Rowena List, Author at Getting it Together

About Rowena List

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So far Rowena List has created 162 blog entries.

Collections vs. Clutter: How to Tell Them Apart

Collections and clutter are two different things.

Clutter is an untidy collection of things where as collections are several “like” items intended for display or investment. Now a collection can be untidy if it is not stored, displayed or cared for properly.

Ask yourself these questions:

Did you start the collection?

Is the collection something that you love to look at?

Do you use the collection?

Did the collection happen by accident and then get completely out of control?

Below I am going to explain Collections vs. Clutter. Are they the same or are they different? My 5 simple tips will help you determine this difference.

Tip #1: Is this collection something you started? In the case of Mary. NO! Her parents thought it was a good idea for her to have an owl in her office. Then a friend and then another friend. Never once did my client buy herself an owl. She did not start the collection nor did she ever intend to have an owl collection. This is important to note.

Tip #2: Do you like the collection? My client thought it was ok to have one or maybe two owls in her office, however by the time I started working with her she was not happy with the takeover of owls. They were everywhere and it was looking “cluttery”.

This is where a collection starts to become a problem. Another client of mine inherited a salt and pepper shaker collection. She had at least one hundred pairs and only used one!

Tip #3: What to do with the collection? In the case of Mary she was ready for a change in her office. She had enjoyed the owls for many many years.

We decided to keep her top 3 favorites. The one from her parents and two other neat looking ones. The rest we put in the hallway of the university with a sign that said “free”.

Tip #4: What happened next? The interesting thing is that all the people walking past her office door thought she was leaving the campus. They did not understand why all of a sudden she wanted to get rid of the owls. It made them a little uncomfortable at first until they heard she was just going for a change.

All the “free” owls were gone by the end of the day. They each got a new home in several other offices. Mary can go visit her owls any time she likes!

Tip #5: How to stop a collection. If you no longer like the items you are collecting, or someone started collecting for you, or if they have taken over it is time to put a stop to it. This can be a little delicate especially if family and friends have always bought you something to go with your collection. It is an easy gift giving idea for them and now what will they do?

You will need to let EVERYONE know that you are no longer collecting XYZ. Instead you would prefer they give you consumable items or donate to a charity of their choice in your name. Let them know you are downsizing. This might even give them permission to start downsizing too.

Some collections can be sold on EBay, Craigslist or at consignment stores. Some collections can be passed down to other family members. Unfortunately, some collections end up in the landfill.

Be careful what you start to collect. Be mindful of what type of collection you start for others. Is it something you will enjoy for years, does it have a purpose or value?

Once it starts to take over, becomes a dust collector or not serve you any purpose it is time for it to go.

I like to collect interesting people, memories and cash!

Are you having trouble knowing what to do with your collections or clutter? Not sure of its value or whether to keep it.

Please call me today for a FREE 30 minute phone consultation. We will discuss your collections versus your clutter, your specific needs and come up with a plan of action.

www.gettingittogether.ca

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00March 19th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move|4 Comments

Fanny Kiefer is a Vancouver icon.

It was my honour to be interviewed on her show. I think you will like her style.

Check out the tips we discussed.

Here is a recap of my interview with Fanny Kiefer on Studio 4, discussing all the ways in which clearing physical and mental clutter can open us up for new opportunities, better health, and happier lives!

What was your favorite Fanny Kiefer tip?

If you like this video on Fanny Kiefer, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends. And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list. 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.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00March 2nd, 2012|Home Organization, Media Appearances, Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization|0 Comments

How to Increase Productivity: 5 Proven EffectiveTime Management Tips

You can have more time AND get more done! How is this possible?

Below, I am going to share with you 5 simple and proven effective time management tips and you will watch your productivity soar.

The more organized you are the more time you will have.

“If you don’t take the time, time will take you.” Make time to plan.

Please watch this quick video on how to increase productivity.

Tip #1: Create a ‘to-do’ list with your six most important items.

Many years ago when I first started off in business I learned this tip. Each night before going to bed write out the six most important things you want to do the next day. The experts say that six items on a list are not so overwhelming. Any more than that and a person might become paralyzed by the magnitude of tasks. I like to have a list for work related tasks and one for personal.

Make item number one your least favorite thing to do. Get it over with right away. For example it might be to call the leads you got from the latest trade show you did. If you do not get all your most important things done in one day then transfer them over to the next day. You might have overestimated your time.

Tip #2: Focus your time.

Take 4 or 5 colour markers and block off time in your datebook/family calendar or computer for work, personal, family,and spiritual. Do this at the beginning of each month. I block off all the times I want to work in green. Family time is in pink etc.

When a client calls to book an appointment I look for any green spots that are still open. When a family member calls for a dinner date I look at any pink spots that are free. When you see all the coloured squares at a glance you can see how balanced your life is. Do you have too many green squares and not enough pink?

Tip #3: Take 15.

End each work day by taking 15 minutes to clear your desk off and prepare for the next day. Take 15 minutes at the end of the night to prepare your kitchen for the next morning. These 15 minutes will save you hours in the long run. There is nothing worse than walking into your office and finding a pile of papers left from the day before. Or walking into your kitchen and finding all the dinner dishes from the night before.

Tip #4: Time Busters.

Be mindful of any time busters. Do you use a timer when going on the computer? Have you thought to yourself, “I’ll just quickly check emails” and 2 hours later you are still sitting there? Do you get interrupted? Do you answer your phone when you are in the middle of a meeting or high priority project? These can be some common time busters. Stay focused on each task and you’ll be amazed at how much more time you have.

Tip #5: Relinquish control.

The need to do it all. Delegate with confidence. Trust that the job will get done. Look at all the things you do in a day. Delegate what you can. For example your kids can make the beds. They might not look the way you would do it but they are made. Is there a person at your workplace that can help you with some tasks?

Still feeling like time is running away from you?

I would love to share with you my weekly plan sheet and help you with effective time management tips.

You and your family will love how simple and easy it is to use. . We will discuss your time busters and how to move forward without them. You will feel more in control of your time. Contact me TODAY for your FREE 20 minute session. https://www.gettingittogether.ca

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00March 1st, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Self Care Organization, Time Management|0 Comments

Stress Free Travel: Arrive Refreshed, Energized and Ready to Go

Do you enjoy travel?

How would you like to travel minus the stress?

Would you like some tips on stress free travel? You’ll arrive refreshed, energized and ready to go!

Below are 5 simple tips to get you on your “merry” way and leave the stress behind:

Tip#1: Time. If you want stress free travel you need to allow enough time for any unforeseen mishaps. Like running out of gas. Do you know how long it takes you to get to your local airport? Add on an extra 30 minutes. If traffic is heavy or there is an accident slowing traffic you won’t get stressed out. If check in is an hour add on an extra 30 minutes. This will allow for any long line ups or packing issues (overweight baggage, for example).

Tip#2: Documents. I love this saying. “A place for everything and everything in its place.” Do you have a handy document file folder or a pouch in your travel bag? When your passport is handed back, you immediately put it back in the file folder or pouch. None of this “I’ll do it later.” Then toss it in your bag. This is how important documents get misplaced.

My Aunt was traveling to England. She had her passport in her hand. When she got to customs she could not find it. Long story short she had tossed her passport out with her coffee cup! Good thing she had ample time to go back and retrieve it out of the garbage can.

Tip#3: Clothing. Wear the most comfortable clothing you have. I love watching people at the customs line up as they start to get undressed. Belts, boots, layers of clothing. This can cause stress for those who are running late. Wear easy to remove shoes. Wear items that won’t set the x-ray machines off. Be mindful of your carry-on bag.

There was a lady at the Paris airport that had about 6 paper shopping bags that would not fit in the machine. She was shoving and pushing trying to get them through the x-ray. She was late for her plane. Talk about STRESS.

Pack one day of bare essentials in your carry-on. Toothbrush, clean panties, prescription medication, and a good book.

Tip#4: Snacks. Low blood sugar makes people grumpy and stressed. I carry protein bars, dried nuts and fruit and some hard candies. Once past all the restricted areas grab a bottle of water. I know most airlines give you water but it is never enough. One of the best ways to arrive at your destination refreshed, energized and ready to go is to be well hydrated.

Tip#5: Pack early. Are you so excited about your trip that you park early or do you leave it to the last minute? Make a master list of must have items. Pull your suitcase out. Place it in an out of the way location in your home. As you think of items to take toss them into the case. 2 days prior to travel get your master list in hand. Pull everything out and systematically put each item back in the suitcase as you check it off your master list. Good rule of thumb is that each piece of clothing should go with at least 3 other items in your case.

If you are already at your travel destination pack the night before. Check your room for items that might be under the bed, electrical cords, and things in drawers or closets.

Here is to fun, safe, stress free travels. Hope to run into you on the slopes!

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00February 12th, 2012|Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization, Travel Organization|2 Comments

Organizational Frequently Asked Questions

One of my favorite things to do is travel. I’ve been blessed to see a large part of our globe. When traveling I always meet people at airports, train stations, restaurants, golf courses, ski hills, etc.

Once we get to chatting and they find out what I do, the questions start. Good thing I love talking about organizing tips and how to get organized. I thought it would be fun to share with you some of the most frequently asked questions I have been asked.

Q- I live with a clutter bug. What can I do about it?

A-The number one rule is “you never clear someone else’s clutter unless they have given you permission to”. The best thing you can do is live by example, send them to my website or buy them my CD!

Q- What can I do with all my papers?

A-This is a BIG question. I have several articles/blogs on this. In short it is best to try and stop as much paper as you can from coming into your house. For example get all your bills online. Put a “no junk mail” sticker on your mailbox. This will stop any mail that is not personally address to you or someone in your household. Register yourself with www.reddotcampaign.ca. Within 6 weeks you will no long get any “current occupant” junk mail. If I ever receive a piece of mail for “current occupant” I return to sender.

Q- What shall I do with my grown children’s baby clothes?

A- I know, you saved them because you thought your kids would want them for their kids. This did not happen for whatever reason. Save one or two of you most favorite items and donate the rest.

Q- I have year’s worth of canning jars. What should I do with them?

A- My first question back to that person would be “do you can?” if so, how many canning jars does a gal need? Keep what you need. Donate the rest. If you no longer can donate them ALL!

Q- I love books. What shall I do with all the ones I have read? I think I might re-read them one day.

A- Can you get books from the Library or download them? If it is a book that is not available then buy it with the intention of donating. Human nature is such that we think we will re-read our books. 90% of people do not re-read their books. (unless it is a text book or study manual) Pass your books on with love. Share them with family and friends. Get a Kindle.

Q- My children have toys everywhere in the house. What can I do?

A- It is very important to have “zones” for kids. Pick one “zone” in your home and have all the toys in that place. When you tell your children to go play they will know exactly where to go. If there are toys everywhere they will get confused and not know which zone to go play in.

What is your burning question? What is your biggest organizing obstacle? Please leave a comment below or contact me at www.gettingittogether.ca for your FREE 30 minute phone consultation. We will discuss your burning question and how you can move forward with clearing the clutter.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00February 6th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization, Time Management, Travel Organization|0 Comments

One bowl eating habit to weight loss By Rowena List Professional Organizer and Speaker

Many years ago I attended a fund raiser in Burnaby BC. It was to raise money for the people in our community that go to bed hungry,wake up hungry and/or go to school hungry. In this day and age I have yet to understand how this can still happen. We live in a country of abundance. So much that weight loss can happen just by eating with portion control. picture via Ben Seidelman

At the fund raiser we were all given a hand made pottery bowl. The idea was to go around the room and fill it with different food items to enjoy for our dinner. It was the perfect size bowl. Around the size of a soup bowl.

At the same time I heard about a fellow that ate every meal out of one bowl for a whole month. Weight loss was a side effect. His goal was to teach himself about portion size. In the mean time he lost some weight.

Check out the video for all the tips.

What do you think of this idea? Are you going to give it a try?

Do you think it will aid your weight loss?

Love to hear your opinion below. What is your best weight loss strategy?

If you like this video on weight loss, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends. And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list. 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.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00February 1st, 2012|Organizer, Self Care Organization|2 Comments

Healthy snacks for weight loss By Rowena List Professional Organizer and Speaker

A personal trainer once told me that I ate like a garbage can. Can you imagine ever saying that to anyone? My goal was weight loss. image Kevin Dooley t

He asked me to keep a food journal for 2 weeks. At the end of the 2 weeks he came to this conclusion.

My weight loss wouldn’t happen with these eating habits!

What he meant was that I snack on small amounts of food during the day. He wanted me to have 3 meals and 2 snacks to aid my weight loss.

This way of eating has actually helped me to maintain a better blood sugar level. I find I only need an afternoon snack as my protein shake holds me till lunch.

What one idea will you try right away on weight loss?

Please leave your comment below.

If you like this video, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends. And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list. 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.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00January 25th, 2012|Organizer, Self Care Organization|0 Comments

Global TV interview with Rowena List Professional Organizer and Speaker

One of my goals is to be on TV more. I love the idea of sharing organizing tips and produtivity ideas. It was so much fun and a real honour to be on “Global TV“.

Global TV is a Vancouver based newsroom.

They like to focus on news about town,events and showcasing local talent.

Check out the cool idea they asked me to share with their audiance. The response was very good.

I get my clients to do this.

Are you going to try this? Are you going to tell all your friends and family about this cool idea?

Let me know your response in the comment box below.

If you like this video on Global TV please click the “like” button and then share it with your friends.

Have you had your FREE 20 minute sesion yet? Why not grab a java and book your time now.
https://www.gettingittogether.ca

And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list. 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.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00January 24th, 2012|Home Organization, Media Appearances, Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization, Time Management, Travel Organization|0 Comments

How to Live to 100, or More

How well are you taking care of yourself? Are you organized enough to prepare healthy meals for yourself?

Do you exercise daily?

Are you expecting to live to at least 100?

I am sure many of us would love to live to 100 or more as long as we are healthy in our minds and bodies. Well that is one of the tips.

Below are the top tips I have discovered to help you get the most out of a long life:

Keep your body active. No matter what age or fitness level you are right now, KEEP moving. A slow 15-30 minute walk everyday and a little stretching is a great start. Maintain a healthy weight.
Keep your mind active. A great way is staying up to date with technology. Reading and playing card games are another way to keep a sharp mind.
Eat a wide variety of well balanced foods. Lots of fruits and veggies, (as much raw as possible) moderate amounts of meat, chicken and fish and low amounts of carbs. Carbs meaning bread, pasta and rice.
Keep your portions moderate. When we were younger we could all eat like a horse and it not show. As we age our metabolism slows down. Eat smaller portions. Your digestive track will love you for it.
Listen to music. Have a wide variety of tunes. You might not like some of the most modern music of today however listening to it once in awhile will keep you young at heart. You’ll also know what your grandkids and great-grandkids are up to.
Meet new people. Get out and attend social events. Join your local senior centre.
Hang out with friends and family. You might not feel like cooking big family dinners anymore, however you can still have them. Order in, have a potluck or take everyone out to dinner.
Do your hair. Just because you don’t go out of the house everyday does not mean you do not have to comb your hair. Add a little lipstick (for the ladies who are reading this). Get dressed including accessories. You never know who might show up at your door!
Keep your independence. Drive for as long as it is safe and you feel comfortable.
Keep intimate relationships. Happily married people live longer. Sexually active seniors live longer. They are healthier and happier.
Give to others. Volunteer in your community. Help a friend in need.
Hang out with younger people. Younger people want to learn from us older folks. We are here to share our wisdom.
Stay positive and grateful. Hang out with positive people, read positive books and know that the world is a better place because YOU are in it.
Get and stay organized. You do not want to trip and fall over clutter. You could break a leg or hit your head. You’ll also want to stay organized in case you need hired help in your home. Housekeeper, nurse etc.
Downsize early. Don’t wait until it is too late for you to do it yourself. Downsizing frees your mind and your home of unwanted clutter.
Here is to all of us living long, healthy, happy lives. Celebrate in style and be sure to invite me to your birthday party!!

For more detailed information on health and longevity please call for a FREE 30 minute phone consultation.www.gettingittogether.ca

We will discuss your personal fitness level and where to start. Your eating habits and how to improve them and any other lifestyle changes. We can even discuss downsizing and what that looks like to you.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:50+00:00January 23rd, 2012|Home Organization, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization, Time Management|1 Comment

5 Simple Steps To Get Your Tax Receipts Together

Are you self employed?

Do you have a pile of receipts on every corner of your desk, in every pocket or purse?

Have you ever wondered how to organize your receipts for taxes.

There is no time like the present to get a solid system in place. This system will save you hundreds of dollars in bookkeeping fees, hundreds of dollars in professional organizing fees and will save you loads of stress at tax time.

Below are my 5 simple steps to creating a receipt filing system to get you completely prepared (early!) for tax season!

Tip #1: Get yourself a basic accordion file box.

I have used the same one for almost 3 decades. It is called “canceled check file”. Make labels of the appropriate tax deductions for your business.

Some common ones are:

Entertainment (taking clients out for coffee or a meal)
Car expenses (includes fuel, repairs, insurance)
Parking
Supplies (pens, paper, envelopes and so on)
Phone (including mobile devices)
Rent or Mortgage Costs
You may have other expenses. These are only a few of the main ones.

The key is to file all your receipts every other day or at least at the end of each week. I file mine while I have my phone headset on, taking to a friend or family member. Yes I can do both tasks when it comes to this one.

Tip #2: Your next step is to add up all of your receipts. It is best if this is done at the end of each month. This is where people get themselves into trouble. They leave it for months or even years on end then the task becomes overwhelming.

Take all your entertainment receipts, add them up, and staple them together with the total on the front. Do this for each file you have set up.

Tip #3: Send all your collated receipts to your bookkeeper. They will then do all the data input and have spreadsheets ready for your account. I send 3 months worth at a time to my bookkeeper.

If you are totally electronic you can do this step yourself and simply input your receipts in the computer program you are using. Even basic computer programs like Excel will do all the totals for you.

Tip #4: Once a year, yes that is right once a year, pay a visit to your accountant and get your taxes filed on time. One of the most common items I come across while conducting hands-on organizing is overdue tax returns. The tax department does not like it when people do not file their tax returns. There are huge fines involved and BIG red flags go in front of your name.

Tip #5: Store all receipts and tax returns in an out of reach area. (Check out my video on crawl spaces for some tips, click here.) I like to put them in a plastic container so they do not get dusty, wet or moldy. The requirement in most countries is to keep your past records for 7 years. Once you put in a new year take out the oldest year and shred it. If you are applying for a mortgage you might be asked to show your last 3 years of tax returns. This is another great reason to be organized.

How would you like a FREE downloadable List of labels of all the appropriate tax deductions for your business? Please contact me and we will set up a complimentary no-obligation 30-minute phone call on how to move forward with your dreams, goals and resolutions. If you arrange your FREE call with me, I will send this FREE list to you so you can get on the right path to organization.

www.gettingittogether.ca

Here’s to your success!

Rowena@gettingittogether.ca
604-520-9550

www.gettingittogether.ca

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:50+00:00January 9th, 2012|Home Organization, Tax Organization, Time Management|0 Comments

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