Organizing to Sell your Home

It's springtime - and a lot of people are putting their house on the market. So how can you make your house look better?

• Declutter
• Organize
• Pack Up Unneeded Stuff
• Stage Your Home to Showcase It's Assets

Here are some basic tips:

Make the entryway welcoming and clutter free – by hiding shoes, coats, keys…

Keep tables, countertops, nightstands coffee tables and dressers clear of papers, trash & clutter

Clear off refrigerator magnets

Clear out your cupboards so that they are not overflowing or messy – so that potential buyers can get a sense of the actual space

Box up kitchen items that you rarely use – to maximize the look of the space

Empty the garbage

Make the beds

Clear out your closets – so that they aren’t stuffed full and make them look roomy

Set the table

Open up blinds and shares to let in natural light

Start packing before you even sell your home – so that it looks more spacious

Make decisions and purge before you pack – instead of packing everything and paying for and moving stuff that you will throw out when you get to your new home. It’s a waste of time and money.

Rearrange your furniture to make your room look bigger and more inviting

Clear out children’s toys and put the toy bin away for open house

Do a thorough cleaning and deodorize

If you have an office – turn it into a bedroom

No more than 3 items on the kitchen counter

Clear bathroom countertops, add fresh towels 

Maximize space by minimizing stuff


Re-read:

Getting Ready to Sell Your Home - DeClutter For a Better Sale

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

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

Letting Go and Starting Fresh

Clutter is about more than stuff. It's about your life - past and present. For most people clutter - or memories as they call it - is about their past. Having things that remind us of our childhood, or what we accomplished (old trophies) - gives us a sense of who we are. Or who we were.

But sometimes - we hold on to things from the past that have bad memories attached to it.

The question is - why?

Why do you want to be reminded of a bad or traumatic period of your life?  So that you don't make the same mistake again? Or maybe to remind yourself that you were able to change and become a better person?

Whatever the reason - holding on to painful memories just keeps you in the past.

By letting go - of your clutter - of the past - you can start to make new and better memories.

Physical clutter takes up a lot of room in your home. Emotional clutter takes up a lot of room in your mind and heart.

Going through each room of your home - getting rid of the clutter - lets you open up the room to a new and fresh outlook on life. By clearing the clutter of things that no longer interest you (old crafts) - you make room for new interests.

Give yourself permission to clear the clutter out of your life - and let in more productive possibilities!

Start fresh - one room - one day at time!



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

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

A Few Organizing Tips To Get Rid of Clutter

Clutter looks bad. It takes over our home and seems to grow. It usually starts at the front door.

When you walk into your home - what do you see?  A bunch of coats, hats, boots - strewn everywhere?  Piles of stuff - never moving.

You can conquer clutter!  Start by having a landing area for your coats, hats, boots - and anything else that comes into your home. Use your coat closet!  Sounds logical doesn't it?  Yet most people don't use their closet and instead pile things up on a bench or hang  a bunch of coats on one hook - meant for only one coat. It looks bad and gives a bad first impression.

By using a coat closet for coats - and only current weather gear - your entry way will immediately take on a more organized and clutter free look.  Keep off season coats and gear in another closet or basement if there is not enough room in your entry way closet.

Horizontal surfaces are not your friend! People tend to pile things on them. And then more on top of that. And then more on top of that.....   You get the picture!  Piles upon piles! 

What are piles?   Delayed decisions.

Instead of just piling things - put them where they belong right away!  It really only takes a few seconds to put things where they belong.  Yet, people seem to think that it takes longer than it actually does and that it takes a lot more effort. In reality - piling things and then having to look through the pile and finding the correct home for the item - actually takes a lot longer and a lot more effort than doing it right in the first place.  It's all psychological.

Have a donate bin handy.  Whenever your family outgrows things (clothes, toys, books....) or you find that you aren't using something anymore - put it into your donate bin.  When the bin gets full - take it to a donation center. Don't forget to get your donation receipt so that you can put it on your income tax return.

By keeping clutter at bay - your home and your life will become clearer and your stress levels will go down.

So start today - and check those piles!  Banish clutter from your home!


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

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

Estate Division - Make It Easy on Your Family

Organizing your life includes organizing your assets so that your family knows what you want done should anything happen to you.

A lot of people think that only old people should have a will and think about the future. That is the furthest thing from the truth! Being prepared for anything that life might throw at you is a gift that you can give your family. At a time of crisis a lot of people make decisions based on emotion instead of logic. Make your important decisions before a crisis so that the decisions you make are in your best interest/

One way to do this is to make a list of all of your assets.

Divide your assets without dividing your family.

Estate Division software - there is a FREE version available. This is a great way to track and later divide household assets.

                 FairSplit:  https://www.fairsplit.com/?ap_id=OCSfairsplit

Take your time and organize your home and life - on your terms.


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

Organizational Consulting Services

 

Funny (or real) Comics about Clutter

Just a few comics to lighten up your day!









    
       

Organizing Basics for your Kitchen and Pantry

One of the busiest places in your home is your kitchen. This should be a place that is organized and clutter free so that you can create healthy and nutritious meals for your family.

Having a spot for healthy snacks - for you and the kids - is really important - not only for your health - but also for instilling healthy habits in your kids. By having a bowl of fruit or nuts available - instead of chips and other non-healthy food - you are setting your kids up for success in their future.

Your kitchen counters should be cleared off so that you have ample work space.  Any appliances that you do not use every day should be stored in another area.

Go through each drawer - one at a time - pull everything out and lay it on the counter.  If you have multiples of an item, decide how many you really need. Do you really need 8 wooden spoons or 6 tongs?  Get rid of the duplicates and things that you really don't need or have never used.

By doing this for each drawer you will have cleared out and paired down your kitchen in no time.

For your pantry:

Take everything out of your pantry and place it on a table.

Get rid of any expired food or anything that you don't use.

Sort like items with like items - for example: all of your beans, soups, sauces, condiments - should all be placed together on the table.

Once you have everything out and know how much of each item you have - then you can decide how many and what type of containers (baskets, jars....) you will need.

You could also add some turntables or stepped organizers as needed.

Put everything back into your pantry- grouping like items together.

By having things grouped together you will know what you have at a quick glance.


For a great article on how to store your spices - read:


16 Ways to Store Your Herbs and Spices

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

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

GO Month 2018 - Get Organized in the New Year

 GO Month 2018

January is Get Organized (GO) Month^SM,  a month long campaign by the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) to promote the benefits of working with an organizing or productivity professional who is committed to professional development.

January is the ideal time for GO Month, since getting organized is a popular New Year’s resolution.  During GO Month, NAPO professional organizers and productivity consultants across the country host events in their communities to empower individuals, families, businesses and organizations to regain control over their surroundings, time and possessions. By sharing proven organizing and productivity techniques and principles, NAPO members help people save time, save money and reduce stress.

The History of GO Month:

In 2003, NAPO established the “Get Organized Week”  Community Service Project Program, where NAPO members held events to help promote organizing in their communities. The success of the program led NAPO to officially proclaim January as Get Organized (GO) Month in 2005, and

develop a public awareness campaign to focus national attention on how getting organized empowers people to regain control over their time, possessions, inboxes, and surroundings.

NAPO professional organizers and productivity consultants across the country once again will

share their knowledge and host community events to help individuals, families, businesses and organizations bring time management, organization, storage solutions and productivity into their lives, and start the year with systems and solutions to improve efficiency long term.

2018 Theme: Get Organized and Become More Productive!

The natural evolution of the organizing professional to productivity consultant is the focal point of this year’s campaign. How does the process of becoming organized yield greater productivity? During the month of January, NAPO will share tips, articles, research and member stories that focus on the basics of getting organized and the tools that help to provide organization. NAPO will also share success stories about how better organizational practices have yielded greater productivity! And finally, NAPO will educate members and the public about the growing field of Productivity Coaches and Consultants.

Organizational Consulting Services plans to participate in the national public awareness initiative by offering free organizing tips to help people start the new year off right by getting organized.  Just email a request to kefconsulting@gmail.com – put “free organizing tips” in the subject line.

About NAPO

The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) was founded in 1985 as a nonprofit professional educational association for professional organizers. Today, NAPO has approximately 3,500 members worldwide, representing the full spectrum of the global industry:  professional organizers, productivity consultants, authors, educators, trainers, manufacturers, service providers and more. NAPO’s mission is to be the leading source for organizing and productivity professionals by providing exceptional education, enhancing business connections, advancing industry research, and increasing public awareness.

NAPO is headquartered in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, and is on the web at www.NAPO.net.

Organizational Consulting Services

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

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

Organizing for Seniors - Tips to a Safer Home

As people age their requirements for safety and ease of living changes. In making a home safe and easier for older adults there are a few things that you should do.

1) Be careful of throw rugs - in fact - get rid of them. Throw rugs are a safety hazard. They provide ample opportunity for people to trip.

2) Put things down at a lower level so that older adults don't have to reach up to get things. In the kitchen put the dishes and glasses that are used most often on a lower shelf.

   In the bedroom closet -  make sure that clothes are more easily accessible and lower.

3) Don't make older adults bend down so often. Anything that is normally kept on the floor or a very low shelf - should be moved up a bit highter.

4) Make sure there is ample lighting in every room - so that older adults are not straining their eyes and can see things more clearly. This also helps with safety - in navigating from room to room.

5) Keep the walk paths clear of clutter - so that no one trips over things on the floor.

6) Keep the rooms clear of clutter - for easier maintenance for older adults - with less energy to clean.

7) Make sure there are grab bars in the bathroom.

8) Make sure there are handrails going up and down all steps.

A few simple changes will make the lives of older adults living at home much more enjoyable and much safer!


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

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

Starting a New Year by Getting Organized

Getting Organized is one of the biggest "New Year's Resolutions" that people make. But are they being realistic?  Don't make promises (even to yourself) that you can't keep.  You might try - for a short while - but then it becomes too much of a hassle and you stop.

Wanting to change, to make things better is a good thing. But - be honest with yourself, know your limitations and set realistic goals. Don't bite off more than you can handle.

Being more organized is a good thing!  There is no downside to it!  But after looking at the "big picture" - break it down into smaller pieces and realistically set goals based on what you know you can accomplish - in a given time frame.

Male sure that you have some type of filing system in place for all of your financials and important papers. Make sure that you have a 2017 Tax File - for all of the documents that you will be receiving shortly. Pull out all of last years information and box up what you need to keep (for tax purposes) and pitch the rest (remember to shred!).

This is not the most fun project - but a necessary evil.  Just do it - and get it over with.

Why don't you start the New Year off right by promising to try and GET ORGANIZED.  The key word is try.  Make a real effort - to at least think about it.

Don't make big promises that you can't or won't keep. Don't say that you are going to organize your entire house - when you probably won't.  Make a commitment to think about changing your life by becoming more organized.

One step at a time.......   You can't rush organization.  You can't change your habits in one hour or one day. It takes time.

Making a commitment is scary to a lot of people.  But once you do - and once you start the actual organizing process - you will wonder why you waited so long.

And it is a "process".  Having an organizing coach - a Professional Organizer -  just like your workout coach - will help keep you focused and going in the right direction.

So, make a plan. Any plan. How about "organizing your office".  Or "organizing your kitchen".

Break it down into manageable pieces. One drawer at a time. One hour at a time.

Once you have accomplished one task and can physically see the difference - you will be inspired to continue.

So make that New Years Resolution....to GET ORGANIZED !

Organizational Consulting Services

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

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

New Year - New Beginnings

January is under way and everyone is starting to collect all of their financial papers and documents for our favorite time of year. Yes, I’m talking about “tax time”.

January is “get organized” month. And most people don’t even bother to make New Years resolutions anymore.  W4’s and financial papers will be showing up in everyone’s mailbox.

A a lot of people are feeling a bit stressed right now. They are trying to gather all of their papers and get everything organized to take to their accountants. And some people are feeling a bit cranky. Because they don’t know where anything is or they haven’t documented anything or it’s in piles everywhere.

So what’s the answer….. “make a resolution to get more organized this year”.

New Years resolutions on New Years day - well - no one takes them seriously anyway. But a resolution later in month -  after you have had plenty to time to think about it - must be a “serious resolution”.

Get your files in order. If you don’t have a filing system, create one. Put your bills and receipts into the proper files as they come in. Keep accurate records. Have a plan in place to work on your bills and financials at a specific time (every week, every other week... whatever works for you).

Decide now that you don’t want to feel stressed and cranky this time next year -  by making a resolution to become more organized now.

And then….. do it !

Happy Organizing !

Organizational Consulting Services

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

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

Happy New Year - 2018!

Wishing all of you a very  HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!!!!!!

May it be filled with lots of joy.....  and no clutter ! 



Organizational Consulting Services

Merry Christmas to All!

I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season. May your day be filled with joy and happiness.

Organizational Consulting Services

Merry Christmas Eve!

As in our German tradition we will eat a very special meal of German white sausage. Topped off with some desserts and then the best part.... opening our Christmas presents!

Then off to midnight mass with Christmas songs to fill the air.

Wishing all of you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!

Holiday Gifts - What's Really Important

Christmas isn't only about gifts - believe it or not. It's about family and friends.

With only a week before Christmas the pressure is on. Do I have enough presents for everyone? Do I have the right presents? How can I make it through all of the holiday parties? If I go to one party - do I have to invite people over to my house for a party? How can I top my best friends Christmas decorations?

Too much stress!!!  Not enough "holiday spirit"!

By being organized - and starting early - you can avoid the last minute stress of trying to fit everything in and make everyone happy. Take notes for next years holiday!

First - you can't make everyone happy. Buying a lot of presents or big presents doesn't make a person happy. Especially if the gift is something that they really don't want, like or need. You all know what I'm talking about.  Gifts that will never be used or will be re-gifted.

So why waste you time, energy and money buying things that people really don't appreciate?

People tend of overthink the holidays. Keep it simple. Keep it real.

Especially as people age and have their own "stuff" - they don't necessarily want their home cluttered with other peoples (idea of) good intentions.

So - how about the "gift of time". Everyone is so busy these days - that spending an afternoon or evening with a relative is worth more than the piece of pottery or shirt (in your style - not theirs).

How about an "experience"? Tickets to a play - with you, of course.

Or tickets to a concert (their pick)?

Or how about offering to babysit your grandkids for an evening (or weekend) so that your son and daughter-in-law could have a much needed break?

How about offering to mow their lawn for the summer? Or shovel their snow? These are great "gifts" from the kids.

Think of gifts that don't clutter their home. Gifts that they can really use.

Gift baskets - edible - are a great gift. Something that most people don't buy for themselves - but make you feel special.

Holidays should be about family - not seeing who can spend the most money.

They are also not about "out doing" each other with the best party.

Keeping it simple will keep your stress down and let you enjoy the holiday just as much as your guests.

And next year - start planning earlier - for an even less stressful and more enjoyable holiday season.

Wishing you all a very Happy and Stress Free Holiday!

Organizational Consulting Services

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

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

HAPPY ST. NICHOLAS DAY !

 

Growing up German, St. Nicholas Day was a very big deal for us.  And still is.  A boot is put outside the door on the night of the 5th of December.  St. Nicholas fills the boot with candy, chocolate and small gifts.  As kids we liked to use my Dad's shoes because they were obviously bigger, which meant more candy!  In the morning, on December 6th, we would race to see what St. Nicholas brought us.

To me St. Nicholas Day is super special. It reminds me of my heritage. It is also the start of the Christmas season.

I want to wish all of you a very HAPPY ST. NICHOLAS DAY !!!!