Rowena List, Author at Getting it Together

Create an Organized Garage by Rowena List, Professional Organizer

When is the best time to get an organized garage?

Most people select the summer so they can have the door open and put unwanted items in the driveway.Keep in mind that it might take more than one day to get an organized garage.There are lots of hiding spaces in your garage. You might find items you had forgotten you had.You might even come across the odd spider or 2!

photo Les Chatfield

Can you get your car in your garage? Would you like to park in your garage?

Has your garage become a catch all? This is very common.Not sure where to store item X ? It usually ends up in the garage. And that clutter is the enemy of an organized garage!

Would you like to have a system?

Would you like an organized garage?

Watch this short video to get some tips on how to have “zones” in your garage. You’ll see the gardening zone, tool zone,sports equipment zone and so on. Zones are key to an organized garage.

What are your great tips for organizing a garage ?
Please leave them in the comment box below. We can all learn from each other.

Keep in mind that your garage did not get cluttered overnight so it will not get cleared overnight. It will take time. You will need a plan of action. Let me help you with that.

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|2020-06-07T20:52:46+00:00June 25th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move|0 Comments

Moving Checklist

How many people love to move? I have yet to meet anyone who gets excited about moving.

The key to a stress free, successful move is “ORGANIZATION” and good labeling!

The other key to a successful, stress free move is proper planning. Give yourself enough time to do all the tasks. Do not leave things to the last moment. Be ruthless with your sorting, purging and donating.

Follow this moving day checklist and be the envy of everyone who has every moved.

4-6 weeks before moving day

1. Start collecting boxes and packing paper. Your local produce store will have beautiful apple boxes. Having all the same size boxes makes for better packing. If you would like to use “green” boxes be sure to check out http://www.frogbox.com.

2. Go around your house with post it notes. Label all large items that WILL NOT be going with you. Be ruthless. Consider having a moving sale, use a consignment store, Craigslist, or donation. (I can help you with this is you do not feel comfortable doing it yourself.)

3. Start purging your clothes closets and storage areas.

4. Begin the process of contacting “People to Notify”:

Electricity and gas
Water and milk delivery
Telephone and internet
Cable TV
Home and auto insurance
Drivers License and Passport (change of address)
Newspaper and magazine subscription
Doctors and Dentist (get referral in new neighdorhood)
Banks and credit cards
Post office (change of address) www.canadapost.com

5. Decide if you will pack/move yourself or if you are going to hire professionals. (I work with some very reputable movers.) Only use well known movers who will come to your home and give you a quote.

6. Start really downsizing your deep freeze. The goal would be to have it empty by move day. If your move is local, your frozen food can be packed in a cooler. If your move is long distance, you will need to make arrangements for any frozen food left. This is a great way to get to know your neighbors!

3 weeks before moving day

1. Pair down your pantry. Use up canned goods and dried goods. Toss out all outdated spices, baking supplies, stale cereal, etc.

2. Cleaning supplies, flammables, and aerosols cannot be moved by professional movers. Use these up until move day and then leave behind for the new tenants.

3. Decide what you would like to do with any or all plants. Indoor and outdoor ones. Will you be moving them or donating them?

4. Dismantle gym equipment, patio furniture, trampolines and large power tools.

5. Do any of your appliances need services? Now is the time to do it.

6. Pack (unless you have hired professionals) all items you do not need. Seasonal clothing, most of the kid’s toys, seasonal cookware/platters, books, CD’s, sporting equipment, etc.

2 weeks before moving day

1. Pack a suitcase for each family member. Include a towel, toilet paper, hand soap, special medications, toiletries, fresh set of sheets, toys/books and a few clothes. Just enough stuff to get your through the first 2 or 3 days in your new place. This saves on opening boxes and trying to find the favorite toy or pillow.

2. Arrange transfers of any school records.

3. Check to make sure your insurance covers you while moving.

4. Return library books, pop/beer bottles and any borrowed items.

5. Pack as much of the house as you can. When we moved I had 2 special boxes. One had the plastic cups, plates, etc. and the other had the champagne and non-perishable snacks. As soon as we got our keys I set up a little celebration area.

6. Make any travel arrangements.

7. Accept all help. Do your friends want to cook for you? Do they want to help pack? Say “yes please” and “thank-you”.

8. Be sure to do some self care. You do not want to strain your back. This is an important time to keep up your yoga, walking and hot relaxing baths.

1 week before moving day

1. Take down drapes, and blinds.

2. Dismantle TV, desks, and any other furniture you do not need this week.

3. Make sure all the laundry is done. Do you have any dry cleaning to pick up?

4. Make arrangements for any pets. Keep their food close at hand along with leash and blanket.

5. Pack everything except for the bare necessities.

6. Use up all the food in your fridge (as much as you can).

7. Do you need to do a run to the dump or will your local garbage pick-up do?

One day before

1. Make arrangements for your kids to be at a play date/sleep over. This will help lower the stress level. It is also safer for little kids to not be under foot.

2. Do all last minute cleaning.

3. Defrost freezer and wipe down inside of fridge.

4. Put the self clean on your oven.

5. Unhook your computers, radios, coffee maker, phones, etc.

6. Go out for dinner to a friends, family or local café.

7. Check the house for any last items that need to be packed. Hopefully there is nothing left.

8. Say goodbye to your neighbors.

Moving Day

1. Load the truck or get your professional movers to do it for you.

2. Have cold drinks and snacks on hand.

3. Load your car with what you can. Use a cooler for any last minute items from the fridge.

4. Leave the keys and your contact information with your landlord or Realtor. Your contact info is handy if there is any mail that does not get redirected. It is also handy if the new tenants/owners have any questions about your house/condo.

5. Collect your kids and pets.

6. Prepare for a new start. I trust it is a happy, joyful experience.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of packing, moving or unpacking?

Please allow me to support you in this process. Have you taken advantage of my FREE 30 minute phone consultation? If not, than contact me today. We will discuss a plan of action to help you have a stress free, ORGANIZED move.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:46+00:00June 22nd, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move|2 Comments

Getting It Together FAQ’s – Part 3

Thank you for sending in your questions. It is really fun getting them and then answering them for everyone. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions that I have received.

Q- I have a basket full of keys. I do not know what they are for. What shall I do?

A- Keep a key for a year. If you do not need it within that year I am guessing you will never need it. If you know what a key if for make sure you label it.

Q- How can I keep my freezer organized?

A- Let’s chat about the freezer that is attached to your kitchen fridge as opposed to a deep freeze. Have same size containers. Fill them with let’s say berries. Label them and freeze. None of this tossing items into the freezer without labeling them. You want your freezer to be user friendly for the whole family. You might remember what is in that unmarked container but no one else will.

Q- What shall I do with my grown kids baby teeth? I saved them. Stored them and now what?

A- Ask yourself this question “what is the purpose of keeping them?” Keep asking yourself that question until you come up with a really good answer. If your children do not want them and you do not want them then TOSS!

Q- I’ve downloaded all my music CD’s onto my iPod. What should I do with the CD’s and cases?

A- As long as you have a backup in your computer you can donate, sell or give away your CD’s. There is no point in keeping them if you are using only your iPod for music.

Q- I have all my dolls from when I was a little girl. What should I do with them?

A- Are your dolls in a box or are they on display? Most often they are in a box in the crawl space or attic. These types of items fall into the sentimental “clutter”. Is it safe to say that keeping one very special doll would be good? Pass the rest on with love. Be sure to take a photo of them before passing on. Keep the memory but not the item.

I thought my granddaughters would like my dolls. No such luck. They wanted new up to date dolls.

Q- What shall I do with all my shoes? In our culture we do not keep our shoes in our clothes closet. I have shoes all over the front entrance and even outside.

A- No matter where you store your shoes you will want a shoe rack of some sort. There are wire, weatherproof handy ones that would fit nicely in the front entrance. I’ll have to take her a picture of one next time I head to the post office. There are also really neat ones that hang over a door.

Q- I get asked this a lot. Is your last name really “LIST?”

A- Yes, I was born with that name. I tried to come up with a company name that would incorporate my last name. So far no luck. If you have any ideas please send them my way. For now I am sticking with the company name of “Getting it Together”

Q- How long does it take to get organized?

A- How long did it take for you to get disorganized? How fast can you make decisions? How big is the project? How much time do you have to dedicate to getting organized? These are just some of the questions I ask my clients prior to us getting started. For example: A clothes closet that has not been organized or culled for let’s say ten years would take at least 4 hrs to get organized.

Q- What should I do with the old love letters from my high school boyfriend?

A- Is he the guy you are with now? Would you like anyone else to see or read these letters? For example your current partner/spouse. Then ask yourself this “what is the purpose of keeping these letters?” If you decide to keep them, put them in your memorabilia box.

Q-What shall I do with chipped glasses or dishes I have in my cupboard?

A- Funny how we keep those chipped glasses or dishes yet never use them. If we need a glass we move the chipped glass to one side and get a non chipped glass. You would NEVER give a guest a chipped glass or cracked plate. TOSS the chipped items away. You cannot even donate them because it is dangerous to use a cracked or chipped plate. It might break in your hand or your children’s hand.

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

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:46+00:00June 8th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization|2 Comments

Organizing a deep freeze by Rowena List Professional Organizer of Getting it Together

When was the last time you thought of organizing your deep freeze? Never? Years? You aren’t alone. In the day to day rush many of us don’t remember that organizing a deep freeze is actually really important! image via (a)artwork

Organizing a deep freeze is one of those 15 minute tips I like to share.

Most of us have our deep freeze in a basement, or room we don’t frequent. That leads to out of site out of mind! And that leads to trouble. Organizing a deep freeze can mean less waste, and that means money saved! And if you could bring down your grocery bill and waste wouldn’t you?

Be sure to use the oldest items first. Toss anything that is older than a year or has major freezer burn.

Check out this video for some other hot tips on organizing a deep freeze.

Do you have unmarked items in your deep freeze?

What is the most interesting thing you have found in there? My grandkids put their hampster in the deep freeze until they were ready to bury him. I really should check on the statis of that!

Would love to hear your interesting stories about the contents of your deep freeze. Please leave them below in the comment box.

If you like this video, please click the “like” button and then share it with your friends. And if you are 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|2020-06-07T20:52:46+00:00May 30th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer|6 Comments

What to do with your grown kids stuff by Rowena List Professional Organizer and Speaker

So many people are wanting to downsize these days. Are you one of them? Are you starting to see the benefit of a smaller space, and easier to care for home?

Have you been in your family home for 10,20 30 years? How much room does your kids stuff take up? Do your grown kids use your basement as their storage locker?image via Ed Yourdon

You are hardly alone in that either. We keep our kids stuff while their lives are in transition. It seems like the right thing to do. Then they settle down and get more stuff. Suddenly the kids’ stuff in your home has become a permanent fixture that no one wants to deal with or talk about!

Now that you are thinking of downsizing you will have to deal with your grown kids stuff…….or they will!

Check out this video to get some tips on what to do with your grown kids stuff.

My girlfriend has her kids school year books. Both her daughters have moved away and clearly do not miss,need or want their year books.

Best to ask them before tossing.Be sure to give your grown kids a deadline. Please clear out yur items before this date or I will donate them.

What do you still have of your kids? Is it time for them to come and clear out their clutter?

Let me know by leaving your story below in the comment box.

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|2020-06-07T20:52:47+00:00May 30th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move|0 Comments

What to do when a family member has passed away – checklist

The death of a loved one imposes cruel demands on the closest survivors. You need time and space to handle your emotions, gather your thoughts and say goodbye. Demands are suddenly coming from all sides.

You need to make quick decisions, from funeral arrangements to financial matters, from how to feed out-of-town guests to what to say in the obituary. None of us likes to think about dealing with this sort of thing, however the reality is that at some point in our lives we will probably have to.

It is difficult to think of practical matters when there is a death in the family. There are important things to be taken care of that may have significant effect on the rest of the family’s future. This is where being organized is extremely beneficial.

The following is a checklist of steps to be taken by the survivors and/or executors:

Obtain an original copy of the deceased person’s last will. Notify the executor. (If at this date your will is outdated or you do not have one please treat this as a reminder to get the job done.) Did you know that 55 – 60 % of adults do not have a will?
Make funeral/memorial arrangements.
Put notifications in the local paper. Contact close friends and family. Ask them to spread the word.
Obtain certified copies of the death certificate. Make a few copies. You will need them.
Notify the life insurance agent/company. Look into notifying the house insurance and car insurance companies.
Search likely places (safety deposit box, brief case, desks, filing cabinets, safes, etc) for important papers such as stocks, bonds, bank records etc. This is where it is really helpful if the person is “organized”. You might want to consider having all of your important documents and papers in one file marked “Important Papers”.
Notify your lawyer and accountant.
Cancel SIN #, passport, credit cards, and any services such as phone, cell phone, newspaper delivery, bottled water delivery, etc. Keep an eye open for any pre- authorizations. You do not want the Hydro being cut off if there was a pre-authorization going on the credit card you just cancelled.
Inform the employer to check on benefits available under group plans and or pensions.
Contact the local Canada/American pension office to arrange a claim for any benefits available.
Start collecting material related to income tax. A final return will need to be done.
Contact CPP (Canadian Pension Plan) and OAP (Old Age Pension).
Remove deceased person’s name from any joint bank accounts.
Contact companies where the person has any unpaid debts or loans.
Send notices to business associations, clubs and other organizations to which the person belonged.
Verify all debts and determine cash on hand.
Downsize the persons belongings. This is not something that needs to be done right away unless they are in a rental unit. At which point you will want to give notice to the rental company.
Accept help from family and friends. If people offer to cook, clean, sort, drive, make calls whatever. Accept it with gratitude.
Take time for self care. When there is a death in the family it usually brings some level of stress. Take time for a relaxing bath, coffee with a friend, an afternoon nap or a walk. You will be better able to take care of all the items on the above checklist.
Ask for help. If you are having troubles coping with the loss of a loved one (and who wouldn’t) seek out the help of a grief counselors. I work with a couple of very well educated, compassionate, and qualified counselors.

I am available to help you get your papers in order so that it’s easy as possible for both you and your loved ones in the event of illness or death or any other type of tragedy.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:48+00:00May 28th, 2012|Organizer, Organizing to Move|0 Comments

How to organize a coat closet by Rowena List Professional Organizer and Speaker

When was the last time you organized your coat closet? When the season changed? Four seasons ago? When you moved in? Not sure how to organize a coat closet?

Has your closet become a dumping ground for more than coats? When doing my hands on organizing I find some of the most interesting things in the hall coat closet. After you learn how to organize a coat closet I would love to hear what your best find is. I’m guessing you’ve got something interesting hiding in there too! image via M I T C H Ǝ L L

Please take a moment to watch this short video on how to organize a coat closet.

These quick and easy tips can be done in 15 minutes or less.Why not set the timer and go for it.

I get asked to help organize a lot of coat closets. It is a favorite spot for dust bunnies not to mention old, non fitting coats,boots,hats and mittens.

Be sure to donate any items that are no longer serving you or your family members.Feeling stuck? I’ll come and help you. All you have to do is ASK and book me.

I’ll show you in no time flat how to organize a coat closet.

What is the most interesting thing you have found in your coat closet? Please leave your comment below in the comment box.

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|2020-06-07T20:52:48+00:00May 15th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization, Time Management|0 Comments

How to Organize Your Golf Bag

How much do you love to golf?

Are you ready to golf at the drop of a hat? Part of being able to do that is having your golf bag organized at all times. Doesn’t sound like fun? You would do it -if you knew how to organize your golf bag easier?

This short video will give you some tips on what to carry in your bag and how to organize your golf bag.

Take a look.

As many of you know I have golfed all over the world. It is a neat way to pick a travel destination. For example who would have thought that Egypt had golf? We know they have endless amounts of sand which I found myself in some of the time! Egypt is by far one of the most exotic places I have golfed.

Knowing how to organize your golf bag is even more crucial when you travel.

How about you?

Please leave your best golfing story below in the comment box. I would love to hear them.

Any extra tips on how to organize your golf bag? I would love to hear those too!

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|2020-06-07T20:52:48+00:00May 9th, 2012|Organizer, Travel Organization|3 Comments

How to Organize Your Car: Honk if Yours is a Mess

“They” say you can tell a lot about a person by the way they keep their car.

What does your car say about you? What would your car say if it could talk?

“Please get me out of here or thank you for taking good care of me or can we please get an air freshener.”

How much time do you spend in your car? Are you a sales rep, a busy mom driving kids all day long or a business executive?

It is important to make sure your car is a good representation of you and the image you would like to project. I’ve had people refuse to let me inside their car…and we were going to carpool! This type of unnecessary stress and potential embarrassment can be avoided.

Simply follow these quick tips and learn how to organize your car.

TIP #1: Have a small garbage can or plastic bag in your car. Toss all finished coffee cups, gum wrappers or any other garbage items in the plastic bag or garbage can. When you stop to fill up for gas simply toss out the trash. This small detail, done once a week or so will keep your car looking and smelling fresh.

TIP #2: Keep a small basket in the front passenger seat floor area. This basket will come in handy for CD cases (if your music is not on an iPod), mobile device chargers, flashlight, etc. I like to keep a small tube of hand cream and nail file in mine. If I am stopped in traffic I like to apply hand cream or file the odd nail. In the summer I carry sunscreen in my basket as well. This is really important if you like to have your sunroof open. Here in Vancouver the day might start out cloudy and then turn to sun. You do not want to get burnt. Be sure to not let your little basket become a dumping ground for unwanted car items. For example your kids homework or kids toys, etc.

TIP #3: What does your glove box say about you? If you were to look in mine you would find healthy snacks. I keep a couple of protein bars and a bag of dry nuts. I also store my sunglasses in there along with a small note book and pen. This is not the place to keep your car insurance papers and documents. If someone were to break into your car you do not want them to have access to your home address. Store your important papers in your trunk under the spare tire. Along with a first aid kit.

TIP #4: Let’s talk about your trunk. What is in yours? It is amazing how trunks can become a dumping ground for all sorts of things. It is important to clear out your trunk at least twice a month. You’ll be amazed at what you will find.

I like to keep a collapsible plastic box in my trunk along with a collection of reusable shopping bags. I also have a spare pair of runners, a pair of gloves, an old sweater, and warm ear protectors. It never gets that cold here in Vancouver however being an ex-girl guide I like to always be prepared. If I were to ever break down I could walk for help.

TIP #5: This tip is for those of you who live in very extreme weather conditions or maybe your car is a little older. You will want to make sure you have the items required for snow removal and icy conditions. Jumper cables, small tool box and like new spare tire…or a valid triple A/BCAA card!

I would love to hear some of your funny car stories. What have you found in your car when getting it organized and cleared out? One of my clients found a piece of toast! She had wondered where her daughter’s breakfast had gotten too.

We all know how it feels to sit in a brand new car. The smell of a brand new car. The look of a brand new car. Even if you have never had a brand new car you might know of someone who has or you might have gone to a dealership to check them out. Keep that feeling/smell in your mind while organizing your car. Make it a goal to keep your car in the nice new state. Keep the outside shiny as well. You’ll be amazed at how many compliments you get on your car.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:48+00:00May 1st, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Travel Organization|2 Comments

Weight Loss and Organization by Rowena List Professional organizer and Speaker

Weight loss tips and suggestions are everywhere we turn. Eat ten fruits and vegetables a day, drink ten glasses of water, exercise. We have heard it all. One thing we never seem to read about or hear about is how being organized fits into this picture. The more organized we are the more time we have to prepare all these salads,get to the gym and have a clear mind so we remember to drink water.

Check out this short video to learn more about organization and weight loss.

What is one idea you will put in place right away to help with weight loss?

Please leave your comments below but not before you have a BIG glass of water!

If you like this video on organization and 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|2020-06-07T20:52:48+00:00April 24th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Self Care Organization|0 Comments

About Rowena List

When is the best time to get an organized garage?

Would you like an organized garage?

Organizing a deep freeze is one of those 15 minute tips I like to share.

Check out this video for some other hot tips on organizing a deep freeze.

Now that you are thinking of downsizing you will have to deal with your grown kids stuff…….or they will!

Check out this video to get some tips on what to do with your grown kids stuff.

Please take a moment to watch this short video on how to organize a coat closet.

I’ll show you in no time flat how to organize a coat closet.

This short video will give you some tips on what to carry in your bag and how to organize your golf bag.

Any extra tips on how to organize your golf bag? I would love to hear those too!

Check out this short video to learn more about organization and weight loss.

What is one idea you will put in place right away to help with weight loss?