Organized by Marcie

Remembering to do the Occasionals

2012-02-07T11:05:00.000-05:00

Periodically I realize that I need to do something like dust the bathroom light fixtures or the tops of the doors or pictures. These aren’t chores I do regularly and I tend not to think about them until I notice that something is dirty.

Tasks that need to be more done more often are taken care of regularly. I know that I need to do certain household chores weekly and maintenance issues, like changing the furnace filter monthly, go on my calendar.

The sticker in my windshield for my next oil change reminds me that I need to get that done, but what about all the other things that need to be accomplished occasionally?

Since I can’t fill my windshield with reminder stickers, I realized that I need to put all my quarterly, semi-annual and annual tasks on my calendar. When the activity comes up, I can do it or reschedule it for another day.

How do you remember when to do occasional chores? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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I Lost 20 Pounds in 1 Weekend!

2012-01-30T11:48:00.000-05:00

Sounds like an ad for one of those dubious weight-loss products. I didn’t lose that kind of weight, though.

Saturday I went through the guest-room closet and replaced a rolling cart with a larger one from the basement. I keep gifts in the closet, along with some childhood keepsakes. Occasionally, I re-evaluate how much things mean to me and whether someone else could use them. I wasn’t able to let go of the box of kids’ books yet, but I did say goodbye to some old things I was hanging on to.

On Sunday I went to the basement to look for a set of casters I had taken off the rolling cart several years ago. I thought they were in the big popcorn tin where I’ve kept spare hardware parts for 20 years. They weren’t in there, but I did find lots of things that I will probably never use again. I pulled out the few things I might actually use and designated the rest for donation, along with the tin. Some handyperson is going to be very happy to get it.

The popcorn tin was a holdover from my apartment days and it worked well. Now, though, I have a tool chest with drawers, where I keep supplies for fixing things along with tools. Getting rid of the excess stuff allows me to keep everything in the tool chest, instead of having two places to look for things.

Could you lose a few pounds? What would you like to let go of over the next week? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Perfectionism

2012-01-23T19:24:00.000-05:00

Last week I was talking to someone who said that striving for perfection is not about excellence, but about seeking approval. She made a good case for the theory, using examples of children who seek approval from parents and teachers.

I have a different take. I say the quest for perfection isn’t about excellence, it’s about control. When you inspect and study and review and revise a task over and over, you feel like you’re in control of a situation. By examining every particle and speculating about every conceivable outcome, you’re not leaving anything up to chance. While this level of attention to detail is important to a brain surgeon or a rocket scientist, it’s not reasonable for most tasks.

If you struggle with perfection, ask yourself if good enough is good enough the next time you’re working on a project. Work toward excellence when a job merits the extra effort.

What are your thoughts on perfectionism? Do you have ideas for people who want to limit their perfection seeking? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Resuming Routines

2012-01-17T15:46:00.000-05:00

Recently I spent three weeks out of the office, traveling for business. Although I enjoyed the work, being away from home was stressful.

I have created routines that keep my home and business running smoothly. When I had to revise the routines to make them work while I was on the road, there were some breakdowns.

I thought that when I returned to the office, I would fall right back into my old routine. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen that way.

Before I could start anything new, I had to deal with the clutter that accumulated: unopened mail, items I brought back from the trip, laundry, etc. I had to take action on email I left in the inbox and update my calendar.

All of these tasks had to be completed rather quickly so I could prepare for upcoming presentations and client meetings.

Now that I’m confident I’ve caught up with the backlog, I have to retrain myself to use the systems I created. The habits I’ve established help me maintain focus and productivity.

Routines aren’t rigid; instead, they allow you to make choices. For example, I usually spend time looking at the gowns worn to awards shows (honest truth!). This week I made a decision that viewing the Golden Globes dresses wasn’t as important to me as other things I needed to do.

Because I know what I have to do and what I want to do, I have the ability to choose my tasks instead of feeling pressured by time limits. Which tasks can you create routines for so you can spend less time thinking about what you should be doing?

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GO Month

2012-01-10T10:44:00.000-05:00

January is Get Organized (GO) Month^SM, sponsored by the National Association of Professional Organizers. Many people make New Year’s resolutions hoping they’ll make better use of their time and money.

I’ve written before about resolutions and how most people don’t keep them. Instead, start out this year with a new way of thinking – use January as your planning month and set organizing goals for each month of 2012.

Practice the monthly goal all month and it will become a habit, then you can add to your new habits each month.

If you need help determining your goals or making them a reality, call a Professional Organizer for direction. You also can find guidance in The Clutter Book: When You Can’t Let Go.

When you know what you have and where it is, you don’t spend time searching for things and you don’t spend money on stuff you don’t need. Here’s to a productive 2012!

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Use What You’ve Got

2011-12-12T18:07:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was my nephew’s 7^th birthday. He got loads of presents, which didn’t surprise me. What I found unusual was the fact that most of the gifts didn’t come with a standard birthday card. Some of the gift givers made their own cards, some parents used note cards they already had and one ingenious mom made stickers that she put on the gift wrap. One gift had the giver’s name and the birthday boys' name written right on the wrapping paper.

This time of year can be so hectic that buying a birthday card gets forgotten or isn’t important enough to make a special trip for. I hope that the moms (let’s be honest, it’s usually moms who do this stuff) didn’t feel like they were falling down on the job if they didn’t get to the card shop. Using what you have on hand or allowing your child to create something is just as meaningful as a store-bought specialty card.

When you find yourself unprepared for an event, don’t try to squeeze in one more errand. Make use of what you already have and, instead of feeling like you’re not doing your best, take a moment to think about how you would rather spend your time – racing the clock to do one more thing or showing up and feeling relaxed?

How have you used what you have on hand in an unconventional way? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Adopt a Shelter Animal

2011-12-05T20:13:00.003-05:00

Today’s post is only minimally about organizing. After much consideration, I decided to foster a cat for the Humane Society. He followed us home one day and, after a month at the shelter, was still up for adoption. He has settled in very well and gets along with everyone, which is fortunate for us in the event he doesn’t find another home. I had no desire to bring a cat into my home, it just happened serendipitously.

What allowed me to make the decision fairly quickly was the fact that my home was ready to accept a pet. We don’t have clutter that would make the house dangerous for an animal and we have routines in place that allow us to keep doing what we do, even with an additional creature.

He is very low maintenance. So adding the feeding, box cleaning and grooming only take a little work each day. Just like an organizing project, you have to deal with a pet every day instead of saving it all up for a time that’s more convenient.

If anyone is interested in finding out more about a lovely, well mannered, 5-year-old neutered male cat, please let me know. He likes kids, but not other cats. Please help me find him a loving home.

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It’s Okay to Say No

2011-11-28T18:44:00.002-05:00

This time of year you may find yourself overextended because you’re trying to attend every event, continue every family tradition and create a holiday season that is memorable.

Staying organized during this time of year takes some effort. One of the tools you already own is the ability to say “no” to commitments that don’t add value to your life. Consider which activities are the most meaningful to you and let go of the rest.

I recently saw this article, which is aimed at people who have ADHD, but the message is beneficial for everyone.

Take advantage of one or more of the phrases that the author offers. Set your boundaries early and often so you have time to enjoy the people and things that are important to you.

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Happy Shopsgiving?

2011-11-21T19:36:00.000-05:00

It’s that time of year again; time for people to lose their senses when they spot a “bargain.” Not only are people seduced by the idea of saving money, but stores are making it seem even more important to start shopping sooner. Not content with luring people in at 5 am or 3 am on Friday, many national stores are opening at midnight or earlier on Thanksgiving day.

Before you get carried away by all the stores promoting their holiday deals, read Michelle Singletary’s article about why the promotions are a bad idea.

Have a happy Thanksingiving and let us know how you were able to avoid the lure of shopping (if you did).

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Maintaining Habits

2011-11-14T16:25:00.001-05:00

Once you commit to starting a new habit, the hard part is maintaining it. Reminding yourself to repeat the new behavior may be the best way to keep it up. In the past, I have written notes to myself and posted them in places where I would be likely to relate them to the new habit. Unfortunately, they turn into wallpaper after a while and I would ignore them.

In The Clutter Book: When You Can’t Let Go, I refer to “hooking” a new behavior to one you already have. My challenge is flossing my teeth. I can’t explain why I don't do it; I have the tools, I have the skills, I just never committed to it. Sure, the week before my dentist appointment I’d floss like a maniac, but I didn’t keep it up afterward.

Last week I decided that it’s time to start flossing daily. My goal is to do it once a day, when I brush my teeth before bed. If I don’t do it, I have to make a deliberate choice and not just shrug it off because I don’t feel like it. One night I got back out of bed because I forget and two nights I put the toothbrush down and got the floss because I overlooked a step.

This may not seem to be a big commitment, but for someone who despised flossing, it’s a huge change. Most research shows that it takes a minimum of 21 days of repeated behavior for a habit to take hold. A little more than a week in and it’s starting to become routine. Before I pick up the toothpaste, I pick up the dental floss; if I don’t, it feels wrong.

In fact, I’m so proud of myself, I want to start another habit. I know, however, that you need to work on one new behavior at a time. It makes sense to take on a new challenge only after you’ve fully integrated the previous one.

What do you do to help yourself stick to a new habit? Are you working on changing something now? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Office Clutter – Two Views

2011-11-07T17:38:00.000-05:00

On the same day last week, I read two completely different posts about office clutter and how the writers feel about it.

The first one, Ruth Graham’s In Defense Of Office Clutter makes a case for mess. Actually, the author doesn’t have much clutter, (despite the picture that accompanies the story, which is not her office) although she asks if her office’s condition makes her a candidate for the TV show Hoarders. No, it doesn’t; however, she may be right when she asks “Does this state of office dishevelment reflect poorly on me as a worker...?”

It’s true that people have different levels of acceptance for clutter; however, Office Max released a report earlier this year, indicating that clutter affects us negatively at work.

Some of their statistics:

90% of Americans admit that clutter has a negative impact on their lives
77% said clutter affected productivity
65% said clutter affected their state of mind
53% said clutter affected their motivation
40% said clutter affected their happiness
35% of people surveyed said they would be “ashamed” if someone saw their workspace.

In Clutter Wars: Work Edition Chana Schoenberger says “too much junk on my desk makes me less efficient.” She goes on to say, “Clutter presents a problem of perception at the office.”

The Office Max study substantiates her claim, revealing that we are critical of others, regardless of what our own spaces look like. Seeing a colleague’s cluttered workspace leads 40% of people in the survey to assume that the person “must be lacking in other aspects of his or her job.”

What do you think is a comfortable level of stuff on your desk or in your workspace? Do you work with people whose clutter makes you discount their quality and/or quantity of work?

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The Difference Between a Collector and a Hoarder

2011-10-31T16:10:00.000-04:00

Photo from Charlotte Lee / Associated Press

An article I read recently reminded me how people get emotionally attached to their stuff.

Something that looks like clutter to you might be someone else’s beloved collection. What separates collectors from hoarders is the collector’s ability to maintain the acquisitions, often cataloguing them, then displaying them for his or her enjoyment.

There is a fine line, however, between maintaining a collection and having it become an obsession. The homeowners who were interviewed for the story admit that they work to keep their collections from overtaking their homes.

“We seem like normal people, until you see our basement.” - Charlotte Lee

In the article, interior designer Sandra Espinet encourages people to live with their collections, although she does recommend rotating items in the collection and editing so that the best examples are displayed.

Do you have a collection that you enjoy? How do you display it? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Let Go of Perfection - Avoid Depression

2011-10-24T19:38:00.001-04:00

According to research conducted recently by the University of Washington, women who buy into the “supermom” myth could have a greater risk for depression.

The women were asked about their views on work-life balance when they were younger, before they had children; they were tested for symptoms of depression when they were 40.

The ones who believed they would be able to seamlessly combine employment with family life had greater risk for depression than those who had a “more realistic view.”

“You can happily combine child rearing and a career, if you’re willing to let some things slide,” says Katrina Leupp, a sociology graduate student who led the study.

The article, Less Depression for Working Moms Who Expect That They ‘Can’t Do It All’, is available here.

Whether or not you are a parent, realize that you are capable of doing only do so much. Getting the essential things done is more important than getting everything done. Knowing what is essential can be a challenge, especially when you have multiple commitments.

What can you stop doing that will allow you to focus on your family and/or work more? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Decision Fatigue

2011-10-17T17:24:00.001-04:00

Every day you’re asked to make decisions. You need to decide what to eat, what to wear, what to do with your time and how to spend your money, among other choices.

In The Clutter Book: When You Can’t Let Go, I offer reasons people procrastinate, including getting stuck on information gathering and not being able to move forward. People may believe they want more choices, but faced with too many choices, they may become overwhelmed and unable to make a decision at all.

John Tierney, columnist for The New York Times and author of the new book “Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength,” says in a recent Times Magazine article

“No matter how rational and high-minded you try to be, you can’t make decision after decision without paying a biological price. It’s different from ordinary physical fatigue — you’re not consciously aware of being tired — but you’re low on mental energy. The more choices you make throughout the day, the harder each one becomes for your brain, and eventually it looks for shortcuts… One shortcut is to become reckless: to act impulsively instead of expending the energy to first think through the consequences… The other shortcut is the ultimate energy saver: do nothing.”

My clients often remark that they are exhausted after working through their clutter for a short time. I tell them that the mental exertion can be much tougher than physical activity. Tierney backs up that assertion by saying “…there is a finite store of mental energy for exerting self-control.” Pushing yourself to complete a project can use up your willpower, leaving you unable to make decisions later on.

When you are struggling with deciding what to keep and what to let go, allow yourself enough time to make decisions. You might be more successful earlier in the day, when your brain isn’t tired from other decision-making activities. In addition, Tierney learned that glucose needs to be present in adequate amounts to fuel your brain, so you can maintain self control. Set a timer for 30 minutes, grab a healthy snack and get started.

What tips do you have to improve willpower? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Living Large on Less

2011-10-10T21:05:00.001-04:00

Last week I read the story of Joseph Fonseca, a writer who took an unusual path after graduating college. Instead of looking for a conventional job, he decided to travel around the country and let his adventures inspire his writing.
He lives on less than $20,000 a year, and can pack everything he owns into “four medium-size cardboard boxes, a suitcase and one over-the-shoulder bag.”

Obviously, this kind of life isn’t for everyone; however, he makes some good points about accumulating.

"Possessions tend to breed more possessions. Once I started ridding myself of them, it became clear just how little I needed and how easy it was to live without."

Fonseca is conducting this experiment in itinerant living for a reason. He budgets his money very carefully and is always prepared for the “worst-case-scenario.”

"The fact remains, though, budgeting is only half the story. Even the most fiscally responsible person is going to fall off track unless he has a purpose, a goal worth saving toward."

His goal is detailed on his 10 cities/10 Years blog. I’m guessing that we’ll see a book deal soon.

Could you live this way for even one year? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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End of Year Challenge

2011-09-26T21:24:00.002-04:00

There are just over 90 days left of 2011.

Did you have big plans for this year? Did you make them happen?

If you haven’t met your goals for the year, grab a notebook and your calendar. In the notebook write down every single thing you want to do. Skydiving? Learning French? Tap dancing? Finishing a project you started? Don’t worry about how much time it will take or how much it will cost or whether it sounds foolish. Dream big.

After you capture all the things you’d like to do, choose one that you can focus on now. Decide how much time and money you are willing to commit to making it a reality.

Once you choose your idea, list all the steps you need to get started. See if you can accomplish your goal without filling your life with lots of new stuff. Do you really need to buy gear or can you borrow or rent first? You might have to make some compromises or partner with someone else to help start you off.

Finally, create an action for each step and put them on your calendar. Commit to your plan by spending a set time each week moving your goal forward.

Let go of the things that drag you down and create a plan to make your dreams a reality now. What can you do now that will make you look back and say that 2011 was a great year for you? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Get Ready Day

2011-09-19T18:44:00.001-04:00

As National Preparedness Month winds down, The American Public Health Association wants to remind you about Get Ready Day, the third Tuesday of September. The aim of the campaign is to help you prepare for emergencies, including infectious disease, natural disasters and other catastrophic events.

They have free emergency preparedness fact sheets, in English and Spanish, which you can download here and keep with your emergency kit.

If you don’t have an emergency kit yet, now is a good time to create one. You don’t have to spend a lot of money getting ready. Check the fact sheet for preparing on a budget. preparing on a budget.

Once you have a kit, you need to review it regularly. To help you remember, their slogan is “Set your clocks, check your stocks.” Put a reminder on your calendar to change your smoke detector batteries and update or replenish your provisions when daylight saving time ends in November.

You can learn more about the APHA and Get Ready Day here.

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Multitasking

2011-09-12T17:52:00.000-04:00

I’ve written several posts about multi-tasking (e.g., Defend Your Day, Information Overload, The Myth of Time Management) and and I address it in The Clutter Book, as well.

I recently read an article with a title that captured everything I’ve learned about multitasking: Will Multi-tasking Make You a Scatterbrain?

Dr. William Klemm, the author, states that many adults find it amazing that children “are such impressive multi-taskers;” however, he notes that using cell phones, the Web, text messaging, and playing video games all while plugged into an IPod “exacts a high price on learning.”

As I’ve mentioned many times, your brain can only do one thing at a time. When you think you’re multi-tasking, you’re actually switching between activities, which is distracting and, Dr. Klemm adds, “interferes with memory formation and what memory researchers call ‘consolidation’ into lasting memory.” He goes on to describe the Interference Theory of Learning:

Memory consolidation is often prevented when one event follows too soon after an initial learning event. Memory of initial learning events can be blocked if you try to learn two things at once. In fact, learning may be disrupted for both things.

He says that multi-tasking affects your working memory:

Multi-tasking bombards working memory with scrambled and unfocused information and probably keeps the brain from learning how to optimize focus and orderly sequence thoughts. Several studies show that intelligence correlates with working memory capacity, which under the best of circumstances is limited. Working memory is the platform on which you think. Over-loading this small-capacity thinking platform just makes it harder to think straight.

Need more evidence that multi-tasking is counterproductive? You can read the entire article and the studies conducted that inform Dr. Klemm’s writing.

Do you agree or are you still convinced that you can do more in less time by doing more at the same time? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Let Go of Constant Communication

2011-09-06T11:12:00.004-04:00

Over the weekend I saw the movie The Help and I enjoyed it thoroughly, except for the phone screen six seats down that was shining brightly into my eyes. I didn’t realize that such a small screen could put out that much light. Maybe the owner didn’t realize it either, but it was incredibly distracting.

Why would anyone need to use a phone while watching a movie? I’m guessing she was texting or tweeting or facebooking or somehow communicating with people outside of the movie theatre.

I’m not sure why some people aren’t able to ignore their digital devices for a few hours. When did it become necessary to share your thoughts with all your followers instead of sitting quietly and watching a movie?

I believe that smart phones can be valuable tools when they are used properly. I also believe that you need to have some technology-free time in your life. Learning to let go of hand-held electronics can be the first step.

Do you feel like you need to be “plugged in” constantly? Is it central to the communal experience? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Win the Battle with Procrastination

2011-08-29T19:24:00.000-04:00

People who procrastinate are avoiding something that needs to be done, even though it could make their lives easier, save money or further their personal or professional goals.

Here’s an excerpt about procrastination from The Clutter Book: When You Can’t Let Go

You might feel stuck or ashamed because you let people down when you don’t follow through. Just because you procrastinate about doing something doesn’t mean you are lazy. Maybe you avoid doing something because you think you aren’t capable. You might not do it because you don’t have the right tools. You could put something off because you have too many other things to do. Each of these reasons is valid for you. The objective is to figure out what is holding you back so you can get the job done.

If you are putting off doing something, think about how much it means to you. If it doesn’t add value to your life, consider not doing it at all. If, however, it’s something you need to do for your work, your health, your family or your happiness, start by starting. Take a small step toward completion and continue to take small steps, keeping the project at the top of your priority list until you finish.

People often procrastinate because they think a task will take too long. What I find is that they spend more time dreading a task than doing it. The energy you expend putting it off is usually greater than the energy it would take to complete it. In addition, starting projects and not completing them may increase your stress level, along with creating physical clutter.

If you believe that a task is going to take a long time, you might set it aside until you “find the time.” Unfortunately, many projects fade away because that “found time” never materializes. There is no later; you only have now. If you really want to do something, you need to put it in your schedule and make it happen. This is true of projects, errands, even self-care.

Wednesday is Fight Procrastination Day. Would you stop putting things off if you knew they were costing you money and opportunities? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Extreme Couponing

2011-08-15T21:22:00.001-04:00

I come from a long line of coupon clippers. One of my favorite family photographs is a 40-year-old picture of my mother and my aunts sitting around our kitchen table, trading coupons. My cousins, my sister and I are all couponers. I am always amazed when people say couponing isn't worth the effort.

According to this article in The Washington Post, 78% of American shoppers redeemed coupons on a regular basis in 2010 and the rate is expected to rise this year.

I’ve learned techniques to maximize my savings and minimize time spent on clipping and filing coupons. I get excited when I save a few bucks at the grocery or drug store, but I am an amateur compared to the people on TLC’s “Extreme Couponing.” I haven’t watched the show, but I’ve seen snippets of it and I am amazed that people buy (and store) things they don’t need.

What causes these people to make purchases that they have no use for? This goes beyond having multiple purses or pairs of shoes; one of the clips showed a woman stockpiling diapers and she doesn’t have any children. Having a few extras of foods you use on a regular basis is smart shopping; stocking up on amounts of food that you will never consume before its expiration date is not.

What’s your opinion? Do you think coupons are a huge waste of time or a sensible way to save money? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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The Last Word on When It’s Okay Not to Finish

2011-08-09T11:57:00.000-04:00

I’ve written about not finishing something when you lose interest in it and when it has little or no payoff. I thought I covered all the reasons for letting go of a project. Then I experienced my own challenge.

As I mention in my book, I love projects. I don’t always like finishing what I start, but I have been better about taking on fewer projects and creating deadlines for completing or discarding them.

I bought a really ugly cabinet (don't take my word for it, see the picture) for my kitchen, because it had great potential (the favored justification of the hobbyist). I took the doors and hardware off, primed it and have been considering paint colors. Last week I gave the doors one more coat of primer because I had sanded rough spots and there was some bare wood showing.

After the doors had dried, I stacked them to get them off the floor and came back the next day. When I picked up the top door, it pulled the paint off the other. I really wanted to get this done now so I can work on another project, but I have accepted the reality that there is no point in trying to finish while the weather is still so humid.

I have given myself permission to stop working on the cabinet. I have all the tools I need and I can pick up again in September, once the weather turns. Now I can turn my attention to the next project and not feel distracted by multiple tasks.

I am delaying work because it doesn’t make sense to continue it now. I call this behavior “productive procrastination;” putting off a task to work on another one that is equally important. Weigh the consequences for not finishing something and decide whether you want to continue or postpone the work.

What have you stopped working on that you can go back to at a better time? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Find Your Productive Self

2011-08-01T20:30:00.000-04:00

How do you get motivated to move your goals forward? You’re bombarded by things that seem urgent, but you don’t always get to do what’s important. There are days when you need to filter out all the irrelevant stuff and just aim for your target.

Aby Garvey, of Simplify101, shares how going on vacation got her focused on tasks that needed to be done.

The day before leaving for Napa, I was very focused. If something came along that needed to get done but didn’t move me in the direction of pulling out of the driveway and heading to the airport, it didn’t get done. There was no debate. No second thought given. If it could wait until after the trip—it did.

Think about the last time you were preparing to be away from work. You probably had some of your most productive days. When you’re alert to a rapidly approaching deadline, you don’t waste time on insignificant tasks. While you can’t fool yourself into believing you’re going on vacation when you really aren’t, you can try some tricks that will allow you to get more done when you’re feeling overwhelmed:

Create meaningful deadlines for tasks. If you’re going to get something done, set a specific time for completion. If your boss wanted you to do something by a certain date, you’d find a way to do it. Be your own boss.
Break larger tasks into steps and schedule them on your calendar. You may not be able to plan an entire event in one day, but you can make a few phone calls.
Ask for help. You can trade tasks with someone who doesn’t like to do the things you’re good at. Or you might simply need someone to help you determine what needs to be done next.

Tell us what you can do to stay focused and get things done when you don’t have a trip planned. If you really are going on vacation, let us know how you zip through your most important agenda items.

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Play games to win a copy of The Clutter Book

2011-07-31T20:45:00.001-04:00

I am so excited about getting the word out about my book. I am participating in BookBuzzr's promotion. When you click on the picture of my book, below, you will be able to play games and win points toward a copy of the book. Give it a try and let me know how you like it.

When It’s Okay Not to Finish, Pt. II

2011-07-25T21:14:00.001-04:00

Two months ago, I wrote about not finishing something when you lose interest in it. It can be hard to acknowledge that something you once had an attachment to is now a burden instead of a pleasure. When that happens, it’s time to let go.

Another good reason to drop a task is when it has little or no payoff. Have you been sending a report that no one reads or going to meetings where nothing is accomplished? Do you hold onto projects because you think you should get back to them sometime? Are you the person everyone else relies on to make important decisions? When you don’t get positive feedback from these activities and you can be sure that your health or your livelihood won’t suffer, give serious consideration to stopping.

You might may feel angry or offended when you send greeting cards to everyone who has ever sent you a card, but then you stop hearing back from some of them. Perhaps you volunteer for tasks that no one else wants to take on. Think about why you continue to do these things. What are you getting out of it? Do you want to feel indispensible or persevering or determined?

Before you take on another obligation, consider how you will measure the results and decide how you can end it if things aren’t going well. Do you have a project you would like to let go? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Consumerism vs. Everyday

2011-07-19T14:40:00.001-04:00

I saw this blog post and felt compelled to expand on it with one of my own. Dave Bruno, the author of The 100-Thing Challenge and the dave behind guynameddave.com, answered a question from his facebook page about consumerism: Where should we draw the line when it comes to resisting the excesses of consumerism and still live life in a modern world?

Dave answers that we are able to buy what we want, whether or not we can afford it, given the availability of credit. He goes on to say that we often equate “having fun” with spending money.

Should you get that thing you’ve been wanting? Should you go on that trip you’ve been dreaming about? You’ll have to make the decision… Experience life without the need for paid entertainment most of the time. You’ll create less bills and regrets, but more character and joy.

I’d like to replace my 16-year-old car. I’d like a kayak. In fact, I’d like a boat. I’d like a bike. I’d like to do more backpacking. I would like some new clothes. And I’d like a band saw. All of these things and more are things I could get . . . if I compromised. But too much of my life has been a compromise where consumerism is involved. So I’m being a fuddy dud for a while, in most cases. I’m imposing self-restraint.

I would add that we buy whether or not we need it and have room for it in our lives. When the time is right for you to indulge in a special purchase – you have the money, room for it and the opportunity to enjoy it – go ahead. Otherwise, think like Dave and exercise some self restraint. There will always be something else that you’ll want another time.

What activities can you participate in now that don’t cost you anything in terms of money or space? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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I’m an Author! or Make Time to Achieve Your Goal

2011-07-11T20:06:00.011-04:00

For the past year and a half I have been writing a book. Some days I worked on it more conscientiously than others, but I finally finished it and it’s now available for sale. I am so proud of this accomplishment and I want to encourage everyone to do the things they dream of.

People have asked me how I found the time to write a book, along with everything else I do. The answer is that I made the time. Any project you want to complete is within your reach. When you identify your goal and make it a priority, you’ll realize that you, too, have time to make your dream a reality. Dedicate a regular period of time to working on it and you will achieve whatever you aim for.

You can get a sneak peak at the book on freado and you can order a copy on amazon.

Please let me know what you think. I am looking for feedback as I create the ebook and the companion workbook.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to my success, including all the clients and workshop participants who continue to share their challenges with me. This book is dedicated to you.

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Happy Independence Day

2011-07-04T12:02:00.000-04:00

This year, create some fireworks of your own: declare your independence from cluttered thoughts and negative self talk.

I wish everyone a safe and happy 4^th of July.

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How Jamie Lee Curtis Organizes

2011-06-28T19:20:00.002-04:00

Photo by: Andrew Eccles

You know her as an actor and writer, but Jamie Lee Curtis is an experienced organizer as well. In the October 2010 issue of Good Housekeeping magazine, Jamie Lee talks about the systems she has created in her home, which allow her to “live more calmly and happily.”

She says that she did not design systems in order to be “maniacally going in the other room to put away something” but so that she can relax and do the things she truly enjoys.

"If the external life is super-organized, but the internal life is a mess, then everything is completely out of balance, and your life just looks good."

She has a sensible attitude about keeping things in order, too. “If you don't have the follow-through, your system is useless. You do it the first time, and then it's maintenance — like a diet.”

Thank you, Jamie Lee, for sharing your approach to organizing. You can read the entire interview here.

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Information Hoarding

2011-06-21T10:59:00.003-04:00

A recent question on an organizers’ e-chat about people who hoard information made me think about my clients who have trouble letting to of printed material. Magazines, newspapers, brochures, product specifications, newsletters, announcements, bills and drafts of reports all had some value at one time but are no longer useful.

Most of these clients are extremely intelligent and very well read, yet they believe that discarding the accumulated paper is like losing the information. Even though I explain that the paperwork they are holding onto is outdated or duplicated, they are unable to release it.

Holly Uverity, Certified Professional Organizer® and founder of Office Organizers, makes the point that “…you can’t throw the information away – all you can do is throw away the paper the information is printed on. I make the distinction between the information and the method of delivery – the paper has no value, it’s what is ON the paper that has the value. So, how can one throw information away? It’s always available and it’s always changing and being updated with NEW information.”

You can safely discard stacks of paper that you probably don’t look at, but are afraid to toss. The information is still available, but it won’t be taking up room in your space any longer. Having printed materials in your possession does not make you solely responsible for them.

I have clients who guarantee that the things they are storing cannot be found elsewhere. If it has been printed, you probably can find it on the Internet, at a research library or by contacting the organization that produced it. You might have a document that you believe has historical or literary significance. In that case, find out if someone can use it.

If you created and printed a document, how many copies do you need to keep? You can discard early versions that you’ve written once you have completed the assignment. Unless you write or design for a living, you don’t need to maintain printed samples of your work.

Can you discard written material that you once thought was important? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Father's Day Tribute

2011-06-16T10:55:00.005-04:00

I don’t pay attention to Father’s Day advertising because I don’t celebrate the holiday. My father died 30 years ago and I stopped commemorating the day. In fact, most years I forget about it altogether.

This time of year you find articles in newspapers and magazines about the best advice your father ever gave you. Sometimes I read them and think about what I learned from my father in the short time we had together.

If I had to rely on one piece of advice, it would be this: Don’t force it. My father was a very handy man and it seemed like he could fix anything. He was always working on some project at his tool bench and when I tried to “help” him I would often attempt to make a piece fit by jamming it in. I learned that you can’t muscle your way through a task; sometimes you need a solution with finesse.

Over the years I came to realize that “Don’t force it” can apply to other situations. You can’t force relationships. You can’t force thoughts or actions or feelings. You can’t force other people to do what you want. You can’t force yourself to be someone you’re not.

Those three words may be the best gift anyone gave me. Happy Father’s Day.

How can you apply “Don’t force it” to an area of your life? Has your father passed on a particular piece of wisdom to you? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Yard Sale Danger

2011-06-06T19:27:00.002-04:00

It’s yard sale season. Whether you are buying or selling, be aware that toys and other children’s products that are popular yard-sale staples may have been subject to recalls. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission reminds resellers not to sell recalled products. If you have concerns about buying or selling items that could be dangerous, check the CPSC’s website www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html

You can search by product type, category, description or company. While the government isn’t looking to shut down neighborhood sales, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re not passing on something that could cause a hazard.

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When It’s Okay Not to Finish

2011-05-23T20:10:00.000-04:00

Almost every day I work with clients who have clutter because they didn’t finish what they started. Part of my job is helping them understand how their spaces got cluttered and encouraging them to complete tasks so the clutter doesn’t return. Procrastination is the greatest reason people experience clutter; they just don’t get around to finishing things.

Sometimes, though, it doesn’t pay to finish.

When you lose interest in a project, you don’t have to force yourself to finish it. If it has an impact on your health or safety, find someone else to do the job. If not, choose to let it go. All of us have tried a hobby or activity that we were enthusiastic about initially, but that didn’t hold our interest. It’s okay to admit that you don’t enjoy something. Acknowledge that you are not going to love everything you try, but don’t leave the tools and materials laying around, waiting to see if you change your mind. You don’t need a reminder of an unsuccessful effort.

Serial enthusiasts, excited by constantly trying new things, often spend a lot of money outfitting themselves for their new hobbies. When they get tired of the latest pursuit, they drop it and move on to the next one. If you recognize yourself in that description, consider whether you can find a way to try new things without investing a lot of money. You can borrow or rent equipment until you are sure that you want to stick with your interest.

Do you have a project or activity you don’t enjoy anymore? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us what you would like to stop doing.

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Reading List

2011-05-16T23:33:00.000-04:00

Even though I’m consumed with last-minute publishing details, I still have time to read other people’s work. Most of my reading lately has served as research for my book or has been about the publication and marketing processes. I'm looking forward to reading some good fiction soon, along with books that are marginally related to my work.

I created a wish list with Shelfari; you can see my virtual bookshelf on the left. I don’t usually like gadget-type things, but I’ve enjoyed seeing what other people have on their shelves. What’s on yours? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us what you're reading.

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A Look at the Book

2011-05-09T17:26:00.001-04:00

As promised, here is a look at the cover of my new book. I anticipate it being available for sale at the end of May; until then, you can read excerpts here and here. I hope you find solutions that will enable you to let go of the clutter that is keeping you from achieving success.

Thank you to everyone who has waited for the book and encouraged me to finish it. It won’t be long until you can hold it in your hand (or e-reader).

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Finishing What I Started

2011-05-02T20:47:00.000-04:00

I have spent the last year working on a book, which I am proud to announce will be available for purchase on amazon.com later this month. I haven’t actually worked on writing the book for an entire year; some of that time was spent telling people I was writing a book. I let weeks go by without writing a word, but I told everyone I was working on my book.

I spent a lot of time thinking about what I wanted to say and I read about publishing and marketing books. The outline was there and I’d write when I felt like it, but I wasn’t making much progress. Only in the past six months have I put any real, concerted effort in it.

What changed? I partnered with another writer who wanted to finish her book and we talked each week about our goal for the coming week. I also realized that I had to schedule an hour every day to write, whether I was in the mood or not. Sometimes the hour became two hours; sometimes I would quit after 45 minutes because I was just making formatting changes.

Once I got into the habit of sitting in front of the computer every day and writing, I started to think of myself as a writer, instead of someone who was working on a book. Writers have deadlines and publishers who expect them to finish so the book can be sold. I didn’t have an editor or agent or publishing house to report to, just myself. I missed three self-imposed deadlines to finish the book, which really bothered me. I accepted responsibility for not taking the project more seriously and got back to work. Now I’m looking at a release date this month.

I am extraordinarily proud of my achievement and wholly grateful to the people who helped me get this far. Next week I’ll give you a preview of the cover and a little taste of what’s inside.

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Don’t Wait

2011-04-18T15:27:00.000-04:00

Last week’s post and this week’s contain intensely personal feelings in response to the loss of someone I have known since I was a child. They also touch on something that I try to emphasize with clients and prospects: Don’t wait until later.

Last week, I wrote about creating a video remembrance for a friend who was terminally ill. I sent her a card a few days later, putting it off each day because I thought I had plenty of time. I didn’t. She died two days ago. Her children told me that they read the card to her even though she was already in a coma. They believe she heard them talking to her until the end.

I had the card on my desk for almost a week before I sent it. I had other, high-priority tasks to complete, but I also managed to do things that weren’t terribly important during that time. Writing it and addressing it probably took less than five minutes. I put it off because I invested in “later.”

If there is one lesson I hope to teach, it’s that there is no later, there is only now. Do what you need to do to further your goals at work and at home, but remember to take time for the people you love. Do it now, don’t wait.

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Video Remembrance

2011-04-11T17:13:00.000-04:00

When I was growing up, the neighborhood kids ran in and out of each other’s houses. Most of the moms were home, so someone always knew what you were up to. Without getting into the whole “it takes a village” theory of childrearing, I have to say that I enjoyed being able to rely on other people’s mothers, in addition to my own.

I learned last week that one of those women was diagnosed with lung cancer. She already knows how I feel about her and I know how much she cares about me. I don’t want to buy her something at this point, but I do want to mark the end of a life well lived.

Coincidentally, I recently met two people who own companies that make movies out of your interviews, photos and memorabilia.

I think making a movie about someone’s life is a great way to honor the person. It allows the individual to enjoy reminiscing and it gives the family a little piece of their history to hold onto.

Would you document someone’s life? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us who you would honor.

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Donating Medical Supplies

2011-04-04T18:47:00.004-04:00

After my recent presentation at the Schweinhaut Senior Center, I got a lot of questions about what to do with specific items that people don’t need. Although there isn’t always a dedicated place to donate something, most thrift shops accept a wide variety of things.

I got an email from someone who attended the workshop and wanted to know where to donate medical supplies, including wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches and medications.

There are organizations that accept medical supplies, but if they are not near you, you have to pay to ship things. Most thrift shops will take wheelchairs, walkers and the like. Another option is to contact a local hospice or free clinic and ask if they can use what you no longer need.

She also wanted to know about what to do with unneeded medications. A few years ago I wrote about donating prescription drugs, but it seems that The Starfish Project doesn't exist anymore. Hospice or a clinic might be able to take unopened drugs. If you can't donate them, you can ask your pharmacy if they collect drugs for incineration.

Remember that medication, whether it's prescription or over-the-counter, should never go down the drain; it should go in the trash. If you are concerned about people or animals finding it, you can mix it with kitty litter or used coffee grounds before you discard it.

If you have a question, you can click on Post a Comment, below, or send an email to info@organizedbymarcie.com.

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Container Store Spring Sale

2011-03-28T20:47:00.000-04:00

The Container Store, home of the popular elfa components, is taking 40% off the free-standing systems for a limited time.

They are featuring a lot of their best-selling staples in their Spring Organization Sale, which is on now. If you’ve had your eye on something, take a look at the catalog and see if it’s on sale (photo is from The Container Store site).

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Do You Have the Time?

2011-03-21T15:11:00.002-04:00

It seems like everyone is stretched so thin these days, with work, family and social obligations. Sometimes it’s hard to find time for things you want to do, like exercising, reading or putting your stuff in order.

When people tell me that they don’t have time to do something, I disagree. You do have time, you’re just using it for something else. If you enjoy watching TV, can you exercise or work on a hobby at the same time? Can you listen to a ball game while you cook or clean up?

If you spend a lot of time looking for things, wouldn’t it make sense to block out 15 minutes each day to sort, trash and put things away? Even though it’s only a small amount of time daily, those 15-minute blocks contribute to a calmer life.

If you feel overwhelmed by paper, for instance, don’t focus on the huge piles that have built up; instead, start with this week’s mail. Once you sort, trash and put away what you need to keep, you can take a few of the papers off the top of a pile and act on them. It may take a few weeks before you get through your backlog, but you’re never going to find that afternoon you think you can set aside for organizing paper.

If you find yourself spending more time than you’d like on the computer or watching TV, commit to spending a certain time at it, then stop. You can set an alarm to remind you when your time is up.

You can change your habits and accomplish more in the same amount of time. What habit can you change to gain more time in your day? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Can Organization Keep You Healthy?

2011-03-14T14:32:00.000-04:00

Even though it’s almost spring, the flu is still going around and people are justifiably concerned about staying healthy. Several members of my family have been sick in the past few weeks and I have escaped the virus, so far. Repeated hand washing and wiping surfaces clean have served me well. In addition, being prepared has helped lower my stress level, which can increase immune response.

I always have decongestant, pain reliever, tissues, liquid soap and hand sanitizer in my house. You don’t need to buy out the pharmacy; however, it is a good idea to keep the basics so you don’t run out at inconvenient times. Remember that all medications, including over-the-counter drugs have expiration dates, so check what you currently have on hand. If you are going to store cold and flu supplies, keep them in a basket or box and label the container so you can get it quickly when you need it.

Soup, yogurt, eggs, applesauce and gelatin might appeal to someone with no appetite. They are fast and easy to make, serve and eat. Consider stocking staples that can stay in your pantry for a while and are available in single-serve containers, in case no one is able to prepare meals or clean up afterward.

What tips do you have that could help keep you from getting sick? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Using Apps To Keep You on Track

2011-02-28T17:01:00.001-05:00

Melissa Bell, a writer for the Washington Post, found herself getting distracted when using her computer.

In an article, “Digital tricks to tame an Internet addiction,” Ms. Bell cites computer programs that allow you to block out time so you aren't able to use email or any site where you find yourself spending too much time.

If you are avoiding work because you spend too much time on a shopping site or with your social network, one of the programs might help you fight procrastination.

You can read the article here.

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Happy Presidents’ Day

2011-02-21T23:27:00.002-05:00

You could celebrate our founding fathers by shopping today, but could you do something that would bring you closer to living more comfortably with what you already have instead?

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Nothing Says Romance Like Letting Go of Clutter

2011-02-14T18:18:00.000-05:00

It’s Valentine’s Day and lots of people are thinking about ways to surprise their sweethearts.

Forget candy and flowers this year. To really show your Valentine how much you care, do something different. Consider letting go of one thing that really bothers your significant other.

You might have been thinking about making the change before today; now you have another compelling reason – show someone you love that you are willing to let go of an object, habit or behavior that is causing bad feelings in your relationship.

You can present this promise as a gift, wrapped with a bow, or in a greeting card. Either way, put it in writing and let your beloved know that you are sincere.

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Doing It All

2011-02-07T22:26:00.000-05:00

Some days you are extremely productive and some days you are just busy. If you are moving your objectives forward, accomplishing what you need to, then you are having a productive day.

There are lots of ways to be busy, some of which are productive and some of which aren’t. Filling your day with unimportant tasks makes you busy, but doesn’t leave you time for things you need to do. Spending time searching for things can keep you busy, too, with the same result.

Some days you aren’t able to do what you need to because someone else is driving your agenda: your sick child, dissatisfied customers, insubordinate employees or visiting corporate executives. On those days, the best solution often is to reschedule what you can and use the short amounts of time you can salvage to get some priority work done.

Think about how you feel when you’ve had a tremendously productive day. A day like that makes you believe you can accomplish anything. Although you might be tired, you probably feel competent, satisfied, fulfilled.

Now think about a day when you were so busy you didn’t stop for lunch, yet you have no idea what you did all day. By 5:00 you’re left with the same list of things you started the day with. If this happens to you often, you may be over scheduling yourself or doing things you could be delegating. You might be doing things that don’t need to be done until a later date. Being energetic is good, but being frenzied is not.

Some people like to look busy because they think it makes them seem invaluable. If you’re not producing quality work, though, you’re just spinning around and someone is bound to notice eventually.

It’s important to find a balance between being idle and being stressed, with the outcome of achieving your goals. Being busy and being productive are not the same. What can you stop doing that will allow you to spend time on doing what you value? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Product Review – Drying Out

2011-01-31T18:32:00.000-05:00

Clients often ask me for product suggestions to solve specific problems. Coincidentally, two people recently were looking for dish-drying solutions. I found The Original™ Drying Mat for one of them who didn’t want to dry clean dishes on a towel.

I have been using Rubbermaid wire dish drainers for 25 years, along with their drain board, to keep water off my counters. I recommend them because think they’re well made, functional and they last a long time.

A few weeks ago my drain board needed to be replaced and I decided to try something new. Instead of buying another one, I bought a Drying Mat for myself at Bed Bath and Beyond. You can use the mat alone or with a dish drainer.

I am amazed how absorbent the mat is. The manufacturer says that it holds four times its weight in water. It is machine washable, made of foam laminated between two layers microfiber, and comes in two sizes, 16” x 18” and 18” x 24”. You can roll it or fold it up and put it away when you’re not using it, but I leave mine out all the time.

This inexpensive item is a great problem solver for hand-washed dishes. You could use a kitchen towel, but the mat doesn’t get wet or smelly and doesn’t need to be washed as often. Do you have a kitchen product that you really like? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Do You Have Too Much To Do?

2011-01-24T19:06:00.000-05:00

January is National Get Organized Month, created by the National Association of Professional Organizers seven years ago. The aim is to raise awareness of the benefits of getting organized and of hiring a professional organizer.

You might think that organizers just help people clear their garages or organize their closets. While it’s true that some organizers offer those services, there are others who work with people on productivity issues.

The goal of working with an organizer is to make the most of your time and spaces. If you feel like you don’t have enough time to do everything you need to, or you aren’t able to concentrate because you have so much going on, you might benefit from working with an organizer.

In honor of Get Organized Month, consider letting go of one thing that is not a good use of your time. Can you delegate it to someone else? If not, try giving it up altogether. You’ll save yourself some time that you can use for something you would rather do.

You can find an organizer at http://www.napo.net/

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Change of Habit

2011-01-17T18:57:00.001-05:00

My local branch of the public library is closing for two years so it can be updated. The good news is that there is going to be more meeting space, there will be more products to borrow and the building will be LEED certified. The bad news, of course, is that the library is going to be closed.

There are other branches, but they’re farther away and not “my” library. I actually contemplated buying two books today, reasoning that it would be easier than going to the library. After I thought about it, I realized that I don’t want to keep books in my house. I am trying to send out more than I bring in, these days, and I don’t really have room for more books.

I cannot imagine not going to the library for two whole years. I’ll have to be slightly inconvenienced if I want to keep to my core value of not acquiring.

What behaviors do you value, even when it isn’t convenient? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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How Long Should You Keep Paperwork?

2011-01-10T17:20:00.000-05:00

One of the questions I hear most often is people wanting to know how long to keep paperwork. The answer is, “It depends.”

It depends upon whether the paperwork is tax related.

It depends upon whether you own a home, a business, a rental property.

It depends upon whose counsel you seek.

I’ve recently worked with someone who was keeping tax paperwork that was more than 20 years old, someone else who had kept outdated wills from a former spouse and yet another person who had every utility bill since 1990.

The start of a new year is a good time to look at what you are keeping and see what you can let go of.

Although there are differing opinions, most money managers will tell you that you don’t need to keep tax-related information more than 7 years. A lot of the papers that people keep could be discarded because they don’t have any impact on taxes at all.

If you own a home, you need to keep documents related to the purchase of the home, along with any documentation of improvements you have made. If you own a rental property, there are additional documents you need to retain. Business owners also have specific paperwork that they must be able to access.

If you have been married, divorced, changed your name, become a citizen, have a passport or own a car, you may need written proof. These documents should be kept in a safe in your home, where you can access them.

If you have questions about keeping specific paperwork, check with your lawyer or accountant.

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Clean Off Your Desk Day

2011-01-03T17:34:00.001-05:00

The second Monday in January is National Clean Off Your Desk Day, allegedly created by Ann Chase Moeller in 1982 and added to Chase’s Annual Events calendar. Setting aside some time to clear the clutter from your desk is a great way to start a new year.

Here are some things you can do to find space on your desk

If you have things on your desk that do not relate to your work, remove them.
If you keep things on your desk to remind yourself to do something, schedule the task on your calendar and get rid of the reminder.
Put away files that you aren’t working with currently.
Put loose papers into files.
Put information from business cards into your contact management system.

The objective is not to have an immaculate desk, but to be able to find everything you need when you need it, without having to search.

What can you do to start clearing off your desk today? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Counting Down to the End of the Year

2010-12-27T20:22:00.000-05:00

Have you been successful at forwarding your goals this year? This is a great time to evaluate what you have accomplished and what you still need to spend time on.

My goal this year was to finish the book I started last year. With the support and guidance of great mentors and partners, I hope to have the book ready for publication in January.

The end of the year is also a good time to think about what you can let go of. If you have projects, commitments or relationships that are not adding value to your life, consider starting the new year by saying goodbye to them.

To help you get the year off to a good start, I am giving away a 2011 Quo Vadis planner. You can enter in one of three ways. Tell us on twitter, facebook or by leaving a comment here, one change you will make next year to be more productive. On twitter, include #obmcontest in your tweet.

Open to U.S. residents only, age 18 and up. Contest ends 12/31/2010 at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen randomly and will have 48 hours to respond after being notified; otherwise, another winner will be chosen.

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What’s in Your Wallet?

2010-12-20T17:44:00.000-05:00

You’ve probably read a lot recently about spending money, saving money and keeping your finances in order.

It’s important to keep track of your spending and it’s also important to keep track of all the pieces of paper you accumulate.

If you’ve been buying gifts, you have probably accumulated a lot of receipts. If you have to return something, you’ll need a receipt to get the correct price, so keeping all those receipts in one place is important.

The best place to keep receipts is not your wallet. It’s a good idea to clear it out every day so it doesn’t become bulky and difficult to use.

Create a place to keep all your receipts; it can be a folder, a basket or a bin. Get in the habit of dumping the receipts from your wallet into the receipt container and you’ll always know where they are. You can sort through the receipts monthly and discard the ones that you don’t need anymore.

Once you create a system for those scraps of paper, they won’t weigh down your wallet anymore.

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Ready for Anything

2010-12-13T22:55:00.001-05:00

Whether or not you live in an area that experiences severe weather, you need to be prepared for emergency outages.

A water main burst last Thursday and the water was turned off to all the houses on my street. As soon as I saw the geyser rushing in the middle of the street, I started filling pots with water, just in case. We were lucky that we only lost access to water for a few hours, a minor inconvenience.

Harsh weather has already hit parts of the country, creating hazardous conditions. If you haven’t already created an emergency kit for your home and your car, now is the time to do it. You should set aside three days’ worth of food and water for each person in your home.

In your car, it is a good idea to keep a blanket, comfortable walking shoes, a flashlight, water and non-perishable snacks in case your car is stranded. In addition, don’t let your gas tank fall below half-full. You could get stuck in traffic for an extended amount of time or you might have to run the heater to stay warm.

What would you do if you had no fresh water? Would you be ready to deal with a power outage? What if you were stuck in your car for an extended period of time? What is one thing you can do so you will be ready for an unexpected event this winter? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Makin’ a List and Checkin’ it Twice

2010-12-06T18:45:00.014-05:00

People take on more responsibilities this time of year and experience stress trying to get it all done. How are you going to remember everything you have to do? What can you put on a list that will save your sanity, budget and time?

The best way to contain all the actions you need to complete is to make a list. You can make a list for packing a suitcase, gift ideas, party recipes, places you want to take out-of-town visitors or any other group of information you want to remember.

Although I usually refer to refer to “writing” your lists, they can be on paper or electronic. If you prefer paper, keep all your lists in one place, either in a notepad, on a clipboard or in a file folder. You also can create a permanent checklist by laminating your paper list and using a dry-erase marker to check items off so you can reuse it.

If you use a smartphone or other electronic device, name your lists as if you created them on paper; don’t just lump everything into one giant “To Do” list.

Ta-da List allows you go create simple lists and check off the items you’ve completed . You can create and share lists with Jibidee or My Todos.
Martha Stewart and Real Simple both have lots of pre-printed checklists that might be useful for you.

Whether you write your own checklist or choose one that someone else created, make sure you keep it where you can find it and refer to it often to keep you on track.

What can you put on a list that will save your sanity, budget and time? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Tis the Season

2010-11-29T18:40:00.000-05:00

Now that Thanksgiving has passed, the pressure is on to create a perfect holiday for many people.

Do you decorate every room in your house? Do you bake dozens of cookies? Do you entertain multiple times between now and New Years Day?

This year, instead of arriving exhausted at the end of the holiday countdown, think about what you can do to make the season joyous for yourself, as well as the people you care about.

How would you feel if you gave up some of the things you typically do this time of year? Can you find someone else who can do them for you? Can you do some things as a group, with friends or family? Can you alternate hosting duties with someone else?

What are some activities you can let go of so you can enjoy your holiday more this year? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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The Holiday (shopping) Season Begins

2010-11-22T18:56:00.002-05:00

I grumble about Christmas starting the day after Halloween, but Thanksgiving is this week, which means the shopping frenzy really is picking up now.

I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t remind you that the holiday season is not about buying presents. Too many people feel obligated to find “just the right thing” for multiple people on their shopping lists, causing themselves extraordinary stress. Additionally, the search leads people to spend too much money on things that really aren’t necessary.

Before I am labeled a Scrooge or a Grinch, I want to remind everyone how they felt after last year’s shopping madness. Did you feel exhausted? Did it make you cranky and irritable? Did it take you months to pay all the bills? It doesn’t have to be that way again this year.

Instead of buying lots of presents, think about buying gifts of experience that someone will be able to enjoy and not have to store. Can you cut out the gift exchange at work or with groups you belong to? Surely you are not the only one who wants to spend less time and less money on gift giving this year.

What are some ways you can spend more time with the people you care about and less time at the mall? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Do it Yourself or Pay Someone Else?

2010-11-15T16:22:00.001-05:00

There are lots of times when you face a task that you really don’t want to do and can pay someone else to do for you. For example, when I work with clients who have lots of paper to be shredded, I offer them the option of taking the paper to a shredding company instead of doing it themselves.

You can have someone else clean your house, pick up your dry cleaning, deliver your groceries, do yard work, groom your dog or wash your car. Someone else can wait in line for you at the Department of Motor Vehicles or meet a service provider at your home. There are even companies that will pick up your dog poop.

You need to decide how much time and energy you are willing to spend on doing the routine maintenance that comes with having things. If you really can't stand to do the task or you don’t think it’s a good use of your time, you probably can justify spending the money to have someone else do it.

If you are not sure whether it makes sense to hire someone to do a chore for you, compare the cost to your regular hourly rate at work. If it costs significantly less than what you earn, your time could be spent better on more profitable tasks.

If you prefer to do routine chores yourself but you put them off, decide when you will get them done and put them in your calendar. If you don’t schedule them, they won’t happen.

Which tasks would you prefer to pay someone else to do for you? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Defend Your Day

2010-11-08T16:33:00.001-05:00

We each get the same 24-hour day, but some people seem to get more out of each day. The secret to making the most of your time is being aware of it.

Everyone has days when they go home feeling like they accomplished nothing, even though they were busy all day. The aim is to concentrate on meeting your objectives while also attending to the things that are important to your boss and your clients.

Here are some ways to advance your agenda:

• Protect your two-do list

No, that’s not a typo. Keep your must-do list to two things a day. Starting out with a list of 15 or 20 things that you want to finish within eight or nine hours is not reasonable. Ask yourself what are the two things you have to accomplish today and work to get them done.

• Guard against interruptions

If you need a block of uninterrupted time, close your door, don’t answer the phone and turn off your email. Let clients and co-workers know when they can reach you by creating a specific voicemail message for the day and an auto-reply message for email. If you need quiet time for projects on a regular basis, schedule the time into your calendar so that everyone knows when you are unavailable. Although it may seem awkward at first, people will get used to leaving you a message or email if they need to contact you.

• Prevent multitasking

Doing two things at once that require concentration will prevent you from doing either of them well. By dividing your attention, you’re actually taking more time to finish both things than if you had done them one at a time.

Although it may seem counterintuitive, think about doing less and doing it well in order to finish what you need to. You avoid rushing and making errors, which take more time to correct.

What can you do, starting today, to regain control over your day? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate?

2010-11-01T17:27:00.002-04:00

Lately I have had a number of people tell me they are dealing with the estate of elderly parents or other relatives. The big question they have is, “What should I do with all the stuff?”

We can sort and donate clothing and most household goods, but if specific instructions aren’t given for the things a person owned, how does the family respect his or her intentions?

When you draw up a will, you usually think about real estate, bank accounts and big-ticket items. What about personal items that may have monetary value, but often are sentimental pieces? If you want your loved ones to know what you want done with your things, let them know now.

I am often called on to give people permission to let go of things they have been given but don’t want. Wouldn’t you rather have your things go to someone who wants them? Putting your wishes in writing will make it easier for family members and your executor to make decisions about your estate.

The University of Minnesota Extension Service created "Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate? Workbook: A Guide To Passing on Personal Possessions" to encourage conversation about future wishes and to allow the opportunity to share stories about family history. In addition, their hope is to avoid family conflicts when more than one person expects to inherit something.

To learn more about the project, and to view free articles about starting a conversation, visit the Web site www.yellowpieplate.umn.edu/indexB.html

How can you start to collect stories about things you own or about family history? Do you have a way to let family members know what you want when you’re gone? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Saving for a Rainy Day

2010-10-25T19:48:00.005-04:00

I recently read a blog post by Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project, that referenced one of her “personal commandments:” Spend out.

No, it doesn’t mean you should go spend money, it means to stop holding onto something, or, as she says, “to trust in abundance.”

“I find myself saving things, even when it makes no sense. Not long ago, my last pair of jeans started falling to pieces. I made myself go shopping, bought two pairs -- and yet, I've still only worn one of the pairs. Why am I saving the others? Not wearing clothes is just as wasteful as throwing good clothes away.” -Gretchen Rubin

Often I encounter clients who share that reaction. One type buys something with the intention of using it “someday,” yet can’t identify when that day will be. The other type thinks they don’t deserve to use an item they have.

I can relate to that thinking even though I don’t agree with it.

I have always enjoyed writing letters and have purchased or received stationery and note cards over the years. Although I like to write notes and send them in the mail, I would save my “good” stationery and buy cheap cards to send instead. I loved looking at the beautiful papers and I was afraid that I would lose something when it was all gone; I was waited for an occasion worthy of using it.

One day I finally realized that if I liked the stationery so much, I should share it with the people I wrote to. When I got down to the last note card or sheet of paper, I promised myself I could save it as a “souvenir.” After a while, I figured out that I didn’t need to hold onto the paper anymore. It wasn’t adding any value to my life and it just took up space.

Now I use up the cards I have, instead of hanging onto them. I don't anticipate there being a worldwide shortage of writing papers. When I finish what I have, there will be something else out there that is just as nice. Last week I got a box of cards with designs from Frank Lloyd Wright that I am eager to start sending.

You can read Gretchen’s post for the entire definition of Spend out http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/2007/10/what-it-means-t.html

Are you saving something that you could be using? How can you spend out? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Clean House

2010-10-18T12:00:00.003-04:00

I do not like to clean. That may surprise people who mistakenly believe that being organized is the same as being clean and tidy.

My house is well organized, due in large part to putting things away when they’re no longer needed; however, I don’t enjoy spending time cleaning, dusting and vacuuming.

I do like to live in a clean house, though, so I have had to figure out ways to clean quickly and easily and make it seem less burdensome.

Yesterday I treated myself to a Reveal spray mop from Rubbermaid because my trusty Swiffer mop finally gave out after 10 years. It appealed to me because you can use whatever liquid you want in the bottle and you can reuse the pad. I cannot calculate how much I have spent on disposable pads, not to mention that they ended up in the trash. The nature girl in me feels good about this purchase.

Nature girl also likes to avoid chemicals, whenever possible. I tend to use vinegar, water and baking soda for a lot of my cleaning, so my house smells like a salad when I’m finished. I still use chemicals in the bathroom because I have been convinced they kill germs.

Time for a change. Last week I splurged on method spray cleaner. It costs more than my usual chemical cleaner, but I’ve already become a fan. I love the grapefruit smell, it worked on some stains I had given up on, and I don’t feel like I’m contaminating the planet when I use it.

I can’t say that these changes make me look forward to cleaning, but now I don’t dislike it as much. What do you do to make cleaning more pleasant? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Blog Action Day

2010-10-15T10:50:00.000-04:00

Today is Blog Action Day and the focus this year is water. While this might seem to be unrelated to organizing, it does have a lot to do with over consumption. In my speaking and writing I urge people to think about the resources they consume.

The average American uses 159 gallons of water every day; more than 15 times the average person in the developing world. Bathing, washing dishes, clothes and cars, watering lawns and drinking all use a lot of water. The average five-minute shower, for example will use about 10 gallons of water.

The things you buy use water in their production, too. It takes 6 gallons of water to produce one hamburger, 400 gallons of water to produce a cotton t-shirt and 1800 gallons for a pair of jeans.

People in the US drink an average of 200 bottles of water per person each year. Over 17 million barrels of oil are needed to manufacture those water bottles, 86 percent of which will never be recycled.

The average person uses 125 gallons of water each day. You can find out how much water you use, with the calculator at www.h2oconserve.org/?page_id=503.

There may be plenty of water on Earth to, but it doesn’t always get to the people who need it. Think about how much water it takes to make the things you spend your money on. How can you change your shopping and consuming habits to save water? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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The Money’s Already Spent

2010-10-11T19:55:00.002-04:00

I worked with a client recently who was concerned about donating things to charity because she wasn’t “getting any money from it.”

I tried to explain that when you donate to a qualified charity, you are eligible to receive a tax deduction. She didn’t see how that would benefit her. Like many of my clients, this one thought she should be able to get cash back for things that she had bought and used.

Some people are successful selling at yard sales or taking their things to consignment shops; however, they will not get back the full value of what they paid. Unless you have things that have increased in value tremendously over the years, you will generally get what the item would go for at a thrift shop. People who shop at yard sales are looking for bargains; consignment shops are looking for things that appeal to their customers, and will give you a portion of the sale amount.

The same question came up at a class I taught last week. One of the participants brought everyone back to reality when she shared that she had to sell everything from her in-laws’ estate and their (very expensive) adjustable bed sold for $25. To the buyer, it was a used piece of furniture.

While it’s often difficult to part with things you own, but don’t use, don’t get bogged down by what you paid for it. The money’s already been spent. You got some use out of it. Let someone else get some value from it.

How do you justify passing things on that you don’t need? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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New Year, New Planner

2010-10-04T22:33:00.000-04:00

It might seem a little early to be thinking about next year's calendar, but people often order their office calendars and planner in advance, to make sure they get them before the year ends.

I have used the Franklin Covey planner system for almost 20 years. I am currently using the pocket size, with the two-page per week layout. It has served me well and although it is fairly expensive, I hadn’t found anything else that I liked as much.

Until now.

I received a Quo Vadis Equology planner from Karen Doherty at Exaclair, Inc. Although the company is 50 years old, I had not heard of Quo Vadis until very recently. The removable planner is made in the USA with 100% post-consumer recycled paper, which appeals to the nature girl in me. The cover is made of a recycled material, as well.

It has the tear-off corners, to identify the current week, like Week-at-a-Glance; however it is much more attractive. I would definitely recommend this to clients, especially because it’s at a comparable price point.

The Quo Vadis has appointment times from 8 AM to 9 PM, with room to capture your daily priority at the top of each day. One of the features I like most is that it has a lot of room for notes that don’t fit into specific appointment times.

Like the Franklin Covey, the Quo Vadis also comes with all kinds of international information, maps and places to record finances.

Once you pick the size you like (the one I have is 6 1/4"w x 9 3/8"h), you choose the cover and the insert. You also get a removable address book.

To see the entire collection, go to http://quovadisplanners.com/

Do you prefer paper or electronic organizers? What type do you use? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Information Overload

2010-09-27T20:54:00.006-04:00

With all of the electronic devices people use, in addition to books, newspapers, magazines, movies, advertisements, etc., it’s no surprise that adults feel that their attention is constantly diverted by something new.

Katy Reid wrote an informative, yet entertaining article called “May I Have My Attention, Please?” Although the information is relevant to all adults, people over 50 appear to have a greater challenge filtering distractions, due to normal aging changes.

Ms. Reid refers to the “attention crisis” we face and to Linda Stone, who came up with the term “continuous partial attention” to honestly describe what most of us refer to as multitasking.

Starting projects and not completing them, along with shifting between tasks, may increase people’s stress levels.

To counteract “information-fatigue syndrome,” you can work on changing your habits.

Focus on just one thing
Finish what you start
Close your email program and turn off the alarm
Give yourself permission to avoid the TV/radio/newspaper/internet for a specified period of time
Spend some time in quiet reflection

You can read the entire article here http://www.aarp.org/technology/innovations/info-06-2010/my-attention-please.html and you can read more from Linda Stone at The Attention Project http://www.lindastone.net/

Just not at the same time. Please.

What’s your best suggestion for focusing your attention? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Digital Kids

2010-09-20T17:39:00.002-04:00

Teaching your children how to manage money isn’t easy. Do you give them an allowance? How much should you give? Do you require them to save? Do you have them pay for things you believe are non-essential?

There are lots of books, magazine articles and Web sites that can help you educate your kids. Most banks have programs meant to entice children to open a savings account. They often have brochures for young people that explain savings and compound interest; they also might offer information about checking accounts for teenagers. CBS money watch has a series of articles called “Money Skills for Your Kids” http://tinyurl.com/26h397z

If you want to give your kids an allowance, but don’t want to dole out cash, you can give them an electronic allowance. A free online system might work for you.

DigiBeanz allows parents to set up a list of chores or projects and assign a value to them. Kids can earn “DigiBeanz” and redeem them for items on Amazon.com. You can also reward kids for grades and for reading. http://www.digibeanz.com/

Zefty acts like a bank, allowing you to “direct deposit” to your child’s account but it doesn’t require any cash. Kids earn virtual money and when they want to cash in, they present a “ZeftyCheck” to Mom or Dad. http://zefty.com/

The PAYjr (from Bank Corp and Visa) has a large collection of articles and tips on using an online system. The Web site also offer a printable chore chart and online calendars to help you and your kids to track chores and their associated rewards. http://www.payjr.com/

At some point, your kids will probably get a debit or credit card

Even very young children notice that you can pay for things with debit or credit cards. By the time they get to be teenagers, they are accustomed to using their parents’ cards. New federal guidelines make it more difficult for teenagers to get credit cards, so they avoid getting themselves into debt that will take years to pay off.

At some point, though, they will probably get a debit or credit card and they need to learn that they don’t have an endless supply of money. You can teach them how to manage money with a prepaid card.

You can set up a PayPal student account where you deposit money and your child gets a debit card. You and your child can decide how the money is going to be spent. Your child can check the balance and get alerts by cell phone. This is a good teaching tool, because when the balance hits 0, they can’t spend more. Bonus: You can set it up so that your kid can’t buy online. Be aware that there are fees if you don’t load the card directly from PayPal. http://tinyurl.com/2aeef7q

There are numerous other prepaid cards available, almost all of which come loaded with fees. While these cards can be excellent teaching tools, keep in mind how much they will cost you before you sign up.

What’s your best financial advice for kids? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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How to be a Real Cheapskate

2010-09-13T18:14:00.000-04:00

In a recent online article called “20 Rules to Live by for Cheapskates” there were three notions that stood out for me. Consider the writers’ thoughts before you make any purchase.

Think about the real cost of what you buy. Sarah Gilbert suggests keeping in mind the environmental impact of the things you buy. She notes, "What's going to happen to it? And will this only last long enough to use a half dozen times before it ends up in the trash? Is all of this worth it? This usually keeps me from buying ... almost everything."

Don't buy what you can't use up. Jason Cochran suggests, "Don't keep subscribing to HBO if you only watch a movie a month. If you rarely haul yourself to your gym, figure out how to exercise at home. Don't splurge on a hotel room with a fantastic view if you're going to be out exploring all day. And don't buy food in bulk if you don't eat it up and it can spoil. If you spend only for the stuff you actually use, you'll be astounded how much fat can be trimmed from your budget."

Think before you buy. She recommends, "Pause before you buy anything and ask: Do I need it? Where will I put it? What happens if I do buy it? What happens if I don't?"

You can read all 20 rules here: www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/09/06/20-rules-to-live-by-for-cheapskates

You don’t have to be a cheapskate to be smart about money. What’s your favorite way to save money? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Are you Ready?

2010-09-07T09:58:00.001-04:00

September is National Preparedness Month, an annual event sponsored by the Ready Campaign, in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Ad Council. The purpose is to encourage you to prepare for emergencies at home, at work and in your community.

If you haven’t created an emergency plan for yourself and your family yet, consider doing it this week. You can find free resources online, from the federal government and your local municipality. The official Website for the event is http://www.ready.gov/ and it contains lists to help you come up with an emergency plan and create an emergency kit.

If you are concerned about storing three days’ worth of food, you can purchase individual packages of food, drinks, condiments and personal care products, along with complete kits at www.minimus.biz/default.aspx.

Do you have an emergency plan in place? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Everybody Loves a Bargain

2010-08-23T16:40:00.000-04:00

With all the discouraging economic news, it seems that many Americans have begun to adopt some of the principles of thriftiness. Experts predict that the behaviors will not stick once the economy turns around; instead, people are making a short-term change to avoid living with debt.

“In their heart of hearts, Americans seem born to spend."

In a Washington Post article, writers Janet Bodnar and Carmen Huddleston contend that Americans are “born to spend.” They support that idea with research from Carnegie Mellon University that says the anticipation of buying something you want creates a pleasure response in the brain.

Conversely, the research discovered that the thought of paying a high price for the item creates a pain response.

The result is that more people are shopping for things on sale and spending more in discount stores.

Saving money is great, if you’re buying what you truly need. If you congratulate yourself for the deal you scored on something unnecessary, it’s not a bargain at any price. Before you go shopping for anything, keep in mind what you already have and treat the pleasure centers of your brain to some other activity.

Read the article here http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/10/AR2010071000153.html

Do you think the “new frugality” is here to stay ? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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News from the Batcave

2010-08-17T16:42:00.000-04:00

Within 10 days I had two wildlife specialists in my house responding to two bat sightings. Since then, I had some modifications made to ensure the bats aren’t able to return.

Although I am still walking around in a state of moderate anxiety, I am slowly moving toward acceptance that the bats are gone and not coming back. The worst part of this experience has been the feeling that I am not comfortable in my own home. I didn’t want my family to be in the house and I couldn’t sleep here.

The only good thing to come out of it, as far as I can see, is the knowledge that my lack of clutter leaves little room for creatures to hide. If I had overstuffed closets and clutter piled up around the house, the bat hunters wouldn’t have been able to do their jobs easily. In addition, I would be even more concerned than I already am that the bat family was still lodging here.

With no bats seen in the last week, what I need now is a good night’s sleep.

If you had to have a technician or other unexpected visitor come into your home immediately, would you be confident or would you feel embarassed? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us about it.

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How Small Can You Go?

2010-08-12T12:03:00.002-04:00

I am fascinated by small homes. There is less to take care of and you make less of an impact on the environment. Of course, there's also less you can live with.

The EDGE, (Experimental Dwelling for a Greener Environment) is a microdwelling in Bayfield, Wisconsin. It is only 320 square feet plus two 80-square-foot sleeping lofts. On the main level are a bathroom, kitchen, living area and a small amount of storage.

Mary Louise Schumacher, a writer, spent a weekend in the tiny house and wasn't sure she would be able to live in such a small space. At the end of her stay, she mused

"In the end, this petite home asks a monumental question: What do we truly need to be happy? More than that, it suggests that it may be a lot less than we imagine."

View details, along with photos and a video at http://content.usatoday.com/communities/greenhouse/post/2010/07/tiny-home-lives-large/1

(The photo of the house is by Dan Hoffman.)

Could you live in such a small space? What would you be the most important thing that you would have to take with you? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us about it.

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Do it Your Way

2010-08-02T20:24:00.001-04:00

When I work with clients, they often want to know how other people handle a situation or what other people do with their clutter. I always wonder why they want to know what someone else does. Is it because they’re looking for new ideas? Or is it validate what they’re already doing? Maybe it’s because people like to be like others, to fit in.

I usually say that it doesn’t matter what other people do, because their circumstances are going to be different. No one is going to have the same space, configuration, furniture, storage, items, and financial state that you do.

The best plan is to for you to think about how your stuff can work optimally for you, given the space and financial limitations you have, along with the style you like and the way you use things.

For example, I like to alphabetize. Other people might prefer to separate spices by baking and cooking or to group books or movies by type. If I didn’t alphabetize my CDs, I’d never know what I had or where a particular one was. That’s my style and it doesn’t work for everyone.

The next time you think about clearing clutter and starting over with a system, don’t worry about what other people do. What works for you? Then, just get started.

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Design Your Dorm

2010-07-26T18:30:00.001-04:00

I thought I had nothing more to say about dorm living, then I found out about http://www.designyourdorm.com/. There’s a lot to think about when you’re moving into your first dorm room. If you’ve never lived in a small space with another person, can you make it work? Will you get along? Will you have the same design sensibilities?

When you go to the Website, you can put in the name of your school and residence hall. The site says it has over 140 schools in its database. If your school isn’t one of them, you can still use the tool; you’ll just have to put in the dimensions of the room. You will be able to see a 3-D rendering of your space and you can decorate it virtually.

In addition, you can purchase products(the site is affiliated with Amazon.com) and have them shipped directly to your dorm , which is handy for students who are going to school far from home.

While the site ostensibly is about communication between roommates, there is a lot of emphasis on buying stuff. Think about what you really need, and what really fits, before you make any purchases.

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Back to School Shopping

2010-07-20T14:51:00.002-04:00

I used to love when the back to school catalogs and magazine articles came out. I would dream about the upcoming cooler weather and new clothes.

The ads now come earlier than I remember, somehow.

Maybe it’s because so many people go to college now and there is an entire industry built around outfitting them. While most of the things pitched at college students seem like a waste of money, there are a few things that actually could be useful.

Bed Bath & Beyond offers a Dorm Space Saver, reminiscent of the tower that goes over the toilet in the bathroom. This one goes at the head of the bed and has places for a drink, lamp, book and alarm clock, among other things. Since dorm rooms are small and don’t usually have beside tables, this piece is very functional.

If that is out of your price range or it’s not your style, they also sell a “Gearbox Sport” bedside caddy, which holds tissues, reading material, a drink and the requisite electronic devices.

As for all the other things the ads make you believe are essential, forget it. I mean, really, does anyone need a Snuggie?

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Finish One Thing

2010-07-06T13:10:00.000-04:00

I had company over 4th of July weekend and I wanted my home to look nice. I had several unfinished projects that I wanted to complete so that my cousin would enjoy her stay and I could feel like a host instead of a construction worker.

Of course, the best of intentions don’t always make things happen. I was fretting and flitting from project to project, which included finishing a wedding present for the weekend, too. I finally realized that I had set unrealistic timelines to get all the things done. My cousin would be happy to stay with me, even though the bathroom hadn’t been painted and I could go to the wedding without the gift in hand.

Once I made the commitment to just finish scraping the wallpaper in the guest bathroom, I could relax. I scheduled the work into my day and got it done on time. I worked on the gift when I needed a break, enjoying the process, instead of trying to finish it all in a frenzy of late-night sewing.

The curtains didn’t go up in the living room, among other tasks, but it didn’t matter. What’s important is spending time with people you care about, not whether you have finished all your outstanding projects. There will always be more to do, but time to enjoy family and friends is fleeting.

Can you pick just one thing to finish? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us about it.

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Clutter vs Collections

2010-06-29T10:47:00.000-04:00

I was at the grocery store yesterday and I picked up a home decorating magazine while I waited to check out. The cover featured a breathtakingly beautiful room, the walls of which were filled with floor-to-ceiling open bookcases. The shelving was painted a bright white and held a collection of blue and green vintage pottery.

The vases, bowls and other pieces were artfully arranged, with lots of room between them. I was instantly hit with the idea that I wanted to live that way, surrounded by those beautiful ceramic objects. I could find them at flea markets and thrift shops and I could display them on open shelving in my living room.

Then I snapped out of it.

What was I thinking? I don’t want to live that way. I don’t like to dust stuff. I don’t want to have things, even if they are beautiful, that I don’t use on a regular basis. And I can’t see myself spending time sitting in my living room, admiring the walls.

I actually have a few pieces of vintage pottery, but I use them; I don’t see them as a “collection.” The idea of starting a collection of things just to look at makes me feel uncomfortable. I used to have lots of collections, from teapots to baskets to quilts. I got rid of most of them, keeping one or two things that I really liked. The problem with collecting is that you always need to have “one more.” Now I am satisfied with what I have.

Do you have a collection? What do you collect? How do you display them? How do your collections make you feel? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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What’s in Your Closet?

2010-06-21T18:48:00.000-04:00

Recently I have been working with clients who did big clothing purges. They can’t figure out how they had so much clothing to begin with, and are amazed when they see the amount of clothes they chose not to keep. Shopping mistakes, gaining or losing weight, or just changing taste all contribute to clothing overflow if you put off dealing with them.

What’s most astounding is that there is still plenty of clothing left for them to wear after they pick the things they want to keep. I have not yet had a client who needed to restock after a clothing purge; rather, they found that they were able to access and enjoy the clothes that made them look good and feel good without having to search through things they weren’t wearing at all.

Research shows that we wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time. If you are hanging onto clothes that don’t fit, don’t look good or don’t feel good, ask yourself if it’s time to pass them on. Someone else can benefit from the things you aren’t wearing and you gain space.

Full disclosure: I still have a teal textured leather miniskirt that I know I will never wear again. I had so much fun with it, 25 years ago, when it fit. I cannot imagine wearing it again, but when I see it hanging in the closet, it makes me smile. I think it’s time to let it find a new home.What’s in your closet that you’ll never wear? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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To Find it, Put it Away

2010-06-14T17:54:00.003-04:00

I have been wearing eyeglasses since I was in junior high. During that very long time, I have never lost a pair of glasses. Not when I only used them for seeing the blackboard at school or watching TV or (eventually) driving. I lost my first pair of glasses the week after I turned 50. And they were only a few months old. It was the day before Christmas and I drove all over town, retracing my errand-running steps. No luck.

The reason I’m telling you this is that I almost lost the replacement pair recently. That would have been two pairs in less than six months; a new world’s record for me. I hardly ever lose anything, actually, so it was truly shocking. I realized that my glasses flipped out of the outside pocket in my purse, which I usually keep zipped. I’m guessing that’s how I lost the first pair, too.

Although I often am accused of being compulsive about putting things away, I know that if I put my eyeglasses in the pocket and zip it closed, they’ll be there the next time I need them. I would rather be accused of being compulsive than have to pay for another pair of glasses.

If you habitually lose things, figure out where you are going to keep them when you are not using them. Be consistent about putting them back and you won’t have to worry about what you did with them. What can you create a home for today? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Do We Need Social Shopping?

2010-06-07T19:56:00.001-04:00

There are Web sites that let you share information and photographs with a select group of people online. Now you can share with everyone how you are spending your money by using websites like Blippy and Swipely.

Because it’s too inconvenient to call up everyone you know and tell them what you’ve bought, you can do it virtually. Whether you’ve bought antihistamines or a designer suit, you can broadcast your purchases with a few keystrokes.

Maybe you aren’t interested in sharing your personal shopping adventures, but you want to find out what other people are buying. You can snoop on other shoppers by looking at their profiles. You might even find out where they bought something and what they paid for it.

To participate, you need to enroll and give your credit card information so the Web site can update your purchases. If you don’t want to hand over your credit card information, you could type in everything you buy. What I can’t figure out is why would anyone would do either of those things.

Swipely claims to “turn purchases into conversations” and wants you to “recommend purchase experiences, discover new places and products through trusted friends, save money, and have more fun shopping.” Blippy says it is a “fun and easy way to see and discuss what everyone is buying.” I am afraid that if you are that interested in shopping, you are missing out on a lot of valuable experiences in life.

Supporters of shopping Web sites allege that you can become a more responsible consumer by posting all your purchases. However, if you want to capture your purchases to keep track of your spending, you can write everything in a notebook or on an index card. If you prefer to keep the information in digital form, you can use budgeting or accounting software.

Don’t be fooled by Swipely when they say, “Our vision is to reinvent how people shop, share and save by adding value to every swipe.” The only value you are adding is to the companies that track how people shop and then aim advertising at them to get them to buy even more.

Do you think social shopping is a good idea? If you do, how would you use it? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

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Memorial Day Salute

2010-05-31T10:58:00.000-04:00

I was moved by an essay written by a woman visiting the graves of her parents at Arlington National Cemetery. It appeared in the Washington Post and, although it has nothing to do with organizing, I am sharing it with you this Memorial Day http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/28/AR2010052801966.html

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