So here it is! The banner for the 30 day organizational challenge! Feel free to grab it for your blog if you want to participate. Some of you have expressed concern about putting up the before pictures and I totally understand. But believe me everyone has a messy little secret…whether it be a closet, a drawer or a whole room. My hope is that everyone would not be judgemental but encouraging to one another. You might feel better about posting the before and after pictures at the same time on Dec 6th and thats okay too. However if you would like to post your before pictures ahead of time so that we can all support you and even help out with suggestions then you will find a Mr. Linky below to link up to. Please only link up to your specific “before picture” post and not your blog in general. This way we can keep track of you and check in from time to time to see how you are making out with your challenge.
Now for the good stuff….the PRIZE! Who doesn’t love a prize because I don’t know about you but I am always more motivated to do something when there is a prize involved! The winner will be selected by myself and based on overall transformation and creative use of baskets, containers and/or totes. The winner will receive the new soft cover edition of Taste of Home’s Best Loved Cookies and Bars book as well as Better Homes & Gardens 100 ideas Organize magazine which features 205 ways to make your life easier!!!!
Tip: What if eveyday you dedicated 15 minutes to working on your area…15 minutes is manageable right?
30 days of 15 minutes each day equals 7.5 hours total!!!!!
See what a junkie will go through to get more people addicted to her habit…….you can do it!
Email me if you have any questions!
UPDATE: Thanks to lifeorganizers.com we now have new prizes for this event:
1st prize = $100.00
2nd prize = $50.00
3rd prize = $25.00
I will make my prize of this and this a random draw for all remaining participants so that everyone has the opportunity to win something!
Tammy says
Oh, this sounds like so much fun. I do have areas that need organizing right now, but now is not a good time for me. My living room/dining room stuff is in every room BUT the living room and dining room, and will be for the next few weeks as we continue to redo our floors and woodwork. I’ll be a cheerleader, how’s that? =)
Anonymous says
Just today I was posting about my lack of housekeeping skills, my bad organizational habits, my desperate NEED for help! You must have heard my call!!!!
I’m in. Maybe this will keep me more accountable!
I dread posting the “before” pics, but hey, I’ll do it!
Thanks for the kick in the behind!
Sherry
warpie says
I’m in I’m in 🙂 Although I think I need more than 15 minutes a day.
Kim
Marie says
I’ve actually set up a seperate blog for this, since until it’s over, I don’t want people who read my regular blog (http://www.mariebraden.com) to see what I’m living in right now.
It’s a mess. I’m a mess.
The Lazy Organizer says
There you go. Now I am committed! I hate deadlines!!!
This will be fun. I can’t wait to get started on it!
Anonymous says
I’m in, but I’m having problems posting pics to my blog.
Not sure why?! Will try again tomorrow.
Have a great night!
Barb says
I’m already organized to within an inch of my life, Laura. You and I have the same disease. 🙂
But this is a great great idea for people who need to get more organized. It’s going to be fun to see the results.
You’re something else. I thought I had the worst case of this ever known to mankind but I was wrong. YOU do. Hee hee.
Marie says
Updated with today’s progress. Funny, I realized I don’t even OWN a broom.
Jaime says
Hmmm. . . I gotta figure out which room to organize best. I just moved so almost every room needs some organization.
Rachel says
I’m so in!!!
I have to decide where to tackle, which area needs the most help. And I have to get my camera fixed so I can take the before picture. But I’m doing this. Thanks!
org junkie says
Hi Rachel, I’m so happy you are going to join the challenge. I just wanted to let you know that I’ve deleted you from Mr. Linky for now….once you have your “before pictures” up please link up again but to that particular post. Just makes it easier for people to find the specific post to do with the challenge 🙂 Email me if you have any questions. Thanks, Laura
Blessed Beyond Measure says
Man, I honestly don’t know – I may need to just come back and read everyone’s tips to put into action come January when I regain my brain. Bless your heart for showing others how to make sense of their house and schedule.
Chaotic Mom says
ARGH!!!!!!!!! I’m in, you know that. But I’ve been working on this for a while now… 😉
I WON’T post before pictures just yet, though. Toooooooooo humbling and discouraging. But I have them, and am plugging along!
Maggie says
I got started this weekend but I have ru into a problem I need some idea for. I have a lot of paper for scrapbooking and card making. I’ve got a hanging file folder holder-thingy and a manazine holder that are working well for my 81/2 x 11 sized sheets. But I’m looking for storage solutions for my 12×12 papers. Can someone help?
Susanne says
Laura: Do you have a code for your button so I can put it in my sidebar too?
Mrs. Q and Miss Candi says
I on a tear today. LOL I am cleaning and sorting out. I am having 2 yard sales coming up. My house is getting leaner.
Hugs,
Elizabeth
Jennifer says
I love a prize! And I have been feeling the urge to purge. In fact, my two or three classic “hot spots” have already been spiffed up. I’m going to have to think about what to tackle for this challenge.
“Oh no,” she thinks with forboding, “I’m pretty sure it’s the basement.” The finished basement (like the other spots that have been cleaned up) is always on my todo list. It gets cleaned up, and then it gets messed up again, and then I throw stuff down there that I’ve cleaned up from other rooms. . . .
Kathleen Marie says
OK. This is TERRIFYING but I will be organizing my DEN and it may take 30 days to do just that. Lord help me please! Can I just post pics all together at the end? You know, a progression?
org junkie says
Hi Kathleen Marie, I’ve taken you off Mr. Linky for now. Once you have your post up please link directly to that post. Also no problem if you want to post the before and after pics at the same time on Dec 6th. Which ever you are most comfortable with.
Thanks to everyone for participating! This is awesome!Laura
Air Force Family says
I’m in! I’m in! I’ll have to decide what area to straighten up 1st and then take the pics and then I’ll attempt to use Mr. Linky. Although, I have no idea how to just include that one post. Please help?? So, we have until December 6 to get one area organized, correct? Now, to find where I want to start!
Anonymous says
I made a smaller linkie. You can pick it up on my blog.
Andrea says
ok… can’t spell either. i need a nap. sorry again!
Anonymous says
Laura,
Thank you for this challenage. I have my post up and I think I linked it right. Thank you for your help.
~Betty
org junkie says
Some of you have asked me how to link to a specific post. All you have to do is once you have your post published click on the time that appears at the bottom of your posting. You’ll then notice in your browser address bar at the top of your screen that the address for that particular post is there. Just copy and paste that into my Mr. Linky. If you have any troubles let me know and I can do it for you.
Thanks everyone!
Anonymous says
I absolutely love this idea. I haven’t had the nerve to add my name yet, but I am going to try to participate. My question is how do you go about throwing away things that you are emotionally attached too. I can find a reason to be emotionally attached to just about anything. Even my socks. This is my hardest area.
~Velda says
Alright Laura you sucked me in! Along with all kinds of my stitchy friends too 🙂
Lindsey says
I hope it’s not too late to join in, cause I’m all for this!!!!!!!!!
Mrs Blythe says
Lol, I was going to join in but I keep forgetting to take my ‘before’ pictures DOH! I’ve linked to your post though :o)
Jenmomof4 says
Better late than never. I had strep throat and am still recovering but I knew I needed to post these picks and get organized!! Thanks for hosting. Jennifer
Kelli in the Mirror says
All right, got ’em up there finally. I’m dreading doing this, but glad to have the support and motivation! Thanks!
novaks8 says
Okay so what do I do now?
Where do I submit “before” pictures?
be warned…they are pretty bad!
Mommy Dearest says
I’m thinking this is something I really need to do. A couple of years ago I attended a meeting with a professional organizer as a speaker. My mother had passed away the previous week, and I was in a really emotional and fragile state of mind. The organizational ideas I implemented provided a constructive focus for me at a very difficult time.
The areas I tackled, mainly drawers and cabinets, I have continued to maintain (even after moving a year ago – it made the move much easier, too). My problem is in the “visible” areas. My school/computer room is a disaster, which has to change. I’m thinking I should go grab my camera and then get started…
misslionheart says
I’ve just posted on my blog about the first area I must tackle. This is going to be a tough one!
Tiany says
I have posted my horrid and inexcusable pics LOL. Thanks for the challenge!
Jen says
where do I begin LOL
novaks8 says
Okay I just posted my horrific picture.
Now, if I can find the time to actually go work on it!
Bethany says
I just posted my embarrassing pictures as well! I’m looking forward to getting it cleaned…thank you so much for the opportunity to become motivated like this!!!
org junkie says
Bethany I can’t figure out how to post on your org challenge post. Can you send me your email?? Thanks!
Sandra Renshaw says
Hi Laura,
Great challenge! I’m joining a little late, but glad to be here. I’m off to take photos before beginning and I’ll post them later. It was great to find your site – there’s so much power in numbers and joining with others gives me more strength.
Sandy
Aimee "Roo" says
I have already been doing this, but am so excited to join others who are also getting organized! 🙂 If only I had been taking before and afters!
Krissy says
I hope I’m not too late! I didn’t even realize there was a place to submit before photos until today. So here it is – The Toyroom. I have a ton of work before me here but the rewards will make it sooooo worth it.
Anonymous says
Yay! I did it! I’m signing up a little late, but I think I can get it done. There’s a lot of work in store for us, but the rewards will be so great!
Anonymous says
Marie — I thought about starting a separate blog, too!! Too late, now… 😉