How to Become a Home Organizing ACE 
by Debbie Williams 

You just can't seem to get it together, running in all directions as you try to balance work, kids, family, friends, spouse, and squeeze in some time for yourself.

If you are reading this article, you may have found yourself among the ranks of the organizationally challenged. You just can't seem to get it together, running in all directions as you try to balance work, kids, family, friends, spouse, and squeeze in some time for yourself.

Please take comfort in the fact that you are NOT alone! Many busy professionals feel just as you do, whether they work in a corporate setting or from home. Entrepreneurs, fulltime dads, and mothers working from home feel that they are stretched to the limit of their physical and emotional endurance at one time or another.

My mission is to teach busy parents how to manage their time more effectively, reduce the clutter in their home and offices, and live a more balanced life. You too can be an Organizing ACE. You're not alone in this quest, but can enlist help from your teammates to share the load of daily maintenance necessary to run a smooth household.

By using the three skills of an ACE organizer, you can learn to manage your time and organize the clutter in your busy life:

You're not ALONE in your quest for organization; you have a house full of people who helped create the clutter and can assist with its management. You are part of a team where everyone helps work toward a common goal and shares the workload. More importantly, others share in this struggle, too - that's why there is an entire industry of organizing professionals to train, support, and cheer you on.

You and your family members will learn to CLEAN as you go, creating a home for clothes, toys, and papers that are used on a regular basis. After applying the skills learned from this column, your home will probably not be ready for a photo shoot with House & Garden, but you will no longer be ashamed to host birthday parties, play dates, and family gatherings.

By lowering your EXPECTATIONS but not your standards, you can still maintain a home that is comfortable, functional, and inviting. This is no longer an era when a neighbor or friend drops by for a white-glove inspection, expecting a coffee cake fresh from the oven. These organized times are happy times, with a great job, healthy kids, and a supportive network to help keep you going. Don't be afraid to ask for help, and be sure to make dates with yourself on a regular basis. You've worked hard to earn it.

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