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Top Ten Habits Of Highly Organized People

Do you wonder if you’ll ever be organized?

Do you think organized people were born that way?

To some degree I believe you are either naturally organized or unfortunately naturally disorganized however the good news is you can learn simple habits and become extremely organized.

Check out Getting It Togethers video on the Top Ten Habits Of Highly Organized People and then read for more tips.

Habit #1: Highly Organized People know where to donate. Better yet, they have the donations company in their area come and pick up.

Habit #2: Highly Organized People book regular decluttering times. They use the 15 minutes to freedom technique explained in the video.

Habit #3: Highly Organized People stick with what works for them. They stay with their favorite protein powder or moisturizer as this saves them from having purchasing mistakes in the cupboard.

Habit #4: Highly Organized People don’t buy because of price, they buy because of need.

Habit #5: Highly Organized People make peace with imperfection. Nothing is ever going to be perfect and neither are they. Some times their desk will be a mess or they’ll buy the kids Birthday cake instead of making it from scratch.

Habit #6: Highly Organized People are specific with their labels. A box or file labeled “miscellaneous” does not help anyone.

Habit #7: Highly Organized People separate emotions from possessions. Just because they bought it or just because it was given to them does not mean they keep it.

Habit #8: Highly Organized People think ahead. If it looks like piles of files are about to fall over, they move them to a safer spot and deal with them.

Habit #9: Highly Organized People create a small dump zone. They have a small basket that collects things from the day and then they take 15 minutes and go through the house putting everything back in its’ place. Better yet, if it takes less than a minute to do a task, do it immediately.

Habit #10: Highly Organized People ask for help. They know what their strengths are and are willing to hire out the other tasks.

PS: What is one habit you would really like to work on? Why not grab a free over the phone sample coaching session by contacting www.gettingittogether.ca

By organize|2020-06-07T20:52:32+00:00July 25th, 2018|Home Organization, Organizer, Self Care Organization|0 Comments

Keep It or Toss It by: Rowena List of Getting It Together

The average home has well over 350,000.00 items in it.

How many times do you hold an item in your hand and ask yourself “ should I keep it or toss it?” And because you can’t decide at that moment you simply put it back down. Down on a pile of stuff or on a cluttered counter or stash it in a “junk” drawer. The never ending cycle continues until you have reached your limit and decide to take action. Massive action.

Check out this quick video by Getting It Together on “Keep It or Toss It”

Then read on for more tips.

Keep It If….

You would buy it again if it was lost or stolen.
It has a proper place in your home and you use it.
It fits in your life today. Say goodbye to those size 6 jeans.
It’s hugely sentimental to you.
You absolutely love it, need it and use it.

Toss It If…..

You don’t know what it is.
It’s not worth repairing.
Your gut is telling you to part with it.
It was a gift and you have never used it or love it.
You already have more than you need or use.

One of the biggest reasons people don’t clear the clutter and downsize is because they don’t know where to take the unwanted items to. And another big reason is fear. The fear of letting go, the fear of thinking they might need it again one day and the fear of less.

Less is more.

It really is.

P.S. Are you wanting to get organized? Not sure where to start?

By organize|2020-06-07T20:52:32+00:00June 20th, 2018|Home Organization, Organizer|0 Comments

Top 5 Organizing Thoughts That Can Interfere With Your Success

Can you find a million reasons/excuses for not getting organized and

Do you wish you had a magic wand that would just tidy everything up? Don’t we all. And do the dishes while it’s at it.

Check out this video on the Top 5 Organizing Thoughts That Can Interfere With Your Success and then read on for a few more highlights.

Tip 1: When I have the time, I’ll get to it. Ya right?? When you have spare time the last thing you will want to do is spend the day in your closet or garage. You have got to put the time aside to get and stay organized so you can go live your life.

Tip 2: If it can’t be perfect or if I can’t be perfect. We all have to agree that no one and nothing is perfect. Like NIKE says “just do it” It is better to start. No “ya buts”

Tip 3: I can change, I know I can change. We are who we are and unless the pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of change, you will not change. Take baby steps and find a system that works for you.

Tip 4: Not all books are created equal. Just because an organizing book tells you to roll your clothes does not mean that will work for you and your family. All organizers think a little different. I personally don’t agree with rolling my clothes and standing them on end. My drawers are small for one thing and I find things fall over once you take out a few items from that drawer. I always agree on “ZONES”

You just might have a few of the same zones in your home depending on size and circumstances.

Tip 5: I haven’t used it in years but I know I will “someday” Who are you kidding? Get real and ruthless. Get rid of it.

For more helpful tips please contact Rowena at www.gettingittogether.ca for a free discovery session.

PS: Share the love by liking this video and sharing this post on your social media feed. Your day will be better for it! 😊

By organize|2020-06-07T20:52:32+00:00May 22nd, 2018|Home Organization, Organizer|0 Comments

How To Clear Mind Clutter

Do you feel like your mind is racing a mile a minute? Are you in overwhelm? Does your to-do list just keep on going and going?

Check out this short video on How To Clear Mind Clutter:

And then take a few minutes to try these simple steps and feel what it’s like to a have a clutter free mind.

Step One: Arrive at work/or your home office desk 15 minutes early so you can mentally prepare for your day. Get yourself settled in and review your day. Have a big glass of water and give thanks to one of your coworkers.

Step Two: Prepare your work station. Is it set up exactly how you like it? If there are things on your desk that look cluttery, tidy them up.

Play some soft relaxing background music.

Step Three: Take 15 seconds in between each task to clear your mind and breathe. This might mean running to the ladies’ room or the lunch room to just quickly regroup. All you do is shake your hands in front of you for 5 seconds and breathe deep.

Step Four: If your mind is really full of to do’s and family issues, take 15 minutes of your lunch break and do a mind dump. A mind dump has no right or wrong way. Simply take a piece of paper and write out everything that is going on inside your head. Are you thinking about a trip, a kid’s school play, your mother’s birthday etc.? Write it all out. Beside each item put a capital A if it is something you need to deal with and only you can deal with it. Put a capital B if it is something you would like to do if you had the time and a capital C on all the rest which means those are things you can delegate or get to one day when everything else is done.

Freeing up your mind like this makes room for you to be present in all situations. Present in conversations you have with your kids, family, friends and clients.

Step Five: Clear your physical clutter from your home. If your home does not step up to greet you, you are going to feel heavy, weighed down and your mind will be spinning. Take 15 minutes each night to clear out an area of your home. Start small. Start with your tee shirts. Donate all tee shirts you are no longer wearing. Toss the ones that look like rags. Next night move on to your shoes. Keep only the shoes that you wear and are comfortable. In another 15 minutes you can toss out all the outdated pantry items. Old candy from Halloween, expired baking powder etc. Can you see how doing these simple tasks can lead to a clutter free home and a clutter free mind?

Step Six: Clear your calendar. Make sure you have some white space in your calendar for down time. Time for you to relax, have a bubble bath or do some yoga. You need to replenish yourself on a regular basis in order to be able to give of yourself to all those who require it.

You can’t function from an empty basket.

And while speaking of calendars, schedule work time, play time, household responsibility time etc. Don’t keep all that information in your head. That causes clutter in the mind.

Step Seven: Learn the fine art of delegating. This means releasing the need for total control. Get kids evolved with household responsibilities. Can they help with bed making, lunch making and folding laundry? Is there a teenager in the neighbourhood who can help out with some of your to do’s?

Step Eight: Disconnect from electronic devices. Did you know you lose 27% of your days productivity if you check your phone first thing in the morning before doing anything else?

Turn off your phone while with those you love. Clear the clutter from your mind by not filling it with all kinds of clutter like social media, games with flashing moving parts or nonsense shows.

Make room for what’s important to you and those around you.

PS: I have a gift for you. Simply contact me at www.gettingittogether.ca and ask for your free weekly plan sheet. This is a fabulous tool to keep your week in order and plan your time. As an added bonus I’ll even walk you through the best way to use it in an over-the-phone conversation.

Love this article? Please spread the love by sharing it with your friends and family

By organize|2020-06-07T20:52:32+00:00April 18th, 2018|Home Organization, Organizer|0 Comments

How To Spring Clean And Spring Clear

Do you have the Need To Clean and the URGE TO PURGE?

Spring time brings this out in all of us. The rain has stopped…hopefully and the birds are singing. For those of you reading this outside of Vancouver you might be blessed to have sun all year and happy birds singing daily. We in Vancouver get excited about this.

Spring is a time of newness and fresh air. I think that is why so many of us have the urge to purge and start cleaning. The best time to start your Spring clearing and cleaning is when you stop using the heat in your home.

Check out this short video on “How To Spring Clean And Spring Clear” then read on for Getting It Togethers’ top tips to help you get on your way.

Tip #1 Make a list of all the things you would like to accomplish in your Spring clearing and cleaning. You will want to break the list down as this project is not done in a day.

For example:

Wash and store all Winter clothing and replace with your Spring and Summer wardrobe. Keep in mind that if you have not worn it for a year or it does not fit then it is time to pass it on.

While your closet is empty give it a good vacuum and dust down the inside walls. Spray the carpet with a freshener of your choice. I like using essential oils for a chemical free environment. Did you know Lavender oil helps to keep moths away?

Put away all seasonal sporting equipment. Be sure to give them a good clean before you do. Add a clean dry wash cloth with a few drops of Lavender oil on it to the clear plastic bin before storing.
Wash curtains, blankets, bedding etc. Pick a sunny day so you can hang them on the clothesline if you have one. You will enjoy that nice Spring clean smell.
Go through all the piles of papers, magazines, articles etc that you were saving for a rainy day (let’s hope they are gone for a while). Deal with each item of paper once. Donate old magazines to your local gym or doctors’ office. Recycle all outdated reading material. Shred old bills etc. or better yet get yourself set up for paperless.

Tip #2 Get your family involved. It is no fun doing this alone and chances are it’s not all your stuff.

For example:

Spend a day in the garden together clearing out all the debris from Winter and cleaning all the cement walks and driveway. Borrow a power washer from a friend or neighbour (the kids will have fun with this one).
Get small children to go on their hands and knees and dust all the floor boards and behind hard to reach furniture. Don’t forget to get them involved in their own rooms too. They can clear out old toys and clothes to make room for the new season.

Reward them with a treat or special activity at the end of the day.
Make a “honey do” pot. Write out all the chores you would like your husband/partner to do. Write one chore per piece of paper and place them in the pot. Every Saturday morning, he gets to pick one job out of the jar. Reward him at the end of the day too! If you do not have a husband or he is not the “handy man” type then make a list for the local handy man in your area. Some areas have “husbands for hire” companies. And yes, there are a lot of things we as women can do ourselves.

Tip #3 Turn on your favorite music, open the windows and take it step-by-step. Stay focused and don’t get distracted by those photo albums! Doing this all before summer means you don’t have to think about it during the best part of the year.

Tip #4 The best tip of all is “an organized home takes 40% less time to clean”. What will you do with all your spare time?

If you just can’t fathom tackling your urge to purge alone, contact www.gettingittogether.ca for Spring Clearing help.

By organize|2020-06-07T20:52:32+00:00March 20th, 2018|Home Organization|0 Comments

Should I Keep The Box?

How many of you have every box from every electronic item that you have ever bought or received?

The big question is… should it stay or should it go?

Check out this short video on “Should I Keep The Box” and then read on for more helpful tips from Getting It Together.

The only reasons to keep the box is if you plan on returning the item, selling it or moving it.

Let’s talk about returning an electronic item. There are only so many days you have before you can no longer return it. If that time period is over and you do not plan on selling the item or moving any time soon get rid of the dust collecting box. Think of the empty space you will have.

Let’s talk about moving. Chances are if you plan on moving your 70-inch TV any time soon you will be hiring movers, in which case they have the perfect moving blankets that secure your TV in place. Storing massive boxes like this take up valuable real estate and collect dust. I would never suggest storing this box flat under your bed because how would you keep it clean?

And how many of you are really going to sell your old electronics? The sad reality is they go out of date so fast and the latest and greatest is right around the corner.

Now I sell a lot of things for my clients and I have never needed the box.

What I would highly recommend you do is:

A) Take a picture of your expensive electronics and store that picture along with the extra cords that are labelled, along with warranty and manuals in a clear box. This information is extremely helpful if you are ever robbed. It makes replacing so much faster.

B) Have your expensive electronics insured properly.

C) Think before you buy. Is this something you are wanting to keep for a long time, is it something you will sell or will you be donating it once you have finished with it?

D) D for dump all the boxes in recycle.

PS: Catch Rowena in action at this open to the public speaking event.
Friday, March 16 2018
Doors open at 11 am
She will be speaking on the “10 ways to tame your clutter.”
Register for this action packed networking luncheon, prizes, 50/50, and more.
visit www.valleywomensnetworktricity.com
And book your seat today
Limited space
Lunch included

See you there !

By organize|2020-06-07T20:52:32+00:00February 19th, 2018|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move|0 Comments

How To Lose 40 Pounds In 4 Hours

We have all heard that in order to lose weight we need to cut out carbs. Eat low fat. Exercise three times a week. Eat 10-12 servings of fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar. But wait! Is there something else that could really help us to lose weight? Yes, there is.

Cut out the clutter in ten easy steps and watch the weight lift from your shoulders.

Let’s face it. If you can’t stand the site of your kitchen or can’t find what you are looking for in your kitchen how motivated are you to cook and eat healthy meals?

If your clutter is making you feel overwhelmed and stressed how likely are you to want to get in your kitchen?

Check out this video on How To Lose 40 Pounds In 4 Hours

and then read on…

Try these simple steps to cutting out the clutter and watch the pounds shed away.

Step up a weekly appointment with yourself to do the shopping. Most households eat approximately ten different meals over the course of a month in some sort of rotation. Have your meal plan written out and use it to make your shopping list. Heck, now a days you can even shop online at midnight in your PJ’s if you really want to.
Give your mailbox a diet. Put a red sticker on your mailbox which indicates to the post person you no longer wish to receive junk mail. You might need to have a verbal conversation with him or her depending on what part of the world you live in.
Have one cheat day per week. That’s the day you sit down and open your mail and deal with what needs to be dealt with. Treat yourself to a nice coffee, glass of wine or beverage of your choice.
Instead of going sugar free go paperless. Keep all important documents in a file on your computer which you back up consistently. Keep sugar to a minimal amount.
Put your computer on a cleanse. Delete all unnecessary files, emails and folders that are no longer serving you. Take 15 minutes each day to work on this cleanse.
Eliminate the three deadliest words “just in case”
Kiss emotional eating goodbye as you kiss goodbye to the emotions of holding onto stuff which no longer brings you joy or serves you.
Clear all the junk food, processed food and expired food from your pantry. Start with a clean slate. Think Mediterranean eating. After spending over two weeks in Greece I see why “they” say eating a Mediterranean diet is such an awesome way to fuel our bodies.
Eliminate the endless supply of unused toiletries from under your bathroom sink.
Don’t store extra pounds of another people’s clutter.

P.S. If you are wanting to get in shape you would hire a personal trainer so why not hire a professional organizer to help you get your home and life in shape? I’ll give you the personal push to get started and coach you in separating the emotions from the possessions.

Call for a free over the phone session today. 604-520-9550. Or book online at www.gettingittogether.ca

By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:32+00:00December 18th, 2017|Home Organization, Organizer|0 Comments

Permanently Reduce Clutter Part 2- Spend Less, Have More

Does your family come from a poverty mentality or a prosperity mentality?

This is something to look at as it will give you some answers on your spending habits and your ability to clear out the clutter.

Did you grow up with lack?

Check out this short video on Permanently Reduce Clutter Part 2

….Read on for Getting It Togethers Top 5 Tips

Tip 1. 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 2. 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 from part 1.

Tip 3. The This/That Question. Unless you have an endless supply of money and even if you do I’ll bet you don’t want clutter. Ask yourself this question. “If I buy this I can’t have that” “If I go on a fancy vacation I can’t 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 4. Have gratitude. My life always runs smoother when I keep 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. Don’t get me wrong. I didn’t 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 5. Be kind to yourself. My Birthday gift 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’re aware of these top 5 tips we will make fewer of them.

What is your limit? Do share in the comment box below. We are not judging 🙂

PS: Feeling like a 15 minute FREE phone discovery 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.

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By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:32+00:00November 16th, 2017|Home Organization, Organizing Finances|0 Comments

Permanently Reduce Clutter Part 1- Spend Less, Have More

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

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 Diana. She dressed with simple elegance. Oh ya, 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. 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”

Check out this short video on Permanently Reduce Clutter Part 1 and then read on for Getting It Togethers Top 5 Tips.

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.

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. But only keep it if you use it and have space to store it.

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. Keep in mind “fair trade” and “ethically made”.

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 doesn’t mean you don’t 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 then 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 closed 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!

PS: Here’s something for free on your do not spend day. A FREE discovery call with me. Book it today at www.gettingittogether.ca and gain insights on your passion and purpose.

By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:33+00:00October 17th, 2017|Home Organization, Organizer|1 Comment

Organizing Under the Kitchen Sink

Do you feel you have everything including the kitchen sink in your home both literally and figuratively?

Check out this short video on “Organizing Under The Kitchen Sink” then read on to get

Getting It Together’s Top 5 Tips to get it organized and stay that way

Tip #1: Make sure your kitchen sink is clean and shiny before going to bed. There is nothing worse than waking up in the morning and facing a sink filled with dirty dishes. This will put you behind for your new day. It will take less than 15 minutes right after dinner to do this task.

Tip #2: Have a container by your sink for all of your cloths, brushes and soap. It looks messy if they are just hanging around by the side of the sink.

Better yet put them under the kitchen sink if you have room…which you will have by the time you have finished organizing under there!

Tip #3: Getting It Together under the sink is a 15 minute task. Pull everything out onto the kitchen floor. Make sure your children are out of the room. Give it a good scrub. Check for any leaks or rusty pipes. Be sure to call your plumber if you find any.

Tip #4: Get a container for all of your cleaning supplies. Put back only the ones that you use, like, and have enough product in them to make it worth your while. Toss the rest. Have another container for your rags and one for any miscellaneous items. Set up a good system for your garbage and recycling. Keep it small and compact so you can empty it often. This really cuts down on any odors in the kitchen.

Tip #5: Set up a maintenance plan. Every 4 months repeat the above tips, clear out all unwanted bags and freshen it up by giving it a good wipe down.

If you have small children at home you may choose to put your cleaning supplies up in a higher cupboard. If this is not possible then be sure to use a safety lock on the cleaning supplies cupboard door.

For more detailed information or to book Rowena please contact https://www.gettingittogether.ca/

PS. Have you taken advantage of your FREE session yet?
15 minutes to clearing the clutter freedom is waiting for you. It is a phone call away.

By donnap|2017-09-14T16:36:51+00:00September 13th, 2017|Home Organization, Organizer|0 Comments

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