Want a new use for your coffee filters? Need a tip on making workable “to do” lists or on making big projects manageable enough to accomplish?

Never fear, an organizer will be here—namely, noted organizer and home management expert Deniece Schofield.

Schofield, author of four books on everything from organizing tips for families to getting rid of pesky piles of paper, will present two “Get Organized” seminars Nov. 5 at Comfort Suites, 3302 St. Michael Drive. The first seminar is 10 a.m. to noon and the second from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Both sessions cover the same material.

Schofield has appeared across North America on TV and radio, as well as served as a spokeswoman for Procter & Gamble. Her most popular book is “Confessions of an Organized Homemaker,” first published in 1982.

“It’s not just time, it’s energy,” Schofield said in a recent phone interview about what’s needed to manage the modern household in a busy world.

Though we’re bombarded by more information and activities to distract us, she doesn’t see too much different now than there was 20 years ago when it comes to staying organized.

“It’s really kind of a human nature problem,” Schofield said. And she speaks from experience.

“I was horrible, I was horrible as a kid,” she said about organizing.

Her bad habits continued until she had her third child, a time where she hit rock bottom and decided to devote herself to learning how to manage the home effectively.

“I just worked on one problem at a time using trial and error,” she said, noting that’s a good perspective to offer because some people feel if they weren’t born organized there’s no hope.

“It can be done if you want to do it,” Schofield said.

To that end, she will cover a variety of topics to give helpful tips on managing the homestead.

“The first 30 minutes we’re going to talk about finding more space without throwing everything away,” Schofield said.

Then she’ll move to using slides and props that give practical ways to organize.

The last half of the seminar teaches ways to manage time and get rid of paper clutter. A question-and-answer session will address attendees’ unresolved questions.

Schofield said modern living makes it difficult to devote large chunks of time to home organizing, so people have to be happier breaking down big projects into smaller ones. Instead of organizing a whole kitchen at once, pick a drawer.

“If we keep doing that, ultimately that kitchen will be organized,” she said.

She’s also a baig believer in having a planner (even a digital one) list projects to achieve, calling it the key to time management.

“If it’s in your head it’s just a stressor, but if it’s written down then you can do something about it. It keeps you on track,” Schofield said.



(Admission: $25 at the door. Handouts included in cost. Information: 800-835-8463. Reservations not required.)