Energize and Organize: Electronics Recycling Day Supports Lawrence School Music in Falmouth5/1/2019
 Date: Saturday, May 04, 2019 Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Place: Lawrence School Parking Lot (113 Lakeview Ave) Falmouth, MA 02540 The Lawrence School Band and Chorus is sponsoring an Electronics Disposal Day. Unwanted electronics and appliances will be received for a small disposal fee. Items taken include TVs, computers, monitors, stereos, phones, air conditioners, large appliances and more! Costs are $15 per computer component, $25 for TVs (any size), $25 for large appliances and $5 for small electronics. Proceeds from this event will help support the music festivals, field trips, scholarships and equipment for the Lawrence School Band and Chorus. Rain or shine! 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 Earth Day, 2019 Did you know ...
 What can be done to recycle, reduce and reuse your unwanted clothing items today and every day? In additon to donating clothing to charities and sharing/swapping clothing with family and friends, consider fashion resale. Here are some interesting sites to explore ... ThredUp www.thredup.com Poshmark www.poshmark.com Tradesy www.tradesy.com Etsy www.etsy.com The RealReal www.realreal.com Ebay www.ebay.com Kidizen www.kidizen.com Don't forget ... "If everyone in the US bought just one item used instead of new in 2019, it would save nearly 6 billion pounds of carbon emissions—the equivalent of taking over half a million cars off the road for an entire year." (Source: Thredup.com) 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  An organized home is a happy home. Yet it's hard to keep track of everyone's busy life. NAPO-NY suggests these tips to keep everyone organized.
1. Create a master calendar. Track each member's daily activities including how he/she is getting there and back home again and keep it in a central, visible place. 2. Post a visible log of important information. Especially necessary for caregivers, this log would include family cell phone numbers, food allergies, doctor's and emergency numbers, bedtimes, acceptable television programs, etc. 3. Have and keep handy a folder for each child. Fill each folder with their class calendar, school contact information, and class phone list for easy reference. 4. Designate a set time for checking backpack and pockets. Whether's it's at the end or start of each day, make a habit of emptying (or for older children have them empty their own packs) school bags so necessary papers are signed and returned to school. 5. Basket the clutter. Provide each child with a color-coded basket to shuttle their belongings back to their room at the end of each day. 6. Outsource special tasks. Children enjoy "special tasks", so outsource your to-do list by assigning one to each child according to skill level, i.e. little ones can help carry laundry, older ones can take out the garbage, etc. 7. Rid your home of unused toys. At birthday and holiday time, have your children give away all those toys and books they've outgrown. 8. Routinely clean out closets. At the beginning of each season, pull all outgrown clothing from your children's closets and give them away. 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  Falmouth Seaside Where's a good greeting card when you need one? To avoid last-minute dashes to the store, stock up on a dozen great greeting cards today. Grab some funny birthday cards, a few touching "thinking of you" cards, and a couple of "get-well" and "sorry for your loss" cards. Then, keep them in a handy spot along with stamps so you can send off a quick card in no time.
If you would like to grace your loved ones with positively beautiful notecards you are cordially invited to visit my sister Jennifer LaRoche's nature and fine art photography website at www.stampandnotephoto.com Jennifer is portrait and event photographer and you are also warmly welcomed to visit www.jenniferlarochephotography.com to view her exquisite work! 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  Organizing a basement, attic, or garage is a great opportunity to pare down. Wondering what to do with the leftovers? Here are a few options:
Donate: Give yourself a tax break and help others in need by donating items in good condition to a local charity. Some organizations, such as Vietnam Veterans of America, offer pick-up service. Give to family/friends: If you find a treasure that may be meaningful to a loved one, offer it to them. (But let them know it’s okay to decline. Remember, we don’t want to add clutter to their lives!) Garage sale: If you have a large amount of good-condition cast-offs (especially baby and kids’ items, tools, or other highly desirable stuff), consider a garage sale. But remember, sales are a lot of work, so this option is only good if you have time to dedicate to pricing, setting up, promoting, and staffing a garage sale. eBay/Craigslist: Computer savvy? Try listing furniture, antiques, and other higher-value items online. Or take treasures to an antiques dealer. FreeCycle: With over 4,000 groups across the globe, this nonprofit connects people who are giving and getting stuff for free in their own towns. Its mission is to reduce waste, save precious resources, and ease the burden on landfills. Visit www.freecycle.org for details. Trash: Rent a dumpster if you have a lot of unsalvageable junk. Or hire 1-800-GOT-JUNK, North America’s largest junk removal service, to do it for you. They load the truck, and then recycle and dispose of your stuff as required. © 2018 Articles on Demand™ Remember, if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office organization, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  It is not enough if you are busy. The question is, “What are you busy about?”
— Henry David Thoreau With our to-do lists ever-growing, assigning tasks to our calendars can be a simple way to manage time and reduce stress. The simple act of writing down the things we need to do releases us from having to remember it all “upstairs.” Below are some tips to help you successfully manage your tasks and calendar. • Be realistic about how long each task will take. • Learn to say “no.” • Delegate. When you authorize others to take over some of your activities, you free yourself to focus on where you can make your best contribution. • For those little things that take only a minute or two (such as putting away your dirty dishes or signing a permission slip), sometimes it’s best to just do them right away. • If the task will take 15 minutes or more, choose a specific time in which to do it. Schedule an appointment with yourself. You may need to communicate to your coworkers or family that you are unavailable due to scheduled work. • Without a place to “assign" tasks, you'll always be in a reactive mode. Use your calendar diligently. Do things on your time, when you are ready. You are in command. • Don’t double-book yourself or plan your appointments too close together. Planning for delays will keep you calm and allow you to enjoy the current moment. Forget about multitasking for a while; simply enjoy the pleasures of each task you do. © 2018 Articles on Demand™ Remember, if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office organization, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  Are your taxes filed for 2017? Today is the last day to file your 2017 taxes without an extension. Hope you and your loved ones are all set!
Taxes filed? Well done! Not yet? Time to file for an extension ASAP! Next up ... the ongoing paperwork retention question of what to keep and what to toss? Here are some resources for you to review as you make those important decisions.
Always be sure to consult with your own accountant for specific information pertaining to your financial needs and requirements. 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  Spring cleaning routines and rituals have begun in many households around town and here on the Cape as we all bid our challenging winter adieu and warmly welcome spring!
Neighborhood Falmouth, dedicated to helping Falmouth Seniors stay safely in their homes, is hosting their annual Secure Document Shredding Event on Saturday, April 7 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Lawrence School parking lot! Come support this wonderful community organization and tackle/eliminate your paper management challenges at the same time! You may choose from two services ...
Additional Details ...
Questions? Contact Neighborhood Falmouth at ... Email: director@neighborhoodfalmouth.org Phone: 508.564.7543 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  Donna LaRoche became a professional organizer when she retired from teaching but finds her teaching skills apply to her second career as well. Professional Organizer Offers Tips For The New Year
By ANDREA F. CARTER/FALMOUTH ENTERPRISE, Jan 5, 2018 Heralding in the new year for many means committing to a new round of resolutions. Organization is a popular goal this time of year, sending people to the book store or library for advice from professional organizers. Those in Falmouth do not need go far for some tips. Donna LaRoche of Energize and Organize in Falmouth can offer some guidance for bringing in the new year with less clutter. Ms. LaRoche describes her role as a facilitator, working with people in their homes and offices to develop organizational systems and habits. Keeping clutter at bay not only can free up space but also time, bringing a sense of ease and renewed productivity to a person’s life. “We all live very busy lives,” Ms. LaRoche said. “At the end of the day, wouldn’t we all like more time for pleasurable pursuits.” The first step going into the new year is to do away with the idea of a “resolution.” Ms. LaRoche prefers the terms “goal” or “intention” which have more positive connotations. Often resolution can refer to an action people failed to meet the previous year she said. Establishing a goal is more hopeful, looking forward instead of back. “That’s what makes goals and intentions so exciting.” Ms. LaRoche said. “It’s pursuing a new adventure to bring calm and harmony and balance to your life.” Her advice, however, is to start small. Goals must be realistic and attainable. She offers the acronym, “SMART” as a guidepost. An intention should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound. For example she may suggest that clients begin with organizing a closet or even one cupboard. Or if they are tackling a larger space such as a garage or basement, she helps them break down these areas into zones. “Sometimes we lose sight of the fact that the clutter didn’t accumulate overnight and that it won’t unclutter overnight,” she said. The idea of working in zones refers back to her 35-year career as a kindergarten and 1st grade teacher with classrooms that had different stations for reading, writing, painting and block corners. “If people think in zones, they are very successful,” she said. One of the more common concerns among her clients is handling paper clutter. “Paper management is always big, piles to files,” she said. Even in the electronic age, an abundant amount of paper mail is going through houses and offices each day. “Literally some clients have bags of mail unopened,” she said. The more paper builds-up, the harder it is to get started. Her recommendation is to create a three-tiered filing system where papers are organized based on those that need some sort of action, reference materials, such as owners’ manuals, and archived records such as birth certificates or marriage licenses. She also suggests that people stand by the recycling bin while opening mail to toss out the junk mail or empty envelopes immediately. “It’s as simple as those three systems to bring order to all that chaos,” Ms. LaRoche said. “Clutter is really about postponed decisions.” When going through a space such as a closet or cupboard she has the client takes everything out and divide items into categories to keep, recycle or toss out. Bringing the clutter out in the open, however, can be overwhelming. “Getting organized is hard work and requires persistence,” Ms. La Roche said. She also suggests placing like items together in a space, such as a refrigerator, pantry or closet. This allows clients to visualize supplies they need or have enough of. If a client has multiple pairs of black slacks, it is not time to buy more but perhaps time to donate pairs to a clothing drive or to an organization. This can also be a good lesson to share with children. After a birthday when they receive an abundance of new toys, donating items they do not need or use can feel good and teach them generosity and organization as well, Ms. La Roche said. Being organized can save people money. People tend to buy more when they cannot keep track of items at home. She mentioned one client who had eight staplers strewn about the house. Certain clients have run into credit issues because they have lost track of unpaid bills in a paper pile. Ms. LaRoche also lends her expertise to students, whose lack of organizational skills are inhibiting their success at school. She mentioned one student who had received Ds and Fs on a quarter report card. When she met with him, they found a majority of his work still stashed in his backpack. His grades improved after she helped him develop a system to keep track of his assignments and turn them in on time. “This was literally disorganization for this child, who was struggling when he could have been thriving,” Ms. LaRoche said. Her work with elderly clients often involves downsizing from a family home to an apartment or condominium. Ms. LaRoche realizes that one size does not fit all when it comes to solutions. Techniques must fit the personality and lifestyle of the client. Ms. LaRoche added that she is not there to judge or tell a person what to throw away. Just as building on students’ strengths was something she employed as a teacher, she now uses this idea as an organizer to help people develop organizational habits that work for them. “Part of what I am doing is a lot of listening,” Ms. LaRoche said. “The client is telling me what works and doesn’t work for them, and then we devise a plan.” Her suggestions can be a less extreme alternate to some celebrity professional organizers such as Marie Kondo, whose method, which ask if items spark joy, can cut people’s stash by three-quarters or Peter Walsh, who suggests that people discard anything they have not used for 12 months. “That may be too much for some clients,” Ms. LaRoche said. Ms. LaRoche said that patience is required in developing a new habits or behavior, such as storing an item in the same place each day. It can take about 30 days for a behavior to become a habit she said. And there are times when people may backslide but that is expected and okay. A motto she brings from the classroom is “Working toward excellence not perfection.” The variety of people she works with keeps the job interesting. She recommends that people who are pressured to seek her service from family or friends or are not ready to dig into the job should wait for the right time. Often these clients call her back when they are ready. “You need to have ownership for yourself, so it matters to you,” Ms. LaRoche said. Ms. LaRoche always had organizational skills and they were noticed by her siblings when she was growing up. Her sister suggested this second career path to her. Teachers Ms. LaRoche worked with in Belmont also asked for her organizational advice in their classrooms regularly. After discovering the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals online and joining the New England chapter, she took coursework through the organization to become a professional organizer. “I am a lifelong learner,” she said. “The transfer of teaching skills to organizational skills was right there in front of me. For me there is joy in helping people and seeing their joy in attainment.” Ms. La Roche said she also knew that she wanted to move to Falmouth for retirement. She had visited family here over the years. Since arriving she has bought her first home and has become involved in various organizations such as the Falmouth Newcomers club and is playing pickleball. “It feels like coming home to me because I have been coming here all my life,” Ms. LaRoche said. 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  Best to get these wellness supplies out of the bathroom cabinet and well organized! Best Weapons Against Flu: Hydration and Elevation is an informative article published in the New York Times on January 12, 2018. Read on and take action!
Are you and your loved ones prepared for the winter allergy/cold/flu season? There are all kinds of viruses going around at the moment so be sure to take the time now while you are feeling fine to get and be organized in the event you and/or your loved ones do come down with something. Here's how ... Step 1: Gather supplies. Gather all of your medications and medical supplies in one place. Step 2: Sort by category. Categories might include Cold, Congestion and Cough Remedies, Digestive Health Remedies, Fever Remedies, First Aid Remedies, Food Remedies, Miscellaneous Remedies, Prescriptions, Vitamins … Step 3: Examine expiration dates. Carefully read the labels and throw out any items that have expired. To learn where you can safely dispose of your discarded medications, call your local police station and/or visit …. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/ Note: "The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, (April 28, 2018 - 10AM to 2PM) aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. Please check back on April 1, 2018 to locate collection sites near you." Step 4: Containerize and Store. Group like items in labeled baskets and store the baskets in your linen closet, kitchen cabinet and/or other designated location. Remember that prolonged exposure to heat and moisture can affect the effectiveness of medications so be sure to store them away from children and in a location other than the bathroom. Step 5: Take Inventory and Stock Up Do you have a variety of these supplies in your home and/or office? Colds, Congestion and Coughs Remedies
Digestive Health Remedies
Fever Remedies
First Aid
Food
Miscellaneous
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 Energize and Organize: Envisioning and Creating Harmony and Balance in Your Life and Surroundings1/8/2018
 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  If your mornings feel crazy, then prep in the evenings. For example, before you hit the hay, set the table for breakfast, get backpacks and bags packed and ready to go by the door, put all non-perishable food items into the lunch boxes, set up the coffee maker, and select and lay out tomorrow’s outfits. -Easy ETips
The holiday season is filled with special moments and memories. Make your mornings easier during this festive time so you will have more time to enjoy the season with your loved ones. 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  As you string up lights around you house for the holidays, you'll likely find some that no longer work. Rather than tossing them in the trash, recycle them!
The Christmas Light Recycling Program accepts your donations via mail. Details can be found at www.holidayleds.com. In addition, many hardware stores accept old holiday lights for recycling. © 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  Holiday gift-giving doesn’t have to be a pain! Follow these tips to save time and money.
• Shop early and record gifts in your planner or a small notebook so you don’t forget what you purchased. Store those gifts in a central location so they’re not scattered throughout your home. If you want to keep track of your holiday budget, write down the amount spent on each gift. Actually knowing what you have spent will keep you within your budget. • Shop alone. Research shows that you’ll spend more if you shop with friends, children, or your spouse. And shop with a purpose. Avoid aimlessly wandering the mall by preparing a list of appropriate gift ideas. Leave your credit cards at home and pay with cash instead. • If you find a great gift, buy it for multiple people on your list. And buy a few general presents — scented candles, restaurant gift certificates, stationery sets — to give to those unexpected guests who come bearing gifts. • Avoid lines by shopping on weekdays, preferably early in the day. Or avoid all lines by purchasing online or from catalogs. Avoid the post office on Saturdays and during lunch hours. Purchase stamps online at www.usps.com. Then, help your family and friends stay organized. This year, give gifts that don’t add clutter to your loved ones’ homes. Here are some ideas to fit a variety of budgets. • Bird feeder and seed • An assortment of stamps, note cards, and pens • Movie passes or museum membership • Romantic meal-in-a-basket: a jar of pasta sauce, a box of pasta, a bottle of wine, and a classical CD • Gift certificate for session with a professional organizer, personal coach or Feng Shui consultant • Tickets to the local chamber orchestra or upcoming play • Gift certificate for a movie rental, plus popcorn and candy • Coupon good for babysitting or a homemade dinner • Cooking lessons at a local cooking school • Homemade jams, salsas, or soups in pretty Mason jars • Homemade compilation CDs burned from your favorite tunes • Memories: make a memory book containing your thoughts on a special person in your life. Or tell your life’s story and lessons. (This is great for grandparents to give the kids.) © 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  Do you look forward to the holidays, or do you panic with the thought of all you have to do? Getting organized is the key to managing a fantastic, stress-free season. Thoughtful planning, deliberate delegation, focusing on simplicity, and slowing down to enjoy family and friends will help you survive — and actually enjoy — the upcoming weeks.
• Make a list: Start a running list of “to do’s” that need to be completed before the holidays. If you break your large projects into smaller tasks, it will make things seem more manageable. • Delegate: Stop trying to do everything yourself. Assign each task from the list you created to a specific family member. Then, ask yourself, “Where is it important that I spend my time? How do I want to spend my time?” Delete or delegate everything else. For example, get someone else to clean the house or let the deli do the cooking. This doesn’t have to be expensive; instead of a fancy turkey dinner, plan an affordable sandwich buffet or make-your-own pizza party. Or, invite guests to each bring their favorite dishes for a potluck. • Say “no” sometimes: It’s okay to say “no.” Company parties, family get-togethers, all-day shopping excursions, cookie bakes — they’ll zap your energy fast! Is it time for a reality check on your priorities? Let your involvement in activities be aligned with your goals, not by the open slots of your schedule. • Schedule time for you: Book personal time first. If you fail to schedule the time initially, it won't be there later! Block off an afternoon, an hour, or even ten minutes to enjoy what energizes you and lifts your spirits this holiday season. © 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  Is "guilt" keeping you from creating the life and surroundings you envision for yourself and loved ones? If you have unwanted/unused/unloved items in your home and/or office that are creating visual and mental clutter in your life, let them go!
Take a look in your basement, attic, garage, cupboards and closets. Are you finding all kinds of items that you simply don't want/need any longer. Give thanks for the service of that item and donate it to an organization that supports people in need who would truly benefit from your generosity. 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  "Is your email inbox overflowing with junk? Instead of hitting "delete" each time you get junk mail, take a moment to scroll down to the "unsubscribe" link and stop those annoying letters from appearing in your mailbox ever again. If you have them automatically filtering into a "junk/spam" folder, peruse its current contents today and unsubscribe from each and every one." © 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  "Is your dining room table or kitchen island a mess of papers and projects?
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  "Sick of receipts cluttering up your purse, car, or counters? Download the handy app called "Shoeboxed." You'll be able to snap photos of receipts with your cell phone and then ditch the paper receipts. The digitized receipts are archived and searchable in a single, secure location, accessible via web or phone whenever you need them. Visit www.shoeboxed.com or search for "shoeboxes" on the App Store."
© 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  "Studies show that 80 percent of what we use comes from 20 percent of what we own. That means that 80 percent of the things in our homes are rarely or never used. Look in your closet, garage, or even your sock drawer to test that theory.
Before you buy, think about the time you'll spend in cleaning, storing, and maintaining that item. If you absolutely must buy, establish a "new item in, old item out" system. For example, if you purchase a new pair of shoes, then send an old pair (or two) to the local donation center." © 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 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. As you're writing your to-do list, make sure to break tasks down into realistic-sized chunks. Completion dates are important, so assign specific tasks to specific days.
© 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  What exactly is 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. As for the physical clutter, ask yourself the following three questions about each item in your home. If you can’t answer yes to at least one, it’s probably clutter!
1. Is it beautiful? A stunning piece of artwork enriches your life because it brings joy each time you see it. A gorgeous vase full of fresh flowers reduces stress and energizes your spirit. 2. Is it useful? You use your 12-cup coffee maker every day. You couldn’t make it through the week without it. (Don’t confuse this question with, “Will it be useful someday?”) 3. Is it loved? The antique pocket watch from your grandfather is a precious reminder of him. Your favorite cashmere sweater makes you feel fabulous. You’ll find that as you inventory your possessions, you may be able to answer “yes” to two or even three of the questions above. Those are the things that are most valuable to you. Remember, the goal of decluttering is not to get rid of everything. It’s simply to keep only things that you truly appreciate and use. 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. Before you buy, think about the time you’ll spend in cleaning, storing, and maintaining that item after you bring it home. If you must buy, establish a “new item in, old item out” system where some purging takes place before shopping. 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! You’ll soon reap the benefits of a clutter-free life: more energy, happier relationships, a well-organized home or office, new opportunities, and a better outlook on life. © 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  According to Harris Interactive, 23% of adults say they pay bills late (and thus incur fees) because they lose them. Ouch! If you're one of these folks, you need a new system to organize, contain, and pay bills on time.
You might consider the "twice a month" payment system. Set aside two 6x9 envelopes. Label one "Due Second Half of the Month: Pay on the 10th" and, as you receive them, place inside all bills due between the 16th and last day of the month. Label one "Due First Half of the Month: Pay on the 25th" and, as you receive them, place inside all bills due between the 1st and 15th day of the month. As soon as a bill arrives, immediately open the envelope, and toss it out (along with any other sales literature that accompanies it). Next, circle the due date. Tuck the bill into the return-mail envelope and stick them into the appropriate 6x9 envelope. For example, if you receive a bill that is due June 20th, you'd put it in the "Due Second Half of the Month: Pay on the 10th" envelope. Then, on the 10th and 25th of each month, take out the 6x9 envelope, and pay your bills. To make this process a little easier, fill a small plastic supply box (or use an empty checkbook box) with office essentials such as pens, checkbook, stamps, stickie notes, envelopes, address labels, mini-stapler, and tape. You’ll never again have an excuse to pay late. After you pay your bills, give thoughtful consideration to the paperwork you decide to keep. If your expenses are business-related, file statements in a “paid bills” folder. If they are non-work related, you can probably get rid of much of your paperwork. Be realistic and ask yourself why you would need to keep them in the first place. (Remember, most statements are available online if you need them later.) If you really want to keep the statements, file them in a “paid bills” folder and empty it out (shred sensitive material) at year’s end, keeping only the past 12 months’ worth of paperwork. If you are computer savvy, you might consider paying some or all of your bills online. This eliminates paper and can save much time. Contact the companies from whom you receive bills and see if they offer online bill paying. You'll receive your statement via email, and payment can be deducted directly from your checking or savings account or charged to your credit card with your approval. You can access your past statements online at any time via your computer, keeping your home clear of paper clutter. © 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  Q: Do you have a number of miscellaneous, small items that need a "home" in your garage or shed?
A: Tension rods placed in-between your garage studs create easily accessible, vertical storage for all of your small tools, gardening and recreational supplies. 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  Magazine file boxes can be found in a variety of price points to match any decor, from utilitarian cardboard to plastic to sophisticated bamboo or metal. These boxes can turn a pile of magazines, trade journals, or any periodicals into a unified collection. They can also corral school supplies like spiral notebooks and folders or be used in a Household Command Center. Use them in the home office, the living room, or even the bedroom to disguise paper clutter. © 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 |
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