Like all of America, I was introduced to the book The Secret. After a friend left a copy at my house to read, not reading it, and returning it, I discovered that many people I know were enjoying living by the principles of the book. Therefore, I went out and bought a copy…

What I realized was the way I process an organizing job, is very much like the advice in the book. The moment I walk in the door, I already see the room completed finished, even if there are stacks of papers, and clutter everywhere. I start with the end, the finished space in my minds eye, and take my client on the journey, to the completely organized, designed space. Like The Secret, the room is already perfectly organized in my head, as if it were done.

This may be the approach that many of you have been missing on previous failed attempts on getting organized. See through the “stuff” and aim towards achieving your goals. It may just be “the secret” you need to help you through the work ahead. Own it and achieve it!

Yes, it’s true! It’s been months since I’ve written on my blog. After speaking to a close friend, also a co-host TV designer, she said…just make the effort and write once a week. People want to hear from you. So…with that said, I’m back in my office after a day in the sun helping my daughter with her yard sale.

No, I’m not one of those people who tell others to do things that I don’t do myself.  My daughter, now 18, needed to clear out all the “old stuff” that was left behind after a year away at college. In just four hours she power sold her clothes & jewelry for just about $1 per item, selling a whopping $96! Not a bad way to make space, and have some fun with me, mom, talking and soaking up the sunshine.

2008, now with only six months left before New Years Resolutions begin once again, has been extremely busy for me. I’ve designed some amazing closets, including Kimora Lee Simmons’ closet in her new residence here in Beverly Homes. Organized my fingers to the bone; designing offices, kitchens, and closets. I also designed a brand new style of kitchen cabinet, (photos to appear soon on the site) that creates a working kitchen from within the inside of a pantry size cabinet; allowing appliances like your mixer or bread maker extend out to you for use without ever lifting or removing them from the cabinet!! I’ve prepped and staged homes for sale, moved families into their homes (turn key) where everything was unpacked and put away organized from the first night, redesigned a master suite in a home that was in a fire (also photos coming soon), and attended the International Housewares Show.

Please check out some of my new articles, radio, and videos on the site. In less than a month, you will be able to see more new footage from the website Howdini.com, where I will be previewing new kitchen items that save space and time!

Thank you visiting the site! Please write me, so I can keep answering your questions and stay in contact with all of you!

XO Linda

Hi Thearica:

First, you are very fortunate that your knee walls are at 30" high. 30" happens to be the perfect desktop/tabletop height. This means you can build a sewing table in front of the wall, with storage on either side, or simply put drawers or cubical storage along the wall. You would be surprised how inexpensive pre-fabricated closet systems are from Closetmaid & Schulte Storage Solutions, prior sold at Lowes, and later at Bed, Bath, & Beyond. While working on Clean House, I adapted/used materials from both of these companies to retrofit it to what I needed. You can do the same thing! Good luck with it, and Happy Sewing!

The time has finally come! The Tyra Show I taped in August will be airing on Halloween Day, Wednesday, October 31, 2007. I hope you will be able to see it. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and comments about her dressing room.

xo Koop

Hi Lynn:

Sounds you took a "big girl pill" as Niecy has often said on CH. However, please, never in the future let anyone make you feel guilty, or persuade you to let go of anything you own, that you in fact want to keep, unless it is harmful to you or your environment. I am a firm believer in keeping everything you own, as long as you know where it is, and can put your hand on it when you want it. In the future, to downsize the load, you can always purchase Space Bags. You put the items inside, and vacuum out the air, causing a huge reduction in the amount of space you need to store the items.

However, with all that said, it sounds like you made some wise choices on the little ones you did keep.

Remember also, to all of the other people out there reading this, Clean House is a TV show. Making people give up their precious belongings for a new sofa or TV is a way to test the homeowner with temptation. Some things cannot be replaced. Do what feels right for you, as long as you are not hoarding, and causing yourself or others harm. Bless you All!

xo Linda

If you haven't heard, Tyra Banks moved her production studio for the Tyra Show from LA to NYC. I was asked to design Tyra's wardrobe room. I just returned from the east coast, where I began the designing process. You will soon be able to view the before and after space, and get to see first hand my design plans. Her closet will be installed on July 30, and I will be revealing it on her show in the near future. There are some interesting surprises, so you won't want to miss it!! Stay tuned for my next update on this project.

xo Koop

I'll be appearing on Fox and Friends Saturday, July 21st at 8:35 am Eastern Time. Check it out if you can.

xo Linda

Today I moved someone's office to a new location, and it got me to thinking. How many people REALLY know how to move properly? I'd like to give you a few tips to help, if you too will be moving your home or office. These tips can be used for small moves (one room to another room), or for large, long distance moves.

1) Measure each room you are moving into.

2) Plot the mearsurements to scale, on a floor plan.

3) Mearsure all the furniture you will be moving into the spaces.
Width x Depth

4) Using a different color piece of paper than your floor plan, cut
out to scale the furniture.

5) Now arrange the furniture cut outs on the floor plan, so you
will know exactly where each piece is going.

6) Tape floor plan with furniture on wall in the room for directions.

Using my simple steps will save you money, stress, time, and energy!

Go here for the auction at Ubid.com Celebrity Threads Auction

Hi Everyone:

Since I changed my blog info, I haven't received many comments. I would love to hear from you, and chat about "what's going on?" in your world, and answer questions.

Recently, I've read comments people have posted about some of my clothing I wore on Clean House. Yes, I have to agree that in the early episodes, there wasn't a budget for my wardrobe, and it showed. I had to supply all my own attire, head to toe, out of my pocket. Yet later, the show assigned a stylist to me, who was allotted $50 for 3 wardrobe changes. She was given $50 more than I had before, but You tell me what you can do with $50? That's right! Not Much!! Definitely not shoes or pants, just inexpensive tops from Forever Twenty-One.

It wasn't until Season 4, that my daughter became my full-time stylist. She worked an awesome deal with J Crew, and finally had me dressed to the 10's. Now that's the evolution of my CH Wardrobe.

There must be some questions you have or comments to make. Please share your organizing challenges & triumphs, or anything.

xo Koop

My new pilot, Celebrity Threads, will be having a debut airing the end of June. It will be on a syndicated network called America One. For those of you who do not get A.O., don't fret. We will also be airing it on You Tube! Please stay posted, as I will keep updating you as the date draws closer.

Hi Everyone:

I wanted to make sure to tell you to check out the new DYMO Labeler. It's awesome! Matter of fact, after using the DYMO for years, I have been asked to be their spokesperson for the new improved version. If you haven't started labeling, you truly are missing out. I like to refer to it as adding the cherry on top of the hot fudge sundae. It's just not the same without a label.

Further, if you go to http://www.dymo.com/getorganized, you can sign up for 10 FREE newsletters I wrote giving you numerous ideas on what to label & organize in your home and office.

On a personal note, I love hearing from you. I personally read and comment on all your notes. I look forward to continuing our chats.

xo Koop

Hello Everyone:

Thank you for stopping by and chatting on my blog. First, I want to thank my fantastic Webmaster, Bill Bayne, for putting together this "Organized" Website! I am so grateful to Bill for all his hard work, time and energy. He is Amazing!!

There are so many things I'd like to share with you about organizing, and hearing about your personal challenges and triumphs with it.

Some of you may be looking for me on upcoming shows. I currently have a few projects in development. I will keep you posted through this blog as to when you will be able to tune in, either via television or utube to watch.

Please take this time to comment, make suggestions, and let your voice be heard. I am looking forward to this open line of communication with you. Again, thank you!

Koop