I want everyone to raise your right hand now and repeat after me. I, state your name, solemnly swear to go easy on myself when it comes to organizing my life! I know, I know your desk is a pile of papers or you can't park your car in the garage because of all the stuff in your life. Well great news! You can do it slowly but surely and I'll tell you why. My first job on television where I wasn't killed in a Styrofoam boulder earthquake was as the carpenter on a show called 'Clean Sweep.'
I was the guy who built all of the storage solutions, organizational shelving etc... etc...and here is what I learned. First, practice organization on that drawer we all have in our kitchens that have as follows. Keys from homes or apartments you have not lived in for over a decade. And, Coupons from stores that aren't even in your town. Also, Rubber bands and lots of them. Paper clips. Hair. Pet brushes and buttons. Oh, let's not forget take out menus. Take that drawer and dump them out on the kitchen table and separate it into three categories. Keep, toss, and sell. Pretty self-explanatory right? Keep the stuff you really need. Throw out or toss what you don't. And sell what you can.
On our show, that was usually a garage sale, which is a great way to part with things that you still have attachment to but you know you must get rid of. For some reason attaching a monetary amount to your Grandmothers boots makes them easier to get rid of. Don't ask me why, it just does. Use this technique with your purse, wallet, garage, attic, etc... start small and work your way up. It works, I did it for one hundred and twenty shows and man you should see my garage!
Organize Your Life (But Go Easy On Yourself)
Reader Comments
(Page 1)2. Thanks for the tips. I've been trying to get stuff organized in my own home and it is a slow process.
Shannon at 3:55PM on Aug 12th 2007
3. I read your article on how to fix a running toilet. BUT...I don't have that kind of toilet. Ours has no or little water in the bottom of the tank. The model # Eljer 105-403. It is running consantly and we don't know how to fix it.
Dottie
Dottie Aicher at 4:14PM on Aug 12th 2007
4. I watched the video on the toilet repair, you left out one key step, and that was the water level in the bowl, that it should be atleast 1/2 under the over flow tube. I have seen so many people call our office and complain of high water bills, and come to find out they have a running toilet, and the majority of the times you cant hear them run.
Utilitie customer service at 8:09PM on Aug 12th 2007
5. Hi Eric,
I love your show first off.. I am a hands on person and like to do many projects from landscaping, painting, walkways, ect... The only problem I have is that I just puchased a new home and i just purchased a flat screen tv and surround system and I have a concern due to my main room has cathedral ceilings with a pine ceilings... How can I do it with out causing major damage? My husband bought a rug and has the wires running under the rug to the other side of the room. I hate it.. Can you please suggest some sort of a fix for this... I would appreciate it...Thank you Lolly
L. Summit at 7:52AM on Aug 16th 2007
6. I just love your idea for hiding speaker wires. Where do I optain these strips? We just put our speakers up in our new home and before we paint, I'll need to buy this stripping. Your example looks great. I hope mine will, also.
Coni H. at 10:12AM on Aug 16th 2007
7. eric,
who are you?
bella at 11:28AM on Aug 16th 2007
8. HI Eric! Surprise Surprise, I logged on this a.m. for email and saw your face! You're everywhere, man! I watched your "surround sound" bit and loved it; very practical advice, and you made it look easy, albeit a bit time-consuming with paint. Easy is important! Are you doing all these projects on your own home? Amy must love it. ;-) Please say hello to her for me. This is a great project for you; congratulations!
Jenni Porter at 11:56AM on Aug 16th 2007
9. :) marry me?
im a great assistant...love doing what you do..;)
cant blame me for trying...
love your down to earth matter of fact way..
keep it up :)
lauri
Lauri Smith at 12:20PM on Aug 16th 2007
10. Hi Eric,
I saw you a few times in my neighborhood at Starbucks. I don't want to mention where for your privacy. My husband and I have a business we are starting doing chores for busy people, shopping, home checks, vacation planning, just about anything you can imagine. We are a normal recently retired couple looking to stay busy. If you are in need of this kind of service please email me. Thanks. Love your home improvement help.
Bonnie at 12:58AM on Sep 3rd 2007
11. Eric,
Not sure how to comment in the appropriate area, but watching the DIY video of how to build a firepit, you mentioned one could use any type of rock they like to line the pit, including river rock. It is my understanding that river rock is never to be used in high temperature situations as the moisture content is high and they can explode (which I've seen happen). I would hate for this to happen to someone who is unaware of this. Thanks.
brandi at 1:45PM on Sep 3rd 2007
12. Hi Eric / I had a unilateral date with you last night for some organizing, sorry I missed it. We'll have to reschedule ok ;) Kisses from Katie!
Katie Scott at 10:46AM on Sep 5th 2007
13. Hi Eric / I had a unilateral date with you last night for some organizing, sorry I missed it. We'll have to reschedule ok ;) In the meantime, check out my blog: KissandTellScrapbooking.typepad.com/my_weblog/
And check me out on You Tube in the very near future.
Kisses from Katie!
Katie Scott at 10:46AM on Sep 5th 2007
14. Hi Eric,
Thanks for the inspiration. After reading your blog and viewing many clips, I was inspired to organize my art studio and I even filmed the day. I really admire your varied talents.
Barbara Wurden
http://wurden.com/FineArtGal/fineartgallery.html
Barbara Wurden at 11:21PM on Sep 24th 2007
16. hi,
I do appreciate all those wonderful advices you give...however, it will be nice if you can give some advice to people like me...I made a decent salary, have a one bedroom apartment in midtown manhattan, little closet space, could use some advice with painting and the right furniture. MOst of the time, gurus either advice the real rich that could get the best furniture and so on or to the totally poor who can't afford a total makeover. I never seem to find advice on how to make living quarters to look better for those of us who are middle class...or upper middle class and trust me, we too could use your help. Wish that my little apartment could be one of your projects...very sure that many others could benefit from it.
Thanks for all of that good energy that you display on all that you do.
Luis
luis at 2:50PM on Oct 7th 2007
17. So glad you now have a blog! My husband and I check out your aol videos frequently and have tried a couple of them. We built a toy box is one, can't remember the other right now. We are DIYers! I blogged about you on my blog to tell people you now have a blog! Wonderful! Welcome to the "blogosphere" I believe it is people call it!
18. Hey Eric!
Great stuff! What an inspiration you are. I went to check my email and am still watching your hints, and now writing you? lol Thanks to you I now have a list of things to help me organize my house. So far I just happened to have bought a bed with the drawers already attatched, (strong pine) so, when you said those cups that go under the bed to make it higher would be a Perrfect place, it would be to store my paintings. Then the closet, well I'm pretty close to getting that done, only, why I have been holding on to this one door is beyond me, and don't you people say anything, I know there is a world out there with the One door syndrome. I did put up a curtain and spring rod but why am I holding on to that stupid door? Tomorrow I will get my ten and 8 year old grand kiddilies to help me out and then guess what? We will get the Guts for the lamp projects for us to make together, I already have so many vases! Boy, You are somethin' one more thing I am placing your code onto my website as soon as i get a chance (with all you got me doin now') I have been gearing up to do a project and man you really inspired me! Check out my wall Maural, and paintings and maybe I can inspire you! (And watch what you say bout grandma's shoes, people will pay alot for my uhmm uh.
jeanette foresta at 9:11PM on Oct 7th 2007
19. you dog....i always wanted to know how hang wallpaper...now...i can do it my self....i'm in LA have no # for you guys...email me...c.
christopher ciccone at 4:28PM on Oct 14th 2007
20. My husband just retired. We find ourselves updating our little home! We enjoy working together on indoor & outdoor projects. Your videos are a big help. Your relaxed & pleasant attitude....simply put...refreshing! Thank you, Eric.
Donna Cortellese at 5:12PM on Oct 14th 2007
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About Me
Eric Stromer, host of HGTV´s ´Over Your Head´ and author of ´Do-It-Yourself FAMILY´ was named one of the "Sexiest Men Alive" by ´People Magazine´ with good reason. Stromer pulls off that perfect combination of construction know-how, comedy, and great looks in a seamless package that appeals to men and women alike. AOL Home is thrilled to feature Stromer's original DIY, home improvement videos.
1. Hey Eric,
You have a fabulous easygoing way about you that makes everything seem do-able.
And your great looks make it easy to keep watching.
I love hearing about your children! You know that tired old saying,"Enjoy them while you can."
You're terriffic!
***elaine***
Elaine at 12:20PM on Aug 9th 2007