1.  Utilize systems and products that fit you and your lifestyle. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to organizing.

2.  Don’t run off to The Container Store (yes, my personal favorite) until you take some time to really think about your organizing goals. Visualize the “after” picture of the space you are reorganizing, formulate a plan and begin sorting and purging the clutter first.

3.  Break all projects down into small steps. Start with one corner of the room, one cabinet, even one shelf. The next day, do one more, etc. Yes, it takes time, but it is much more manageable to execute your organizing plan in 15 – 30 minute increments.

4.  Make a date in your calendar to dig in, honor it as if you were going to the doctor, and have all supplies ready.

5.  Decide to decide. You will inevitably be faced with some difficult decisions. Be in the right frame of mind, be well-nourished, and add Kleenex to your list of supplies if needed.

6.  Know when you need help. Whether it’s your spouse, your children, your secretary, or a friend, sometimes you need extra hands, unbiased opinions and cheerleaders. Consider calling a professional organizer. They bring a large amount of experience, proven techniques and methods, confidentiality, guidance and motivation.

7.  Get your kids involved and make it fun! We teach our children many life skills from walking and talking to riding a bike and doing math. Do yourself and your children a huge favor and teach them to be  organized.

8.  Weed constantly. This is one of the top secrets of well-organized people. Go through your mail daily, straighten up constantly, donate unworn clothing seasonally and clean out your reference file system annually. When done on a routine basis, the job is not nearly as daunting.

9.  Embrace organization and its benefits. The words neat and organized are not always synonymous. They can be and often are, but not always. It is all about efficiency and what works for you. Being organized is not stifling; its liberating.

by Michelle Cooper

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Michelle Cooper is a Professional Organizer, Member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers), Member of NSGCD (National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization) and President of Put It There Professional Organizing Services. She can be reached at 404.784.2100 or michelle@put-it-there.com

And then there’s one our family has established the past five years. By no means are we alone, as thousands of other families in north Atlanta share the same tradition, and even more join in each December. It’s a trip to the Kinsey Family Farm, a place where you’ll find the centerpiece of any home’s holiday decorations— the Christmas tree—and a memory-filled experience you’ll cherish with the passing of each season.

One of the first things asked by my kids as we start unpacking boxes marked “Xmas” is, “When can we go to the Kinsey Farm?” (Which is funny, because we were just there in October to pick out pumpkins.) But they love it that much—a seasonal event that’s a close second to unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning.

It’s a magical place, where the Christmas spirit decorates every detail of the 53-acre farm—from the sounds of Christmas carols dancing through the two tree-housing barns, to free tractor-drawn wagon rides around the property; from hot cocoa, cider and coffee, to enjoying succulent creamcheese filled pretzels or roasting marshmallows over a warm fire. Then there’s the warmth of the Kinsey family themselves, Jim and Liz and their sons Kelly and Andy, and daughters-in-law Kelley and Jennifer, who graciouslyengage everyone they encounter.

Of course, the trees play a big part too. And they come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from the ten-cent Charlie Brown special that actually sold last year (which was priced as a joke, but the customer insisted on paying) to enormous 15-footers, as well as trees cut fresh from North Carolina, grown right on the farm, or imported ball-and-burlaps  that can be planted after the decorations are removed.

“We’re very particular about our trees, and make sure they last long enough to create as many memories as possible,” Andy Kinsey explains. “All our cut ones come from North Carolina to ensure they’re from the same regional climate as Atlanta and shipped within 48 hours of being cut. We then immediately place them in water until sold, which helps prolong the tree’s life—I had one guy say he kept his up till February to see how long it would last!”

More than 1,700 trees were sold last year, a testimony to the popularity of this place. You’ll even find a few Kinsey trees at the Governor’s mansion, giving them an official stamp of approval.

While specializing in Fraser Firs, the home-grown Leyland Cypress, and seven other tree varieties, their real expertise is in creating long-lasting Christmas memories of picking out or cutting down your own tree. “Kids these days just don’t get the farm experience very often,” Kinsey—who has two young children of his own and another on the way—says.“It’s so great to see families enjoying themselves here, knowing it’s something special their kids will never forget.”

Aside from the tree, cherished memories, and photos that will be taken, a custommade keepsake ornament is given with each tree purchase to remind you of the occasion. Our family is looking forward to hanging the fifth this December—but it won’t be soon enough for my kids.

by Matt Wilson

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Kinsey Family Farm is located in Northern Forsyth County. For more information,

visit www.kinseyfamilyfarm.com.

Matt Wilson is local freelance writer who can be reached at matt@inkforhire.com