Blog - Getting it Together

What To Do With Your Old Greeting Cards

Do you love to save every greeting card you have ever received?

What plan do you have for them?

Do you have boxes of greeting cards that you have received?

Check out this short video on “What To Do With Your Old Greeting Cards

https://youtu.be/IWOsNytoa9w?t=50 and then

read on to get the TOP 5 Getting It Together’s TIPS on What To Do With Your Old Greeting Cards.

Tip#1 Decide if you are an Ecard person or a paper card person. Pick one method and stick to it. Some people are NO card people. Maybe as a family they have decided to not send any cards. (You might decide to put the money you would spend on cards and donate it to a charity of your choice) Then there is the “send out card” company. They do all the work for you once you have given them all your details.

Tip#2: Purpose. What is the purpose of keeping a card? If you give someone a card do you expect them to keep it FOREVER? Probably not. Just like if someone gives you a card, they do not expect you to keep it forever. I heard of a lady who kept every card she had ever received. She thought she would re-read them all one day when she was in a care home. She wanted to remember all the kind things people had said to her. I visit an extended care home once a week, there is no room in those places for a lifetime supply of greeting cards.

Tip#3: Keep the very special ones. You decide that yes indeed you would like to keep the very special cards. After each Birthday, Anniversary, festive holiday season sit down with a cup of tea. Look over all your cards and select your 2-3 most precious ones. I put one or 2 of my most special greeting cards in random places in my “working” binder. When I open a page, I get a warm fuzzy feeling from the person who sent me the card.

Tip#4: Store them properly. Once you have narrowed down your cards, store them in a plastic shoe box. It would be fair to have one box per person in the household. If the box is overflowing, it is time to revisit the cards and purge some. This is not the time to buy a bigger box. J

Tip#5: Recycle, repurpose. Please be sure to recycle all greeting cards you are not keeping or repurpose them. One way is to turn your old greeting cards into gift tags. Cut out part of the pretty picture, punch a hole in the upper corner and put a ribbon through it. Check in with your local school or senior center to see if they would like cards for craft projects. I knew one lady who could take a greeting card and turn it into a box. She then put small candies or a piece of jewelry in it and gave them away.

PS: This picture is of the system I use to store new greeting cards. This box has dividers in it for all of the special occasions. Once I buy my cards, I simply file them under the appropriate occasion. I also use my perpetual calendar

Getting It Together is a Professional Organizing company serving Vancouver, Burnaby, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, the Tri-Cities, Langley, Maple Ridge and beyond. Get in touch today. rowena@gettingittogether.ca

By Rowena List|2024-08-15T20:32:18+00:00August 10th, 2024|Home Organization, Organization Tips|0 Comments

How To Reduce Paper Clutter Once and For All

Do you suffer from TMPS? Too Much Paper Syndrome.

Where does all your paper clutter come from?

“They” said that with the invention of the computer we would be paperless. Ya right, we have 20% more paper now than we ever had before. Why? Fear. People print things because of the fear of not being able to find it on their computer, or their computer blowing up or, or, or. Why do you print?

Check out these TOP 5 Tips from Getting It Together on How to Reduce Paper Clutter Once and For All.

Tip#1 Trust.

There is a level of trust that comes with conquering your paper clutter. You need to believe that if you toss papers and then realize you need it later that you will be able to get the information from someplace else. You also need to trust your computer and how it is backed up.

Tip#2 Go Paperless.

Stop paper from coming into your home by switching to online bill payments.

Put a note in your mailbox to stop all junk mail.

Tip#3 Systems.

Do you prefer to have everything on your phone or do you like to have a system for jotting down to-dos, notes to family members and phone messages. Pick one method and stick to it.

Tip#4 Shred it.

Get yourself a small shredder. Make sure it crosscuts to protect your privacy. Get one that can shred about ten sheets of paper at once. You might not need that right now, however down the road it is one of the better shredders to have. Shred all unnecessary papers in your home that have any of your personal information on it. Keep in mind that you only need to keep important documents for 7 years.

If you have years and years of documents, a professional shredding company will come to your home and do it right before your eyes.

Tip#5 Take 15.

Take 15 minutes each day. Take a small handful of papers. Sit down. Handle each piece of paper ONCE. Deal with that piece of paper. Does it need to be tossed, shredded, or recycled? Is it a bill that needs to be paid? Set it up on automatic payment and go paperless while you are at it. Are there school notices, kids’ art work in those piles? Deal with each piece of paper ONCE.

Going through papers is not that much fun. Why not treat yourself to hands on organizing session with me. We can conquer your paper clutter once and for all.

Before we book an appointment, you get a FREE 15-minute phone consultation. In that consultation we will discuss your needs and concerns. I’ll give you some tips on how to move forward with clearing the paper clutter prior to us getting together.

Getting It Together is a Professional Organizing company serving Vancouver, Burnaby, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, the Tri-Cities, Langley, Maple Ridge and beyond. Get in touch today rowena@gettingittogether.ca

By Rowena List|2024-07-30T21:56:19+00:00July 30th, 2024|Home Organization|0 Comments

Getting Your Renovations Together

How long have you lived with a kitchen that’s bugging you?

Is your bathroom from the 80’s?

Are you sick and tired of the chaos?

As a Professional Organizer, I can take a lot of the stress away from your renovation or new build!

See my Renovations Help page for more details and to see what my clients are saying!

Getting It Togethers Top 5 Tips for Renovating.

Tip1: Downsize first. Clear out all the unwanted items. I will help you with getting ruthless!

Tip 2: Know your pain points. Are cabinets too high for you to reach, is the counter too low for you, do you want a storage cubby for each of your kids? And what have you always wanted but thought you couldn’t fit it into your space to meet your needs?

Tip 3: Have a budget in mind, also knowing that there can be unforeseen expenses.

Tip 4: Know your Strata rules and bylaws; get necessary approvals and any needed permits in advance.

Tip 5: Be open to suggestions. Keeping an open mind is key, as is visualizing enjoying your new space.

I can jump in and take your stress away if you’re already working with a contractor, or my quality Italian contractor and team can help from start to finish. We work on only one project at a time to ensure your project is done in a timely manner. Our quote is firm unless there is an unforeseen situation. All materials are purchased in advance.

We guarantee our quality work.

Getting It Together is a Professional Organizing company serving Vancouver, Burnaby, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, the Tri-Cities, Langley, Maple Ridge and beyond. Get in touch so we can discuss how I can help you with your renovation today!

Rowena List, Professional Organizer
rowena@gettingittogether.ca
604-520-9550

We chose Rowena and Davide to renovate our kitchen and could not be more pleased with the result! After meeting with them and deciding on a clear plan, we arranged a date for the work to begin and then left town. Rowena oversaw the project and kept us informed with photos and details. Davide’s work is amazing and they completed the work earlier than expected. I would definitely recommend Rowena for any project you are thinking of. She meets and exceeds expectations!

Valerie & David, Burnaby BC Canada

Happy client’s bathroom – Before and After
BEFORE	AFTER {not yet styled}

By Rowena List|2024-07-18T17:47:26+00:00July 9th, 2024|Home Renovations|0 Comments

Top Three Common Mistakes Noted by Professional Organizers

Do you feel like you are the only one who is disorganized?

Is your clutter causing you stress?

Would you like to downsize?

Check out this short video on the Top Three Common Mistakes Noted by Professional Organizers at almost every home. And then read on for more tips.

Mistake #1: Waiting until you can devote an entire weekend to decluttering. Clutter didn’t happen overnight; therefore, it is not going to get cleared overnight and certainly not in one weekend.

It is better to break your decluttering project down into bite size pieces. Start with 15 minutes a day. I call this “15 minutes to freedom”. You will find several tips on my site at www.gettingittogether.ca/blog

Why not start by clearing out all the recycling. That is all the bottles, papers, cans, glass, Styrofoam etc.

That is easily a 15-minute task. Staying focused is the key.

If you have a challenge staying focused, then best to hire me. 🙂

Mistake #2: Relying on a storage unit or the extra space you have in your home. Keeping unwanted things in storage is “deferred decision making”. And just because you have space in your cupboards or closets doesn’t mean you have to fill it.

Keep only what you use, love and need. Pass the rest on with love.

Mistake #3: Keeping partially used beauty products even though you don’t like them and therefore don’t use them. People keep these items and many more because they paid for them and it feels like it’s a waste if they get rid of them. Storing them is not going to bring the money back into your account. Look at it as a “purchasing mistake”. We all do it and have done it. Pass those beauty products on to your local women’s shelter.

Getting It Together is a Professional Organizing company serving Vancouver, Burnaby, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, the Tri-Cities, Langley, Maple Ridge and beyond. Get in touch so we can discuss how I can help you with your renovation today!

Rowena List, Professional Organizer
rowena@gettingittogether.ca
604-520-9550

How would you like a 15-minute free over-the-phone discovery session?
Contact Rowena at 604-520-9550 to book yours or go to www.gettingittogether.ca

By organize|2024-07-09T19:10:13+00:00June 26th, 2024|Home Organization, Organization Tips|0 Comments

Get Organized: Your High-Tech Self

Do you feel like technology changes faster then you can change your underwear? How is a person to keep up and keep it all “together”? Take a ‘byte’ out of personal systems overload – try these 5 simple tips.

Getting It Together’s Top 5 Tips for the High-Tech Self

TIP #1 – Do not and I repeat – do not – answer your phone unless you can talk and/or fulfill any tasks that might come from the conversation. That means if you are in the shower, bathroom, having dinner or in a coffee line – the calls can wait. Voice mail is your friend. People everywhere feel like they’re working harder and achieving less. The discipline of checking voice mail can therefore give you the boundaries you need to put some personal sanity back into your harried day. So savor that meal. Enjoy that conversation. Respect your family. The personal dividends repaid for not answering every call far out weigh the ‘just in time’ panic cultivated by a cluttered life.

TIP #2 – Text or DM (or IM or whatever!) when you’re in private. Enjoy the moment and the people you are with while you are with them. I know what you are thinking, “yeah, but what does she know about my life and business? I have to answer all calls and texts.” That’s fine. But do it in private. Make the people you are with feel important and special. Business is about relationships. If you can’t respect the time of the people you’re with, how can they respect you?

TIP #3 – Be selective as to what you forward. You might think the email is funny but will the recipient? Ask in advance if they would like to receive jokes etc. Your friends, family and co workers might be trying to cut down on the clutter in their inboxes, too!

TIP #4 – Spell check was invented for a reason. Use it even if the email is to a friend or family member and especially in all work related correspondence.

TIP #5 – Turn off all electronic messaging devices in meetings, movies or public places. I bet you would hate for the phone to ring if you were a guest speaker at an event or trying to watch a movie while on a date. While you’re at it, use a “normal” ring tone. Nothing is more annoying than a quirky ring tone and hearing several of them at once.

Getting It Together is a Professional Organizing company serving Vancouver, Burnaby, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, the Tri-Cities, Langley, Maple Ridge and beyond. Get in touch so we can discuss how I can help you get more organized today!

Rowena List, Professional Organizer
rowena@gettingittogether.ca
604-520-9550

By Rowena List|2024-06-24T17:44:15+00:00June 24th, 2024|Organization Tips, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Three Easy Steps To Getting Your Closet Organized

Less Stress, Frustration and…Dust

Is your closet a nicely organized one or is it one that looks like it has been hit by a tornado?

Every time you go into your closet do you look at the clothes and find yourself saying: “I have to get rid of these, I never wear them”, “It’s been so long since I wore this, maybe tomorrow or “I know I’ll fit into this next summer after I lose weight”.

Do you find yourself having a hard time choosing what to wear?

Are you having trouble finding items in your closet, or worse finding room for all your clothes?

With an organized closet you always find what you want right away – everything flows smoothly and quickly!

A disorganized closet can store a lot more than clothes and shoes. Stress, frustration, anger and a loss-of-patience can also be hiding in there. And don’t forget the dust!

Check out this short video on Getting Your Closet Organized

and then read on for the….

Top 3 Easy Steps on How To Get Your Closet Organized

Step 1

Would you agree that we generally wear our newest clothes; the clothes that fit us comfortably and the outfits we feel good in? In a disorganized closet, these clothes usually only add up to about 20% of our wardrobe! So why are you keeping the rest? For those “when I lose weight” or “I know I’ll wear it someday” excuses?

A simple way to clear your closet clutter is to first ask yourself:

1.”Would I buy it again?”

2.”Have I worn it in the past year?”

3.”Does it fit?”

4. “Do I feel fabulous in it?”

Any clothing item that received a “No” answer has got to go!

Step 2

Take it out of your closet and pass it on, with love, to a charity, to a friend or even take it to a consignment store and have it sold for you.

*** Eveningwear and/or special-occasion outfits are the only exception to the “one-year” rule.

Step 3

For the items you are keeping:

Ensure that outfits can be coordinated with as little effort as possible. Try to make sure that most of the items remaining in your closet can be paired with at least three other items.
Separate your wardrobe into tops, bottoms and jackets so that you can quickly and effortlessly mix and match the items to make a variety of fabulous outfits. If you choose to organize your clothes in this fashion, your closet will appear clean, tidy and full – but not overstuffed! Just imagine how fast and easy getting dressed will be?

Together Tips

Use the same style of hangers throughout your closet and have them facing in the same direction. You’d be surprised at the difference this makes!
What about purses, belts and shoes? How many black bags and black strappy heels does a girl need? That depends on your lifestyle. Just make sure that all handbags, purses, belts and shoes that you keep are in good shape, are comfortable and are in style. A good quality handbag and a pair of shoes can really complete the look of an outfit.
When buying new clothing take out three items from your closet for every new item that is purchased. Why three you ask? Because if your closet is not organized, there are definitely three items that are good to go!

So, what are you waiting for? We all know how valuable free time is in today’s world. Free time is time when you are feeling NO STRESS and NO FRUSTRATION – only calmness & confidence!

The more organized your closet is the less stress you will feel. You won’t catch yourself getting frustrated because you can’t find anything in your closet, or because you simply can’t decide what top to wear with what bottom…and then what shoes and purse to match with it!

Organizing your closet can be fun and fulfilling. However, if after reading this article, you just don’t know where to start or it is too overwhelming and you would like some assistance, please contact Rowena here or call (604) 520-9550

By organize|2024-04-29T16:39:49+00:00April 29th, 2024|Home Organization|2 Comments

CHAOS – Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome

As we reflect on our year, what is a highlight for you?

For me, most definitely the hiking trip I took to Zion and Bryce in Utah . I was blown away by the scenery and the vastness of that State.

If you are a hiker or enjoy sightseeing, I’d highly recommend this trip.

Check out this short video on CHAOS by Getting It Together then read on for more top tips.

Why get organized?

Time. Money. Health. Relationships. Stress.

What are some common organizing barriers?

Not knowing what to do with the stuff you don’t want.
Not staying focused.
Not creating good habits.
Overthinking.

The three deadliest words. “Just in case.”

Where to begin?

The area that is bugging you the most.
The area that is holding you back.

Keep in mind. There will usually be a storm before the calm. Things get worse before they get better.

It’s a process getting organized and a habit staying organized.

What to save?

Only items that you use, love and need.
Items you would replace if they were lost in a flood or a fire. Sentimental items if you have them displayed properly.

The key: be ruthless.

May you find peace, joy and happiness at this time of year and always.

Wishing you a very happy Holiday season and a Merry Christmas.

All the best for a clutter free 2024

P.S. If you are drowning in clutter and would like to downsize, please reach out

www,gettingittogether.ca

Rowena 604-520-9550

By organize|2023-12-18T19:03:03+00:00December 18th, 2023|Organization Tips|0 Comments

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

How To Deal With Outdated Prescription Eyewear

Do you have an Elton John collection of eye glasses?

Have you got eye glasses all over the house?

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

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

Watch this very quick video on

How To Deal With Outdated Prescription Eyewear

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

Now that was easy!!

PS: Time for your discovery session yet?

Contact www.gettingittogether.ca to book yours now.

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

How To Deal With Expired Prescriptions and Vitamins

Have you every wondered what to do with all of your outdated/expired vitamins and prescriptions?

Super easy.

Check out this short video on “How To Deal With Expired Prescriptions by: Getting It Together.

Now that was easy wasn’t it?

PS: It has been a long time since we talked or saw each other. Please set up a FREE discovery session to help you get your New Year on track.

By organize|2023-01-30T19:11:41+00:00January 30th, 2023|Home Organization, Self Care Organization|0 Comments