Energize and Organize
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Energize and Organize:  School Mid-Year

1/30/2017

 
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It’s the halfway mark for the school year. Now is a good time to inventory your students’ school supplies and restock anything broken or used up. Check in frequently to see if their desks, lockers, or backpacks need tune-ups and help as necessary.
© 2017 Posts on Demand
​

​​​Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts  Contact 617.640.2366     www.energizeandorganize.com

Energize and Organize:  Preserving Memories

1/27/2017

 
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Attics, basements, and garages are prone to extreme heat fluctuations, moisture/humidity, rodents, and insects. Therefore, they may not be the proper places for your most prized possessions. Protect your family heirlooms, photos, and valuable memorabilia so they last a lifetime by following this advice. 

Photos should be stored in archival-quality albums and kept away from light and out of moist or hot spaces.
  • Store videotapes in protective plastic boxes and on end (not lying flat on top of each other).
  • Heirloom textiles and garments should be cleaned first and then wrapped in acid-free tissues and placed in acid-free storage boxes.
  • Special books should also be placed in acid-free boxes. 
  • Memorabilia (when not being displayed) should be kept dust-free and in storage boxes as well. Then store these valuables in the main living quarters of your home — not in the garage, attic, or basement. Watch for rodents and insects, and deal with them promptly to avoid damage.    © 2017 Articles on Demand™

​Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting with amiable and knowledgable Mary Anne Threadgold, Owner/Operator at The Right Idea.  Using her creative and technical expertise, Mary Anne works with you to help organize, digitize, preserve and share your printed photos and digital media for that special occasion or just because it's time.  A visit to Mary Anne's office is a visual delight filled with cherished and treasured photographic memorabilia and keepsakes!

"If you ever feel like
 your photos, slides, movies and camera have you surrounded without any way to share your memories ?  Help is on the way!  Contact The Right Idea and we will have you sharing your memories in no time... OR... just in time for Valentine's Day!" - Mary Anne Threadgold
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Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts  Contact 617.640.2366   
  www.energizeandorganize.com

Energize and Organize:  Clutter Awareness

1/25/2017

 
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​The word “clutter” derives from the Middle English word “clotter,” which means coagulate. Think stagnant, accumulated... stuck!

When clutter invades our homes and offices, it can make us disorganized. We lose things, forget to pay bills, procrastinate, and waste time. So stop contemplating your clutter and dedicate some time to conquering it!

• Define “clutter.” Clutter is anything unnecessary and extraneous. It can be more than the physical clutter most of us think of. Getting organized means clearing out the clutter in your mind, heart, and life.

• Start the process of decluttering. Start small. Divide your desk or room into sections. Pick one section (like one drawer or cupboard) and begin decluttering. Try to touch things only once while going through this process — quickly make a decision to keep or toss! 

• Ask yourself if you consider each item beautiful, useful, or loved. If not, you can probably get rid of it! If you’re still not sure if you should get rid of an item, ask yourself, “What’s the worst thing that could happen if I toss this?” The answer may help give you the power to  discard the clutter.

• To stop clutter, prevent it from accumulating in the first place. Don't give clutter a chance to form. As you've probably experienced, once clutter occupies a space, it has a way of multiplying. Always remember to place your emphasis on quality over quantity. In other words, it's not important to have a lot of things, many of which you never use. It's more beneficial to have fewer things, all of which you use and/or enjoy. 

• Think before you buy. Try to look beyond the initial “thrill of the purchase” and see what provides deeper moments of meaning. Once you rid yourself of clutter and make space only for what's special, you'll find it's easier to get — and stay — organized!

© 2017 Articles on Demand™

​Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts  Contact 617.640.2366   
  www.energizeandorganize.com

Energize and Organize:  Tip to Stop Procrastination

1/22/2017

 
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​The word procrastinate comes from the Latin procrastinatus, which means, literally, “forward tomorrow.” If you’ve been putting off till tomorrow what you could — and should — do today, then recognize that procrastination is a habit that can be broken. But it won’t happen overnight. It takes 21 days to form a new habit. So set a date, (Mondays work well, because they feel like a fresh start) and track 21 days to stay the course.
© 2017 Posts on Demand
​

​​​Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts  Contact 617.640.2366   
  www.energizeandorganize.com

Energize and Organize:  One In, One Out Rule

1/20/2017

 
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​Commit to the one in/one out rule for everything in your life.  Remember, there is a finite amount of space and time in our lives.
  • If you buy a new pair of shoes, donate an old pair you don’t love.
  • When you upload a new app to your smartphone, delete one that you never use.
  • When you or your family adds a new activity to the schedule, evaluate what you could remove from your calendar.   ​© 2017 Posts on Demand

​​Remember, if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts  Contact 617.640.2366     www.energizeandorganize.com​

Energize and Organize:  Make Your Office Space Your Own

1/18/2017

 
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​Make it personal. You’re in your office for nearly a third of your day. Add personal touches to make it a fun space. Include a few great and meaningful photos. Add artwork to the walls — whether expensive originals or a child’s framed finger paintings. And add a little greenery in the form of a potted plant or fresh flowers. Remember that your office is a reflection of you, so keep it tasteful and simple, and, of course, organized! 

Have fun with desk accessories. Think outside the office supply catalog. Even if you have to pay for them yourself, a few beautiful, useful office supplies may make your day more enjoyable. From a high-quality pen to colorful binders and file folders, functionality can be fun. A rubber band ball, funky, patterned clipboard, or vintage wire desk tray will make office drudgery a thing of the past. Some online resources for unique organization supplies include www.seejanework.com and www.russellandhazel.com. Also try www.containerstore.com for a wide variety of products.

Please all your senses. Introduce sound by playing some soft music. Delight your nose by spritzing cotton balls with an energizing essential oil like orange or peppermint and placing them in your drawers. Indulge your taste buds by filling a candy bowl with your favorite treats. Your days are sure to be more pleasant when your office looks, smells, and sounds
nice.  © 2017  Articles on Demand™

​​Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts  Contact 617.640.2366   
  www.energizeandorganize.com

Energize and Organize:  Measure Your New Year's Goal Success

1/16/2017

 
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If you make a New Year’s goal, the key to keeping it is to define ways to measure your success. By using a timetable, you’ll force yourself to be accountable.

Look at your goal in the short-term, mid-term and long-term. For example, don’t say, “I will get organized this year.” Say instead, “I will organize my closet this week,” “I will evaluate my overloaded schedule next month,” and “I will ask someone to help me organize my paperwork by the end of March.”  
© 2017 Posts on Demand
 
​​Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts  Contact 617.640.2366     www.energizeandorganize.com

Energize and Organize:   January is Get Organized Month

1/13/2017

 
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​


Create some breathing room this
Get Organized Month. Tackle one drawer, cupboard, or shelf in your home each day this month with the intention to remove and donate/toss/recycle/sell at least 25% of its contents. When spaces aren’t packed full, it’s easier to find what you need and keep organized.
© 2017 Posts on Demand 


​​​Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts  Contact 617.640.2366     www.energizeandorganize.com

Energize and Organize:  Recycle Your Holiday Cards!

1/11/2017

 
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As you round up all the holiday cards you received last month, if you can’t quite bring yourself to toss them in the recycling bin, send them to St Jude’s Ranch for Children Recycled Card Program. Abused and at-risk children are taught entrepreneurship by making new greeting cards out of old ones. Find guidelines and shipping info at https://stjudesranch.org/recycled-card-program.  
​© 2017 Posts on Demand

​​Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts  Contact 617.640.2366     www.energizeandorganize.com

Energize and Organize:  Clean Off Your Desk

1/9/2017

 
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  • Did you know that the second Monday in January is Clean Off Your Desk Day?
  • Keep it tidy by dealing with paperwork on a regular basis.
  • Whether first thing in the morning, at the end of the day, or somewhere in between, set aside 30 minutes each day so you don't end up with overwhelming piles.​
  • For every piece of paper that you encounter, make an immediate decision to toss it, file it or act on it.​
  • Try to think vertically, rather than just horizontally, to maximize space. Install pegboard or a wire grid on the wall to hang supplies up and off your desk. Install shelving over your desk to hold books and reference materials.
  • If you have a door, don’t forget to use the space behind it — hang a clear, plastic shoe organizer, and fill it with office supplies.  © 2017 Articles on Demand

​Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...

Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and        Contact: 617.640.2366, www.energizeandorganize.com

Energize and Organize:  Tackle Tasks During TV Commercials

1/6/2017

 
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If you’re an avid television watcher, tackle quick tasks during commercial breaks. In each 2-3 minute break during TV time tonight, mute the sound and do one of the following odd jobs: fold a load of laundry, dust the living room, gather up and toss out old magazines and newspapers, return any dishes and food wrappers to the kitchen, or water the plants.
© 2017  E-Tips


​Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts  Contact 617.640.2366     www.energizeandorganize.com

Energize and Organize:  Make a Goal for the New Year, Part 2

1/4/2017

 
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​                                Happy New Year to You and Your Loved Ones!  
                                   Follow these tips to goal-making success!
​

MEASURE AND EVALUATE: Another key to goal-keeping success is to define ways to measure your success.
By using a time table, you’ll force yourself to be accountable. Look at your goal in the short-term, mid-term and long-term. For example, don’t say, “I will get organized this year.” Say instead, “I will organize my closet this week,” “I will evaluate my overloaded schedule next month,” and “I will ask someone to help me organize my paperwork by the end of March.”
 
Keep your written goals posted where you can always see them: your computer monitor, a bathroom mirror, the refrigerator door, or your daily planner. On your calendar, write down your task completion dates so you can evaluate your successes at least once a week. (If the goal you’re working on involves changing a habit, remember that it usually takes 21 days to change a habit.)
 
At the end of a goal achievement, reward yourself — treat yourself to a small gift or relaxing activity. Celebrate what you have accomplished and move on to the next goal activity. And every few months, look at the goals you have set for the year. Do you still want to focus on these goals? Give yourself permission to change your goals and resolutions based on your life changes.
 
GET HELP: If keeping yourself motivated and moving forward can be tough, or if the thought of goal-making terrifies you, consider enlisting the help of a trusted friend, family member or co-worker. Consider hiring an expert in your area of change, such as a professional organizer, personal trainer, or financial planner. Or if you need help defining your goals, get help from a life coach (find one at www.coachfederation.org or www.napo.net.) 
 © 2017 Articles on Demand™


​Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts  Contact 617.640.2366     www.energizeandorganize.com

Energize and Organize:  Make a Goal for the New Year, Part 1

1/2/2017

 
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​                                Happy New Year to You and Your Loved Ones!  
                                   Follow these tips to goal-making success!

 
DECIDE ON A GOAL: The first — and sometimes hardest — step to goal making is selecting a goal. So many people make the same resolutions each year: quit smoking, lose weight, get organized. And then they quickly abandon them. This year, ask yourself, “What do I really want? How can I make myself happier?” Brainstorm a bit and come up with five to ten ideas. Then select one or two to work on. The goal doesn’t have to be daunting; in fact, it should be realistically attainable.
 
WRITE IT DOWN: The next step to achieving your goal is to write it down. By doing this, you are making a commitment with yourself and are more likely to follow through. Only about 5% of the population writes down its life goals, which may be one of the reasons that at least 50% of people who set New Year's resolutions have abandoned them by the end of January and up to 90% call it quits by April.
 
As you write your goal, concentrate on the positive, and make it specific and attainable. Instead of one big daunting New Year’s resolution, try to list a series of smaller steps that will get you there in manageable increments. For example, if your resolution is to “try new things,” your list might break down into these tasks:
- introduce myself to one new person a week
- eat at one new restaurant per month
- take a continuing education class this spring
- join local book club
- listen to foreign language tapes in car
 
Also write down WHY you want to reach your goal. Once you reach it, how will your life improve?
© 2017 Articles on Demand™


​Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts  Contact 617.640.2366     www.energizeandorganize.com

Energize and Organize:  Happy New Year!

1/1/2017

 
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​Remember if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts  Contact 617.640.2366     www.energizeandorganize.com

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  • Welcome
  • About Us
  • Services
    • Home Office Organization
    • Residential Organization >
      • Are You Chronically Disorganized? >
        • Common Characteristics of Chronically Disorganized Individuals
      • Are you Situationally Disorganized?
      • Organizing by Learning and Action Style Preferences
    • Senior Organization
    • Student Organization >
      • Executive Function
      • Improving Your Child's Organizing Skills
      • Organizing by Learning/Sensory Preferences and Action Style Preferences
      • Organization and Time Management Strategies for Kids with L.D.
      • Student Organizing Tips - Internet Resources
  • Gallery
  • FAQ
  • Resources
    • Charitable Donation Information
    • Decisions, Decisions, Decisions ... To Keep or Not to Keep?
    • Green Tips from NAPO-New England Professional Organizers
    • Insightful Education Websites for Children and Students with All Kinds of Abilities
    • Inspirational Organizing Quotes
    • Interesting Readings
    • Junk Mail and Telemarketing Phone Call Reduction Resources
    • Miscellaneous Organizational Tips
    • NAPO Code of Ethics
    • NAPO-NE Tips for Adopting Green Organizing and Celebrating Earth Day
    • NAPO-NE Tips for Practical Ways to Get Organized
    • Outstanding Professional Organizer Websites
    • Organizing Product Stores
    • Resale Information
  • Testimonials/In the News
    • Testimonials
    • In the News
  • Contact
  • Blog