 Tax Time Organization is Key to Peace of Mind
Guest Post by Vali G. Heist, Certified Professional Organizer® vali@thecluttercrew.com 610.914.3483 Preparing your taxes can be intimidating, but a little organization during the year is the key. Try not to wait until the last minute, especially if you are filing online for the first time – it always takes longer than you think (been there, done that, paid the penalty). If you need an expert, call a certified public accountant, H&R Block website (www.hrblock.com) or IRS website (www.irs.gov). They have a user-friendly website at www.hrblock.com for just about any tax filer. They provide step-by-step guidance at whatever level you need and some of the advice is free. If online isn’t your preference, go to any H&R Block location near you. Any new tax software or filing online will require copious amounts of patience so leave plenty of time so you don’t miss the filing deadline. Let’s break it down: Getting Organized
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, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  It’s easy being green! Living an eco-friendly lifestyle is not only trendy, but it’s the right thing to do! So why not incorporate some green practices into your organizing? You can keep it low-key by following some of the easy eco tips listed below, or you can go all the way and declare yourself “eco-organized” by adopting an environmentally friendly lifestyle. If you’d like to get on board, start with the 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
REDUCE By clearing clutter and creating easy-to-locate “homes” for your things, you avoid making expensive, unnecessary, duplicate purchases. Many of us have issues with consumerism and over-abundance. To be more eco-conscious, you might consider reducing your overall shopping habits. Or, you can decide that it’s sometimes better to invest in a higher-quality, longer-lasting item that won’t fall apart quickly. You can also “co-op” large purchases — such as snow blowers or lawn mowers— with your neighbors, or simply borrow (like in the good old days) things that you only need to use once in a while. And don’t forget about reducing your paper consumption. Use both sides of your paper and print out less. If you fear that you’ll lose the information if you don’t have a hard copy, then set up e-folders on your computer for easy file retrieval. REUSE Would you like to save money and be eco-friendly by repurposing items you already own rather than purchasing new? Reuse common household items in new and attractive ways. An empty kleenex box can become a plastic shopping bag holder. An unmatched teacup can hold paperclips. Shoe boxes, coffee cans, paper ream boxes, mint tins — just about any type of container can be covered with pretty paper and reused in the organizing arena! Very often people purchase many, many organizing bins, baskets, and boxes with the hopes that they will be the answer to their organizing woes. Scout out your own unused containers and put them to good use. RECYCLE There are many ways you can recycle both during and after the organizing process. Consider your current recycling habits. If you are an eco-newbie, start off with baby steps. Explore your local recycling programs, and set up an easy recycling station in the kitchen. Stash small recycling bins in locations where you handle papers. See how easy it is to toss papers and cardboard in a recycling bin rather than in a garbage can. Also, make smart decisions when it comes to recycling your castoffs. Rather than discarding items in the trash, utilize your local donation resources. You may already know that you can donate clothing to Goodwill, but what about the extra lumber in the garage or your old cell phones and eye glasses? Use your computer to search for nearby charities that need your unwanted items, or ask your professional organizer for recommendations. In addition to these Reduce, Reuse, and Recycling tips, you can go a step further and... • Discover new ways to save energy, such as turning off computers at night, using power strips to make shut-down easy, driving more efficiently by grouping errands, and setting up a home energy audit • Educate your family on how to handle household waste, such as locating recycling services in your county, disposing of household hazardous waste properly, and composting food scraps • Search out green retailers, such as those that offer sustainable or locally-produced organizing products and/or second-hand stores As with any organizing project, you must be motivated and inspired! Whether you want to get a little “greener” or become all-out eco-optimized, stay focused on the benefits of going green. Eco-organizing can be easy and convenient, and it can ultimately save you time and money. And, of course, it will make Mother Earth very happy! © 2022 Articles on Demand™ 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, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  Make it personal. You’re in your office for nearly a third of your day and even longer for many people working from home. 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. © 2022 Articles on Demand™ 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, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." -C.S. Lewis Remember if you need assistance and support with achieving your dreams and goals for your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  Electronics and Appliance Disposal Supports the Lawrence School CHOIR, BAND and STRINGS Programs Date: Saturday, May 7th Time: 9 am - 1pm Location: Lawrence School 113 Lakeview Avenue Falmouth, Massachusetts Items taken ... TVs, Computers, Monitors, Stereos, Phones, Air Conditioners, Large Appliances and More! Cost $15 per Computer component $15 for AV components $25 for TVs (any size) $30 for large appliances Rain or Shine! 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, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  Date: Saturday, April 30th Time: 10 am to 2 pm Place: Falmouth Police Station The nationwide Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides an opportunity for citizens to safely and responsibly dispose of unwanted prescription drugs at their local police stations.
Here in Falmouth, the Prescription Drug Take Back event is a partnership between the Falmouth Police Department, the DEA, and Gosnold and the Prevention Partnership. 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, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  Spring is officially here and you know what that means... time to get and stay organized! Do you have an unruly collection of miscellaneous tools here there and everywhere? Does your tool inventory include eight hammers, fifteen screwdrivers, twelve pairs of pliers and so much more all because you don't know where you last put a tool or what tools you own? Getting your tool shed, workshop, basement, storage and garage organized will save you time and money! Bring order to your tool chaos and enjoy leisure time do what you want to do instead of what must be done. 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, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth Spring is officially here and you know what that means ... time to get the children's playroom and play areas well organized! Here are some insightful articles and photo images to inspire you! 17 Expert Approved Toy Storage Ideas that Kids and Parents will Love https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2022/01/13/toy-storage-organizers/ 23 Brilliant Toy Storage Ideas to Stay Organized https://www.mydomaine.com/toy-storage-ideas-5210946 32 Easy Storage Ideas to Keep Your Kid’s Room Clutter Free https://www.housebeautiful.com/home-remodeling/g2270/10-genius-storage-ideas-for-your-kids-room/ 44 Best Toy Storage Ideas the Kids Will Love https://homebnc.com/best-toy-storage-ideas-that-kids-will-love/  Image Source: The Photographer's Wife  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, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  Reading stories with your little ones is one of life's greatest gifts. Those special memories of snuggling and exploring literary and life adventures together last a lifetime and are lovingly shared from one generation to the next.
Parents and caregivers appreciate keeping all of those special books readily accessible and well organized, too. Vertical wall book racks are a wonderful way to introduce your children to the joy of picture walks and reading while teaching them how to organize and care for their cherish and treasure books. 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, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth It's a snowy and very windy winter here in the Northeast and many of us are nesting in our warm homes taking on home projects that keep us busy and bring calm to our living environments. What better time than this to create a command center in your home? You may wonder, "What is a command center?" A command center is a designated space/location in your home to keep all of your family's important information. It's usually located in the kitchen where family most often gathers together but can be in any shared spaces including hallways and mudrooms. Command centers come in all kinds of sizes and shapes to fit your needs and spaces. Some command centers are elaborate with desks, chalkboards, cork boards, hanging files, clipboards, a clock, bookshelves, chore charts, homework bins, white board calendars, hanging baskets, shelving, message centers, magnetic boards, key hooks, and more. Other command centers are more simple in design and include a small table, sorting trays, hanging file container, baskets and pen/pencil cup. Elaborate or simple, command centers serve the purpose of creating and maintaining calm from the chaos of every day living for you and your loved ones. A picture is worth a thousand words and these command center images were found doing a quick Internet search. Take a look at these wonderful elaborate and simple command center photos and imagine creating one in your own home during these chilly, hibernating, wintery days. Look around your homes for supplies then purchase what else you need and have fun! 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, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  "There is no charm equal to the tenderness of the heart."
-Jane Austen  Tips for Starting 2022 Clutter-Free: The Experts' Advice Complied by Rocio Espinoza Happy New Year! Most everyone makes a few New Year resolutions, right? Do you need suggestions and support to follow through on those 2022 goals of yours?
Rocio Espinoza at www.porch.com has compiled a wealth of tips from professional organizers around the country that you will find very informative. Topics include benefits of decluttering, clutter-free living, 5 easy clutter-free hacks, kids and decluttering, clutter-free gift giving, where to begin, year-round decluttering, how to dispose of items, decluttering in 3 steps and more! Visit https://porch.com/advice/starting-2022-clutter-free to get started on achieving your decluttering goals and living the life you envision for yourself and your loved ones in 2022! Best wishes! 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, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Truro and Yarmouth  "If you can't fly, then run.
If you can't run, then walk. If you can't walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward."  Mom ALWAYS asks, as her children get ready to head home, "Do you have a FULL tank of gas?" Great question, Mom!
That got me to thinking about other winter car essentials and what would make for a great kit. Here are a few suggestions and recommendations for you to build your own winter car emergency kit. Keep in Touch: cell phone charger, short-wave radio, paper maps and compass Warmth: blankets, hand warmers, hats, mittens, boots Eats: granola/protein bars, nuts, bottles of water Light Up: flashlights with extra batteries, road flares, reflective roadside triangles, reflective vest Safety: first aid kit, masks, hand sanitizer and wipes Dig Out: portable shovel, bags of sand/kitty litter, ice scraper, snow brush Supplies and Tools: windshield fluid, flat tire tools, battery booster cables, Leatherman multi-tool If you'd rather purchase a ready-made emergency car kit stop by your local hardware shop, Google winter car emergency kit and/or visit www.aaa.com and www.survival-supply.com. 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, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  Tis' the season to now think about how to recycle your holiday waste rather than to simply throw it out at the curb. Here are some recycling suggestions for your discarded Christmas trees and holiday string lights. Christmas Trees Falmouth Band Parents Tree Recycling Pick-Up Program
Falmouth Yard Waste Leaf Compost Facility 555 Blacksmith Shop Road
Holiday Lights Falmouth Waste Management Facility 458 Thomas Landers Road
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, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Truro and Yarmouth  "You don't have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.  Basic Uncluttering for a New You! Are you ready for a new start? Are you tired of the clutter, tired of losing things, and done with wasting time and money?
Jeff Davison, author and professional speaker says, “If you think getting organized is time consuming, try disorganization!” Here’s how to identify clutter and how to organize a big area. Let’s break it down... Definitions of Clutter
Uncluttering and Organizing a Big Area The Big Sort 1. Start on the left and move toward the right; focus on one area at a time. 2. Sort items into categories quickly using signs: Keep, Throw, Sell, Give Away, Donate, Recycle, Fix. 4. If you’re not sure, put it in the ‘keep’ pile. 5. Stay focused and just sort. Don’t read everything or struggle. Purging the ‘keep’ pile
Assigning a home
Containerize
Maintain
With thanks to guest Vali G. Heist, Certified Professional Organizer® thecluttercrew.com • 610-914-3483 • vali@thecluttercrew.com 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, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Truro and Yarmouth  "The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree
is the presence of family and friends all wrapped up in each other." - B. Hills Wishing you and yours a very Happy, Healthy and Merry Christmas!  Tis the season ... for home and holiday preparations! The little ones are making their lists and checking them ... here's your check/do list of winter seasonal interior and exterior home preparations. Winter Seasonal Interior Home Prep Chimneys - Clean and inspect as chimney soot buildup can lead to fires and critters can nest causing obstructions. Dryer Vents - Clean dryer and vent system to prevent fires. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors - Check and/or replace batteries and make sure fire extinguishers have not expired. Furnace - Schedule furnace maintenance to change the HVAC filters and ensure your furnace is running optimally. Window Air Condition Units - Leaving an air conditioner unit exposed to the elements can be hazardous to the unit. Winter Seasonal Exterior Home Preparations Gaps - Seal gaps to keep critters out and keep the heat in your home.
Gutters - Once most of the leaves have fallen, clean outside gutters to protect the roof and siding. Faucets - Shut off exterior faucets and drain irrigation. Leaving garden hoses attached to outdoor faucets can cause frozen pipes if temperatures dip below freezing which is why it's important to shut off exterior faucets and drain your irrigation system. Pathways/Stairs - Keep exterior walkways in good condition to simplify snow removal and minimize the potential of someone falling from icy conditions. Trees and Bushes - Consider hiring an arborist to prune trees and bushes to avoid falling limbs in winter storms. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter and https://energy.gov/energysaver/do-it-yourself-home-energy-audits 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, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Truro and Yarmouth  "May we all be blessed with miracles wherever we need them." - M. Ezra
 Wishing you and yours excellent health, abundant blessings and great joy! |
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