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"Thank you for getting me back on track with my filing and preparation for tax season! It has given me such a peace of mind, and I am extremely grateful. Will be so happy to refer you to others"
- D. R., Human resources executive
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November 2015
Greetings!
This season reminds us to count our blessings and be thankful for family, friends and clients, as well as our country and veterans. May God bless America and may God bless you this holiday season!
In this issue, you will find a fabulous closet makeover, an excerpt of the Atlanta Journal/Constitution article I was interviewed for on Fall organizing (includes tips for you), and a link to some of my best e-mail tips that I gave at a recent speaking engagement. Enjoy!
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Fabulous closet makeover: Decking the walls with storage
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| | Master Closet - Before Laura Ray Organizing |
The Situation
This professional client recently moved into a magnificent high-rise condominium, and discovered the existing closets were not up to the task of storing her clothing and accessories adequately. Both her master and guest closets had a single rod and one shelf around the perimeter, which meant a lot of wasted space in closets with 10-foot ceilings.
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| | Master Closet - After Laura Ray Organizing |
The SolutionWe custom designed the master closet to maximize the use of all available wall space. Clothing was organized onto single and double hanging rods. Purses can be clearly seen, displayed within reach on higher shelves. Scarves, hats and workout gear were sorted into matching labeled baskets.
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| | Former Guest Closet - After Laura Ray Organizing |
We transformed the guest room closet into a walk in shoe closet by custom designing shelves to the exact height of each style of shoe. The adjustable shelves used maximum vertical space on the walls to accommodate all the shoes in our client's collection. Now her footwear is easy to find, easy to put away, and every pair has its own home! A special bonus for our client, who is currently renting her condo, is that this closet system is easy to move and can be reconfigured for any closet or storage space in the future. Organizing Tip: Transform a linen closet, guest room closet or a hall closet for shoes and accessories.
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Taming your e-mail
Laura was the guest speaker for ROAM Galleria business center's Lunch & Learn in October. Her talk was on "Taming your e-mail" by being productive with processing, protecting and eliminating e-mail. Read some of Laura's e-mail tips here.
To book Laura to speak about business productivity (including e-mail) or residential organizing, contact her at laura@organizeatlanta.com.
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Make a place for it all this Fall
An excerpt from Laura's interview in the Atlanta Journal/Constitution (August 30) by H. M. Cauley
 For many homeowners autumn means going back on overload, juggling jobs, kids, social activities, family obligations and pre-winter repairs around the house. In the crush to get it all done, it's easy to let clutter take over. Experts who have made careers out of organizing other people's stuff say fall is a good time to clear out that garage, basement or extra bedroom that Junior just vacated. But most people put off these big projects until they are forced to face them in a life-altering moment: a divorce, a job transfer, the death of a parent whose clutter is now inherited. Yet tackling clutter pays off with immediate stress reduction.
"It's particularly important in bedroom closets and baths, the two places where you start your day," said Laura Ray, owner of the Marietta-based Organizeatlanta.com and president of the National Association of Professional Organizers, Georgia chapter.
"If you have a home for everything, it reduces a lot of the strain and stress. In the bath I like separate drawers or trays for each category: dental, makeup, soaps, medicines, toiletries. A big bin for everything doesn't work; it's more helpful to see exactly what you have in the right spot."
If the prospect of re-organizing seems daunting, Ray suggests whittling it down to one question: What is the most aggravating situation you are trying to solve? Always misplacing your keys? Kids' backpacks going astray? Losing your laptop?
"Have a home for everything and a simple system" suggests Ray. "When I walk in the door, I put my backpack here. A dish by the door is where I put my keys. If you move something, put it back before you go to bed, so in the morning it's exactly where it's supposed to be."
...And even in this digital age, organizers say the top problem they confront when called on to streamline a residential or commercial space is paper.
Ray estimates that about 60 percent of the jobs she tackles involve cleaning up paper. "I create file systems to get it under control and keep track of taxes and other important financial papers," she said. "Some clients are challenged by the volume of paper that comes in the door, and they aren't sure how long to keep it or where to keep it. The IRS website has a good list that tells you what you need to keep and for how long."
If the prospect of sorting through piles of paper or organizing that crammed garage is overwhelming, it may be time to call in an expert... (END)
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Laura's Latest:
Volunteering at VOICE Today
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Voice Today founder, Angela Williams (L) with Laura Ray
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Laura recently volunteered her time and rallied other organizers to help organize the office of VOICE Today, based in East Cobb County.
"It was a privilege to help this non-profit, who is doing amazing work educating people and helping others heal," said Laura.
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In the News: Laura returned as a guest expert on Fox 5's Good Day Atlanta
In August, Laura had the opportunity to make another TV appearance on Fox 5's Good Day Atlant  a, helping their producer get organized for back to school in her own home! Watch the clip on my YouTube channel here.
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Laura's Favorites: ADD Crusher helps ADHD adults be productive
Meet mess-to-success entrepreneur, productivity coach and classic ADDer, Alan Brown. An unmitigated mess before diagnosis, Alan is now a successful executive, investor and entrepreneur. His personal mission: Help ADHD adults around the world live to their potential through alternative ADD treatments and solutions.
Alan's web site has excellent articles and an interesting blog. He also has a subscription option for his insightful and funny videos! Read more here: ADD Crusher Resources .
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Thank you for taking the time to read this month's issue of Organize Atlanta. I hope you've found some tips and ideas that will help you save time, reduce clutter and simplify your life.
Sincerely,
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Laura Ray
Laura Ray Organizing, LLC
404.630.7212
Helping busy people organize their homes and offices
President, National Association of Professional Organizers -
Georgia Chapter
�2015 Laura Ray Organizing, LLC
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