Fall is a season of spectacular change. From weather cooling to leaves shifting colors, to kids coming and going. Maybe the atmosphere of change has inspired you to work on projects like organizing drawers and closets for cooler weather clothing or decluttering spaces to prepare for guests and holiday entertaining.

Talk about being inspired! Today I had the pleasure of meeting Kip Tindell, Founder, Chairman and CEO of The Container Store. What a gracious person! He’s just written a new book, Uncontainable, which I can’t wait to read! Kip was meeting, greeting and signing books today at one of his stores. 

Kip Tindell and Linda Samuels

In the spirit of change, inspiration, and my birthday, I’ve put together the Uncontainable Organizing Giveaway with fun tips and goodies especially for you. Part of the giveaway includes a “hot off the press” signed copy of Uncontainable.

Organizing Tips

• Change – This is at the core of any organizing project or endeavor. You’re at one point looking to travel to another. The road might be bumpy, but it’s well worth the journey. As you’re changing your habits, your systems, and physical surroundings, you might be letting go of beliefs that no longer serve you and possessions that have lost their meaning and purpose. Be open and curious about your discoveries as you create what “organized” looks and feels like to you.

• Inspiration – Sometimes our inspiration comes from within, but often we need external nudges. If you’re looking for some visual inspiration, check out the Oh, So Organized! Pinterest boards. You’ll find organizing solutions, words of wisdom, tips, videos, and articles collected for you.

• Birthdays – These are days to celebrate. We’re here. We’re alive. We’re grateful for the creative, loving people that surround us. As a way of celebrating my birthday (today), I thank all of you for being such a giving, supportive, community. If I could, I’d pass out cupcakes to everyone. Instead, let’s all take a minute, imagine the flickering candle on top of the cake (your favorite flavor of course), close your eyes, make a wish, and blow. Wishing your wish comes to fruition.

The Uncontainable Organizing Giveaway goodies were selected to inspire, organize, and rejuvenate you! The winner will receive everything described below (worth over $100):

Goodies Include:

• Autographed copy of Uncontainable by Kip Tindell
• The Container Store $25 gift card
• Oval turquoise metal bin from The Container Store
• Starbucks $25 gift card
• “the day was in dire need of a "Ctrl+Alt+Delete” sticky notes from Anne Taintor
• Autographed copy of The Other Side of Organized by Linda Samuels

Now what? The Uncontainable Organizing Giveaway starts on November 11^th. One winner will be selected (using random.org) on November 17th. There’s no time like the present. Keep reading and enter now!

Contest Rules:

• Comment on this blog post below about your latest organizing project or favorite organizing tip
• Comment about the giveaway on the Oh, So Organized! Facebook page
• Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter and include @LindaSamuels when you do
• Subscribe to The Other Side of Organized free monthly e-newsletter for continued inspiration and motivation
• Follow Oh, So Organized! on Pinterest and comment on this blog post about which of our Pinterest board you like best
• Comment on Linda Samuels - Oh, So Organized!’s Google+ page on the Uncontainable Organizing Giveaway post

Do one or all of the above to enter. The more you do, the more times your name will be entered to win (up to 6 total entries!)

You are personally invited to join the conversation (and giveaway) about change, inspiration, and organization. What are your thoughts? Good luck wishes to all of you!

Are you feeling motivated to declutter your spaces, let go of the things you no longer want, and organize your environment to support your needs? The less-frenzied pace of summer is the ideal time to take on those organizing projects you’ve been thinking about. The heat has arrived along with the Hot Organizing Giveaway. I’ve put together goodies and tips to motivate you to action.

Summer Organizing Tips

• Be Inspired – Not sure about where to begin with your organizing projects? Use think time to read and get inspired. There are many articles on this blog including posts about clutter, change, motivation, and letting go. If you prefer visual inspiration, browse through my collection of themed organizing Pinterest boards.
• Be Prepared – Feeling inspired? Next step is to prepare for your organizing project. Are there any supplies you need like boxes and bags for releasing things? Are there organizing products to purchase? You can find an array of organizing containers and products at my favorite retailers including The Container Store, Target, See Jane Work, Office Candy Gals, and Bed, Bath & Beyond.
• Be Rewarded – Have you completed all or part of your project? Organizing can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Pace yourself. Make sure that you take breaks, refresh, and reward yourself. Grab an iced tea or coffee, sit back, and admire the organizing work you’ve accomplished so far.

The Hot Organizing Giveaway goodies were selected to inspire, organize, and rejuvenate you. The winner will receive everything described below:

• Inspiration – Autographed copy of The Other Side of Organized by Linda Samuels
• Preparation – The Container Store $25 gift card
• Reward – Starbucks $25 gift card

I know you can't wait to win this fabulous group of favorites. The Hot Organizing Giveaway starts on July 9th. One winner will be picked (using random.org) on July 15th. There's no time like the present. Keep reading and enter now!

Contest Rules:

• Comment on this blog post below about your summer organizing project
• Comment about the giveaway on the Oh, So Organized! Facebook page
• Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter and include @LindaSamuels when you do
• Subscribe to The Other Side of Organized free monthly e-newsletter for continued inspiration and motivation
• Follow Oh, So Organized! on Pinterest and share which one of my boards you like best by commenting on this blog post
• Comment on Pinterest about Oh, So Organized!’s “Organize for Summer” video
• Do one or all of the above to enter. The more you do, the more times your name will be entered to win (up to 6 total entries!)

You are personally invited to join the conversation (and contest) about organizing, motivation and inspiration. What are your thoughts? Wishing you all the best of luck!

@2012 Photo by Linda SamuelsValentine’s Day includes some of my favorite things including hearts, cards, sparkles, chocolate, flowers, and most importantly, love. It’s a day for gratitude and reminding the special people in your life how much they mean to you.

I’ve been writing The Other Side of Organized blog for over two years. The blog has gathered a community of people that enjoy conversing and sharing ideas about organizing and life balance. It’s a gift to all of us when you stop by to join the conversation, leave comments, reflect or ask questions. I am thankful for you and all that you continue to share.

To celebrate my favorite holiday and appreciation of you, I’m having a V-Day Organizing Giveaway beginning today, February 14^th. One winner will be selected on February 20^th.  For the giveaway description and contest rules, continue reading.

The V-Day Organizing Giveaway includes goodies that will organize, inspire, relax and delight you. The winner will receive everything described below:

• The Container Store $25 gift card
• Semicolon Document Box from See Jane Work
• Task Clips by Knock Knock
• One Word A Day Journal by Knock Knock
• Dove Chocolate Hearts
• Autographed copy of The Other Side of Organized by Linda Samuels

Contest Rules:

• Comment on this blog post below with your favorite Valentine’s Day thought, memory, tradition, organizing tip or challenge
• Comment about the giveaway on the Oh, So Organized! Facebook page
• Re-tweet this giveaway on Twitter and include @LindaSamuels when you do
• Subscribe to The Other Side of Organized free monthly e-newsletter for continued inspiration and motivation
• Follow Oh, So Organized! on Pinterest and let me know which of my boards is your favorite
• Do one or all of the above to enter. The more you do, the more times your name will be entered to win (up to 5 total entries!)

What are your thoughts on this love-filled day? I look forward to our conversation about love, chocolate, organizing and more. Happy Valentine’s Day! Wishing you all good luck!

Photo by Linda SamuelsSummer is the time to slow down, tackle those organizing projects and enjoy vacation time. One powerful motivator for getting things accomplished is having a time deadline. For example, knowing the bags have to be packed before the plane takes off or the minivan leaves for the family road trip creates an urgency to be ready. For the Summer Organizing Giveaway, I’ve put together some fun travel-related organizing tips and giveaways.

Organizing Travel Tips

• The List: Yes, we can try to keep all the details in our heads, but making a list of the items you want to take, makes packing easier and less stressful. After writing your list, “go shopping” in your drawers and closets. Gather items onto a large, flat surface and then pack away.
• The Containers: You can just throw things willy-nilly into your bags, but grouping items together in packing cubes or Ziploc bags will keep you and your suitcase organized. Packing cubes can also be used as drawer organizers when you arrive at your destination.
• The Nourishment: Bring items to feed both the mind and the body. For the body, pack some travel snacks (nuts, dried fruit, mints or chocolate) because you never know when hunger might strike. For the mind, travel light and download your favorite books to your electronic reader. The Other Side of Organized just became available for the iPad, iPhone, Kindle and Nook. It will soon be available on Sony Reader too.
• The Last Minutes:  Before any trip, there are always last minute things to do and purchase. Keep an extra list nearby to capture those “to do” thoughts that pop into your head. Having your action list nearby will help keep you focused and worry-free about not forgetting to cancel the newspaper, hold your mail or buy extra sunscreen.

The Summer Organizing Giveaway starts on July 14^th.  One winner will be selected on July 21^st.  It includes goodies that will organize, inspire, relax and delight you.  Continue reading for description and contest rules. The winner will receive everything described below:

• The Container Store $25 gift card
• “Pack This!” Pad by Knock Knock
• Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes (2)
• Clear Zippered Case
• 24/7 Reusable, Compact Bag
• “To Do” Sticky Notes by Knock Knock
• Starbucks $25 gift card
• Oh, So Organized! coffee mug
• Autographed copy of The Other Side of Organized by Linda Samuels

Contest Rules:

• Comment on this blog post below with your favorite vacation spot, memory, travel organizing tip or challenge
• Comment about the giveaway on the Oh, So Organized! Facebook page
• Re-tweet this giveaway on Twitter and include @LindaSamuels when you do
• Subscribe to Oh, So Organized! monthly e-newsletter for continued inspiration and motivation
• Visit the newly redesigned Oh, So Organized! website and comment on this blog about your favorite feature, section or part
• Purchase a copy of The Other Side of Organized (paperback or e-Book) and email copy of receipt to linda@ohsoorganized.com
• Do one or all of the above to enter. The more you do, the more times your name will be entered to win (up to 6 total entries!)

Come join the conversation about vacations, organizing and more. Wishing you all good luck!