Simply Organized of NWA

Where to donate - Baby & Children's Items

2012-02-09T01:30:00.000-06:00

BABY AND CHILDREN’S ITEMS

Project Night Night
What they do: Reduce the trauma of homeless children with Night Night Packages of childhood comforts
What they need: Stuffed animals, blankets, and children’s books

SAFE (Stuffed Animals for Emergencies)
What they do: Collect items to give to children in emotional, traumatic, or stressful situations (like fires, illness, abuse, homelessness, and natural disasters)
What they need: New or gently-used stuffed animals

Loving Hugs
What they do: Send stuffed animals to children living in war zones, refugee camps, orphanages, hospitals, and natural disaster areas
What they need: New or very gently-used stuffed animals

Project Smile
What they do: Provide emergency responders with children’s comfort items, to help ease their pain and fear
What they need: New or gently-used stuffed animals, children’s books, unused coloring books, new crayons

Newborns in Need
What they do: Provide care necessities to local agencies and hospitals serving premature, ill, or impoverished newborns
What they need: Baby clothing, toys, and other items; also fabric, yarn, thread, and other supplies

Touching Little Lives
What they do: Provide necessity items to needy infants in Ohio
What they need: Baby clothing, booties, toys, blankets and other items; also flannel, thread, batting, and yarn

Ronald McDonald House
What they do: Provide a “home-away-from-home” for families so they can stay close by their hospitalized child at little or no cost
What they need: New toys, food, and household products; see website for details

Wordless Wednesday in the kitchen with Clever Container

2012-02-08T03:00:00.000-06:00

Clever Container

Junk Mail

2012-02-07T08:27:00.000-06:00

Avoid receiving annoying credit card offers that swamp you. Call toll-free, 24 hours a day: 888-5OPT-OUT (888-567-8688) to have your name removed from the list of the major credit organizations. Follow the computer prompts to choose to have your name removed for two years or forever.

Testimonial

2012-02-06T09:39:00.000-06:00

"I'm functional in this kitchen because of you! Everything makes sense. Thank you." - Casey B. of Fayetteville, AR

Organizing your family

2012-02-04T14:12:00.003-06:00

Color Code Your Home

A home color-coding system can bring order to your living space wordlessly, providing information at a glance without a miscellany of labels. Put hues to work, whether you're organizing papers, preparing food, or outfitting your entryway. With these bright additions, your living space will be far from drab -- and far easier to manage.
How to Color Code Your Home

De-cluttering in Feb. Part 1

2012-02-03T14:16:00.000-06:00

One reason people enjoy becoming organized and living without clutter is they feel more productive.

In just two weeks we've de-cluttered our entertainment stuff. We've let go of CDs we don't listen to and books we no longer read. They are now being enjoyed by other people who like them as much as you did. Great job! Now, we're moving on...

Many of us work long hours at our desk. Whether we work for ourselves, or for someone else, our desks seem to be the receptacle for things we don’t have time to put away, or that simply do not have a home of its own in our workspace. So, in February, let’s focus on our desk space and organizing our hours. This is personally something I need to work on too.

1. This weekend start by stopping the work day 30 minutes before “clocking out” to put away supplies, file loose papers, clear the desk etc. Keep only essential desk items on the desk (e.g., tape, stapler, pens etc.)

Once Monday rolls around implement this new policy at work. If you don’t think you have time to “stop work” 30 minutes early, think again. If you spend 30 minutes putting things away where they belong you will start a great habit. That habit will turn into more productive minutes each day.

I can't stress to you enough how we need minutes of time where we are simply thinking, not "doing". This new habit will give you time to reflect on the work you accomplished and the work you need to make progress on the next day. And guess what? When you come into the office tomorrow, you’ll be able to spend your first few minutes prioritizing in a less stressful environment. How does that sound?

2. Do not start the work day by answering email. Instead prioritize the day with a “to do” list and start to work on taking care of the most important tasks. If that involves checking for a specific email, add that specific “to do” to your list.

3. Keep only enough office supplies in your desk you need for only a month. You can always restock. I can pretty much say that every single client we have worked with has had an incredible amount of pens. I quickly go through them, testing the pens, throwing out what doesn’t work and setting aside those that do. Then I donate the majority because no one will use that many pens before they dry up. It’s ridiculous. Keep the pens you really like using, return the rest to the supply cabinet or donate them. Keep your desk stock at a minimum.

4. One last tip today is do not take back to your office every handout from every meeting unless it is pertinent to your job. If you need the handout later, there’s bound to be a digital copy you can easily get your hands on.

Here's to more productive minutes!

My dream desk

2012-02-03T09:29:00.000-06:00

Seriously, this is how I would build my dream desk because it is so versatile!
compliments of: Getting Organized Magazine.
Also visit the Orange Door Cottage for more photos of her home.

Where to donate - Clothing, shoes, and accessories

2012-02-02T08:44:00.000-06:00

CLOTHING, SHOES, AND ACCESSORIES

Dress for Success
What they do: Provide interview suits, confidence boosts, and career development to low-income women in over 75 cities worldwide
What they need: Women’s business suits and other professional apparel, footwear, and accessories

Career Gear
What they do: Provide underserved job-seeking men with training, career counseling, interviews, and professional clothing
What they need: Men’s suits, dress shirts, ties, shoes, briefcases, and other interview-appropriate clothing

The Women’s Alliance
What they do: Provide professional attire and career skills training to low income women and their families seeking self sufficiency
What they need: Women’s business clothing and professional accessories

Sew Much Comfort
What they do: Provide adaptive clothing to wounded service men and women in military hospitals (specially designed to look like normal attire while accommodating their injuries)
What they need: Basketball shorts, boxers, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and PJ bottoms; also twill, flannel, and woven shirting fabric

Clothes4Souls
What they do: Provide clothes to people around the world who are in desperate need
What they need: New or gently-worn clean clothing

Planet Aid
What they do: Provide clothing to people in developing nations, and fund community, health, agricultural, and vocational programs
What they need: Gently-used, unsoiled, functional clothing and shoes

Soles4Souls
What they do: Distribute shoes to people in need in over 125 countries
What they need: All types of new or gently-worn shoes: athletic, running, dress, sandals, pumps, heels, work boots, cleats, dance, and flip flops

Diamonds for Dreams
What they do: Grant wishes for terminal breast cancer patients
What they need: Diamonds, estate jewelry, and other specialty jewelry items

Indigo Rescue
What they do: Assist county animal shelters, and rehabilitate pets and place them in adoptive homes
What they need: Jewelry (for fundraising events)

Animal Guardian Network
What they do: Rescue and place homeless pets with loving families, and assist low-income seniors and financially disadvantaged individuals with their pet care
What they need: Gently-used designer handbags to sell in their ReBag Boutique

Wordless Wednesday in the pantry with Clever Container

2012-01-31T22:35:00.005-06:00

Organizing products by Clever Container and Ginger

2012-01-31T09:24:00.000-06:00

Source: littlelucylu.com via Holly on Pinterest

I can hardly take my eyes off this photo today. The shelving is so simple and easy to find at hardware stores. The "create" letters are adorable. Notice how all the containers are square? That's because they are the best use of space. Notice how there are chalk board label tags on the lower baskets? Everything is labeled which is smart. I like the 3-tier basket on the almost clear desk. The other storage furniture in the room is great. And that chair is so pretty and it looks comfy. It's a rare thing to see a craft workstation this free of clutter. Makes you want to work doesn't it?

Junk Mail

2012-01-31T08:24:00.000-06:00

To minimize junk mail start by contacting the Direct Marketing Association by e-mail or regular mail. Visit their website at www.dmaconsumers.org and go to Consumer Assistance. You can also send a postcard to the DMA, Mail Preference Service, PO Box 643 Carmel, NY 10512. Ask them to "activate the mail preference service". You need to list your complete name, address, and zip code.

Listing with the mail preference service will stop 75% of all national mailings. It may take a couple of months before you notice a difference in the volume of junk mail, but it is well worth doing.

Where to donate - DVDs and CDS

2012-01-29T08:55:00.000-06:00

from Getting Organized Magazine

DVDS AND CDS

Kidflicks.org
What they do: Create movie libraries for children’s hospitals and pediatric wards across the US
What they need: DVDs

DVDs4Vets
What they do: Provide DVDs to VA facilities for veterans in rehabilitation
What they need: DVDs and portable DVD players

DiscsForDogs.org
What they do: Sell used DVDs and CDs, and donate the proceeds to the SPCA
What they need: DVDs and CDs

Musicians On Call
What they do: Provide hospitals with complete CD libraries and players for patient use
What they need: New or gently-used CDs and new, unused personal CD players

Where to donate - books

2012-01-28T08:53:00.000-06:00

from Getting Organized Magazine

BOOKS

International Book Project
What they do: Promote education and literacy by sending quality used books overseas
What they need: Textbooks, dictionaries, encyclopedias, vocational books, children’s books, and more

Global Literacy Project
What they do: Foster community-based literacy initiatives throughout the world
What they need: “We are currently most in need of Pre-K to 12th grade reading books as well as Math and science textbooks.”

Darien Book Aid
What they do: Send books in response to specific requests from Peace Corps volunteers, libraries and schools all over the world
What they need: A variety of new and gently-used books. Please call before shipping, to make sure your donations fit their needs

Books for Africa
What they do: Help create a culture of literacy by shipping books to libraries and classrooms in Africa
What they need: A wide variety of new and gently-used books, generally 15 years old or newer; details on website

The Bridge of Books Foundation
What they do: Provide books to children in low-income families, particularly through foster family agencies, homeless shelters, underfunded schools, and neighborhood centers
What they need: New and used children’s books, from preschool through high school

Books Through Bars
What they do: Send quality reading and educational material to prisoners, thereby promoting successful community re-integration
What they need: A variety of new and gently-used books; details on website. Please email before shipping.

Books for Soldiers
What they do: Facilitate the direct donation of books to soldiers serving overseas
What they need: Books and magazines (as well as CDs, DVDs, and video games) requested by soldiers

BookEnds.org
What they do: Place books in inner-city schools, youth centers, homeless shelters, family literacy centers, after-school enrichment programs, children’s group homes, and juvenile detention facilities
What they need: Quality, gently-used children’s books appropriate for infants to 18 years of age

Better World Books
What they do: Sell books to help fund literacy programs worldwide
What they need: A wide variety of books; see website for details

January's final de-clutter assignment

2012-01-27T00:30:00.000-06:00

So you've started the year's de-cluttering challenge with me last week right? Here's the last half of your assignment while we finish up the entertainment area.

1. If you still have your undergrad textbooks, it’s time to let those go. You will still be smart without them and you don't need the books to remind you that you're smart and that you achieved something awesome!

2. Donating or recycling textbooks will greatly depend on the date you finished school! *I have a special post lined up for tomorrow on organizations that might be able to use your books!

3. Create a pile of books that you borrowed and have been planning to return. Their owners are going to be so excited to get their stuff back! *Even if it's been years since you've borrowed the book, don't be so ashamed you don't return it. Just apologize and explain to them your organization goal for the year!

4. Why not organize your books thematically, then alpha by author. Or, one of the latest trends in design is to organize your books by color. Now, for me I wouldn't go this route because I would never find the book I was looking for. However, some visual learners actually do remember the color of the book over anything else!

5. Donate all books to any of these places: Goodwill www.goodwill.org, your favorite local thrift store, or the local public library. (Also come back here tomorrow for global options)

Get all of your entertainment donations dropped off before next Friday! Because we're moving on to something else!

De-clutter and love your home again!

Where to donate: general goods

2012-01-26T08:32:00.000-06:00

from Getting Organized Magazine

GENERAL GOODS

Goodwill
What they do: Help people with barriers to employment learn the skills to find competitive employment
What they need: Clothing, electronics, appliances, furniture, and more

Salvation Army
What they do: Provide community programs, homeless services, rehabilition, disaster relief, and other assistance to those in need
What they need: Clothing, furniture, household goods, sporting equipment, books, electronics, and more

Vietnam Veterans of America
What they do: Help Vietnam-era veterans and their families
What they need: Clothing, baby items, housewares, electronics, small appliances, tools, and just about anything else

Volunteers of America
What they do: Support at-risk youth, the frail elderly, men and women returning from prison, homeless individuals and families, people with disabilities, and those recovering from addictions
What they need: Clothing, furniture, toys, and household goods for their thrift stores

Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation
What they do: Provide needed items to the poverty-stricken Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota
What they need: From school, sewing, crafts, sporting, baby, and office supplies, to toiletries, clothing, Christmas gifts, holiday items, bed, bath and kitchen linens, cold weather gear, crayons and more (see website for specific needs)

Operation Give
What they do: Bring hope and solutions to the deprived and disconnected people of the world, in many cases where the US military operates.
What they need: Toys, school supplies, art supplies, sports equipment, and more (Fedex provides FREE shipping from anywhere in the US to their warehouse)

The Help Kenya Project
What they do: Provide Kenya’s students with science, English, and computer skills to break the cycle of poverty
What they need: Used computers, books, clothing, sports equipment, and other supplies

Cause USA
What they do: Send gift packs to wounded military personnel and their families
What they need: Playing cards, handheld electronic games, current magazines, batteries, travel-size toiletries, and more

Forgotten Soldiers Outreach
What they do: Send care packages to deployed soldiers
What they need: Travel-size toiletries, packaged food, flea collars, batteries, tube socks, envelopes, trash bags, and more

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-25T08:26:00.003-06:00

Children's stuff - Inspiration Tuesday

2012-01-24T08:21:00.000-06:00

When it comes to keeping your children's belongings in order, stick to limits and routines. Simple strategies will help you and your children see the value in what is kept. They will help you teach your children to be more serious about the value of what they have and how important it is. You can't keep everything, but what you do keep will be important and valuable momentos that you and they will treasure.

Relocating to Northwest Arkansas

2012-01-23T11:23:00.000-06:00

Rental finding and area tour:

For the past year we have assisted Domestic transferees with global companies. What does that mean? Based on your needs we do the research to find you a rental home that fits your needs with a goal of securing a lease. Once you are here visiting the area, we will show you pre-selected properties so your time here is not wasted. During our day of looking at properties together you will also get a tour of the area. We are knowledgeable about the communities in NWA which will help you in your home selection.

$175 per day (based on 6 hours together and research prior to your arrival).

Top 10 Closet helpers

2012-01-21T03:30:00.000-06:00

In light of it being Clean Out Your Closets Month let me share with you my top 10 favorite closet helpers. After you've de-cluttered, consider these options for organization.

1. Belt hanger for tank tops. You can loop 12 tank tops and such on these and take up less space.

2. Shelf dividers. My daughter doesn't have a dresser but she has a lot of shelves in her closet. I use dividers like this and label the shelf underneath. We love them!

3. Clothing dividers. I have my clothes organized first by type: short sleeve, long sleeve, skirts, pants. I use these dividers to help me quickly put my laundered clothes where they belong. These work well in a baby's closet, esp. if you have one on the way. It's easy to hang clothes by size after baby showers and see what you have at a quick glance. These are also helpful if you participate in a local consignment sale. It helps keep everything organized while you work. Do you have a garage sale every summer? They are helpful for your shoppers too!

4. Versatile Scarf Holder. This is a wonderful solution for scarves of varying sizes. If you only have a few scarves and a few belts you can use this to organize both. It's a great way to remember your pretty scarf purchases so you actually wear them.

5. Flip Flop File - Flip flops can create a big mess. You can fit 18 pairs in this file! Have a craft closet? Store yarn in it! Have a bazillion baby blankets? Roll them up and store them here or fill the pockets with diapers.

6. While we're on the topic of shoes, I love these boot boxes. They protect your boots and also have vent holes to keep them fresh.

7. Jewelry File. A client of ours once said she always forgot to wear jewelry because she never saw it. This was the perfect solution. It has 48 plastic pockets. The hanger swivels so you can easily see both sides. This is also great for small toys or small parts of any kind. Sheesh, you could use it for screws and bolts!

8. Cabinet Cubby. I love these! As you see here I'm using them in my narrow linen closet to store extra supplies. They are durable, clear plastic and I can easily see what they contain. Use these in any closet or cabinet. They contain diapers perfectly. I also use them in my freezer! Seriously, I can find a use for these in every single room.

9. Over-the-door pockets. These are great for every closet and the uses are endless. In the coat closet the bottom pockets of ours are filled with gloves, scarves, and hats. I use the rest of the pockets to store outdoor chalk, bubbles, bubble wands, garden gloves etc. My entry closet feels twice the size because of the pockets hung on the back of the door. I no longer have a door to my pantry but I did have some wall space so I nailed one to the wall. It mostly contains cleaning supplies. Its uses are seemingly endless: in the playroom - barbies, in the bathroom - hair supplies, in the clothes closet - shoes, scarves, ties, jewelry.

10. Clear tubs. You seriously can't get more basic than this but most of the time there is nothing better! They are inexpensive and versatile. Purchase large ones that fit on the top shelves of your clothes closet to store out-of-season clothes. Get smaller ones for your craft supplies. Even though they are clear and you can see through them it's still beneficial to label them.

There's my top 10 faves for your closets. First, declutter and pass on what you no longer need or love. Then decide on the most efficient way to organize what is valuable to you.

*Shopping guide: the belt hanger, scarf holder, flip flop file, boot boxes, jewelry file, pink polka-dot clever pockets, and the cabinet cubbies can be purchased at CleverContainer.com/holly. Shelf dividers can be found just about anywhere online, including Amazon.com. Clothing dividers by Sugarbooger come in cute designs with pre-printed labels (types of clothing + size + days of the week). Clear tubs can be found at most discount stores.

Your 12 month challenge, should you choose to accept it.

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-06:00

I was recently introduced to Regina Lark at A Clear Path. Okay, I didn't meet her in person. I attended a teleconference of hers. Because of her call and because I have such great readers who are looking for help, I'd like to challenge you to work with me this year. I'll give you some challenges every Friday for an entire year to help you de-clutter your life.

Raise your right hand and tell me you're committed to doing these challenges for a better life. And if at the end of the year, or let's say even half way through, you're not able to do it because of this or that, you need to consider getting some additional physical help. Like, ask a decisive friend to help or hire a Professional like us.

Okay?

We'll de-clutter closets together, clean our bookshelves, manage our time better, and deal with paper clutter (of course!).

Aren't you excited? Join me! Since we're already halfway through January we need to bust through some things pronto! Let's tackle your entertainment "treasures".

Regina reminded me that the very beginning of a project actually starts with time planning. You need to first calendar the time to do this work. For instance, if you have many video and audio tapes without labels, and you plan to listen to the recordings to determine what they are, be sure to add that time into your de-clutter day.

You will need a container to store your giveaways in until you are finished de-cluttering this area. A tub is nice but any box will do.

Here are your first set of tasks:

1. Toss out all video and audio cassettes that are broken or old. Ask all of your household members to do the same.

2. Cross check video and DVD recordings. Keep one copy and donate the other one (or the rest!).

3. Get rid of CDs you already have mp3s to, especially if you listen to mp3s 90% of the time, and who doesn't?!!!! If you are keeping some CDs, Regina suggests this to help you find a music selection quickly: color-code your music library - jazz in blue, rock in red, classical in green, etc.

4. If you don’t have a turn-table, it is now time to decide what you are going to do with your albums. Either make a legitimate plan to purchase a turn-table in the near future or gift this music to someone else so the music can still be enjoyed. You can determine their value: www.gocontinental.com/pgde.htm. Amoeba Records will buy used albums www.amoeba.com. You can trade CDs, DVDs and books at www.abundatrade.com.

That is your assignment. Set aside time for these tasks. I'll be back next Friday with a new set of tasks to finish up decluttering this area in your home. P.S. Don't forget to bring in music/movies that you have in your vehicles to include in this project.

Children's art

2012-01-19T08:18:00.000-06:00

How do you purge, organize and contain children's art?

First, treat the process like it's a ceremony. You can set up a judges table, create yes and no paddles, give them a judge badge. This drives home that you are choosing the very best! Whatever makes the process seem positive and like more fun, do it.

File flat art in a portfolio. At the end of each semester, tell your child it's time to pick the best of the best. Pick one piece to frame and 3 or 4 to keep for posterity. Photograph the rest and discard it.

For 3D art let them linger for a while, until the thrill has worn off. Then discuss how some art is for display and some art is a "learning experience".

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-18T04:00:00.000-06:00

Inspiration Tuesday

2012-01-17T01:30:00.000-06:00

From: The Absolute Organized Family by Debbie Lillard:

Instead of passing on our stress, we can pass on our calm, forward-planning skills to our children.

Being organized doesn't just mean putting your things away. It means being efficient, organized in your time, getting your priorities straight, and creating balance in your life.

Time management leads to less stress and more balance between what you must do and what you want to do.

Let our advance worrying become advanced thinking and planning. - Winston Churchill

I'll never get unpacked!

2012-01-16T11:22:00.000-06:00

Relocation services:

Unpacking:

We have four years experience unpacking transferees in NWA with a global company. Need help getting settled into your new home? Know someone who does? Let us help! It's difficult managing a household, working, and settling in all at the same time. We'll get your rooms, garages, and closets all set up for you in a systematic way.

$60.00 per hour - Call and tell us how you found us and we'll lower that price!

Testimonial

2012-01-13T00:30:00.000-06:00

"I have two small children and two small businesses, so they had quite a task. They went through the piles of papers on my desk and set up a logical system to manage incoming and pending paperwork, personal and business. They also organized binders, pictures and other items. I came home to a clean and organized desk as well as a homemade loaf of cinnamon bread with contact information. I no longer feel my blood pressure rising when I look at my desk." - Shannon S. of Fayetteville, AR