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Top 5 Tips To Getting And Staying Organized

Do you long to be more organized?

Have you ever wondered why some people are organized while others are not?

Why some people have the natural talent of getting and staying organized and some people don’t have that natural talent.

The great news is that you can learn the skills it takes to get and stay organized. It might mean working with a professional organizer for a period of time to gain the skills and habits.

Check out this short video….

Read on for Getting It Togethers’ top 5 tips to getting and staying organized.

What area of your home is bugging you the most? Start with this area to de-clutter, purge and sort. Take 15 minutes and use these tips below to finally get organized and keep it that way!

Tip #1: Purpose. Pick up one item and ask yourself this question ”what is the purpose of keeping this?” If it is a teapot and you make and drink tea everyday then you know the purpose of keeping it.

If for example it is a T-shirt from high school all torn and the wrong size then what is the purpose of keeping it? I know what you’re thinking “well I loved high school, I had so much fun in high school…” Keep the memory and toss the T. (Take a photo of you wearing the T- shirt if you really must).

Tip #2: Value. What is the value of keeping that particular item? Storage lockers are one of the fastest growing businesses in North America.

Do you have items in a storage locker?

Are the items taking on any value by being in there? Most people do not even know what is in their lockers yet they continue to pay the monthly bill.

Maybe it is time to sort through these items and ask yourself “what is the purpose and value of keeping them.” Once your locker is empty you could put that extra money towards a trip, donations or home renovations.

Tip #3: Ruthless. It is so important to be ruthless while clearing the clutter and getting organized.

This is where lots of people get stuck, because everything you touch has a story attached to it. You have emotional attachments to your things. As a Professional Organizer I don’t have the same attachment to your things. I have an attachment to the outcome. This is why I can support you in moving forward.

I know how much better you will feel once your home is organized. I know how much more time you will have. You’ll have less stress too!

Tip #4: Stop. This is where a new habit will be formed. You will need to stop bringing items into your home. Don’t buy items unless you really need them. Don’t buy because it’s on sale. Or because you think you might need it “one day”.

Ask family and friends to please stop buying you things unless it’s something you really need and will use. The best gifts are consumable. Fancy teas, coffee, candles, spa packages, dinner gift certificates and so on. I made a deal with all of my friends and family members. We create memories together instead of buying things. It sure makes gift giving a lot less stressful and way more fun.

Tip #5: Faith. Have faith in yourself. Have faith knowing that the things you need will always be around you when you need them. Have faith that if you pass something on you will not need it “someday”. Someday is not a day of the week.

It is so disempowering to think that you might need it, “what if I need it, maybe I will need it.” When you are clear on your future direction you will not want to live in the past.

Getting and staying organized takes time. The first time you start you might not be as ruthless as the second and third time. Remember, it took many years to get disorganized. It will not get organized overnight. It is like peeling back the layers of an onion. Each time you de-clutter you peel back another layer.

We have room for 2 more coaching clients at this time. Grab your spot today by contacting us at www.gettingittogether.ca

By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:33+00:00August 16th, 2017|Home Organization, Organizer, Time Management|0 Comments

How To Conquer Procrastination Once and For All

Saying “I don’t have time” is like saying “it’s not a priority”.

How many years of income tax returns do you have that are still not filed? Until the cost of not filling in those forms and sending them off is greater than doing it, you will continue to procrastinate.

Are you driving yourself crazy, wasting precious time thinking about the task by putting projects off over and over again?

Are you a last minute person? How’s that working for you?

Procrastination can come in many different disguises but it always includes waiting until the last possible moment to do something. Most people feel stressed in these situations and the people around them are usually feeling stressed as well. They generally feel bad about themselves and their actions.

You are not alone. Most people struggle with procrastination at least some of time (if not most of the time).If a task is not of interest or importance it can be easy to procrastinate however what is that costing you?

Watch this short video and then check out Getting It Togethers Top 5 Tips on How To Conquering Procrastination Once And For All

Tip#1 Getting and staying motivated.

Set a specific goal or a desire to succeed. A must vs. a should. Ask a friend or family member to join you in this new journey of not procrastinating. Sign up for a free daily motivational email to remind you of your goal or do you need to work with a coach to get you on track?

Tip#2 Set deadlines.

Setting realistic deadlines are important in getting out of the procrastination hole. Deadlines provide you a sense of urgency. Meeting deadlines will also help you in getting and staying motivated. You’ll feel good about yourself once you have met the deadline. Harnessing these good feelings will help you to want to continue in succeeding. And then you can reward yourself with a fancy coffee

Tip#3 Take one step at a time.

Break your “to-do’s” down into smaller manageable steps/tasks. When you start to see some progress, or your list becoming smaller, you will want to continue on and will have the motivation to keep going.

Tip#4 Focus on your goals and tasks.

Focusing on one task or goal at a time is a major point when you are clearing the clutter and getting organized. Craft a “master to-do list” of all the things you would like to accomplish, and then break it down into smaller, more manageable “to-do’s”. Begin with what is most important and those items only you can complete. Notice if there are some items on your list that you can delegate. Set actual tasks in your calendar. For example if you need to do your taxes, set aside one hour to collect all the information needed. Once you have completed that task, set aside another block of time to fill in the tax return form.

Ask yourself:

How does completing this task contribute toward my long term goals?

What issue do I have with this task and not completing it?

What actions do I need to take to accomplish this task?

Tip#5 Getting organized.

This is my favorite tip of all. It is a challenge to work or live in a disorganized space. Being disorganized can lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed, of stress, and that feeling of wanting to give up. Being disorganized is the number one factor in procrastination. When you have systems in place and know where everything is, you will see how much better you feel about doing your taxes on time, your projects or finishing your goals.

PS: Do you need an accountability partner? Check out our coaching/mentoring program. Maybe it is what you need to get yourself started on the right track www.gettingittogether.ca/services

By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:33+00:00July 12th, 2017|Home Organization, Organizer, Time Management|0 Comments

How to Organize Your Inbox

How would you feel if you turned on your computer and your inbox was empty? Most people would feel relief. The reason being is that most people feel so overwhelmed by the volume of emails in their inbox.

What is your comfort level when it comes to emails?

Do you feel out of control if you have 15 unanswered emails in your inbox? Do you feel overwhelmed if you have 50? Knowing your comfort level will help you with managing your inbox.

Check out this short video on “How to Organize Your Inbox”

Why not give these top 5 Getting It Together tips a try and see if you can tame your inbox…….even just a little

Tip#1 Exercise control. To be the most productive check emails 2-3 times per day at most unless your job requires otherwise. Pick the same time each day so your clients/friends will know when to expect a reply. I recommend checking your emails at noon and again at 4pm. If you check your emails first thing in the morning it is very easy to get sidetracked. Most important turn off email notifications. The email notification is like a dog with a bone. You hear it and feel like you MUST respond. Stay focused to the tasks you are working on and check those emails only twice a day.

Tip#2 Unsubscribe. Take a close look at all the newsletters you subscribe to. Are they relevant to your life right now? Set up a “to read” folder for all other newsletters you enjoy and find helpful. ( Like this one :)) Immediately move them from your inbox to your folder. OR set up a RRS feed in Google Reader. Put a filter to go straight “to read”. Give yourself a time limit. If you have not read those newsletters in a month then delete. It means you probably will not get around to reading them. We all have the best of intentions. Life gets busy and time flies. One of the best things about being portable is you can read your newsletters on a plane, while waiting for a Doctor’s appointment or on a beach.

Tip#3 Action Folder. Create an action folder. Move emails that need your action into this folder. These are not important or urgent emails. Take a few minutes a day and deal with each email. Do not look at it if you cannot deal with it right away. Can you delegate any of the “actions?”

Tip#4 Important Folder. Pick the top 8-12 most important emails and move them to this folder. Deal with these right away. Having them in a folder will help with not getting side tracked. Once you have dealt with those 8- 12 then move another 8-12 over and deal with them. Some people like to colour code their emails. This can look cluttered and again it is easy to get side tracked. I do however always highlight my most important emails in red.

Tip#5 New Policy. Every new email that comes in will follow this new policy of being filed. Let people know you will only be checking emails 2 – 3 times per day and that you will get back to them in a timely manner unless your job/personal life requires different. Only look at emails when you have the time to deal with what is inside that email. Take a few minutes each week and clear/clean out your inbox of any unwanted not needed emails. It is no different than tossing out the mail you have read. A cluttered inbox can mean a cluttered mind.

Ask friends and family to take you off their “joke” list. Yes it is fun to receive jokes however it is so easy to get sidetracked. A time buster at its best.

If you absolutely love getting jokes then set up a folder. Read them at the end of the day, on your coffee break or on weekends.

80% of what we file never gets looked at again!!

Keep you outgoing emails short and to the point. One subject matter per email. Be sure to change the subject line if you have changed subjects in a reply. I like to give as much information in the subject line as I can. For example: “Inbox training/tips “or “You are invited to dinner on July 22/16 at 7pm” This is helpful for filing purposes and quick referencing.

What’s great about being organized is you have more time to enjoy these finer things in life.
How would you spend your extra time? Please leave a comment in the box below.

PS: Are you still feeling overwhelmed by the volume of emails? If so, grab your FREE over the phone consultation.

Book now at www.gettingittogether.ca

By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:33+00:00April 18th, 2017|Home Organization, Organizer, Time Management|0 Comments

Emergency Preparedness. Be Ready. Be Organized.

Heaven forbid that any of us finds ourselves in an emergency situation.

Being the Girl Guide that I am, it is always best to “be prepared.”

Take a look at this short video on Emergency Preparedness so that you too can be ready and be organized.

Then read on for the following guidelines.

#1 Make a plan: Take 15 minutes to make a family plan. Plan how you will meet or get in contact if you are not together at the time of the emergency.

Draw up a floor plan of your home that shows all possible exits from each room and from your home.

Keep copies of your plan in your emergency kit, your car and on your phone.

Have a neighbourhood plan. Are there people on your street or in your building that require extra help?

#2 Know basic first aid. Make sure your emergency kit has all the necessary items like band aids, swabs, rubbing alcohol etc. Keep a kit in your car and one in your master emergency kit.

#3 Make copies of important documents. Birth and marriage certificates, passports, licences, wills, land deeds and insurance. Keep these copies in your safety deposit box and or at a friend’s. Keep an up to date photo of all family members including pets and keep those photos both inside and outside of your home.

#4 Make note of any special heath needs. Keeping a record of medications required, allergies and medical conditions. Keep a copy of this in your emergency preparedness kit and on your phone.

#5 Have emergency contacts in your phone. Put ICE beside their name so authorities know “in case of emergency.” Keep photocopies of these contact numbers in your kit.

#6 Dairorize to update your kit once per year. Change the water, batteries, food and update any contact info.

#7 Safe home instructions. Make sure your carbon monoxide detector, smoke alarm, fire extinguisher are in working order and that your first aid kit is well stocked.

Have a fire extinguisher on every level of your home and know how to use it.

Know how to turn off your homes’ water, gas and electricity. Keep shut off instructions close by.

#8 Keep a small amount of cash on hand. Cash machines, debit and or credit cards may not work in a time of emergency.

Emergency Kit

Basic Emergency Kit:

Water
Food that won’t spoil, such as canned food, protein bars, dried nuts and dried fruit. Replace once a year.
Manual can opener
Battery powered flashlight and extra batteries.
Battery powered radio and extra batteries
First aid kit
Spare keys to your house and car
A copy of your plan and contact information
Candles, matches, lighter.
Change of clothing and footwear for each person
Warm blankets
Toiletries
Hand Sanitizer
Utensils
Garbage bags
Toilet paper
Water purifying tablets
Basic Tools such as hammer, screwdriver, work gloves, dust mask and pocket knife.
A whistle
Duct tape.

Emergency Vehicle Kit

Blanket
Candle and matches
Extra clothing and shoes
First aid kit with seat belt cutter
Flashlight with extra batteries
Food that won’t spoil
List of contact information
Radio and batteries
Small shovel, scraper and snowbrush
Warning light or road flares
Water
Whistle
Antifreeze and windshield washer fluid
Fire extinguisher
Road maps
Sand or salt
Tow rope and jumper cables.

Let’s hope we never have to use any of this information or items.

To all of our safety.

PS: What’s your resolution for this year when it comes to clearing the clutter and getting organized?
Book a free 15 minute mentoring session to discuss a game plan.
604-520-9550
www.gettingittogether.ca

By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:34+00:00January 17th, 2017|Home Organization, Organizer|0 Comments

What To Do With Business Cards

How often do you go to a networking event only to return back to your office with a mitt full of other people’s business cards?

You then have the best of intentions to sit down at your computer, fire off a note to each persona nod connect with them on social media.

A few days go by, a week, two weeks and then a month. Then 6 months and maybe years. Those cards are still sitting on your desk or by now they may have found a new home in one of the drawers or a box.

You still have the best of intentions to contact them however you feel like too much time has gone by.

Do you even remember these people and would they remember you?

Probably not.

So why not follow these simple Getting It Together Tips on “What to do with business cards” after watching this short video.

Tip #1: Be realistic. How many people can you truly connect with at one networking event? It is better to get one or two really great connections than a handful of cards and not know anything about the other person or their business.

Tip#2: Schedule follow up time in your calendar. Follow up is one of the most important things you can do in your business and one of the things most entrepreneurs fall short on.

Set aside 15 minutes per week whereby you will follow up with the people you met at the last networking meeting. Connect with them on Social Media, send them a quick note and/or give them a call.
Make sure you have a purpose for connecting. Is it to discuss future business ideas, book an appointment to exchange services and/or give them a referral?

Tip#3: File the card. Do you like to be paperless or do you still like to have a Rolodex? Either way, once you have dealt with the business cards it is time to file them away. If you are paperless you probably have a scanning system in place. Take 15 minutes each week and scan the cards and then recycle them or if you still want the card, file it in your card holder system.

Don’t have either of these set up? What a perfect time to get your 15 minute FREE discovery session. We can chat about the best system for you and I’ll give you my most favorite app.
Send an email to Rowena@gettingittogether.ca to book.

PS: The best time to start a new system is today. Don’t go back on all the years worth of business cards. If a card is a month or so old follow these steps. Anything older than that needs to be recycled unless you are going to connect on Social Media only.

By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:34+00:00December 14th, 2016|Home Organization, Organizer|0 Comments

Practice Mindful Shopping: Be A Conscious Consumer

Would you like to know the important tips to conscious consumption without regretting personal choices?

Are you concerned about the future of our earth and where all “this stuff” is going to end up?

Most women like to shop, wouldn’t you agree? You might be like me and only enjoy window shopping while travelling because of the bright lights, overcrowded racks and disarray displays or you might be the type of woman who only shops online or are you the type who can hardly wait for the weekend so you can meet a friend and power through the mall?

Either way, you will want to be a conscious consumer instead of being consumed.

Take a quick look at this short video on Mindful Shopping and read on to get Getting It Togethers’ Top 5 Simple Tips

Tip1: Buy on need not price. Marketing gurus have us figured out. They know we can easily get drawn in to the “buy one get one free” or “buy one get one at 50% off.” This is not the reason to purchase. Buy what you need. Period. If you’re feeling drawn in, walk away. Go have a coffee and think about the item. Do you really need it? Can you financially afford it? What is it really costing you if you purchase it? Disagreements with a spouse, crammed closets, guilty feelings, regret?

There will be times when you are feeling weak and end up with purchasing mistakes. We all have them. Give those items away or sell them. This could be clothing, gadgets, etc.

Tip 2: Work from a list. A conscious consumer has a list of items they need. Keep this ongoing list in your purse or phone. This includes grocery shopping.

Tip 3: Do your research. A conscious consumer looks for the best price, ethical manufacturing and or can it be previously loved? Let your fingers do the walking or better yet if your kids are old enough get them to research for you.

Buying second hand saves so much on the packaging especially when it comes to kids’ toys.

Borrowing an item from a friend like their power washer or canning supplies.

Tip 4: Know where you will be storing your new items. If it is clothing, that means an item or two needs to come out of your closet before this new one goes in. If it is a big blow up water toy or a large Christmas decoration you need to think about where this will be living.

What about a case of water? Can you refill your own water bottle and save on storage, the environment and money?

Tip 5: What is the purpose of purchasing this new item? Will it bring you joy for the purchasing instant or will it bring you continued pleasure? Do you need it or is it a want?

How will you spend your spare time now that you’ll be shopping less?

What will you do with the extra money?

PS: one of the best documentaries I’ve seen is “The Real Cost” check it out on Netflix and let me know your thoughts.

By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:34+00:00November 16th, 2016|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move|0 Comments

Collections VS. Clutter- are they the same or different and how to tell them apart

Did you start the collection or did someone start it for you?

Is the collection something that you love to look at?

Do you use the collection?

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

Check out this short video on Collections VS Clutter and then read on to find out the difference.

Collections and clutter are 2 different things.

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

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

* Do you like the collection? My client thought it was ok to have one or maybe 2 owls in her office however by the time I started working with her she was not happy with the takeover of owls. They were everywhere and it was looking too cluttered. This is where a collection starts to become a problem. Another client of my inherited a salt and pepper shaker collection. She had at least one hundred pairs and only used one!

* What to do with the collection? In the case of Mary she was ready for a change in her office. She had enjoyed the owls for many many years. We decided to keep her top 3 favorites. The one from her parents and 2 other neat looking ones. The rest we put in the hallway of the university with a sign that said “free”.

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

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

* How to stop a collection. If you no longer like the items you are collecting (or someone started collecting for you) or if they have taken over, it is time to put a stop to it. This can be a little delicate especially if family and friends have always bought you something to go with your collection. It is an easy gift giving idea for them and now what will they do? You will need to let EVERYONE know that you are no longer collecting XYZ. Instead you would prefer they give you consumable items or donate to a charity of their choice in your name. Let them know you are downsizing. This might even give them permission to start downsizing too.

Some collections can be sold on EBay, Craig’s List or at consignment stores. Some collections can be passed down to other family members. Unfortunately some collections end up in the land fill. Be careful what you start to collect. Be mindful of what type of collection you start for others. Is it something you will enjoy for years, does it have a purpose or value? Once it starts to take over, become a dust collector or not serve you any purpose it is time for it to go.

Check out these two pictures of collections nicely displayed and enjoyed by the owner.

I like to collect interesting people, memories and cash! How about you?

Hoo Hoo Hoo do you know who has not had their FREE 15 minute phone consultation?

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www.gettingittogether.ca

By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:35+00:00October 12th, 2016|Home Organization, Travel Organization|0 Comments

How To Create New Habits

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become your character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”
– Anonymous

Would you love to just get up in the morning and be able to do whatever you want whenever you wanted to do it?

If you are retired I bet you can live like that. If you are running a business and or running a household I know you can’t live like that without major consequences.

What I have learned in all my years as a professional time management/productivity expert is that habits and I mean good habits produce the best results.

As humans we thrive best on routine.

Routines are a series of good habits and willpower

Cultivating consistent good habits will help lower overwhelm.

For example, if you have the habit of going to the gym each morning or doing some form of physical activity each day you will reduce your stress which will reduce your overwhelm.

If you consistently cultivate the good habit of preparing healthy well balanced meals you will not feel rushed at meal times.

Let me explain, because habits are really not that hard to keep if the outcome is far greater than not having a habit.

Most habits require a little thinking and yes a little planning.

When you are preparing your evening meal think and plan ahead as to what you will be taking to lunch the next day.

For those of you who have been reading my blog for a while you know that one of my tips is to wash all of your produce when you bring it home from the store before putting it in the fridge. This is a great habit because it then allows you to prepare your evening meal and lunch for the next day with ease not with overwhelm.

Habits are best kept when they are non negotiable.

As one of my very smart clients said to me “it is all about discipline “that is hitting the nail right on the head. So how do we capture discipline? When the pain of remaining the same is far greater than the pain of change. You know the people that have a heart attack and then their discipline to change and make new habits is so great there is no stopping them.

Check out this short video on How To Create New Habits and then read on to get all the tips.

How do we go about sticking to our habits? Follow these Top 3 compelling Getting It Together Tips.

Tip # 1 Desire. You have to have the desire to want to stick with your habit. For an example, I have some challenges with my neck so my desire to have a healthy pain free neck has made me cultivate the habit of going to the gym each morning and stretching out my body and strengthening my muscles. Or the desire to have a happy dog means you walk them daily.

Tip # 2 Determination. Our mind is a very strong muscle. We can strengthen it to become so determined that there is no stopping us. Look at how we were all so determined to walk and to talk as toddlers. How determined are you to get things done before going on a vacation? How determined were you to fit into your wedding dress? Use this same determination to create your habits.

Tip#3 Discipline. Why is it that some people have more discipline then others? Is it in our DNA? Can we learn it? If the payoff is great and we want something bad enough we will cultivate the discipline. (For example: taking vitamins) This does not mean we will be perfect all the time. We will fall off the rails sometimes however we know that with strong desire and determination we will get back on track.

If it takes less than a minute to do something, get in the habit of doing it right away,

Not all habits are good ones. For example biting your nails, smoking or over drinking. To break a bad habit you need desire, determination and discipline as well as replace it with a good habit. Try 10 deep breaths every time you go to bite your nails. It will change your thought process and hopefully get you on track with having well manicured fingernails.

By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:35+00:00September 13th, 2016|Home Organization, Self Care Organization|0 Comments

De-cluttering vs. Staging: Getting Your Home Ready for Sale

75% of Canadians classify their home decor as current while 45% call themselves pack rats.

Which category do you fall into?

Today the real estate market is hot however, that does not mean your home will sell in a flash.

Make yours stand out from the crowd by watching this short video on De-cluttering vs. Staging then read on to get all the great tips that I offer.

Getting It Together’s Top 3 Tips on De-cluttering

De-cluttering Tip 1: Donate, sell or toss any items that are no longer serving you. Fine china set; large vases, furniture etc. Keep only what you need to stage the house and what you need for your new place. If you are not sure where you are moving to, you’ll need to make some executive decisions.

De-cluttering Tip 2: Pack seasonal items, clothing, sporting goods, Christmas decorations, entertaining items from the kitchen etc.

De-cluttering Tip 3: The front hall is the first impression. Make sure the hall closet has only two or three coats in it and a couple of pairs of shoes. Keep the front entrance clear.

Clutter is overwhelming to prospective buyers. It might be invisible to you but not to new eyes.

Getting it Together’s Top 5 Tips on Staging

When you think of staging think of a hotel room.

No candles, no personal photos, minimal furniture.

You will feel like your house is bare but to the prospective buyers it will look inviting.

Staging Tip 1: Take down all personal photos. For one thing, this protects your privacy and for another, the potential buyers want to visualize their family photos in the space.

Staging Tip 2: Clear kitchen counters. A big bowl of fruit or fresh flowers is inviting. Put your toaster, coffee maker and knife set away in the pantry when you have a showing.

Staging Tip 3: Repair. Go around your home on your hands and knees. Look for scuff marks, dents and any other repairs. Do you have doors that squeak? Taps that drip? Time to get those fixed.

Staging Tip 4: The outside. Does your home need a little TLC? How is the garden looking?

My house could have used a paint job. I had to weigh the pros and cons of getting it painted prior to being put on the market. I opted to not paint. In the end that did not make or break the deal. If you decide to paint, keep paint colours fresh and neutral.

Staging Tip 5: Keep everything squeaky clean. That means the inside and outside of windows, base boards, ceiling fans, inside the oven and fridge, floors, walls etc. Prospective buyers look everywhere. Make sure your home smells fresh by using some essentials oils in a diffuser.

Staging is done so the prospective buyers can visualize their belongings in your home. If your place is filled to the brim, they subconsciously cannot picture living in it. Some prospective buyers many even want to purchase your furniture if it is staged properly.

You can stage by simply tossing most of your belongings in boxes and paying for storage or you can de-clutter, downsize and then stage which means you will have a stress free move. It also means you will not have to deal with all “that” stuff in your new home.

Which would you prefer?

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By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:35+00:00August 16th, 2016|Home Organization, Organizing to Move|0 Comments

How to Organize Your Kids

Is clutter affecting your health or the health of your children?

Do you trip over toys, backpacks or had a stack of papers fall all over the place?

Many kids today feel stressed, rushed or disorganized. They have so many activities and more demands on them at school that the more organized they are the better.

Kids need to be kids…..however, living in a disorganized environment will cause stress at any age not to mention the affect clutter has on your health.

There is also a level of embarrassment that comes with living in chaos especially if your kids want to have their friends over.

Check out this short video on How to Organize Your Kids and then read on for Getting It Togethers Top 5 Tips

Tip #1 Monkey see…Monkey do.

If you want order in your home, you need to teach it to your children. Kids feel important if they are a part of the solution – not the problem. Get them involved.

Tip #2 Kids can get very confused if you say to them “go pick up your toys” when they have toys all over the place. That is why it is best to have a toy “zone” Keep all their toys in one area of the home. Why not try this great tip when it is time to get your kids to clean up their toys?: Have them go through the toy zone area and pick up only red toys; then, when they’re finished that, have them go and get all their blue toys or all their Lego. This keeps things simple for them and clutter free.

Tip #3 Is it time to donate some of their toys? Get your kids involved in the clearing of all their unused toys. Put them in a box for the less fortunate. They can do the same thing with their clothes and so can you! (If your children are really young you might want to do this tip while they are sleeping or at a play date)

Tip#4 Keep things simple when shopping for school supplies. Are there things from last year that can be used again this year? Backpacks, paper, pens etc.

This will save money in the long run if your children are taught how to reuse. It will also save you shopping time.

Tip #5 Have a basket for each child that holds their school notices, backpack and homework. Take 5 minutes at the end of the day to see what notices need to be signed and returned. This will save the rush first thing in the morning. If you are rushed and stressed chances are your children will be to. The morning sets the tone for the day.

To keep things clutter free and organized for the kids Birthdays, Christmas, Grad, etc., why not try the following bonus tip:

Ask family and friends to donate money to one of your child’s favorite Charities. Get your children involved with the Charity so that they can see first-hand how their “gift” is being put to use.

Imagine how easy it will be for you and your children to attend a Birthday party in the future.

In the mean time teach your children “a place for everything and everything in its place” and that “less is more”. The “less is more” concept sure helps on the pocket book. I am sure that once your children get organized and clutter free, you will find they are less stressed, have a better attention span and are happier and healthier. I’ll bet you will be too!

PS: Tired of papers all over the place? Check out the 1to31 organizing system

www.gettingittogether.ca/products

And in the mean time, share the love by sharing this link.

By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:35+00:00July 12th, 2016|Home Organization, Organizer|0 Comments

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