Sounds crazy, right?  Why would you want to "maximize" to minimize.  Is that an oxymoron? Not when it comes to organizing!

When getting organized, the focus is on eliminating clutter and organizing items or thoughts in a way where we maximize the potential of what we have.  Whether it relates to the items themselves, the space they occupy or what's going on in our heads, we want to focus on maximizing in order to minimize.  

Any space can be maximized to create an environment that is more "user friendly".  We want to create a place where everything is easy to find and easy to put back.  We want to create a space that makes sense, based on how we function.  That doesn't mean we need to make it bigger by adding on an addition.  It means we use the space we have to its best potential.  

Everyone functions differently, but there are some general rules that can apply to everyone.  

For example, when it comes to "maximizing" the hanging space in your closet, it is best to choose the correct type of hanger.  Using matching hangers for an entire closet is best.  This might sound petty, but it is more than just aesthetically pleasing to the eye.  

It makes it easier to locate your clothing when all of your clothes are hanging at the same height. Using the correct hanger will protect your clothes from damage and keep your clothes from sliding off the hanger, onto the floor.  Hanging like-things together will help also. Some people hang their clothes by color, some by type.  That is a personal choice and both can work well.  

When it comes to "maximizing" in order to minimize, you are focusing on the use of the space itself and the contents within it.  How we store items (or even information) is so important in how we function on a day-to-day basis.  

I suggest that you start paying attention to the space in your home, your office and your head to figure out where you can possibly maximize their potential in order to minimize your clutter.

If you need assistance in figuring it all out, I can help.  You can utilize my knack for minimizing the clutter and maximizing the space, no matter where it is and making sure that the system you put into place will work for you.

In the meantime, happy organizing!

Most recently, over the holiday season, Target Stores reported that their security had been breached and it affected over 40 million people.  

Between November 27 and December 15, 2013, the unauthorized access took place in the U.S. Target Stores.  

Identity theft is a serious crime that occurs when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes.  It can cost you time and money, destroy your credit and ruin your good name.

There are steps you can take to deter theives bu safeguarding your information:

Shred It- Anything that contains your personal information, especially financial documents, should be shredded when discarding them.

Keep Your Personal Information In A Secure Place - Use a fireproof/water proof security lock box or safe to protect your information from theft.  If you have roommates, employ outside help  or have work done in your home, this is especially important.  This includes passports, social security cards, passwords and bank/credit card information.

Don't Use Obvious Passwords - When online, don' use your birthdate, your mother's maiden name or the last four digits of your social security number as a password.  These are too obvious to identity thieves.    

Don't Give Out Personal Information - When on the phone, on the internet or corresponding by mail, do not give out personal information to anyone you do not know.  Know who you are dealing with.

Protect Your Social Security Number -  Don't carry your social security card in your wallet or write your social security number on a check.  Give it out only if necessary.  Ask to use another form of identification instead if possible.

Check Your Credit Report - They contain information about you, including what accounts you have and your bill paying history.  You are entitled to a free report each year from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, if you ask for it.  I suggest spreading the requests out throughout the year, instead of asking for all three reports at the same time.  Visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com  to order your free credit reports each year. 

It is important that you check your bank statements, credit card statements and billing statements each and every time you receive them to identify any charges you did not make so you can rectify them quickly.

Be careful!  Identify theft is on the rise and you need more diligent than ever when it comes to protecting yourself.

Wishing you a happy, healthy and safe New Year!