http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogList.asp?sort=organizer&schedule=120 Organization tips for busy moms. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 08:45:01 EST en-us http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3564 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3564 Fri, 3 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST This past week I was asked by a current client of mine to help get her relatively new blended family better organized around the house. Anyone who has a blended family knows how difficult this can be. So I put on my "Super Nanny" hat and went to her home and conducted a family meeting to get everyone involved and provide the parents with some guideline to use in setting up a Weekly Responsibility Chart, not only for their five children but the parents as well. We discussed how to create a ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3563 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3563 Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST Some of you might still need to put away those holiday decorations. Your holidaydecorations can quickly overrun your household if there is no rhyme or reason to their organization. An easy and visual sorting system will allow you access to your holiday decorations quickly and easily. This system not only applies to Christmas, but also to Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Independence Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Chanukah, etc. I suggest either using clear plastic bins or ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3491 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3491 Fri, 6 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST With the start of the New Year, now is the time to get control over your time, rather than have time control you. For both entrepreneurs and individuals with flexible schedules, proper time management can be an invaluable skill when attempting to reach your goals. Using a weekly planner , look ahead to next week. First, block off the firm commitments like school or work. Next, decide on two to three blocks of time during the week that will be spent furthering your career ie., business ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3490 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3490 Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:30:00 EST Now that winter is here, it's a good time to prepare your vehicle for the Winter months. While you are emptying out the trash from your vehicle, put together an emergency kit for your vehicle for emergency situations on the road. I found this helpful information in the AAA Magazine, a very reliable source: Glove Compartment Car registration Owner's manual Flashlight Tire Gauge Insurance Card In Case of Emergency Card Console Area Hands-free cell phone ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3489 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3489 Fri, 9 Dec 2011 08:30:00 EST I would like to urge everyone to go thru their elderly parent's refrigerators. As an organizer, I have worked with some elderly people and have looked in their fridge when organizing their kitchens. Among the items I have found were a bottle of salad dressing that expired in 2003, bags of chocolate candy that had an expiration date of 2007, numerous little packets of condiments (like you get at fast food places) of sour cream, butter, jelly--who knows how long they were in there. Just ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3488 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3488 Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:30:00 EST The weather has changed quickly where I live in the northeastern part of the country. I thought this would be a good time to help you get ready for the cold months ahead by giving you Quick Tips For A Better Space - your home. There are many things to consider this time of year. You not only need to dress yourself in warmer clothes, but you need to dress your home as well. If not, you are not taking care of your biggest investment and throwing your hard-earned money down the drain. Here ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3487 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3487 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:30:00 EST To continue with the theme of my last blog, you can create a more elaborate guest room with a few fun ideas! You can buy quality sheets with a high thread count without spending a fortune! Take a look at Martha Stewart's 400 thread count sets. Pamper your guests with soft, fluffy towels, providing each with a bath towel, hand towel and wash cloth. Add a monogram for a personal touch. You can embroider guest towels with your monogram (wife's first initial first, family last name ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3486 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3486 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:30:00 EST Whether you have one bedroom designated as a guest room or you bunk guests in one of your kid's bedrooms, it is important to create a welcoming space! *If you have a separate guest room, make sure the sheets and blankets are freshly laundered. *Stack towels along with extra pillows and blankets, purge the closet of your own clutter and add lots of attractive hangers, fill a basket with all of those mini toiletries from hotel stays and set out a few fun magazines and good books, ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3485 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3485 Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:30:00 EST We all have appliance warranties and sometimes we just don't know what to do with them. Here are a few Quick Tips for A Better Space when it comes to storing Appliances Warranties that I thought are worth mentioning. When you purchase something that is covered by a warranty, tape or staple the receipt to the inside cover of the owner's manual, and write the date the warranty will expire on the cover, preferably in red. For example, your mixer might have a 5 year warranty, so ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3439 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3439 Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:30:00 EST This time next year, many will be walking down that aisle and saying "I DO". But how do you get to that special day? You plan, you organize. There are so many factors involved in planning a wedding that it requires careful preparation to avoid any problems. You should begin preparing, if possible, a year ahead of time. Here are some suggestions to help: TWELVE MONTHS BEFORE - Proudly announce your engagement to family and friends so they can share this special occasion right along ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3438 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3438 Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:30:00 EST I bet a lot of you are cleaning out your garages and other areas of the home in preparation for the winter season. Below is some information you can use when considering making use of your local consignment shop. If you have high-end furniture, for example, that's too big for your space after you've downsized, it may be worth investigating the possibility of consignment sales. Be aware however, that although something may be of good quality, it may be out of style and a consignment ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3437 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3437 Fri, 2 Sep 2011 08:30:00 EST I got this via email from a current client of mine and thought I would pass it on. It's a bit long but very inspiring. I enjoyed it and intend to refer to it often. Hope you do too! Tips for A Better Life 1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant. 2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. 3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep. 4. When you wake up in the morning complete the ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3436 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3436 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 08:30:00 EST This month I celebrated another birthday - not telling you which one! I decided that I wanted to make a life change and began working on taking more control of my health. I have a history of eating poorly and not exercising and as a result was feeling sluggish and lazy. I knew I could improve. So, I began by setting some goals for myself. I decided I wanted to eat better and begin an exercise program. I know myself well enough to know that if I jump in, full force, I will burn out and never ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3435 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3435 Fri, 5 Aug 2011 08:30:00 EST This time of year, like you, your food doesn't even want to be inside either! Set up for barbecue with a smart outdoor cook station. Place your grill on a flat surface that is well ventilated, away from the house, yet protected from winds that might cause flare-ups. Then, set up the area like a mini kitchen: Create an insta-island for food prep with a folding table. Place a grill mat underneath the grill to protect your deck and have a trash basket close by. Use hooks and magnetic ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3434 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3434 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 08:30:00 EST I am currently working with a client who has discovered that she has ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). She is working with me to learn how to create a system for getting and staying organized. One of the things I suggested she do on a daily basis, when I am not physically there with her to coach her, is to simply take just 5 minutes a day to focus on one area of her home and declutter it by putting things away. Basically, straightening up. Granted, things need to have a home to begin with ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3433 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3433 Fri, 8 Jul 2011 08:30:00 EST Here are a few suggestions to make your grocery shopping as organized as possible. 1. Get it on paper . As you use up the last of any item, write it down on a designated list under the name of the store where you would purchase the item. This will help you find what you need right away. Have this list handy so your family can add to it as the need presents itself. 2. Avoid making two trips . If at all possible, try and do most of your errands the same day you do your grocery shopping. ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3346 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3346 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 08:30:00 EST It's Summertime! I thought I would provide those of you who intend to travel at any time this summer or any other time during the year with One Dozen Travel Smart Tips. 1. Start early . Once you determine where you're going to be going, begin gathering everything you need to make your trip a pleasant one. Need a passport? Apply at least 3 months ahead of time or you'll pay extra for express delivery. Secure airline reservations at least 8 weeks prior if possible, ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3345 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3345 Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:30:00 EST Not that long ago, I had a client whose husband had a multitude of health issues and had to see multiple specialists at various locations. They were constantly being asked to produce his medical history and medications which changed all the time. We developed a log of each and every doctor visit and the outcome of that visit on in a Word document on her computer so that she could print it out each time they had a doctor's appointment. Her husband's medications and dosage schedule ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3344 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3344 Fri, 27 May 2011 08:30:00 EST My son recently graduated from high school. He is continuing his education in the Fall at a local tech school for web design. Around the time that he was going through the major transition from high school student to graduate, I was writing my "U Can Do It Budgeting System" e-book. In speaking with various people, I began to recognize that there is a large group of individuals who need to be educated about finances and budgeting...high school and college students. Did you know that only a ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3343 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3343 Fri, 13 May 2011 08:30:00 EST Most of my clients own pets. Dogs, cats, pot belly pigs, fish... I have never had a dog for a pet - or a pot belly pig for that matter! I've had fish (low maintenance) and a few cats (relatively low maintenance). Anyone with a pet knows that they become a member of the family and when they go missing, our hearts are broken. When indoor cats slip outside, most of them don't make it back home. Less than 2% of all "lost" cats are reunited with their owners. That is a really scary ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3342 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3342 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:30:00 EST It's Spring and now is the time you will begin to see garage sales popping up in your neighborhood. With the economy in its current condition, more and more people are finding ways to make a few extra dollars and one way is to have a garage sale. However, do you know about Garage Sale Etiquette. It does exist. As a seller, you should follow these rules for good "garage sale etiquette". 1. If your advertisement for your sale states it will begin at 8:00 a.m., be ready for people to ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3341 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3341 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 08:30:00 EST I have recently had several of my existing clients advise that they are moving. One of my clients is downsizing from a home to an apartment, one is moving from an apartment into another apartment in another town and the latest is moving from one house to another. My advise to anyone who is planning on moving is to go through everything in the home to make sure that what they have is what they want to take with them. I guarantee in every instance, you will find that there are many items that ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3340 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3340 Fri, 1 Apr 2011 08:30:00 EST Do you know "How Long Is Too Long?" when it comes to keeping something? This past week, I was working with a client who had bought a new home and was transporting all of his worldly possessions from one home to another. First, the job was a lot larger of a task because no sorting was done ahead of time. Everything went with him to the new home. He put off the task and decided to just do it when he got to his new home. (There is lots of extra time and effort and expense involved in taking ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3277 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3277 Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST Everyone at times feels overwhelmed. Whether it's keeping up with the housework, running the kids to various activities, dealing with a sick family member, or getting organized, we all need some help. All you have to do is ask. My first wake up call was when my first husband was diagnosed with cancer and was terminally ill. I did my best to do it all myself, but quickly found it was impossible. Reluctantly, I reached out to friends and family to ask for help with caring for my 6 year old ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3276 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3276 Fri, 4 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST Are you familiar with the term Feng Shui and what it means? Feng Shui is an ancient art and science developed more than 3,000 years ago by the Chinese. The science of Feng Shui involves a complex knowledge that shows how to balance the energies of a space to insure the health and good fortune for the people living in that space. Gentle wind and clear waters in the Chinese culture have long been connected with good health and a good harvest. Feng means "wind" and Shui means "water". The ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3275 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3275 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 08:30:00 EST Many of us get jewelry on Valentine's Day from our sweetheart. Did you? How many pieces do you have now? Are they organized? If not, there are various ways you can sort it all out to make it easier to find what you want, when you want it. You can sort your jewelry by putting all types together You can keep all your rings in one place, all your necklaces in another place, bracelets somewhere else. You can use various jewelry boxes or decorative containers for this purpose. You can ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3274 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3274 Fri, 4 Feb 2011 08:30:00 EST I was doing some reading this week, as I always do, relating to professional organizing and came across the following statistic. Did you know that the average person wastes over 180 hours (that's 7-1/2 days) and spends $3000 per year due to clutter and disorganization? So I had to ask myself where all that time and money goes. Think about it... Wasted time is spent looking for lost objects. It's spent fixing objects that got broken under piles of clutter. It's ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3273 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3273 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 08:30:00 EST Some of the people who contact me to help them out with their clutter woes suffer from varying degrees of ADD. ADD is short for Attention Deficit Disorder. For many adults with ADD, life feels overwhelming and chaotic. Their homes are cluttered; laundry and dishes go undone; newspapers and magazines pile up; bills get lost in piles of paper, etc. In order to assist those of you who suffer with ADD, I recommend taking these 10 steps to building habits that will help you get and stay ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3200 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3200 Fri, 7 Jan 2011 08:30:00 EST Do you have boxes of stuff and not sure whether it's considered a "collection" or just clutter? I came across a short video that might help you figure it out. http://www.boomeralley.com/2009/04/14/collection-or-clutter/ If after watching this short clip, you determine it's clutter, just get rid of it. If you are still not sure, perhaps you want to consult with a professional to find out, or, like the video mentions, go on E-bay and see how much your stuff is ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3199 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3199 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 08:30:00 EST Soon we will be putting away the holiday decorations and focusing on some of those New Year's resolutions. A common resolution is to organize your crafts. You enjoy all your crafts but they are stored haphazardly throughout your home. They are in the family room, they are on the dining room table, they are all over the floor in the basement, they are in a pile on the kitchen counter. It's time to get it together and get them organized! Here are some suggestions to help you ...