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 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 Organize Your Home for Elderly Safety and Health When you organize spaces for elderly family members or yourself, safety and health are top concerns. Keeping environments simple is crucial. Let’s break it down. Kitchen
Medications
Containerize
Floors
Mail, Magazines, Catalogs, Newspapers
Steps and Entry Ways
Bedroom and Bathroom
Your Front Door
Life is more enjoyable when there is less stuff to get in the way. 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 Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com ELECTRONICS DISPOSAL Supports the Lawrence School BAND and CHOIR Items taken TVs, Computer, Monitors, Stereos, Phones, Air Conditioners, Large Appliances and More! Cost $15 per computer component $25 for TVs (any size) $25 for large appliances $15 for AV components Guaranteed data destruction on computers SATURDAY, Nov 6th! 9 AM - 1 PM Rain or Shine Lawerence School 113 Lakeview Avenue Falmouth 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 Autumn has arrived here in New England with the promise of winter around the corner. Homeowners are making fall maintenance checklists and tackling/completing projects around the house before the snow flies.
How's the garage? Did you know that 70% of homeowners do not park their cars in their garages. Why is that? TOO much stuff! Garage organization is a BIG job and requires time and the proverbial many hands make light work helpers. Here's how to get it done ... 1. Empty the garage.
Here are some links with informative tips and inspirational images for you to visit! Family Handyman https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/brilliant-ways-to-organize-your-garage?_cmp=stf Bob Villa: 15 Brilliant Garage Organization Ideas https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/15-brilliant-garage-organization-ideas-579920 HGTV 15 Garage Storage and Organization Ideas https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/15-garage-storage-and-organization-ideas-pictures This Old House https://www.thisoldhouse.com/garages/21018117/read-this-before-you-organize-your-garage And for a very special treat ... check out these imaginative garage transformations! HGTV 16 Ways to Make the Garage Your Favorite Room https://www.hgtv.com/design/rooms/other-rooms/16-ways-to-make-the-garage-your-new-favorite-room-in-the-house-pictures 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 When organizing your medicine cabinet or box, have you discovered expired or unused prescriptions? You can dispose of them responsibly by bundling them up and bringing them to the Falmouth Police Department at 750 Main Street between 10 AM - 2 PM on October 23!
The service is free and all pills will be accepted. Liquids, needles and sharps will not be accepted at the event. If you are unable to attend the event on October 23, the EPA recommends the following second choice for household disposal of medicines.
How Proper Disposal of Medicines Protects You and the Earth Source: EPA
Let's all do our part to keep the Falmouth community safe and well! 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 Are you overwhelmed by the amount of paperwork that comes home with your child? Lunch menus, notes from the teacher, graded papers, homework, and artful creations are just a sampling of the types of paper you must wade through on a daily basis. Get it under control by following these guidelines:
• First off, dedicate a folder or 3-ring binder for papers that you frequently reference. You might place lunch menus, schedules, calendars, and class lists there. Keep it in the kitchen for easy access. • Each day, sort through all papers that come home with your child. For those that require action (signing permission slips, writing checks, etc.), place them in a to-do tray and get them done by day’s end. • Realize that although your child’s work is special and meaningful, not everything must be saved. Toss routine papers such as daily assignments. Save only those things that really showcase your child’s uniqueness: their first perfect spelling test, a special book report, an inspired illustration, or an art project that is truly wonderful. Remember: You don’t need to save everything. When you do, you can’t truly appreciate anything. In a storage box, save only those that make you smile, laugh, or cry. Twice a year, assist your child with a collection “viewing,” while sorting and downsizing a bit more. © 2021 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 Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com Are your cookbooks a recipe for disaster? Take control with these simple tips.
Evaluate and Pare Down Gather all your cookbooks in one spot. You’ll recognize your favorites, so set those aside. Then, consider donating any books unfamiliar or unused for the past year. Find a Central Location Keep all cookbooks and recipes in one area for easy access and awareness. Organize in a way that makes sense to you, such as by author, culinary region, or type of food (vegetarian, soups, breakfast, etc.) Create a Recipe Binder Set up a three-ring binder for your recipe clippings. Create sections (such as main course, veggies, salads, desserts) with tab dividers. Glue recipes on both sides of heavy 8-1/2 x 11 paper, and then slip the papers into clear plastic page protector sleeves. Organize Clippings It’s tempting to clip every great recipe you see in magazines. If you do, create a “holding” envelope where recipes must past your taste test before being added to your recipe binder. Remember the “in/out” rule: Each time you add a recipe to your book, remove an old one (or two) that is no longer a favorite. Go Paper Free If you're ready to go digital, there are many apps that can help you make the transition. In addition to being able to peruse and virtually "clip" new recipes, you can often scan (or take photos) of your cherished family recipes to upload into virtual collections. Or simply start a Pinterest board to collect your new favorites! © 2021 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 Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com Falmouth's annual household hazardous waste collection will be held on Saturday, June 19, at Falmouth High School, 874 Gifford Street from 9 AM to 1 PM.
There is no disposal fee for Falmouth, Bourne, Mashpee, Sandwich and Joint Base Cape Cod residents. Residents of Bourne, Mashpee, Sandwich and Joint Base Cape Cod are required to pre-register. Contact organizer Kalliope Chute, Barnstable County HazMat Environmental Specialist, at 508.375.6699. Proof of residency is required for all participants and includes one of the following: driver's license with in-town address, tax bill or utility bill. This collection event is a drive-thru. Residents are expected to remain in their vehicles while technicians remove the materials. Smoking is not allowed at the event. This year a new pilot program will provide no-fee hazardous materials pick up for transportation-challenged residents, i.e., those who cannot drive sure to verified health issues, lack of driver's license or income restrictions. Falmouth residents requesting this service should, prior to the event, contact organizer Kalliope Chute, Barnstable County HazMat Environmental Specialist, at 508.375.6699. Small business owners may participate with the pre-registration and fee. Accepted materials include...
Non-Acceptable materials include ...
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 Neighborhood Falmouth Secure Document Shredding Fundraiser Date: Saturday, June 12th
Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m. Location: Cape Cod Church, Route 151 (rear parking lot) How it Works: Shred on Site or Secure Transport to a Shredding Facility Price: $10.00 per Cardboard Box Neighborhood Falmouth Members Shred for Free Neighborhood Falmouth Volunteers Pay $5.00 per Box Paper Clips and Staples OK NO Binder Clips, Glass, Notebooks All proceeds benefit Neighborhood Falmouth dedicated to helping Falmouth Seniors stay safely in their homes. For more information ... Call: 508.564-7543 Email: director@neighborhoodfalmouth.org Visit: www.neighborhoodfalmouth.org 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 "Time is a created thing. To say, "I don't have time" is like saying, "I don't want to."
-Lao Tau 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 Bills to pay. Newspapers and magazines to read. Receipts, warranties and instructions to save — the list goes on and on. Each day we are bombarded with papers that need our attention. If you feel that papers are taking over your life, read on and learn how to take control of this task.
1. Gather Supplies First, gather file folders, hanging file folders, felt-tip pens or a label maker, a shredder, and large garbage (or recycling) bags or boxes. Every household or office also needs an appropriate type of file cabinet or box; the size will depend on the amount of papers you must keep. Enlist a friend or professional organizer if you need help or encouragement. 2. Start on desktops, countertops or urgently-needed surfaces. Your most recently-received papers will be here. Resist the urge to start with the papers on the floor or stuffed in paper bags or boxes. 3. Identify the types of papers you receive on a regular basis. Gather all the papers from the surface you’re working on into a neat pile. Pick up the top one. Ask yourself, “What is this? Do I need to keep it? Do I need to take action on this? Or do I just need to file it in case I need to retrieve it later?” Toss as much as you can. 4. Sort and use color for a memory aid. Sort into simple categories that make sense to you. For example, some home categories might include: medical, pets, taxes, hobbies, utility bills, car, home improvement, credit cards, insurance, education. Use fun colored folders to group categories. Also include files for: “TO DO,” “BILLS TO PAY,” “TO READ,” and “DISCUSS WITH SPOUSE/BOSS/PARTNER.” 5. Maintain your new system. From here on out, manage papers daily. Sort mail immediately. Toss junk mail. Put remainder into “TO READ,” “TO DO,” or “BILLS TO PAY” folders. Make time weekly to file everything else in your filing cabinet or box. © 2021 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 your Inbox out of control and filled with MANY emails waiting for your attention? Is it challenging for you to read all those emails and to sort them into Trash, Action or Reference every day? Here are a few tips to help you get organized and manage your incoming email messages!
1. Folders and Rules
2. Bells and Boxes
3. Unsubscribe
Note: Merlin Mann, the developer of Inbox Zero, states that zero is not a reference to the number of messages in an Inbox. It is the amount of time an employee's brain is in his/her Inbox resulting in reduced productivity. Mann identified five possible actions to take for each message: delete, delegate, respond, defer, do. 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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Email: donna@energizeandorganize.com Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth © 2024 |