Blog - Page 15 of 26 - Getting it Together

How to Save Magazine Articles

Are you the type of person who loves to save magazine articles?

Do you save the whole magazine or do you tear out the pages?

Do you have piles and piles of torn out articles?

What do you do with all of those torn out pages?

Do you ever reference the torn out pages?

These are the types of questions I get asked at almost every speaking engagement I do.

Check out this short video and hear my take on how to save magazine articles

If you like this video on how to save magazine articles, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends.

After watching the video are you still planning on saving magazine articles?

If so you will want a system.

Set up files:

Health
Recipes
Decorating Ideas
Personal Growth
Travel
Whatever the topics are you want to save.

While reading a magazine simple tear the pages out that you would like to save and file right away. That is the key right there. You must do it right away or else you will end up with piles and piles of torn out articles. They will collect dust and you will NEVER look at them again.

I suggest putting a date on the files. If you have not read or reference the information in that file by a certain date (say 6 months) then toss it.

Have you found that the same information gets recycled year after year? It might have a slightly different twist to it but generally it is the same ideas and tips. This is another reason why I do not save articles.

Or take my advice in the video.

What do you think will work best for you?

Please leave your comments in the box below. I would love to hear from you.

Have you had your FREE session yet? Why not book it today. We will discuss your specific needs. For all the details, click here.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:44+00:00April 1st, 2013|Home Organization, Organizer, Recipes|2 Comments

Have you ever thought about the benefits of hiring a professional organizer?

How many times have you said to yourself “why can I not do this on my own?”

Many clients comment on reduced stress, more time, more energy and more freedom once they have worked with me.

So I thought I would share even more of the benefits of hiring a professional organizer.

Please be sure to take a moment to watch this short video on what are the benefits of hiring a professional organizer.

The benefits of working with me a professional organizer is that I will keep you focused to task.

I will be on time.

I will develop a plan of action for you and your space. If you require a handyman, contractor for renovationss, painter, rubbish removal, disposing of stuff or a piano moved I will provide the people. My endless supply of resources has proven to be priceless. So my clients say.

A huge benefit of working with a professional organizer is being ruthless.

I have a few key questions I ask you as we are sorting, purging and tossing. This makes the decisions a little easier for you. Shall you keep it, toss it, store it, sell it or set up a system for it?

Many clients feel like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders once they start decluttering.

If you would like to hear more benefits of hiring a professional organizer then please take advantage of my FREE session. Simply click HERE.

We will discuss your needs, your questions and how I can be of service to you.

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, enter your name and email address to the right 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|2020-06-07T20:52:44+00:00March 17th, 2013|Home Organization, Media Appearances, Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization, Tax Organization, Time Management, Travel Organization|2 Comments

professionals working together

As the world’s largest junk removal company, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? sees a lot of messy spaces. On a daily basis, our teams are helping people regain their space; whether it’s a single couch, leftover yard sale items, old attic junk, or an estate clean-out. Some of our clients simply have too much stuff they don’t need, we haul it away, and they’re happy. Others have junk, but also a great deal of useful items they do need that are cluttering up their living spaces. This is when we seek out the help of professional organizers.

Junk haulers are the experts when it comes to getting the junk out of peoples’ homes, but for people dealing with keeping household clutter in check or chronic disorganization, we call for the expertise of professional organizers. By eliminating unnecessary objects from the home, we set the stage for organizers to come in and help you to better manage and organize the items that you are keeping. It’s the perfect partnership of

professionals working together

The professional organizers we work with have told us they rely on our junk removal service to provide a seamless addition to the service they provide for their clients. When their job is done, we come along and haul away unwanted items. It’s imperative that they can trust the junk hauler to ensure the items their clients are letting go of are responsibly recycled and donated to charity when possible.

At 1-800-GOT-JUNK? we have an average system-wide diversion rate of 61%, which means that we’re doing everything we can to help you feel good about getting rid of your excess clutter. Our truck teams are often asked who their most valuable industry resources are; many say that working with organizers is great because they often go to homes that need serious organization prior to receiving our service. It makes our job easier!

We’ve had many years of success working with professional organizers, both on a local and a national scale, including the ongoing popular A&E docudrama, Hoarders. Due to our strong relationships within the community, we often attend organizing events and award ceremonies to proudly support our friends in the industry.

Any time you or your friends and family are looking to keep clutter under control, find a new home for the unwanted items in your home, or have junk that just needs to be hauled away, when you call a professional organizer, chances are there’s a trusted junk hauler in tandem, and vice versa.

1-800-GOT-JUNK? is a full-service junk removal company whose friendly, uniformed drivers have set a new standard for professional junk hauling and great customer service. The company hauls away items that city garbage collectors do not typically accept, such as old furniture, renovation debris, and backyard mess. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? provides junk removal service for residences, businesses, commercial sites, and government offices. With locations in most major metros, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? can respond to large-scale clear-outs. Whenever possible, items are recycled or donated to charity.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:44+00:00March 2nd, 2013|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move|0 Comments

Decluttering tips: when you have made a purchasing mistake

Purchasing mistakes. We are all guilty of it, even as a professional organizer.

Do you have any clothing items in your closet that you bought but have not worn?

Do you have any kitchen gadgets that you thought for sure you would use?

You look at something in the store and start to think: “do I have that item? do I need that item? what would my life be like if I had that item?” Or you simply look at the item and buy it. No thoughts. This is where a purchasing mistake could happen.

Has this happened to you? Please leave your best purchasing mistake story in the comment box below.

Now take a quick minute to watch this video on

decluttering tips

when you have made a purchasing mistake.

The deal is to be ruthless. Just because you bought it does not mean you have to keep it.

The challenge comes in when you start to think about the money that you spent on the item. Keeping the purchasing mistake does not bring the money back. Everyone wants to get their money’s worth. By not using the purchasing mistake you are not getting your money’s worth. This is where we all fall short. We will NEVER get our money’s worth from a purchasing mistake.

How many items do we really get our money’s worth from anyway?

Think about a wedding dress. They are usually very expensive. You wear it for a few hours and then it hangs in the closet for years. If you are happily married I would say you got your money’s worth. Or what about those beautiful high heels that kill your feet after ten minutes? We have all been there.

A TV on the other hand might give you a really good rate of return or your computer for example.

Chalk it up to experience. Next time you would like to buy something ask yourself these very important questions.

Do I need it?
Will I use it?
Am I buying only because of price? This is never a good reason.

Do not be hard on yourself. We are human and we all make mistakes. The best news is we can learn from them.

Why not take 15 minutes and go through your coat closet. See if there are any purchasing mistakes in there. Do yourself a favour and donate them to the less fortunate. YOU will feel lighter and freer.

Now do the same with your kitchen gadget cupboard. Things like the pasta maker that never got out of the box. Pass it on with love.

Are you feeling like you need a little support?

Check out my new FREE session HERE.

If you like this video on

decluttering tips

, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends. And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, enter your email address and your name to the right and 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|2020-06-07T20:52:44+00:00February 18th, 2013|Home Organization, Organizer|0 Comments

Best ever Antipasta Recipe

2 L dill pickles

1 L Sweet mixed pickles

1 Small jar sliced green olives

1 Small jar of pickled onions

2 Tins sliced black olives

2 Tins Yellow wax beans

2 Tins Green wax beans

2 Tins Sliced mushrooms

2 Tins Young cut corn

2 Tins Sliced water chestnuts

4 Tins tuna (drained)

2 L ketchup

24 oz Tomato paste

1 cup White vinegar

4 cups oil

14 Mixed fresh peppers

2 Large cauliflower

8 jalapeño (seeded)

8 large onions

Chop all vegetables into small bite size pieces. Drain and rinse all canned goods.

Heat oil and vinegar. Add chopped onions and chopped Cauliflower. Boil 10 to 15 minutes.

Add rest of ingredients. Cook 15 to 20 minutes.

At 10 teaspoons salt and four handfuls of pine nuts.

Jar and seal. Put sealed jars in water bath for 20 minutes.

Make sure all jars are sealed before storing.

This

best ever antipasta recipe

makes 14 medium jars eight small jars and 23 really small jars

Enjoy on crackers.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:44+00:00February 4th, 2013|Recipes|2 Comments

Productivity Tips-Get The Most From Your Mobile Phone

Do you have a love-hate relationship with your smart phone?

Do you use it for your convenience or do you let it run your life?

Why not check out this short video on

productivity tips

and see if you can get a handle on your time and your mobile phone.

We have rules for so many things in our lives, why not have rules around our mobile phone?

Many parents are setting rules for their kid’s phones or even taking them away as a form of punishment.

I know of one lady who took her daughter’s phone away for 2 weeks. She felt her daughter was not engaging in conversations any longer, not participating in family dialogues and becoming isolated. The daughter actually thanked her mother after the 2 weeks. She could see how dependant she was on her mobile phone and how addicted she was.

I met another young lady, who goes out for dinner with her friends they have to all put their phones in the middle of the table. The first person to answer or look at their phone has to pay the tab for the whole table. I love it!!

Are you setting boundaries with your smart phone? Would you like to set some with some friends of yours?

Phones have become out-of-control at social situations. This interrupts the time you are having with that person. In order to be more productive whether in a social or work environment, you need to know how to manage your time. Answering your phone when you cannot deal with the situation on the other end is a huge time buster. You have to call the person back. Let the calls go to voice mail and deal with them when you are able to.

How many accidents have you heard of because of mobile phones? They truly are distracting while walking, driving or in a checkout line up. Recently I gave up my land line. I am now 100% mobile. I can see how setting boundaries and rules are so important. I can also see how distracting the mobile phone can be if you let it.

Why not try these top 5

productivity tips

and see how much more time you have.

1. Start your day off with your most important task.

2. Answer your phone only when you can talk.

3. Check emails twice a day.

4. Take one day off a week from your phone. Leave it at home or at least turn it off.

5. Text only when you can concentrate on texting.

If you like this video on productivity tips, 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.

If you would like to know how to balance your time more effectively contact me for your free session.

I’ll share with you my tips and my colour coded secret.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:45+00:00January 18th, 2013|Organizer, Self Care Organization, Time Management|4 Comments

Traveling With Children

Traveling with children can be stressful.

Have you ever done it and vowed you would NEVER do it again? Ah come on, Grandma and Grandpa really do want to see you and the little darlings. Even if it means time change, flights, car rentals, etc.

I do not have children of my own, however I do have a very large extended family. We travel often together. The children range in ages from 2-11. This means everything from high chairs to “almost” total independence. Some of our best trips are to Whistler BC. The thing about BC Canada is that you are never 100% sure on the weather. This can make it a little challenging for packing. Will we ski? Will we swim? Are we going to be caught in the rain, snow or sun?

Keeping all this in mind it is important to pack for almost anything. It is also very important to be organized and not look like you are moving in. On our last trip, one of the grandsons arrived with a full suitcase. He was staying with us for 5 days. He had 3 hoodies, 4 pairs of pants and seven shirts. Guess what? He stayed in the same outfit the whole time. (I would not recommend this.) It was his favorite and most comfortable one. Shame that his mom packed far too many items even if he did decide to change.

Check out this short video on “How to be organized while traveling with kids”:

Follow these simple tips on traveling with children and you will arrive organized, happy and well rested.

Tip#1 Timing

If at all possible try and plan your trip around nap time. No not yours! Your kids. Can you tire your children out before boarding a plane? Most airports have play centres. Hang out there prior to getting in any long line ups.

Tip#2 Special Treats

Be careful not to get them over stimulated with sugary foods. Have special treat items that are only allowed for travel. For example; keep a very special toy on one side for when you get on the plane, boat, train or car. They do not get to see it or play with it any other times. You might also like to have special food items that are only for travel. Do you remember when you were a kid and the only time of year we could get Japanese oranges was at Christmas? It was such a huge treat. Ok, am I dating myself?

Tip#3 Specialty Items

Do you need to bring everything from home or can you rent/borrow some items? One of our granddaughters lives in Ontario. She is the youngest and still needs a high chair, stroller and playpen. These items can be found at most secondhand stores, Craigslist or even for free. (Check out www.freecycle.org.) We keep these items on hand for when they visit. When they are not visiting us I lend them to other grandmas in my area. This way I do not have to store them.

Tip#4 Routine

Once you have arrived at your vacation destination, try to get your children back on track with their regular routine. Keep bedtime the same as at home, meal times the same and discipline the same. I know it is easy to say “we are on vacation so you can have that extra cookie or yes you can stay up really late tonight.” Children thrive on routine and it is a high price to pay if they get out of it. Nothing says stress more than cranky, sick kids.

Tip#5 Travel Light

Have you seen people getting on the plane with a carry-on bag larger than life? It amazes me that those bags fit in the overhead compartment. Whether you are traveling with kids or not, this is a great rule of thumb. Make your carry on light and your suitcase light. Most places have washing machines nowadays. Pack light and do a load of wash if need be. Wear your heaviest bulky clothes on the plane, train, boat or car. The weight restrictions are so strict these days that you would hate to be paying for oversize luggage. If you go to the same destination often, consider leaving some items there. We have a drawer for our granddaughter’s belongings. Rather than send her clothes for her birthday I have them ready for her in her little drawer. This saves on packing as well. Can any clothing items be shared amongst the children? Can any toys be shared?

The key to a happy, stress-free travel is making sure mommy and daddy are well rested, well fed and keep their cool. This will filter down into the rest of the family. Be prepared for long lines, wait times and unforeseen frustrations. Know that once you get to your destination it will be worthwhile. Hopefully there is a glass of Merlot waiting for you!

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:45+00:00December 8th, 2012|Organizer, Time Management, Travel Organization|0 Comments

Permanently Reduce Clutter

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

permanently reduce clutter?

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

Are you surrounded by stuff?

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

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

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

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

Read on to get ten simple tips to

permanently reduce clutter

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

You might even have an item in your home that comes out for the rare occasions. You know the tray that holds deviled eggs.

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

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

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

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

Tip 6. Stop keeping up with the Jones. Why is it that humans have the need to keep up with the Jones? Who started this anyway? The Jones do not care what you have or how you spend your money so why should we care with keeping up with them? I know it is a saying however imagine if we all lived simple so others may simple live? The only person you need to impress is yourself. Think of how great you will feel if you only bought what you really needed, used and loved. You bank account will love you too.

Tip 7. Analyze your spending for a week. Keep track of each item you buy. At the end of the week ask yourself if it was something you really needed, will be using and love. If not then ask yourself this question “what was the purpose of buying this item” If you cannot come up with a strong answer it might be time to return it. I’ll bet you will not have many if any of these purchases if you follow the above tips especially the 24 hour rule.

Tip 8. The This/That Question. Unless you have an endless supply of money and even if you do I’ll bet you do not want clutter. Ask yourself this question. “If I buy this I cannot have that” “If I go on a fancy vacation I cannot have a new living room set.” Keeping in mind that this style of living will eliminate debt. Once again your bank account will love you for this. Credit card debt or overdraft debt can cause so much stress. You might not think that it is but it is!

Tip 9. Have gratitude. My life has always run smoother when I have kept a gratitude journal. I would highly recommend keeping one. Each day write down 5 things you are grateful for. It might be that you can see or that you can buy a new purse for Fall or that your family’s health is good. You’ll be hard pressed to stop at 5 things each day.

One of the best books I read was called “Simple Abundance” by Sarah Ban Breathnach. I first read this book back in 1998 and re read it every year for three years. It is time I did that again. Do not get me wrong. I did not do all the activities Sarah suggested. I feel you would need to be superwoman to do that and none of us are. However the best part was all about gratitude. It is a one page read each day and well worth it.

Let me know if you have read it. Leave your comments in the box below.

Tip 10. Be kind to yourself. My Birthday gift to myself this year was that I would be kind to myself. That means being kind to my body, mind and spirit. It means watching my self talk. It means giving myself permission to be human. Hey we all make purchasing mistakes however if we are aware of these ten tips we will make fewer of them.

Feeling like a 20 minute FREE session? Contact me to arrange for your time. We can chat about your most burning clutter questions including how to have more money in your pocket.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:45+00:00November 26th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization, Time Management|2 Comments

Selling Your Stuff Online: The Top 5 “How To” Tips

How much stuff do you have in your home that you think you can sell?

Do you have items that you have not used for one, two or even three years?

Do you have other people’s stuff in your home that you would like to sell?

Most people think it is a hassle selling your stuff online

I do not think this is true…if you are organized and have a plan.

Please watch this short video to get some of my number one tips on selling your stuff online.

I like to use Craigslist as my primary place to sell your stuff. You can also look at KIJIJI or EBAY.

This is a service I offer for my clients.

I’ll take the photos, list the items, write the description, arrange for viewings, and collect the CASH and any other details that need to be taken care of.

Keep in mind these Top 5 “How To” Tips when selling your stuff.

#1 Condition of the item. It needs to be in excellent working order. Would you want to buy something online and then find out it does not work or parts are missing? Your items need to be in good condition. A few scratches on an older bookshelf are acceptable.

#2 Popularity of item. How popular is this item. Is it in vogue? Is there a need for this item? For example cell phones are a dime a dozen on Craigslist. If you want your cell phone to sell you need to make sure you use all 5 of my key tips in place. Let your ad stand out from the crowd.

#3 Good Pricing. This is a must when it comes to selling your stuff. People want a great deal. How fast do you want to sell your stuff? Pricing will determine this. If you do not get bites right away you need to adjust your pricing. If you have not had any inquiries in a few days you need to adjust your pricing. If an item does not sell in a week or so you need to look at other options. Things move FAST on Craigslist. If you want your price to be FIRM you need to mention that in your ad.

#4 Good Pictures. As you can see in the picture of the porcelain dolls you need good photos that show off details. Good lighting helps as well. If you are selling a TV stand be sure to remove any “clutter” from the stand. The buyer might think those items are for sale along with the TV and the stand.

#5 Good descriptions. This is important especially if there are other items in the photo. Be clear on what is for sale. Give measurements, colour, age, original price, and any other details that you can think of that would make the sale. If it is a couch were there any pets on it? Was it in a non-smoker’s home? Do you provide delivery? I always let my buyers know how much “man” power they will need. I do not want to be responsible for lifting heavy items in to a person’s truck. These are good details your buyer will want to know.

Once you get inquiries, set up your appointments on a fist come first serve basis. I take emails in the order in which they were received. I give out my phone number only to the serious buyers. I get the potential buyer to call me when they are close to my home. Then I give out my address. Make sure you are not home alone. Be safe and smart about selling your stuff. Meet the buyer outside. They do not need to come inside your home and see all your other belongings. If an item is too big to take outside make sure you have someone with you. Take only CASH.

If you like this video on selling your stuff online then please 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.

Are you stuck? Would you like a little push with selling your stuff?

Please contact me for a FREE 20 minute session. We will discuss how to get started with selling your stuff. I’ll help you with pricing and descriptions.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:45+00:00November 12th, 2012|Organizer|4 Comments

Organizing Travel Documents

Do you like to travel?

How organized are you when you travel?

Watch this short video on organizing travel documents for some of the inside scoop.

It was taken in the Cairns Australia airport.

Next time you take off for some exotic place you will be ready and organized to go.

When we were at the check-in counter in Sydney getting ready to head to Cairns the guy in front of us wanted to use his Facebook page for identification. He had not watched this video on “organizing travel documents!”

He was very surprised that the agent would not let him do so. Maybe one day in the future we will be able to use our social media as identification however, in the meantime be sure to use these travel tips so you will not miss a flight or get turned away.

You can use a file folder, a Ziploc bag or my all time favorite…I use the Pouchee purse organizer for organizing travel documents.

It holds a passport perfectly (very easy to put it right back in its place once it is returned to you from the custom’s officer). It holds all your other identification including credit cards and cash.

It even holds your lipstick, camera and cell phone along with a pen. A pen is a very important item to carry when traveling. There are always documents that need to be filled out.

Be sure to check out the Pouchee purse organizer here.

If you like this video on organizing travel documents, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:45+00:00October 29th, 2012|Organizer, Travel Organization|2 Comments

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