Blog
In addition to actually doing the organizing, another of Angie’s passions is writing about organizing.
She has been writing a blog on organizing ever since Shipshape Solutions launched in 2016. Most of the blog posts were also published as monthly newspaper articles in the Kingsport Times-News and Johnson City Press.
To access the Shipshape Solutions Blog, you can either:
Click on a category below to see all the blog entries from that category; OR
Scroll the feed of blog entries below
- Apps
- Bathroom
- Business
- Children
- Christmas
- Computer
- Decluttering
- Digital organizing
- General Organization
- Getting Records Together
- Goals
- Health
- Home Organization
- Kitchen
- Media
- Medical
- Mental clutter
- Minimalism
- Moving
- New Year
- Office
- Organizing Principles
- Paper organizing
- Phone
- Photo Organizing
- Photo organizing
- Preparing for Death
- Purse
- Residential organizing
- Resolutions
- School
- Technology
- Television
- Time Management and Productivity
- Travel
- Working from Home
Categories of Physical Clutter
When we think about clutter, we often think of it in terms of one giant, oppressive mass. Seen in this light, it’s no wonder we often feel overwhelmed by it! But have you ever stopped to think about clutter in terms of different categories? Ever wondered which types are most problematic for you? This first article in a series will begin a discussion of the many categories of physical clutter.
Taming the Medicine Cabinet: Organizing Your Medical Supplies
When it comes to medication and medical supplies, the potential consequences of disorganization can be problematic at best and critical at worst. By following the recommendations in this article for organizing your medical supplies, hopefully you can difficult medical situations in the future.
Break Up with Clutter and Regain Your Freedom
Whether or not we realize it, all of us have a relationship with our belongings. If your home is filled with clutter, that relationship is likely not a healthy one. Perhaps you’ve made attempts to change, but you’ve not had the success you desire. Writing a breakup letter to clutter might be exactly what you need! This blog post contains a Taylor Swift inspired breakup letter to clutter. Use it as an example to write one of your own, and tell clutter goodbye once and for all.
Win the War on Clutter with These Audiobooks
The New Year brings a familiar feeling: the urge to revamp our lives, break old habits, and forge shiny, new ones. Like many, decluttering and organizing may be high on your list of New Year goals.
I salute you for that intention! And I’d like to equip you with a few new tools. I love using my time for learning. I often listen to podcasts or audiobooks as I drive, work on home projects, or exercise. Here are a few of my top audiobook choices on decluttering.
Procrastination: The Productivity Killer
Procrastination really does kill productivity. Some may think of it as a synonym for laziness, but the truth is much deeper than that. Read on for the real reasons we procrastinate and for suggestions of what to do about it.
My Reflections on “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” Show
There’s a new organizing show on TV! As a professional organizer, I felt it was my duty to binge watch Peacock’s original show “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning.” Here’s my take on this show so you can make an educated decision about whether to watch it.
How To Be The Less-Organized Spouse
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be married to a professional organizer? Or how to successfully cohabitate when your spouse’s level of organization feels like overkill? My husband Eric has graciously offered to reveal all by guest writing this article. You’ll find practical tips for negotiating a level of order that suits both spouses and allows them to flourish without driving each other crazy.
Organizing: Nature or Nurture?
Nature or nurture—it’s a question as old as time. At its most basic, the question centers on whether we are the way we are because of the genetic material handed down from our parents or because of the environments to which we’re exposed.
Many people are gifted with some inherent organizing ability, while others find the task of putting items in order not only distasteful, but also overwhelming.
The answer is complicated. And it’s best answered with a story or two. Read on to find out the real answer to this age old question.
Lose the Photo Clutter, Save the Memories
Organizing printed photos is a task that often gets procrastinated. In this article, Angie shares her experience in helping her father organize his unholy mess of family photos. She shares resources to help readers make and execute a plan to get their own photos in order. Those who are willing to invest the time will find priceless rewards!
Organizing that Could Save Your Life
Having quick access to vital information can make all the difference in an emergency. In fact, it could save your life! The good news is that setting up our cell phone to make this information available is simple.
100 Things You Can Declutter Now
I’ve long been a believer in the principle that you can live a more meaningful life with less. Years of working in this industry have only solidified that truth in my mind. Our clutter is detrimental to living a happy, healthy, and productive life. The more we can let go of unnecessary stuff, the more we can focus on what really matters.
Now, in honor of my 100th article and my focus on decluttering, here are 100 things you can declutter now!
Give Sentimental Items a New Life
When decluttering, sentimental items present the biggest challenge. Letting go of an item with associated memories can be especially difficult.
My friend Brenda Tringali, a fellow Certified Professional Organizer® and owner of At Your Fingertips Organizing, tells a powerful story of working through her emotions to give her mother’s purse a second life. You’ll find inspiration as you make tough decisions about special belongings!
My Top Tech Tools for Organizing
Love it or hate it, technology is an integral part of our lives. If we embrace it wisely, it can greatly enhance our lives, making tasks more efficient and less time-consuming. I can’t imagine my life without the help of tech tools. The older I get, the more I realize how precious my time is, which makes me more willing to use helpful technologies. I also realize that I can’t depend on my memory for much of anything, so any application that can relieve the stress of trying to remember things is welcome.
*Note: this article is an update of a similar article in February, 2018.
A Solution for Cluttered Bookshelves
Do you admit that you’ve got too many books, but you struggle let them go? Do you long for beautiful styled bookshelves that aren’t stuffed to overflowing with clutter? This article is just what you need to solve your problem!
Tired of New Year's Resolutions? Try a One Word Theme Instead
Are you tired of making New Year’s resolutions you can’t keep? Or are you ready to just try something different? Try a one word theme!
Stop Giving (Meaningless) Gifts
If you don’t want your gift recipients to react like this when they open your gifts, read this article!
Simplify the Season & Save Your Sanity
Even if you agree with the song that says “it’s the most wonderful time of the year,” the holiday season can be stressful! This article can help you make this year’s holiday season a more peaceful one.
Organizing Your Spices
I’m often asked, “What’s the best way to organize ____?” There is rarely one solution that works perfectly for everyone. Nowhere do I find this to be more true than when organizing spices. Whether for myself or my clients, I’ve arranged spices at least ten different ways! There’s no such thing as “one size fits all”.
When deciding the best way to organize spices, there are two main decisions you need to make. Those two decisions will lead you to very different organizing solutions. Check out the options in this article.
What’s in your On-Deck Circle?
Everyone needs a space for items that are in transition from your home to someplace else. Examples of items that might be included include a book to return to the library, a store purchase needing to be exchanged, or an umbrella usually kept in the car. What’s the best place to put things like these? And what should you call this space?
Drowning in Email? Three Tips to Tame your Inbox
If your response to seeing your email inbox looks anything remotely close to this, you need to read this article! Three practical tips with nautical names can help you get it in control and keep it that way!