My clients often dread the first appointment. They are embarrassed for me to see their “mess and disorganization.” They think I will even judge them, when I am here to help. They don’t know that their clutter is not the worst I have seen in my seven years of business, and even if it were, it wouldn’t matter.

Happy 2016! This post will be longer than usual, but we have a lot of catching up to do! Then, let’s get organized! The end of 2015 was both exciting and overwhelming. My assistant of five and a half years left, even more clients came to us with big projects — from closet design to professional organizing to corporate events to organized moves (some out of state!) — and we decided to merge Rachel and Company and Organized in a Box, all under the umbrella of Rachel and Company. 

Our last organized gift guide is for the men in our lives. . They would never admit it, but guys have just as much stuff (dare I even say sometimes more!) than us gals, so they need help organizing, too! Whether it’s in the garage, car, closet or while traveling, there are lots of great organizing gifts to help the gentlemen get all of their belongings in order.

We have put together a gift guide for kids: all the organizing gifts that they would want and actually use. Gifts are expected this time of year, especially by kids, so why not pick a gift from our gift guide for kids that they will help with clutter..not cause it!

So many gifts to get, but so little time! To help you with your endless search of the perfect present (that doesn’t turn into clutter), over the next few days we will be sharing some of our favorite organizing gifts for the ladies, gents & kids in your life.  First up in our gift guide, our favorite organizing gifts for HER.

If you are a current client, you know that I am still alive and well because you have probably seen me over the last few months as I have worked with you on organizing your home, an organized move, closet design and more. If you are a blog reader and newsletter subscriber only, you might have been wondering what the heck has happened to me over the past few months. I am not on Saturn, although feel like it at times! The last few months have been organized chaos.

Back to school time is coming and we all know just how hectic this time of the year can be. Rachel & Company is here it help! Here are a few back to school tips to help you and your kids start the new school year off right. Also check out my video featured in the Washington Post to learn how you can implement some organizational systems to keep your family on top of things throughout the school year.

Just this month, I was featured in the July/August issues of Woman’s Day Magazine talking turning clutter into cash at yard sales and what it takes to put on a successful yard sale. I am a big believer in making the yard sale that much more “shopable” so people are able to see what they want and need to purchase easily. People should feel like they are in a store being able to browse up and down the aisles with different categorizes of items separated out. They will then be more likely to buy! Here are a few more tips on how to have a successful yard sale.

Living with clutter is debilitating. Did you know there are tons of statistics on the topic? Both physical and emotional clutter makes us anxious, it hinders our productivity and it leaves no room for inspiration. Yet many people don’t understand or at least can’t vocalize the impact. Try some of these tips out for yourself and see if it makes a difference.

I am absolutely loving the acrylic desktop file from The Container Store. For those of you who like to be able to see everything this one keeps your files accessible and adds some style to your desk, command center, office, etc.