Simply Organized of NWA

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

In the pantry with Pinterest

2012-01-12T08:44:00.000-06:00

Source: grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com via Holly on Pinterest

This metal containers are narrow enough they don't blog the shelves. The labels make this work! Love it!

Source: tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com via Holly on Pinterest

The tag labels are what I like most about this pantry. The stencil is distracting to me and I like containers you can see through in the pantry - the black wire baskets are good. She's probably just using what she has on hand. It's smart to use square/rectangle containers!

Source: organize-utah.com via Holly on Pinterest

Nice labeling! And the under the shelf dohicky is great! Yes, I said "dohicky".

Source: shelterness.com via Holly on Pinterest

I really like these pull out contraptions. Once I looked them up I was shocked that the one on the floor runs about $50. If you have the bucks, it's probably a good investment, at least if you need something that's 2-tiered. You can get the same pull out effect on the shelves with a clear tub. I'm also a big fan of the pockets on the back of the door. See a cute pink one later in this post.

Source: pbjstories.blogspot.com via Holly on Pinterest

Clever.

Source: Uploaded by user via Holly on Pinterest

Fill this with beverage supplies. Fill this with spices. Fill this with cleaning supplies....hang it over your pantry door or nail it to the wall.

Source: designspongeonline.com via Holly on Pinterest

I dig this. If you have to have your stuff out in site, this is creative and attractive to me. I like that the cubbies are not super deep. One of my faves.

Source: Uploaded by user via Holly on Pinterest

These bins are awesome in the pantry!

Source: maillardvillemanor.com via Holly on Pinterest

Attractive isn't it? Labeling is super important here.

Source: decorchick.com via Holly on Pinterest

A woman must have designed this! (joking). Brilliant! If you have a pantry with a corner like this you could purchase some lazy susans. It might be just about the same price to hire a "handyman" to install these. Or better yet, if you locate this actual building product you might be able to do it yourself!

Source: theperfectpantry.com via Holly on Pinterest

What a nice spice rack huh? No more digging for the spice...unless your container is larger. Would have been nice to have the bottom tiers adjusted for larger spice jars. Further in the pantry, I like the containers on the middle row of the shelves, esp. with labels. The containers on the floor aren't too bad either!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T22:37:00.000-06:00

Inspiration Tuesday

2012-01-10T08:12:00.000-06:00

-Some thoughts on charitable giving.-

Goodwill receives a billion pounds of clothing every year. Ultimately, they use less than half of the clothing they get. Clothing is cheap, and the cost of sorting, cleaning, and storing and transporting the clothes is higher than their value. If you wouldn't give an article to a family member, it's probably not good enough for charity. Sure, it's great to get the tax deduction and it makes you feel like you didn't waste money buying the clothes, but if you're truly charitable be sensitive to the needs of the organization. Charities aren't dumping grounds for your trash. Talk to your local charities or visit www.charitynavigator.org. Find out what they can most use. Although giving to charities is a great way to get stuff out of your house, it's far better not to let stuff into your house.

-Peter Walsh

I need some help at my office!

2012-01-09T11:21:00.000-06:00

Office Organization:

Holly has spent many years working in various office settings and knows how the daily demands can set other tasks on the back burner. We are currently limiting our office organization services to filing and setting up a personal daily task filing system designed specifically for you.

$ fees for strictly filing can be negotiated. $ fees for setting up the daily task filing system are $100 plus the cost of supplies.

Just the right planner

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

Can't find a planner that suits you? Here's a tutorial on making your own!

A great deal on a great organizing product!

2012-01-05T14:09:00.000-06:00

Many of you are aware that I am a proud Clever Container consultant. While I do not believe you become organized from just buying a product I do know that sometimes the right product makes the biggest difference!

On Good Morning America this morning they ran their daily deal segment which included one of my very favorite new products. The Clever Cache is made in the USA and is exclusive to Clever Container.

You can purchase this product for 55% of at CleverContainer.com/holly. Click "shop now" and this deal should appear. When you reach the screen that says, "Choose a party" choose "Shacklett Party". Shipping on this product is $3. It comes in a pack of 5. This is the best deal you're going to find on this product and I honestly don't know how long it will last.

Even if you're not wild about the pink I'll tell you from experience that the pink helps you find it more easily after you've been storing it or after you see your mound of stuff you've just unpacked from your trip.

How to use:
You simply load the bag full of stuff like clothes then roll it up. The air blows out of the edge which is seen at the top of these photos.

Uses: travel of all kinds, the beach, boating, camping, fill your seasonal clothes in here then store away. Fill these with extra blankets and easily store them until you need them.

It's a seriously awesome product. I gave some to my Sister-in-law for Christmas. She's travelling in Canada this winter so this will enable her to take some extra warm clothes. She could also easily use a bag to store her dirty clothes in.

Enjoy!

Using a planner

2012-01-05T00:10:00.000-06:00

Get used to the idea that everyone needs to have and know how to use a planner. Choose a planner you enjoy using, whether it's paper or electronic. Put everything into your planner and consider it your "information central". Take your planner with you everywhere. Maintain one, and only one, planner. Remind yourself that what gets scheduled gets done. So schedule what you need to accomplish! When writing in appointments make sure you are writing in appointments with yourself to get your work done.

Source: pinterest.com via Alisa on Pinterest

Designate one are of your planner for a master task list, especially items that don't have a specific due date so you don't forget about them. Create a "task list" each day.

*These ideas are from an article written by Meggin McIntosh in Getting Organized magazine.

I prefer to have a planner that has a two-page view of the month and a two-page view of each week.

Use your planner and get your work done!

It's a busy day with Simply Organized

2012-01-04T10:34:00.002-06:00

Yay! We're on the front page of NWAMotherlode.com today with an article to help you meet your New Year's resolution of "Get Organized".

Get 2 hours of organizing at half price today. Actually it looks like the deal is running for four days.
Ideas of how to use this deal:

you could use your time to have us organize your Christmas stuff so you can find everything easily next year!
work on a closet
work on your pantry
work on a big sorting project
hire us for a bigger project (something that takes more than 2 hours) and still get 2 hours at half the price - it's a nice jump start
unpack those boxes from your most recent move that are still sitting there yelling "yoohoo!" at you.

Get creative! As of now there are nine deals left up for grabs!

Love your home!

Wordless Wednesday-making couponing easier with the Couponizer

2012-01-04T03:30:00.000-06:00

www.clevercontainer.com/holly

Inspiration Tuesday

2012-01-03T08:07:00.000-06:00

January is "Clean Out Your Closets Month!"

Before

You should only have clothes in your closet that:

You love
Fit you well now
Make you feel good when you wear them
People compliment you on when you wear them.

What is the point of clothing that doesn't suit you or flatter your figure or garner you positive comments?

Just because you own them doesn't mean you have to hold on to them or wear them.

7 Steps to Dealing With Sentimental Clutter

2012-01-02T22:22:00.000-06:00

This article at Real Simple is simply too good and helpful not to share.

Here is an excerpt from my favorite step:
Your relationship to sentimental items will probably change over time. “Give yourself permission to get rid of things you once cherished,” says Madere. Every year or so, take a hard look at what you’ve kept in the name of love, and toss or donate anything that’s become more of a burden than a sweet-memory trigger. “Distance gives you fresh perspective,” says Madere.

Simply Organized has been organizing homes for four years.

2012-01-02T11:12:00.000-06:00

Residential Organization:

Janet and Holly will work hands-on with you to accomplish your goals, unless you specify otherwise, everyone's needs are different. They will discuss their organizing plan with you and tweak it as needed.

$50.00 per hour

On a budget? Purchase a set number of organizing hours, we'll work efficiently within your budget and get as close to meeting your goal as possible! This makes a great gift for:

the new Mom!
the elderly!
the husband who can't fix things because he can't find things!
the wife who can't relax because there's too much stuff everywhere!
the cook who can't prepare delicious meals because he/she can't find anything!

Tasks

2011-12-30T22:01:00.000-06:00

Take a little time each day to compile a list of tasks, the things you really want to get done today. Then prioritize the tasks in order of their importance to you.

Less than one in five people begin the day with a plan, and only 37% of those who do make a task list actually prioritize what needs to be done.

Take time to define what is most important for your long-term goals. Without a clear vision of what the real priorities are, you'll end up spending your day distracted by every interruption that comes along.