This is the last day of our amazing Groupon deal. Don't miss out! This offer expires at midnight tonight!
http://www.groupon.com/ch/home-and-garden/deals/organizing-boston
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Save 50% off Organizing Services!
We are offering a 50% discount coupon through Groupon.com.
Don't miss out! This offer expires Sunday, May 15th.
http://www.groupon.com/ch/home-and-garden/deals/organizing-boston
Don't miss out! This offer expires Sunday, May 15th.
http://www.groupon.com/ch/home-and-garden/deals/organizing-boston
Friday, March 25, 2011
Know Your Stuff
I think this must be a sign - I've randomly encountered 2 articles on doing your own home inventory in the last 24 hours - one while looking for tax info and the other while browsing my Real Simple magazine.
Even as a professional organizer, I have not conducted my own home inventory. While we do have decent records and receipts for what we own, I could not guarantee you that our records are complete and we haven't taken the step of storing this valuable info off-site or on-line. But the timing is right - all of our possessions have been reviewed, purged and packed up for some renovations. Unpacking and setting up our place again will provide a prime opportunity to tackle this smart task. Not to mention that we will have several new items in our home thanks to the renovations and our upcoming baby due in June. We've carefully chosen these items and spent good money on them, so it makes sense to keep good records for them.
Why would you need to know details about your home inventory? First and foremost, it's important in case of a disaster or damage to your home. Having good records will make the insurance process much smoother. Considering that a flood was the original reason for our current renovation project, it is fitting that we use this opportunity to get our ducks (more) in a row. We only lost a couple rugs in the flood (in addition to our floors), and I'll admit I was shocked and dismayed to find that we didn't have the receipts. Good records can also be helpful for selling items in the future, and product recalls and repairs, to name a few. Simply put, it is easier to have this information than to wish you had it later when you need it (and it's too late).
One of the keys pointed out in these articles was storing your inventory on-line so you have access to it in case of home disaster or damage. I plan to try out the Insurance Information Institute's on-line tool, KnowYourStuff.org, which I discovered in this Get Rich Slowly guest post. And here's a link to the article I spotted in Real Simple. After we get settled back into our condo and I've completely the inventory, I'll report back on the experience.
Bottom Line: Knowing what you own and where to find this information is in some ways like carrying an umbrella to ensure it doesn't rain. You'd rather have it than not when the need arises!
Even as a professional organizer, I have not conducted my own home inventory. While we do have decent records and receipts for what we own, I could not guarantee you that our records are complete and we haven't taken the step of storing this valuable info off-site or on-line. But the timing is right - all of our possessions have been reviewed, purged and packed up for some renovations. Unpacking and setting up our place again will provide a prime opportunity to tackle this smart task. Not to mention that we will have several new items in our home thanks to the renovations and our upcoming baby due in June. We've carefully chosen these items and spent good money on them, so it makes sense to keep good records for them.
Why would you need to know details about your home inventory? First and foremost, it's important in case of a disaster or damage to your home. Having good records will make the insurance process much smoother. Considering that a flood was the original reason for our current renovation project, it is fitting that we use this opportunity to get our ducks (more) in a row. We only lost a couple rugs in the flood (in addition to our floors), and I'll admit I was shocked and dismayed to find that we didn't have the receipts. Good records can also be helpful for selling items in the future, and product recalls and repairs, to name a few. Simply put, it is easier to have this information than to wish you had it later when you need it (and it's too late).
One of the keys pointed out in these articles was storing your inventory on-line so you have access to it in case of home disaster or damage. I plan to try out the Insurance Information Institute's on-line tool, KnowYourStuff.org, which I discovered in this Get Rich Slowly guest post. And here's a link to the article I spotted in Real Simple. After we get settled back into our condo and I've completely the inventory, I'll report back on the experience.
Bottom Line: Knowing what you own and where to find this information is in some ways like carrying an umbrella to ensure it doesn't rain. You'd rather have it than not when the need arises!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Packing Smart
I don't know too many people who love to pack, but if you are getting ready for a move or home renovations, as is the case in my home right now, there are some smart moves you can make to at least take advantage of a prime de-cluttering opportunity. You pretty much have to touch everything you own if you're doing a whole house packing job, so it's a great chance to review what you have and make sure you're not expending any more energy caring for items you don't use, love or need.
So what can you do to avoid packing or moving items that don't deserve real estate in your home?
1. Plan ahead as much as possible. In most cases, a move or home project is not a surprise, and while many of us are so busy with the rest of life that packing often gets left to the last minute, do yourself a favor and give yourself at least several weeks to make sure you can pack smart!
2. Scan your home for items you want to sell. This could be anything from small kitchen appliances to furniture to electronics or sporting goods. There are a variety of options for selling items - Craigslist, eBay, consignment, specialty online or local resellers, just to name a few. Pick the avenue you're most comfortable with and take action. We are currently selling a variety of items on Craigslist and have had some quick results.
3. Purge while you pack! There's no sense in packing anything you don't use, love or need. Just as you need to have packing supplies like boxes or containers at the ready, be prepared with trash/recycling containers and bags or boxes for items you want to donate. For donations, pick an organization that matches your needs - some offer on site pick up vs. local drop-off locations, some accept certain items and not others, or you may find specialty organizations or drives in your area for certain types of items, such as sporting goods or computers. A simple Google search is often enough to find what you're looking for. If you know you're going to have a lot of donations, it might be a good idea to schedule a pick up in advance - this can be an effective motivating deadline!
Even if you're not packing yourself (and I don't blame you), you can still follow the above steps to make sure you're not moving items unnecessarily. For donations, simply weed them out and get rid of them before the packing help arrives or mark them and set them aside for a donation pick up. And if all of this seems overwhelming or you have a tight timeline, enlist the help of a professional organizer to help you breeze through steps 2 and 3 - now that's smart packing!
Bottom Line: While packing for a move or home renovations may not be on the top of your favorite activities list, use it as a prime opportunity to review and purge what you own, so you're left with just what you use, love, and need on the other end - how refreshing would that be?!
So what can you do to avoid packing or moving items that don't deserve real estate in your home?
1. Plan ahead as much as possible. In most cases, a move or home project is not a surprise, and while many of us are so busy with the rest of life that packing often gets left to the last minute, do yourself a favor and give yourself at least several weeks to make sure you can pack smart!
2. Scan your home for items you want to sell. This could be anything from small kitchen appliances to furniture to electronics or sporting goods. There are a variety of options for selling items - Craigslist, eBay, consignment, specialty online or local resellers, just to name a few. Pick the avenue you're most comfortable with and take action. We are currently selling a variety of items on Craigslist and have had some quick results.
3. Purge while you pack! There's no sense in packing anything you don't use, love or need. Just as you need to have packing supplies like boxes or containers at the ready, be prepared with trash/recycling containers and bags or boxes for items you want to donate. For donations, pick an organization that matches your needs - some offer on site pick up vs. local drop-off locations, some accept certain items and not others, or you may find specialty organizations or drives in your area for certain types of items, such as sporting goods or computers. A simple Google search is often enough to find what you're looking for. If you know you're going to have a lot of donations, it might be a good idea to schedule a pick up in advance - this can be an effective motivating deadline!
Even if you're not packing yourself (and I don't blame you), you can still follow the above steps to make sure you're not moving items unnecessarily. For donations, simply weed them out and get rid of them before the packing help arrives or mark them and set them aside for a donation pick up. And if all of this seems overwhelming or you have a tight timeline, enlist the help of a professional organizer to help you breeze through steps 2 and 3 - now that's smart packing!
Bottom Line: While packing for a move or home renovations may not be on the top of your favorite activities list, use it as a prime opportunity to review and purge what you own, so you're left with just what you use, love, and need on the other end - how refreshing would that be?!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
4 Reasons to Love Lists
Hi everyone! We're getting yet another snow storm here in Boston - I don't know whether I'm over it or used to it yet.
If you read the last post about 5 minute fillers, you know that a key part of this strategy is making a list. Organized people, especially professional organizers, are often known for their list-making, sometimes to the point of being made fun of by other less-list-inclined friends and family. Before you poke fun at your list-making friends, consider the many benefits of making a list...
1) The most obvious and well-known benefit is that lists help you remember things! A basic example of this is a grocery list - have you ever tried to grocery shop without a list and come home without something you need? I have!
2) Making lists also helps you clear the clutter from your head so you can focus on other more important things rather than trying to keep track of all your to-do's like little sticky notes floating around your brain. Spending 5 minutes each day downloading the to-do's in your head to a list, whether you prefer paper or electronic, can help stop you from waking up in the middle of the night thinking about what you need to remember tomorrow! Speaking of, that's a great activity to add to your 5 minute fillers list :)
3) Lists can help you structure your time efficiently. If you can see what you need to do, it is easier to prioritize and plan your day so the most important tasks get taken care of. The 5 minute fillers list is a great example of using a list to help you use your time efficiently.
4) And last but not least, if you have a list, you get to cross things off of it! Ok, I'll admit, I've gone back and added things to a list, just to have the sense of accomplishment of crossing them off. And yes, this is often why list-makers get made fun of, but there is truly some benefit to knowing how you're spending your time and seeing what you've accomplished. For one thing, it just feels good to get things done, but this benefit can also help you improve your time management skills since it helps you get a better sense of what you can realistically get done during your day.
Bottom Line: Don't dismiss the power of lists! They are a simple strategy that can help you remember what you need to get done, clear your head, use your time efficiently, and know what you got done.
By the way, for those who joined me on the 5 minutes fillers list challenge, I was pretty pleased with my progress. I completed about 75% of the tasks I'd put on my list in only a couple days and also completed several other nagging tasks along the way. Now I'll admit, there are a few items from the original list that are yet to be completed, but overall I like this strategy. I have no doubt that it increased my 'spare time' productivity and helped me get more done than if I didn't have the list to rely on. I plan to keep up this practice and make it a habit - how about you?
If you read the last post about 5 minute fillers, you know that a key part of this strategy is making a list. Organized people, especially professional organizers, are often known for their list-making, sometimes to the point of being made fun of by other less-list-inclined friends and family. Before you poke fun at your list-making friends, consider the many benefits of making a list...
1) The most obvious and well-known benefit is that lists help you remember things! A basic example of this is a grocery list - have you ever tried to grocery shop without a list and come home without something you need? I have!
2) Making lists also helps you clear the clutter from your head so you can focus on other more important things rather than trying to keep track of all your to-do's like little sticky notes floating around your brain. Spending 5 minutes each day downloading the to-do's in your head to a list, whether you prefer paper or electronic, can help stop you from waking up in the middle of the night thinking about what you need to remember tomorrow! Speaking of, that's a great activity to add to your 5 minute fillers list :)
3) Lists can help you structure your time efficiently. If you can see what you need to do, it is easier to prioritize and plan your day so the most important tasks get taken care of. The 5 minute fillers list is a great example of using a list to help you use your time efficiently.
4) And last but not least, if you have a list, you get to cross things off of it! Ok, I'll admit, I've gone back and added things to a list, just to have the sense of accomplishment of crossing them off. And yes, this is often why list-makers get made fun of, but there is truly some benefit to knowing how you're spending your time and seeing what you've accomplished. For one thing, it just feels good to get things done, but this benefit can also help you improve your time management skills since it helps you get a better sense of what you can realistically get done during your day.
Bottom Line: Don't dismiss the power of lists! They are a simple strategy that can help you remember what you need to get done, clear your head, use your time efficiently, and know what you got done.
By the way, for those who joined me on the 5 minutes fillers list challenge, I was pretty pleased with my progress. I completed about 75% of the tasks I'd put on my list in only a couple days and also completed several other nagging tasks along the way. Now I'll admit, there are a few items from the original list that are yet to be completed, but overall I like this strategy. I have no doubt that it increased my 'spare time' productivity and helped me get more done than if I didn't have the list to rely on. I plan to keep up this practice and make it a habit - how about you?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Getting Things Done...5 Minutes at a Time
Do you ever feel like you have so much to do that when you have 5 or 10 minutes of 'spare' time, you have no idea what to start with and you end up doing nothing?! Well, you're not alone. I just read a great list of dozens of things you can do when you find yourself with a few extra minutes in this month's Real Simple magazine - part of their 'Get it Together Handbook.'
While not all of the items will fit your needs, I certainly found plenty of items I could act on when my next 5 free minutes pops up. In fact, I was so inspired that I quickly went through my house with a notebook and made my own personalized list...and guess what, it only took me about 5 minutes! Here's my list - maybe it will inspire you to act during your next free moment...
My 'Five Minute Fillers' List
Bottom Line: Don't waste your precious free time trying to decide what to do. Set yourself up for success by posting your 'five minute filler' list and get to it next time you've got 5 minutes to spare.
While not all of the items will fit your needs, I certainly found plenty of items I could act on when my next 5 free minutes pops up. In fact, I was so inspired that I quickly went through my house with a notebook and made my own personalized list...and guess what, it only took me about 5 minutes! Here's my list - maybe it will inspire you to act during your next free moment...
My 'Five Minute Fillers' List
- Shred old receipts.
- File 3 items in To File folder.
- Tackle 1 item in To Do folder.
- Put away new holiday gifts and recycle boxes.
- Wipe off kitchen counters.
- Review and purge clipped recipes.
- Make grocery and household items shopping list.
- Package gift to mail out.
- Fill out birthday cards and prep to mail.
- Put boots away and vacuum sand from boot tray.
- Wipe down bathroom surfaces.
- Vacuum couches.
- Put away remaining holiday wrapping supplies.
- Water plants.
- Iron shirts.
- Change pillow cases.
- Review and purget 3 files.
- Transport donations to car.
- Write holiday thank you notes.
- Clean up email inbox.
Bottom Line: Don't waste your precious free time trying to decide what to do. Set yourself up for success by posting your 'five minute filler' list and get to it next time you've got 5 minutes to spare.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Get Organized Today!
Happy 2011! If you're like many people, 'Get Organized' might be on your priority list for the new year. January is the perfect time for a fresh start and it also happens to be the official Get Organized (GO) Month. So what better time to get started on your organizing goals than now?! If you're not sure where or how to get started, here are some tips:
- Start Small! Don't look at your whole house, or office, or life as a hopeless organizational disaster - you will be instantly overwhelmed and probably won't make any progress. Instead, pick a room, or a closet, or even a drawer to start with. And ditch the all or nothing attitude - small victories lead to big success!
- It doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to be good enough. Organizing does not necessarily mean ending up with a house that looks like it could be in a magazine. It means having systems and storage that make your life easier and contribute to the vision you have for your space. It's often a good idea to test out a new system using containers/storage you already have - if it works well and you want to upgrade to something that looks better, go for it.
- When in doubt, label it. If you are boxing items in a storage place like the basement, attic or even closets, don't pretend you will remember what you put in there when you need to get it back out. Do yourself a favor and label it! Clear containers also help, but even those should be labeled. If you share your space with others, labeling can help keep everyone on the same page even with day-to-day items. Just think, you won't have to answer "Where's the____?" ten times a day.
- If you're overwhelmed, get help. Staying organized is a huge challenge with the busy schedules and over-stuffed spaces we live with today. That's why there are professional organizers to help you dig out and get to the life you want to live. And it's not just a one-time fix - we can teach you the skills to keep your space organized for good!
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