At one point or another, many of us have found ourselves overwhelmed by the ever growing number of files, passwords, and things cluttering our everyday lives. Whether it is personal, business, kid related, or an eclectic mix, all of us at {e} house studio understand the dilemma of too much stuff. That’s why we emphasize the importance of keeping things simple in order to get to the real point or goal of a project, a place, or even yourself. If this sounds familiar, you will understand why we took the opportunity to interview Stacey Crew, writer, author, speaker, and professional organizer.

STACEY’S 411

With a background in publishing, writing has become a natural progression and a passion for “de-cluttering”, organizing has become a business. As a transplant from New Jersey to Charleston in 1994, Stacey started her business, Clear Vision Organization in 2003 which offers professional organization services. This lead to the publication of two books, “The Get Organized Guide for Busy Women” and “The Get Organized Guide for New Moms.” She is also well known for her website, weekly e-newsletter, and blog. I hope that this interview and a brief insight into the world of what Stacey has to offer, will inspire you to de-clutter your life and clear the path for what lies ahead.

Q: What is your background?

A: I worked in marketing and publishing until my first little girl was 8 months old. I then took time off to focus on being a mother which is when I also found myself managing stuff. This is when the importance of organizing came to the surface.

Q: How did you get into organizing?

A: As stated above, managing a household and a family means managing stuff. After doing some soul searching I realized that de-cluttering and organizing your life lends to opening yourself up not only physically but emotionally as well. After I decided to make a business out of organizing, I spent sometime with Marla Dee who owns Clear & Simple an organizing business based in Utah. She proved to be a great inspiration.

Q: What inspired you to write a book/books?

A: I was browsing in a store and came across a book called, “Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui,” by Karen Kingston. I read through the entire book in one night and once again, I realized that decluttering and organizing was the direction I needed to go. I thought by finding my voice as a writer, I could be beneficial to other women, even more specifically other mothers, as a way to help them start to organize their lives so that they could spend their time with their families, not their stuff.

Q: Do you have any books in the works?

A: I have “The Get Organized Guide for Busy Women” and “The Get Organized Guide for New Moms,” and who’s to say there won’t be more some day in the future. My books feature my GOPACK® method which consists of: Group Objects, Purge, Assign, Contain and Keep it up

Q: How did you get into blogging and using the web as a communication source?

A: Since starting my business 5 years ago my books have been a great way to share my knowledge, but using the web and especially my blog, I have been able to create a database of specific information as well as engage in an open dialog via the web. I send off a weekly newsletter with tips and events. Sign up here to receive your free weekly tip.

Q: Do you have any advice for others who are inspired by you?

A: Stay true to yourself and pursue your passion. I feel it is very important to find a mentor and not be afraid to ask questions. Two women in my life, Claire and Kathleen, have proven to be invaluable to me personally and for my business. Someone once told me to keep a “smile file”, which is a file where you keep positive feedback that you can go to when you need to remind yourself to stay inspired and keep moving forward.

Q: What is your favorite organizational resource?

A: Organize.com because they have a line of Go Green products. The Container Store is another great source.

Q: Do you have any tips to fit organizing into the new “green” movement?

A: Declutter! There’s nothing like decluttering and organizing to decrease our carbon footprint. This is where the GOPACK® method and theory of Reduce-Reuse-Recycle comes in very handy.

Whether your self motivation to get organized is to simplify your life, create time to spend doing what is important, or help the environment, Stacey Crew has the resources you need to reach your organizational goals. You can buy her books on her website as well as contact her for professional organization services.

Stacey L. Crew
Organizing Expert, Author & Speaker
Clear Vision Organization LLC
Tel: 843-830-0918
Email: stacey@clearvisionorganization.com

WIN A COPY

Email us a picture of your messy desk and we will select “The most unorganized desk” and send you a copy of Stacey’s book, “The Get Organized Guide for Busy Women”.