This Season Think Sentiment, not Stuff

Where could they possibly store all these lights???

Back again is Peter Walsh, Oprah's organizing whiz, and he is focusing on creating a clutter free holiday. Now I can't promise the holidays will be totally relaxing, perfect and stress free, but he gives great advice in this month's  The Oprah Magazine  on how to tone down the expectations and get what you  really want out of the season. He starts by asking us this question- "What do I want from the holidays?" Not "what do I need for this holiday?" If you set aside time to think about this, most will answer they just want to be with family, friends, for relaxation and reconnection! Here are some tips on how to focus more on the moments instead of the stuff!

1. De-decorate- I love this- don't get me wrong, hanging lights and trimming the tree are family traditions we all enjoy each year, but we have to set a limit on the collecting and displaying of decorations. Peter says we gather more decorations each year, but fail to filter out what we no longer use or what is outdated. Most of us shove all of it back in the bins and boxes when the holidays are over and promise to deal with it next year- does that happen? After you have finished garnishing the house and tree this year- take anything unused and donate. Ornaments can be used at hospitals and Senior centers. Also don't be afraid to let go off items that have seen better days- your holiday spirit will not be reduced!!

2. Don't hold on- pass on- We hold on to many family mementos, but often they end up in storage instead of being displayed and enjoyed. Why not pass on items to family members that would be able to house them properly! You will gain enjoyment watching a loved one enjoying the gift. Family heirlooms will then be passed down and more generations will have a chance to learn about past family members and events. Now is a great time to give precious items you have been holding on to.

3. Share the warmth- It's that time of year to take a hard look at your closet- the coat one! I try to do this every year around late October when we have a chilly day and try on cold weather items to see what still fits or anyone still wants. The coat closet probably holds a few non-essential items that could be donated to people who need some warmth this winter. You will open space in your closet and feel good about giving, especially now with Hurricane Sandy victims in need of so much. Your local goodwill should be the place or check with your town's  family services too.

4. Talk now and buy later We all get anxious thinking about gift giving- who should we buy for? how much should we spend? etc. Peter suggests setting some ground rules- early. Discuss it with friends and family over thanksgiving and make suggestions- Maybe this year its secret Santa or just gifts for kids. For friends, it can be something homemade or set a spending limit- talking about different ideas will end second guessing and frees us up to be more creative.


5. Give the gift of time- This is my favorite idea- time is so precious and hard to come by so if you can set some aside and spend it with friends and family- going to dinner, movies, a show, even out for coffee or shopping the memory of a shared experience will be cherished. It will mean much more then a present -and everyone really benefits. Last year's gift is long forgotten so make this year's really memorable for all!!

Tis the season.. to stress

This time of year can bring a lot of mixed feelings- excitement and anticipation of the fun  we will experience with friends and family over the next month, but don't be surprised if you also feel tension taking over. Nearly half of all women will feel overwhelmed with all there is to do- shopping, cooking, cleaning, wrapping, decorating, ahhhh! Anyone could use a little help to regain their calm and it does not have to take long. These quick activities featured in O The Oprah Magazine this month offer all you will need- the right choice can bust stress which always makes anyone more organized!!


1. Chew gum ( 10 minutes) gum chewers feel less anxious and have less cortisol in their saliva. It's a great distraction! So while you are waiting in a long checkout line, pop in a piece and hum along to the Christmas tunes.

2. Brew some tea (12 minutes) If you are out running around on a thousand errands a hot drink can keep you motivated and calm- chemical compounds in this antioxidant beverage may relax us as we deck the halls!

3. Massage (15 minutes) If you are running in to get a manicure, a quick chair massage is a smart add on- a friend of mine always does this and says it is well worth it! The at home approach is another effective choice- roll a tennis ball over tired muscles and get a similar effect!

4. Writing (20 minutes) If you need to vent- write it down! Putting your feelings on paper appears to organize your thoughts and release negative emotions. 

5. Rock out! (30 minutes) This is almost a nightly ritual at our house- dinner is cooking, but not quite ready and the kids are antsy, but the music makes the tension melt. Music can elicit positive emotions and reduce stress levels. Boost your mood even more by dancing along! (Make sure you have music you love in the car too for those road trips)

6. IPhone Break (45 minutes) If you have a long list and need to check it twice, but your phone won't stop buzzing- leave it in the car. Constantly checking email and texts puts people on constant high alert with heart rates that indicate stress. Give your self a break so you can focus and finish tasks.

7. Clean house (60 minutes) This may be the last thing you want to do, but getting into a rhythm of folding clothes or vacuuming can disrupt stressful thought patterns and trigger the body's relaxation response. Even organizing a drawer can make you feel relaxed and ready to enjoy this season!

The Freshest Fridge

I hate my fridge- it's a terrible design. Freezer on top means you are always bending down, searching for food that gets lost in the back! For now, I can't change my fridge (hopefully soon!), but I can organize it better! With all the money and time spent, shopping and schlepping the groceries from store to car to home, we want our products to last as long as possible and in this month's Real Simple, a quick guide caught my eye- how to organize the fridge so that the food stays the freshest. Some of the tips surprised me - you may have to change your habits a little (no more milk on the door) but this plan will save you time, money and a little aggravation.

1. Eggs- place them on the middle shelf and store in the original carton!
2. Milk- although may land on the top shelf, but should be on the bottom- all the way in back where its coldest.
3. Yogurt, sour cream/cottage cheese-on the bottom again, here's a tip, place on a turntable to keep everything accessible.
4. Raw meat- if not in freezer, bottom shelf again where its coldest.
5. Vegetables- place in drawer labeled for veggies or highest humidity- keep in plastic bag loosely tied.
6. Fruit- belongs in low humidity or cisper drawer, leave unwashed and do not mix with the vegetables.
7. Deli meats-  belong in the shallow meat drawer- keeping meats slightly colder then rest of fridge.
8. Butter and soft cheese- can live on the door, which is the warmest part of fridge.
9. Condiments- ketchup, mayonnaise and salad dressing are fine on the door. So are pickles and salsa- olive and vegetable oils can remain in the pantry.
10. Orange juice- that can stay on the door too as long as it's pasteurized.

These will help keep all food fresh and organized!

It's App Easy!

It has begun! Get settled and buckle up! Whatever your fall involves, the lazy days of summer have faded fast and now we have turned our attention to organizing  schedules, homework, dinners, practices, activities etc Need some help keeping it all straight? Here are a few Apps, courtesy of the September issue of Parents magazine, that will help you navigate your family's year and the best part is they work on Apple and Android and are all free!

1. School A to Z- This will help you answer your student's homework questions and even gives project suggestions!
2. OverDrive Media Console- You will be able to "borrow" e- books from a selection of public and school libraries!
3. Need some new lunch ideas or a meal you can get to together fast? Allrecipes.com Dinner Spinner can help with thousands of options!
4. RedLaser- Save time and money on shopping with this app. Scan the item's bar code and it compares online and in store prices to locate the best deals!!
5.Cozi Family Organizer- This app will keep everyone in the loop with reminders for homework, appointments and games sent out from the shared family calender.
6. TeamSnap- School starts in the fall but so do sports! This app will allow you to organize your game schedules, contacts for the players, stats and other info. It is free, but after a trial period, there is a fee.
7. Marble Jar- For the little ones- this app reinforces independence and responsibility. Break  down goals into small steps and every time they practice good behavior, they will add marbles into the jar!!

For a small fee, 2 more to think about! World Atlas by National Geographic-  put the best maps in the palm of your hand! Also Flashcards+, create digital flashcards easily and study almost anything! Tap into an database with over 8 million decks covering many topics.

Easy As One, Two, Three!!

I have been on a long summer break- and its been wonderful! Although at times, it has been packed full of activities and running around, long, warm days and a loose schedule makes me happy. I always get a little melancholy this time of year- I want to squeeze every outdoor moment out of late August even when you know its time for a change- kids are ready to get into a routine and head into another school year.
With Fall looming, we are reminded that there are organizing projects we have put off - heading to the beach is a much better choice then De-cluttering your closet in July! But now its almost time to face it! What obstacles stand in our way? The editor of Storage magazine summed it up very well- "Money, time and space. Almost all storage problems stem from a lack of one or more of these elements."
So which is it for you? Does a small closet leave you little options or do you think clearing out the basement will take you months? Fortunately if you can identify which element is really limiting you then you can begin to work around it with creative problem solving and find better success. Here are some strategies  to help you get over these hurdles.
Money- There is NO reason to spend a lot on organizational products. Lots of discount stores and magazines have plenty of suggestions and ideas for almost any project. The Internet is another unbeatable source- with so many sites, you can find what you need for a great price. Always start with the basics, Target, Homegoods, Container Store, Ikea have many great options at great prices.
Time- Never enough of it- of course. We all lead busy lives, but carving out smaller amounts of time to tackle projects is much more manageable. When I work with a client, 2 hours seems to be the limit- beyond that you loose your focus and any task will seem overwhelming. Don't expect it all to get done at once!
Space- This may be the hardest element to overcome and where creativity must play a vital role! Many of us will not be reconstructing closets and kitchens to create more space so what to do? Purge!! Try to make as much room as possible and then shop. Many organizational products are designed to maximize your space and efficiency! Get a handle on these 3 obstacles and get ready to transform your storage dreams into reality!

The Tag Sale

Now many of us have begun spring cleaning which now will inspire you to hold a garage/tag sale. It's a great way to declutter your home and make a little money at the same time! It does however take some pre-planning and organization. The following tips should get you going and hopefully deliver a successful tag sale!




Set the Right Day and Time-Now is a great time into early summer- skip August when most people are on vacation, but keep September in mind! Saturday is the best day and get ready to be up at dawn- serious shoppers come early!!




Consider a Multi-family Sale. 
Encourage friends and family to participate, ask them to help out the day of the sale and give them a specific task. Also inform neighbors, if they want to have one as well then share the marketing efforts- more sales will draw bigger crowds.




Organize and Price Items to Sell.  
Schedule some time to go thru rooms- especially a basement or attic and make a list of items you wish to sell.  Make notes about prices for items and if you have no idea check out Ebay and Craigslist to see what similar items are going for. Set up a holding area  for the items that you are selling- this is typically the garage. Arrange smaller, like items together  in clear bins and label ( DVDS, 2$) Try to just label tables, bins or racks- it will save you tons of time!







Supplies Needed For the Sale.  
On the day of, these items are great to have on hand. Shopping bags or boxes so items can be carried away easily, A calculator for adding up sales , extension cords plugged in to show that items work, tape measure, pens, trash can and a cash box. A hip pack or apron with pockets to hold cash is great to wear as well.hand. 

Advertise the Sale.

Create a listing one week prior to the sale on Facebook. It’s free!

Make signs to be placed at large intersections near your home. Signage should include the date of the sale, your address {cross streets can be helpful too} and the sale hours.  

Inquire about placing ads with various local newspapers. Ask how many words, how much it will cost and when you need to submit the information by. 

 

Display items
Organize your items and display them in an  easy-to-view format.
 Use clothing racks to hang items such as dresses, jackets and suits. Group clothing according to size. Place like items together and make signs so customers can easily find what they are looking for (i.e books, dishes, baby clothes)

Fun for the Kids.

 Encourage older kids to earn extra cash by selling donuts, bagels or cookies.

 Want to get rid of all those stuffed animals?? Set out a box of gently used stuffed animals labeled “FREE! Kids Take One” for customers with young children, this is a great way to pass them along! 

After the Sale.

 Do not bring any unsold items back into your garage instead pack up unsold  items and drive them to the closest donation center.

 Place larger unsold items curbside with a “FREE” sign.

 Schedule a date and time for one of the local thrift stores to pick up items that did not sell or were too big to haul away.

Remove all posted signs from the neighborhood.

 

Guess what?- there is even an App ( of course) for tag sales- check out igaragesale- it lets you locate garage sales of interest near you for free!!!

Back to Basics

We all need a little review once in a while and since this the season of purging, I wanted to reiterate the 4 easy steps that everyone should follow when clearing any space. An organization project can be overwhelming, but remember organizing is a process and you want results that will last. 
Time and Supplies- set aside enough time to make progress without feeling knocked out! Its better to approach a project thru many small sessions- your ability to make decisions will be clearer. 
Have boxes or bags nearby- ready and labeled, common ideas are, keep, donate, sell, trash or relocate.
Step 1: Empty Yes take it all out! You have to see what's there so you can organize it correctly. Do not empty a room all at once. Pick  a small spot to start with, drawers, shelves, closets etc- 
Step 2: Sort Start to place these items into categories you have created for the bins and bags, make decisions quickly- this is key to letting the clutter go. Ask yourself, do I like this? Do I use it? Pair down if you have many of the same item- keep the ones that are most useful or sentimental.
Step 3: Shop Yeah, finally!!! now you are ready to get the right bins and baskets because you know what your keeping and where it will be stored. Try a few different choices to see what fits and looks best!
Step 4: Reassemble Store your items where you use them. Position yourself in front of the drawer or cabinet and reach out in all directions- are the most used items accessible?? Don't be afraid to change something around if it was not working, organization is about neatness, but also ease!!

It's About Time

Time is always ticking. There is no way around that, but recently I read an article that made me stop and give some serious thought about how we should use our time. In the April issue of Real Simple, one article focuses particularly on women and time. Surprise, women today have less free time then ever! According to the Real Simple survey conducted by Harris Interactive, 1/2 of women say they do not have enough and working is not to blame- our families and households are. We are doing all the chores and rarely delegate to our partners. We create an endless to do list of domestic duties and guilt ourselves into spending every free moment "doing" for our families. When we finally do get some leisure time, it is often "contaminated"- (perfect word!) You either combine a leisure activity with housework/childcare (like laundry and reading a book) Or your time is continuously interrupted!  You finally take a seat and someone suddenly needs something- you didn't even get a chance to take a deep breath!!

So what to do? We have to get a handle on creating and enjoying sustained free time. Before you can attempt to organize your house- destressing and uncluttering your brain is the most important area you could clear. Keep these ideas in mind!
1. Shift your standards- thinking we can get it all done all the time will make you miserable because it just won't happen. Prioritize time for yourself even if chores are left undone.
2. Delegate- we all need to get better at this! Let your spouse/kids take on some chores or if you can, hire some help!
3.Schedule Free Time- What ever it is- the gym, a movie, lunch with a friend get it on the calendar and stick to it, you will feel more content and satisfied.

So what do you really want to do? Shop, hit the spa, nap or just be alone! Pick it and start carving out the time to do so. Real simple has included a great way to get started! At realsimple.com/womenandtime, you can create a pie chart to see how you really spend your day, share with your family. Acquire the best strategies for getting your kids and husbands to do their fair share at home and tips on how to create a much more realistic to do list! 

Spring into Action

It is almost my favorite time of year- March can be a little unpredictable, but so far it has been pretty great! I am still holding my breath though-overnight we can go from 65 degrees to flurries. Never the less, it is time for some almost spring cleaning! If you own a house you know the outside needs attention too, the lawn, the pruning, the deck furniture etc. But since a outside cleanup may still be weeks away, let's look inside. Martha Stewart composed a list that is quite extensive, but I took her most useful and important tips to create a Spring must do- clearing out key spaces in your home will make everything feel renewed!


Get some basics for cleaning! Kitchens and bathrooms could use a serious scrub down. White vinegar, Bon Ami powder cleanser, Method Glass and surface cleaner and Caldrea cleaning cloths, ( love their sponges too) These supplies will give any room a fresh start.

New season- new clothes!!! If you are on the verge of changing over your closets and relocating winter clothes- please have the donate bag nearby!  If you have not worn the item in 2 winters or it is now out of style or does not fit, let it go! 

Now that the closet has more room, shelf dividers are a great way to keep your sweaters from falling on your jeans or keeping handbags separate from your t-shirts.  You can even get ones that will divide and give you 2 levels of space! (check out containerstore.com)

You know the pantry could use a overhaul- consolidate small items into categories, bins or baskets can contain like items together. Throw out expired or stale items. Invest in canisters- they are great storage for keeping food fresh and they will give any pantry a polished look.

Last but not least- the garage! It is a big job, but just start small. Store the winter items, shovels, snow blowers, skis and sleds. If you have room, move them into the basement.  Gather the garden tools together- take inventory of updates you may need, ( gloves, small tools, soil, seeds) Some outdoor furniture may be ready to be wiped down and go out- leaving more room . Spring sports equipment and large yard tools  should be hung - use pegboards, shelves, and hooks. Go vertical whenever possible! 

Book it

Book shelves are an undeniable asset to any room. They add height and texture to the wall and of course they are a perfect place to store your books and valued possessions. They add color and personality to the space, capable of  telling a story to any guest that walks in the room. The Simplified Bee, an inspiring blog that talks about organizing, but also suggests tips for design, puts together a list for creating a bookshelf like an interior designer. Most of it is elementary, but I think the best ideas are!


A Clean Slate
Clear it all out! Remove and donate books that are in rough shape or that you are able to let go of. (wipe down shelves so they are dust free.)


Add Some Color
Pick a great print or vibrant paint color and add to the back of the shelves. It is a great contrast against white shelves and molding.

Be creative!
Take your books and display them together by size, subject and color. Play with the arrangement, some should go horizontally while others can remain vertical. Do not overcrowd, leave some space to add other personal items.


Add Beautiful Objects
Family photos, sculptures, ceramics, boxes or anything from your travels can create the perfect mix with your books, adding personality and interest. Try to choose objects that will not get lost or blend easily into the shelves; they should be pieces that stand out without being overbearing. Your shelves do not even need rows and rows of books- display objects that exhibit your own taste and  everyone will think you have become a bookcase designer!

Love the contrast of the gray and white.

Who Wants My...

Time to purge!

A stack of old magazines in my desk was calling my name, so I quickly leafed through the pages to find out why I had felt so compelled to keep them. I re-discovered this gem of an article from O magazine's march 2011 issue.  If you now have cleared the clutter and are looking where to donate, recycle and sell your castoffs, here is a quick list of the best of the best! She compiled a great resource of companies that will take our junk and do something good with it.
1. Stuffed Animals: we all could get rid of some of these! Send them to SAFE, 
(stuffedanimalsforemergencies.org) which will donate them to homeless shelters, hospitals and paramedics, who give the toys to kids on their calls.
2. Used DVDs: If your little ones are not so young anymore, consider donating their childhood DVDs to Kid Flicks. This organization is run by 4 sisters whose goal is a family friendly library for every children's hospital and pediatric department. (kidflicks.org)
3. Mobile Phones: instead of tossing your old cell phone when you upgrade to a newer model, flipswap will give you cash for your old phone and keep it out of the trash! Print a free-shipping label at greenphone.com.
4. Office Supplies: iloveschools.com will lead you to dozens of nearby classrooms in need of paper, pencils, markers and much more. Type in your zip code and help lighten the load of a classroom teacher who is forced to spend 500$ a year for these items.
5. Any gently used children's book is a great item to pass along and the Children's Book Project has helped thousands of disadvantaged children learn to read giving books to school, shelters and community centers. (childrensbookproject.org)
6.The best for last-  Freecycle, reduces waste by connecting trash bound household items, (bikes, boxes, tables, appliances) with local people who want them!! 
Throwing out clutter is liberating, but donating items to those who really need it will make your soul joyful and a more organized house is not bad either!

Who are you?

The closet no one should open!!

I miss Oprah. I know it is a little silly since she really isn't gone- (OWN, her website, O magazine etc), but I loved sitting down with her daily and learning about almost anything- she covered so many topics and all of it was so interesting and relevant; I miss that daily lesson where I almost always came away with something very valuable. Luckily she introduced us to so many experts of all sorts- including Peter Walsh, who just like all of her proteges, has become a master of his domain, the organizing world. This month in O magazine, which is entirely dedicated to clearing clutter (a must get), he identifies 5 types of clutterers. Find out what type of clutter you are and learn how to slay the mess for the final time!!!!
1. The Behind the Door Clutterer: I can fall into this sometimes, especially when you are hosting an event! House looks clean and neat, but you open closet doors and mounds of folders, coats and old appliances come falling down. People who do this- control freaks and busy working or stay at home moms, 
(Ringing any bells!) Here is what you do: start with manageable chunks and a time frame, tackle one small space and quit after half an hour. Also enlist a friend or friendly organizer- they will keep you on task and force you to make decisions you have been avoiding. Clutter will be reduced along with your guilt!
2.The Knowledge Clutterer: There are piles everywhere- books, magazines, articles stuffed in folders, most of it unread! Who does this- book lovers and knowledge seekers. Here is what you do: Go digital, so much is online and can be saved to the computer or read on your Kindle. Manage the magazines, keep your favorites, but let go of the old ones when the new issue arrives. Always try to read the current issue right away- no back up piles! Get storage, a bin or basket designed to hold magazines will give you a clear limit- if it can only hold 3-4 books then you will have to remove the old to add any new.
3.The Techie Clutterer: Drawers and cabinets are tangled up in cords, chargers and remotes. Who does this? Almost anyone with many tech devices, scared to throw out a cord they may need someday. Here is what you do: get rid of any boxes, no need to hold on to those anymore and donate used devices when you update. Label wires with a marker and masking tape and then store- you can separate the cords and chargers into categories, (he suggests look, listen, travel and data) I think one under the bed organizer is a great way to keep it all together and dust free!
4. The Sentimental Clutterer/ Family Historian: hoards baby clothes, keeps every report card and kindergarten creation, family memorabilia etc. Who does this? The empty nestor, women who feel responsible to preserve family heirlooms and history (this may be ringing bells again) Here is what you do: keep only the most meaningful items. With our kids everything is meaningful, but pick pieces that will stand the test of time (will it be meaningful in 20 years?). Start a family history wall, next to old photos use shadow boxes for special items or frame your favorite art work from your children. As the art work and school papers come in, pair them down immediately- keep only their best efforts. Display current papers in one area and change them as new projects come home. For all the masterpieces you cannot discard, buy an accordion art folder found at craft stores or poster tubes.
5.The Bargain shopper/Coupon Clutterer: Takes pride in clipping coupons and sourcing online promotions. Keeps the house stocked with bulk items that may never get used. Here is what you do: Again, designate one area or shelf for bulk items- when it is full stop buying!! Most bargains are designed to create a sense of urgency- like you have to have it or else! this is by design and is getting you to buy really more than you need. Find a new hobby- instead of patrolling stores and flyers for bargains do something more worth while with your time.
So you may fall into 3 of these categories- so what. We all fall in and out of organizational ruts, letting magazines pile up or closets junk up. But remember perfection is not the goal, sanity is! When the clutterer inside of you wants to take over just squash her down with these tips or hide everything in an upstairs closet no one will ever open!!! ( ha ha) 

Family Memory Wall

The Paper Trail

A cozy corner still houses lots of storage

I have been off the grid, Christmas, school vacation, Vermont etc. It was a great time to catch up with the family and spend some quality together. Although these next few months may be my least favorite of the year, it is a great time to get down to business- face the projects you have been avoiding.  2012 will bring new challenges and goals- so when a quiet, winter afternoon leaves you inside- seize the moment!
Somewhere in your house there is a command center- a place where all the paperwork ends up and it may be turning into a mountain of mess. Better Homes and Gardens special publication entitled, Storage features an article that will guide you thru eliminating the paper pileup- One leading organizer breaks it down into 4 quick steps- I added in some of my own tricks to help you gain control!
1. Act on it!-Bills, invitations, coupons, schedules- all these need to be seen out in the open, easiest way to display them? bulletin board. If a board becomes too cluttered try  in-boxes or wall pockets- label one for each family member. Also- each day get the mail and throw out all the junk before you enter the house! Less paper to organize.
2. Delegate It! Hand off paper to the person who needs to respond to it. My husband only has time to look at his mail twice a week so a tray stores it for him to tackle when he has the time.
3. Trash or Shred It! Only keep what you need and get rid of the rest- this sentence can be applied to every space you want to organize! Add a trash can to the area you sort mail or pay bills.
4. File It! Creating filing systems is not a quick task so this is where extra time will be needed to set up files after the paper clutter is under control, (consider it phase 2). Start by organizing paper into categories (financial, insurance/cars, personal and home) Color coding these categories makes it easier to file and a cabinet or file box is a must to house these papers!
Your command center does not need to be a separate room- create a space near the entry way or kitchen- this is where most of life happens anyway.  Other important items you may want handy?  A calender- large enough to write on, desk supplies, stamps, envelopes, pens, scissors, etc and a bill tray that keeps them in view, put in order using the due date, (no late fees) Paper can be so overwhelming- don't let it pileup on you. Use these solutions to stay on top of the mountain!!

A kitchen desk is ideal and does not take up much space

Overhead storage is perfect for narrow spaces.