 It's difficult in today's society to not feel the pressure to buy more, be more, and have more. Just remember that the more we have, the more we have to maintain. Where do you want to spend your time, money and resources? Take a moment this weekend to figure out what truly makes you happy and you'll likely find that it's not the stuff, but the experiences and people that you love.
© 2017 Post 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  If your entire household or office feels clutter-covered, create some white space. Pick one surface - such as a bedside table, desk, shelf or end table - and remove everything. Toss, donate, recycle, or redistribute to its proper home as necessary. Wipe the surface clean and put just one lovely thing on that space to remind you to kept clear.
-© 2017 Post 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  Frozen. That’s how we feel when we have a daunting task in front of us. We know we need to do it, but we don’t know where or how to start. So we put it off. We’ll get to it tomorrow, right? Then tomorrow comes, and we feel just as frozen, and even more panicked because another day has passed with no results or action. Why do we act like this, and how do we break this cycle?
The first step is to learn a bit about procrastination. First off, realize you’re not alone. According to the Wall Street Journal, 20 percent of American adults consider themselves procrastinators. And even the do-it-now go-getters occasionally delay. There are many reasons people put things off. • Perfectionism: Many procrastinators feel that if they can’t do something perfectly, then why bother. These thoughts will stall you out indefinitely because as hard as you try, you’ll never be perfect. • Unpleasantness: Do you put off eating ice cream or reading your favorite magazine? Of course not. Those are pleasurable things. But writing that 50-page report, organizing your tax receipts, or cleaning out the garage? Those things can be unpleasant. Recognize that while some tasks are lousy, they must be done. • Overwhelm: If your to-do list is ten pages long (or worse yet, not written down but cluttering your brain), it’s hard to figure out where to start. When the finish line is nowhere in sight, it’s often hard to find the beginning. Now that you know why you put things off, you can learn how to manage your procrastinating ways. © 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  Set up a handy gift station at home. Whether it's a shelf in a closet or a box stashed under your bed, dedicate a space to gather perfect gifts for friends and family throughout the year. Log gifts in a notebook as you buy them. Stash gift wrap, ribbon, scissors, tape and cards together for easy wrapping. -Easy ETips
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 Happy First Day of Spring! :-)  Multi-purpose photo boxes Photo storage boxes are great for organizing more than photos! These inexpensive, versatile tools can be used to store crafts, office supplies, jewelry, small toys, bathroom doo-dads, and so much more. For under $5 each, these boxes are an organizing best-buy. Label them clearly with a label maker or Sharpie pen. Vertical space-savers
Over-the-door pocket organizers — usually reserved for shoe storage — are wonderfully versatile. Choose clutter-hiding canvas or easy-to-see-through clear vinyl, depending upon your needs.
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 Happy St. Patrick's Day to you and your loved ones! :-) Spring is around the corner and for many people, time to get organized. Clients frequently inquire about recommendations for multi-purpose, affordable storage containers. Here are a few suggestions for your consideration.  Junk Drawer Organizers This helpful product is an organizing super-performer! Drawer organizers are available in a variety of price ranges, sizes, and materials (cardboard, clear acrylic, plastic, and wood). If you need maximum flexibility, look for one with adjustable compartments, so you can create the right sized spaces for anything in your drawer.
 Flexible Laundry Baskets Containerizing your stuff is great, but buying all those bins and boxes can get expensive! Laundry baskets can be an affordable option. Watch for them on sale at your local discount store. You’ll also find some pretty wicker ones at craft stores (such as Michael’s and JoAnn Fabrics) for under $5.
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  Make it a goal to make next year’s tax time a breeze by getting organized NOW! Use these tips to set up a simple and effective filing system. You’ll be able to slip in important papers throughout the year and tackle next year’s taxes with ease.
Create categories Use standard file folders or large 9x12 envelopes to create categories. You’ll need several for deductions; depending upon your circumstances, they might include charitable donations, medical expenses, child care credits, education expenses, mortgage interest, etc. You’ll also need a folder for income-related papers, such as pay stubs. Create another folder for investments, so you can track taxable interest you’ve earned on savings accounts or investments. Also, create a general tax file to store W-2 or 1099 forms. If you have a home-based business, consult your tax advisor for additional documents to save. Store them Either place the folders all together in a section of your filing cabinet using hanging file folders, or purchase a plastic file box or expandable wallet to hold all the folders. Keep it conveniently located in your home. Collect the papers Throughout the year, add receipts and documents to the appropriate file folders as soon as you can. You’re set When tax time rolls around, pull out all the folders and use them as you prepare your tax documents. Or, take the whole shebang to your accountant’s office. She will be impressed! Plan ahead Create new files with the same category names so you’re ready to start collecting the next year’s tax papers. © 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  When you can't find something, it's often easier to just buy another. But the original will eventually turn up, leaving you with more than you really need. Take some time to scout out duplicates in the kitchen, garage, bathroom and even your closet. Decide how many your really need and keep your favorites only. Donate the rest.
© 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  Sure, you have a 100-piece tool kit in the garage or basement. But who has time to hunt for a hammer when you need one NOW? Keep one, along with flat-head and Phillips screw drivers, a pliers, a tape measure, and a small container with a variety of nails and screws in a kitchen drawer so you can tackle quickie fixes without a search.
© 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  If you’re lucky enough to have a linen closet, make the most of its space by getting it organized.
The first step is to pull everything out of the closet, sorting into categories (such as towels, sheets, blankets, and pillows) as you go. You might also find bathroom necessities, such as cleaning supplies, paper products, and medications. That’s okay, but remember that the linen closet should not be a catch-all! Once you can see your categories, consider the quantities you own, and begin to downsize. See if you can narrow down your sheet sets to two per bed (one on the bed, and one in the closet). Donate old, ratty towels to your local animal shelter. Get rid of extra blankets and pillows that you no longer use. Next, begin returning items to the closet. Placement is key! Store bulky items that you use infrequently (such as beach towels or heavy blankets) on the very top shelf. Place items that you use most often at eye level so you can easily reach them. Fold towels neatly and store either by size or set. Or, roll the towels for an eye-pleasing, easy-to-grab storage method. Sheets sets can be slipped into their coordinating pillowcases for easy retrieval, stacking similar sizes in the same row. If you’re storing bathroom supplies in the linen closet, be sure to contain them in pretty boxes or baskets, rather than leaving them to fall over. Stash bathroom cleaning products in a handled tote so you can “grab and go” on cleaning day. Finally, be sure to label the shelves and containers so that items return to their correct “homes,” ensuring an organized linen closet for years to come. © 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  Whether your home office consists of a spacious basement suite or a miniscule bedroom corner, making the best of your space is so important. Location, furniture placement, and ambience will impact the ease and enjoyability with which you function.
First, identify your home office location. Will you be working when others are at home? If noise and distractions are a concern, consider finding the most secluded spot in your home. Any spare room where you can shut the door — bedroom, attic, or basement —is great. If you don’t have an entire room to work with, get creative. If you can give up a closet, consider emptying one and installing a simple work surface inside. Add shelving above for supplies and reference materials. Pull up a desk chair, and voila, instant mini-office! When the work day is done, simply shut the closet door and the office disappears. If you can’t give up the closet space, try sectioning off a corner of any room with a fold-out decorative screen. Next, arrange your office furniture carefully. Consider whether you’ll need lots of surface space and where you plan to put your desk and computer. Other items, such as filing drawers and book cases, can be placed next. Make sure to have good lighting, both indirect and direct. And finally, take the time to add a little “you” to the room. Paint the walls a color you love. Add artwork — 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. Now it feels like home (office)! Now that your space is ready, you’ll need to prepare for inevitable interruptions. A day working from your home office can be filled with them from spouses, kids, roommates — even the cat. To maximize your time, consider these tips: • Establish regular office hours and make sure everyone knows and respects them. If necessary, find quiet time by getting up early or staying up late. • For parents working at home with small children, you already know that nap time is your savior. For the waking hours, set up a small play area in your office. Set aside a bucket of special toys to be taken out only when you’re on the phone and need extra special quiet. • Resist the urge to continually check email or voicemail. Ignore the doorbell. Use caller ID to direct your energies toward work-related calls, rather than chatty friends and pesky telemarketers. • Make a to-do list at the beginning of each day or the evening before. Schedule your time so the most important tasks get done first. That way, if you do get interrupted, at least your most urgent needs have been met. © 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  Keep a second set of get-ready supplies (toothbrush and paste, hair brush, hair binders, etc.) in your kitchen or the main-floor bathroom. That way, if you or your kids forget to brush teeth or hair or put on deodorant before you come downstairs in the morning, you can quickly tackle these little morning routines before you run out the door.
© 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  Think you’re out of space? Even if you live in a tiny apartment or house, you can take advantage of these spaces and maximize your storage capabilities.
Under: Don’t neglect the space under your bed! It’s great for off-season clothing storage or hand-me-down kids’ clothes, extra blankets, and memory-box/sentimental items. If your bed is low, purchase some inexpensive bed risers (about $10 per set) at your bed and bath store. This will raise the bed about six inches, allowing under-bed plastic or cardboard storage boxes to slide in easily. Inside: When shopping for end tables, coffee tables, or benches, be sure to look for those that have storage inside. That way, you utilize not only the space on top, but also the space inside or underneath. In your closets, maximize space by installing a double-hang closet rod. Inside cupboard doors, hang a cork board to post phone numbers and shopping lists. Or hang hooks (3M Command Hooks work well) to hold just about anything! Finally, use the height of your cabinets wisely by adjusting shelves to suit the items they hold. Up: There are all sorts of great organizing products available to help you maximize wall space. Pegs and hooks can be used in the entry way to hold jackets and backpacks; in the bathroom they hold robes or hair dryers; or add to a closet to store the next day’s outfit. Hang a net hammock in a kid’s room to store stuffed animals up and out of the way. You can even use the ceiling to hang pots and pans from a ceiling-mounted rack. Install floor-to-ceiling shelves or cubbies, and you won’t waste an inch of wall space. Keep frequently used items at eye level or below, saving the top space for seldom-used things or decorative items. © 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 |
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