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3 Areas to Freshen up for Spring

4/28/2022

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Entryway

Make your entryway welcoming, bright, and functional for Spring.  Store winter accessories away in bins on the shelf above the rod in your coat closet or in a storage area.  Consider getting an entryway bench with baskets to store Spring/summer items such as sunglasses and baseball caps.  Ideally, each family member would have their own basket.  When winter comes again, you can simply swap winter gear into those baskets. 

Add a tray or shallow basket to a table for incoming mail and a hook for keys near the door. Also, make sure the lighting is bright enough and eliminate worn/dirty rugs to give it a fresh Spring feel.  


Clothes

Get into that closet!  Purge winter clothes you didn't wear or love during the season. Decide what you know you won't wear this Spring/summer and purge!  

I'm sure you've heard the advice: "If you haven't worn it in a year, get rid of it."  I have a nifty trick to help you keep track of what has and has not been worn this year.


-Turn all your hangers backwards.
-Add a reminder in your calendar one year from today to purge your closet.
-When putting away your clothes, hang normally (hangers forward).  
-One year from today, review your closet. Clothing on hangers that are backwards haven't been worn in one year!  It's up to you whether you want to follow the rule or not but at least you know what hasn't been touched in a year.

Toys
​

Start a toy rotation system.  Pack up and store approximately half of the toys. Keep one of each kind out and store the others (e.g., have 2 shape sorters? keep one out, store the other).  Every change of season (or when the kids start to complain of boredom), pack up the toys that are out and pull out some of those previously stored.  

A toy rotation system is a wonderful thing.  It keeps kids interested and keeps parents happy because it saves money and reduces clutter.  A win-win!

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Top 10 tips to organize your fridge

3/14/2022

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1.  Remove everything and wipe out

If you are going to do it, do it right.  Take everything out, grab a rag and some all-purpose cleaner, and wipe it out.  You will enjoy the effects for weeks to come.  

2.  Check expiration dates  

There is stuff in your fridge that is old and expired.  Get rid of it and make a list of things you need to replace. Condiments are repeat offenders on my list.

3.  Categorize

Put all the leftovers together in one area on your counter.  Make piles for all the fruits, veggies, deli items, condiments, etc. This will help with containment later as well as allow you to see if you have duplicates to get rid of.

4.  Make an "eat me first" section

Leftovers and ingredients that will soon perish should reside together in one section of your fridge.  I like the top shelf (usually) but do what will work best for you.  The key is visibility - so front and center please.

5.  Zone it out

You guessed it.  Now that you have sorted and purged, you must decide where each category should go based on accessibility.  If you use it often or need to use it up soon, put it up front.  Condiments usually fit best on the door, but go one step further, group all the salad dressings together and all the sandwich/burger condiments together.

6.  Set the controls on your drawers

Fruits and veggies typically go in drawers.  Give these 2 categories their own separate drawers and use the correct humidity controls.  Low humidity is for anything that rots easily (like fruit) and high humidity is for anything that wilts (like greens).  

7.  Contain like items together

Fridge bins allow you to group like items together.  I use these to contain soda cans, yogurt cups and dessert toppings in my fridge.  Consider getting a bin for categories that have a lot of stuff - to keep  like items together.  

8.  Don't be afraid to get creative with your organizing solutions
  • Consider a lazy susan for condiments that don't fit on the door.  
  • Make a sandwich making bin (include deli meat, sliced cheese, mayo, mustard, etc).  
  • Use a bin for after school snacks for the kids on the lowest shelf.  
Make your own rules and get creative.  If you decide later you don't like it, you can always change it.

9.  Label - so others know where to put stuff

Facilitate easy days ahead by labeling shelves, door sections, and bins.  Make "putting groceries away" a task you can delegate!  I love chalkboard labels because they are cute and reusable.

10. Keep it fresh and tidy

If you want to line drawers and bins with paper towels, it makes clean up easy. Just replace the paper towels every 2 weeks.  Redo this mini-project every 3-6 months to keep your fridge working for you!  
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Organize your garage this weekend!

4/15/2021

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Just like any other organizing project, you'll need to know what you need to store before running to the store to purchase storage solutions.  Be sure to sort the contents of your garage into categories (i.e., car care, gardening, lawn care, sports gear, tools, etc).  Then purge anything that is no longer needed or used.  Move all things that belong elsewhere to their forever homes.  After you have succeeded with these steps, consider storage solutions for what you are keeping in the garage.  

The key to garage organization is to go vertical with storage.  Adding storage elements that get stuff up and off the floor will allow you to use the floor space for parking vehicles.  Although there are some items that will require a footprint on the floor such as your trash and recycling receptacles, you can elevate most other items off the floor.

There are several ways to elevate your stuff.  You can use open shelves, closed cabinets, wall hooks, track systems with hooks, and/or lofts.  I suggest using a variety of these solutions depending on what you are storing.

If you would like to learn more about garage organization, a great book on the topic was written by Barry Izsak called Organize your Garage in No Time.

Hooks

For "stick-like" items such as shovels, rakes, and brooms, I recommend using hooks.  You can keep it simple and inexpensive by purchasing steel muti-purpose hooks from a hardware store or opt for a track system.  Track systems tend to be more versatile because there is a variety of hook options available and you can move the hooks around as your storage needs change over time.  The following items can be stored on hooks in your garage:
  • camp chairs
  • sporting gear
  • leaf blowers
  • weed wackers
  • shovels
  • brooms
  • rakes
  • hoses
  • ladders

Shelving or Cabinets


Smaller items can be grouped together into like categories and stored on open shelves or in cabinets.

If you opt for open shelves, be sure to get some sturdy plastic bins to keep like items together on the shelves.  The bins will also protect your stuff from dirt and dust.  You can choose clear or colored bins but either way, I recommend labeling them with their contents.

If you have kids and pets, items that are toxic or hazardous are best contained in closed (and possibly locked) cabinets.  I found a wonderful brand call NewAge that has a variety of closed cabinet solutions. Consider your budget and decide which option, shelving or cabinets, might work best for you.

Items that can be stored on shelves or in cabinets include:
  • care care 
  • gardening supplies
  • insect repellant
  • pool/spa care

​Tools


If you store tools in your garage, consider creating a workbench with tool storage and a work surface.  Hand tools can be stored on a pegboard above a work bench or in a tool box below the bench.  Power tools are best kept in their cases and stored below the work bench.  
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Minimalism - it's not just about getting rid of stuff

3/30/2021

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Minimalism is not just about getting rid of stuff. Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus (The "Minimalists") define minimalism as "a tool to rid yourself of life's excess in favor of focusing on what's important- so you can find happiness, fulfillment, and freedom." Stuff doesn't provide happiness and can distract us from finding our true purpose. 

Click here for a few strategies to get you started with your journey of minimalism.
  • 20/20 rule (defined by "The Minimalists"): If you are questioning whether you need something and it takes less than 20 minutes and less than $20 to replace it, let it go. It's fairly easy to acquire things.  Amazon delivers to your door!  Adjust the 20/20 rule to 10/10 or even 5/5 if that feels right to you.  There are many items that can be purged even within those parameters.
  • Examine your buying habits: When shopping consider where you are going to put the items when you get them home and what you are going to get rid of to make room for the new items.
  • The Pareto Principle says we use 20% of our stuff, 80% of the time.  So why let all that excess clutter our homes and lives? Consider letting go of items you use infrequently.  Do you really need 3 crockpots or a second coffeemaker?  Probably not.  Instead, borrow one from a friend or neighbor if you get in a pinch. 
  • Give your excess to those in need.  It can be motivating to think that someone could use that second coffeemaker daily rather than having it sit in the basement on a dusty shelf.  
  • Let go of your "imaginary self."  If you imagine yourself as a gourmet baker and have all the gadgets but never make time to bake, let it go.  You might feel better after the big purge because you won't see yourself as failing at these lofty idealisms.
Practicing minimalism (or even just trying one strategy above) can help you achieve your organizing goals and free you from the burden of overabundance.  Trust that you will be able to get what you need when you need it.  In turn, you might find your true self and purpose under all that clutter!  

Be bold and reclaim your life with less!  Happiness awaits you.
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It's never just about stuff

2/5/2021

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​What is clutter?  Clutter is simply delayed decisions!
  • Maybe you need the items but you haven’t decided where they go
  • Maybe you would like to decorate with them but haven’t decided where
  • Maybe they have been there so long you didn’t know you had them and don’t even need them anymore!
Making decisions on your stuff will clear your spaces and your mind.

Sounds easy right?  Sometimes when you feel like your space is overrun by clutter it is just situational.

According to the Institute for Challenging Disorganization® (ICD®), situational disorganization occurs when you find yourself in clutter or chaos for a short period of time due to a change in your situation or living arrangement.

Other times, it’s more than that.  In these cases, it might be more chronic.  According to ICD®, common characteristics of someone with Chronic Disorganization include:
  • Accumulate large quantities of objects, paper, etc. beyond apparent necessity or pleasure
  • Has difficulty parting with things
  • Has wide range of interests and many uncompleted projects
  • Needs visual cues as reminders to take action
  • Tends to be easily distracted or lose concentration
If you discover you or someone you are close to is experiencing Chronic Disorganization, the most important thing is to be patient!

It didn’t happen overnight and will take time to learn new skills and strategies to cope.

Learn more by visiting ICD®.  You will find a vast array or resources including the Clutter hoarding scale which is a tool that will help you assess the health and safety of the home.

If you find that you or someone you know would like help, we recommend a two-fold approach.  With Chronic Disorganization, it's never just about the stuff.  There is a mental/cognitive component that is best treated with therapy.  As for the person's surroundings, working with a Professional Organizer in tandem can help the person learn new skills and strategies for how to deal with their stuff. 

But first, we must examine whether you are ready for change.  Check out ICD®'s factsheet:  Readiness for change 

Remember, people change only when they are ready.  "Change is possible with desire, determination, commitment, and a compassionate support system."

Are you ready for change?

​
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Avoiding common pitfalls

1/20/2021

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If organizing was simple and straightforward, we would all live in perfect homes.  Here are some common pitfalls we have seen that hold people back from achieving organizational bliss.

Zig zag organizing

Problem:
Have you set out to organize one space but find yourself minutes to hours later working in another area all together?  Zig zagging from room to room, putting items away or doing small tasks in other spaces amidst your current project, distracts you from the project you set out to do. 

Solutions:
•    If you are working in your office and need to bring something to the kitchen, rather than doing it now, place the item in a bin with other items that need to go elsewhere in the home. You will save time and energy by doing the relocating at the end of your organizing session. 
•    Use bins or boxes to anchor yourself to the task/area you set out to organize.  Take the time to label your bins “put elsewhere,” “donate,” “recycle,” and have trash bags handy while you work.  (Believe me, there is nothing worse than getting your bins confused and then having to re-sort.)
•    Save 20 minutes at the end of your organizing session to empty these bins. Use this time to move items from the “put elsewhere” bin to other areas of the home, bag up the donations and place them in your car, and remove the recycling and trash.  

Taking on too much

Problem:
Choosing a project that is too big for the time you have allotted for the day will most likely end in a bigger mess than what you started with.

Solution:
•    Choose a task to focus on that is achievable for the time you have. Instead of setting out to do the entire kitchen in 1 hour, work on the pantry, fridge and freezer, or a few drawers.

Inability to let things go 

Problem:
We often get tied up with decision-making when faced with sentimental items.  

Solutions:
•    Remember why you started your project in the first place! This will help motivate you to make decisions on what to let go.

•    Define who you are in the present.  Keep items that serve you now.
•    Take pictures of items you want to remember but don’t necessarily need to keep.  
•    Keep one representative piece of a category or collection and let the rest go.  Find a place to honor and display that piece.
•    Find peace in the fact that someone else can benefit from the things that are no longer serving you.  By donating unneeded items, you are helping yourself and others.

Attempting to buy the disorganization away

Problem:
We are often lured by marketing ploys.  It seems easy to organize when an ad promises that a product will single-handedly take the pain of the disorder away. 

Solution:
•    Don’t buy anything until you have sorted, purged and consolidated items. Only then will you really know what products you need to purchase.  Wait to buy and you will save time, money and avoid even more clutter.

​
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Holiday decorating made easy

11/9/2020

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Your home is most likely not being featured in Better Homes and Garden’s holiday edition this year, so it doesn’t need to be perfectly decorated.  Less is more!  

Dedicate an afternoon to the task of decorating.  Unpack your holiday décor and consolidate it all in one space.  Sort it into like items or by rooms you intend to use them in.  Get rid of anything you aren’t going to put out this year.  If you aren’t using it this year, you probably won’t ever use it, so why continue to store it and lug it out of storage every year?

Get help with decorating.  Many hands make light work.  Get in the spirit by making a festive cocktail or hot beverages, turn on some holiday music, and get to it.

Carl W. Buehner said “People will forget the things you do, and people will forget the things you say. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” Your family and friends aren’t concerned with what your house looks like or whether you personally baked all the pies yourself, but they will remember the feelings they had when they spent time with you.  Treat yourself well this holiday season so you can have reserves to show those around you love.  Their greatest gift will be fond memories of you.

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Gift giving during the holidays

11/9/2020

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How many times do you ask yourself "did I get a gift for Aunt Suzie or all the kid's teachers?"  Make a list of everyone you need to buy gifts for.  As you shop, keep track of what you have purchased for whom and whether it’s wrapped. Keep this list with you throughout the holiday season.

Also, make an envelope for holiday receipts.  Label the envelope “Holiday Receipts” and indicate the year.  Keep it in your purse or car.  Having your receipts consolidated will help you with returns after the holidays.

Keep gift giving simple.  Our family practices what we call the “Minimalist Christmas.” Each of my children are given gifts as follows:
  • something to do;
  • something to wear;
  • something to read; and
  • something to share. 
They look forward to the gifts but enjoy the gift of experience (something to share) the most.

For extended family, instead of buying gifts for everyone, propose a game where each person brings one wrapped gift worth $20.  On small pieces of paper, write numbers up to the number of people playing.  The game begins by each person drawing a number.  The person that gets #1 gets to choose a gift.  The person that gets #2 can either take person #1’s gift or choose a wrapped gift.  If they take person #1’s gift, person #1 gets to take another person’s gift or choose a wrapped gift.  This goes on until there are no wrapped gifts left.  This is similar to a “white elephant” exchange, except the gifts are real so you don’t have to worry about bringing more junk home.

Another way to keep gift giving simply is to skip gifts all together and commit to going on an excursion after the holidays.  You can also choose a charity to give to rather than exchanging gifts.  Find more time, less stress, and gratitude by keeping gift giving simple.
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Doing ALL the things! - Preparing for the holidays

11/9/2020

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Make a list

Begin by making a list of all the tasks that need to be completed in the upcoming weeks.  Commit to doing the tasks you enjoy, and either ditch or delegate the rest. Focus on making memories instead of headaches for yourself.  If you don’t like to bake, don’t participate in the cookie exchange at work this year.  

If you find large projects on your list that involve many tasks to complete, list out those tasks separately and assign dates and times for when you will do each task.  Breaking projects down into tasks will make it feel more manageable. For example, rather than writing “send holiday cards,” on your list, break it down into smaller tasks, such as “buy holiday cards,” “write and address cards,” and “drop off cards at post office.”


Delegate tasks you don’t enjoy

If you don’t enjoy doing a task but it needs to be completed, consider delegating it to a family member or hire someone to help.  Tasks that you might consider delegating include:
  • Cleaning the house pre- and post-party – If possible, hire a cleaning service.
  • Cooking and baking for a party of 15?  Have it catered or plan a simple sandwich buffet, make your own pizza party, order handmade desserts from your grocery store, or do a potluck.
  • Decorating feel like just too much?  Hire an organizer to help sort through décor, unpack it and repack it after the holidays.

Assign task to time

Making a list of things you must do is great fun, but often we make lists and the tasks on the list don’t get done.  The magic happens when we assign the task to time.  Take your list and put the tasks right into your calendar or planner.  Assign what date and time you will do each task.  Honor these commitments as if they were a doctor’s appointment.  When you complete tasks and feel in control of your own time, life seems less stressful. 

Self-care

Holidays are a time to enjoy loved ones and make memories with them.  If you are stressed out and constantly chasing task after task, you won’t enjoy it, precious time will pass you by, and you probably won’t be that pleasant to be around.  Make time for you! (Put your oxygen mask on first!)  You can’t help others until you help yourself.  Make it your personal mantra to only agree to activities that align with your goals, passions, and priorities.  Find time to partake in activities that energize and revitalize you:
  • Instead of exchanging gifts, plan a spa day or brunch with friends, or plan an outing to a sporting event.
  • Prioritize haircuts and manicures/pedicures as you would during other times of the year.
  • Find time to watch holiday movies, play outside, or other relaxing activities you enjoy.
  • Appreciate the good around you.  Start a gratitude journal.  It will change your day, and possibly your life, if you stick with it.
I encourage you to look at your calendar and schedule two self-care activities now.
​

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Practice being "present" during the holidays with The Bullet Journal Method

11/9/2020

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The holidays tend to be especially stressful. In addition to all the normal things we have to do, we also add sending holiday cards, buying and wrapping gifts, preparing meals, and attending holiday gatherings of all sorts to our lists. I'm beginning to wonder how I do it each year! 

The holidays are a time when we are typically surrounded by friends, family, co-workers and strangers. We usually mix and mingle all month long!  Whether or not we are able to gather this year, being mindful when we are with people or not can replace feelings of anxiety, fear, and worry with a sense of gratitude.

According to an article in Developmental Psychology, mindfulness is "paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally." So set aside your thoughts about what happened this morning at that meeting and your ever-growing list of things you need to do this weekend. Put down your electronic device and ignore the most recent Facebook posts. Look, listen, feel, smell and taste the world around you in an uninterrupted way. Enjoy a warm smile, the sweet words "I miss you," the gentle tug of a child's hand. Smell the cool winter air and taste that hot tea in your mug. This is life. Experience it fully and be grateful for the littlest things that make it so precious.

​You might be asking yourself how you will hold this perspective each day.  Enter....The Bullet Journal Method.

Author Ryder Carroll describes “The Bullet Journal Method” as a "practical yet forgiving tool to organize my impatient mind." This system helps people with ADD and those without. We are all trying to keep our heads above water in this Digital Age where information overload threatens to sink us daily. This overload makes most of us feel overwhelmed, overstimulated, disconnected and burned out. Countless distractions overtake our blurry days. The Bullet Journal Method provides an "anolog refuge for the Digital Age."  


All you need to get started is a plain notebook and writing utensil. The act of writing with our hand draws us to the present moment and helps us reconnect with ourselves by pausing and writing things down. After using this method, you will begin to define what's important, why it's important, and how to best pursue those things. If you are interested in learning more, check out these links:
  • The method
  • Adorable video that sold me on it
  • Guide on "how to"

​
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Photo Organizing

10/27/2020

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Picture
Photos are a precious part of our memorabilia.  They tell the story of our lives and help us recall milestones.  Since the digital age, many people feel overwhelmed with the volume of photos they have in both digital and print form.  Let’s explore how to store and organize your photos.  

Digital photos

The most important thing to do is verify your digital photos are backed up.  Whether you take photos with your phone or a camera, you want to have your photos in three places.

Options include:
•    on the device itself;
•    a cloud storage option (e.g., iCloud, Google photos, etc.);

•    a photo printing website (e.g., Shutterfly or Snapfish);
•    an external hard drive; and
•    a CD or thumb drive.

Choose three of the above storage options.  For the cloud, photo printing site, and external hard drive options, be sure your photos sync often (either manually or, if possible, automatically).  

Don’t stress about deleting digital photos.  With cloud storage solutions you can save them all and use the search functions (by date, location, person) when you need to locate a specific photo.  

Prints

Organizing prints can feel overwhelming due to the quantity that most of us have accumulated over time.  Start by discarding the following types of prints:
•    duplicates;
•    blurry photos;
•    photos you can’t interpret what you are seeing; and
•    photos that don’t prompt positive emotions.  

We usually recommend doing a "gross sort" by era (i.e., childhood photos, school age years, with spouse before kids, with kids, etc.).  Use shoe boxes or buy acid-free photo boxes to preserve your prints for long-term keeping.  Label your boxes by era and don’t worry about putting them in perfect order.  When retrieving a specific photo, identify the era and thumb through that box.  The time spent will most likely be enjoyable as you take a trip down memory lane. 

To preserve your printed photos, have them digitized.  Consider having them professionally scanned to save time and get the best quality.  After scanning is completed, you are typically given a thumb drive, CD or file with all your images.  Save these files to a few different places.

Make your photos more tangible by creating photo albums or photo books of the “best of the best” photos.  You can use websites like Shutterfly or Snapfish to create photo books from digital prints.

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Time Management for Kids

9/7/2020

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​Learning time management skills is part of growing up. Most kids find it challenging to keep track of time and lean on parental cues to get things done. Teaching our kids to be pro-active rather than reactive is a skill they can use for the rest of their lives.

Timers:  One way to keep track of time while you are engaged in an activity is to use a timer. I use timers everyday, both personally and professionally. My main use of timers is to alert me to wrap up my current task so I can honor my next commitment. Timers can be helpful for kids too! Use them to signify transition times like mealtime, bedtime, and when the bus is coming. 

Calendars:  Post your children's schedules in a place they can reference it. This will help them learn accountability around managing their own schedule. Calendars you might post include: lunch menus, sports schedules, and after school activity schedules.

Chore tracking:  Children thrive on positive reinforcement. If you want them to help out around the house, provide incentive. Give them a tool to track how close they are to earning their reward. Our family has tried fancy charts, marble jars, and a simple piece of paper with hash marks signifying a chore well done. Each of these systems worked for a short time when we (the adults) were consistent with using it. We have found the most success when we switch it up by changing the tracking tool periodically (i.e., every 3-6 months). 

Just like any other new behavior, give it time and give your child reminders to use these tools.  

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Matching hangers for the win!

8/30/2020

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Picture
Something as simple as using matching hangers makes a closet look and feel finished.  Check out these nice wooden hangers.  They changed the feel of the space entirely.
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Meal Planning 101

8/7/2020

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​The key to success is simplicity.  Do these 5 steps each week to create a simple and easy meal plan & grocery list:
  1. Survey what you already have.  Review you fridge, freezer and pantry for foods that are nearing their expiration.  Use them as the base for meals next week.
  2. Select 3-5 meals.  I know you are busy so let's be realistic and start by selecting 3-5 meals that you will prepare.  Use the ingredients from step 1 to come up with these meals.  If you need inspiration, search "Recipes with zucchini" and find new recipes to try.
  3. Use this template.  In the first column, write down what meals you will prepare which days.  Then review the recipe and record the produce needed in the second column, dairy & refrigerated items needed in the third column, and so on.  
  4. Shop with ease.  When you are at the store, simply look down column 1 while in the produce isle and gather all the veggies and fruits you need for each meal you selected for the week.  Do the same in the dairy isle, meat isle, etc.
  5. Stick with the plan.  Make the meals you selected and enjoy!  If you find you aren't doing it, determine what got in your way.  Sometimes we simply over estimate the time we will realistically dedicate to meal preparation.  I like recipes that are ready in 30 minutes or less personally.  
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Reminders

8/3/2020

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I have a love/hate relationship with my phone (I have an iphone).  It's an amazing organizational tool but sometimes I find myself zoning out on it and losing precious time.  One thing I love is using Siri to remind me to do things later.  I simply hold the home button and say "remind me at ____ o clock to ____."  I use it all the time!  It lowers my stress levels to know that I don't have to mentally remember everything I have to do.  I ask for reminders daily for taking vitamins and throughout the day for various things...including writing this blog post.  If you haven't tried this tool yet, you should check it out!
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Maintenance Tips to Live By

7/10/2020

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Organizing
  1. Assign every item a “home” close to where it is used.  Keep the items you use most often in the most accessible places.
  2. Group like items together.
  3. Label containers. Labeling makes it easy to find and return things. It also lets other members of the household know where things go.
  4. Keep your systems simple.  The more complicated an organizing system is, the less likely it is to be maintained.
  5. Make rules for flat surfaces.  What is “allowed” to be placed on this surface?  What is considered clutter (and not allowed)?  Entryway tables, dining room tables, dressers, coffee tables, and kitchen countertops are key areas where rule-making can be beneficial.
  6. Go vertical.  Create storage solutions along the walls when horizontal space is limited.
  7. After use, return items to their homes. Additionally, scan the room before you leave and relocate any items that go elsewhere.
  8. Declutter daily.  Make time at the end of your day to do a walk-through. Remove clutter and restore order to your surfaces.  (This is especially important if you have children.)
  9. Put your keys and wallet/purse in the same place every day.  Consider using hooks by the door.
  10. Unpack immediately after a trip.  This includes trips ranging from simple errands to weeklong excursions.
  11. Reposition all clothes hangers backwards.  After washing, re-hang clothes normally going forward.  Mark your calendar to check back in one year.  Clothing on backwards hangers has not been worn for one year and should be considered for donation.
  12. Honor collectibles by displaying them. If they are not precious enough to display, you may consider letting them go.
  13. Bin up seasonal decorations and categorize by holiday.  Sort, purge, then pack and label.
Shopping
  1. Be selective about what you bring into your home.  Consider the time it takes to maintain the item, where you will put the item, and what you will need to get rid of to make space for it.
  2. Choose quality over quantity.  Save time and money in the long run by reducing the frequency of replacements.
  3. When you buy something new, get rid of something.
  4. Resist the urge to acquire the "latest and greatest" thing.  Leave closets, drawers and other storage spaces only half full so it’s easy to put items away.
Getting things out
  1. Create a “launching pad.” Choose a (visible) space near the door you exit for items that need to leave the home (e.g., library books, dry cleaning, items to return to friends or the store, etc.).  Consider a basket in the mudroom. Be sure to give the basket a quick look every time you head out the door.
  2. Designate a basket for donations and load them in your car when it gets full.  Make regular donation runs by associating the task with another errand.  In many areas, there is a Rescue Mission trailer right next to Wegmans.
Time management
  1. If a task takes less time than it does to brush your teeth, do it now.
  2. Use only one calendar and depend on it.  (Smart phone users - Sync your calendar with your spouse.)
  3. Protect your time, learn to say no!
  4. Don't strive for perfection in every aspect of your life.  Do what is important very well and do everything else to the point of completion.
  5. Take note of the actual time it takes to do things.  We tend to underestimate time, resulting in lateness.
  6. Check your calendar every evening and prepare for the next day.  Lay out clothes, prepare lunches/snacks, pack up homework and papers to return to school/work and put backpacks/workbags near the door.
  7. Don't be afraid to delegate!  If you find yourself getting behind, ask for help from a family member, friend, or your favorite Professional Organizer.
Paper
  1. Get rid of junk mail immediately. Sort mail daily over a recycling bin.
  2. File papers you plan to keep right away to avoid piles.
  3. When the kids get home, sort through papers they brought home immediately.  Toss unneeded items right away and put away what you are keeping.  Designate a bag or bin for each child for "keepers."
  4. Choose a time once a week to pay bills.  Treat it like an appointment with yourself.  Record date paid and check number on your copy of paid bills prior to filing.
  5. Unsubscribe to magazines you don't read.  Free yourself from the obligation to get through unread magazines and reading material.
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Re-certified as an Evernote Consultant!

7/8/2020

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Excited to share that I have been re-certified!  Yay!  If you are interested in learning more about Evernote, let me know and we can set up a session to get you oriented and set up!
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Meal planning for the win!

6/28/2020

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If you have a busy family the best way to eat well is to meal plan.  It doesn't have to be fancy or time consuming.  Designate a time each week to select approximately 3-5 meals.  Make a grocery list of all the ingredients needed.  Shop and follow the plan.  It saves unnecessary stress during a busy week.
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Stuff piling up?  Convert them to a task list, then a calendar event...do it...DONE!

6/18/2020

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I'm not sure who coined this definition but it's ingenious.  "Clutter is delayed decisions."

TRUE, right? 

Look around a cluttered room and you will see a bunch of stuff that is not done.  Either things just haven't been put away or haven't been sorted, haven't been taken somewhere, or have been there so long, they have been forgotten. 

Pick up an item.  What decision needs to be made about it?  After you make the decision, does an action need to occur?  If it takes less than 2 minutes, do it now.  If not, and you don't have time to do it now, start a list.  Continue the list with tasks that need to be done.  Now take that list and "calendar out" when you will make time to do each task on the list.  Listen to your calendar, do all the things, and voila...done.  Try it!
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10 Do-It-Yourself Home Staging Tips

6/12/2020

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Home staging is the process of preparing your home for listing.  The goal of any seller is to sell their home quickly and for the highest possible price.  A staged home will appeal to many buyers and will therefore lead to a quicker, higher priced sale more often than an un-staged home.  Home staging can be as simple as rearranging and refreshing existing furnishings and décor in a way that will highlight your homes best features.  Some home staging projects include major home renovations.  No matter the extent of the work, or the size of the budget, the intent of home staging is to create a home that most buyers can see themselves living in.

Our Expert Stager, Michele Ketcham, has compiled a list of DIY staging tips.  Here are 10 tips to get you started. 

Do-It-Yourself Staging Tips


1.  Declutter, declutter, declutter:
  

Let’s face it, we all have too much stuff.  Decluttering, downsizing, and organizing each room in your home, including closets and storage spaces, is always the first step in preparing a home for listing.  Make a plan, tackling one room at a time.  Decide what items you will take with you to your new home.  Designate a staging area for unwanted items to be donated, sold, or discarded.  Remember, the more stuff you move, the more costly your move will be.

2.  Sell the storage space: 

Efficient and well-planned storage space is at a premium when it comes to prospective buyers.  Removing excess from storage spaces will make those spaces appear more spacious and appealing.  Pack and store out-of-season clothing.  Clean out what you don’t need from under sinks.  Go through your kitchen pantry and toss expired food.  Donate kitchen gadgets and items that you never use.  The added space from all this decluttering will show off the ample storage space and make your home more desirable.


3.  Good old-fashioned elbow grease:
  

That’s right.  It may not be glamorous, but good old-fashioned elbow grease goes a long way in selling a home.  From the buyer’s perspective, a clean home is also a home that was cared for and well-maintained.  Every window, floor, baseboard, countertop, appliance, fixture…the list goes on and on…needs to sparkle!  If you have the time and energy, go for it!  Otherwise, it may be worth every penny to hire a professional cleaning service to do the deep cleaning for you.

4.  Lighten and brighten:
  

Exterior and interior lighting are equally important when staging your home.  Exterior fixtures should provide adequate lighting in regard to safety. Make sure all sidewalks, pathways and entryways are well-lit in the event of evening showings.  Additional exterior lighting is a great way to add curb appeal to a front porch, tree or architectural feature.  Interior lighting should make a home feel warm and welcoming.  Ambient, task and accent lighting all add to the appeal and mood of a room.  Turn on interior lights to cast a warm glow for those evening showings!

5.  Furniture and accessories:  

Most homes have too much furniture, which makes a room look smaller and more cluttered.  When staging your home, you want to create the illusion of spaciousness, no matter the size of the room.  You may need to remove about half of the existing furnishings and rearrange the remaining furniture so it highlights the desired focal point.  Decide whether you want to move the extra furniture to your new home.  If so, store it in an off-site storage unit.  Donate or sell extra furniture you decide you don’t need. 

Less is more when accessorizing a staged home.  Opt for a couple large items of impact per room versus many smaller grouped knickknacks.  The same goes for accessorizing walls.  One large print will make a room appear bigger than several smaller prints grouped together.

6.  Depersonalize:
  

An important concept to remember when staging a home with existing furnishings is the concept of depersonalization.  The intent of home staging is to make the home appeal to as many prospective buyers as possible.  To do that, we suggest depersonalizing.  We recommend removing personal taste from your décor so buyers can envision their belongings and themselves in your home.  This can be especially difficult for a seller still living in the listed home.  Some items you will want to pack and store are:
  • family photos and portraits
  • trophies, certificates, and awards
  • memorabilia
  • books (especially political and religious topics)
  • old magazines
  • teenage posters
  • knickknacks and collections
Remember, these items can be moved to your new home where you can again display and enjoy them.  They can be packed and stored in the meantime.

7.  Kitchens and bathrooms:


Prospective buyers love updated kitchens and bathrooms.  The kitchen is still the heart of the home and command central for many buyers.  Additionally, many buyers look for multiple bathrooms that are well maintained.  Sellers could potentially spend a lot of money renovating these spaces to entice buyers.  However, decluttering, organizing, cleaning and a gallon of paint (or two) can go a long way in the kitchen and bath if budget is a concern.  In most cases, you will get back any money you put into improving the functionality of your kitchen and bathrooms so plan wisely.

8.  Stage a home office:


Given the times, we would be remiss if we didn’t include staging a home office.  Many prospective buyers have recently been forced to work from home indefinitely.  If your listed home does not include a dedicated office or work space, now is the time to be creative and turn a cozy corner into a work space.  Find a quiet area with appropriate outlets/phone/computer access.  Stage the area with a table or desk, comfy chair, shelves or small bookcase, desk or floor lamp, and laptop.  A folding screen could lend visual privacy if needed.  Be creative and have fun!

9.  Curb appeal:


Curb appeal is the first impression a prospective buyer has of your home so make it a good one!  Curb appeal includes the home exterior, the landscape, the front and side yards, the driveway and walkway leading to your front door.  The house exterior needs to be welcoming and appealing so buyers want to come inside.  Here are a few items you can do to increase your home’s curb appeal:
  • Trim shrubs and greenery
  • Weed and mulch flower beds
  • Touch up all peeling exterior paint
  • Sweep the walk and front entry
  • Maintain the driveway
  • Remove weeds from walkways
  • Mow the lawn
  • Put away toys, bikes, gardening tools and sports equipment
First impressions are powerful!

10.  Not everyone loves your pet:


Not all buyers have pets, and some are allergic to them.  Prior to a showing, remove all indications of your pet.  Store food dishes, leashes, pet toys and pet beds in a bin stored out of the way.  Vacuum areas where pet hair has accumulated.  Clean and sanitize any areas where accidents occurred.  Use air freshener where needed.  Clean up after your pet outside since may prospective buyers like to walk the property.   Bring your pet with you, or have a friend or relative pet sit during the showing. 

And lastly, give your pet lots of hugs and treats once you are all back together!


You want your home to look its best before listing and presenting it to prospective buyers.  These Do-It-Yourself staging tips represent a small portion of what goes into preparing and staging a home for sale.  The intent is to give you a few ideas to get you started on your way to selling your home.  Remember, hard work pays off!  We wish you all the best!! 

-Michele Ketcham, Home Stager & Redesign Consultant 

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Where do I start?

6/1/2020

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The most common question we get asked..."Where do I start?"  Clutter is overwhelming.  When we are overwhelmed, we can't see things as well and we can't do our best thinking either.  Can you relate?  Start where you feel the most uncomfortable.  Choose a space you visit often.  Do something small in that space.  Sometimes is just getting started that's the hardest part.  
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Decluttering your living space during COVID-19?  Here are some tips...

5/25/2020

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Maintaining your Kitchen

5/14/2020

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Once you have your kitchen organized, how are you going to maintain it?  

Here are a few tips to help you maintain your masterpiece:


  • Do dishes immediately after meals.  (Your future self will thank you in the morning!)
  • Purge old and expired food regularly. Consider reviewing everything in your pantry, food storage cabinets, fridge and freezer quarterly.
  • Keep healthy food stocked and at eye level.
  • Place an inviting basket of fruit on the counter.  Its visibility may tempt you to eat it, rather than sweets and treats. 
  • Pre-washed, cut & proportioned vegetables and fruits in plastic baggies in the fridge make grabbing on-the-go lunches a breeze.
  • Remove healthy pre-packaged snacks from their boxes and put them in small baskets or bins in the pantry for ease of access.
  • Create a deli box in your fridge, by adding everything you need to make a sandwich. 
When your kitchen is clean and organized you are more likely to choose to eat healthy. Additionally, eating healthy away from home takes planning and organizing.  Stock healthy options like nuts, energy bars, and fruit in your car, purse, and/or office so you have something to eat on the go.  ​
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Organizing your Kitchen

5/14/2020

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Kitchens are one of the trickiest spaces in a home to organize.  We spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and it often serves many more functions than just the place to prepare and eat meals.  A well-functioning kitchen should:
  • Provide a space to easily prepare healthy meals and make healthy choices; and
  • Serve as a place to gather with loved ones.  
To do these things, creating a clutter-free environment is essential for a highly functional and efficient kitchen.  This means keeping counter tops as clear as possible. 

Let’s dive into how to organize your kitchen.  Think about the layout of your kitchen.  The area within the sink-stove-fridge triangle is considered “prime real estate,” due to the frequency of activity in this space.  (It’s OK if you don’t have a triangle - just envision the areas near these stations.)  Ideally, we would have what we need at each of these stations.  To do this, zone out your kitchen.  Store equipment/tools closest to where they are first used, creating one-step centers as follows:
  • Non-consumables center – store plates, bowls, cups, and silverware near the dishwasher or sink so you can easily store them after they are cleaned.
  • Cleaning center – store cleaning tools under your sink since you will be using water as you clean.
  • Food preparation center – store food preparation tools (e.g., vegetable peeler and can opener) near your sink so you can easily wash vegetables.  Likewise, store knives/cutting/chopping utensils and cutting boards in nearby drawers and cabinets (between sink and fridge ideally).
  • Consumables center – non-perishable food in a pantry that is not centralized is fine because you can grab everything you need to prepare the meal and bring it to the preparation center.
  • Cooking center – position near stove; store pots, pans, cooking utensils, cooking oils, and spices in nearby drawers and cabinets.
While organizing these centers, begin by removing clutter and items not related to the center’s function.  Clear your counters of small appliances you don’t use at least one time per week and store them in a cabinet.  If you find your cabinets too full to accommodate these items, consider letting go of the gadgets you rarely use.  Most of these “rarely used” items aren’t necessary and take up much-needed space.  Why keep a food chopper when a knife will suffice?

Next, you want to consider accessibility in each center.  Place items strategically as follows:
  • Place items more frequently used in easy to reach drawers or cabinets.
  • Place heavy items low, and light items high.
  • In the consumables center, put protein and veggies at eye level and carbs and sweets below eye level.  You will be more apt to select something that is most visible first.
  • In the cooking center, keep spices organized and fresh.  Spices enhance the taste of healthy food without adding calories and fat.
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Disposing Medications Safely

5/4/2020

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While organizing, I often find old/expired medication.  If you have the same genre of items in your home, check out this helpful website on how to dispose of them safely and properly:  ​https://www.singlecare.com/blog/how-to-dispose-of-medication/
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