One evening my son had decided to go through his closet and sort out all his clothes and his bedroom. When I came see how he was getting on, there was one big pile of clothes and shoes on the bedroom floor, he said he didn’t need this stuff anymore as he never wears it and he was proceeding to put everything into a black garbage bag and take it to the donation box at the mall.

I had a look through the stuff and told him he could take it to Plato’s Closet. I explained that they will buy the clothes from him and re-sell them. It is not a consignment where you may have to wait a few weeks to get your money. I went through the pile and selected what I thought they may be interested in. We dropped off the bag to the store they took what they felt they could sell and he got  $50,  he was thrilled and was able to  purchase some cool stuff that he will wear. We dropped off the unwanted stuff in the donation box located in the parking lot.

Another client had lots of outgrown baby and toddler clothes and gently used toys I advised her to take thme t oa  consignment store.There are also Consignment stores for babies and toddlers stuff  Once Upon a Child is a popular one and there are lots of online mom groups like Momstown where you can buy and sell your baby stuff like on Kijiji and  have the opportunity to meet other moms in your area.

There are lots of consignment stores around go on line and look under consignment sotores in your area, a new one just opened in Oakville called It’s a Steal furniture Consignment they are looking for inventory to sell.

Consignment is an easy way for you to make some money and reward yourself with something new for you or your new space. You are recycling and keeping your space organized and clutter free.

Green Tip: Stain Removal

Antiperspirant: Blot the spot with a cloth dampened with a solution of vinegar and baking soda. Wash in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric

Grass: Mix 1/3 cup Vinegar with 2/3 cup water apply to the stain and blot. Repeat the process as needed and was as usual

Grease: Pretreat the stain with a baking soda paste and also add some to the wash 1/2cup will do

Last week I had the pleasure of giving a talk about Organizing and Decluttering your home.

The event was held at Milton Community Resource Centre (MCRC) which is a Not–for-profit, multi-service organization that provides services to children and families of Milton and the surrounding communities http://www.mcrc.on.ca/

I was surprised at how many of the parents had the same three issues:

Toys (how and where to store them, and eliminate some )

Clothes (having way too many and lots of laundry)

Space (for extra storage in bedrooms and kitchens, basement and garage)

Another problem was their attachment to stuff and their reluctance to let it go. There was an excuse for a lot of my suggestions, and at times I was forced to ask the question: Why do you want to keep it all? If you didn’t feel there was a problem you wouldn’t be here telling me about it. I told them that acknowledging that you need help is the first major step, and that I was here to help , by motivating and encouraging them and give them lots of tips and ideas to help them SAVE their space.

I recently came up with an acronym that I that could use to implement the process of getting

Organized it is S.A.V.E ™ a simple process to getting started.

SELECT

Think of your home as a reflection of yourself. What does your home tell others about you?

Where there is clutter there is confusion, not only in the home but in your life.

Clutter is a temporary state for some. For others it’s a way of life.

Select an area that will have the most impact, start in a small space the Hallway, a Linen Closet the Pantry.

ASSIGN

Now that you have “Selected the Space” Pick a Date and a Time to get started.

Make an appointment with yourself, two hours is a good start. Enlisting the help of friends or the family makes it a fun project and have a reward at the end, (out for lunch, movies)

Be disciplined and keep the appointment!

VISUALIZE

When you have a Vision for a space or know what its function is going to be that is half the battle. Ask yourself questions, how did it get like this? What changes do I want to see? What is the Function for the space? Write down your Ideas so that you will stay focused on your goal

Discipline is required because organization is a process. It is not something you can do just once and be done, it has a domino effect and you will find yourself organizing other areas as there will be a need for a home for items that you know you will keep and use.

ELIMINATE

Toss it? Keep it? Donate it?

When was the last time it was used?

Does it have sentimental value?

Do I love it?

What would happen if I threw it away?

Could I get another one? If I keep it where should it go?

Asking yourself these questions and be honest and start Saving your Space

Courtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which strike deepest in the grateful and appreciating heart.  ~Henry Clay

Fathers Day was last sunday and it is a day that we celebrate our Fathers, Grandfathers and Stepfathers.On this day we show them how much we appreciate them and love them and give gifts to say Thank You for being Dad.It is our Testimonial to them and now they have another year to do better than the last!

It was a bittersweet Father’s Day for me as I lost my Dad in March, but I know he is still watching over me.

RIP. Dad

As a service provider I use Testimonials to promote my business, It shows my prospective clients that my past clients were happy with my service and would recommend me to others.

Last week a long time client of mine passed away, It saddened me and out of respect I didn’t do my  blogg.

The nicestest Testimonial was when the family invited me to the private family service, to me it showed their Gratitude and Appreciation for helping their Mother over the  years.

When clients appreciate my help and tell me that they would not have been able to do it on their own,and I feel the Gratitude, it is what keeps me wanting to do more and help others, it makes me more passionate about my work as a Professional Organizer.

Thank you to all of you who have given me a testimonial in the past,as  you have helped me to be recognized in a profession that I love and will continue to gain knowledge and experience to do provide a quality service.

RIP. Betty

On Monday of this week I had the pleasure of giving a talk
about being Organized and Decluttering your home. There were about 20 women and
one man there and each and every one of them had organizing and decluttering
issues that I did my best to address.

The event was held at R.O.C.K. (Reach out Centre for
Kids) ROCK promotes positive child development through programs and services
that strengthen the ability of families and the community to raise and nurture
children.

I was surprised at how many of the parents had the
same three issues, Toys (how to
store them) Clothes (having way too
many and lots of laundry) and Space
(for extra storage in bedrooms and kitchens)

One other thing I noticed was their attachment to stuff and their reluctance to let it go.
There was an excuse for a lot of my suggestions, and at times I was forced to
ask the question: Why do you want to keep it all? If you didn’t feel there was
a problem you wouldn’t be here telling me about it.

Having just finished reading Un-clutter your Home by Donna Smallin, I was going to bring what I
had learned and share with this group. It was 7 Simple Steps.
Step 1: Assess your situation; it is helpful to understand how and why clutter
happens and how to recognize how it is affecting the quality of your life.

Step 2: Plan for success: change your old habits you will create lasting
new one’s

Step 3: Lighten your Load; save space and time by letting go of things you don’t
love or need anymore.

Step 4: Contain yourself; Find a place for everything so you can put
everything in its place.

Step 5: Revamp clutter zones. Minimize clutter by organizing your home
and possessions to fit your lifestyle.

Step 6: Simplify with Systems: Organize and simplify your life with
systems that work for you.

Step 7: Ban clutter forever: Learn how to maintain your clutter free and
organized space.

Plannning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now  (Alan Lakein)

My Daughter Kiera, wrote this blog for me as she felt it was important for students to be prepared for Exams.

You wake up with butterflies in your stomach, your palms are sweaty, and you feel that you need

more time, just another day to prepare.

Yes, we have all been there, the day of your exams.

Each semester the entire student body gets worked up over their exams, and whether you have been
preparing for the past month or just started the night before we all feel as if
we don’t know what is needed for the exam.

That is why this Blog is dedicated to giving you, the knowledge of how to
prepare for your exams, and not get too stressed over them.

The first step to ensuring you do well is to study, but what is often hard is finding a
place to do so. Libraries are the best or you can even take your studying
outside where the fresh air will awaken your senses.

The next thing is to have neat study notes and to ensure that you have only the important stuff
try asking a teacher or a older student who has taken the class to see if
your missing anything.

What you mustn’t do is cram your studying !!!  take an hour or two to study each subject
over a period of time, and if you feel like your mind is wandering go for a walk, do
some jumping jacks, or even eat an orange or any other acidic fruit that will
liven up your senses.

Attitude is another major part of doing well on a test. We often say to ourselves that were
going to fail so what’s the point in trying; with this attitude you will fail.
Think positive and the outcome will be as well. If you have the determination
to get a great mark then you will.

Teachers are also another great resource. Believe it or not they actually do want to help you. Ask them
questions, ask for advice on how to do better and even them how they studied
and distressed because they have been through this before and they may have
picked up so different techniques that might work for you.
You have studied all week or even all month and it has finally come to the day
of your exam. So don’t increase your anxiety and stress levels by trying to
cram five months worth of learning into your brain in an hour because it will
probably have more of a negative effect on you. Take the time to distress, get
focused and to make sure that you have all you need to write your exam.

So I leave you with some pointers that will help you on your exam no matter what
subject:

• Read and reread all questionsbefore completing answers, trust me you don’t want to have forgotten somethingor done it the entire question wrond because you didn’t fully read the

  question.

• Never leave a question blank,if you don’t understand it then go back later, but make sure to fill it in withsomething.
• Eliminate all wrong answers,especially in multiple choice, there will always be one answer that has nothingto do with the question so do process of elimination.
• Ask teacher if you don’tunderstand question.
• If the short or long answer hasthree marks then make sure that your answer has three strong points.
• Practice writing out essays tolong answer questions you think might be on the test, having a mental roughdraft will really help.
• Last thing you can do is pray,it always helps to have God on your side. J

This coming Saturday May 28th is the best event of the Spring ,for me anyhow, as its Yard Sale for the Cure http://www.cbcf.org/en-US/Home/YardSale.aspx

and I have been helping people declutter and use this date as the way to get the stuff out of their homes

.Some are hosting their own sales and others are donating to bigger ones in the area.

Planning in advance is the best way to start., as you decide to organize an area in your home set aside items that you feel you could sell,

if you don’t have alot maybe get  friends and neighbours to donate stuff, the profits can be donated or used for a night out to celebrate your hard work.

The most importantthing to remember is to enjoy yourself and have fun!!!

This is my favorite time of year, it is a time of new beginnings, new life all
around. The tulips and their vibrant colors, fresh new leaves on the trees the
birds building nests, warm sunshine, fresh and clean air (no humidity!)

Thisweekend on my street it was like everyone came out of hibernation. The street
was buzzing with families out washing their cars, tending to their lawns,
others were cleaning their garages, the patio furniture was being hauled out
and set up others were having a garage sale and their neighbours were bringing
out stuff from their homes and donating them.

Springwas definitely in the air and the spring cleaning/organizing/de-cluttering bug
was in full action.

Forsome people, they just don’t know where to start, so they just don’t bother and
you notice the homes that are a little neglected.

Top Five ways to get started:

I. Write a TO-DO list

II. Choose a task from the list

III. Set a date  that you are going to do the task and let family members know

IV. Set  a time limit, and small goals
Reward yourself or the family for all the hard work and effort
Indoors: Organizing/Cleaning

Winter clothing e.g. coats, boots, hats, mitts, put them all away for
the season Change your wardrobe from Fall/Winter to Spring/Summer each family
member having their own storage area.

Bedrooms: open up the windows, wash the ledges where all the
condensation has been building up over winter and it has a black color, wipe
down doors and around light fixtures; dust off furniture, vacuum under the beds
and under furniture.

Kitchen: organize the pantry and cupboards clean out and
organize the fridge. Wipe all surfaces and exterior of cabinets wash the floors.

Bathroom: Organize the vanity, throw out dated products (eco
friendly way) sanitize around the toilet and wash out the shower and tub. Give
all the surfaces a good clean.
I have lots of great cleaning product recommendations. Eco friendly, Homemade and old favorites’ of mine.

Get in touch and I will share!

Outdoors

Organize the garden shed, taking out the
summer stuff and putting away the winter. Check the lawnmowers; ensure they are
in working order.

Patio furniture: Check that it is clean and in good repair

Garden: Rake off all the dead grass and put on fertilizer, prune plants, weed
flowerbeds, sweep off the driveway of salt and gravel.

Garage: This area is probably the most cluttered of ant
household and therefore it may require a full day. My mother always said “A
little goes a long way” so if you make a start, by deciding that you will work
on an area and maybe remove all the stuff you don’t or won’t use and get rid of
it. Wait until the “large item garbage pickup” some areas its monthly others it’s
twice a year.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication

Leonardo DaVinci

CLOSET AFTER CLOSET BEFORE
I decided that it was time to do it, as it bothered me every
time I went to find anything. I took everything out of my closest, went through
it all asking myself these questions, when have I worn it last? Am I ever going
to wear it again? How many of the same items do I already have? Does it even
suite me? Was it an impulse buy? And then there were just some things that were
just had to go, as they were old and worn. While deciding this I had three piles:
1. Keep, 2. Donate, 3. Consignment. Most things being in the donate pile.

Next, I had to put it all back in the closet in some kind of
order. I decided to categorize, i.e. short sleeve tops, dress tops, jackets,
pants, skirts, etc. I categorized my jeans into work, dressy, and casual. I
bought a hanging organizer for my sweaters. Some shoes had to go. Finally I sorted
through all my scarves and bought a special hanger for them so I can find a
scarf to match an outfit when needed.

Sometimes when we go through our closets’ and find that we
have a lot of the same items, maybe colour pattern or design. This tells us
what our personal style is, and what we feel comfortable wearing. When we go
shopping, we sometimes get carried away with all the different styles and
colours so we impulse shop. When you go shopping know what you want, know your
style, try to buy more classic pieces and mix and match.

It took me forever to get round to doing it but I am so glad
I did, now I have to go through all my Spring and Summer stuff and sort them
the same way and change over my closet. I love doing this as I feel  like I have been shopping and have a whole new
wardrobe.

Easter is upon us and for me it brings back lots of happy memories of being with family and all our traditions. In Ireland we didn’t have the Easter Bunny we had the Christian tradition of Lent, where we fasted from all sweets and cookies, it was hard but the reward was a big Easter egg on Easter Sunday. I have continued these traditions in my family and added the Easter bunny and the Easter egg hunt and other Canadian traditions. This year as my kids are older I am going to start new traditions and different gifts instead of the Easter egg.
Our past experiences, traditions and memories define us and as we go through life we will create new ones and pass them on to the next generation. Some people are really good at preserving their traditions and memories, by scrapbooks, photos recording the events. They are catalogued and dated and shared with family and passed n from generation to generation.
There are also those who, love to hold on to everything that has sentimental value, and it becomes clutter as it is not organized and it just builds up.
As an Organizer I love to help people sort through it all and show them ways to store, personalize and share their traditions and memories.
I love Memory Boxes as you can put personal items in there and it is nice to go through it all with other family members or just on your own and reflect.
Shadow boxes are another great way to showcase your achievements, and now with computer technology you can create beautiful albums for all your photos
There are so many ways to personalize and preserve your traditions and memories all it takes is a little imagination and organization. Happy Easter