January 5, 2013–Call Kira About Aging

I will once again be a guest of Kira Reginato on her KSRO radio show, Call Kira About Aging! Be sure to tune in on Saturday, January 5, 2013, from 2-3 pm at 1350 on the AM dial.

More details to come...but it looks like we will be talking about the "minimalist movement."

January is "Get Organized Month" and Kira takes the whole month to discuss organizing issues with various experts.

Last year I shared the month with local organizer Diane Judd, as well as psychologist Dr. Michael Tompkins (hoarding expert) and my colleague and nationally known professional organizer Geralin Thomas (from the TV show Hoarders).

Watch this post for resources on the "minimalist movement." Here are a few to get you started:

1.  Becoming Minimalist
2.  Miss Minimalist
3.  http://mnmlist.com/less/

 (I thought I should post more links...but then I thought "maybe less is better." :))

The Big Push

Have you ever just wanted to get rid of all the clutter in your bedroom?

Or clear the kitchen once and for all?

Maybe clear out a storage unit and stop spending all that money?

Maybe you are ready for "The Big Push."

Sometimes my long-term clients have just finally had enough, and are tired of working just one day a week or a couple of days a month on their clutter or organizing project. Progress has been made, but sometimes it seems like it never ends. They are finally ready to tackle it quickly and intensively, giving it all their attention for days a time, with me to guide them through it.

What we end up doing is something I've nicknamed "The Big Push." It can be done in a number of ways–whatever suits your budget. It might involve:

• Working 2-3 days (or more!) each week, 4-6 hours a day. For a few days or maybe a few weeks.
• Bringing in an extra organizer or even a team of organizers to move things out more quickly.
• Having that team work with you evenings or weekends.
• Being in the mindset to "let things go."

Now, even though I'm saying you need to be ready to "let go," we are always respectful of your wishes and follow your lead when it comes to letting go. But "Big Push" time really does mean that a shift has happened within you and you are ready to release. Often, my clients that need a Big Push really don't have the room for these items (it isn't a matter of "organizing them all better"), and tough decisions need to be made.

I will be there to help you make them, guiding you to reach your goals, which might include:

• A cleaner house
• A safe and healthy home
• An efficient office
• More space for actually doing what you like
• Not just storing stuff you aren't using
• No more storage unit rent
• Having a friend over for coffee
• Simply living peacefully in your own home
• Stopping the chatter of all that stuff

Imagine calling me on Monday and having tea with a friend in your own living room on Friday!

Please call or e-mail me if you think you are ready for a "Big Push." I always offer a free phone consultation and we can see if this is right for you.

707-849-2679
margaret@organizeinharmony.com

Please see my Tab under "Sessions•Packages" for more information.

Deep Drawer Organizer for Bathrooms

I bought this wonderful clear acrylic bathroom drawer organizer at Ikea (Godmorgan, $17.99) a few months ago. I was trying to get some things off my counter and into a drawer in a very well organized manner so I could still grab them very easily.

I was curious as to how well I would keep it neat! Well, I am proud to say that this organizer works very well and since only one thing can fit in most of the spots, it's hard to get it too jumbled and messy. I use it a lot like the picture (this is from the Ikea website). My makeup brushes are in the section that stands up, one hair brush fits under it, and my little things like lipstick or other tiny bottles fit nicely in each cubby. It's easy to grab my stuff when I need it, and I find I like putting each thing back and seeing them all lined up neatly when I'm done.

Works for me! I'd give this product an A+ for form and function and the price is pretty good for a nice piece of acrylic.

Spring Organizing

With a few extra days off from school due to the holiday, I realized I had some extra time to do some house-organizing that I had been putting off. It felt good to clear some cabinets of stuff that had just migrated to the back (stale cereal, flour, seeds, nuts etc.) and be able to reclaim all my nice mason jars to use for something fresh! I saved myself the cost of having to buy new ones–I didn't realize I had so many that were full of old stale stuff!

I also bribed my daughter to help me in the garage on Monday (another no-school day) with the promise of lunch out together. We managed to get through a number of boxes that had been piling up at the foot of our stairs in the garage. Boxes of recycle, give-away and good stuff had all gotten mixed up together. Well, it paid off for her. In one box I found one of her wallets that had almost $10 in it! (Which is a lot of money for a 10 year-old!)

So, I guess the moral here is that you never know what you are going to find in those boxes or cabinets you have been ignoring. Not only did we find cash and save money, we created more room and a tidier place to live. Time well-spent! And maybe motivation to keep going or get started?

Portable Suction Hooks

 

I always bring a few of these along when traveling. Most hotels do not have enough places to hang a wet towel or bathing suit, especially if you are sharing a room with one or two other people. Just don't forget to take them home! I have found them in packs of 2 or more at home improvement stores and Bed, Bath and Beyond. There are several types on the market.

Another handy item to take traveling for the over 40 set (or just those with bad close vision) is a suction cup magnifying mirror. I put it on the mirror outside the bathroom so I can get close to it and can put on my make-up while my roommate is still using the bathroom.