Self Care Organization Archives - Page 4 of 5

Weight Loss and Organization by Rowena List Professional organizer and Speaker

Weight loss tips and suggestions are everywhere we turn. Eat ten fruits and vegetables a day, drink ten glasses of water, exercise. We have heard it all. One thing we never seem to read about or hear about is how being organized fits into this picture. The more organized we are the more time we have to prepare all these salads,get to the gym and have a clear mind so we remember to drink water.

Check out this short video to learn more about organization and weight loss.

What is one idea you will put in place right away to help with weight loss?

Please leave your comments below but not before you have a BIG glass of water!

If you like this video on organization and 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|2020-06-07T20:52:48+00:00April 24th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Self Care Organization|0 Comments

Getting Your Socks Organized and Together

Do you have a basket of unmatched, single socks?

Do you wonder where those single socks get to?

Would you like to never again have an odd sock drawer?

Do you dream of having socks organized and together?

As a professional organizer I support people with hands on organizing. Every home I work in has a box, drawer or basket of unmatched socks. Why is that? How does this happen the world over? Where are all those lost socks?

Once a week for well over 15 years I hear an “unblemished record” coming from the living room. This triumph happens without fail. This claim to fame comes from my partner who is responsible for doing the laundry. His unblemished record is that we have never had a pair of socks that don’t match up and we have never “lost” a sock. No spare socks, no missing socks just paired up socks.

Mark is not a professional organizer we just have a system which I will share with you right now.

The 5-step system for saying goodbye to a pile of unmatched socks:

Step #1: Limit the number of socks you own. Ask yourself how many pairs of socks do you or your family members need? How many do you wear? Toss the ones with holes. Give away the ones you do not like or wear. Match up all remainder.

Step #2: In the future buy several pairs of the same socks. For example 6 pairs of white socks and 6 pairs of black.

Step #3: Pin each pair of socks together before washing them or make sure you put a matched pair in the washer. You might think all the socks are in the laundry hamper however some socks do not even make it to the hamper. One could be hiding under the bed or in a sports bag.

Step #4: When you are folding your dry clothes check the corners of fitted sheets. This is the best hiding spot for single socks (that is if you did not pin your socks together). Another great hiding spot is down the outside of the washer or dryer.

Step #5: Every so often go through your odd sock box, drawer or basket and match up any pairs. Toss the rest or use them as a hand held dust cloth.

Are you feeling a bit lost on where to start or need to get your whole bedroom organized (not just the socks)? With spring here, now is the perfect time. If you live in the Vancouver area, contact me today for a 30-minute complimentary no-obligation phone consultation.

During this consultation we will discuss your biggest organizing challenge, what is frustrating you most, and changes you can make to ensure you can enjoy the upcoming summer months with ease, and of course have plenty of time and energy to enjoy them! Then we will discuss organizing packages and pricing. If we are good fit for one another, we can schedule your first personalized in-home organizing session.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00April 16th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization|0 Comments

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

Help a Friend & Help Yourself (to Cash)!

Would you like to earn some extra cash?

Who do you know who is always late?

Would you like to help a friend?

Who do you know who is always looking for their car keys, cell phone or any other misplaced items

Who do you know who is always complaining about being stressed,wanting more time or has no money?

Who do you know who needs to downsize?

Please send them my way!

It’s a great way to help a friend!

It is as simple as one, two, three.

ONE: Think about who you know that would benefit from my hands on organizing services, or from my by-the-minute phone coaching services.

TWO: Fill in the form below with your referrals contact information. I will contact your friend and offer them a FREE 15 minute phone consultation. In the FREE phone consultation we will discuss their organizing and productivity needs.

Your referrals will be given a top secret organizing tip that they can use right away. And of course, they are under NO obligation to hire me. However, if they do decide to move forward with clearing their clutter and increasing their productivity, you will get paid!

THREE: Receive CASH! That’s right. You will receive 10% of your referral’s total invoice back in the form of CASH.

It’s a WIN-WIN. You will be doing your friend a huge favor by giving them a FREE 15-minute session with me, and if they decide to purchase any of my services, you will earn some cash!

Fill in the form below now. This could be the best gift you ever give your family and friends.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00March 29th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization|0 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