~ TIPS TO ORDER ~

"A Few Words from a Client"

2010-08-13T23:30:00.003-04:00

As a busy working mother I came to a point where I needed help! Heidi came to our home and reviewed the status and situation. Heidi provided great ideas right away! She offered a clear plan as we moved forward. Heidi helped us room by room reorganize and put things where the belonged and also where it made sense! The energy and flow in the house changed immediately!! Heidi provided practical and manageable ideas. We needed Heidi to jump start our campaign and keep us motivated to change, improve, and maximize our home's purpose, and space. Heidi was such a blessing and asset to our lives, we recommend her services for anyone! Thank you so much!!!
Name *	Lisa Short
Phone Number *	(404) 403-0333
Date	Tuesday, August 3, 2010

"Air on the Fritz?"

2010-07-21T19:27:00.002-04:00

I received this priceless tidbit of advice from a friend/air conditioning repair man ~
In the summer, leave your fan on at all times. This prevents the unit from freezing up
In addition, if you are trying to cool your home, and keep your unit from shutting down, only lower the temp 2 degrees at a time. This is especially necessary for those older units, that need a lot of TLC!

Keep Cool!

"Today Can be the Best Day of your Life"

2010-07-09T20:28:00.002-04:00

This is a quote my brother shared, for my personal reflection, and I thought I would share with you. It is powerful -
"Be careful what you think about - think scarcity and you'll manifest it - think abundance and you'll manifest abundance. Imagine losing everything you have today - how would you feel tomorrow if you got it all back? It would be the best day of your life - why isn't today the best day of your life? Scarcity is an illusion and there are no problems, only opportunities to grow.
All is Well, All is Well" ~Steve Luckenbach~

"Success is Failure turned inside out"

2010-06-18T05:45:00.001-04:00

When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all up hill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don't you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about, When he might have won had he stuck it out. Don't give up though the pace seems slow--You may succeed with another blow, Success is failure turned inside out--The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far; So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--It's when things seem worst that you must not quit. ~Unknown~

"Great Advice to those with Pets, for the Holidays"

2010-06-16T10:56:00.004-04:00

I hope you enjoy the below link! This is extremely beneficial information. Aaron is a friend, and true lover of animals. I respect his vision, and focus, to help us better understand our pets, so we can create "Order" as well as joy with our four-legged family members.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5Ec1WcS18o

Cost-Saving, Consumer Report Winner - Product!

2010-06-14T13:28:00.004-04:00

The great part about having a blog, is being able to write about whatever you care to!!
I have a personal testimony about a product I would like to share with everyone.
My birthday was last Thursday, and my mom was wondering what to give me. As we were talking on the phone, I brought up that I needed a vacuum, but couldnt afford $500 to $800. I do not believe most of us can, or want to!
My mom is a big Consumer Report subscriber, and promptly went to her magazine on vacuums.
After quite a bit of research, and very good ratings, the Dirt Devil Featherlite Bagless Upright, at Target, for a mere $47.00 was ranked in the top, with all the more expensive brands!!! Well for $47.00 I was willing to take a risk and find out! It is AWESOME...so lightweight, I can drag it up and down my stairs without throwing my back out, or anything else for that matter..:)
I highly recommend this product(I have pets too!) There is a bit of assembly, but only 3 screws, and you are ready to go! Thanks mom for a great birthday present!!!

"Some practical uses for plastic bags"

2010-05-10T09:48:00.004-04:00

In as many closets as I can remember, my clients have a section of boots, in the corner, flopped over or stacked on top of each other in a messy pile.
If you recycle, like most of us do, you will have a bag of BAGS somewhere in your pantry, or garage. Take about 6 to 8 of those plastic grocery or shopping bags, crumple each one up, and put in your flimsy boots. They will take on a life of their own, and stand at attention. This process will also extend the life of the material, from wrinkling, pinching at the folded area.

Another good use for the recycle bags - place a plastic container next to your litter box. (I do not use flushable litter, because my box is not even near a bathroom) I have noticed I clean my litter box more often, and my Clarence doesn't mind messing in it more..lol

Happy recycling!

"A Few Words from a Client" Thank you Joann!!

2010-04-11T09:18:00.001-04:00

WOW! That has been the reaction from my children, mom, friends and neighbors when they have seen my house after Heidi did her magic. If I have to sum it up for me, her comment on her webpage "...for your Sanity" would have to be it. I am a divorced (still going through court proceedings w/my ex), single mom of 2 difficult children (ADHD/bipolar/ODD) and my house was reflecting the chaos in my life. I was actually sleeping with my problems (paperwork, files, etc on my bed with me). Every room was piling up with my past and clutter. My life seemed like it was out-of-control and I wanted to get it back. Now, after Heidi came to my rescue, I feel like I can breathe. Heidi needs to add to her business card that she's not only a consultant, but a therapist! I can't thank her enough for what she has done for me. I have gotten part of my life back, because of Heidi. THANK YOU...THANK YOU! ~ Joann Evans, Alpharetta, GA ~

"You don't have to prepare, or plan!"

2010-03-25T14:24:00.003-04:00

I think this is a very important topic for those of you who are contemplating hiring a Professional Organizer.
I want to try and instill in you, you do NOT have to plan, prepare, pick-up, or anything like that to have me come to your home. The reason I am there is to take that responsibility off your shoulders. When I come over, I will know what to do and where to begin, on my own. Now I am not in any way saying, I will work on things you don't want me to, I am simply trying to help you remove the added stress over what you are already carrying around.
I recently had a client cancel an appointment due to a stressful situation, and it all appeared overwhelming. She then reconsidered when I explained she did not have to "hold my hand" and focus on me. Again, the reason I am there is to give you an extra "two hands" to work, and by the end of the day...you accomplished twice as much as you would have by yourself.
She is now looking forward to our appointment, and wishes it was sooner!
Call me today and set up your appointment!

"A Few Words from a Home Staging Client"

2010-03-22T23:32:00.001-04:00

We utilized Heidi's services, recently, to stage our home quickly to be put on the market. We have been so impressed by the results and would strongly recommend her to others. After our realtor saw the house, she commented that she expected a camera crew to jump out from HDTV because of the level of professionalism that was shown in such a short amount of time. Heidi is an extremely efficient, hard worker and is very experienced and decisive. We were impressed with all her recommendations from paint colors to florals, and plan to carry her design advice into our next home. We highly recommend her to those who want to take advantage of her model home design experience to make their home "show worthy." ~Megan Strickland ~ March 2010

"A Few Words from a new Client"

2010-03-08T14:41:00.002-05:00

"Daddy, I wish our house could always look like this!" This is a quote from my 5 year old.
Heidi has turned our house into a home! I am a single father of two, and never knew my house could look like this.
Heidi truly does work miracles, and what she did here says it all. Thank you for all your hard work!
~Kenneth~

"Consistency is the KEY"

2010-02-12T11:05:00.004-05:00

Do you have a routine you do on a daily basis? Brush your teeth, brush your hair, get dressed, take the kids to the bus stop, or school?
These items come to you practically without even thinking, don't they? You just DO them.
This exact thought pattern in your brain can be developed for organization in your home, or office too. It just takes creating the habit, and then it becomes a "regular" part of your routine.

Have you ever forgotten one of these routine/responsibility items? What kind of frustration or anxiety did that cause you? It wasn't pleasant was it?? It doesn't really matter what it is you didn't do, it will always cause a of some sort negative response.

With every action, there is a reaction, just as with every non-action, there is a repercussion.
With that being said, what is it that you are avoiding doing in your home or office? Do you need assistance tackling that "proverbial" monkey on your back, however it's gotten so out of hand, you dont know how to start? FYI...by continuing to avoid it, does NOT make it go away. Let's start taking responsibility for what has been given to us.
This is where I come ! It is possible to bring order to that area, and create simple habits to keep it maintained. All you have to do is become "Willing" to face the challenge. Once this happens, calling me is only as hard as finding my number to dial. Well let me make it even easier ~ #678-895-5465 Let's get busy!

Order By Design, Inc.........for your "SANITY!"

"You KNOW you need an Organizer when...."

2010-02-08T20:29:00.003-05:00

....you look around your home, and you would rather just walk out the front door!
....you can't see the top of your dining room table(due to paperwork)
....your electric gets shut off, and you're not shocked.
....you have stopped inviting friends over for a "get together" because of the embarrassment.
....you cannot "use" your garage for your car.
....you open any one of your kitchen drawers, and can't really tell what the drawer is designated for.
....the living room, kitchen, and dining room, have become the kids "Arts/Crafts" or "Toy" area.
....the Master bedroom, Kitchen table, Family room sofa, has turned into the "Laundry room.
....you are compelled to shut EVERY door in your home, so you don't have to deal with it...

Everyone at one point or another becomes overwhelmed with their life. It is part of life. Don't spend one more minute letting your surroundings "drag you down." Pick up the phone and call me, or an Organizer in your area! It WILL restore your Focus, and renew any lost Hope!

Order By Design, Inc............for your "SANITY!"

"If I had only known!"

2010-02-04T17:14:00.002-05:00

I cannot tell you all how many times I have heard that statement, and many more like it, from clients. As a matter of fact, I just heard it Tuesday from a Single father who is selling his home.
"I wish I would have done this a long time ago, and been able to enjoy my home." says this particular client, while shaking his head.
Not only do I stage and re-decorate a home to be sold, I give your home "new life" as if you moved, without having to!
"You turned my house into a home." says the same client. "I wish our house looked like this the whole time." says the 5 year old son of the client.
I could spend all day writing down quotes, just like the ones above, I have heard.
Don't let another day go by, if you are unhappy with clutter, disorganization, or style!

There is nothing like the present, to change your view of the future!!!

Call and schedule your appointment today ~ #678-895-5465

"D.R.A ~ Daily, Reference, Archive ~

2010-01-23T11:43:00.000-05:00

Today, while working with my client, it was made very apparent to her how much paperwork she actually had. As we went thru these large stacks, she kept saying; "Why did I keep all this?"
Because she had me with her, her fear of tackling this feat was reduced to a few sighs here and there. She also felt more at comfortable throwing away half or more of what was in front of her, because of the some of the ways the internet could work for her
As we enter further into the computer/internet world, so many pieces of mail we receive can be eliminated. For example; she had every single electric, water, and trash bill from 4 years ago. She did not know unless you can write off these amounts thru a business, it is NOT necessary to keep the paper copies anymore. It is very easy to go online, register with your utility companies, and request paperless bills. You can also sign up with your bank to pay those bills directly. The process is quite easy once you get started. Just a note ~ It is very easy to request any copy of any bill, when and IF you ever need it.
Lets discuss the "3" types of file categories: Daily ~ Reference ~ Archive
For paperwork you wish to keep, but never need to look thru, unless there is an audit, etc., purchase plastic file boxes. These are considered "Archive"
Because you have used plastic containers, they do not need to be kept in "controlled/air conditioned" environments. Place those containers in your basement, attic, or garage. Get them out of your daily work area.
The second category is "Reference". These files contain insurance information, mortgage statements, family medical histories, etc. Keep these files nearby, in a closet in the office, or tucked away that would be easy to access. But they do NOT need to be in your file drawers, unless you have the room. You can use "bankers boxes" for these files. These files will be kept in air conditioning therefore you won't need to worry about moisture/mildew, unless you choose to use plastic containers. That is your choice.
Lastly, but certainly not least important are your "Daily" files. This category can contain whatever you use on a daily/weekly basis. You can structure what goes in each category based on your personal scenario.
This strategy will dramatically reduce your paperwork overflow. Try it and see!!

"Don't trust your feelings!"

2010-01-22T09:25:00.005-05:00

This topic is so valuable personally, when I need to bring my life back in "Order".
Just like you, I get overwhelmed. Mine may not be Organization, BUT I have many other things that "get to me"!
I recall one particular episode, back in May of 09...I was walking around the block, almost in panic attack about the economy, and my finances. You see I went outside because I was "feeling" claustrophobic. I had not had an appointment in over 6 days, and to preserve gasoline, I stayed home this whole time. If you are a "do'er" you understand that sitting at home, on a weekday, is very frustrating, and upsetting! Your mind starts to panic,, and you begin to imagine the worst possible scenarios about your future. After 3 days of this...I was "beside" myself!

During that season of my life, I did not know how I was going to survive the next WEEK, much less the next DAY!
Have you experienced such a day??

Here's the key that changed my life(in addition to LOTS of prayer)that even though I "FELT" like giving up, to overwhelmed to even see hope or possibility, I knew that "feelings" are just that, feelings. They are NOT fact, or reality, only our perception of it.

I urge you, at that moment, regardless of all the thoughts trying to bombard your mind, make one decision, say to yourself "Feelings are NOT truth, or fact"! This WILL bring your mind to back to Order, over time. With that, remember back, at various moments in your life, how fast you have gone from "Happiness to Sadness", "Excitement to Disappointment.." Apply this knowledge to your current scenario, and realize just as fast as panic can come, it can dissiminate, if you are just patient!

The moral of this story ~ I am still here, 8 months later! I survived! I made it thru. It seemed like an impossibility then!
On top of that, I have experienced so many miracles since that time. I know if I had not experienced that, I would not appreciate all the gifts I have been blessed with.

Don't give up. There is ALWAYS hope my friend:)

"Order is for Pets too!"

2010-01-15T10:38:00.002-05:00

It seems over the past few years I have noticed part of a home's disorganization is with the family pet.
Not only is consistency, and habits good for the two legged members of the family, it also works for the four legged ones as well.
Crate training is a wonderful tool for your pet, and it's never too late to begin, if your pet has difficulty with behavior or training.
Animals love their own space, and if used in the right way, and with the right tools, your beloved pet, will be a well adjusted member of the family.

Tip 1 ~ Buy a metal wire crate for home. Do not use plastic travel carrier except for travel.
Make sure your pet can stand up and turn around in the crate, with ease.
Tip 2 ~ Never open the crate when your pet is crying or barking! This will reinforce that barking
will open the crate door. Wait til your pet is quiet before opening door.
Tip 3 ~ Do not use the crate as punishment! This will suggest that every time your pet has to go
inside, it has done something wrong.
Tip 4 ~ Do not talk to your pet while in the crate. It is quiet time for your pet, and needs to be
left alone.
Tip 5 ~ Only leave your pet in the crate for as many hours as months old. EX: 3 month - 3 hours
at a time, but no longer than 7 to 9 hours for an adult.
Tip 6 ~ Make sure you keep the crate in the same room you are in. It is important for your pet
to feel a part of the family, even in it's crate. Hearing you is not enough for a pet in
training.

Your pet deserves a place of his/her own too. Even if your pet is well trained, all pets love their own "safe" place they can go and rest. Leave the door open all the time, and that pet will go in there to relax.

"What a start to the New Year!"

2010-01-10T12:01:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone had a safe, and happy New Year. I promise I will get back on the bandwagon, and write everyday, but I just got over the worst Stomach virus, that I wouldn't wish on ANYONE!
It amazes me how fast your energy can be stripped from your body, and you feel if you stand up, even for a minute, you will fall over from exhaustion.
My sweet animals had no idea why mom is sleeping all day, and won't play with them, since she is home, and available? And to even describe "climbing the stairs" in my home, was. LOL!
I am so thankful for my mom during that time!! She helped me with what to eat(saltines, Gerber banana's, and chicken broth, and Gaterade!)
Well enough "Woe is ME" stuff. I hope you all missed out on the winter "bugs & flu's" that have been going around.
On a positive note, and I am one to focus on such a thing, my appreciation for "Health" is immeasurable! No money, possessions, or relationships, can replace the gift of health!
With that being said, consider starting this new year off, and purging items from your home you do not use. There are many less fortunate. They would just love that coat or sweater this time of year!! Blessings:)

The "Light at the End of the Tunnel"

2010-01-03T12:17:00.001-05:00

I have had the privilege of being invited into many homes, and share my "gift" of organization & encouragement to people who feel like they are in it all alone.
Let me share that you are NOT alone in your clutter/mess. There are many in your shoes. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. If you choose to invite a professional organizer to assist you, or simply share with a friend your frustration, you are taking steps to work thru it. Don't give up!!
This is a temporary situation, it is not permanent. Do not be afraid to share your situation with someone, there is nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone has issues, Everybody has something they are dealing with.

We are all in this together!

"Altercations with Skin Care"

2009-12-21T06:53:00.002-05:00

Well, it has been one heck of a few days! I have been out of commission so to speak, but I am back. Thanks for your patience:)
For years I had been hearing how a certain skin care product line, was so great. And I had been given the opportunity to try it last week. I still believe this line is good, but for "CERTAIN" skin types only! ~ not mine! My story goes like this:
I simply ran out of my regular moisturizer on Friday morning, and since I was given some of this NEW stuff, I decided today was the day! If I could turn back time, this would be the event. Anyway, I tried it.....and only the moisturizer, well that was all it took! Within 24 hours I was sitting in an Urgent Care getting a shot in the lower quadrant area , steroids, and given two RX's to take for the week.
I truly believe in the motto, "If it's not broke~don't fix it" more so now then ever. I was never more happy to have my normal 44 year old "Heidi" face again, with all it's quirks, and imperfections! It's so great to be back!!!
Hope you all have an amazing week:)

"A Few Words from a Fellow-Business Owner"

2009-12-11T22:48:00.003-05:00

"I worked with Heidi Luckenbach for several years while freelancing for Beazer Homes/Beazer Interior Design. She is an excellent designer who always added the right touch to the model homes she worked on. She was very professional and determined to get the job done right. Heidi has a great eye and always found new and unique ways to add punch and drama to the homes we worked on.
She is a delight to work with due to her passion for decorating along with a very positive attitude. I would highly recommend Heidi for any design job you have in mind." ~ Anita Roll~ 12/09

"A Few Words from a New Client"

2009-12-06T19:26:00.001-05:00

"We moved into our home over a year ago, the following Monday I started a new job and work long hours. Then my father suffered a stroke and I commuted to his home out of state for several months before he subsequently passed away. When my life settled down a bit, I finally realized there just weren't enough hours in the day to accomplish all the things I wanted done to transform our house into a home. A few weeks before Thanksgiving I finished unpacking the few boxes we had left stored in our office and dining room; I had books everywhere! Thank goodness I found Heidi - what a blessing! Heidi and I discussed the project over the phone and my husband met her at our house the next day. WOW - I was speechless when I arrived home! I could have never accomplished what Heidi did in five hours! I was so impressed by her work that I asked her to return the very next day! I am not the easiest person in the world to please and Heidi surpassed my expectations in every way. My two tiny toy red poodles Boudreaux and Mudd Bugg loved her too! I'll never struggle for hours on the weekend when I have big home project - I'll be calling Heidi!" ~ Vicky Holmes ~ Dec, 2009

"Frustrated with the Economy? Let's get busy!"

2009-12-05T08:06:00.000-05:00

Lets talk about a few of the choices you are being confronted with, and where your money would be best utilized, during this difficult time.
Some of us are in situations where you cannot afford to move, but frustrated with your current living situation ~ (are you trying to buy furniture? Could it be there may be better utilization of what you already have, and not know it?)
Some of us are wanting to move, but cannot seem to get their homes sold ~ (could it be you're loosing $$ because of current furniture placement, and or certain color choices? Don't drop the price just to get it off your back!)
Some are wondering why with all the beautiful things, their home just doesn't flow ~ ( could it be the furniture pieces may work better elsewhere, and accessories & art not utilized to their potential?)
Save yourself some $.! If you love your home, but want a change, that is easily done. If you want to sell it and get top dollar, that too is easily done. If you want your home to look as if you are selling? We can do that

"Your Home Smells SO GOOD!"

2009-11-14T18:34:00.003-05:00

I was so blessed to have one of my best friends, and her little girl(and one on the way!) come visit me in GA, a few weeks ago. Among the MANY things we talked about over her two week stay, she was sharing some of her recipes, when I interjected; "I don't like the way my house holds on the scents of my cooking. I love it when I bake, but that's it!" I have been hesitant to spray a lot of room deodorizers, I have pets, and the plug in's don't seem to be strong enough to cover the "cooking aftermath". She proceeded to open my pantry, and pull out some spices, example: cinnamon, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and several more. She told me to put a small sautee' pan with water, on the stove, pour in a small amount of the desired scent, bring to a boil, then simmer!!
Let me just say, I LOVE the new smells of my home!!! Every evening I create the mood I want, and extremely inexpensive!! ENJOY:)

"Hints to help"

2009-11-09T09:19:00.002-05:00

I was in Target the other day, standing in line to check out, and the couple in front of me were discussing what to do about some "sticky" stuff on their mirror. I remember the husband saying; "Well, I am not spending my Saturday scrubbing it off!"
I decided at that point, I might be able to help, I interjected; "If you use Goo-Gone, or Goof-Off, let it set for about 5 minutes, a razor will take it right off!! They were very happy:)

Also, if you are like many of us and have dark wood that is "chipped" on the edges, or on the legs,
if you have a black sharpie marker handy ~ dab on the chip, and rub to blend in with your finger.
It will look like new!!