wand so I can effortlessly whip the space into shape. (I’m working on it.) Instead, my bag of tricks consists of the tools I have on hand to run a seamless organizing session.
I imagine professional organizers in other cities with beautifully designed car trunks full of supplies with everything they could ever need for a client visit. But in New York City, we have to be as efficient and practical as possible, because without cars, we schlep our tools around. Sometimes I feel like a pack mule.
This week, I have a sneak peak into my fabulous work bag. Hopefully, you’ll learn some tricks of the trade that you can use when getting organized.
I shopped for the perfect work bag for weeks looking for something durable, yet sleek with lots of compartments. I settled on this bag from Lululemon (in black). Love it. With all the pockets, my tools have a home, which is important to keep a bag organized. For more tips on organizing your purse or bag, check out my blog post.
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Lululemon Fast In Flight Tote |
So what are the “magical” tools in my bag? Here’s the list:
- Labels – Colored removable dots, address labels, file folder labels, box labels, key tags. You name it. I’ve got it.
- Label Maker – I love my compact P-Touch 1090. Plus extra label tape and batteries.
- General Supplies – Tape measure, pens, mechanical pencils, Sharpies, highlighters, mini-stapler, extra staples, tape, scissors, paper clips, binder clips, and a letter opener all in one case.
- Compact Camera – For before and after photos.
- Furniture Sliders – For reconfiguring rooms.
- Clipboard – A must to keep papers organized.
- Paper Products – Post-it Notes, note cards, envelopes, file folders, printer paper and graph paper for project plans.
- NYC Map – Better safe than sorry.
- Rubber Gloves – You never know.
- Mini-Medicine Cabinet – Band-Aids (for evil paper cuts), hand sanitizer, hand lotion, hair ties, bobby pins, Kleenex, gum, Tic Tacs, and pain reliever all in one case.
- Notebooks – One for general business that never leaves my side and one for client notes.
- Client Files – To keep file folders from wear and tear on the go, slip them into a plastic cover like this.
- Personal Essentials – Wallet, keys, business cards, Blackberry, sunglasses, Fresh lip treatment, a bottle of water, and snacks. (A hungry organizer is not a happy organizer.)
Using solely the contents of my bag and my organizing skillz, I do my best to keep clients happy and get them organized.
My other trick is that I created a checklist of all these items, which I keep in my work bag. When I notice I’m running low on something, I quickly make note on the checklist so I don’t forget to replace or replenish it.
Am I missing any must-have items in my bag? I’d love to hear from you!