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Preparing the Guest Room: A Holiday Welcome from the Heart Guest Post by Jenn Dwight www.idealorganizers.com www.instagram.com/idealorganizers  As the holidays approach, many of us prepare our homes to welcome loved ones—adult children returning for a visit, grandparents staying a few nights, or lifelong friends joining the festivities. Amid the shopping lists and holiday menus, the guest room is often overlooked. Whether you have a dedicated space or a multi-use room, a little thoughtful organizing can transform it into a peaceful retreat for your guests—and make your hosting experience much more enjoyable.
Start by Clearing the Space Guest rooms often become a temporary home for storage bins, extra clothes, or unopened deliveries. Before your guests arrive, take a few moments to clear out anything that doesn’t belong. You’re already preparing the space—why not use this time to let go of a few things you no longer need? Even opening up a drawer or freeing a spot in the closet shows guests that their comfort matters. Add Comfort without Overcomplicating You don’t need a five-star setup to make someone feel at home. Simple comforts go a long way. Start with clean sheets, extra pillows, and a cozy throw for colder nights. A bedside lamp, tissues, and space to plug in a phone charger are often all it takes. Consider placing out a small basket with:
Make It Safe and Senior-Friendly If your holiday guests include older adults, take a moment to think about their comfort and mobility. Are there tripping hazards like rugs or cluttered walkways? Is the bed at a height that’s easy to get in and out of? Does the nearest bathroom have non-slip mats or grab bars? These small safety updates can make a big difference, especially during a busy season when your guests may be more tired than usual. Want to Make It Just Right? Stay in the Room Yourself One of the best ways to fine-tune the space is to spend a night in it yourself. Bring an overnight bag, unpack your things, and go through the motions as if you were the guest. You might discover that there’s no place to set a cup of tea, or that the outlet is hard to reach from the bed. You may find the lighting is too bright, or the curtain doesn’t close all the way. That one night can help you make meaningful improvements that your guests will quietly appreciate. Ask for Feedback After the visit, check in with your guests. Was there anything they needed but couldn’t find? Anything that felt especially comfortable or helpful? Their input is gold. It helps you improve the space without having to guess what matters most. A Space That Feels Like an Invitation In the end, your guest room doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to feel intentional. A little calm. A little cozy. A little space set aside that says, “We’re glad you’re here.” At Ideal Organizing + Design, we believe that organizing isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about making space for connection. And during the holidays, there’s no greater gift than that. Remember if you need organizing 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  Get Organized for Travel and Activities: Pack Light, Live Large Guest Post: Kimberly Corey, CPO®, CVOP™ Finely Sorted Organizing, LLC www.finelysorted.com Whether you’re jetting off for a two-week tour of Paris or taking a weekend trip to visit loved ones, travel is one of life’s great joys. But let’s be honest, even seasoned travelers can find the prep process overwhelming. I’ve been to 24 countries as a solo traveler, and it still takes full focus to get my final checklist wrapped. Key to remember: Less can be more if well planned. Usually, you must schlep everything you pack, so pack light!
Do I have a backup pet-sitter? Why is my suitcase already full? Let’s try to break it down so you can travel with a sense of confidence and calm. Start by making a list to check off as you pack. Before You Leave: Prep Home Base A little preparation at home ensures peace of mind while you’re away.
Tech & Communication Musts Stay connected and prepared, especially when traveling internationally.
Essential Travel Documents (Printed & Digital) Designate one secure, easily accessible pocket for these:
Packing Strategy Smart packing starts with simplicity and comfort.
Toiletries & On-Board Backup Prepare a Dopp kit and pack a smaller bag within your Personal Belongings (the bag you stuff under the seat in front of you), with essentials in case your luggage is delayed.
Travel Essentials to Bring
Packing for Kids: Keep It Light, Calm & Kid-Proof Traveling with children adds a layer of complexity, but a little planning goes a long way in keeping everyone comfortable (and keeping your luggage manageable). Clothing & Layers
Kid Essentials
Entertainment & Calm
Emergency & On-Board Musts
Pro Tip: Involve older kids in the process by letting them “pack” from a pre-approved list. This builds travel readiness and makes them feel empowered about the adventure ahead. Packing Example: What I Packed for a 10-Day Trip to Germany One “Personal Item” Only (light, cross-body tote) Eight minutes to unpack when home! Packed:
Getting organized for travel is a beautiful blend of preparation and freedom. When your bags are packed with intention, and your mind is clear, you’re free to savor the joy, anticipation, and spontaneity of your journey. When you carry only what you truly need, you make room for what truly matters, or as American photographer Alexander Sattler said, “I’d rather own little and see the world than own the world and see little of it.” Bon Voyage! Remember if you need organizing 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 organizing 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  The Senior Parent Slowdown: Tips to Organize Your Family Photos Before High School Graduation Guest NAPO Post: Melissa Sullivan https://www.pixnpieces.com As an “empty nester” with kids who graduated high school in 2021 and 2023, I know from personal experience that organizing your family photos and memories while your children are still in high school will help you prepare for the many big transitions ahead for both you and your kids. And as a professional photo organizer, I’ve helped many families who’ve put off this task for years because they find it so overwhelming.
When we’re in the whirlwind of parenting school-aged kids, it’s easy to get caught up in organizing the daily details of carpools, sports schedules, homework, and laundry. We take tons of photos and assume there will be plenty of time to sort through them later. But before you know it, you’re the parent of a high school senior. While you’re navigating the emotional year of “lasts,” there will be a seemingly unending need for childhood photos to celebrate your senior in slideshows, Senior Nights for athletics, and class parties. Then graduation party season begins, and you’ll be looking for photos for grad party décor, photo boards, photobooks, and gifts for the graduates. In today’s high-tech world, it’s estimated that the average family takes 3,000 digital photos and videos per year. Multiplied over 18 years, the average family will have 54,000 digital photos to sort through by the time a child has grown into an adult. (And let’s face it, some of us are above the average)! Through my own experience and my work with families, I’ve learned that parents are overwhelmed by the task of organizing their family memories due to three main concerns: 1) the sheer number of photos they have, 2) the bittersweet emotions that inevitably surface and 3) fear of technology and choosing the right photo storage platform. If any of these hit home for you, here are some tips to help you through.
Organizing your family photos before high school graduation will allow you to relax and fully enjoy the final months of your child’s school years before they embark on the first phase of their adult lives. Get started today and remember to reach out to a professional Photo Manager if you get stuck. Remember if you need organizing 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  Winter Safety Tips for Seniors and Their Caregivers
www.care.com/c/winter-safety-tips-for-seniors Cold Weather Safety for Older Adults www.nia.nih.gov/health/safety/cold-weather-safety-older-adults Remember if you need organizing 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  Happy New Year! Tick Tock ... it's the end of January and there is no time like the present to lighten your mental and physical load by energizing, organizing, and making 2025 your BEST year yet!
Remember if you need organizing 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 Use These 3 Steps to Steal Back Time Guest Post: Teresa Hawthorne, www.thawthornelifesolutions.com  Are you being robbed? Willingly?
Here’s how you can tell. Are your thoughts filled with words like later, tomorrow, someday, or eventually? If so, a thief could be carrying away one of your most prized possessions. Do you often wonder how it could be that you’ve been busy all day, but haven’t completed much on your to-do list? If your answer is yes, a thief may be running off with a valuable asset. The thief—procrastination. Your precious commodity—time. Procrastination is the intentional choice to avoid or put off doing something that you know should be done. That’s right, it’s a choice. And if chosen often enough, it becomes a habit. The procrastination habit comes at a cost. In addition to stealing your time, it negatively impacts your emotions and leaves you feeling overwhelmed, unproductive, guilty, and full of regret. It’s also a barrier to your success because it delays the steps toward your goals, causes you to miss opportunities, and results in stagnation. You’re likely already paying the cost if the procrastination habit has found its way into your life. So here is some good news. Habits can change. Before you willingly allow this time-waster to rob you again, arm yourself with these three tactics to help you arrest procrastination and reclaim your precious time. Be On The Lookout It’s often said that acknowledging a problem is the first step toward a solution. That being the case, the next step with procrastination is becoming aware of why. Procrastination shows up for a variety of reasons. Look for these common causes:
Identifying why you avoid or put things off is key to overcoming the habit. To do this, be mindful of your thoughts and feelings. Is your mind filled with what-if scenarios? Do you believe the task is too challenging? Are you unsure of where to start? Do you think you lack the skills? Do you dread what will result from you completing the project successfully? Once you’ve recognized why you do it, you’ll need a way to fight procrastination when it tries to break its way in. Plan Your Defense Taking time to create a plan is your best defense against the procrastination habit. Having a plan gives you a structured approach, helps to identify a starting point, and provides a guided route from beginning to completion. When developing your plan, it’s important to consider your why. If the reason you procrastinate is that you are overwhelmed, for example, your plan should include breaking a project into smaller, more manageable pieces. If your why is that you’re challenged with time management, your plan could be to block time on your calendar and commit to working on your task or project. Of course, your plan will be foiled if you don’t execute it. Your next step is to take action. “The most effective way to do it, is to do it.” Amelia Earhart Jump In and Attack In the words of Amelia Earhart, “The most effective way to do it, is to do it.” You can fight off the time thief by simply getting started. A good way to jump in is to start small. Commit to working on your dreaded task or project for five to ten minutes, then add another set of minutes when you’ve reached the end. Successfully working for short periods will give you momentum to keep going, and before you know it, the task is done. Stealing your time back from a long-standing procrastination habit will take your focused and deliberate effort. Arm yourself with these three actions and you’ll be ready to identify and fight off this time thief when it attempts to creep back in. Procrastination is a time-waster that, left unchecked, can cost you your goals and dreams. Don’t let it! Remember if you need organizing 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 Digital Detox: How to Declutter and Organize Your Digital Life for Improved Productivity Guest Post: Vincent Giacalone www.theorganizedguy.com  In today’s fast-paced world, digital clutter can quickly accumulate, affecting your productivity and mental well-being. Just as physical clutter can overwhelm your space, digital clutter can bog down your devices and distract you from your tasks.
Here’s how to declutter and organize your digital life for improved productivity. Step 1: Declutter Your Digital Devices
Step 2: Streamline Your Apps and Software
Step 3: Digital Maintenance Routine
Paper vs. Digital—Challenge Yourself As you embark on your digital detox, challenge yourself to assess your need for physical paper copies. Consider the following questions to help you decide whether to keep or discard paper documents:
By transitioning to a more digital-centric approach, you can reduce physical clutter and improve your overall organization. Decluttering and organizing your digital life is an ongoing process that requires regular maintenance. By implementing these strategies, you can improve your productivity, reduce stress, and create a more efficient digital environment. Embrace the digital detox and enjoy the benefits of a streamlined, organized digital life. Remember if you need organizing 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  Regina Brett, is a New York Times best selling author and was named the 2023 Best Columnist by Ohio Associated Press Media Editors. Her immensely inspirational and positively wonderful new book titled "Little Detours and Spiritual Adventurers" is inspiration to help you find the awe in the awful, they mystery in the mistakes, the magic in the mess to turn every life detour into a spiritual adventure.
Regina writes an exceptional weekly column for the Cleveland Jewish News www.clevelandjewishnews.com The following is an excerpt from her Dec. 20, 2024 post. When you have a moment, gift yourself with reading her entire post. It will nourish your soul and bring you joy. Thank you sharing for your beautiful gift, Regina! The Gift of Giving to Yourself ... Time: Give yourself time to breathe. Practice the power of the pause. Quiet: Practice being comfortable with silence. Give yourself the gift of stillness. Rest: Sleep longer and nap more often. Create a sacred schedule that includes more sleep. Beauty: Adorn yourself. Create pockets of beauty everywhere in your life. Nature: Every day, stand on this beautiful planet and suck up that Earth energy. Ground in it. Acceptance: The kind that feels like you are a winner in this body, this home, this life. Passion: What do you love to do? Make a list of hobbies, passions or activities you love. Listening: Listen to the music of life. Then do it. Every. Single. Day. You can read Regina's awe-inspiring writing at reginabrett.substack.com and www.reginabrett.com Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanzza to all!   The happy holidays are quickly approaching!
If you and your loved ones need help organizing for the fun and festivities, make your season bright by contacting Energize and Organize!  "Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul - and sings the tunes without the words - and never stops at all."
- Emily Dickinson "Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost." - John Quincy Adams "Stand for something or you will fall for anything. Today's mighty oak is yesterday's nut that held its ground." - Rosa Parks "Not voting is not a protest. It is a surrender." - Keith Ellison "With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts." - Eleanor Roosevelt  "Advice from a pumpkin: be well-rounded, get plenty of sunshine, give thanks for life's bounty, have thick skin, keep growing, be outstanding in your field,
think big. - Anonymous And ... before the happy holidays begin and the snow flies, eliminate the clutter and chaos in your life by getting and staying organized.  "Ceiling fans are an efficient option for keeping cool. The breeze from them can help you feel up to 4 degrees F cooler. That may not be enough on very hot days, but if you have A/C you can set your thermostat higher and stay comfortable.
According to Energy Star by raising your thermostat only 2 degrees and using a ceiling fan, you can lower cooling costs by up to 14 percent." Source: Consumer Reports, September 2024 As you know warm air rises so in the winter you want to turn your ceiling fan blade to spin clockwise (left to right) so that the warm air blows down. In the summer, turn the ceiling fan blade to spin counterclockwise so air is pushed down and the room has a cool breeze. To check, stand under the ceiling fan and see if the blades are turning from right to left (counterclockwise). Remember if you need organizing 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  Source: Falmouth Enterprise  Remember if you need organizing 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  Does this crazy chaos garage storage nightmare look familiar? Let's work together to create peace and tranquility in your life and home environment!     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 summertime, it's hot and humid, and sheds/garages typically are not temperature controlled spaces. When making decisions about what to and what not to store in your sheds and garages, this informative list written by Lisa Milbrand for Real Simple is an excellent resource and guide. 1. Pantry Foods (food spoilage and damage from moths, mice, other pests) 2. Clothing and other Fabric Items (mold, dust, pests, unwanted moisture damage) 3. Propane (gas buildup and potential fire/explosion if tank leaks) 4. Important Papers (damage from pests, dirt, moisture) 5. Wine and other Drinks (quality compromise) 6. Electronics (temperature extremes could wreck havoc on the electronic wiring) 7. Refrigerator or Freezer (huge energy use in hot weather) 8. Books (damage from moisture, pests, dirt) 9. Valuables (temperature extremes, lack of adequate security) 10. Batteries (high temp causes batteries to lose some of their power and/or could spark) 11. Wood Furniture (warping or cracking in high temps, weakening of the joint glue) 12 Paint (requires temperature controlled environment to avoid paint separation) 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  Have you heard of the organizing acronym S.P.A.C.E.? Developed by professional organizer Julie Morgenstern, S.P.A.C.E. is a wonderful acronym to keep in mind while getting and staying organized!
Source: www.juliemorgenstern.com It's springtime and you know what that means. It's time to get your S.P.A.C.E. organized for an exceptional summer! 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  "Mired in mess, fuss, and disarray? These quick hints for home organization can help you de-clutter fast."
1. Find a place for every item. 2. Play clutter cop. 3. Do some detective work. 4. Hold off on container shopping. 5. Dump duplicates. 6. Beware nostalgia. 7. Weed out your wardrobe. 8. Look for simple clutter control solutions. 9. Think home organization "kits". 10. Stick to a schedule. Visit this very informative WebMD website article for details! www.webmd.com/women/home-health-and.../10-ways-to-cut-clutter-in-your-home 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  Dave Karas, Certified Aging in Place Specialist (C.A.P.S.) and professionally licensed/insured remodeling contractor, spoke at the warm and welcoming North Falmouth Congregational Church "Speaker and Soup Series" today. He discussed a wide range of important and invaluable safety ideas and implementation suggestions to make residences safe for aging in place.
Some of Dave's excellent recommendations included having a plan, making a commitment to accept change, making simple and complex home modifications, getting exercise, eating a good diet and nurturing and sustaining friendships and social connections. interesting facts ... An AARP survey found that 10,000 Americans turn 65 each day. Almost 90 percent of them want to stay in their residences for as long as they can. And, Dave noted that only 1% of homes in the USA are ready to age in place. Dave is available for Aging in Place group presentations, individual on-site home safety assessments and residential safety enhancements work throughout Cape Cod. Dave Karas' website is www.aginginplacecapecod.com. He can be reached at 508.418.4443. It was a pleasure to meet Dave and to learn about his wonderful aging in place and home safety knowledge, expertise and services! 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  Source: Falmouth Enterprise 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  Busy life? Tight time schedules? Novice or experienced cook? Lots of favorite recipes on bits and pieces of paper scattered about? Culinary chaos in your kitchen?
There are many wonderful recipe apps online. Here are a few for you to explore and enjoy as you bring order to your culinary chaos! Bon Appetit! Paprika Recipe Manager Organize your recipes. Create grocery lists. Plan your meals. Download recipes from your favorite websites. Seamlessly sync to all your devices. (Many thanks to my dear friend Monica for introducing me to this wonderful culinary organizer!) Yummly The smart cooking sidekick that learns what you like and customizes the experience to your personal tastes, nutritional needs, skill level and more. Allrecipes Everyday recipes with ratings and reviews by home cooks like you. Find easy dinner ideas, healthy recipes, helpful cooking tips and more. 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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