November was a very productive month at Kuzak’s Closet. So many of the projects that we have been working on behind the scenes finally came into reality.
The regional NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) chapter asked me to speak at their local conference during a breakout session so of course I said yes. Public speaking does not bother me, my only worry is being able to cram all of my thoughts into an organized presentation that will allow the audience to have an “ah ha moment.”
Hope helped me create the presentation, it had to be 70 minutes long so I knew I would need someone to partner with me on honing in on the topic and creating the content for the slides. On presentation day everything went really well, I had a great audience full of questions (my topic was professional partnerships) and I look forward to speaking at another conference someday soon. Tammy attended the conference with me and we both got a lot out of it. I never thought I would be the conference type but being self-employed I have found that conferences can be a great opportunity to pack in some heavily craved professional development.
We are always jammed with organizing sessions in the fall and this November was a record breaker. Taylor, Tammy, Kate, Jennalynn and I were divided up between clients 7 days a week. I’ve had one on-going project that has involved a large remodel so I’ve had the guys helping me haul away unwanted clutter and help with last minute moving/lifting. Because of the scope of this large project (which will have to remain confidential) I’ve let go of some of the control in the estate division and given more responsibility to Sarah and Ese who have been doing a wonderful job. We’ve all had to adjust to the new normal of being busy and sadly that does mean we don’t spend as many days working together as a group. I’m hosting our Kuzak’s Closet Christmas party this Friday and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in one place at the same time!
Okay, back to the topic of organizing…so many amazing clients and fun spaces, not enough time in the day! Taylor and I tackled this beautiful garage in Menlo Park with custom cabinetry and tons of storage. Our clients are able to park both cars inside, a real California dream!
You know that hashtag #dogsofinstagram? I think there should be a #dogsoforganizing one too. Most of our clients have such darling pets that sense organization going on around them. I love this candid shot that I snapped while bringing donations down the stairs of our Los Gatos client’s home. Their pup was holding on to her favorite toy as if we might think about purging it, what a sweetie!
Pottery Barn has been my home away from home these days, I just love the way they incorporate home organization and style. Here is an example of the way we used their products in a playroom this month…
Looking back at my Instagram feed it appears that all of my free time was spent eating in November. All of the food looks amazing but I think I’m going to try to exercise and meditate as much as I enjoyed delicious meal last month! The Four Seasons has a brunch club on Sundays for only $26 and it’s hard to resist. Bottomless champagne, a starter, an entree, and an endless dessert bar, yum! I’ve got some great photos that I’m hoping to share on the blog soon.
I was happy to share my DIY emergency prep guide in the Los Altos Town Crier this month. I can’t get over how many of my clients do not have extra emergency supplies on hand and with El Nino around the corner now is the time to get things in order.
Kuzak’s Closet hosted a Holiday 101 event with Sur La Table mid-November in Palo Alto. It was such a success and a great opportunity to partner with a huge brand. My only regret is that not more of you could make it! We could only invite 85 organizing clients/bloggers/estate shopper friends so it was a small group compared to what I wish it could have been. Next time we are going to go bigger! When is next time? Who knows, but I have a feeling that 2016 is going to have many more events like this.
The event featured my top organizing tips along with Sur La Table’s kitchen tips and recipes with Hendrick’s Gin cocktails. Click here if you need to be reminded that it is 5 o’clock somewhere!
I ordered a refresh of our Kuzak’s Closet uniforms and these cute vests are a new addition and I just love them! They are going to be perfect on chilly mornings when we organize garages and start our estate work! I’ve always had logo uniforms for myself and the team and it amazes me when shoppers or clients notice them for the first time. I often wonder how people don’t notice right away that we are wearing matching outfits but I guess our charming smiles distract them. This can be a messy job so I like to look as professional as possible.
Chris and I took a “staycation” at the end of month and headed over to Half Moon Bay for a few nights, Harper was able to tag along too. I cashed in the credit card points that I’ve been saving over the years (yes, all of those trips to The Container Store have paid off) so the trip cost us nothing. Can’t beat that!
At the end of the trip we packed up the car and headed home and we got to our house in just 38 minutes. It was just too close so I made Chris drive around for a little bit so I could attempt to readjust back to reality. It didn’t seem to work because this week has just been overwhelming. I haven’t been feeling great (I always seem to get sick when I take a few days off) and the calendar just doesn’t have enough room on it. I’m booking into January and February right now so when someone calls that needs help this week I get a little panicked. In some cases we can figure it out, I’m always amazed at how but let’s just say a lot of coordination goes into place with peoples, trucks, etc..
November was filled with amazing estate liquidations, if I could rate them on a 1-5 scale I would say we had all 5 star liquidations! I love the thrill of the unknown at our liquidations and seeing shoppers create piles of treasures they can’t wait to take home. It can be challenging for me to price everyone on the spot but it also keeps things fresh and fun! Each liquidation, well each sale for that matter, presents a unique set of challenges and problems to solve and I just love it. Everyone at Kuzak’s Closet loves it!
We have a rustic liquidation in Portola Valley this Thursday so I’ll see you there! If you’ve never been to a liquidation you have to check them out. They are for email list members only and we have a ton of fun.
Last but not least, the Los Altos Town Crier featured my top tips for holiday organization in their special Home for the Holidays section. I normally put up my tree the weekend after Thanksgiving but since I was out of town I will have to do it this week. I can’t believe it is already that time of year!
Yes – let’s start the #dogsoforganizing hashtag!!! I love the pets in my clients home too. They are the best!
Hope you’re well and enjoying the season!
xo,
Sam