I once thought that if I ever did anything major in my life, I would have no one to thank but myself. My innate perseverance that knows no boundaries, Gods blessings, and even good karma can get me through almost anything! Luckily, I have realized over timeespecially in writing this bookthat many people have contributed not only to my writing but also, more important, to my life, thus making this book possible.
The most important person in my professional life was my very first organizing client, Palmer Jaffe, who eventually became a wonderful friend, my American mother, and my guardian angel. She supported my work from day one and led me to Dr. Arlene Taylor. And she and her family have given me a special place in their hearts while I was frantically working away. Without her, there would be no book. She is definitely the right-brain anchor here.
The one and only Dr. Taylor (whose thesis Ive extrapolated from) has had a major influence on my work: an intellectual mentor and a shining example of what I want eventually to become. Her highly energized mind has overseen the manuscript from conception to delivery with tender criticisms, insight, and encouragement. She is the anchor.
Another frontal right, Ilene Segalove, must be acknowledged for her editorial strengths and comments throughout this endless eleven rewrites per chapter saga. Her intelligence, humor, and true soul sister conversations were deeply appreciated and always much needed. Shes not only my cosmic sister but also a total superstar!
Other Innovating and Harmonizing individuals who should be thanked are: Patti Bloomfield, Rhonda Bowen, Jennifer Butler, Debbie Davies, Reverend Janet Garvey-Stangvik, Tim Guetzlaff, Leslie Jonath, Ken Hamlet, Suzie Heller, Isabella, Barry Izsak, Gary Jaffe, Vida Jaffe, Peggy Liles, Professor James Mullens, Barry Robison, Lisa Sarasohn, and Amy Siu.
On the left side of the brain are those wonderful prioritizing andmaintaining folks. My agent, Stephanie Kip Rostan, at Levine Greenberg Literary Agency, who really believed that this book was such a great idea from day one and who was there 24/7, answered my juvenile questions with kindness and professionalism. A true gem! My editor, Julie Mente, at St. Martins Press, did all the things that I didnt want to do with ease, clarity, precision, and especially enthusiasm at the end of it. Youre a keeper! Finally my copyeditor, Ann Adelman, who really worked diligently and gave my manuscript a good working over. What a true talent and blessing you are. The readers will be indebted to you. Thanks, also, everyone at Levine Greenberg and St. Martins Press who worked on this book. In their own way. Thank you so very much.
Continuing on the Maintaining quadrant is Christine Palenthe first professional organizer I ever metwho introduced me to the organizing world and especially to NAPO. To my other left-brained friend, Jenny Kane, for her unbelievable support and daily discussions of writing brilliance. A friendship money couldnt buy. Also Vicki Howie, who gave me the spiritual grounding and insight into the nature of all of this writing stuff. Other support from the left-brain quadrants includes: Elsa Alonso, Dean Bowen, Lee Crawford, Mary Edano, Carolyn Hamlet, Lauren Jaffe, Lea Ann McClendon, Net-Flow, Denise Mertz, Greg Price, Susan Scott, Christina Tabora, Sarah Trester, Renee Vincent, Judy Waggoner, Carol Wright, and everyone at Copperfields bookstore in Calistoga and in Napa at the St. Helena Public Library. I would also like to thank fellow NAPO members and the professional organizers who participated in my workshop at the NAPO 2002 National conference in Atlanta. You gave me a lot of insight and support in this radical new approach to a somewhat dry topic. Thanks, guys! And thanks, too, to the NBOC (North Bay Organizers and Coaches), who offered me much encouragement and support through all of this.
Also, my Canadian family, my sister Shane and brother-in-law Michael, and my brother Ward, who supported me, and were already planning the celebration when I was just finishing the book proposal.
Last, and just as important as those mentioned above, are the clients that I have worked with throughout the years, who have colored everything I write and who gave me valuable insight into the pains and joysof getting organized. Whether you reside up and down the California coast or in another country, your openness in allowing someone to come in and organize your personal belongings, and your desire to stay focused and on top of things, warm my heart. Thanks for letting me into your spaceyour world.
Lannas Favorite Organizing Supplies
N o, this isnt another excuse to go shopping! Yes, you may need to purchase a few things once you see what is left after you purged. Now I want you to learn how to focus when you shop for supplies. Its important to try to stick with one or two brands, especially for long-term storage. As you scan the list below, youll notice a number of suggestions. Some appeal to and work for your brain type better than others. Just make sure you stick to your new routine in the category that fits your type. That way you will discover the right items to support your day-to-day needs.
Some organizing supplies arent all that great, and many are really troublesome. Try to stay away from over-the-door shoe bags, or cardboard storage under the bed. Even hangers that attach to other hangers can be more of a nuisance than a solution. The biggest new gimmick is the squeeze the air out plastic bags for storage or travel. Yikes! These require more work on your part, your clothes look horrible after you take them out of the bag, plus how much space do you really save? And please, forget about those plastic storage systems with the zillions of teeny drawers. Sometimes, the creators of organizing products produce products that dont ultimately workthat actually disguise the problem. Again, try to buy less, but choose items appropriate to your style and your needs. Below is a list of some Web sites that will give you a sense of your organizing supply options.
THIS IS FOR EVERYONE!
www.avery.com
www.bedbathandbeyond.com
www.containerstore.com
www.creativememories.com
www.dayrunner.com
www.dwr.com (dwr-design within reach)
www.dymo.com
www.eldonoffice.com
www.expandashelf.com
www.fellowes.com
www.filofax.com
www.franklincovey.com
www.frontgate.com
www.gladiatorgw.com
www.holdeverything.com
www.horchow.com
www.ikea.com
www.improvementscatalog.com
www.lizell.com
www.levenger.com
www.lillianvernon.com
www.llbean.com
www.longaberger.com
www.meadwestvaco.com
www.momastore.org
www.neatnix.com
www.officedepot.com
www.oriacdesign.com
www.potterybarn.com
www.potterybarnkids.com
www.rubbermaid.com
www.russellandhazel.com
www.scullyandscully.com
www.shopgetorganized.com
www.smead.com
www.snapware.com
www.staples.com
www.sterilite.com
www.target.com
www.topdeq.com
www.ultoffice.com
www.universityproducts.com
RESOURCES: PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZERS
For further information, please feel free to reach me at:
Organized World
Inakone@organizedworld.com
P.O. Box 457
Rutherford, CA 94573
Work: 707-524-9896
Fax: 707-963-1179
www.organizedworld.com
The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO)
4700 West Lake Avenue
Glenview, Il 60025
USA Information: 847-375-4746
USA Fax: 877-734-8668
International/Canada Fax: 732-578-2636
www.napo.net