Erin’s Simple Solutions

Professional organization services.

Do you dream of an organized desk where you can be more productive?
Are you wasting time in the kitchen digging through mismatched lids and containers?
Has your garage become the family's storage unit?

You need simplicity.
You need organization.
Let Erin help you get the clutter out of your life and bring simplicity and functionality IN.

Call for a free phone assessment today! 310-339-5096

don’t sweat the small stuff-jewelry

Erin December 29th, 2009

Organizing large items can sometimes be taxing enough, but what do you do with a hundred little teeny tiny jewels, beads and bangles?  Don’t get overwhelmed.  Break it down into smaller categories to start with.  Instead of having a large box with all your jewels mixed together in one clump, divide them up by type and then by style.  For example, start by pulling out all your necklaces-then sort them into casual and evening wear piles.  After you’ve sorted your favorite pieces (and set aside those you no longer wear for donation or to sell) you’ll be able to decide what type of storage would work best for you.  You can find great storage solutions specifically designed for jewelry through Bed Bath and BeyondThe Container Store and many more great stores.  There are many options in every price range and style.  For people who have tons of jewelry and a little extra closet space I would recommend a canvas hanging jewelry bag, and for those with a just a few pieces a neat picture frame that doubles as a hanging jewelry box. If you have a specific question about your jewelry storage needs, please email me at erin@erinssimplesolutions.com.

Volunteer of the Month

Erin December 29th, 2009

NAPO-LA’s October Volunteer of the Month award was given to Erin Haas for all the time she spends posting NAPO-LA events and news on the many social networking websites.

Erin’s Simple Solutions and NAPO-LA’s Online Ambassador

What is your business name and website?

Erin’s Simple Solutions, www.erinssimplesolutions.com.

Where do you live and where do you do business?

I live in Los Angeles near Culver City and do business anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area.

How did you get into organizing as a profession?

I used to work as a designer for many different theaters in Atlanta and found that I preferred organizing the props storage areas rather than doing the work I was supposed to do! After two theaters hired me to organize their storage areas, I officially had the organizing bug.

Where are you from originally?

I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin (population 7,000), which I hated at the time but appreciate more and more every time I go home to visit.

What are your main organizing interests or specialties?

I love residential organizing and staging rooms so that they have more functionality, flow and style.

What do you like to do when you aren’t organizing?

I volunteer with Tails of the City Animal Rescue helping dogs find new homes (let me know if you’re looking for a furry friend)! I also love making homemade greeting cards and crocheting.

I have been married to my husband Steve for almost six years and we have two furry children: a chihuahua “Mrs. Miyagi” and a cat “Elli.”

How did you come to join NAPO and/or NAPO-LA?

I joined NAPO in 2008 after Chris McKenry invited me to check it out. I really enjoy the comradery and supportive nature of the members and the opportunities to learn more about organizing and growing my business.

What has been your experience volunteering in NAPO-LA?

Volunteering is a great way to get to know other NAPO members and to make the most of your membership. By contributing my time to NAPO, I have become more involved in the organizing community and have made life-long friendships.

Anything else we should know about you?

As part of my business, I also assist other professional organizers.

For those who hate planners

Erin October 21st, 2009

This is one of  my new favorite products; the 5 Days a Week Paper Mousepad by Knock Knock, knockknockstuff.com.

I myself am Knock Knock Mouse Padnot a big fan of carrying around a paper planner/datebook, however when I’m at my desk I DO like to have a paper to-do list in front of me to help keep me focused. This planner lets you write in the date-so it never becomes outdated and you can start using it any time of year without wasting any months.  I especially love this product and company for bringing a bit of  humor and sarcasm into my work day with a space specifically to jot down your “Snowball in Hell” notes.  It also feels GREAT at the end of the week to rip the page off and start your next week with a clean slate!

pet food storage

Erin October 7th, 2009

Your pet food supply does not have to be an eyesore in your kitchen or pantry.  Keep dry pet food fresh while keeping pesky bugs out by using airtight containers.  Always use clear containers for fast identification and store them close to your pet’s food bowls for convenient feedings.Pet Food Storage Containers

Label the containers with helpful info for kids and pet sitters; Dog Food, 1 cup/morning, 1 cup/evening.

Keep the appropriate measuring cups right in the container to avoid over feeding.

If you have a lot of pets and frequently give them treats throughout the day, store them in a container that matches the décor of your kitchen and leave it out on display.  Repurpose a cookie jar, a glass mason jar, or an unused canister from your baked goods set.  Just don’t forget to tell your family members so they don’t mistake the dog treats for cookies!

Passwords and Pin Numbers and User Names OH MY!

Erin September 29th, 2009

Your brain can only remember so many passwords!  And it’s NOT safe to use the same log in and password for every one of your accounts-nice try!  With online banking, shopping, bill pay, email, etc. you need unique log in info, passwords, and usually a security question unique to your life.Password address book

I recommend using a small address book with A to Z tabs, entering each website, log in info and password under the corresponding letter.
For example, I would put my amazon.com info under the letter A.  Simply use an unused address book you have lying around the house or purchase this super cool, 100% recycled address book at Target.  You can also find books specifically designed to store passwords, but they are typically more expensive.  Make sure you store your book in a safe place like a locked desk drawer or file cabinet when you’re away from your desk.  If you’re going to be gone for a long period of time consider putting it in a safe or fire-proof box for extra safe keeping.

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