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Archive for the ‘Newsletters’ Category

“I Don’t Use That Anymore, But I Want To Keep It”

In Newsletters on January 11, 2013 at 3:31 pm

Clutter is often, stuff we never touch or never use. Recently I came across my old clarinet in my parents attic. Having an emotional attachment to it, I looked it over for a few minutes and realized that it had been sitting in the attic for almost 20 years.

I had recently heard a commercial on the radio for a program that takes used musical instruments and gives it to children who can’t afford one. The decision was a no brainer! There is a child somewhere who is going to be THRILLED to have an instrument to play vs. me and my emotional attachment.
I dropped it off at Jacobs Music in Willow Grove, PA. It took 2 minutes.
If you have musical instruments sitting around. Call your local music store and find out if there is a similar program available in the area.

Recycling Household Alkaline Batteries

In Newsletters on December 7, 2012 at 2:52 pm

Can the common household battery such as the AA, AAA, C and D truly be recycled? It is a common unknown fact and I finally did some research to get some answers by calling trash companies and researching online.

 

How to safely dispose

  1. To safely dispose of your household alkaline batteries, tape the ends with masking tape and place them inside of a plastic bag to prevent leakage.
  2. Then put them in your regular trash.
  3. If you have hundreds of them, best to throw them out in smaller groups. I was told that a few batteries scattered throughout a landfill doesn’t create a noticeable effect on the environment. The idea is to avoid hundreds or thousands together and leaking in one centralized area.

 

 

Battery Management Act of 1996

  1. This act was put into place to reduce the amount of mercury in batteries so that they are not as harmful to the environment when thrown into landfills.

 

Recycling Programs for Alkaline Batteries?

  1. I found out that when alkaline batteries are recycled from time to time, steel and zinc can be recovered.
  2. When I look into the battery recycling programs, I see no option for alkaline. Most counties do not collect alkaline batteries because of the expense it would be to collect them separately. This is especially due to the fact that they are not deemed hazardous since they contain only a fraction of mercury than before.
  3. If a program is collecting this type of battery, then they are either keeping them in safe bunkers until someone finds a way to recycle them consistently or they are putting them into landfills in containers or bags to prevent leakage.

 

5 Levels of Hoarding

In Newsletters on November 2, 2012 at 2:48 pm

The National Study Group on Compulsive Disorganization created a Clutter Hoarding Scale in 1993 as a guideline for professional organizers making their first contacts with clients.
The references below only pertain to the clutter aspects of hoarding.

LEVEL ONE:
No excessive clutter
All rooms being used for intended purposes
Consistent routine housekeeping and maintenance

LEVEL TWO:
Clutter obstructs some functions of key living areas
Slight congestion of exits, entrances, hallways & stairs

LEVEL THREE:
Clutter obstructing functions of key living areas
Clutter exists around exits, entrances, hallways and stairs
At least one room not being used for intended purpose

LEVEL FOUR:
Diminished use of and accessibility to key living areas
Several rooms cluttered to extent they cannot be used for intended purposes
Clutter inhibits access to exits, entrances, hallways and stairs

LEVEL FIVE:
Key living spaces not usable
All rooms not used for intended purposes
Exits, entrances, hallways and stairs blocked.

The Importance of Planning

In Newsletters on October 5, 2012 at 2:53 pm

 

A key characteristic of an organized person is the ability to plan. Planning involves stopping and thinking through the events ahead of you, whether it be the rest of your afternoon or a family trip next summer. If this is something you lack, it is a great time to start planning how to plan!
 
5 Minutes of planning is priceless vs. hours of time lost to mistakes and inefficiency. It also helps to have a clear head and a quiet space to help your brain along. It’s not good to continue to roll from one task to another without stopping to think or plan. This is where you actually end up losing time.
 
Slow down! Sit down with pen and paper in hand or blank text document on your computer. Take a step back from what your trying to accomplish. Write down the multiple steps involved to accomplish your goal. Think it through. Ask someone to help you bounce ideas around. We have thousands of thoughts and hundreds of tasks rolling around in our heads.
 
Let’s face it, sometimes the unexpected happens, but when you plan ahead it gives you a margin for error and breathing room.

Clear The Stairs!

In Newsletters on September 6, 2012 at 4:08 pm

“Just lay it on the stairs” you say? Then it becomes a catchall or a pile of homeless items? The Feng Shui standard is, to leave all walking space open and clear of clutter for smooth transitioning from room to room. I recommend striving to keep the stairs clear. This may not be realistic for everyone so let’s explore some other options.

Just Do It!

Take it right up the stairs already! When something becomes a habit, it becomes a part of everyday life. This will take some motivation. Leave a note for yourself on the steps that says, “No!” to help remind yourself.

15 Minute Cleanup

Everyday include a 15 minute clean up around the house and include clearing the stairs. It is VERY interesting to see how much you can get done if you tidy up for 15 minutes a day!

Define The Pile

 At least contain the clutter and provide yourself with a presentable basket. Once it gets full. It’s time to empty it out.

Organizing Clothes – Dealing with Multiple Sizes

In Newsletters on August 3, 2012 at 3:08 am

Image

Be happy with who you are and how you look NOW. This statement encourages you to live in the moment and have peace now. It is also important to be content with where you are in life and the choices that you have made up to this point. After all they are all your choices and no one else’s. However, it’s understandable that everyone may not be at this specific point in their life to accept or understand. I wanted to list a few ideas or questions that may help you tackle your closet and all those different sizes. See below for common reasons people save clothes they never wear.

Memorabilia

It is part of a memory that they don’t want to forget.Take pictures of the memorabilia clothes, they take up less space. Donate to someone who would really appreciate having them. Or, at least box them up & give yourself closet space. (cringe!)

“The old me”

I used to dress like this and I don’t want to let go of the old me. I recommend reflecting and searching for why you are wasting space, time and energy on missing your old self when you could be inspired by the person you are becoming or turning into!

Smaller sizes

“I am going to get back down to that size again.” Don’t leave it open ended. Give yourself a deadline or a goal. Incorporate a way of living and eating that you can build on vs. diets that are only short lived.

Bigger sizes

What if I gain the weight back? This may represent your way of thinking. You may live in fear, worry and have many negative thoughts? It is important to have confidence and trust in yourself. By leaving those large sizes you allow yourself that option. Reflect on how to increase positive thinking and ways to boost your confidence.

 

Organizing Clothes – Dealing with Multiple Sizes

In Newsletters on August 3, 2012 at 3:08 am

Image

Be happy with who you are and how you look NOW. This statement encourages you to live in the moment and have peace now. It is also important to be content with where you are in life and the choices that you have made up to this point. After all they are all your choices and no one else’s. However, it’s understandable that everyone may not be at this specific point in their life to accept or understand. I wanted to list a few ideas or questions that may help you tackle your closet and all those different sizes. See below for common reasons people save clothes they never wear.

Memorabilia

It is part of a memory that they don’t want to forget.Take pictures of the memorabilia clothes, they take up less space. Donate to someone who would really appreciate having them. Or, at least box them up & give yourself closet space. (cringe!)

“The old me”

I used to dress like this and I don’t want to let go of the old me. I recommend reflecting and searching for why you are wasting space, time and energy on missing your old self when you could be inspired by the person you are becoming or turning into!

Smaller sizes

“I am going to get back down to that size again.” Don’t leave it open ended. Give yourself a deadline or a goal. Incorporate a way of living and eating that you can build on vs. diets that are only short lived.

Bigger sizes

What if I gain the weight back? This may represent your way of thinking. You may live in fear, worry and have many negative thoughts? It is important to have confidence and trust in yourself. By leaving those large sizes you allow yourself that option. Reflect on how to increase positive thinking and ways to boost your confidence.

 

How Long Does It Really Take?

In Newsletters on July 5, 2012 at 10:11 pm

You may be overwhelmed because you have too many voicemails, texts and emails piling up. You have stacks of papers to process and make decisions on. You may have business cards from the last networking event you attended, that need your attention. You might think that it will take you long into the night to process or deal with them but recently iOrganize has been keeping track of time. You might be surprised with how long it really takes.

Business Cards

1-2 minutes to enter a business card into your computer.

Cancel A Magazine

3-4 minutes to cancel a magazine that you always throw away or never read.

Papers

It took a client 1 hour to process 6 months of paper work that needed to be filed. That is approx. 3 minutes of filing per day to keep papers in order. *We had previously set up her filing system, so she did have accessible homes for the paper.

Pack and Unpack

I know when I need to plan for a trip that I need approx. 1 hour to pack and unpack. So The day before and day after a trip I make sure I schedule in that time.

When you know how long an activity usually takes you, it’s easier to include it into your schedule. Start paying attention to see how long it really takes, you’ll be surprised.

Being Organized = Being Prepared

In Newsletters on June 8, 2012 at 8:05 pm

There are many frustrating situations that can be avoided if you plan or think ahead. Preventive maintenance is key!

 

Passwords

You need to log into a website, call your credit card company and you don’t remember your username, password, and/or security code. Keep all your usernames and passwords together in one place either in a composition book, notepad, contact manager, word document, or password storage application. *Please note that there are privacy issues for all of these options and it is good to use whichever feels safer to you. I use an application called Password Gorilla.

Keys

The keys to your home or car cannot be found! Make spares and gave to friends or family and keep the others available.

Batteries

With so many gadgets becoming wireless extra batteries are a must! Don’t run out! You can buy a universal battery charger for $20-$30 that will charge 5 different types of batteries! Also, rechargeable batteries can be recycled! Make the switch!

Chargers

Your phone, ipod, laptop is dying and you forgot your charger!Keep spares in your car or travel bags. Also, there are charging stations that will charge multiple devices. Check out the iHome charging station or Belkin Conserve Valet.
 

Documents

Need a copy of a birth certificate, 2nd proof of I.D, or updated car insurance and registration for the cop that just pulled you over? Make copies and keep them handy.
 

The Right Tools For The Job

In Newsletters on May 3, 2012 at 11:23 am

Any mechanic, handyman, or chef knows how important is it to have the right tools for the job. Especially quality tools, that last long, are quick to grab and get the job done right. So, what about when you want to stay organized? Below are some key areas in your home where making sure you having the right tools ready and together will boost efficiency! 

  • Sending Mail and Paying Bills
  • Sorting and Opening Mail
  • Wrapping gifts
  • Cleaning
  • Laundry
  • Cooking
  • Arts and Crafts

Before jumping into a project, stop, think, and plan. The focus is to avoid getting distracted by having to run into another room to get something, wasting time or getting distracted. Try to stay aware of the uncessesary actions that you might be repeating in order to be most productive.