Orderly Manor®'s Blog:

Are You a Family of Happy Campers?

2009-07-15T11:01:00.001-04:00

Here's a handy checklist I've printed out and used myself in preparation for camping trips. Maybe you'll find it helpful as well...click the link below:

Camping Checklist

Purse Organizer

2009-07-13T06:30:00.001-04:00

I saw this item in a Harriet Carter catalog and thought it looked handy.

Move from purse to purse without forgetting a thing! Handy organizer lifts out to transfer to another purse or tote in a snap. Multiple pockets plus a roomy center storage area keep glasses, cell phone, pen, lipstick, and makeup visible and accessible. Also has 6 credit card slots, zippered coin holder and key clip. 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" x 3" D.
$9.98 2 for $18.50

Quickie Tip: Putting Things Away

2009-07-09T06:47:00.006-04:00

Every time you are tempted to put something (an item) down somewhere temporarily, say to yourself: it takes just as long to put it where it goes. Instead of putting the shirt or toy on the bed or floor "for now", put it in its place. Don't wait until later, just do it then.

Yes, it's often easier just to drop an item on the counter or desk because you're not sure where it goes -- that should be a signal that the item needs a home, one that's predetermined so no thinking is required.

You'll appreciate the effort later when it is time to clean up!

As I Went Walking...

2009-07-07T06:59:00.011-04:00

I just got back from an early morning walk through the neighborhood, and as I was walking, noticed things that begged me to blog about them. I guess the title of this post could be "Outside Clutter" -- stuff in yards that make for eyesores. Certainly I get to see a lot of lovely homes and yards, but I feel bad for the few that spoil it.

It's annoying when one takes care of their yard but has to look out on a not-so-nice vista of a neighbor's unkept yard. A few of my observations from this morning (p.s. photos are NOT what I actually saw!):

crap hanging out on the lawn/yard -- random items like machinery, tools, mowers, bins or kids' playthings not put away: Outdoor Clutter!

Christmas lights (that one is just too obvious to say why it bothers me)

overgrown lawns or planting areas -- at least take a look from the curb and see where some sweat could be applied towards to "clean" up

holiday flags where the holiday was months ago

trash on sidewalk

bushes or trees that hide much of the house -- it really doesn't cost a lot to trim back the vegetation to proudly display your home

scraggly, broken-up driveways

Other than leaving my business card in the guilty parties' mailboxes, I suppose this venting will have to suffice. The lesson is: attempt to control the clutter both inside and outside your home. What you and others see when they drive up to your house is a reflection of you.

Quickie Tip: Halfway Through the Year

2009-07-05T08:33:00.004-04:00

We're at the halfway point of the year, so it's a good time to assess and re/organize paperwork. If you do it now, then you've cut your work at least in half by year's end in preparation for tax return time. Plus, it is always helpful to take a good look at your systems in order to improve them if necessary. Think of it as a New Year's resolution time but in July.

Go through files and cull out old or unnecessary items, be sure things are labeled, set up files, etc. Put systems in place that will work better for the rest of the year. Being organized means much of the work is done for you.

2009-07-03T11:00:00.000-04:00

Hope you have a wonderful 4th of July!

Cool Product to Share

2009-07-02T15:12:00.002-04:00

Check out this item I saw in an industry store's email to organizers: the Shopping-PadTM. Large in size (which is realistic but unusual) and inexpensive.

"A simple notepad that makes it easy to keep track of the items you need to pick up from various stores: grocery store, pharmacy, discount store or somewhere else. No more keeping separate lists for separate stores (and forgetting what you really need from where in the process)."

Sharing Online Organizing Newsletter

2009-06-30T07:14:00.003-04:00

For ideas on office organization, check out OnlineOrganizing. "This month's theme is about creating an organized and enjoyable space in which to WORK -- just visit HERE for these great articles, and more."

Keeping Track of Website Passwords and Info - Quickie Tip

2009-06-26T20:00:00.001-04:00

Unless you use the same exact username and password for every website you visit, you may find it challenging to keep track of Internet user information. I have seen notebooks created for just that purpose, but I find it just as easy to write or type them. The key is to keep the list in a convenient place near the computer.

I have our "database" of websites, usernames and passwords in Excel because I find it easier to type, modify, and reprint such a document. It is kept in a handy place near to the computer so it can be accessed when needed. I cannot tell you how much we refer to it!

A Book!

2009-06-23T16:05:00.008-04:00

I want to let everyone know I have published a downloadable e-book via Lulu called "Common Sense Organizing". It's 150 pages of organizing advice, tips, solutions and strategies for everyday living. Feel free to check it out: Patty's Book

2009-06-21T13:12:00.003-04:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

Cool Product to Share

2009-06-18T08:39:00.006-04:00

Ziploc, in addition to having all sorts of bags and containers, has a neat product called Flexible Totes.

"These soft-sided, rectangular, cube-shaped bags are great for everyday and long-term storage. They're flexible, so you can squeeze them under beds, into closets or onto shelves, and the modular design means you can conveniently stack them to save even more space. Ziploc® Brand Flexible Totes are made of thick, semi-transparent plastic that's strong enough for everyday use. Unlike rigid containers, they stay folded away until you need them."

These are a less expensive alternative to more permanent, plastic tubs and totes. Prices vary, but I found them to be in the $7 range.

The Simple Sort

2009-06-15T06:43:00.003-04:00

Sometimes you can face an organizing project or space that is overwhelming. There is so much stuff, so many varieties or types of items, and seemingly so much time needed that you cannot imagine getting through it.

For these situations I recommend taking the first baby step: the simple sort. Think of one category, one type of item or label, and use that as your criteria for sorting. For example, say that you have tons of photos to organize. It may seem daunting to just begin when you are faced with almost a lifetime of pictures. Let's imagine that you would like to organize the photos by occasion (although it could be by family member, year, event, whatever). Start with one occasion that you can think of -- i.e. birthday -- and then as you go through each picture, as you touch each photo, tell yourself to pull out ONLY birthday ones.

As you proceed, you're setting aside the birthday ones and the rest go into a "not birthday" photo pile. Remember, this works for any category or criteria you choose, as long as it is fairly specific and you can easily determine whether an item is in or out. You are not figuring out what to do with each picture other than which pile it goes into. Two choices only.

That way, when you're done, you have at least one category culled out that you can stick in a box labeled with the category. Every journey begins with one step....

2009-06-13T11:19:00.001-04:00

A reminder...Father's Day is Sunday, June 21st. If you are planning to get a gift or mail a card, do it soon.

Storing Towels -- Outdoors

2009-06-10T12:51:00.004-04:00

Here's an idea for storing beach towels this summer. We use them both for the beach and for the backyard pool, so I would rather not take up space inside for something used seasonally for one, and, secondly, that is not used inside.

I got a beige plastic storage bin meant for outdoor trash. The hinged top and latch makes it waterproof to allow the bin to stay on the deck outdoors. But it is also easily accessible for kids who need to grab a towel while outside. The bin actually blends in with our house color, but that's just an extra bonus. No matter what, the size and color are neutral enough not to be an eyesore.

My Fave Organizing Product Websites

2009-06-06T06:14:00.003-04:00

Here is a list of my go-to website stores for organizing products. I've made them all links so if you want to check one out, just click. Hope the list is helpful!

Stacks and Stacks

Space Savers

The Container Store

Organize.com

Organize-it.com

See Jane Work

Bed, Bath & Beyond

Home Depot / Lowes / Target / WalMart

Get Organized!

Home Office Organizing Tips to Share

2009-06-04T11:25:00.001-04:00

I thought this was a good list of tips for making your home office or workplace more organized: check out the link here.

Sharing $avings

2009-06-04T10:10:00.003-04:00

Now until Father's Day, save 15% on any order you place at Organizeit.com. Simply use discount code E2DAD3 during checkout. Offer ends 6/21/2009.

2009-06-03T06:38:00.003-04:00

Try not. Do or do not, there is no try.-- Yoda

Want Help With Procrastination?

2009-06-01T08:00:00.002-04:00

Here are some great tips for dealing with procrastination (by Jennifer Koretsky, OnlineOrganizing.com).

When a person is bored or UNINTERESTED, certain tasks and projects can seem like torture! This feeling usually leads to procrastination, and procrastination often leads to GUILT:

RECHARGE DAILY Procrastination can often be caused (or exacerbated by) a feeling of being drained and listless. Be sure to get enough sleep and rest each day so that you have the necessary ENERGY you need to accomplish your tasks.
GET A FRIEND INVOLVED It's harder to procrastinate when another person is involved. If you have a task you aren't looking forward to, invite a friend over to help you out. If you have errands to run, find a buddy who you can run errands with. Just having an ACCOUNTABILITY partner can make all the difference in the world.
REWARD YOURSELF You're much more likely to complete that boring task if there is a dinner out or a new compact disc waiting for you when (and only when) the task is complete. We often forget that we respond better to a POSITIVE enticement to get things done. Instead of using a whip, why not try a carrot?
DO THINGS IN PIECES Procrastination often comes from feelings of OVERWHELM. Break tasks, even small ones, into STEPS so that they are manageable and provide you with a sense of direction.
USE MUSIC Turn on some fun and UPBEAT music and let it pump you up! 80s music and showtunes are often great pick-me-ups that will give you needed energy to tackle your tasks.
DON'T BE AFRAID TO DO TWO THINGS AT ONCE Don't be afraid to balance routine or MONOTONOUS tasks with something that is more likely to hold your interest. You can pay bills while you watch television, or talk on the phone while cleaning up the house.
DELEGATE Do you find yourself procrastinating on chores at home like cleaning and laundry? Or maybe paperwork at the office? Delegate them! Kids, cleaning people, laundry services, administrative assistants and more are all available to take some of those BORING tasks off your list and free up your time for the stuff you'd RATHER be doing.
PRIORITIZE Perhaps you're procrastinating on a task because it's really NOT that important. Maybe you'd love to re-organize your book shelves, but never get around to it. If it sounds like a good idea but in the end it's really not that important to you, don't let it hang over your head. Just let it go and recognize that you wouldn't have gotten that much value out of completing the job in the first place.
GET IN TOUCH WITH THE END RESULT Before you begin a task or project that has high procrastination potential, get in touch with the OUTCOME. When the task is finished, what will that mean to you? What will be better in life as a result?
JUST DO IT Don't THINK about it too much, just jump in and get it done!

Don't Make it More Complex

2009-05-30T11:11:00.001-04:00

I originally wrote about this topic in Oct. 2007, but am sharing it again because the issue popped up with a client recently.

I once heard Dr. Phil say that problems may be complicated but solutions are generally simple. This is similar to when my mom used to say, upon hearing me tell her "it hurts when I (fill in the blank)", "then don't do (fill in the blank)". Sometimes things are easier said than done, but when it comes to organization, Dr. Phil's pithy philosophy works.

You can come up with a long story about a piece of furniture and why it is in your house, or what is in a box, or why a system is set up in your routine, but ultimately the 'fix' can be short and sweet. It is common for clients to want to offer me explanations, excuses and reasons things are the way they are -- that's OK. But part of my job as a Professional Organizer is to bottom-line it and play devil's advocate. What if we don't do something that way anymore? What if we got rid of that? How about we try moving this there and that to another room?

There may be emotional reasons that become obstacles to getting organized. You may not like to hear the simple solution but that doesn't make it less true. You may have to admit to yourself that you don't actually want to deal with the decision of whether to keep or toss. Julie Morgenstern writes: "Often, it's hard for people to let go of things they aren't using anymore because they infuse them with a tremendous amount of meaning. These objects come to represent another time, person, or part of themselves that they feel will be lost forever if let go."

You Know Those Pull-out Drawers in the Fridge?

2009-05-28T14:58:00.006-04:00

They are the plastic drawers designated for vegetables or meat or cheese or dairy, whatever. I am not a fan of them. I don't like them because they hide the contents. It's a perfect case of "out of sight, out of mind". Unless you remember to pull the drawer(s) out on a regular basis, you don't always know what's inside. That leads to things going bad, not being eaten or used, and thus waste.

I have been known to take out the drawers that come inside of refrigerators -- I remove them and use the space instead to put things I can see. What do I do with the items that one would put in the drawer? I use smaller plastic bins (without a top) that I label, such as "yogurt", "fruits" or "vegetables". Then we take out the bin, look through to see what we need, and then put the bin back on the shelf. You can stack them, too, thereby making more efficient use of space.

I do the same for the freezer, too, by the way.

Preparing for Summer

2009-05-25T18:55:00.006-04:00

Officially or non-officially, Memorial Day seems to kick off summertime. Luckily for us around here, the weather was warm enough to feel like summer. The day involved kids' bathing suits, water guns, paper plates, and plastic serveware. And while we haven't set up the kiddie pool yet, this is the time to start thinking about getting ready for summer activities.

We bought more sunscreen. We talked about when we'd install the air conditioners. We made sure we had the makings of s'mores. Last week I checked the kids' inventory of shorts and tops, as well as checked sizing of bathing suits and flip-flops. All part of the rite of passage to summer.

Along those lines, here are "10 simple tips to help you get your family started down the road to a clutter-free summer" from AOL Kids & Family Coach Rita Emmett:
1. CAR GUNK: Put a large wastebasket in the garage for car trash. If no garage, tuck grocery plastic bags under the car seat for trash.
2. SWIM STUFF: Swimsuits go right in the washer or draped over the side of the tub; Water toys go in a box outside the door or into a tub.
3. CLEAN REWARD: Offer a reward (a favorite snack; trip to the movies or mall; a new game) to every kid who puts away his or her wet gear for a week without being reminded.
4. FIX IT OR FORGET IT: Repair broken tools. If you don’t have time to fix it now, you never will. Get rid of it.
5. PICK YOUR SPOT: Decide on a location for all of your yard and garden tools and remember to keep your stuff there.
6. BLITZ THE BACKYARD: Set a timer for 5 minutes, gather up and put away the tools. If others have toys or stuff scattered around, make a new house rule: No TV, computer, phone time (or whatever that child loves) till they do the five minute “blitz.” You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish in five minutes.
7. TOY BOXES: Assign places for toys to belong
8. SORT AND DONATE: If there are too many toys, take strong steps. Toss broken or incomplete toys. Donate ones your children no longer use. If STILL too many, pack some away for a rainy or sick day.
9. PICK FAVORITES: Have “Pack Away Days” when the kids get to pick out three toys, games or books that were packed away but they have to give items to replace those that were packed away.
10. INSIDE SWEEP: Set the timer for 25 minutes and have everybody “blitz” -- race through the house picking up stuff and putting it where it belongs. When time’s up, everyone join in for a special treat -- a trip to the pool, fixings for a hot fudge sundae, a special surprise DVD.

When You Care Enough to Have the Very Best...

2009-05-22T11:40:00.007-04:00

One thing I have found helpful to have on-hand is greeting cards. Especially when you have kids, and they're invited to tons of parties, it makes it easy when you have one less thing to go out and get.

I use a card organizer to hold categories of cards, such as Juvenile Birthday, Get Well, New Baby, and Sympathy. I look through the sections on a regular basis to make sure each type of card is well-stocked. Obviously some types of cards are accessed more than others, which is fine -- once bought, I don't have to buy again for a while.

Not only does such a system work well when I need a card, but it allows me to store individual cards I come across from time to time -- ones I like but don't necessarily have a person or occasion in mind for.

You can buy cards in bulk at stores like Hallmark and Current.

The "Don't Want" Pile: To Sell or Not to Sell?

2009-05-20T19:59:00.000-04:00

The spring and summer are popular seasons for yard sales. It gets me a tad worried about people purchasing more clutter to add to their homes. However, for the yard sale host, selling the unwanted items is a great way to declutter. Many times clients aren’t sure what to do with the stuff they’ve sorted; they have identified what they don’t want to keep or throw, but would like to try selling or donating the rest. What are some options?

Garage/Yard Sale – The pros are the potential to make some cash while getting rid of items and that you can do it right at your house. Cons include: no guarantee of selling anything; your time sitting outside with your stuff on a weekend; costs of promoting the sale; whatever doesn’t sell, you still have to deal with. Often people wait until they have enough to make it worthwhile, so in the meantime, a pile builds up. And what about wintertime? Sometimes yard sales are worth it, sometimes not.
eBay – With eBay and the like, you can make money (a lot depending on item) from the comfort of your home. All you need is a computer, online access, and a digital camera. Unfortunately, you need to consider that there’s no guarantee you’ll sell anything. Other cons are your time to take digital photos, write listings, and monitor listing; cost of listing plus final value to eBay for whatever sells; if items don’t sell, you still have to deal with them. In my opinion, the things that sell best on eBay are brand names and unique/antique or collectible items.
Freecycle – The pros of Freecycling is that you get rid of items by gifting to someone else. You don’t have to go anywhere; just list the item(s) online through Freecycle.org and if someone wants, they’ll pick it up. Cons include: no guarantee that someone will want items; amount of time to list, monitor email responses and coordinate with person you’re giving item(s) for pick-up; sometimes Freecyclers don’t show, and then you decide what to do with item(s); not all towns have a Freecycle group; no money is exchanged.
Local Charities (i.e. Big Brother Big Sister) – I’m a big fan of this option for the following reasons: your stuff goes to a charity; you feel good about donating; you receive a tax deduction receipt; your item(s) leave your house. Depending on the organization, you may have to bring the items to the charity, not all charities accept all kinds of things or all the time, and for whatever they don’t accept, you have to still deal with.
Give to Friend/Family/Other – The pros of giving to someone you know is that you get rid of usable items to people that you know who receive the benefit of your donation. However, it might be hard to find someone who wants your stuff; or it may be time-consuming to coordinate the donation. Often clients plan to give things to friend or family but never get around to it, so stuff sits around at their house.

Obviously there are advantages and disadvantages to each option, and you have to do what is right for you. I strongly suggest that you consider pros and cons before you start decluttering, and limit the number of outlets for your stuff. Don't have 5 categories -- "I'll sell this, donate that, give that to Aunt Jane, save those for my neighbor Sue, and do a yard sale for the rest". It's unrealistic and slows down your process for reducing the inventory in your house. The key is to do something!