Happy Holiday.... Merry Christmas.....!

Wishing you and your family a very HAPPY HOLIDAY  and a very  MERRY CHRISTMAS !

May your days be filled with peace and joy......

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Clear Your Clutter For The Holidays

I wanted to share a great poem written by another Professional Organizer. This should inspire all of you to clear your clutter before the Holidays!

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'Twas just weeks before Christmas, when I looked 'round my house
And feelings were stirring that I couldn't douse.
The clutter was piled up in mounds all around,
And piles, dust and overwhelm all did abound.
 
No visions of sugarplums danced in my head,
Just feelings of angst and confusion and dread.
The papers were piled on the table so high
There's no chance of mealtime, I thought with a sigh.
 
I thought of the guests that would come all too soon
And started to panic and wish it was June.
Aackk! People are coming! Oh, where will they stay?
I must move this clutter. It's all in the way.
 
I want to have family and friends to enjoy,
To entertain, decorate, bake and…oh, boy.
"I meant to get to it", I heard myself whine,
But now it's December and I'm down to the line.
 
I thought I could do it myself if I tried,
But it was too much and my brain felt so fried.
I needed some help and I knew whom to call
A Professional Organizer who's on the ball.
 
My organizer friend was so lively and quick
Before I knew it I was ready for St. Nick!
She helped me to think in a rational way.
I still had some time; they're not coming today.

She settled me down and said, "You'll be alright.
Now take a deep breath and this clutter we'll fight.
We'll start in one room and just put things away
Stuff with no 'home' won't be able to stay."

We cleared and we sorted, we put things away
I was so glad I had not waited just one more day!
We purged and we sorted and made such a clatter
The donation bags just got fatter and fatter."
 
Soon tabletops showed up and floors all got cleared
There's so much more room now, it almost feels weird.
With Karen's help I got so much more done,
She's taught me the process, we even had fun.
 
I love it!  I said as I looked all around.
I couldn't believe all the lost stuff I'd found!
I'd managed quite well while the stuff was all lost
But realized I'd be fine if most just got tossed.
 
I could go on but I think I'll stop here
And wish every one of you holiday cheer.
Oh, and by the way, if your shopping's not done-
If you choose gifts that they'll want, need or use up, you've all won!

Karen here now, all done butchering this poem,
Wishing each of you joy and peace inside of your home.
And so I'll exclaim as I send my newsletter
Merry Christmas to all! Be a clutter go-getter!
 
© 2014 Karen Sheesley

Karen Sheesley

Straighten Up 

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Clear the Clutter - End of the Year Donations

It's now December and the shoppers are out in full force. Everyone is getting ready for more stuff to take over their homes.

I admit - I am not a shopper. There is only so much stuff that anyone needs (wants is a different story).

Yes - most people love to get presents.  But where are they going to put them?

No one actually thinks about that part of it. If you only have so much space - and you can't fit anything else in - something has to go!

That's not a bad thing!  People outgrow stuff (physically, emotionally or intellectually).  So let someone else have the pleasure of using the things that you don't need (or want) any longer.

There are people out there that can use the things that you don't need or want any longer.

Give back - do something worthwhile for someone else.  Help those in need when you have more than you need.

Before you go shopping - decide to clear out your closet of things that you can donate.  People change, needs changes.....  let someone else get the pleasure of things that you are ready to part with.

Get your kids to clear out toys they have outgrown. It will teach them to help others. And everyone knows they will get more toys anyway.

Before year end - take your donations to Goodwill or a shelter or a church...   Anywhere they will take donations.

Do something good for someone else - and your closet!

Clear Your Clutter and you will be surprised how freeing it really is!

Happy December!


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Holidays and Shopping - Should You or Shouldn't You ?

The holidays are just around the corner. The malls are busy with shoppers and even Santa has already made an appearance. Guess everyone forgot that Thanksgiving comes first!

I'll skip telling you that the holidays are about more than shopping - they are about family, friends and remembering the important things in life. The reality is - people are going to be shopping and buying and buying and buying.....  STUFF !

Everyone has good intentions. Everyone is trying to make all the people in their lives "happy" by buying them gifts.

But - is it really what they want?  Or are you buying what you want or think they will like?

People have so much stuff that they already don't know what to do with and really don't want - but they are afraid to tell you.

When buying gifts - think about the person (not yourself - not what you want - not your taste....). Will they really like it? Do they really need it? And the most important question -

                        " Do they have room for it in their home ???? "

If the person you are buying for has a small home or an apartment - they might not have room for your gift. If you have bought them things in the past - and you have never seen them wear it or display it - maybe you should re-think your selections.

A few ideas that take up little or no room:

*    Fruit baskets (healthy and something that people don't usually buy for themselves)
*    Any gourmet food that people would love to try and think it's too decadent to splurge on
*    Gift card for a service - massage, car wash coupons, movie tickets....
*    Coupon for babysitting, snow shoveling, grass mowing...
*    CD's or movies (add popcorn for a great evening)

There are a lot of options that take up little room and get used up quickly and don't leave a mess.....

Don't add clutter to someone's home.... just because you feel that you need to give them a gift. Think about what they really need - in the most simplest of terms - and you will be amazed at how much happier they will be when they don't have to pretend that they like the sweater that you bought them.

Happy Holidays! 
  


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Cold Weather - Is Your Closet Ready ?

In some parts of the country it's starting to get cold and a lot of people pull out their "winter clothes" and put their "summer clothes" into storage.

If your lack of closet space makes this a necessity then there are a few important things that you should do before you just start randomly changing out your closet.

First - be realistic. I know that it's hard - but it you haven't worn something in a few years - why put it back into your closet???  Because you "might" wear it?  Someday?

It is taking up space. And if space is at a premium - let it go. Donate it. Give it to someone that will actually wear it - more than once every five years!

Second, does it fit? Correctly? Be honest with yourself. Wearing ill fitting clothes does nothing for your figure or your self esteem. If it doesn't fit - off to the donate pile it goes.

Third, is it in good shape? No loose buttons, holes, rips....???  If not - fix it before you put it back into your closet.

Fourth, please, please put things in some type of logical order. Again - logical is all relative. It means in an order that you can find it easily and that makes sense. Everyone organizes differently. That's important to remember. But you have to have some type of plan that will allow you to put together outfits in a relatively short amount of time and you have to be able to find the clothes that you are looking for.

For example - sort by color, by type (long sleeve, short sleeve), by style.... any way that makes sense to you. But it should make sense.

Put all of your pants in one spot. Your dresses/skirts in another spot. Your shirts in another spot.

Divide your closet by casual clothes & work clothes.

There are many different ways to go about this. The only "must" is that it "must" work for you.

But just randomly throwing your clothes in your closet does not work for anyone - sorry. It wastes time when you are trying to find things and that turns into frustration.

In the spring/summer - when your closets are reversed - do the same thing. Clean, fit, no holes....and only the clothes that you will actually wear.

Enjoy your clothes and your organized closet!




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Emergency Preparedness - Your Paper Trail

 If you only had a few minutes to get out of your house for a disaster (such as a hurricane) would you be prepared for an emergency? Would you be able to grab your important papers and things you must have and be out of your house in minutes?

Do you know where all of your important papers are? Are they all in one central spot for quick and easy access in case of emergency?

Things such as:

* Drivers License (or other identification)
* Passport
* Birth Certificate
* Social Security Card
* House Insurance papers (or contact info)
* Life Insurance papers (or contact info)
* Marriage License
* Financial Info
* Money / Credit Card info
* Phone numbers for family and friends
* Medical / Health Care information


What about some of your favorite possessions? Things that you can’t replace, such as photo albums?

Since most people keep a lot of information on their computer or laptop, do you have backups and are they up to date and in a spot that you can easily access?  Do you have backups that are near all of your important papers that you can grab quickly?

Do you know what you would take in an emergency? Have you ever thought about it?

I’ve never been in situation where my home had to be evacuated, though I have been in a hurricane with no place to go (a very frightening experience).

If you are evacuated from your home and your home is destroyed you will have to deal with a variety of issues, including insurance issues, where you will have to prove your identity. Can you?

In an emergency people tend to grab the strangest things. Not always the most practical things.

So think about what you would do in an emergency situation where you had to evacuate (especially if you live in high hurricane areas).

Start by thinking "what if...." and come up with a game plan. Locate all of your important papers and pick a spot where everything can be in one place and in an easy to grab container.

Prioritize your possessions and what you really need to get back on your feet.

Get yourself organized before disaster strikes. And then hope that you never have to put your plan into place.

It’s better to be prepared for a disaster than to have to go through the trauma of dealing with things that you are unprepared to handle.



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Getting Ready for an Emergency - September is National Preparedness Month

It's almost the anniversary of  9/11. We should all be aware of the fact that disaster can strike anywhere. The question is "are you ready"?

Everyone should be prepared for an emergency. Whether it’s the loss of power and electricity (which could last for days) or a hurricane, earthquake or other natural disaster…. Or a terrorist attack…

Being prepared is not an “option” anymore. Even if just the electricity went out…and you happen to have an “all electric” home….would you be able to survive? Do you have enough food to last you for a few days? What happens if all the stores are closed?

These are just some things to think about….. especially if you live in a remote area and don't have quick access to a store.

There are numerous websites and articles that tell you to be prepared to survive for at least three (3) days if an emergency occurs. The “72 Hour Kit” as some people call it.

Besides the basic kit, you also need to have an emergency plan in place. Below is a basic list that will give you some ideas to get you started (there are numerous variations of this kit).

Basic Kit:

Water – one (1) gallon per person , per day for at least three (3) days
Food – 3 days supply of non-perishable food. Some ideas are: soup mix, granola bars, trail mix, crackers,
peanut butter, beef jerky, fruit cups….
Plastic / paper – plates, cups, napkins…
Radio – battery powered
Flashlight – with extra batteries
First aid kit – basic kit
Whistle
Can opener
Garbage bags & plastic bags (various sizes)
Sleeping Bag
Blankets
Clothes – for three (3) days
Shoes
Coats & hats; rain gear; cold weather gear
Personal hygiene products such as: shampoo, lotion, razors, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine
products, sunscreen…..
Wet wipes
Toilet Paper
Sewing Kit
Paper & pencils
Matches / lighter (in water proof container)
Cash
Basic tools (wrench, pliers, scissors….)
Maps
Water purification tablets (or Chlorine Bleach)
Hand Sanitizer
String / rope / cord
Cooking appliances (portable stove with fuel….)


Some things (like medications…) cannot pack ahead of time…so have a checklist prepared for those items.

Checklist for supplies that need to be packed last minute:

Prescription medication
Infant formula
Pet food
Family documents (passport, birth certificates, identification cards, bank info, insurance info….)
Watch
Games for kids


Start thinking about how you and your family would handle an emergency….and start planning for it today…before that emergency strikes.


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Getting Your Kids Organized For School...and Life

School is about to start. Have you thought about your school year routine yet?  Don't wait until the morning of the first day of school to come up with a plan. Start thinking about your first day now and get ready.

The question now is "Do you have a calm and stress free routine ?".  If not, why not? The answer is probably because things are not as organized as they could be.

Come up with a routine and get your kids involved. Let them know ahead of time what time they will have to get up in order to have plenty of time to get dressed, make their bed, eat a healthy breakfast and get all of their school things in their pack backs and on their way.

By starting your kids on a routine and giving them responsibility for getting ready on time you have started them off on the right track to success in life.

Kids are never too young to start learning how to be organized. Kids as young as three can be taught how to put their toys away.

School age children should have a daily routine. Everything from getting up in the morning, getting dressed themselves, making their beds and getting their backpacks all ready for school. This includes making sure they have their lunches!

By making kids responsible for themselves they can start learning organizational skills. It also helps takes the pressure off of the parents.

Even though as a parent you might want to do everything for your child....you would be doing them a disservice if you did. Don't you want your child to marry someone that can take care of themselves? Someone that helps around the house?

By teaching your kids some basic skills when they are young you are setting them up for success!

Kids love to learn new things. They love to think that they are in charge. Let them be....in charge of themselves!

As a parent your job is to give the kids tools they can use in everyday life. Being organized is a crucial tool.

Parents, especially single parents, need all of the help they can get. Teach your child to be self sufficient and you too will reap the rewards.

And don't use the excuse "I am not an organized person myself".  I have a lot of clients that aren't organized themselves....but they know the right people to teach their kids various skills.

If you can give your child piano or gymnastics lessons.... you can give them "organizing lessons".  It's something they will use forever. Not that being able to do a cartwheel isn't important!

By starting young and having expectations from your children you are helping them be a better person. Their teachers, bosses and future spouses will "Thank You"!

Start Today..... Raise an Organized Child


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Clutter and Noise

You might wonder what clutter and noise have to do with each other. It's simple - clutter is a noise that disturbs you so that you can't function as well as you should.

Some people can work in a messy room. I can't.

Clutter doesn't bother some people. For others it's a problem.

Some people actually don't seem to notice a clutter filled room. Even when you say something to them about the mess. They just don't see it.

For others they wonder how you can find anything - much less work in a clutter filled room.

Clutter is a noise that gets louder and louder. Until you eventually can't stand it anymore.

That's when people usually call or write and say "help!".

People have to come to terms with how long they can handle the clutter and the mess before they do something. You have to be ready for change. You can't force people to change unless they are ready. It's only when they are ready that the changes will actually last.

When I walk into a clutter filled room it's like someone is screaming at the top of their lungs. When I walk into a neat and organized room I feel calm and relaxed.

It reminds me of going to the spa to get a massage. They have a little nook that is neat and cozy. They have soft music playing. I can sit and relax and a calmness comes over me.

When you walk into a room that is cluttered you don't have that same feeling.

Clutter causes your stress levels to rise. A clutter free space makes you feel calm.

If you can find one area in your home to be clutter free you too can create a space where you can feel calm after a long day at work.

Get organized - get clutter free.  Reduce your stress.

Once you have a few stress free moments you will have more energy to face the rest of your day.

Happy Organizing !



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Favorite Organizing Tools

There are a lot of really great gadgets out there to get yourself organized. Some of them are really expensive. But spending more money on things doesn't mean that it will work better or keep you more organized.

Simplicity is the key.  And so is being inventive!

My most favorite (and cheapest and most versatile) organizing tool is - ZIPLOC !  I love Ziploc bags - for everything!

We just got back from a camping trip and having to have every little detail (and every meal) organized - and planned out -  Ziploc is your best friend!

I packed each meal in a Ziploc bag. All of the vitamins - in a Ziploc bag. All of the utensils, the napkins, the extra bags (always, always bring extra Ziploc bags when you go on a trip) - everything goes into a Ziploc bag.

Even the plastic containers of food - before they go into a cooler - go into a Ziploc bag.

Believe me - this will save you time in hunting for everything when you have everything in one easy to grab bag. The containers are protected from getting waterlogged in the cooler (one of mine had a leak).

I use Ziploc to capture all of the phone cords - so that we always have them in one place.

Then there are bags. Since everyone has gone to reusable bags there is an endless supply of bags. Use them to capture a 'grouping' of things. Snacks go in one bag. Cooking utensils in another.

You get the picture.....    "like with like" !

Of course - another favorite tool is "the list" - it makes packing fast and easy - and you don't forget a thing!

There are many simple tools out there that can make your life just a little bit easier!


Happy Organizing !



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Do You Really Miss Your Stuff ???

People have more things than they really need. "Stuff" just turns into "clutter".

"But you need it" - you say ? 

Really?

When was the last time that you actually used it?

Being in transition and having a lot of our belongings still in boxes has made me realize that even though we downsized and we really did not have a lot of useless things that we never used - we really haven't been traumatized too much by not having those things that we thought we needed.

Downsizing, right-sizing, de-cluttering.... all make you realize that you have too much stuff and you really can live "without" those things.

So - try this experiment:  box up a bunch of stuff that you don't use often (or never) - and put it in the basement, closet, garage....for three months. At the end of the three months - if you haven't missed it - consider getting rid of it for good.

Donate it - give it to someone that might actually use it.

This experiment will make you think - about all the stuff that you really don't need.

Try it - you will be surprised at how you actually feel at the end of the experiment.

It might surprise you !

Happy Organizing !



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Moving - Purge and De-Clutter First

It's almost summer.  School will be out soon. This is the time that a lot of people decide to move.

If you know that you will be moving - start making some plans. When else are you going to be able to go through your entire house and make some big, cleansing decisions????

Moving is not fun. Planning for a move is not fun. De-cluttering for a move is not fun.

But by being pro-active and doing a little bit of work (and decision making) each day - the day of your 'big packing' will be much easier.

If you know that you will be moving you should immediately start the de-cluttering, purging process. It will make your move much easier. And much lighter. Which in turn will be much less expensive. Because most moving companies charge by truck weight.

I have done many move unpacks for clients that have just moved into town and I am always amazed at the things they decide to move. Old, worn out things. Things that should have been left behind. Because when you are moving it might be the only time that you really think about how often you have actually used the item.

If you know that you are moving ahead of time start going through your house and get rid of things that you have never used, aren't using, things that are old or worn out. Now is the time. Not after you move. If your washer and dryer are 15 years old why move them? It will be cheaper to buy new, more efficient appliances once you move and you will also save money by not paying to move them. 

Go through your clothes and get rid of everything that you have not worn in a long time or is out of style. You may not have ever gone through your closet before this but now is the time. Why move things that you will not wear? If you are moving to a warmer climate and won't need those 25 sweaters...donate them. That goes for the snow ski's that you won't need in Miami. Or the treadmill that you have never used.

Get rid of everything that you can before your move. It will feel good! Really it will. You will wonder why you didn't do it sooner. And be sure to keep track of everything that you donate so that you can take a tax deduction.

Moving is a stressful endeavor. Try to make it less so by purging before you even think about packing.  

Remember - "if in doubt - throw it out".  Now is not the time to say "but I might use it (need it) someday".  The reality is - you won't. 

Why pay to move stuff that you will never use - and will probably end up throwing out once you get  to your new home.

Plan ahead - purge as much as you can and start fresh in your new home. A lot of times it will actually save you money. 
 
Remember: Less Clutter = Less Stress .... in your Home, your Business and your Life

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