How Do You Spell Tommorrow, I Mean Tomorrow.

Spelling is one of my favorite things in the world. I am a two-time spelling bee champion (Elementary and High School)! I love words. But even I have a few words that I have problems with like Tomorrow. I ALWAYS misspell it! I did in this blog and had to use the spell check! HA!

I just read in a magazine that 2/3 of adults couldn't spell Necessary and 1/3 couldn't spell Definitely without the help of autocorrect (according to a 2012 UK Survey). I am not surprised.

What word(s) ALWAYS stump you?

K is for Kicking Out Distractions

 Lock your door, put a sign up, turn off your phone, texts, email, and instant messaging.If you have to complete ONE or TWO tasks  in a certain time frame, then you will need ALL of your energy to focus on doing just that. Many of us are distracted easily. I'm a really focused person and sometimes I get can get off track. I may think that I CAN stop and take that ONE phone call. I'll get them off the phone quickly. Five hours later, I'm still trying to say goodbye and the afternoon is gone. Or your roommates are watching Big Brother and yelling and screaming at the TV! Then you need to find a way to get away from that and find a place that you can work. 

When you have a job to complete, do what you can to Kick out distractions!!!!

You're Agenda IS Important!

Your agenda is important! Whether its at home or in the office,  don’t let something else set your day. Most people go right to their emails and start freaking out. Then try to do a hundred things and end up doing nothing they originally planned. After you wake up,  take a deep breath, drink water so you rehydrate, eat a good breakfast to replenish your glucose, then set prioritized goals for the rest of your day. 

J is for James Lott, Jr., The Super Organizer

James Lott, Jr, AFIS, CMA, CNA, CTACC 

James loves to organize and realized earlier on that he is good at it. It takes skill to look at a space and make it not only look nice but organized and functional.

He started this company to help personal and professional people organize their homes , garages and offices.  He brings 25 plus years of varied experience and employment history to every task.

"I specialize in helping individuals restart their lives and find a clear plan to the road of success!"

Visit thesuperorganizer.com for more details.

Tabasco Sauce For Pain Relief?

TABASCO SAUCE is deliciously hot and tastes great on certain food items. But I have found a couple of more uses for this hot sauce:

Toothache pain-  just put about 5 or 6 drops of Tabasco sauce on your aching tooth with a cotton swab. It numbs your tooth better than Orajel.

Cleaning Silver- with a few drops of Tabasco on a soft toothbrush and some warm water, scrub gently. Rinse well afterwards!

I is for It's Time To Teach Kids Time Management

Kids are not adults! When it comes to getting them to learn organization, it’s a blessing. I found in my experience of raising kids that they respond to routine. Kids can be taught. Kids are also observant and will sometimes mimic what they see and hear. So it’s up to us adults to lead and show them the way. It’s up to us to give them skills that will last them a lifetime.

Of course every child learns differently and at a different pace, but here are a few general suggestions to get them started:

1)    Create a habit of when they change out of their school clothes into their “play” clothes.  And where to put those school clothes.

2)    Create a habit of when and where they do their homework every day. Give them the same place to do it and same time (if possible) to work on it.

3)    Help them organize assignments by getting folders and labeling them. Keeps it all in one place. (sometimes clipboards work too.)

4)    Create an order of how things happen each night: chores, dinner, homework, tv time, bedtime, for example.

5)    Encourage them to pick out their own outfits each night before bedtime. I LOVE not having to worry about what I have to wear when I get up in the morning. AND it saves time.

6)    Lovingly let them know that they are doing a good job!! Positive reinforcement!

Tuna Sandwiches, Potato Salad and DVD's

MAYONNAISE is not just for sandwiches or potato salad. Here are a couple of other useful ways to use this creamy white spread (and I have tried them both and they work!):

Water stain marks removal- you have water marks on your dining room table or other wood furniture. Just put mayo on the water stains and wipe it with a rag.

Scratches on CD/DVD's-   rub mayo on the scratch. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and then wipe off going from the center of the CD/DVD to the outside rim.

Survival Kits!!!

Disasters happen all the time and can strike at a moments notice. One thing that I do in my home is to have flashlights accessible throughout the house in many rooms. In some cases you many not be able to light a candle due to gas leaks, flashlights are great. Also there are flashlight apps for your phone too. 

But my other suggestion is to make a survival kit for your home. This should include items that will get you through the any tough times. You may not be able to leave your house for several days. Helpful items to include might be: non-perishable food, can opener, paper plates, plastic utensils, bottled waters, a flashlight, a few towels, sheets, toiletries, a blanket, toilet paper, pen/paper, first aid kit, a few small games or magazines and a change of clothes for everyone. 

H is for Honesty

Honesty. Being Honest. Honestly looking at a situation. Honestly speaking. Honesty is the best policy. I think most of us can agree that honesty is a good thing. Being honest is a good virtue to posess. I know that sometimes honesty hurts. AND being honest with one self can be difficult. But I believe for any kind of success to happen, that you have to be honest with yourself first!

Before you organize yourself or with a Professional Organizer, I think you have to look inward and ask yourself certain questions. You need honesty when organizing.

Being honest aligns you with the power of strength.
Be objective when looking at your limitations.
Be real about your talents.
Don't lie about your ablilites.
Be forthcoming about the things that make you feel embarrassed.
Do you need outside help (such as a therapist, Life Coach, friend) ?
Do you have the answers within you and are afraid to accept them?

The ideal situation is that you are open to organization and being on a happy path, honestly.

G is for Garages

A garage can be a space that becomes a "catch-all" and a "just put it in the garage" place. They are some of the most cluttered spaces I encounter. In many cases, a CAR can't even fit in them! Efficiently and cleverly organized garages can be a great addition to your house and overall space.

If you have a garage, I invite you to go in and ask these SIX questions about your garage space:

1. What type of clutter is visible?
2. Are there boxes. storage containers, bins stored in there? How many?
3. Do you know what is in the boxes, storage containers and bins?
4. Are there loose items NOT boxed up on shelves, the floor, etc?
5. Are there items in the garage that are just taking up space and could be thrown out or given away?
6. Is the garage space being used in the best way possible?

If the answer is YES to any or all of them, then its time to organize, purge, and put items where they are useful.

How To Introduce Yourself After A Panel Discussion

If you feel that this is the one chance you’ll have to meet this person then at least do it correctly. When it’s your turn in the greeting line get all of your energy pumped up and with great enthusiasm say, “Hey Carol, I really enjoyed your panel on ADHD And Professional Organizing. I'm James Lott, Jr, the Super Organizer  and I would like to work with you. I know it wouldn’t make sense to pitch you here. Do you mind if I got a card to follow up directly with you?”

Smile, eye contact, energized, and brief, get my contact details (if I don’t have a card ask politely whether you can have my email address to send me a pitch deck) and by all means make sure you follow up.  80% of the people never do.  And when you do email them, make sure to remind them of the context that we met after the panel.

 I know that some people like to talk after a panel and some may stay until the last person who wanted to meet has the chance.  But I recognize people that don’t have enough sense (or edit button)  to recognize when they’ve spoken for too long and the person after is waiting patiently.   If no one is behind you then feel free to linger BUT make sure you ask the presenter – “do you need to get out of here? I’d love to stay and chat but want to respect your time.”

You Are Not A Librarian

I LOVE BOOKS!! I LOVE BOOKS!!!! But one day I had to realize I had too many books taking up too much space!  Do you have this problem? I had to accept that I am not a librarian and neither are you! Go through your books and purge. One way of doing this is asking the following questions:

Are any old textbooks?

Are any novels that you WON'T read  again?

Do you have outdated reference books? One example is old college guides. Another is old technology books.

Do you have children's books and no children left in the house? I know some may want to hold on to for possible grandkids. Maybe only keep a few sentimental ones.

You can have a yard or garage sale; pass them on to friends who would use them; donate to a thrift store, school, library, or senior center. 

The Super Organizer Services

Below are services that The Super Organizer  offers. There are many services not on this list that can be discussed. Available 7 days a week (except holidays). Available in Los Angeles AND Nationwide! Call or email for rates and pricing.

• Closet Clean Up and Organization
  Garage Clean Up and Organization
  Pantry/Kitchen Cabinet Clean Up and Organization
  Paper Sorting and Shredding
  File Organization
  Organizational Life CoachingJewelry Cleaning
  Fine Silverware Cleaning
  Help with Packing or Unpacking
  Data Entry
  Music Uploading onto Computer or iPod
  Help with Preparation of Parties
  Furniture Dusting and/or Polishing
  Housekeeping Audits*
  Liasion for Contractors/Cable/Plumber
  Picture Hanging
  Indoor Plant Maintainance
  Gift Wrapping and Organization (great during holiday seasons)
  Archivist
  Photo Scanning and Organization
  File Scanning and Organization
  Notary Services
  Room, Office, House Packout
  Organization of Estate Selling
  Organization of Garage/Yard Sales
  Data Entry
  Spreadsheet Creation and Letter Writing
  Resume Writing and HR training
  Party Planning
  Event Management
  Event Set up
  Event Tear down
  Office Set Up
  Public Speaking
  Workshop Teacher

• 
  Contact me at thesuperorganizer.com

Do You Procrastinate?

Do you procrastinate? 

What is your dream(s)?

What is stopping you from going for that dream?

 Write down a list of pros (not cons) to going for your dream.

We regret more the things that we don’t do, than those we do. Promise to yourself that you’ll not sit on your talent a moment longer. Otherwise, you will not simply be doing a disservice to yourself, but also the people that will miss out on what you have to offer.

Big Brother 16: You SHOULD Tune IN!

Its a summer tradition for me! Come June every year I am ready to watch 16 strangers stuck in a house competing and scheming and fighting and loving for a chance to Win $500,00 dollars! Every season has their own distinct tone. I call this season (so far) the Sensitive season. EVERYONE has cried or gotten easily angered at least once already and we're only a few weeks in.

There are people who standout already! Some for better (Derrick, Cody) or for worse (Devin, Caleb, Jocasta). There is a first on TV, a gay/straight showmance (Zach and Frankie) that has taken the Internet by storm (and me too.). Pop star Ariana Grande's brother is Frankie. But the houseguests don't know. Crazy competitions. New twists like TWO Heads of Household and the Battle of the Block.And of course host Julie Chen (the Chenbot) It is jam packed full of brainless TV! Yet I can't stop watching and yelling at the TV when someone makes a dumb move! 

I'm all in! 

4 Tips For Your Closets

1- Do not hang your sweaters.   Neatly fold and store either in drawers or on closet shelving .

2- Use shoe racks to keep shoes organized in pairs and off the floor.

3- Store small accessory items in drawers or small containers on shelves.

4-Do not store unrelated items in closets, such as; kids games with your clothes, your clothing in baby’ s room, kitchenware in coat closet.  Keep coats in the coat closets. Baby clothes in the baby’s rooms. Games with games, etc. 

NOW I Get The Hype Behind Singer Sam Smith!

"Latch" by Disclosure featuring Sam Smith came out last year and I didn't like it at first. Then after many listens I fell in love with that high falsetto. Now I'm in love with his latest US top 5 hit, Stay With Me! I'm loving the musical arrangement but its that voice! I'm hooked. I got a new song for Organizing this summer!

Can You Hear Me????

Listening is one of the first skills taught in any coaching training.  We are asked to listen inward. We are told to know who WE are (called Coaching from Center).  As coaches we think we listen pretty well. And compared with the average person, we do. Our job is to listen to our clients to be able to hear what they want. Real listening is clearing your mind and NOT thinking about your responses to what is being said. The results are great! Less misunderstandings occur, clarity for you and others, and all round a better life.  How well you listen is directly proportional to how well you can quiet down your active mind. 

I invite you to begin to notice just how noisy your mind is, and begin to explore what you can do to become an even better listener.

For assistance, go to thesuperorganizer.com

Tumeric Isn't Just For Food Anymore

In India, turmeric isn’t just a flavorful spice -- it’s a medicinal staple and one of their go-to herbs when blood sugar problems flare. And now research at India’s Gujarat University confirms that turmeric’s active ingredient, called curcumin, switches on the genes that keep blood glucose levels in check. This compound also helps the pancreas’ ability to make insulin when sugar levels creep up. You must take at least half a teaspoon daily in order to see the benefits so start thinking about adding them to your meat and veggie dishes. A little dash also tastes great on eggs and rice.

Roll With It!

I have clients who like to roll their clothes and underwear and socks when we are organizing at their homes. And some of them like to roll their clothes when packing a suitcase for a trip. In many cases it is true that rolling rather than folding clothes can create more space. Rolling makes items more compact and can reduce wrinkles. The heaviest rolls, like jeans, go on the bottom of the suitcase; smaller rolls like socks and underwear go on top or crammed into extra spaces. 

TODAY Do These 3 Things To Build Your Business!

If you have a business, then you know that networking is important. Networking is about reciprocity. You reach out and ask for advice or help with broadening your circle, then you figure out what you can do for them in return. Networking, marketing, and selling yourself are things that should be happening on a regular basis. Major outreach can happen quarterly or semi annually. But I invite you to do these three things to build your business....today:

1. Make 10 phone calls. Call 10 people that you know that could possibly use your services or might know someone who could be possible clients for you. 
2. Send out an email to all of your contacts. Make it clear and simple. Promote something about your business. Any discounts this month? New Products? 
3. If you are on social media, then Tweet, Facebook, Pinterest something about your business. Post a link to your website or something. If you aren't on social media, then sign up for at least ONE site today!

Just A Packing Tip: Another Use For Ziploc Bags

I travel a lot so that means I pack luggage a lot. One thing I hated was when I got to my destination and opened my luggage all of my stuff was a jumbled mess. A fellow organizer suggested to me that I put my stuff in Ziploc bags!

Yes Ziploc bags! I use big ones and small ones.  Rather than having my suitcase explode all over the hotel room every time I open it, I like to keep everything separated in zip-lock bags or packing cubes. One bag will hold socks, one bag will hold a few t-shirts, etc. The clear bags make it easy for me to find things, will help keep everything wrinkle free, can save space (if you compress all the air out), and makes it easy for the TSA to root through my belongings if they have to do a search. It can also be handy to pack an entire outfit, from top to underwear, in each bag, so you just have to grab one bag in the morning and you can be dressed without having to think about it.  Same goes for small items like chargers and medicines. And then everything stays in its place and its easier to pack everything. (Make sure you get the air out of each bag.) And when I unpack form a trip, I keep them in my suitcase for the next trip. 

Ziploc Bags (and other brands) can be found virtually everywhere bags are sold.

One Great Question To Ask During A Job Interview

You want to come across as the ideal candidate during a job interview. Also you are secretly interviewing them too. You want to make sure the company is a right fit for you. Either way you want to sound smart AND get some real good information that will be useful to you. There are several questions you can ask but I am going to give you ONE great question that has worked for me many times and hopefully it will work for you.

What are some of the common attributes of your top employees?

It shows that you seek to be a top performer for the company. AND it helps you decide if this is a place you want to work.

I'm Here To Help

Organization For Your Home, Office, Life!

One of the keys to happiness is being organized!

Everything from event planning to shredding to closet organization to Life Coaching, I would LOVE to work with YOU!

Take at look at the Services Page for more info.

CTA Certified Life Coach 

 

• Non-judgemental 
• Satisfaction guarantee
• Dependable
• Customer Service Oriented
• Experienced
• Friendly
• Organized

Goto thesuperorganizer.com for more info!

Just The Weight Loss Tips: Some Rules That NEVER Change

1. Don't skip meals. You're likely to make less healthy choices when you are too hungry.
2. Never go on a diet. Instead go on a healthier eating lifestyle.
3. Any amount of exercise is better than none.
4. Don't grocery shop when hungry.
5. Smaller portions of carbs and fats instead of cutting out entirely.
6. Breakfast is essential. Helps you throughout the day. Chances are you'll eat fewer calories.
7. Sleep!!! 
8. Drink Water before or after a meal.
9. Broiling, grilling and roast are better for you than frying.
10. Eat a snack before going to a party. Helps you not to "pig out" when you're there.
11. Small changes add up! Stay patient and stay the course. 

5 Ways To Make A Good First Impression

Making a good first impression is VERY important. Making a bad first impression creates an uphill battle for you to turn that around and in some cases you don't get a second chance. Here are 5 ways to make a good first impression when going on an interview:

1. Firm, non-sweaty, not TOO long handshake with full eye contact and a nice smile.
2. Don't sit down until you are invited to do so. It shows that you have manners.
3. Ask quality, probing questions about the position. Lets them know you're really interested.
4. Impress them with your knowledge of their company.
5. Prepare to engage in some sort of small talk. Don't be offensive or talk too much about your personal life.

Giving Back

Put a load in your car for charity. If you ride the bus or take a train, then bags with handles can work. Fill them up.  If you’ve decluttered a bunch of stuff, you might have a “to donate” pile that’s just taking up space in a corner of your room. Take a few minutes to box it up and put it in your trunk. Then tomorrow, drop it off.

It feels great to give back to your community! AND you are freeing up your space!

User Friendly Customer Feedback Tools

I was reading BlackEnterprise.com and ran across this article and in the article they provided easy to use online tools for getting customer feedback. I wanted to shared with anyone running a business or services group. 

SurveyMonkey.com is an online survey tool that allows you to collect data via Web link, e-mail, Facebook, or embed on your site or blog. You can also create customer surveys to post on your site. Price: free to $65 per month.

GetSatisfaction.com provides an app to build online communities that enable customers to offer feedback, ask questions, share ideas, report problems, and get help with a product or service. Price: free to $99 per month.

Feedbackify.com is a website widget that allows you to create a custom form to receive feedback from website visitors and to get information on your customers. A dashboard lets you view feedback in real time. Price: $19 per month.

F is for Flat Spaces

Clear off a counter. Look at all of your flat surface spaces!!! You want to get your house so that all flat spaces are clear of clutter. I'm not talking about appliances on them. Maybe they have a scented candle or some pictures but not a lot of clutter. That's fine.  So start with one counter that is cluttered. Clear off everything possible, except maybe one or two essential things. cupboard! Clear off all papers and all the other junk you’ve been tossing on the counter too.

Pick a shelf. Now that you’ve done a counter, try a shelf. It doesn’t matter what shelf. Could be a shelf in a closet, or on a bookshelf. Don’t tackle the whole bookshelf — just one shelf. Clear all non-essential things and leave it looking neat and clutter-free.

Great Online Meeting Place- GoToMeeting

I know that there are several online conferencing/meeting options out there but there is one that I Like and have used in the past. That is GoToMeeting.  I was introduced to them by my last company. I find them simple to navigate. The connection was strong. I like to be able to share my computer screen with others in a meeting or when I am conducting a webinar.

Create documents, charts and spreadsheets to present from your desktop to meeting attendees. Prepare documents for the presentation and create quick access with a desktop icon. GoToMeeting supports MicroSoft programs, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel and spreadsheets.At the appointed conference time, GoToMeeting will send attendees a link to access the virtual meeting room. Log in and select Screen Share, located at the top right of the website, that allows the meeting coordinator to choose options of visibility of the desktop screen and allows the coordinator to set permissions for other attendees for keyboard or mouse control. Open documents that will be used and begin the meeting.

E is for Establishing A Start Zone

Establish a  starting zone. What you want to do is clear one area. This is your no-clutter zone. It can be a counter, or your kitchen table, or the stuff on the couch. Wherever you start, make a rule: nothing can be placed there that’s not actually in use. Everything must be put away. Once you have that clutter-free zone, keep it that way!

Every Space. The point with this way of decluttering is that you will continue picking zones and eventually get to every space in your home or office.

D is for Decluttering Paper

Decluttering is a process and luckily its something that can be worked out! 

1. Designate a spot for incoming papers. Papers often account for a lot of our clutter. This is because we put them in different spots — on the counter, on the table, on our desk, in a drawer, on top of our dresser, in our car. Designate an in-box tray or spot in your home (or at your office, for that matter) and don’t put down papers anywhere but that spot. Got mail? Put it in the inbox. Got school papers? Put it in the inbox. Receipts, warranties, bills, notices, flyers? In the inbox! 
2. Designate a time. Set a time to go through the inbox!

C is for Clutter In Linen Closets

Closets become "catch-alls"! Linen closets are no different and often become homes to games, boxed childhood memories and of course, linens. Go through each shelf, and get rid of sheets and towels you haven't used in several years and ones that don't match the size mattresses you currently use or are faded, stained or the elastic is worn down. Donate old items to the local animal shelter or homeless shelter. Stack complete bed sets together and towels set together. 

Basic Bed sets are: 2 pillowcases, fitted sheet, flat sheet.
Basic Towel Set is: 1 hand towel, 1 wash/face cloth, and one body towel.

B is for Basket,Bins, and Boxes

Baskets and bins from the dollar store make it easy to keep counters free of errant objects, and larger plastic bins from hardware and home improvement stores make a great storage containers for shoes and bulkier items. See thru plastic bins are great when you store them, cause you can see whats inside (or at least a general idea).

 I'm not a fan of the boxes except for using them for projects. As for storage they can break down if they get wet, or chewed through by an errant rodent. If not packed right, they can bust apart. 

A is for Area

Grab a notebook or a notepad or a piece of paper! Go around the house and write down the problem areas in each room. Write down in all CAPS or put an asterick (*) next to the parts of the room that really bug you, or that your family finds impossible to keep neat -- for example, piles of shoes, mail or coats in your entryway. As you survey the "area", don't forget about dreaded areas such as junk drawers, closets, storage spaces and the garage. 

After you have complied your list, begin to set goals and plans to tackle the areas. If you need assistance, contact your local Professional Organizer. 


thesuperorganizer.com

ONE Great Shower Tip!

To organize your bathtub/shower, place your soaps, body wash, shampoos and conditioners in shower caddies. Many different kinds of organizers are available at both discount and department stores -- including those that hang from the shower head pipe and others that have several shelves attached to a long pole you put in the corner of the tub.

And you still have room for that bubble bath!

2 Items That Are Useful In The Bathroom

Use drawer organizers for makeup, jewelry, ponytail holders and other loose items. (Plastic silverware trays, found in the kitchen aisle, are inexpensive and work as well.)

To help keep your shower doors clean, buy a water squeegee (like you use on your windows) and keep it in the shower. When you are done taking a shower, just wipe down the doors with the squeegee for a clean and dry shower door. Many of the squeegees come with a hole in the handle, which is convenient for hanging it up in the shower with a suction cup. 

3 Common Things You Can Do To Save Time

1. Place your purse, briefcase, cell phone and keys in a designated area every day so you always know where they are.
2.  Decide on a breakfast menu the night before. If the family is to have cereal, set out the cereal boxes, bowls and spoons.
3.  Fill the gas tank the day before so you won't have to worry about getting gas if you are running late the next morning.

4 Ways To Organize Art Supplies At Home

To keep things organized, safe and accessible, use a combination of storage ideas:

• Use wall-mounted hanging organization to maximize table space
• Re-use baby food jars or other jars mounted under a shelf for items that you want to contain with a lid
• Use see-through storage boxes for things such as paint and paintbrushes, stamps and inkpads. When you're ready to use, grab the entire kit and go
• Create a quick and easy place to display artwork. This wooden pant hanger on a hook is a great way to quickly display your child's artwork as soon as he's finished.

5 Tips For Garage Organization

Decide what your minimum objective is in organizing and make sure you at least make that happen.  So if your objective is to make sure that one car can fit into the garage (or one more), then make sure that you plan to clear enough space to achieve that goal. 

1. Don’t buy items that have a low probability that you will be using them.  For instance that treadmill, elliptical machine, or exercise bike that you were eyeing.  Those things are generally always destined to join the junk in the garage (if you can carry them out there).  They are large and eventually just a pain to keep moving around in the garage.  


2. Unpack the boxes that are currently in your garage and use a very basic rule.  If you haven’t used something in the last year, you don’t need it.  Put it in a garage sale or donation pile (or the dumpster if it truly cannot be used by any other human).  If it’s a collectible take it into the house where it belongs or simply sell it as the garage is not where collectibles belong.


3. Don’t store large amounts of gasoline, propane, or other highly combustible materials in your garage.  These are a known fire hazard and they also are floor or shelf space hogs  Another basic rule for garage items is that if it is not SAFE, then fine a proper way to dispose of it.  The ideal scenario is that you keep chemicals and flammable items to an absolute minimum.


4. You know that old desk, entertainment center, and book shelf is really NEVER going to go back into the house.  Do everyone a favor and donate that to a local charity, individual, or Goodwill.  It’s eventually just going to fall apart outside and then be destined for the junkyard.


5. Bicycles should be hung using bicycle hooks or racks.  They take up a shocking amount of floor space and generally never end up back where they started from (especially with kids).  If you have a designated spot (hook) and enforce it then this will save you a lot of grief.

6 Tips For Your Life In The Kitchen

1.  Don’t buy “single-use” kitchen utensils (e.g. egg separator), only “multi-tasking” cooking implements!
2.  I use mason jars (quarts and 1/2 gallon) to store dried goods. they double as decorative elements
3.  Store all plasticware lids in one deep drawer standing up like a file system.
4. Have 3 cutting boards: Plastic  for raw meat & 2 wooden, 1 for vegetables & the other is for stinky things like garlic, onions and cilantro.
5. If you have deep cupboards, use containers of varying heights and place tall in the back so you can still see them from the front.
6.  Store cutting boards on top of the refrigerator or microwave for quick, yet out of the way access.