Personal Organizer Archives - Getting it Together

Something New For You from Rowena List of Getting It Together: Home Renovations

Despite everything that is going on in the province of British Columbia and the world, I hope that each of you had an opportunity to enjoy your summer. And I trust that you are all safe.

I had the pleasure of being in Italy and Croatia before the heat dome. It was a fantastic trip. I’ve included a few photos.

Feel free to reach out to hear more.

For those of you that follow me on social media, you will have noticed an additional department to my company. We are now doing home renovations. It’s a very natural fit. As we are downsizing and clearing the clutter, it makes room for better systems, and an updated look to your current space.

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

I’ve teamed up with a professional contracting company. I assist with the design and functionality to maximize your space. Once the renovation is complete, I work with you to put your space back in order. It’s a whole lot of fun. I’ve included a couple of photos of our most recent jobs. To see more, please follow me on social media.

https://www.facebook.com/rowenalist

If you have any questions, or would like a quote, please reach out.
www.gettingittogether.ca

By organize|2023-09-27T19:45:44+00:00September 26th, 2023|Home Organization, Home Renovations, Organization Tips|0 Comments

From Overwhelm To Calm – Get Organized With Rowena List of Getting It Together And Elaine Tan Comeau

With Rowena List of Getting It Together And Elaine Tan Comeau, Host/Founder, Elaine’s Kitchen Table Podcast – Create Better Family, Health, Business, Self

In this Podcast you will learn:

What is a mind dump and how to do it.
The 6 most important things.
Dealing with paperwork.
The three deadliest words.
And the #1 Key., just to name a few.

Listen on for all the juicy tips and ideas.

http://www.elaineskitchentable.com/rowena

PS. Still needing a little help or support?

Book your FREE over the phone session with Rowena now.

www.gettingittogether.ca

By organize|2021-09-27T18:23:58+00:00September 27th, 2021|Organization Tips, Organizing Finances, Self Care Organization|0 Comments

Confessions Of A Professional Organizer: Part 2

Do you have items in your house that are weighing you down?

Do you have items that are decreasing your self-worth?

Everything in our home needs to spark some joy, happiness or have a purpose. Your toilet plunger for an example might not spark joy but it certainly would bring you happiness if and when you needed it most.

Check out this short video on Confessions of a Professional Organizer: part two

I have never owned a scale until recently when I brought one home from my mom’s place. I believe I have a love hate relationship with scales like most women. If the number on the scale is presumably good then that makes your day and you’re happy. If the number is not what you would like it to be then self-sabotage and disempowerment start to take over. This is not a good thing.

If you’re doing your very best to eat healthy, stay active and get plenty of rest you know you’ll be able to maintain a healthy weight for your body size and structure. If your pants are fitting comfortably you most likely know that you are within the range that you’d like to be in.

I vote for getting rid of the scale and keeping your self-worth positive and productive. What are your thoughts? Leave them in the comment box below.

Please share the love by sharing this link.

And check out www.gettingittogether.ca

By organize|2020-10-26T23:32:08+00:00October 26th, 2020|Self Care Organization|2 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

What To Do With Your Burnt Out Christmas Lights

Check out this short video on What To Do With Your Burnt Out Christmas Lights and then read on for fabulous tips from Product Care.

Burnt out Christmas lights? Recycle them!

At this time of year, British Columbians are unboxing their Christmas decorations, including lights. We all know that annoying feeling when you plug in the string lights and the bulbs are no longer working. Many people don’t know what to do with that pesky string once it’s reached the end of its useful life. Thankfully, they can be recycled.

Highlights

You can recycle all kinds of string lights in B.C – from retro-style incandescent strings to LED garlands which twinkle and blink – Product Care Recycling, Christmas Lights Blog
40 million light bulbs have been diverted from landfill by Product Care since 2010 – Product Care Recycling, 2018 Annual Report
Usage of energy from Christmas lights in B.C. has increased 15% since 2012– B.C Hydro, From Grinch to Griswold 2018 Report
57% of British Columbians put up Christmas lights, almost half of which put up three or more stands – B.C Hydro, From Grinch to Griswold 2018 Report

In addition to string lights, our program accepts all kinds of lighting products from fixtures (think chandeliers, desk lamps, etc.) to burnt out light bulbs including fluorescent tubes, halogen bulbs, CFL’s, LEDs, and more.

Check out Product Care’s full list of accepted products and find a location near you that accepts them online. Recycling your Christmas lights gives their parts a new life, rather than adding to our landfills. After lights are dropped off at a collection site, they’re transported to authorized recyclers for processing – right here in Canada. Machines are used to break down the products into component parts (e.g. precious metal, glass, plastic) and harvest the materials that went into the products in the first place.

Thank You to Kristina Charania
Marketing & Design Coordinator
productcare.org

P.S. Give yourself or someone you love with the gift of a clutter-free 2020 and contact us today for a free over the phone consultation.
www.gettingittogether.ca

By organize|2020-06-07T20:52:31+00:00December 10th, 2019|Home Organization, Organizer|2 Comments

Estate Planning Made Simple – Part 2, By Rowena List, Professional Organizer

My mum passed away on September 4, 2019 at Crossroads Hospice in Port Moody BC Canada. The dragonfly is their symbol. This “just breath” dragonfly is a perfect reminder of how amazing everyone was at the hospice and how important it is to breath.

As sad as it was to lose my mum, the overall experience was less traumatizing because she had all her ducks in a row. It certainly helped having a daughter as a professional organizer.

Check out this short video on “Estate Planning Made Simple, Part 2” then read on for Getting It Togethers Tips.

My mum had a folder that had all of her wishes in it.

Over the years we added to that folder, revised several things and took out things. We had open conversations about my mums wishes. Her service was exactly the way she wanted it. She even had the music picked out. There was no second guessing on my part.

Instead of a guest book, we had a memory tree. People wrote down their special memory about my mum and hung it on the tree.

One of the best gifts my mum has ever given me was her pre-arranged service. This allowed me to grieve while not having to make major decisions about important things like cremation versus burial. And most of it was paid for years ago. Talk about a massive savings.

She had even written her own eulogy and included a picture she wanted me to use for the obituary. I sure wish I could thank her a hundred times over for being so organized, thoughtful and prepared.

Some things to consider when writing your own eulogy are

Your family connections. Father and mother‘s names, including mothers maiden name, your spouse, your children, their spouses and your grandchildren. List anyone else who has been special in your life.
Your date and place of birth. Make sure it is spelled correctly.
Your education, highlights of your life to date, your hobbies, employment, volunteer activities, and any other organizations that you belong to.
And don’t forget to include the highlights from your life and how you would like to be remembered.

Continually add to your eulogy as time goes on. I would suggest reviewing all of this very important information once a year.

Here’s the link to part one in case you didn’t get to read it before.

https://www.gettingittogether.ca/estate-planning-made-simple/

For more detailed information and help with setting up your Estate, contact
us at www.gettingittogether.ca

By organize|2020-06-07T20:52:31+00:00October 21st, 2019|Estate Planning|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 number 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 organize|2020-06-07T20:52:32+00:00February 20th, 2019|Home Organization, Organizer, Time Management|0 Comments

How To Create New Habits For Staying Organized

A habit is defined as a recurrent, often unconscious pattern of behaviour that is acquired through frequent repetition.

Most habits are harmless however we all have a few we wish we could change.

What are yours?

The act of staying organized requires some skill, dedication, determination, desire, discipline and creating new habits.

It’s easy enough to clear the clutter but how are you going to keep your space that way?

Habits! Good habits.

With these simple steps you’ll be able to create the new habit of staying organized.

Are you thinking this is easier said than done?

Check out this short video on “How To Create New Habits For Staying Organized” then read on for
Getting It Togethers’ Top Four Tips

Firstly, staying organized needs to be a massive goal. You need to have big reasons for wanting to stay organized.

What are yours?

Please leave them in the comment box below.

Some of the top reasons for staying organized are; to have more time, less stress and more money. For others it might be to release the constant overwhelm of not being able to find what they are looking for in a timely manner and for some it might be the need to release the embarrassment and shame.

Next you need to be really specific about your plan of action for staying organized.

My clients that are the most successful in this department are the ones who follow the “15 minutes to freedom” techniques I coach them on.

Once your space is completely organized, take 15 minutes per day to keep it that way. Tidy as you go and be mindful about what you bring into your cleared space. Have a place for everything and everything in its place.

Thirdly, think about the consequences of not keeping this new habit. Write out the ways your life will be negatively affected if you don’t follow the “15 minutes to freedom technique.”

And write out the ways you will feel by keeping this new habit.

When the WHYS are big enough, the how’s seem to take care of themselves.

Finally, you must commit to this new lifestyle, this new habit. Implement the four D’s. Dedication, determination, desire and discipline. Self -discipline is not inherited – it’s created, nurtured, and developed daily. Self – discipline comes with a desire to forget what happened yesterday, be the best you can be today, and expect great things from tomorrow.

PS: Do you need to have an accountability partner or some coaching in order to get started and stay on track? If so, contact us today at www.gettingittogether.ca for a FREE 15 minutes to freedom call.

By organize|2020-06-07T20:52:32+00:00September 24th, 2018|Home Organization, Organizing to Move, Time Management|0 Comments

Estate Planning Made Simple

Personal estate organizing starts at the time we become an adult. Even if you think you have nothing of value there is still the question of your final wishes. Even if you think you have nothing there is still your bank account or your possible employment benefits etc.

We all know there is no escaping death, however we believe it will never happen to us. When we hear of a famous person’s demise we are usually in disbelief thinking that somehow they are exempt from death. And when it is a person close to us we go into shock, grief and sadness.

This is all real but somehow feels surreal.

Talking about death and dying does not mean it will come sooner. So why is it that we avoid the topic?

There are so many easy ways to be organized for your passing. This in turn will lessen the burden on your friends and family.

Imagine transitioning with grace.

Check out this short video on estate planning made simple and then read on for the Getting It Togethers Top 5 Tips.

Tip 1: Have a secure place for all of your digital passwords. Even if you use an online service like www.onepassword.com your loved ones still need to know how to get into that site.

Keep a copy in your safety deposit box.

Survivors need access to

Cell phone
Computer
Social media accounts
Home alarm with instructions on how to work it and the pass code.
Hidden spare keys and list of people who might have spare key to your home or vacation property.
Bank Accounts
Online accounts like banking, direct deposits, PayPal etc

Tip 2: Our stuff is less important to others. Are you saving stuff for your grown children? Do you even know if they want it or not?

I have heard of people having a family dinner where each person can claim certain heirlooms by placing a sticker on the bottom of the item with their name on it.

Or you might have special pieces of jewelry that you want to go to certain people which you will make note of in your will.

More has lost its appeal.

Less represents freedom.

Tip 3: Making special requests for your remains. Do your family members really know your final wishes?

Does everyone agree on them?

It is so important to have this in writing.

Advanced Planning- non legal organizing

Funeral, memorial service, celebration of life
Organ donation plan
Cremation or burial
Obituary ( be very careful about identity theft when publishing)
Eulogy
Asset Distribution
Estate Directory – friends, family ( have an up to date list of all their names and numbers)
List of Doctors, lawyers, financial planner, minister, accountant, insurance agent, employer, godparents, neighbours, kids school, babysitter, and daycare. Be sure to update these lists as things change in your life. I suggest reviewing this information once a year.
phone company
banks
credit card companies
volunteer organizations you belong to
Safety deposit box (with location of key) one way to insure smooth sailing is to have your bank acct and safety deposit box in joint name with one of your survivors.
Anything else you can think of that your survivors would need access to. Like passport, birth certificate and SIN # etc

Tip 4: Legal Essentials

Will
Power of Attorney
Representation Agreement ( living will)
Cash/life insurance, all financial documents
Business Succession Plan (if you own your own business) listing names of employees and their numbers, any contract workers or suppliers.
Any outstanding loans/alimony/child support

Tip 5: In order to process a registration of death for vital statistics and to process a death certificate, the funeral home will need the following

The deceased persons full legal name including maiden name if female
Date of birth
Date of death
Birthplace
Social insurance number
Health care number
Fathers full name
Mothers full name
Full name of surviving spouse
Occupation and for how long
Religious affiliation
Was the deceased a military veteran? This is important to have this information on file.

I am wishing all of my readers a long, happy, healthy, successful life.

When you do pass on, where will your affairs lie in the spectrum between chaos and order?

Please let me help you and your loved ones by making this transition smooth.

PS: Contact me today for a free 15 minute phone consultant on estate organizing. I’ll share with you your first next step.

By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:36+00:00March 15th, 2016|Estate Planning, Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing Finances, Organizing to Move, Tax Organization, Time Management|0 Comments

How To Make Good Habits

Have you vowed to get organized once and for all?

Do you dream of impeccable time management habits?

Is this the year you will exercise, eat better, get more sleep, stop smoking or make some other positive change?

Why is it that some people can make good habits a habit and others can not?

Check out this short video on how to make good habits

And then read the Getting It Together’s Top 5 Tips on how to make good habits.

Tip #1: Visualize. In order to move forward with new habits you need to see yourself already there. Visualize yourself as a non smoker or as eating healthy whole foods. Think about how this new habit will improve your life.

Tip #2: Journal. Once you have visualized yourself already in the new habit now you will want to keep track of it in a journal. Write out all the benefits of achieving this new habit like increased energy or that you will be able to find what you are looking for in 20 seconds or less once your home is all organized.

Tip #3: One step at a time. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to organize your whole home in one day? In most cases this is impossible however if you set up small baby steps you can accomplish it. Take 15 minutes a day and work on one small area. For example your sock drawer. Take out all the odd socks and holey ones. Donate any extras if you have too many pairs and leave the rest. Easy to do in 15 minutes for sure.

Tip #4: Grab a buddy. Things are always better with a buddy. Who do you know who would like to get in better shape? Team up with them for long walk and talks. Make it a habit to meet once twice or even three times a week. Make each other accountable. Leaving a comment in the comment box below is a great way to becoming accountable. Tell us what your new habit is and we will hold you to it.:)

Tip #5: Have a plan. Know what you need to do in order to reach your goals. What daily habits do you need to instill to keep organized, eat better, get in shape, or stop smoking?

PS: Enter to win!

Getting It Together has just had a makeover and we want to hear from you. Please leave a comment in the comment box and your name will be entered into a draw to WIN a purse Organizer.

Check it out www.gettingittogether.ca/products

Share the love by sharing the link. Thank You

By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:36+00:00October 28th, 2015|Home Organization, Organizer, Time Management|3 Comments