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Monday, September 23, 2013

Fall is Here - Winter to Follow - Get Organized Now


Yesterday was the 1st day of Fall. My favorite time of year. But depending on where you live snow could be just around the corner - or in some places - have already happened.

Move your summer toys to the back of the garage and reacquaint yourself with your snow blower.


It's time to winterize your garage and get ready for the snow. A good place to start is by taking everything out of your garage and giving it a good sweeping.

Throw out any broken items and put any items that you no longer use in the "donate" pile. That would include any toys that your kids have outgrown.

If you have any leftover gardening supplies (mulch, dirt, bulbs, seeds....) or anything that you won't be able to use next spring, get rid of it.

Re-arrange your garage to put the snow blower where you can easily reach it. Make sure that it is ready to use by doing any maintenance that it might need.

Make sure that you have access to any snow shovels or anything else such as salt for those snowy days.

Some people might still be able to use their lawnmower a few more times before the snow falls, but plan on having your lawnmower winterized and empty it of any liquids according to your manual.

By organizing your garage before the weather gets really bad you will save yourself a lot of headaches in trying to find everything when the bad weather hits.



Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/

Monday, September 16, 2013

Organizing - A Family Affair


Having an organized home has so many benefits. Your home looks good, you can find things easily, you save money by not constantly buying things that you already have and you are less stressed.

But at what cost?  Having that organized home takes time. And with everyone being so busy, time is something that most people don't have a lot of.

So how do we get around this problem?  Family !

That's right - everyone has to help. Isn't that what family means?  Helping each other?

Maybe cleaning up each persons room is "their" responsibility - but all of the "shared" spaces - like the kitchen, living room and bathrooms - should also be a "shared" responsibility.

When you are sharing space - you need to share the work of keeping it organized (and clean).

Everyone should have a "spot" in the bathroom for "their" stuff.  Everyone should pick up after themselves.

Everyone should be taught to put away their dishes in the dishwasher (or assign kitchen tasks).

Everyone should help prepare meals (either prep work, cooking, setting the table or after dinner clean up).

The kitchen is always the center of the home. Cooking together does more than get the meals on the table faster - it's a time to bond.  Or as the kids say "date time" (yes, we have exciting dates). It's a time to talk and go over your day.

In the living room - after everyone is done reading their magazines or books or playing with their toys - put everything back where it belongs.

You bring it out - you put it away !   A great motto !

Having an organized and clean (or tidy) home is a family affair.  And it cuts down on the time it takes to get things done.

Get your family involved and take the stress off of just one person.  Teach your kids something they can use in adulthood.

Organizing - it isn't just for grownups!

Have a great and organized day !




Organizational Consulting Services

www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

Monday, September 9, 2013

The Perfect Gift - Being Organized for the Holidays


I know - people are going to say  "What - are you kidding?  Shopping for the holidays?".  Well - yes - I have already bought some Christmas presents. But when the perfect present appears before you when you aren't even looking - you just have to buy it!  And when you have kids and something so perfect is thrust upon you - you just say "thank you" and hide it away for Christmas.

And this is where "being organized" comes into play.  Make a list !  Because if you don't - you won't remember what you bought for whom or where you put it!  And then you will continue to buy more and more presents for the same person and overspend.

Now is the time to start making lists of what you might buy (or make) your family and friends for the holidays. No - it's not too early!

By being pro-active and making your lists you will have time to buy things on your terms - without the pressure of just buying whatever you can get your hands on the day before Christmas.

Keep your eyes open for great sales or for the "perfect" present for your loved ones.

That being said - don't just buy things for the sake of buying something. You won't make anyone happy and you will be part of the "clutter" problem that exists for most people.

The perfect gift is one that the recipient wants and will use - not something that "you" want.

Keep your eyes open and start thinking about the upcoming holidays.  They are closer than you think.



Organizational Consulting Services

www.organizationalconsultingservices.com