Shared Life, Shared Space, Shared Schedules – Tips for Couples Getting Organized

Do you share space with a loved one and find it challenging at times because you have very different organizing or time management styles? I have a number of women and men who call asking for organizing help, frustrated with their spouse/significant other’s habits. When I enter the situation, many times it’s tense because the “unorganized one” feels judged and harassed and the “organized one” can’t understand their love’s plight and seeming resistance to being “more organized”. The “organized one” has threatened, cajoled, pleaded, tossed stuff, and tried to organize their love’s space all without success. Can you relate? Whether you are the “organized one” or the “unorganized one”, take heart and keep reading so you can learn the language of Organized Love.

First, look for desired outcomes that you can share in common and avoid negative/edgy comments:  If you have been in a relationship for any length of time, you might find the dirty laundry left on the floor annoying but saying “What’s wrong with you -can’t you ever just pick up after yourself?” rarely creates the desired change. You both need to look at the problem area and come to a shared vision of how you want the space and relationship to feel. Continue reading “Shared Life, Shared Space, Shared Schedules – Tips for Couples Getting Organized”

Choosing Wedding Gifts That Won’t End up as Clutter or be Forgotten

I was asked a few months ago about how to choose wedding gifts for a couple that would not turn into clutter or be forgotten. Having been through the process myself, it was a pleasure sharing my insights.

  • Follow the bride & groom’s gift list. Ask the bride or her parents (as appropriate) where the bride & groom are registered.
  • If the bride and groom are not registered, ask what kinds of things they would find helpful or if they are saving for something that you could add to the fund.
  • Gift certificates to the stores you know they would use are great. For totally unrestricted options for the bride & groom, cash is always welcomed. For couples marrying later in life, be aware that the bride may be keeping her maiden name. If this is the case and you choose to write a check, write a check accordingly.

When my husband and I got married, we combined 2 households so needed nothing for the inside of the house. We talked together to identify what things we wanted or needed and came up with 2 things:  pond landscaping and spectacular wedding photography. We wanted to have a really great wedding photographer with multiple day coverage so were willing to a pay for a premium package. On our wedding invitation, we stated no gifts were necessary or expected but if someone wanted to contribute to our photography or landscape fund, it would be gladly accepted.
Continue reading “Choosing Wedding Gifts That Won’t End up as Clutter or be Forgotten”