Organizer Archives - Page 12 of 16

Getting It Together FAQ’s – Part 2

Thank you for all of your questions. You know I love hearing from you. The interesting thing is that most people share very similar questions and concerns when it comes to clearing the clutter and getting organized.

Please keep those questions coming. Together we can help each other.

Q- What should I do with those plastic bags that a set of sheets comes in? I hate to toss them because they have the zipper closure and look so handy.

A- You are right! They can be handy. I have used those bags to store my good round baking tins. I find by putting them in the bag they do not get scratched. They are easy to see and store. I have also used those bags with my clients. We put all electrical cords in one. Again easy to see.

I don’t know about you but I have NEVER been able to get the set of sheets back in those bags. Have you?

Q- How can I tell my friends and family to stop buying me presents? I just do not need anything and I am trying to downsize.

A- Most grownups do not “need” anything. We are all so blessed. Many years ago I sent a letter to all my friends explaining that I was no long going to give gifts. Instead I wanted to make memories with them. They were all so happy to get this letter because they never knew what to buy me or their other friends. Now we get together for lunch, a movie, or have our nails done. Anything that is memory making and consumable. Be the first to start a trend. Think consumable!

Q- How many sets of towels should I have?

A- This depends on the number of people in the house. I would recommend 2- 3 bath towels per person, 1-2 hand towels per person and 5-7 face cloths per person. Most homes have a washer these days. If you go to the laundromat then you might want a couple of extras. Use one bath towel per person per week. It is better for the environment and laundry bill. Use one face cloth per person per day. The common used hand towel can be changed every few days.

I can never figure out how the hand towel can get so dirty when we are drying our clean hands! I keep a few “older” towels on hand for when we are heading off to the pool or beach.

Q- What can I do with all the recycling my local garbage company does not pick up?

A- Do you live in the Metro Vancouver Area? If so, you know your local company only picks up plastic, tins, glass and paper. Here are a couple of options. Call BC Recycling Hotline 604-RECYCLE (604-294-7972) or take your items to a local recycling depot. There is one in Burnaby at 4800 Still Creek Ave or once a month you can go to Britannia Center in Vancouver. Check out their site at http://www.pacificmobiledepots.com/Mobile-Depot-Info-Rates.html

Treat yourself to a nice coffee after.

Q- How can I tell if I am disorganized?

A- The rule is if you cannot find what you are looking for in 20 seconds or less you are considered disorganized. This might sound harsh. What it means is that if your keys are on the hook you’ll find them right away. If they are not then you might go searching. If your eye glasses are always put away in the same spot you will be able to find them. If they are not, it might take you longer than 20 seconds to find them.

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

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00April 2nd, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization, Tax Organization, Time Management, Travel Organization|2 Comments

Rowena List, Professional Organizer and Speaker of Getting it Together on Global TV – Get the Skinny on Your Linens

Global TV is a local Vancouver newsroom.

They like to focus on people in the community. Showcase events around town and report on the news. It was so much fun being on Global TV. I was able to share one tip in the short 6 minutes of air time on Global TV. Check it out!

Those darn fitted sheets. They work best when ironed. Who does that anymore? I actually have a couple of friends who love to iron. They find it relaxing. Not me!

How abut you? Do you iron or is it all wrinkle free sheets and clothing for you?

Love to hear your comments below.

Thanks for sharing this Global TV moment with me!

Satoru Kikuchi

If you like this video, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends. And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list. You’ll get instant access to a free ebook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your home in 15 minutes or less.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00March 27th, 2012|Home Organization, Media Appearances, Organizer|0 Comments

Collections vs. Clutter: How to Tell Them Apart

Collections and clutter are two different things.

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

Ask yourself these questions:

Did you start the collection?

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?

Below I am going to explain Collections vs. Clutter. Are they the same or are they different? My 5 simple tips will help you determine this difference.

Tip #1: 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.

Tip #2: Do you like the collection? My client thought it was ok to have one or maybe two 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 “cluttery”.

This is where a collection starts to become a problem. Another client of mine inherited a salt and pepper shaker collection. She had at least one hundred pairs and only used one!

Tip #3: 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 two other neat looking ones. The rest we put in the hallway of the university with a sign that said “free”.

Tip #4: 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!

Tip #5: 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, Craigslist or at consignment stores. Some collections can be passed down to other family members. Unfortunately, some collections end up in the landfill.

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, becomes a dust collector or not serve you any purpose it is time for it to go.

I like to collect interesting people, memories and cash!

Are you having trouble knowing what to do with your collections or clutter? Not sure of its value or whether to keep it.

Please call me today for a FREE 30 minute phone consultation. We will discuss your collections versus your clutter, your specific needs and come up with a plan of action.

www.gettingittogether.ca

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00March 19th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move|4 Comments

Fanny Kiefer interviews Rowena List Professional Organizer and Speaker on Studio 4!

Fanny Kiefer is a Vancouver icon.

It was my honour to be interviewed on her show. I think you will like her style.

Check out the tips we discussed.

Here is a recap of my interview with Fanny Kiefer on Studio 4, discussing all the ways in which clearing physical and mental clutter can open us up for new opportunities, better health, and happier lives!

What was your favorite Fanny Kiefer tip?

If you like this video on Fanny Kiefer, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends. And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list. You’ll get instant access to a free ebook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your home in 15 minutes or less.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00March 2nd, 2012|Home Organization, Media Appearances, Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization|0 Comments

How to Increase Productivity: 5 Proven EffectiveTime Management Tips

You can have more time AND get more done! How is this possible?

Below, I am going to share with you 5 simple and proven effective time management tips and you will watch your productivity soar.

The more organized you are the more time you will have.

“If you don’t take the time, time will take you.” Make time to plan.

Please watch this quick video on how to increase productivity.

Tip #1: Create a ‘to-do’ list with your six most important items.

Many years ago when I first started off in business I learned this tip. Each night before going to bed write out the six most important things you want to do the next day. The experts say that six items on a list are not so overwhelming. Any more than that and a person might become paralyzed by the magnitude of tasks. I like to have a list for work related tasks and one for personal.

Make item number one your least favorite thing to do. Get it over with right away. For example it might be to call the leads you got from the latest trade show you did. If you do not get all your most important things done in one day then transfer them over to the next day. You might have overestimated your time.

Tip #2: Focus your time.

Take 4 or 5 colour markers and block off time in your datebook/family calendar or computer for work, personal, family,and spiritual. Do this at the beginning of each month. I block off all the times I want to work in green. Family time is in pink etc.

When a client calls to book an appointment I look for any green spots that are still open. When a family member calls for a dinner date I look at any pink spots that are free. When you see all the coloured squares at a glance you can see how balanced your life is. Do you have too many green squares and not enough pink?

Tip #3: Take 15.

End each work day by taking 15 minutes to clear your desk off and prepare for the next day. Take 15 minutes at the end of the night to prepare your kitchen for the next morning. These 15 minutes will save you hours in the long run. There is nothing worse than walking into your office and finding a pile of papers left from the day before. Or walking into your kitchen and finding all the dinner dishes from the night before.

Tip #4: Time Busters.

Be mindful of any time busters. Do you use a timer when going on the computer? Have you thought to yourself, “I’ll just quickly check emails” and 2 hours later you are still sitting there? Do you get interrupted? Do you answer your phone when you are in the middle of a meeting or high priority project? These can be some common time busters. Stay focused on each task and you’ll be amazed at how much more time you have.

Tip #5: Relinquish control.

The need to do it all. Delegate with confidence. Trust that the job will get done. Look at all the things you do in a day. Delegate what you can. For example your kids can make the beds. They might not look the way you would do it but they are made. Is there a person at your workplace that can help you with some tasks?

Still feeling like time is running away from you?

I would love to share with you my weekly plan sheet and help you with effective time management tips.

You and your family will love how simple and easy it is to use. . We will discuss your time busters and how to move forward without them. You will feel more in control of your time. Contact me TODAY for your FREE 20 minute session. https://www.gettingittogether.ca

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00March 1st, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Self Care Organization, Time Management|0 Comments

Stress Free Travel: Arrive Refreshed, Energized and Ready to Go

Do you enjoy travel?

How would you like to travel minus the stress?

Would you like some tips on stress free travel? You’ll arrive refreshed, energized and ready to go!

Below are 5 simple tips to get you on your “merry” way and leave the stress behind:

Tip#1: Time. If you want stress free travel you need to allow enough time for any unforeseen mishaps. Like running out of gas. Do you know how long it takes you to get to your local airport? Add on an extra 30 minutes. If traffic is heavy or there is an accident slowing traffic you won’t get stressed out. If check in is an hour add on an extra 30 minutes. This will allow for any long line ups or packing issues (overweight baggage, for example).

Tip#2: Documents. I love this saying. “A place for everything and everything in its place.” Do you have a handy document file folder or a pouch in your travel bag? When your passport is handed back, you immediately put it back in the file folder or pouch. None of this “I’ll do it later.” Then toss it in your bag. This is how important documents get misplaced.

My Aunt was traveling to England. She had her passport in her hand. When she got to customs she could not find it. Long story short she had tossed her passport out with her coffee cup! Good thing she had ample time to go back and retrieve it out of the garbage can.

Tip#3: Clothing. Wear the most comfortable clothing you have. I love watching people at the customs line up as they start to get undressed. Belts, boots, layers of clothing. This can cause stress for those who are running late. Wear easy to remove shoes. Wear items that won’t set the x-ray machines off. Be mindful of your carry-on bag.

There was a lady at the Paris airport that had about 6 paper shopping bags that would not fit in the machine. She was shoving and pushing trying to get them through the x-ray. She was late for her plane. Talk about STRESS.

Pack one day of bare essentials in your carry-on. Toothbrush, clean panties, prescription medication, and a good book.

Tip#4: Snacks. Low blood sugar makes people grumpy and stressed. I carry protein bars, dried nuts and fruit and some hard candies. Once past all the restricted areas grab a bottle of water. I know most airlines give you water but it is never enough. One of the best ways to arrive at your destination refreshed, energized and ready to go is to be well hydrated.

Tip#5: Pack early. Are you so excited about your trip that you park early or do you leave it to the last minute? Make a master list of must have items. Pull your suitcase out. Place it in an out of the way location in your home. As you think of items to take toss them into the case. 2 days prior to travel get your master list in hand. Pull everything out and systematically put each item back in the suitcase as you check it off your master list. Good rule of thumb is that each piece of clothing should go with at least 3 other items in your case.

If you are already at your travel destination pack the night before. Check your room for items that might be under the bed, electrical cords, and things in drawers or closets.

Here is to fun, safe, stress free travels. Hope to run into you on the slopes!

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00February 12th, 2012|Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization, Travel Organization|2 Comments

Organizational Frequently Asked Questions

One of my favorite things to do is travel. I’ve been blessed to see a large part of our globe. When traveling I always meet people at airports, train stations, restaurants, golf courses, ski hills, etc.

Once we get to chatting and they find out what I do, the questions start. Good thing I love talking about organizing tips and how to get organized. I thought it would be fun to share with you some of the most frequently asked questions I have been asked.

Q- I live with a clutter bug. What can I do about it?

A-The number one rule is “you never clear someone else’s clutter unless they have given you permission to”. The best thing you can do is live by example, send them to my website or buy them my CD!

Q- What can I do with all my papers?

A-This is a BIG question. I have several articles/blogs on this. In short it is best to try and stop as much paper as you can from coming into your house. For example get all your bills online. Put a “no junk mail” sticker on your mailbox. This will stop any mail that is not personally address to you or someone in your household. Register yourself with www.reddotcampaign.ca. Within 6 weeks you will no long get any “current occupant” junk mail. If I ever receive a piece of mail for “current occupant” I return to sender.

Q- What shall I do with my grown children’s baby clothes?

A- I know, you saved them because you thought your kids would want them for their kids. This did not happen for whatever reason. Save one or two of you most favorite items and donate the rest.

Q- I have year’s worth of canning jars. What should I do with them?

A- My first question back to that person would be “do you can?” if so, how many canning jars does a gal need? Keep what you need. Donate the rest. If you no longer can donate them ALL!

Q- I love books. What shall I do with all the ones I have read? I think I might re-read them one day.

A- Can you get books from the Library or download them? If it is a book that is not available then buy it with the intention of donating. Human nature is such that we think we will re-read our books. 90% of people do not re-read their books. (unless it is a text book or study manual) Pass your books on with love. Share them with family and friends. Get a Kindle.

Q- My children have toys everywhere in the house. What can I do?

A- It is very important to have “zones” for kids. Pick one “zone” in your home and have all the toys in that place. When you tell your children to go play they will know exactly where to go. If there are toys everywhere they will get confused and not know which zone to go play in.

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

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00February 6th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization, Time Management, Travel Organization|0 Comments

One bowl eating habit to weight loss By Rowena List Professional Organizer and Speaker

Many years ago I attended a fund raiser in Burnaby BC. It was to raise money for the people in our community that go to bed hungry,wake up hungry and/or go to school hungry. In this day and age I have yet to understand how this can still happen. We live in a country of abundance. So much that weight loss can happen just by eating with portion control. picture via Ben Seidelman

At the fund raiser we were all given a hand made pottery bowl. The idea was to go around the room and fill it with different food items to enjoy for our dinner. It was the perfect size bowl. Around the size of a soup bowl.

At the same time I heard about a fellow that ate every meal out of one bowl for a whole month. Weight loss was a side effect. His goal was to teach himself about portion size. In the mean time he lost some weight.

Check out the video for all the tips.

What do you think of this idea? Are you going to give it a try?

Do you think it will aid your weight loss?

Love to hear your opinion below. What is your best weight loss strategy?

If you like this video on weight loss, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends. And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list. You’ll get instant access to a free ebook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your home in 15 minutes or less.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00February 1st, 2012|Organizer, Self Care Organization|2 Comments

Healthy snacks for weight loss By Rowena List Professional Organizer and Speaker

A personal trainer once told me that I ate like a garbage can. Can you imagine ever saying that to anyone? My goal was weight loss. image Kevin Dooley t

He asked me to keep a food journal for 2 weeks. At the end of the 2 weeks he came to this conclusion.

My weight loss wouldn’t happen with these eating habits!

What he meant was that I snack on small amounts of food during the day. He wanted me to have 3 meals and 2 snacks to aid my weight loss.

This way of eating has actually helped me to maintain a better blood sugar level. I find I only need an afternoon snack as my protein shake holds me till lunch.

What one idea will you try right away on weight loss?

Please leave your comment below.

If you like this video, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends. And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list. You’ll get instant access to a free ebook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your home in 15 minutes or less.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00January 25th, 2012|Organizer, Self Care Organization|0 Comments

Global TV interview with Rowena List Professional Organizer and Speaker

One of my goals is to be on TV more. I love the idea of sharing organizing tips and produtivity ideas. It was so much fun and a real honour to be on “Global TV“.

Global TV is a Vancouver based newsroom.

They like to focus on news about town,events and showcasing local talent.

Check out the cool idea they asked me to share with their audiance. The response was very good.

I get my clients to do this.

Are you going to try this? Are you going to tell all your friends and family about this cool idea?

Let me know your response in the comment box below.

If you like this video on Global TV please click the “like” button and then share it with your friends.

Have you had your FREE 20 minute sesion yet? Why not grab a java and book your time now.
https://www.gettingittogether.ca

And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list. You’ll get instant access to a free ebook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your home in 15 minutes or less.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00January 24th, 2012|Home Organization, Media Appearances, Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization, Time Management, Travel Organization|0 Comments