ONE’S NEAT, ONE’S NOT/THE ODD COUPLE
Wondering how to tackle what’s behind closed doors and stuffed under the bed? Challenge everyone (slobs and neatniks alike) to an all-day purge-a-thon. At the end of the day, the person with the cleanest, most clutter-free room wins. Prizes can range from cash to services, such as the “runner-up” washing the winner’s car, or a special dinner out for the whole family. In the end, there are no losers, just winners.

HAVING AN IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CARD (ICE) COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE
No matter if you’re young or old; single, divorced, widowed or married; a college or high school student; senior citizen, baby boomer, millennial; mother or father, businesswoman or businessman, every adult should carry an up-to-date ICE Card in his/her wallet at all times, which, God forbid there be an emergency, could make the difference between life and death.
STOP THE MADNESS AND CUT THE CLUTTER WITH THESE GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT-GIVING IDEAS
Am I the only person who thinks holiday gift giving has gotten out of control? It’s bad enough when stores force employees to work on Thanksgiving Day, but when customers risk their lives in pursuit of this year’s “hottest gifts” and get trampled to death even before...

ORGANIZING SEASONAL PLATTERS, DISHES & LINENS
For those of you who can’t resist having an assortment of serving dishes for every occasion from Christmas and Hanukkah to Easter or Passover to Halloween and Thanksgiving, here are a few ideas how to organize your seasonal dishes, serving platters and linens year round.

WHEN IT COMES TO HANDBAG ORGANIZATION, THINK LIKE A FRENCH WOMAN
Editor’s note: In England, Canada and Australia, the commonly used word “pocketbook” (a hard-sided handbag) has been replaced by the generic term, “handbag,” and the word “purse” (a ladies coin purse) is now called a “wallet.” For the sake of clarity in writing...

THE RIGHT WAY TO RECYCLE
I have a friend whose idea of heaven is a big, fat juicy T-bone steak smothered in sautéed onions, served with a “loaded” baked potato, a Caesar salad and a bowl of ice cream. This same friend claims popping a Lipitor with a red-wine chaser negates the effects of his...

SAVE TIME SAVE MONEY BY ORGANIZING YOUR OFFICE SUPPLIES
When a company reviews its annual Profit & Loss statements (P&L), three categories typically stand out, thus raising the proverbial red flag – advertising, travel and office supplies. Not surprisingly, all three categories are controllable with determination,...

LAUNDRY ROOM ORGANIZATION
I know a woman whose housekeeper folds and irons irons her 15-year old son’s underwear with a level of precision matched only by the care the Smithsonian’s Gem and Mineral Collection curator gives the famed Hope Diamond. You’re probably wondering, “So? What’s wrong...

TROPHIES, RIBBONS, DOLLS & MORE – HOW TO ORGANIZE THE MEMORIES
One of the reasons I write this column is to help others get organized, simplify their lives and ultimately discover a sense of calm, which naturally comes with tidiness. Some of this advice, which I personally think is invaluable, you may or may not want to hear, but...

ORGANIZE THE KITCHEN & PANTRY WITH THESE EASY STEPS
The question I get all the time is how to deal with all the stuff that seems to be proliferating from peoples’ kitchen cabinets and how to decide what to keep and what not to keep. The good news? Dried spices and herbs don’t spoil. The bad news? After...
THE ULTIMATE
HURRICANE CHECKLIST
June 2022 | MARLA OTTENSTEIN
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR HOME OFFICE
July 2020 | GULFSHORE BUSINESS
In Case of Emergency
June 2022 | MARLA OTTENSTEIN
THE ORGANIZERS CLOSET
January 2020 | FLORIDA WEEKLY
GET ORGANIZED
March 2019 | USA TODAY NETWORK
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
July 2018 | NAPLES DAILY NEWS
BEST OF 2018
May 2018 | FLORIDA WEEKLY
AN ORGANIZED OFFICE
April 2018 | NAPLES DAILY NEWS
ON THE GO
MS. ADVENTURE
March 2018 | GULFSHORE LIFE
PRODUCTIVITY
BEGINS AT HOME
March 2018 | GULFSHORE BUSINESS
DOWNSIZING MADE EASY
February 2018 | NAPLES DAILY NEWS
CREATING SPACE
September 2017 | GULFSHORE LIFE
ORDER UP
March 2017 | NAPLES ILLUSTRATED
IT’S A PICNIC
June 2015 | NAPLES DAILY NEWS
THE RIGHT WAY TO RECYCLE
Oct 2015 | NAPLES DAILY NEWS
WHAT’S A SINGLE
WOMAN TO DO?
June 2015 | NAPLES DAILY NEWS
READIED FOR THE STORM
May 2014 | NAPLES DAILY NEWS
THE ORGANIZER CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE
July 2014 | GULFSHORE LIFE
5Q SERVICE/BIZ PROFILE
June 2015 | NAPLES DAILY NEWS
BALANCE/CLOSET LIBERATION
June 2013 | NAPLES ILLUSTRATED
BEST OF 2012
May 2012 | FLORIDA WEEKLY
THE A-LIST
September 2010 | NAPLES ILLUSTRATED

TRAVEL LIGHT/LOOK FAB
April 2012 | NAPLES ILLUSTRATED

CLOSET CASE
September 2010 | NAPLES ILLUSTRATED
RESOURCEFUL SOUTHWEST FLORIDIANS
September 2009 | FLORIDA WEEKLY
ABOUT MARLA
Marla is a popular columnist, motivational speaker & teacher. She is highly respected in the field of professional organizing.
For more great organizing ideas,
please visit Marla’s News/Blog page.
To schedule an appointment, click here.
Licensed & Insured | Member:
National Association of Productivity
& Organizing Professionals