Here are a few helpful laundry dryer tips for you! Source: Real Simple magazine, Sept. 2023 1. Add a dry towel to shorten any cycle. 2. Throw a damp towel or a few ice cubes (or spray garments with water) to help release wrinkles. 3. Apply a few drops of your favorite essential oil to wool dryer balls to impart a light, natural fragrance to your clothing. 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 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 𝐓𝐈𝐏𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐔𝐒𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓𝐃𝐎𝐎𝐑 𝐃𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑
👉🏽 For the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center, go to https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ 👉 To find trusted information from local public agencies on Nextdoor, go to https://nextdoor.com/agency/feed 🔎 When searching for information, search for commonly used terms such as evacuation orders, road closures, supplies, gasoline, and shelter. 🌀 Do you need help or want to offer your neighbors a helping hand? Post to YOUR neighborhood's Nextdoor newsfeed by clicking the following link and typing in what you need help with or how you can help - https://nextdoor.com/news_feed/?open_composer=true&hashtag=massleehelp - Select "Your neighborhood" or "Nearby neighborhoods" to reach the neighbors closest to you. To find out what is happening locally, see https://nextdoor.com/ 🙋 Remember that some of your neighbors may need help. You can help them prepare, for example, by running errands, securing outdoor items, clearing drains, filling and placing sandbags, or installing hurricane shutters. 🛣️ During an evacuation, some neighbors may also need a ride; knock on their doors and post to Nextdoor with your offer. Check https://mass511.com/for traffic conditions. 📱 For the best experience, use the Nextdoor app or install it if it is not on your phone. ✅ Invite your neighbors to join Nextdoor so everyone can share updates and resources and ask for an offer to help. 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐓𝐈𝐏𝐒: 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 📻 Get a NOAA Weather Radio with battery backup. 📱 Download a weather app. ⚠️ Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone. 📺 Tune in to local media . 🧑🤝🧑 Communicate with neighbors, family and friends. 🪫 Charge your phone, devices, and portable chargers. 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐞 S𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 💧 Store at least one gallon of water per person for at least three days for drinking and sanitation. 🥫 Purchase non-perishable foods for each person to last at least three days. 💊 Ensure everyone has the medications they need and keep copies of prescriptions. 🐶 Make sure you have food, water, and medications for pets. 🧒 Have games and toys children enjoy readily available in your supplies. 🌬️ Bring in all outdoor items that could become a projectile. 𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 & I𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 📷 Take photos of your possessions or store digital copies of essential documents in the cloud (furniture, electronics, heating and cooling systems, valuables, etc.) ✅ Check your insurance declarations and talk with your agent about your needs each year. 🌊 Consider getting flood insurance for your home, as homeowners insurance typically does not cover flooding. 💩 Consider sewer backup insurance, which covers damages from sewage in your bathtub, toilet, basement, or anywhere else in your home. Please note you cannot change or add insurance once a weather watch or warning is issued. 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧 E𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 P𝐥𝐚𝐧 ⤵️ If you live in low-lying areas susceptible to flooding and storms, you must know in which evacuation zone you live should an evacuation order be issued 🛣️ Identify several ways to evacuate your neighborhood and town/city 📱 Post to Nextdoor or knock on doors to ask for help or identify nearby neighbors who need help evacuating in an emergency and make an agreement with them to help or be helped. Be sure to exchange contact information 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 C𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 P𝐥𝐚𝐧 #️⃣ Ensure everyone in your family/household has each other's phone numbers saved in their phones. 🙏 Identify out-of-town contacts and store their numbers on everyone's phones. 🎯 Determine where everyone will meet, should you get separated, and make sure everyone stores the address and any contact information in their phones. 💬 Texting is best during emergencies, as phone lines may be tied up. 𝐈𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 P𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 G𝐨𝐞𝐬 O𝐮𝐭 🚫 Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with an open garage door ✅ Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas at least 7 metres from all doors, windows, and vent openings ✅ Place generators so exhaust fumes cannot enter the home through windows, doors, or other openings in the building. Direct exhaust away from your home. ✅ Make sure you have battery-operated carbon monoxide (CO) or plug-in CO alarms with a battery backup 🚫 Do not fuel your generator when running, as spilling petrol on a hot engine can cause a fire. Also, connect appliances to the generator with heavy-duty extension cords. 🚫 Do not stand or sit downwind of the generator exhaust; if you can smell exhaust, you inhale it. Exhaust is toxic and deadly. 🚫 Do not back-feed the generator by plugging it into an outlet; this is dangerous and can seriously injure or kill line workers. Post Source: Joseph and the Nextdoor team Many thanks! 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 Organizing 101, Just the Basics
Guest Post by Vali G. Heist of thecluttercrew.com “Don't agonize. Organize.” -Florynce Kennedy, American lawyer, civil rights activist, and feminist Step #1. Home Assessment Evaluate and write down answers to these questions so you can stay focused as you proceed. Why do you want to get organized and what do you want to achieve? What are your challenges with your spaces? What are your goals and your timeline? What are you willing to do or not do to make this happen? Step #2. Unclutter Your Home Before you organize your spaces, you need to sort your belongings and let go of the CRAP (Clutter that Robs Anyone of Pleasure). When you are sorting a lot of clutter in one area, follow a few guidelines.
Letting go of the CRAP or purging the ‘keep’ pile. Keeping your goals in mind, go through your items one by one and ask yourself if this item(s) is part of your life going forward. Some things will be harder to let go of than others. Assign an objective ‘body double’ to help with decisions. Here’s a list of what could be clutter: Hasn’t been used for 2 years Items you don’t like or need Ongoing projects that are unfinished (for at least 2 years) Supplies/books from projects that no longer interest you Memorabilia that has no value or meaning now or for your future Things that have negative connotations or have bad memories Clothes that make you feel bad about yourself Family heirlooms or collections packed away or stored in the attic Step #3. Location, Location, Location Everything needs a home or it ends up as clutter. Keep most-used items front and center. Ask yourself: 1. Who will use the item? 2. Where would it make sense to keep the item? 3. Where would you go to find it if you were looking for it? Step #4. Containerize and Corral The key is choosing the right container to hold your item(s) and making sure it’s easily accessible to all users: Opaque or solid? Solids hide items and opaque allows you to see what’s inside. Lid or basket? Lids keep things dust free and no lid means easier clean-up. Pretty or utilitarian? Use things you already own to hold items; e.g. antiques, etc. Step #5. Maintenance Taking a little time each week to maintain organization is critical. When life changes and it will, don’t be afraid to rework the system. Feel free to go on my website at www.thecluttercrew.com for tips on how to maintain your spaces and stay clutter-free! 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 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 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 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 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 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
Donations and Deductions
Credit Reports
Additional Notes
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
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 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 |
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