clear the clutter Archives - Getting it Together

How To Deal With Outdated Prescription Eyewear

Do you have an Elton John collection of eye glasses?

Have you got eye glasses all over the house?

Most homes I work on have several pairs of outdated glasses. The owners think they might reuse the frames one day or might wear them if their current pair breaks. Is that you?

That’s great except you won’t be able to see with them if the prescription is old so why not donate them?

Watch this very quick video on

How To Deal With Outdated Prescription Eyewear

Then package all your old pairs and get them to your local optical store.

Now that was easy!!

PS: Time for your discovery session yet?

Contact www.gettingittogether.ca to book yours now.

By organize|2023-04-25T16:43:28+00:00April 25th, 2023|Self Care Organization|0 Comments

A Professional Organizers Junk Drawer

Rarely do I see a home that doesn’t have a junk drawer.

Why is this?

Because we have items, we don’t know what to do with or where to put them so we put them in the “junk drawer.”

Pens, paper, elastics, take out menus, batteries that need to be recycled, the list goes on and on.

If you follow these simple rules by Getting It Together, you can eliminate the junk drawer once and for all. Or at best you can have a very organized one.

Check out this short video on A Professional Organizers Junk Drawer, then read on for the Top 3 Tips.

Tip #1. Sort through all the things in the junk drawer and ask yourself “does this belong here?”, “do I really need to keep it?”

Tip #2. Have some dividers in your drawer if you need things like pen and paper in your kitchen.

My kitchen is small and very close to my office; therefore, I keep those items in my desk.

Tip #3. Every quarter clear out the junk drawer of all the items that have ended up there. It happens. Kids toss things in the junk drawer, maybe your housekeeper or spouse does, and maybe you are even guilty of tossing the spare packets of soy sauce in there.

Still needing help with this project?

Contact www.gettingittogether.ca for your free over the phone 15-minute session.

By organize|2022-11-28T20:35:58+00:00November 28th, 2022|Home Organization, Organization Tips, Organizer|0 Comments

How To Create A Functional Spare Room

Is it time for a fresh start?

What a perfect opportunity to clear the clutter in that spare room which has become a dumping zone. Wouldn’t you agree?

Not sure where to put it. Dump it in the spare room.

Don’t have a proper storage system? Dump it in the spare room.

This will keep happening until you have a purpose and function for your spare room.

Would you like it to be a “play zone” for your kids?

Would you like space for your craft projects?

A reading area?

Or all three?

Decide on the functionality of the room and then create the systems.

Check out this video on How To Create A Functional Spare Room by Getting It Together.

Then get ready to purge all non-essential items.

Donate. Toss. Sell.

Then set up your systems for keeping yourself organized with the items you need, want and use.

Final step. Enjoy your new spare room.

To your success and safety, Rowena

PS: Are you feeling overwhelmed? Not sure where to start or how to stay focused?

Contact www.gettingittogether.ca for a free over the phone session to jump start your project.

By organize|2022-02-15T19:54:11+00:00February 15th, 2022|Home Organization|0 Comments

Found Money

What would you do with an extra $85,000.00?

What would you do with an extra $10,000.00?

Every time I declutter or downsize a client’s home, I find money.

It has been as little as two pennies and as much as thousands.

Check out this video on Found Money by: Getting It Together

No two jobs are the same. That is one of the things I love about my profession. Some jobs require me to sell items for my clients. Check out these hot items that went in a flash. It is so interesting to see what sells fast and what doesn’t. Found money for the clients.

For more pictures and videos follow me on social media.

And in the meantime, check out www.gettingittogether.ca to book your free over the phone session.

By organize|2021-05-27T15:59:54+00:00May 27th, 2021|Home Organization, Organization Tips|0 Comments

Confessions Of A Professional Organizer: Part Three

The average home has over 350,000 things in it.

How many are in your home?

How many of the things are you really using?

Check out this short video on Confessions of a Professional Organizer: Part 3

I don’t know how many items are in my home. But I know that moving from Minimalism to Essentialism is liberating and empowering.

Minimalism is all about keeping the things around you that you use, need and love. If you take it one step further you go to essentialism. Essentialism is where you pick up the item and simply say “hell yes, I want this in my life.” If it is serving a purpose for you, then that’s all that matters.

For example; how many vases do you use, need and want?

Pick up a vase and ask yourself “is this a hell yes vase, I absolutely love it and I’d be sad if it broke?” If so, keep it. If not, then it is time to donate it.

Who do you know who would benefit from downsizing?

Please share the love by sharing this link with them and while you’re at it, please add to your social media.

PS: One of the top three New Years Resolutions is to get organized. What’s yours? Share below

By organize|2020-12-15T23:16:12+00:00December 15th, 2020|Home Organization, Organizer|2 Comments

How To Organize In A Quarantine – Part 2

Check out this short video on How To Organize In A Quarantine. Part 2 then read my talented Toastmasters friends Poem.

Staying at home, being quiet can bring out some of your talents and creativity. It sure did for this person, don’t you think?

Corona virus poem

As I sits here in self isolation away from my friends

I think of what I can do until the quarantine ends.

I look all around me there’s plenty to clean

I could scrub and disinfect until all is a gleam

Or I could go out to shop buy things that we need

But the shelves are all empty so unlikely to succeed.

Its funny how toilet paper is so popular these days

There must be some people using it in unimaginable ways.

People are staying at home and learning to cook

Using an internet recipe or an old recipe book

I look out of the window thinking what should I do

And that’s when I see sky in a beautiful blue hue

Outside is so sunny , so warm and so bright

I decide to go out and enjoy all the light.

I sit on the front porch in my adorondack chair

Looking out on the street I see something quite rare.

The neighbor is out with his kids all in tow

Other families are biking all in a row

There are joggers and skaters and kids towed in a cart

Of course they are all keeping 6 feet apart

Another neighbor I haven’t seen for some time

Walks by, gives a wave and hopes all is just fine.

There’s gardeners outside pulling up weeds

Others are mowing , pruning and planting some seeds.

One kid is up climbing so high up a tree

Reminds me of childhood. Oh I was so free.

The sidewalk and roadway has pictures of chalk

A man and his wife take their dog for a walk,

Its refreshing to see the neighborhood so alive

I guess Covid 19 brought everyone outside.

And that’s when I realize that in this odd Spring

Its teaching us to appreciate some simpler thing

Like being a good neighbor, family member and friend

We’re in this together until this pandemic’s end.

Written by AM of Coquitlam BC Canada

Permission to use was granted.

PS: We are 4-6 weeks in quarantine. Have you checked off several of your “To Dos”?

If not, why not take advantage of a FREE over the phone coaching call with Rowena.

Check out www.gettingittogether.ca to book your time.

In the mean time subscribe to her Facebook and YouTube

https://www.facebook.com/rowenalist?ref=profile

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMcjOCWSWaIBtw9CR3cLxfg?view_as=subscriber

By organize|2020-06-07T20:52:31+00:00April 27th, 2020|Home Organization|0 Comments

How To Meal Plan Like A Pro

Are you like most people, too tired at the end of the day to even think about preparing a healthy meal?

Have you lost your creativity in the kitchen?

Would you like some go-to dishes that every family member will gobble up?

Watch this short video on How To Meal Plan Like A Pro and then follow Getting It Togethers’ Top 5 Tips

Tip 1: Organize your kitchen. There’s nothing worse than trying to prepare meals in a disorganized cluttered kitchen. How can you get anyone to help you if they don’t know where the items are and you don’t know where they are? Set aside time to donate all the kitchen items you’re no longer using. Clear out all the expired food items in your pantry and fridge. Put all non-kitchen items in their proper place.

Tip 2: Clean all surfaces. Kitchen counters are not designed to be a dumping zone. Make sure all counters are scrubbed down and your kitchen is ready for food prep. Be sure to also clean as you go. There’s nothing worse than a big mess to clean up after a nice meal.

Tip 3: Select your top 10 favourite meals. Things that the whole family will enjoy. Is it stew, pasta, fajitas or chicken casserole? Most households rotate their top 10 meals throughout the course of the month. Look over the recipes and see what items you need to purchase and make your shopping list.

Tip 4: Prepare in bulk. When you bring home your fresh produce, wash it, cut it up and put it in containers. This saves precious time when it comes to meal prep. Select a two-hour slot in your week where you can cook in bulk and freeze. Maybe you could make a huge pot of pasta sauce and your neighbour could make a big stew and you can share. Cooperative cooking.

Tip 5: Clear the clutter from your mind. Once the clutter is cleared from your mind, it makes room for creativity. This doesn’t mean you have to cook like a French chef, it just means your mind is open to put together a healthy meal for your family. Consider deep breathing on the way home from work or a walk with a friend or spa like music.

PS: Would you rather not cook at all? One of my new services is to come into your home and prepare healthy meals for you and your family. Contact me for all the details. www.gettingittogether.ca

By organize|2020-06-07T20:52:31+00:00January 14th, 2020|Home Organization, Organizer, Recipes, Time Management|0 Comments

Important Documents. What To Keep. What To Toss.

Would you love to be paperless? Do you keep every “so called” important piece of paper?

There is so much fear around getting rid of “important” documents. Let’s unpack the myths once and for all.

Take a quick look at this video On Important Documents. What To Keep. What to Toss. Then read on for more tips from Getting It Together.

Get rid of ATM slips that are more than a month old once you have checked them against your bank statement which is hopefully online and paperless.

Get rid of manuals and warranties for cell phones you no longer own. And any other out dated expired warranties.

Get rid of loan papers to the car you no longer own.

Get rid of outdated mortgage papers.

If you’re comfortable with your computer, get rid of all user manuals as the instructions are online.

It’s okay to get rid of old Wills as long as the person is deceased and the estate is closed and complete. If you’re holding on to your deceased parents or grandparents wills “just in case” it’s okay to shred them and make room for your important papers.

It’s very important to get rid of old Wills if you have updated and written a new Will for yourself or any family members. Keeping these old outdated papers simply confuses people who are taking care of your affairs.

Get rid of old divorce papers if the person you’ve divorced is deceased and their estate is closed and complete.

Get rid of all outdated utility bills once they are paid and you’ve found no mistakes.
Better yet, go paperless.

KEEP:

Keep receipts for big -ticket purchases in the event they are stolen or lost in a fire. This gives your insurance company proof you had the item. I would highly suggest taking pictures of these big purchases and have them with the receipt. Create a file on your computer (which has been backed up) and store the picture of the item along with a picture of the receipt.

Keep active warranties. Have one spot in your home for these.
It’s especially nice to leave these up -to- date warranties for the new home owner in the event you sell your place.

Keep birth certificates, marriage licenses and death certificates for obvious reasons however once a person has past, a family member may like these important documents if they are studying your family tree.

Have a safe place to keep your current Will, POA, estate planning documents and representation agreement. Be sure to let your Executor know where these papers are along with where your safety deposit key is.

Keep current mortgage papers and loan papers.

Be sure to shred all important papers you are getting rid of. Staples charges by the pound to shred. It’s reasonable and secure.

PS : Have you got all your important papers up to date and organized? If not, contact

Marnie Gunther
Notary Public
604-522-8149
www.engmangunther.ca

For all the advice you need to get your Will, POA and Representation Agreement in order. I’d highly recommend her for all the legal paperwork and then I’d highly recommend myself to come in to your home and get those papers organized. 😄

By organize|2020-06-07T20:52:31+00:00November 18th, 2019|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing Finances|0 Comments

What To Do With Old Paint by Rowena List, Professional Organizer

How many tins of old paint do you have sitting in your garage?

Are you saving it for touchups that never happen?

Did you know your tins of paint can be reused or recycled?

Every single home I work in has tins of old paint. Everyone has the best of intentions for keeping it. They keep it for when they might do some touchups or if they feel they’re going to repaint the whole room they will want to repaint it the same colour.

The funny thing is, that when it’s time to re-paint, most people choose a new colour even if it’s fairly close to what is already on their walls. They want a fresh look. And just like fashion, home decor has its’ trends.

So, what to do with your old paint?

In British Columbia Canada we have “Product Care Recycling.”

I would like to think similar programs run throughout most countries in the world.

There are over 200 depots throughout British Columbia that except left over household paint for recycling. Each depot accepts 10 cans of paint per person, per day, provided that the paint is residential grade, in its original container with the original labeling, and is not leaking.

Find the nearest recycling location in your province using Product Care’s find a recycling location tool.

Simply enter your location, then select the product you’d like to return, click search and browse the results.

OR

If you have good quality paint in great condition you can take it to the “Paint Share Program” in Delta British Columbia.

Call 604 – 592–2972

Leftover paint is given away to non-profit and community groups as well as low income families. This paint is used to cover graffiti, painting sheds, fence posts, theatre sets and murals.

When buying paint, remember the BUD rule:

BUY no more pain than you need. Ask your retailer for help in estimating how much paint your project requires.

USE up all the paint you buy by adding an extra coat to an area which could use additional protection, or giving leftovers to a neighbour or community group. Or check your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

DISPOSE of any leftover paint safely and responsibly.

Follow these simple rules if you choose to store leftover paint..

1) Clean can rim for a good seal. Store can upside down.
2) Label paint tins with the colour and room which it was used for.
3) Store paint away from heat and moisture.
4) Keep paint out of reach from children and pets.
5) Stored paint has a shelf life of about ten years. Be sure to date your tins.

Thank you to the “Product Care Recycling Depots of British Columbia” for the following facts and information.

For more details on recycling within North America contact
www.earth911.com

PS: What other household items do you have that you are not sure what to do with? Contact us today for a free over the phone consultation.
www.gettingittogether.ca

By organize|2020-06-07T20:52:31+00:00September 17th, 2019|Home Organization, Organizing to Move|0 Comments

Top Eight Ways To Declutter

Nothing takes on value unless it’s being used.

How many items do you have in your house that are not being used?

Are you saving them ” just in case?”

Those are the three deadliest words when it comes to decluttering. Just in Case

Check out this short video and then read on for Getting It Togethers Top Eight Ways To Declutter and see how much lighter you feel.

1) Everything you own needs to have purpose and value because it’s functional, it’s used or its loved. A beautiful heirloom from your grandmother might be of beauty because you have it displayed in a place of honour. If it’s in a box in the garage then it needs to go. Take a picture of it ﬁrst if you must. Think about if you had a ﬂood. Would you replace old broken items that you never use? No, of course not. So, pass them on now so that burden isn’t left to a family member.

2) A place for everything and everything in its place. The kitchen counter is not a catch all. Have a place for your keys, phone, kid’s homework etc.

3) Stay focused on one task at a time. Multitasking is a myth.

4) Have zones. Keep all plastic containers in one area so as to make food clean up easy. And don’t keep any bottoms without a lid or any lids without a bottom. It’s like odd socks. It happens in every household. It’s one of life’s mysteries. Toss out all the odd socks or start a trend by wearing mismatched socks. I see many kids are doing that these days. Have a zone for all appliances you use and that are in working order. Did you have ambitions of baking your own bread only to ﬁnd out you haven’t used the bread maker in years? Time to pass it on.

5) Deal with things when you make the time for them. Note that I didn’t say when you have the time because we all have time for the things that are important to us. So set aside time to deal with your mail but don’t wait until the electricity company has switched off your hydro. Set aside time to Spring clean your home or set aside time to donate all the books you’ve already read. Make time to clear out the clutter from your closet. It’s very disempowering to open a closet and see a bunch of old outdated clothes or clothes that don’t ﬁt. If you wouldn’t replace it if it was lost in a ﬂood then it’s time for it to be donated. Get real! Get ruthless. Save photos till the last. It’s a big job. One that will take time. Set a timer and quickly sort photos into subject matter. Weddings, Christmas, kids, vacations etc. Once in piles, quickly toss all the photos that are no longer serving you. The blurry ones, red eyed ones etc. And keep only the photos that you would be sad if they went up in ﬂames. Store photos in clear photo boxes and label. Keep in mind that nobody wants your photos. They are your memories.

6) Purchasing mistakes. Just because you bought it doesn’t mean you have to keep it. Did you buy based on price or need? Before purchasing anything ask yourself these questions.

A) where am I going to store this item?

B) what’s the purpose of this purchase?

C) what is the price per use? This is a good question because you’ll get clear on whether you can rent the item when needed or can borrow it.

7) Stuck energy. Are you the storage unit for your family? Do you keep everything that has ever been in your family? If it gives you a heavy feeling it’s stuck energy. Pass it on with love and no sense of obligation to keep it.

8) Keep your car clear of chaos. Our cars need TLC just as much as our homes. Photocopy your registration and insurance papers. Then black out your name and address in the unlikely event of a break-in at least the person doesn’t have your personal information.

PS: Are you feeling inspired to declutter or are you overwhelmed? Either way, I’d love to hear from you. Please check out www.gettingittogether.ca for more details and a FREE 15-minute discovery session.

By organize|2020-06-07T20:52:32+00:00October 23rd, 2018|Home Organization, Organizing to Move|0 Comments

Title