Last week, you got a peek at 3 of my top product picks from the NAPO 2011 conference. Today, you’ll get to see my final three (in no particular order). Enjoy! …and if you use any of them, let me know what you think.

On The Go

Grid-It Organizer. If you carry around gadgets or other items on the regular, this product is for you. It’s a super easy way to store and carry your gear…tic tacs, pens, iPod, camera, cables…you name it, it can handle it, including one of my favorite products – ChapStick! =)

Grid-Its come in a variety of sizes and colors, and there’s even a version that you can put in your 3-ring binder (if you happen to still carry around one of those). ;) Did I mention that the company that makes Grid-It, Cocoon Innovations, won the Organizers’ Choice Award for Best Technology Product at NAPO 2011? …and that they gave away several products at the expo? =)

Office

Pendaflex Divide It Up™ Multi-Section File Folders. You’re only as good as your best folders, right? Probably not, but if you have a great folder that keeps all your important project docs all in one place – and in categories – you’ll find specifically what you want when you want it. That’s exactly what these folders do.

They are a great way to sub-divide all your paperwork for a given project or simply separate different documents that you need to act on.

Home

Pliio™ Clothing Management System. This product has been described as “the greatest thing to hit clothing management since the hanger.” It’s called Pliio and it will help you to fold ‘n file your clothing. Can you imagine filing your T-shirts? I thought that was a pretty interesting concept, so I stopped by their booth and chatted with Professional Organizer and Pliio spokesperson, Clare Kumar. Check out this demo and our quick interview to find out more.

Thanks to Krista Colvin, the phenomenal woman behind the camera.

The last time I attended the NAPO Conference, I shared highlights from the keynote speakers. The NAPO 2011 keynotes were just as fabulous, but this time, I’m sharing three (of six) products for your home, office, or when you’re on the go from this year’s vendors that I think you will love. I’ll tell you all about the other three products next week, so stay tuned.

Home

Sock Organizer. Stop losing your socks in the laundry! Use the new sock organizer by NeatFreak.com to keep your socks together as they meander through the laundry cycle. Yep, that means they can go in the dryer and stay connected in your drawer, too.

On The Go

Space Bag To Go. Travel lots? Need to make more space in your suitcase? These “to go” bags are a great way to group your similar items together and get more room…especially when you go to a conference and bring back goodies. =) They’re also air- and watertight and would be a good option for camping and road trips.

Also check out their travel cube.

Office

Dry Erase Hanging File Tabs. You know how sometimes you decide to label a file with one name and then you decided to use different name instead? Or, maybe you mis-spelled the word and need to re-write it? Perhaps you no longer keep certain papers and want to change the name of the label without having to find a new tab.

This labeling system makes it easy to handle all of those situations easily. Since you use a dry erase marker, it’s easy to make corrections and changes…and each tab has a protective tab cover so that once you finally settle on the right name, it won’t get wiped off. Nice, right? =)

If you have used any of these products, let me know what you think…and check back next week to see the other products I loved at conference this year. One of them was described as “winning,” but is waay better than Charlie Sheen. Sorry, Charlie. ;)

From time to time, I am sent products to test out.*  Some are great, like this one and this one…others, not so much, like this one.

Lucky for me – and you – I was sent adhesive pockets made by 3M that work. Now, anyone who knows me, knows that I am in LOVE with post-it notes. My dream would be have to 3M and Sharpie come up with a post-it note and Sharpies combo. Together. Side by side.  In the same package. Sorry, just thought I’d share.

Anywaaay…back to the pockets…

To borrow a line from Tony the Tiger, they’re great!  They’re easy to use and they really do help to clear up fridge clutter. For those of you who tend to put papers that you want to remember (like football tickets or that form you need to complete) on the fridge, these pockets will help you to keep them all together in a neat, orderly way. Simply peel off the backing and place on your fridge. You could probably put them on the side of your file cabinet, too.

Here’s a look at the two that I’ve been using for the last month or so. I use the larger pocket for docs and the smaller pocket is the place I store coupons. Good news: I’m always able to find papers, continually update my household inventory form, and have my coupons in sight.   Bad news: I have to remember to take the coupons with me! Can you say senior moment? ;)

*I received these products free of cost without solicitation from 3M. They in no way directed the content of this post.

Buy Post-It Pockets

How many label makers do you have? I am the proud owner of four! Yes, four…and I use them all, believe it or not.  I’m a fan of the Dymo brand, though I also like Brother lablers, too.

What can a label maker do for you? They create labels, of course. ;)  And those nice labels make it easy for you to not only find what you’re looking for quickly, but also make it more likely that you’ll put your stuff back where they’re supposed to go. That means that you’ll find what you’re looking without the nasty side effects of a scavenger hunt.

See how this works nicely? So, become one with your label maker.  Here are a few ways to get started…

6 Places You Can Put Labels

1.  Bookcase. Label books by author or genre.

2. File Folders. You don’t need a fancy filing system – just a word that will help you find what you want when you want it. Labels on file drawers and archived file boxes are very helpful, too.

3. Spice Bottles. Spices come with their own labels, but some people use clear bottles that they fill with their spices. If you change what’s inside, then change your label.  I recently watched Blais Off, a new cooking show on the Science Channel. Chef Blais had lots of glass containers that had the name of the spice and a QR code on the label.

4. Moving Boxes. Labels are crucial when you’re moving. No label = OMG! What’s in the box?! …which means you’ll have to open every single box to find what you’re looking for.  Avoid that by putting the (a) general contents and (b) the room the box will be going to in your new location on the label.  You can also number each box so that you can verify that if you’re supposed to have 20 boxes, that you actually have 20 boxes once the move is complete.

5. Cables and Cords. Don’t waste time trying to figure out which cable belongs to which device.  Check your label instead.

6. Anywhere!

» I use clear, plastic envelopes for a variety of documents. I have one in my car that has my insurance info. It’s labeled with my car’s make, model, and year.  That way, if I’m a bit frazzled, the label will help me get unfrazzled.

» I also have labels that tell me which container has my black socks and which container has my hot pink ones. =)

» Would you believe that I have a label on my label makers? Yep, my name is on each one since I usually have them with me when working with a client or when prepping for an event.

Where do you put labels?

You probably already know that Rubbermaid makes great products for the kitchen.  I especially love their Easy Find Lids and my new favorite is their junk drawer organizing system.   I decided to test it out in my husband’s desk drawer and installed it on May 10th…then I checked back to see what it looked like on July 8th.

Take a look at the progression of our mini-project.  The before and after photos really tell the story. If you’re brave enough, I’d love to know what your junk drawer looks like.  Leave a comment and post your pic. =)

Step 1 – Open the Rubbermaid package & make sure the system will fit in the drawer…or select the pieces to be used

Step 2 – Open junk drawer, take everything out, and sort/purge/categorize

Step 3 – Decide where to put everything

Step 4 – Check back in 2 months (or minimum of 21 days) to see if the system is working

Buy @ Rubbermaid

*The nice folks at Rubbermaid sent me this junk drawer organizing  system to review free of cost.  Thanks, Rubbermaid!

Who said that organizing products have to just be functional?  Not guest author and Pro Organizer, Jeri Dansky!  Check out these fab and interesting products that she’s found…

Organizing products are available all over the place — including dollar stores, Goodwill and other thrift stores, and large chain stores such as Target, Home Depot, Staples and The Container Store.

But sometimes you want something special, something unique — something that will inspire you to stay organized. Here are just a few examples of such products — some of my latest finds.

1. Baskets from Heart of Alamor

Baskets come in a huge range of styles, shapes and sizes. Debbie Norton’s has been in the basket business since 1976,and her pine needle baskets look stunning.

2. Knitted Felt Bowls from Home Woolens

Lots of people are making lovely felted bowls nowadays; they can be useful for storing all sorts of odds and ends. This is one of my recent favorites.

3. Address books from Rag & Bone Bindery

While many people are keeping addresses and phone numbers on their computers and cell phones, some people still prefer a paper address book. Rag & Bone Bindery, based in Rhode Island, provide handcrafted books that would be a pleasure to use.

4. Pencil box from Strong Arm Bindery

This lovely box could also be used to store jewelry.

5. OneLessFile from Heckler Design

Want an absolutely stunning hanging file holder for your floor or desktop? Take a look at this one, available in five standard colors — and custom colors, too. Personally, I love the buttercup — so cheerful!

Photo Credit:  MacWorld.co.uk

6. Leash Hooks from These Creatures

You can get 2-hook or 3-hook designs — and of course these could hold more than just leashes! They’re also sold by Red Sail.

7. Ballerina Memory Board from Betty

Here’s a  ribbon board that could be perfect for the right little girl — or perhaps someone not so little!

You’re not going crazy.  There were 8 products profiled, however, the final item was removed today at the request of the maker. The good news is that there are lots of interesting products that can help you maintain order.  If you’re looking for something in particular, let us know.  -Deb, 7.30.10

About the Author

Jeri Dansky is a professional organizer, helping people whose clutter is driving them crazy —and helping the mostly organized do even better. She works primarily with those in the San Francisco Bay Area, but has clients around the world.  Contact Jeri at 650.726.0456 or jeri [at] jdorganizer [dot] com.

Connect with Jeri Online: Website | Blog | Twitter

On day 20 of Get Organized Month, we have a treat for you!  Several professional organizers told us on Twitter (in only 140 characters) what their favorite organizing products and apps are.  Now, don’t go off on a buying frenzy – figure out what you really need before you buy.

Ok, now G.O.

____________________________________________________________________________

WendyDavie The weekly Planner and Meal planner from www.totallyorganised.co.nz are my fave’s

wicked_neat Has 2b (bside iPhone itself) the ‘groceries’ app. Costs a cpla $s but you can do a simple inventory of what you have/need & be ready 4 store

wicked_neat …in no time. Also, can email list to housemate/partner or keep multiple lists-awesome for parties…less wasted $, food, cluttered pantry

elaineshannon Outlook and specifically Outlook Tasks. I keep all my thoughts, ideas, to-dos in this all in one central at my fingertips place.

Smart_Spaces Hmmm. 1. Literature sorter. 2. Label maker. 3. Enthusiasm. 4. Magazine holders – for files ( big chunks, fast sorting)

MS_Simplicity The label maker is king for org products. Once something is labeled, everyone knows where it goes and can put the items in the right place!

TannaC My fav. organizing products are clear storage boxes from TCS, clear all around & straight sides to maximize space!

TexasOrganizer Loni Horizontal Tie & Belt Rack and Vinyl 80-Pocket Hanging Jewelry Organizer. I love these products for your closet to get you ready to go in the morning. Items are reasonably priced and available at The Container Store.

janinea Hi, Deb. I adore the Elfa file cart (for action files, project files, current client files, and financial files, [anything] within arms reach of my desk).  Also love Time Timer (allows you to stay focused on a task for a given period of time) and Freedom Filer (self maintaining [with] visual clues to weed files on an ongoing basis … attractive, customizable…]

Both @JanineA & @TexasOrganizer were the smart ones this time.  They sent  their product recommendations via e-mail. :-)

More Tips From the Pros

•  Great Advice From the Organizing Pros!
•  Free Organizing Tips From the Experts
•  More Free Tips From the Organizing Experts

“The demand for home organization products in the US will increase 4.3% annually to $8.9 billion in 2013. Bins, baskets and totes accounted for the largest share of home organization product sales in 2008, with 38% of the total market. Sales of home organization products for use in garages are expected to post the strongest gains through 2013.” [TransWorldNews · Home Organization Product Demand to Reach $8.9 Billion in 2013 · Ellen Kosloff ·August, 11, 2009]

Need Help Getting Organized?

• Photo Storage at The Container Store
• Need Help Managing Your Contacts? Get CardScan. Get productive.
• Messy Office – Stacks and Stacks to the rescue!

Ok, so the title of today’s post may be a bit misleading, but if you watched Shark Tank recently, you know exactly what I’m talking about.  Lisa Lloyd presented a pretty nifty organizing idea to the sharks - Treasure Chest Pets - organizers that look like stuffed animals for children. Each pet has secret compartments for putting away your stuff.  So, on the outside they look like a toy, but on the inside, they keep you organized.

How cool is that?  Why not get your children involved with organizing early on, especially with when it’s fun to do it?  Sounds like a win-win to me. Even the sharks knew that. They chomped at the bit to make a deal with Lisa.

Here’s a look at one of the TC pets…

Want to see the other pets that can store CD’s and other things out of the way?  Check out this video…

Today, I went on a field trip! Along with 50 other professional organizers, I attended a special event organized by the NAPO-WDC Board of Directors. Our host was the Container Store located in Arlington, VA and they were awesome!

Store Mangagers Kevin & Erin started out by giving us the history of the Container Store. Did you know that they’re celebrating their 30th anniversary? Did you also know that they offer a 30% discount every January on all their Elfa products? That’s huge!

Kevin & Erin also gave us a tour and showed us some new eco-friendly organizing products. Check them out below…

We got a demonstration on how to install their famous Elfa closet system and saw how simple it was to put together their free-standing units. The demo also included their new line, Elfa Utlity, which is a nice option for your garage.

We were all grateful for the time that the Container Store staff took to make us feel welcome. They are very focused on customer service and are super friendly. You’ll see for yourself when you visit the store. If you have question, they are always happy to help.

It was an awesome afternoon and I’m sure that we all walked away thinking “I Love the Container Store!” Take a look at how happy we were…

That’s me with Kim Oser, NAPO-WDC Corporate
Partner Director. Kim is also the owner
of Put It Away!

Here I am getting a lift from Scott Roewer, NAPO-WDC Immediate Past President and owner of Solutions by Scott.