Pass It On - NOT !

Parents (especially Mom's) have a tendency to hold onto things to "pass on" to their children. They are the "keeper of the memories" - the "keeper of the heirlooms". And they want to "pass it on" to the next generation.

Unfortunately, most of todays children don't want their parents "stuff". They don't want to be burdened with furniture or dishes or knick-knacks. They have their own stuff and their own style.

Yet - they don't kow how to say "no" - "no thank you!".  They don't want to hurt your feelings. So for some of them - they have a basement or attic or garage full of stuff they don't want, won't use and yet won't throw away.

Children expect us to keep all of their drawings and things they made for us - when they were childen. But when they are older - most of them don't even remember making it and they wonder why we even kept it!

Some very brave children have told their parents that they don't want their stuff and that they will get rid of it (toss it in the dumpster) when they die. Hear that gasp of horror???? Their parents are stunned and hurt that their kids don't appreciate their "stuff" which is sooooo special. But it's not special to the children. They have their own stuff, their own taste, their own lives. They don't have room for more.

We should not expect (or in some cases, demand) that our children will take (and cherish) our stuff.

So, if you have family heirlooms or keepsakes or things that you think your childen (or family members) will want after you pass on - ASK THEM!!! If they say "no - don't like it - don't need it - don't have room for it...." - RESPECT their wishes. Let it go to another family member or friend that will appreciate it. But ask them also.

Each person's home is a reflection of them - not of you. By not taking or keeping all of the stuff you give them doesn't mean that they don't love or care about you. They can still keep the memories without keeping the physical stuff.

Ask your children or family members before you unload your home into theirs. They will appreciate it!

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....   

Are You Living Your Life of Today

People change. As we grow older our lives change.  Our families change. Our likes and dislikes change. Our hobbies change. So, the question is “are you living the life of today?”. Does your home reflect that life?

If your kids are grown and out of the house – do you really need a big house with four bedrooms? Do you really want to maintain that house. Or do you want the freedom to do something else? Maybe it is time to think about downsizing so that your time is freed up to do other things.

If you no longer have the time or desire to knit, crochet, quilt, paint or any other hobby – maybe it’s time to give away all of your yarn or fabric or paint. There are probably a lot of people that would really appreciate all of those things.

Just because you had a hobby once doesn’t mean that you have to continue it forever. Your tastes change. Your availability to do these things might change. Maybe you are not physically capable of doing these activities anymore.

If you do not ski anymore or roller skate or ride your bike – pass the equipment onto someone that will enjoy it.

Let it go. Without guilt. Clear the stuff out of your home. Make room for new hobbies. You do not have to hang onto things just because you were once interested in them.

Enjoy the life that you are living now.

But remember that you collected all of these things over time, and it will take some time to go through it all and declutter your home. Plan short decluttering sessions interspersed with a fun or relaxing activity. By doing this you will not wear yourself out and you will be more likely to continue the decluttering process.

Once an area is cleared of clutter – then you can start the organizing process. But’s that's another article!

 

 Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....

 

What Can You Use a Professional Organizer For? Lots of Things!

Professional Organizers can help you with more than just organizing your closets (though we love closets!).

Some of the things we can help with include:

Downsizing: 

   Decluttering & purging. Sorting what to move.

   Help with packing. Help with staging a home for sale (an uncluttered home sells better).

   Unpacking and setting up your new home.

We work with seniors and their families to make the transition from a home they have lived in for 40 years - to a smaller space (senior apartment or assisted living....) a stressless process.

Aging in Place:

We can help with decluttering and making your current home a safer environment for seniors. Making sure there is enough space for walkers and that things are at a lower level so that seniors don't have to reach for things (and possibly hurt themselves).

Estate Clear Outs:

   Taking an inventory of the home

   Sorting personal property & finding donation sites for unwanted items

   Locating & Organizing vital documents and important papers

   Arranging for home cleaning and housing repairs

   Working with attorneys and family to distribute belongings

Combining Households:

When households combine it takes a lot of patience and decluttering in getting rid of duplicates and making the home look like it belongs to one family - instead of two. Coming up with solutions and processes that both families can live with is the first step.

Life Management:

   Paper Management - how to process mail, bills, receipts, paying bills and more

   Time Management - making time work for you - instead of the other way around

   Work/Life Balance - finding solutions that keep your family happy and together - w/o stress

Organizing a College Student & their Dorm Room:

   There isn't much space - so having an efficient Organizing system is crucial

   Helping with Time Management & coming up with Life Organizing systems

Closets, Pantries, Garages, Attics and more...........

*** These are just some of the things that a Professional Organizer can help you with....

 

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more.... 

 

The Art of Letting Go – Tips for Getting Rid of Sentimental Items

Television programs and blogs on the internet talk about the problems associated with clutter. Sometimes people keep the items because they hoard things. Others have collections that get out of hand. Still others hold onto items because of sentimental reasons. When clutter is causing stress or frustrations, it is time to learn the art of letting go.

First-time parents are often guilty of holding on to things for sentimental reasons. They want to keep every homemade card from their child or every picture ever taken of the child. As much as parents love their children and want to remember them as they were, there comes a time when letting go of mementos is all right.

One option to consider, rather than holding onto the items, is taking photos of them. Line your children’s drawings up on the table and take pictures. If the drawings were when the child was much younger, taking a picture of them will probably suffice. For newer drawings, take a picture of your child with their drawings and be sure to date them. This will also help you to remember specifics about your child at the time.

Other things people do not want to throw away are photographs. It does not matter if the photo is blurry or the subject is cut off - some people simply do not want to let go of them. Rather than holding on to every photograph, choose the best ones and place them in a photo album. Scrapbooking would be another option, especially if you journal about the photos, as well.

What do you do with Grandma Sue’s chipped china that is missing several pieces? It would be difficult to part with the set. However, there is an alternative. Rather than getting rid of the entire set, let each family choose one place setting or cup and saucer to keep. Display them with a photo of Grandma Sue and it becomes more than old dishes; it becomes a way to remember a beloved family member and something that was important to them.

Consider the reasons why you are holding onto specific items. Did your favorite uncle leave you a piece of artwork when he passed? If you do not love the artwork, you may feel guilty about not wanting to keep it. Remember that letting go of the artwork does not mean that you loved your uncle less. It simply means that you are releasing it to allow someone who will love it to have it.

If you are having a hard time letting go of anything, take a hard look at all you have. This may sound like a strange exercise, but think about the items that you would miss if you lost your home to a natural disaster. If you could easily replace all but a few things, keep only those items that are most important. Let everything else go.

Seek professional help if you cannot bring yourself to let things go. A professional organizer or even therapist can help you work through the emotions attached to the items. They can help you learn the art of letting go.

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

Aging in Place

Aging happens - to all of us - ready of not. Don't wait until you have to make hard decisions to make those decisions. Be realistic - think ahead - make the decisions on your own terms.

It's not always about "being old".  Sometimes it's about the "empty nest" - and having too much space - that you don't want to or have time to clean.

Sometimes it's about wanting to be near family and friends or having more social contact.

Sometimes it's about the physical limitations of aging - not being able to reach or bend like you used to when you were younger.

Don't stick your head in the sand. Think about the future - and age as you want to - on your own terms.

Read some of the older articles on aging, downsizing and organizing your life.


Looking Ahead - Aging - Disabilities and Home Design

Professional Organizers Called Upon As Seniors  Downsize

Seniors and Downsizing - Moving to a Smaller Home

Rightsizing - Downsizing for Your Current Life Style


Information Organizing - Medical and Life

Organizing for Different Types of People



Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life 

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

Seniors - Downsize/Rightsize - Do It On Your Own Terms

As people age and their family size decreases (kids grow up and out) - they tend to need less room and don't want the responsibility of having to take care of a large house.

Downsizing - or rightsizing can help them get rid of the extra work needed to run a larger home.

The problem with a lot of seniors (and all people really) - is that they have a hard time letting go. They have collected items - precious items - over the course of 50 or 60 or 70 years - and it's hard to let go. Their things mean something to them.

However - they might not (and usually don't) mean anything to anyone else. It's all in the eye of the beholder!

Another issue to consider - is aging and medical issues that force people to give up their homes and move into assisted living or senior apartments. They are then forced to make some very hard decisions and get rid of things - very quickly.

So - do it on your own terms!  Start downsizing/rightsizing as you age.  Instead of waiting until you die to give things to people - do it over time - on your own terms!  This way you can see them enjoy your prized possessions. And if they don't want them - you have the chance to give them to someone that does!

Take control of your life and your possessions!  Don't let someone make these decisions for you!


Downsizing can be a tough process for anyone, but especially for seniors who find themselves with a large home. More and more are tackling the huge job of downsizing their living spaces. In fact, about six percent of Americans between the ages of 55 and 64 move each year, according to the Over-50 Council of the National Association of Home Builders. As seniors reach the time to downsize belongings and move into smaller, more manageable homes, many have a hard time figuring out what to do with all of the “stuff ” they’ve accumulated over the years.

To have a more simplified lifestyle many seniors decide to move to a smaller, more manageable home.

Following are some tips for seniors downsizing:

• Get rid of the guilt factor — Many seniors feel they are the “keepers” of their family heirlooms and have a hard time getting rid of items for which they no longer have room. And even adult “children” have a hard time with their parents leaving the “family home” thinking that their childhood memories will be gone forever.

Instead of waiting to give your children some of your possessions that you would most likely leave them anyway - give them these pieces now, especially if you are not using them on a regular basis anyway. They will be able to enjoy them now and you will be able to watch them enjoy them!

However - please don't guilt your family members into taking things that you like - but they don't. Parents have a tendency to want to give things to their kids - that the kids don't want or have a use for. You might think that you are being kind and generous - but consider the other persons taste and lifestyle. Not everyone uses good china anymore. Don't let your feelings get hurt if they don't want the item. Give it to someone that will appreciate it. It's your choice.

If younger family members are not interested in taking the items then consider donating them to a worthy cause. Some organizations purchase furniture, high-end clothing, and porcelain, and then sell those items to raise money for specific causes or charities.

Professional organizers can help seniors sort through household items to strategically figure out what will work in their new space. They also can help seniors identify which organizations to turn to that are best at finding new homes for family heirlooms.

• Find movers specializing in senior needs — Moving is stressful for everyone, but some moving companies specialize in making the transition easier for seniors, and professional organizers can help find the perfect “mover match” for a client. A professional organizer can help pare down items before the move and make the process easier at moving time.

Some professional organizers will also help with things such as helping the clients hang pictures on the walls for clients unable to do so themselves, handling the change of address and utilities, setting up electronics at a new home, and much more.

• Have a professional organizer reassess every five to ten years — As seniors get older, modern appliances or high shelving can become more difficult to use or simply unnecessary considering their lifestyle changes. Hire a professional organizer to evaluate and reassess your needs every five to ten years to make sure your home is still working for you.

For example, seniors who usually eat dinner alone should bring two to three sets of dinnerware to their level instead of keeping everything in out-of-reach cabinetry. Sometimes seniors don’t realize everyday activities and household chores can be made easier just by adjusting the setup in their homes. Professional organizers are great resources to help identify easy ways seniors can simplify to improve their overall quality of life.


Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life 

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/

Seniors - Downsizing On Their Own Terms

As people age and their family size decreases (kids grow up and out) - they tend to need less room and don't want the responsibility of having to take care of a large house.

Downsizing - or rightsizing can help them get rid of the extra work needed to run a larger home.

The problem with a lot of seniors (and all people really) - is that they have a hard time letting go. They have collected items - precious items - over the course of 50 or 60 or 70 years - and it's hard to let go. Their things mean something to them.

However - they might not (and usually don't) mean anything to anyone else. It's all in the eye of the beholder!

Another issue to consider - is aging and medical issues that force people to give up their homes and move into assisted living or senior apartments. They are then forced to make some very hard decisions and get rid of things - very quickly.

So - do it on your own terms!  Start downsizing/rightsizing as you age.  Instead of waiting until you dies to give things to people - do it now!  This way you can see them enjoy your prized possessions. And if they don't want them - you have the chance to give them to someone that does!

Take control of your life and your possessions!  Don't let someone make these decisions for you!



Read:     Seniors - Getting Ready To Downsize - Start De-Cluttering Now



Organizational Consulting Services

www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

Downsizing for Seniors

Downsizing can be a tough process for anyone, but especially for seniors who find themselves with a large home. More and more are tackling the huge job of downsizing their living spaces. In fact, about six percent of Americans between the ages of 55 and 64 move each year, according to the Over-50 Council of the National Association of Home Builders. As seniors reach the time to downsize belongings and move into smaller, more manageable homes, many have a hard time figuring out what to do with all of the “stuff ” they’ve accumulated over the years.

To have a more simplified lifestyle many seniors decide to move to a smaller, more manageable home.

Following are some tips for seniors downsizing:

• Get rid of the guilt factor — Many seniors feel they are the “keepers” of their family heirlooms and have a hard time getting rid of items for which they no longer have room. And even adult “children” have a hard time with their parents leaving the “family home” thinking that their childhood memories will be gone forever.

Instead of waiting to give your children some of your possessions that you would most likely leave them anyway….give them these pieces now, especially if they are not being used on a regular basis. They will be able to enjoy them now and you will be able to watch them enjoy them!

If younger family members are not interested in taking the items then consider donating them to a worthy cause. Some organizations purchase furniture, high-end clothing, and porcelain, and then sell those items to raise money for specific causes or charities.

Professional organizers can help seniors sort through household items to strategically figure out what will work in their new space. They also can help seniors identify which organizations to turn to that are best at finding new homes for family heirlooms.

• Find movers specializing in senior needs — Moving is stressful for everyone, but some moving companies specialize in making the transition easier for seniors, and professional organizers can help find the perfect “mover match” for a client. A professional organizer can help pare down items before the move and make the process easier at moving time.

Some professional organizers will also help with things such as helping the clients find people to hang pictures on the walls for  or set up electronics at a new home if they are unable to do it themselves.  Some professional organizers can help with handling the change of address and getting the utilities set up in their new home and so much more.

Professional Organizers can help with a variety of tasks besides organizing your closets!

• Have a professional organizer reassess every five years — As seniors get older, modern appliances or high shelving can become more difficult to use or simply unnecessary considering their lifestyle changes. Hire a professional organizer to evaluate and reassess your needs every five years to make sure your home is still working for you.

For example, seniors who usually eat dinner alone should bring two to three sets of dinnerware to their level instead of keeping everything in out-of-reach cabinetry. Sometimes seniors don’t realize everyday activities and household chores can be made easier just by adjusting the setup in their homes. Professional organizers are great resources to help identify easy ways seniors can simplify to improve their overall quality of life.

Don't wait until you need to downsize - start planning now - at your own pace.

Organizational Consulting Services

www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

Rightsizing - Downsizing For Your Current Lifestyle

A lot of people talk about "downsizing" when they get older or their children leave home and their house  feels empty.

Why wait?

Downsizing has all kinds of  "bad" connotations. It makes people think that you were living beyond your means and now you have to lower your standards.

Not true at all...... 

The word "rightsizing" is more appropriate.  You should live in the "right size" house for your current needs and lifestyle. Why live in a 5,000 or 3,000 square foot house when you never use half of the rooms and there are only two of you? You are paying for a lot of unused space when you could be using that money for other things.

But it's not only about the money. It's about your "lifestyle".  Things change. Not only the number of people that you have living in your home and the amount of space you actually need - but also your likes and your hobbies. Why have a "craft room" when you no longer have time for or are interested in those crafts?  Why have a "workshop" when you no longer build things?

Why maintain and have to clean all of those rooms when you could be spending your time doing what you like to do now. 

It's hard to let go of your things.  But sit back and really think about the last time you used them. Why store them when you are not using them?   Let them go.  Give them to your children or friends that can use them and enjoy them.

By giving away (or selling) some of the things that you don't use anymore - or things that you don't want anymore - you get the chance to see people enjoy them - instead of waiting until you die and giving them away in your will (sorry to sound morbid).

Don't keep things just because they were given to you by your family or friends.  Keep your home decluttered by being picky about what you keep and display.

As you age and your hobbies and tastes change - why not change the size of your home so that you actually enjoy every inch of it without having to worry about all of the maintenance for spaces you never use.

It's hard to let go - but you have the right to live your current life - not your past life that outsiders expect. They aren't paying your bills or maintaining your home.

Keeping your home cluttered to please other people is not in your best interest.

Make your home your own - clutter free and stress free.

Live your life - as it is today - not in the past.



Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/

Organizing for Seniors

Organizing is not as straight forward as people might think.  "Just get rid of stuff. Just move things around" some people would say.   Yes, that might be part of the organizing process but it does not take into account the special needs of each client.

Organizing for various age groups and people with varying degrees of capabilities requires special considerations.

As people age they might not have the strength to do the job themselves. They might get tired more easily. They might not be able to bend or lift things like people that are a lot younger. This also applies to people with varying health issues ...but for this session we want to talk about the special considerations that you might want to make when you are organizing with people that are a bit older.

If you are helping your parents or relatives that are over 60 you might want to take a step back and realize that they have different levels of energy, different ideas of what they want to let go of, different ideas on a lot of things.

As a non-professional organizer you might not think about all of the issues that they are facing but rather think about your own desire to just help them. This is a normal mistake that a lot (if not most) people make.

The first step that might help you is to just take a step back yourself and ask yourself  "how would you feel if someone came into your home and just started throwing all of your prized possessions and memories out?".  I am sure that the answer would be "not good".  So put yourself into their place, take a step back and think about them and what they want and need as you help them. Don't make this about you.

Some issues that you might have to deal with when organizing for seniors are:

Memory issues - they can't remember where they put things. Because of this they might have gotten into the habit of leaving everything out in the open (therefore causing a cluttered house) so that they can see it.

They constantly buy more and more (food or clothes.....or whatever) because they forgot they already have it.

Physical issues - they don't have the strength or stamina to clean up after themselves so they don't. Again, this is one possible cause of their cluttered home.

Mental issues - they no longer care about their home because they have lost a loved one and are depressed. Their friends are all dying and they have no social interaction.

All of the above are just some of the reasons that seniors might have more issues with clutter.

But clutter itself can also cause physical problems in that it creates a dangerous situation in their home with them tripping over the clutter and causing physical harm to themselves.

When working with seniors be sure to limit the amount of time for each organizing session. Make sure that they get plenty of breaks and snacks to keep their energy up.

So as you see.... organizing isn't just a straight forward project. It is a complex process that is different in every situation.




Organizational Consulting Services

www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

Seniors - Getting Ready To Downsize - Start De-Cluttering Now

As your children grow up and move out of your home and as people age they start  thinking about downsizing. They don't need a big house, they don't want do to all of the housework and yard work anymore.

Why not start thinking about it years before you are ready?  That way there is no rush, no pressure.

If you give yourself plenty of time you can make the decisions about your belongings at your own pace instead of having to decide what to get rid of as the moving truck is pulling up.

The first and most important part of any move and downsizing is the decluttering.  Start going through each of your rooms and decide what you can get rid of.

And of course, that means, donate or give away (for the most part). If you haven't used it or don't want to take it with you, put it in the "donate" box.

One thing that you will also want to start thinking about is the size of your new home. If you have a four bedroom home now and want to downsize to a one or two bedroom home you will have a lot of things to get rid of.

Don't think that you have to get rid of the entire extra room. You can pick or choose pieces from each room that will go into your new home. Only take the things that you really love or that are functional.

Start thinking about giving away things to your loved ones now, when they can enjoy them. Why wait until after you are gone so that you won't be able to share in their happiness?  It might sound morbid, but it makes sense.  You know that you love to see the look on their faces when you give them presents for their birthdays or holidays.

By taking control of your own decluttering now, when you are not in a rush, you will be much calmer and more rational. Trust me, moving is not a fun process. Take the stress out of it by planning ahead and decluttering on your terms.

For many children that live away from their elderly parents it sometimes helps to have someone, such as a Professional Organizer help with this transition. It helps the seniors in getting the job done on their terms. A Professional Organizer with experience in working with seniors can also help in planning out the move and help in the design of the new home to be sure that everything fits and that everything has a place. Not everyone has the luxury of taking time off of work to spend a few weeks helping their parents with this process. And when they do have the time off it's better spent on visiting instead of decluttering and packing.

Start early. Take your time. Declutter without the stress of a move, before the move.

Think about it....and start decluttering......

Organizational Consulting Services

www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

Organizing For Seniors - Moving Your Parents

I've had a lot of people call to tell me that they need help in clearing out and organizing their parents home due to a move to an assisted living or nursing home. It's a sad and stressful time for them.

Clearing out your own home is much easier because everything is yours and you can make the decisions. Helping your parents or other relatives clear out their home is much harder because you are making decisions for someone else and there are a lot of emotions involved. If you make the wrong decision about what to get rid of the person can harbor resentment. If you throw things out without asking you are opening yourself up to a lot of anger and rage. You might think that you are helping by "getting rid of the junk" ...but you are not.

It's complicated. It's emotional. It's exhausting.

If you have to put your parents or other relatives into an assisted living or nursing home there usually are not a lot of things they can take with them. What do you do with the rest of the stuff?

How do you make the decisions on what they should take?

During this time period you are usually also going through a lot of complicated paperwork and a lot of decisions about their care. Organizing for their move could be made easier by using an outsider (such as a Professional Organizer) that has experience in dealing with seniors and downsizing. They are a non-judgemental third party that can get the job done without all of the emotions that a relative has.

In some assisted living facilities there are people that can also help the seniors with coordinating the move and making decisions on what will fit into their new space.

It's a tough time in a persons life. The child has to acknowledge that their childhood home might be no more .... and the parent is forced to let go of a lot of things they have collected over the years. Not an easy thing to do.

As your parents age and while they still have their memory it is a good idea to encourage them to start the process on their own. Encourage them to give away some of the things that they would leave to people. By doing it while they are still alive they get the pleasure of seeing the people enjoy their gift.

Downsizing is a long and emotional process. Encourage your parents to think about it years before they even think about moving. By doing it on their own time it will be a lot easier.




Organizational Consulting Services

www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

Seniors and Downsizing - Moving to a Smaller Home

Downsizing can be a tough process for anyone, but especially for seniors who find themselves with a large home. More and more are tackling the huge job of downsizing their living spaces. In fact, about six percent of Americans between the ages of 55 and 64 move each year, according to the Over-50 Council of the National Association of Home Builders. As seniors reach the time to downsize belongings and move into smaller, more manageable homes, many have a hard time figuring out what to do with all of the “stuff ” they’ve accumulated over the years.

To have a more simplified lifestyle many seniors decide to move to a smaller, more manageable home.

Following are some tips for seniors downsizing:

• Get rid of the guilt factor — Many seniors feel they are the “keepers” of their family heirlooms and have a hard time getting rid of items for which they no longer have room. And even adult “children” have a hard time with their parents leaving the “family home” thinking that their childhood memories will be gone forever.

Instead of waiting to give your children some of your possessions that you would most likely leave them anyway….give them these pieces now, especially if they are not being used on a regular basis. They will be able to enjoy them now and you will be able to watch them enjoy them!

If younger family members are not interested in taking the items then consider donating them to a worthy cause. Some organizations purchase furniture, high-end clothing, and porcelain, and then sell those items to raise money for specific causes or charities.

Professional organizers can help seniors sort through household items to strategically figure out what will work in their new space. They also can help seniors identify which organizations to turn to that are best at finding new homes for family heirlooms.

• Find movers specializing in senior needs — Moving is stressful for everyone, but some moving companies specialize in making the transition easier for seniors, and professional organizers can help find the perfect “mover match” for a client. A professional organizer can help pare down items before the move and make the process easier at moving time.

Some professional organizers will also help with things such as helping the clients hang pictures on the walls for clients unable to do so themselves, handling the change of address and utilities, setting up electronics at a new home, and much more.

• Have a professional organizer reassess every five to ten years — As seniors get older, modern appliances or high shelving can become more difficult to use or simply unnecessary considering their lifestyle changes. Hire a professional organizer to evaluate and reassess your needs every five to ten years to make sure your home is still working for you.

For example, seniors who usually eat dinner alone should bring two to three sets of dinnerware to their level instead of keeping everything in out-of-reach cabinetry. Sometimes seniors don’t realize everyday activities and household chores can be made easier just by adjusting the setup in their homes. Professional organizers are great resources to help identify easy ways seniors can simplify to improve their overall quality of life.


Organizational Consulting Services

www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

ORGANIZING FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF PEOPLE

Most people don’t understand that organizing isn’t a “one size fits all” type of business.

Each client is different… in what they want, how they want it done, what they need to have done and how we teach them to become organized.

As a “Professional Organizer” I belong to numerous organizations, including NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers and NGGCD (National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization). I take my job and my “organizing” passion very seriously.

Most people don’t realize that organizers have certification programs and attend numerous seminars on various topics.

I have a “Certificate of Study in Chronic Disorganization”. Which means that I passed an exam and am serious about my “profession” and learning everything that I can about the subject.

When most people think about “professional organizers” they think about “closets”. Or now they might think about “hoarders”. Both of which I do.

But organizing is more than that.

Let’s just talk about closets for a minute. Think about “kids” ….those short people. They can’t reach very high. So when we are organizing a closet for a child we need to think about them being “vertically challenged”. But we also need to think about the future and the fact that someday … they will be taller and can reach higher.

Now let’s think about “seniors”. . Maybe they can’t reach very high because of arthritis. So the closet rods should be lower. And they can’t do a lot of physical labor for long periods of time… so your organizing sessions might need to be shorter.

See how closets aren’t just “standard” ?

Or what about people with ADD ? They don’t see things the way the rest of the world does. They might not “learn” the same. They might be “visual” people. So if you are talking about filing or organizing…they might not “get” the logic behind what you say. Or their attention span might be a lot shorter.

So you have to think of “different” ways to get your point across to them.

Or people that are in a “life changing circumstance” ? It could be someone that just lost a spouse or someone that is going through a “life altering” experience. They might not be able to make those “organizing” decisions as easily as they did before their life changing circumstance.

Or “hoarders” …… they aren’t just “messy”. They have a whole lot of “psychological problems” that you need to deal with or at least acknowledge.

“Organizing” isn’t a cut and dried service.

Organizers use different techniques for each different type of client.

And as an organizer it’s important to be continuously learning about the varying needs of our clients.

And as a client you should be able to depend on your organizer to acknowledge your varying needs and come up with solutions for “you” …. Not their “last” client.

The world of “professional organizing” is ever evolving. And we have to keep up.

Not only do we teach our clients about being organized…. but they teach us about “life”.


Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZERS CALLED UPON AS MORE SENIORS DOWNSIZE

Calling in a pro can help keep emotions out of deciding what to do with all that “stuff ”

Downsizing can be a tough process for anyone, but especially for seniors who find themselves with large homes no longer full of children. More and more are tackling the huge job of downsizing their living spaces. In fact, about six percent of Americans between the ages of 55 and 64 move each year, according to the Over-50 Council of the National Association of Home Builders.

As seniors reach the time to downsize belongings and move into smaller, more manageable homes, many have a hard time figuring out what to do with all of the “stuff ” they’ve accumulated over the years.

According to NAPO …“A major reason seniors have a hard time downsizing is they feel they are the ‘keepers’ of family heirlooms and so they have a hard time getting rid of items which they don’t really have room for anymore,”.

Here are some tips for seniors taking the plunge into a more simplified lifestyle:

• Start looking for other family members who would like to have heirloom pieces now, especially if they are not being used on a regular basis. There are many organizations that accept donations of valuable heirlooms in support of a worthy cause. Professional organizers can help seniors sort through household items to strategically figure out what will work in their new space. They also can help seniors identify which organizations to turn to that are best at finding new homes for family heirlooms.

• Find movers specializing in making the transition easier for seniors. Professional organizers can help find the perfect “mover match” for a client, and can help pare down items before the move making the process easier at moving time.

• Have a professional organizer reassess every five to ten years or as needed to make sure the senior’s home is still working for them. Sometimes seniors don’t realize that everyday activities and household chores can be made easier just by adjusting the setup in their homes. Professional organizers are great resources to help identify easy ways seniors can simplify to improve their overall quality of life.

A professional organizer won’t tell the seniors what stays and what goes, but they will ask the tough questions to help them decide for themselves. Sometimes just getting started is the hardest part, and having a professional with an outside point of view to assist is the perfect way to move forward.

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/

LOOKING AHEAD – AGING – DISABILITIES AND HOME DESIGN

Most people don’t want to think about getting older and all that it entails. They never want to believe that they might end up having to use a walker or possibly being in a wheelchair. That happens to “other” people. People who aren’t healthy and who don’t maintain an active lifestyle.

And when they least expect it….an accident or illness sets in and their world comes crashing down around them.

It doesn’t even have to be an illness that creates problems. Just the fact that as you age your needs and what you are able to do…change. That’s not an easy word for people to accept. And most people don’t want to look ahead…because that means acknowledging the fact that they will get old.

But if you look ahead and plan for the future….even at the young age 40 or 50….when you are planning on buying a new house….you will save yourself a lot of money and the headache of having to “re-design” your living space to accomodate your changing needs, when you are in your 60’s and 70’s.

Simple changes like the styles of doorknobs and faucet handles can impact your ability to be self sufficient. As you age it gets harder to turn “round” doorknobs and faucet handles. By simply using “lever” style door handles and “single” faucet handles you have eliminated one major, yet little thought about problem as you age. A simple “style” change that can make your life so much easier.

Some other things to think about:

Hallways: the width of your hallways is crucial. By having hallways that are wider you will be able to accommodate a wheelchair or walker should you need one.

Also, wider doorways of at least 32 “. If the chair needs to turn then you will need 36 “.

Kitchen: if someone is in a wheelchair there needs to be enough floor clearance of at least 60 “ so that a wheelchair can turn around without bumping into anything.

The counter space needs to be at least 30 “ wide and at least a 27 “ clearance (30” – 32” is preferred), and 19 “ deep.

Bathroom: the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) says that the wheelchair access in the shower needs to beat a least 36 “ by 36 “. The curb cannot be more than ½ in.

You can have a walk-in shower and bench if you are able to stand for short periods. There are roll-in showers that have shower seats. Be sure to have support handles that can take the full weight of a person.

The shower controls also need to be low enough so that a person in a wheelchair or a person that is sitting in a shower seat can reach them.

The height of the sink needs to be lower.

The toilet needs to be raised, they are too low for a person in a wheelchair. And a grab bar needs to be next to the toilet.

The medicine cabinet should not be too high from the floor. No more than 44” is suggested.

Miscellaneous items:

Carpeting – not recommended. It makes it hard for wheelchairs to get around

Light switches – the height of the light switches should be low enough for a person in a wheelchair

Closets – the rods for the hangers should be lowered to a level that a person in a wheelchair can reach.

Stairs – a ranch style house (all on one level) works best as you age, but you can also do things in the future such as install a chair lift if you have a multi-level house

Laundry room - putting it on the main floor means that you won’t have to go down into the basement


This article was meant to make you “think” about the future…It was not meant to be “expert” advice. For more information on how to make your home “age / disability” ready…check out the ADA or other expert websites.

Planning for the future doesn’t mean that you are doomed to “need” all of the above changes. And making some of the changes mentioned doesn’t mean that your house has to “look” like you are “old and disabled”.

By being organized ahead of time….by planning for your future….you are taking a proactive approach to your life.


Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/