Five Basic Steps to Getting Organized

You probably know that being organized reduces your stress levels. There's less to maintain, less to clean, and you're less likely to lose things.  So what's keeping you back?  Most don't know where to start.  There are hundreds of products that can help, and just as many solutions.  So rather than confuse you more, let's start with the Five Basic Steps to Getting Organized:

1. One In One Out - Being organized isn't about getting rid of everything and never shopping again.  Shoes wear out, children outgrow clothes.  You have to go shopping.  But make it a habit of removing one item from your home for every new item you bring in.  That way, you'll never accumulate too much.
2. Just Say No - When someone tries to give you something, if you really don't want it or like it, then refuse it.  You don't have to take furniture from your great-aunt's home if you have no need or space for it.  You don't have to take the scarf your friend is cleaning out of her closet.  The less you bring in, the less you have to care for.
   
3. Clear It Out - The more you have, the more you have to care for.  So clear out what you don't need.  Get rid of kitchen appliances you never use, or coats you never wear.  They're just taking up valuable space that could be occupied by something you love.
4. Plan Ahead - Get ready the day before. Decide on your outfit, pack your lunch.  Do the same for the rest of the family.  Also, schedule time for yourself to take care of chores like filing or laundry.  If you keep on top of things, they won't pile up.
5. Deal With It - Take care of messes and problems when they happen.  Clean up the spills, put away the laundry, sort the mail, etc. as it comes in.  There may be a day or two where you don't have time, but if you've kept up with tasks all along, the piles won't grow too large to overwhelm you.

Keep this list posted in a place you'll see it as a daily reminder.  It's really that simple.

Eight Questions to Ask Yourself When Organizing

It goes without saying that there are benefits to being organized.  You can find things easily, save money and have peace of mind in a clutter-free home.  But while we know we SHOULD be organized, for many it’s a challenge.  Most of that stems from the stress of sorting through belongings and trying to decide what to keep and what to give away or sell. 

While the task may seem daunting, especially if you’ve lived in your home over twenty years, if you stay focused you’ll make progress.  And to make the process easier, here are some questions to ask yourself while sorting. 

1.      Do I have more than one of this? If so, why? Do you need more than one?  While you need more than one pair of pants, do you need more than one lawn mower? 

2.      How often do I use this item? Is it something you use on a regular basis, that is, at least once a month?  Or do you dig it out every few years?  If you use something rarely,  like a 50-cup coffee maker, get rid of it.  When you need one for your party three years from now, borrow one from a friend or rent one.

3.      Can this item be easily replaced? If you get rid of your ricer today, can you easily find one at the store tomorrow?  Of course.  But if you get rid of your shop vac, it’s easy to find one, but certainly more expensive to replace it.

4.      Do I know what this is? How many times have you gone through junk drawers only to find something unidentifiable?  If nobody in the house can identify it, get rid of it.

5.      Do I know what this belongs to? You fine screws, lids or keys.  You know what it is, but have no idea what the key opens, or what container the lid belongs to.  You don’t need it if you’re not using it.

6.      Do I like this item?  Sometimes we inherit furniture or knick-knacks from deceased family members.  Or we get gifts from friends.  While we accept it gracefully, in our hearts we really don’t like it.  Don’t let things you don’t like take up precious space in your home.  Your home should only be filled with things you love.

7.      What is the worst that could happen if I get rid of it?  If you shred your bank statements today, or donate the hand mixer, what’s the worst that could happen?  You can recreate bank statements.  You can purchase another hand mixer if you find you need it.  On the other hand, original legal documents are not replaceable.  Be mindful of what you donate or shred.

8.      Does it have a place to live in your home? If you don’t have a cabinet or shelf to store it, then it shouldn’t be in your home.  The floors and tables are not storage units.  If you can’t decide where to put it, then you don’t need it.

While some decisions are easier to make than others, you’ll find over time that making those decisions will begin to live in your subconscious.  When you’re shopping, you’ll hear these questions in the back of your mind, helping you decide whether or not to buy it.

 

Hanging Door Organizers Not Just for Shoes

Frugal Friday

I am a big proponent of using vertical storage.  One product that is great for this is Over-the Door pockets.  They come in a variety of materials and sizes.  Some have large pockets for shoes, some have smaller pockets.  They are plastic, canvas or fabric.  And their uses are endless.  While these organizers used to be for shoes, now we can find many other uses for them.  Here are a few:

·        Bathroom--use for shampoo, toiletries, face cloths, hair accessories, etc.

·        Bedroom--use for small accessories like bracelets, scarves, bulky necklaces, and belts.

·        Bathroom--use for hair accessories like headbands, elastic bands, barrettes, and bows.

·        Pantry--Use for spices, small packages, small appliances, and appliance attachments.

·        Linen Closet--Use for medications, first aid supplies, and extra toiletries.

·        Bathroom--Use for cosmetics, brushes and nail polish.

·        Craft Room--Use for crafting supplies like scissors, glue, tape, and markers.

·        Use for toy storage, organizing pieces by toy, color or size.

·        Bedroom--Use for socks and tights.

·        Laundry Room--Use for cleaning supplies such as spray bottles, scrub brushes and rags.

·        Bedroom--Use for small stuffed animals.

And don’t forget to label the pockets so everything goes back where it belongs, and you know what to buy when the pocket is empty.

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute

Moving on Monday

These last few days I've been working with a client who is moving out of state this week.  The client is a single male who has no family in the area.  Working full time, he doesn't have time to pack on his own.  His company is paying for the packing and moving.  However, he needs to de-clutter and throw out the trash he's been accumulating over the years.  Who wants to move garbage to their new apartment/life?

So I've been helping him sort through his belongings and make decisions on what to keep and what to donate or trash. 

We started in the garage, filling one half with donations, one quarter with garbage, and one quarter with things he's keeping.  Inside, we designated a room on each floor for donations.  The room will be marked as "Do Not Pack". 

While the process is working well, we are running out of time. We still have to find a charity to pick up his furniture and other donations.  We're still not sure if we can put all his garbage out on the curb this week.  Packing will be the easiest part of the job.  Except for all his paperwork.  We won't have time to sort through it before he moves.  So the packers will just tape up the boxes and ship them to storage in his new location.  The problem will be if he needs something important.  How will he find it?

This is why I encourage people to start as soon as possible before the move.  In this client's case, he is taking a new job.  He didn't have much notice.  However, when he started looking for a new job, he knew the possibility of moving out of state.  So he easily could have started sorting when he started his job hunt. 

We are hoping for the best with all of my connections that everything will turn out okay.  But just think of the stress we could have been spared if the client hadn't waited until the last minute.

Useful Moving and Packing Tips

Moving on Monday

When moving, we're pretty familiar with the basics—pack heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes, notify everyone of your new address, etc.  But there are tips we don't know without having experienced them.  Here are a few things to keep in mind for your move this summer.

·         Pack a full set of linens and blankets in a dresser drawer so you don't have to look for that box to unpack upon your arrival.

·         Bring your old phone book with you in case you have to contact someone from your old neighborhood.

·         If moving a refrigerator, place a sock or nylon filled with baking soda or charcoal inside so it smells fresh upon arrival.

·         Bring irreplaceable valuables with you in the car.  Don't leave them in the hands of the movers.  And never leave them in the car if you stay at a hotel.

·         Have your children write their name and address on their boxes of belongings so they can practice writing their new address.

·         Let your electronics sit and acclimate to room temperature before plugging them in.

Tips for Tuesday

How you organize your shoes (or anything for that matter) in your home, depends on your individual situation.  Closet size, number of pairs, number of family members, habits, religious beliefs, etc., all play a part in how you can store your shoes.

The first step in organizing your shoes is to get all of them out in one place.  Pair them, and sort them by color and/or style (casual, dressy, work, etc.).  Once they are all laid out, you will see how many pairs of black pumps you have, how many running shoes, how many brown leather sandals, etc.  Seeing them all together will help decide what you really need to keep, and what can be donated. 

When deciding what to keep, think about use and comfort.  Just because a pair you bought five years ago is one of your favorites, if you never wear them because they are uncomfortable, then it's time to donate them.  GO through every color and style, and see where you can pare down.  Once you're done sorting, you'll see what's left to go back in your closet. 

Arrange your shoes by the way you would look for them.  For instance, would you look for a black pair of shoes when getting ready for work?  Then keep all your black shoes together.  Or do you think in terms of function?  Would you look for a pair of comfy shoes for work in the morning?  Then place all work shoes together.  Or store them according to where you would put them on.  For instance, boots and running shoes by the back door, and dressy shoes in your closet.

There are many ways to store shoes.  The first of these is on your closet floor.  That isn't to say they should all just be tossed in.  You should purchase a shoe cubby or shoe rack and pair your shoes accordingly.  Always keep pairs together.  If the shoes are small flats, you can place more than one pair in a cubby. 

If you have closets with shelving, keep your shoes on shelves in your closet.  The shelves can be spaced closer together than they would be for sweaters and pants to make the best use of the space.  This also avoids having to stack several pairs on top of each other.

If you don't have a lot of shelving, but have plenty of hanging space, use a shoe organizer that hangs from the closet rod.  You can usually get about 10 pairs of shoes in 8 inches of hanging space. 

Another place to store shoes is on the back of a door.  There are shoe racks and pockets for this use.  Pair smaller shoes together in one pocket.  Be careful with shoe racks that may stretch out the toes of your shoes. 

Under the bed is a great place for shoes also.  There are bins and bags specifically for this purpose with dividers.  Or purchase a low, long bin and arrange the shoes on their sides, toe to heel for maximum use of space.  If you are storing shoes under the bed that you use often, look for a bin or bag on rollers so it is easy to access.

Some people don't keep shoes in their closets or bedrooms, but rather prefer keeping them in the laundry room or garage.  In this case, special shelving can be installed to house the shoes, or purchase stackable shoe cubbies. 

If you have room for a bench, purchase one that has storage and keep your shoes in or under the bench. 

Whatever you decide, it is important that all family members are on board, and everyone puts their shoes away after wearing them.  Because even the best systems won't work if you don't use them.

How many pairs of shoes do you have, and how do you store them?

A Well-Stocked Medicine Cabinet

Tips for Tuesday

No matter what the time of year, it seems you're always rummaging through your medicine cabinet looking for relief from a headache, toothache or insect bite.  Whether it's cold/flu season over the winter, or allergy season over the spring/summer, you want relief as soon as possible.  The last thing you want to do is drive to the drug store when you are bleeding or in pain.  You won't have to if your medicine cabinet is well stocked.

Have the following items on hand at all times:

• Analgesic
• Antacid
• Antibiotic ointment
• Anti-diarrhea medicine
• Antihistamines (both topical and internal) for allergic reactions
• Aspirin and/or non-aspirin pain reliever
• Bandages
• Cold/flu medication
• Cold sore medication if anyone in the family is prone to them
• Cortisone cream
• Cotton swabs
• Cough syrup/drops
• Decongestant
• Deodorant
• First-aid supplies
• Floss
• Hand lotion
• Ibuprofen or other pain reliever/anti-inflammatory
• Laxative or stool softener
• Lip balm
• Mouthwash
• Nail clippers/scissors/file
• Nasal spray
• Prescription medications as needed
• Razor blades (refills)
• Shaving cream
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Vitamin supplements
• Thermometer
• Dosing cup or spoon

Next week:  Keeping Your Medicine Cabinet Healthy

Storing Off-season Clothes

Tips for Tuesday

It seems like we had our Spring/Summer in March and now it's back to Fall, despite the fact the calendar says "April".  If we pulled out our summer clothes last month, hopefully we didn't store our winter clothes yet, because we still need them.  But when it does finally warm up for good, we'll have to store our sweaters and coats.  Here are some tips for storing your off-season clothes:

·         Clean and repair everything before storing.  This includes zippers, buttons and stains.

·         If it won't fit your children next year, then don't keep it.  Hand it down or donate it.

·         Get rid of stray mittens/gloves.

·         To keep whites from fading, wrap them in white tissue paper, then in a dark color to keep out the light.

·         Store in plastic tubs rather than cardboard boxes to deter rodents and bugs.

·         Furs should be cleaned and stored professionally.

·         Leather shoes/boots should be cleaned and moisturized.  Dry thoroughly before storing. 

·         Stuff leather boots and shoes with newspaper or tissue so they don't get crushed.

·         Clean salt and dirt from snow boots before storing.

·         Clean and moisturize your leather handbags, then stuff them with paper to retain their shape.

·         Cedar lined closets or boxes work well against moths.  If you don't have a cedar closet, then use lavender sachets or moth balls to deter moths.

·         Sweaters should be stored folded rather than on hangers to retain their shape. 

·         Remove clothes from dry-cleaning bags if your storage space is damp (basement, attic).  Moisture may build up inside the bag and cause mold or mildew.

·         Fold wool blankets and store them in a cedar-lined chest.

Organizing Digital Photos

Tips for Tuesday

Last week, we talked about organizing all those photos you took before the advent of digital cameras. You may still have a film camera, but most people are slowly turning to digital cameras for all their photo needs. The photos are easier to share with others, and can be edited before printing. And there's no negatives to worry about.

But we also seem to take a lot more photos because there aren't all those envelopes laying around taking up space. All we have is a little SD card. Or, perhaps a lot of SD cards. This is where organizing photos can become difficult.

Once you start taking pictures and storing them on a memory card, they just keep adding up, perhaps to the thousands if it's large storage and you use lower resolution. To keep track of them, you should download photos as soon as possible after taking them.

Create a folder on your computer for your photos. Create subfolders for all the different subjects, such as family members, special events, vacations, etc. Then as you download the photos, immediately drop them into those folders. Don't worry about editing them if you don't have the time. It's more important that they are easy to find when you need them.

After they are downloaded, back them up (automatically or manually) to an online storage site (such as Shutterfly, PhotoBucket or Flickr) or to an external hard drive. Once the backup is complete (giving you two copies of each photo), delete them from your memory card.

If you take a lot of photos, have different memory cards for different uses. For example, I have one memory card specifically for client photos. I use a second one for personal photos. If I am looking for a photo before I have a chance to download them, I know which memory card it's on.

After you have downloaded all your photos, open them, edit them, then sort them further into even more subfolders. For example, Vacation-->2012-->Spring Break Mexico, Summer Disney World etc. When you are ready to upload them to Facebook or other photo-sharing web sites, they will already be sorted and ready to go, all within one folder.

Helping Your Parents Remain Independent

Senior Thursday

One of the biggest struggles we face as we age is remaining independent in our own homes. As adult children caring for aging parents, we often have these discussions with them. While we know their physical and mental limitations, they do not want to leave the home where they raised their family. If they insist on remaining independent, then the most we can do for them is make their lives safe.

First, have your parents sign up for an emergency response system. This will give them 24/7 access to the police/fire department. If they fall, help is only a button away.

Remove all fall hazards, such as throw rugs and sharp corners on tables. Make sure transitions are smooth between rooms, and install grab bars in the bathrooms.

Set alarms around the house. There are alarms for alerting someone that a pot has been left on the stove unattended, or for reminding them to take their medications.

Do what you can to make their life simpler. This may be different door or drawer handles, a long shoehorn, velcro closures, or a grabber for reaching items from upper shelves.

Make sure they eat right and have regular checkups with their physician. Activity is especially important for keeping healthy. If they have difficulty doing any daily activities on their own, hire help to come in and assist with meal preparation, bathing, etc.

Finally, stay connected with them. Loneliness can cause depression and premature aging. But whatever you do, take care of yourself also. If you don't take care of you, you can't take care of them.

Organizing Print Photographs

Tips for Tuesday

While many of us have digital cameras, we still have a lot of photos from print days. And lots of negatives. But can we find the photo we want when we need it? Have you put all your photos into albums, or are they randomly dumped into boxes?

Is lack of time keeping you from organizing your photos? Does the thought of taking each photo and slipping it into an album overwhelm you? It shouldn't. There are ways to organize your photographs that don't require hours of your time. So how do you get there?

First, gather all your photos together. Sort them into broad categories, such as vacation, immediate family, holidays, extended family, special events, etc. Or, if you prefer, arrange them chronologically by year.

As you sort, toss any duplicates or blurry photos. If you have two of similar scenes, select the better one and toss the second. Don't feel you have to keep every photo, especially if you don't keep in touch with the people photo, or if the shot isn't flattering. Also, put some aside for friends, family if you think they would like a copy. You can also toss most of the negatives, since technology now allows us to scan photos for reprints. Keep only those you know for sure you will be enlarging or replicating, such as wedding photos. If you do keep your negatives, keep them in their sleeves, and store them flat.

Once they are sorted, identify them on the back with a photo safe pen. Then place them in archival safe photo boxes or albums. Boxes are quick sorts. They usually come with dividers so you can label your categories. Albums will take more time, and don't hold as many photos.

Finally, keep your boxes and albums in a cool, dry place. Humidity will damage the photos.

Remember, not taking care of your photos can possibly harm them, and they will be gone forever.

Easing the Stress of Travel

Senior Thursday

Traveling means different things to different people. For business travelers, it can be a chore. For students, it's an education and an experience of a lifetime. For families, it can be an adventure. For seniors, however, it can be a hassle, especially if you have physical limitations.

So how can seniors make their travels less stressful so they can enjoy their vacation?

1. Check the itinerary—Confirm all plans before leaving. Know what the restrictions are on each flight/trip, at each hotel, and at each attraction. Is identification required for discounts? Where are your seats? Do you need confirmation numbers for reservations or admission?
2. Physical Limitations—Do your hotel rooms need walk-in showers or do they need to be close to the elevator to minimize walking? Will there be difficulty in boarding modes of transportation, such as tour buses? Is there assistance at the airport? Will stairs preclude you from seeing some attractions?
3. Safety—Be aware of surroundings at all times. Keep wallets and travel documents with you at all times. Never place your purse on the floor next to your seat. If you drive, keep your car locked, and keep valuables out of sight.
4. Packing—Keep suitcases light. Pack enough in a carry-on for an overnight stay in case your luggage gets lost. Carry prescription meds in their original containers. Keep copies of travel documents in your luggage in case the originals get stolen.
5. Health—Do you have dietary restrictions? Do your destinations know of them? Do your medications need refrigeration? Will too much walking affect your health? Do you wear a medical bracelet for your condition?

It may seem like this is too much effort to put into a little trip. But think of the risks if you don't properly prepare for a vacation. Enjoying yourself is priceless. You can make it happen.

Making the Most of Closet Space

Moving On Monday

When you move into a new home, you may or may not have the same closet space. If you are downsizing, the closets may be smaller. If you are moving up, you may have a walk-in closet. Perhaps you will have another reach-in closet, but it may or may not come with anything more than one rod at eye level.

If your new closet is nothing more than a rod and shelf, there are ways to maximize the space without a big dollar investment. Here are some ideas:

• Add a shelf above the existing shelf to use the space up to the ceiling.
• Hang all the short clothes in one place so you can use the floor space under them.
• Buy an extender and hang it from the rod to gain another rod underneath.
• Purchase canvas organizers to hang from the rod. Use for sweaters or shoes.
• Use the back of the door for scarves, belts, or shoes.
• Use cascading hangers for skirts, pants, blouses (multiple clips on one hanger).
• Use empty wall space for hooks. Hang robes, belts, etc. from hooks.
• Install a valet rod to hold clothes for airing out.
• Place a small chest of drawers in the closet if you have enough space.

Utilizing Space Under a Staircase

Tips for Tuesday

When your house is small, space is at a premium. You want to utilize every nook and cranny for storage or living. One space that is often overlooked is under a staircase. If your stairs go down as well as up at the staircase, the space is already utilized by both sets of stairs. However, if you have a set of stairs going to an upper level, but no staircase going down, the space under your stairs is open.

There are many things you can do with this space, depending on the width, depth and your needs. Here are a few ideas.

• For shallow spaces, install bookcases. These can be either custom-made or pre-made that fit into the space. Since bookshelves only need to be 10"-12", this works well for a narrow staircase, or a wider staircase where you want to split the area into two uses. Adjustable shelves work best to accommodate different sized books.
• For wide and tall spaces, build in a small office. Wire the area for lighting, and build in a desk and shelves. This area works great for homework, bill-paying or a small computer nook.
• If the area is cool and dark, install shelving and use the space for food storage--canned goods, root vegetables, grains, etc. Keep grains sealed to keep out pests.
• In basements, the space under stairs is ideal for seasonal items or luggage--items you do not need to access often.
• Install hooks along one wall, and shallow shelves along the opposite wall to create a cleaning closet.
• Under wide staircases, install drawers for storage.
• Install open shelving for displaying art collections.
• Create a 'mudroom' with hooks for coats and a bench for shoe storage.
• If the area can be temperature controlled, install wine racks for your collection.

Retirement Means a Whole New Wardrobe

Senior Thursday

As we age, our lives and needs change. Retirement is one of the biggest changes in your life. Not only are you home all day, but you are wearing different clothes now. No more business suits, dressy blouses, or ties. Your wardrobe is now jeans, tees and loafers.

So what do you do with all those clothes? You don't need them taking up precious space in your closet.

You'll want to keep a few items for special occasions, but you can safely get rid of the rest.

Go through your closet and decide which are your favorite pieces. Look at the rest. Are they in good condition? Then donate them. If they are stained or ripped, then discard them.

If they are designer clothes, you might consider selling them. It all comes down to how valuable your time is, and how much money you need.

Tune in next week for resources on donating/selling your clothes.

Keeping Track of Research

Writer Wednesday

Some writers write about what they know. Some writers delve into the unknown, exploring occupations, cities, countries, and even time periods they have never experienced.

With the latter, these writers will need to do research for their books--sometimes extensive research if the plot is complicated or they have no experience whatsoever in the setting they chose for their book.

Keeping track of all this research is essential, for several reasons.

First, if an editor or agent questions any content in your manuscript, you will have supporting documentation. Second, you may write something one day, then months later when editing, decide you want to look into that subject further. Third, if you decide to do a sequel to the book, you will need to reference this research again.

Keeping accurate records is a must. Look for specific ideas on how to do this,next week.

Seasons Change, and So Do We

Summer is finally here! So we decided some changes were needed to our blog and newsletter to help you become more organized and clutter-free.

Starting on Monday, our blog will have a daily theme.

Moving on Monday--tips and advice for those moving or relocating
Tips for Tuesday--General organizing tips and product reviews
Writer Wednesday--Tips and advice for writers and authors
Senior Thursday--Guidance for the Baby Boomer generation
Frugal Friday--These organizing tips will help you save money, too!

We are all about helping you out of clutter and into a life of clarity. These posts will guide you on that path.

Would you like a more indepth look at problems homeowners face, and the solutions we provide? Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter. Click Here!

And don't forget to follow us on Facebook. "Like" our page, and we'll give you one hour of free organizing with the purchase of two hours.

We hope you enjoy our new look. And as always, we welcome suggestions and questions.

May is for Mothers--Grandmothers

Since May is the month for mothers, we are devoting our blog entries to these moms. We will give tips for moms at all stages of life--new moms, moms of toddlers, step-moms and grandmothers. Every child and every day bring new experiences and new challenges. If prepared, these changes will be easier to handle.

GRANDMOTHERS

You've raised your own, they're out of the house, and it's nice and quiet. Until...the grandchildren arrive! Suddenly, your home becomes an obstacle course, and Saturday evenings include diaper changes again. Here are some tips to help you get through the years and still have your own life.

• First and foremost--Take Care of YOU! You are the most important person in your life. If you can't function, you can't help or nurture others.
• Set boundaries. Don't let your children take advantage of free babysitting. Offer to help, but don't let it take over your life. If you want two or three days a week for your own activities, let your children know up front what days you are/are not available.
• Baby proof your home again. This is especially important with prescription medications and cleaning supplies. Meds can look like candy--don't leave your pills laying around.
• If you are watching your grandchildren on a regular basis, purchase your own toys and equipment so mom and dad don't have to pack it up all the time. This will also be safer for the child, rather than improvising things like stacked phone books on a chair instead of a booster seat.
• Have extra clothing on hand for emergency changes.
• Only do what you are capable of. If you have a bad back, don't offer to watch toddlers that are heavy to lift. If you don't have an approved car seat, don't offer to drive them to day care or pre-school.
• Follow mom and dad's rules. If they say 'no' to something like soda pop for a toddler, don't go behind their backs.
• When you are looking to downsize, keep the family situation in mind. Are you babysitting on a regular basis? Are the children older? Do they stay overnight for visits? Are there amenities close by or on the grounds that they could enjoy also?
• Don't empty your home by giving everything to your children/grandchildren. Ask them what they want, and let them have those items. Then give away the rest. Don't clutter their homes with things they won't appreciate as much as you did.
• Ask for help. If you can't downsize, pack and move all at the same time, hire some help. Save your time for the important things--yourself and your family.