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 |2022-11-28T20:35:58+00:00November 28th, 2022|Home Organization, Organization Tips, Organizer|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Get rid of outdated mortgage papers.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 |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.

IMG_4806

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

Top 5 Getting It Together’s Organizing Mistakes

It’s well into the New Year and you’re bound and determined to get organized once and for all.

What are some of the stumbling blocks you come across?

Is it staying focused?

Is it setting aside enough time?

Or is it some of these common organizing mistakes listed below?

Check out this short video on the Top 5 Organizing Mistakes and then read on to get more tips.

Mistake #1: Thinking that out of sight means out of mind. If your home is organized and your life is organized then chances are your mind will be organized, which means you’ll know what’s in your cupboards, attic and crawlspace. Keep in mind that less is more. You can’t have everything in view or your place will be overwhelmingly cluttered. You need a place for everything and everything in its place.

Mistake #2: Putting the cart before the horse. Quite often people will go out and purchase several storage containers thinking that this will get them organized. Just as a treadmill doesn’t make you fit unless you use it the same is true with storage containers. Don’t buy any containers until you’ve done all the purging and know what needs to be stored. You’ll then know how many containers to purchase and which size will work best for your area.

(as you can see in the pictures, this repurposed wooden structure was turned into a shoe rack once we knew the 1number of shoes needing to be stored.)

Mistake #3: Not having a proper to do list. To do lists need to be broken down and assigned a verb. Look at your weekend ahead and write organize garage on your Saturday to do’s. Saturday morning arrives and this task looks so overwhelming that you don’t know where to start. So, you don’t. You go for coffee with a friend instead. The best and only tactic is to break down the job of organizing into bite-size pieces and assign a verb. For example. Recycle paint in garage. Toss out all broken sports equipment in garage. Repair shelving unit in garage.

Mistake #4: Thinking that everything has to be perfect. Kiss perfection goodbye and instead use KISS which equals keep it simple sweetie. Highly organized people have a huge value on time and how they spend it. Prioritize and get started. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect in your life before you clear the clutter.

Mistake #5: Not assigning a specific time to a task. It’s important to know or at least guess how long a specific task will take. For example: recycling the paint needs to get into the car and be driven to the local depot. Will this take approximately 30 minutes? Tossing out all broken sports equipment might take 15 minutes. When you’re doing your to do list also assign a time frame beside each task. And be sure to book these tasks in your calendar when you have the most energy. Are you a morning person or a late afternoon person? Do you need to have your favourite music on? Or do you need to be working alongside a Professional Organizer in order to get the ball rolling?

PS: Getting and staying organized is not a one-time thing. It is a daily commitment to at least 15 minutes. Do you need a power partner? If so, check out our coaching programs which are designed especially for you. www.gettingittogether.ca

By |2020-06-07T20:52:32+00:00February 20th, 2019|Home Organization, Organizer, Time Management|0 Comments

Permanently Reduce Clutter Part 1- Spend Less, Have More

How would you like to spend less but feel like you have more?

Do you wish your bank balance was higher than it is?

Are you surrounded by stuff?

I have always admired people like the late Lady Diana. She dressed with simple elegance. Oh ya, she had a huge wardrobe because she was a princess however, her style was elegant and simple. I’ll bet if she were not a princess she would have had a modest closet filled with a few key items of clothing. The type of clothing items that mix and match. That is my goal for you as well. As the French would say “you do not need a lot of clothes you just need a great imagination”

Check out this short video on Permanently Reduce Clutter Part 1 and then read on for Getting It Togethers Top 5 Tips.

These tips would also work when decorating your home. Simple yet elegant.

Where else do you think these tips would work well in your life?

Please leave a comment in the box below. Your opinion counts.

Tip 1. Use the 6-12 month rule.  If you haven’t worn or used it in 6-12 months, get rid of it. Pass it on with love. The only exception to this rule is that one elegant evening dress in the back of your closet waiting for a fancy dance or cruise. If it is a classic it will not go out of style. If you stay the same size it will fit!

You might even have an item in your home that comes out for the rare occasions. You know the tray that holds deviled eggs. But only keep it if you use it and have space to store it.1

Tip 2.  Align values with spending.  I value good/organic food, my health and travel to name a few. So, I know that planning and paying for a vacation, getting a massage, or going shopping at one of my favorite specialty shops is aligned with my values. Knowing what you value makes it much easier to make or not to make spending decisions. Keep in mind “fair trade” and “ethically made”.

Tip 3. Stick to a shopping list. This will help you with not getting side tracked.  Take a shopping list with you when you go to buy groceries or clothes.  When you know what you are looking for you will save time and money. The most organized people do not just aimlessly wonder around shops. They have a mission and stick to it. Now that doesn’t mean you don’t go window shopping with a friend once in awhile. Hey we all need that fix with one of our BF”s

Tip 4.  The 24-hour rule. We have all heard this one before. I think Oprah even uses this rule. Imagine, with all of her money. Think about your purchase for 24 hours. If you still feel you need/want it after 24 hours go back and make the purchase. If you feel you can live without that item after 24 hours you have just saved yourself some money.  This eliminates the spontaneous purchases. I also like to shop at places that have a no fuss return policy. For example, an item of clothing might look great in the store lighting then you get it home and the colour is not at all what you thought.

Tip 5.  Create a do-not-spend day.  Are you old enough to remember when stores were closed on Sundays? Or when late night shopping was only on Friday nights? Ah, the good old days. I use to work in the mall when this was my reality. (Okay, I know I am dating myself now) however one day without spending can add up.  Choose a day each week and make that your do-not-spend day.  Instead, get creative with all the fun free things you can do. Pack your own lunch or snacks and take a thermos with your hot drink in it. Your mind, body and bank account will thank you!

PS: Here’s something for free on your do not spend day. A FREE discovery call with me. Book it today at www.gettingittogether.ca  and gain insights on your passion and purpose.

By |2020-06-07T20:52:33+00:00October 17th, 2017|Home Organization, Organizer|1 Comment

How To Get Financially Organized Part 1

Do you panic when it comes to tax time?

Do you dream of having all of your important papers ready at any given moment for the bank?

Like when you are going for a loan or mortgage.

If your house was on fire what would you grab?

The interesting thing is almost everyone interviewed says their photos. No one ever says their important documents. In fact both are very hard to replace if not almost impossible.

Why not set up a system that is easy to grab? Yes for the most part things will be on your computer however I have found that people still like to have a paper trail. I think it is because we feel more in control if we have that important document in our hands and then we can file it. We can see it at a quick glance and more importantly we can touch it. What do you think? Please leave it in the comment box below.

We are still not a paperless society. There are certain things that we need handy in paper format like a power of attorney or a will.

In order to get financially fit I would suggest watching this quick video (Part One) and then follow these simple Getting It Together’s Top 5 tips on how to get financially organized.

Tip #1: Set up a small and I mean small file cabinet or portable file box. The reason you want to keep it small is so you will toss out the outdated information as the new information comes in.

Create File Folders for:

  • Savings Account
  • Chequing account
  • Credit Card accounts (I suggest having two credit cards especially if you travel)
  • Retirement accounts
  • Mortgage
  • Investment accounts
  • Insurance: life, critical illness, disability, home and car
  • Loans
  • Will and power of attorney
  • Tax return from past yr and current yr.
  • Miscellaneous

I personally have all these important documents in a binder. My executor knows exactly where it is and what is in it. 1to31-4663 medThis will make her job easier when the time comes for her to deal with my affairs. Being this organized with your important papers is a gift you give to the people who are left to deal with your affairs. There is nothing worse than trying to find all the important papers while grieving.

Tip #2: Set up online banking and telephone banking. Like it or not sooner than later we will have to do 90% of our banking online and why not? It is a great way to save time. You can do all of your banking while the kids sleep or on your coffee break at work.

Tip #3: Set up automatic bill payments. The best thing I ever did to get financially organized was setting up all of my bills to be pre-authorized to go on my visa. Then once a month my Visa gets paid automatically from my account. Yes it is important to check your credit card statement to make sure that all of the purchases are yours. You can do that online before it gets paid. If you set up this system it is important to pay your credit card off in full each month. The last thing you want is to be paying interest on your phone bill etc. The best part is you get extra travel miles if you collect those.

If you are not comfortable with automatic bill payments then set yourself up a little area in your home where you pay bills. Is it in the kitchen or do you have a small office area? Make sure you have the supplies required.

  • Stamps
  • Envelopes
  • Pens
  • Paper
  • Return address labels
  • Shredder
  • Recycle bin.

Once the bill is paid file it until the next months bill comes in at which point you can shred the last months bill. There is no need to keep a life time of phone bills. Even if you are in business for yourself you only have to keep 7 years worth. All major companies keep a record of our bills should you ever need an old statement.

Tip #4: Reduce banking fees. Check with your bank to see how you can reduce monthly banking fees. If I keep a balance of $1000.00 or more in my account I avoid all fees. If you are a senior you might be able to avoid fees. Each bank has different policies. Shop around to get the best deal for you.

Tip #5: Use your 1to31 system. Don’t have one yet? Check it out at www.1to31.com

If you are still getting paper bills file them under the date in which they need to be paid. The 1to31 is the best place to keep track of them.

By |2020-06-07T20:52:38+00:00April 14th, 2015|Organizer, Organizing Finances, Tax Organization|0 Comments

What is a professional organizer?

Have you ever wondered what exactly is a professional organizer?

Have you ever wondered what does a professional organizer do?

Have you ever wondered how a professional organizer got started in the profession?  (This is the question I get asked the most.)

Sign up for your FREE session here.

If you sign up for your complimentary session with me, I will share my story with you…only if you are really curious. If not, no worries we will just dive right into your challenges and how to solve them. 😀

Check out this short video on what is a professional organizer.

A Professional organizer supports, empowers and encourages their clients through the non-judgmental process of sorting, purging and storing of unwanted and wanted items. A Professional organizer provides hands-on services. A professional organizer coaches and transfers organizing skills to help clients develop appropriate and lasting solutions for their individual needs. A professional organizer follows up and is always there for you….on time.

Some of the services I specialize in are:

Residential Hands-On Organizing: De-cluttering and organizing garages, storage lockers, closets, bedrooms, kitchens, kids rooms and home offices just to name a few. I can also support and encourage you with space planning, closet design and storage solutions. And then there are the projects of sorting and organizing memorabilia and photos. Basically if it has anything to do with organizing, I do it.

Other services I provide are: time management, goal setting, packing and moving and productivity coaching.

I also conduct seminars, workshops and keynote speaking engagements.

Do you belong to a networking group, a women’s business group, business professional organization or any other association that you feel might enjoy hearing top organizing tips?

If so, please fill in the comment box below or send me an email at rowena@gettingittogether.ca. Let me know who you would like me to speak to. We can discuss topics that would best suit your organizations needs.

If you are not in the “Getting it Together” community, add your email address to the right.  You’ll get instant access to a free ebook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your home in 15 minutes or less.

A Cluttered Life – what is hiding in your box?

Has this ever happened to you?

You moved from one home to another.

Prior to the move, you decide to downsize, purge and toss. You have the best of intentions. You start off in one room. Before long you are getting distracted and losing focus. All of a sudden the phone rings with a better offer on the other end. You know what I mean. You decide the better idea would be to just simply pack everything and toss/clear out the clutter when you unpack in your new pad.

Check out this short video on a cluttered life:

Fast forward.

You are in your new living space. Time goes by.

There is a box or two sitting on the sidelines. What are your thoughts each time you pass that box? Maybe you even kick it out of the way. Are you saying “I must empty the box.” “What is in that box anyway?” These thoughts are causing mind clutter.

26yearnoteThe other day I was working with a client and such a box appeared. It had been neatly, well actually not so neatly, packed 26 years ago. One of those last-minute tossing in and go boxes. Upon opening the box we discovered unopened greeting cards from her second wedding anniversary. Inside one card was a crisp new 26 year old $20 bill. Bingo!! Let’s open all the cards. Another envelope had a cheque from her grandmother for $75. How come the grandma never questioned her out of balance bank account for 26 years? Conscious or subconscious, this box has been weighing heavy on my clients mind. Thinking about it and worrying about it takes up precious time. Not to mention paying to have it moved and storing it in the garage.

Here are my top 3 tips to helping you with a cluttered life and how to de-clutter it.

Tip #1: Take the 15 minutes to do it right. Instead of tossing things into a box simply take the 15 minutes to deal with the stuff you are about to dump into that box. Book those 15 minutes with yourself like it is a client appointment. Put this appointment right in your calendar. It is a date with yourself and the box.

Tip#2: Set up piles for keep, shred, toss, recycle or donate. Handle each piece of paper once or each item once. Putting it in one of those piles. The key factor here is to stay focused on that one task for 15 minutes. That one box. Turn off the phone, email indicator, close the door, do whatever it takes. Just think how clear your mind will feel once you have emptied that box.

Do you have more than one such box? If so, handle one box at a time in 15 minute increments.

Tip#3: Once you have your piles, you need to deal with them. The toss and recycle piles are the easiest. Donate is easy if you remember to put the items in your car and drop them off at your local charity. Shred is straight forward. Get your kids to do that for you if they are old enough or you can do it while watching TV. The keep pile is where the rubber meets the road. Take each item and deal with that item. Does it need to be filed? Does it need to be put away? Do you need to set up a system for some items?

You will be surprised at how fast you move if you have the 15 minute timer on and stay focused.

We are humans and take the path of least resistance. You do not want to do this when it comes to your boxes. In the long run it will save you so much grief and stress. Kiss a cluttered life goodbye.

By |2020-06-07T20:52:43+00:00September 2nd, 2013|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move|0 Comments

Do You Need to Hire a Professional Organizer?

Are you suffering from too much stuff in too small a space, too much stuff in a large space or simply too much stuff?

Do you have trouble locating important information in your office?

Can you find what you are looking for without getting stressed out?

Do you lose your keys, phone, eye glasses or kids?

Do you need to hire a professional organizer?

 

 Check out this video to see.

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Have you ever thought “there has got to be a better way to manage all your papers”?
  • Is it a challenge for you and your family to get out the door on time each morning?
  • Are you feeling overwhelmed?
  • What is your stress level? Would you like it lower?
  • Are you embarrassed to have friends or family over?
  • How would you feel if the neighbours dropped in unexpectedly?
  • Does it take you more than 20 seconds to find what you are looking for?
  • Would you like systems?
  • Would you like your kids to be more organized?

If you answered “YES” to any of these questions, it might be time to hire a professional organizer.

I know of a really great one! 😀

I will encourage, support and empower you with moving forward in getting organized and staying clutter free. I will support and encourage you with the purging of stuff.  Most importantly I will give you your life back.

Let me know what area in your home is bugging you the most. Leave your bug list in the comment box below. I will give you a tip to get started right away with getting and staying clutter free.

Have you taken advantage of your FREE session yet?

If not then please ease on over HERE and let’s get started today.

We can discuss if you need to hire a professional organizer, or if you need some productivity coaching sessions or maybe you need just a little pep talk.

 Either way I am here to support, encourage and empower you with moving forward.

A Stress Free Organized Move

Stress Free Organized MoveAre you getting ready for a move? Do you dream of a stress free organized move? Would you like support from the experts? How would you like to be really on top of things?

Here are my top 5 tips to a Stress Free Organized Move:

Tip#1: Hire movers. Gone are the days of trying to do everything yourself. Gone are the days of a case of beer and a bunch of your guy friends. They are all too concerned with their backs now. You are busy. Your friends and family are busy. Professional movers have all the right boxes, packing supplies, dollies and manpower. They can get you packed and moved quickly and efficiently. If something breaks they cover it. If it is pouring with rain they get wet. Professional movers are worth every penny. I know of some great ones.

Tip#2: Pack a suitcase. Pretend you are going on a 2 week camping vacation. Prior to the movers arriving, pack a suitcase with clothes, your kid’s favorite toy or doll, towels, exercise attire, toiletries and a good book. This saves you time searching in your boxes for some much needed necessities. Be sure to keep a set of sheets handy along with a place setting for each member of the family. Have a box that is labeled “open me first.” You can arrive at your new home, set up the beds, have something to eat off of and have clean clothes in the morning.

Tip#3: Start early. How long have you lived in the place you are moving from? Clutter does not happen overnight, so therefore it is not cleared overnight. There may be several items to donate, sell or give away before you move. This all takes time. One comment I hear often is “I’ll sort and purge once I move into my new place.” I hate to be the one to burst your bubble but most people NEVER get around to doing that. Do you have any unpacked boxes in your house? People seem to underestimate how long it takes to pack up a house or condo. Start early by packing non seasonal clothing, china, books and any other items that are not needed day to day. Let the movers do the rest.

Tip#4: Pack a cooler. On moving day pack a cooler filled with must have food items. Have snacks for the kids, movers and yourself. Remember some of your favorite drinks as well. Grab a bottle of Champagne. You are going to want to celebrate your stress free organized move. Ask a friend to bring over pizza or a casserole to your new home. I had a friend do this and it was a life saver. It also made me stop and take five. We had a very casual fun dinner. They helped unpack for dessert.

Tip#5: Hire an organizer. This is really the most important part of your move. You will want to do all the sorting and purging long before your moving day. Did you know a professional organizer will support you in a stress free organized move? You will save time, energy and most importantly, money. You will only move items you love, need and use. Unpacking will be a dream.

Call today for a FREE 30 minute phone consultation.

We will discuss more tips on how to have a stress free organized move.

We will also discuss your move and provide the support you might need. Click here.

By |2020-06-07T20:52:43+00:00July 22nd, 2013|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move|0 Comments

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