Almost all of us have thought to ourselves, or even mentioned it to other people how "one day, I'll get this house organized".  We have good intentions but our every day lives are so full of activity that getting organized is certainly not a priority.  It might take longer to find things and sure, it is a pain every time we open the coat closet and the kid's sports equipment falls on our heads, but you deal with it.  But what if something unexpectedly occured, either to you physically or to the dynamic of your household that became even more burdensome due to lack of organization?

 

My 75 year old mother is pretty healthy for her age, however, she recently underwent hip replacement surgery.  She is also a fairly well-organized person.  She lives alone and when she returned to her home following her Therapy Rehab, she found getting around and doing for herself was very challenging if not impossible in some areas.   She had to use a walker and could not reach things or lift anything heavier than a coffee cup.  I had spent some time in her house adding a few safety measures while she was in Therapy and really got to thinking about how much harder it would be for her (especially living alone) if she had crazy piles of things around or if her kitchen had not been organized so she could find things and reach them herself.  I also took care of some financial tasks for her while she was in the hospital.  She only had to tell me once where the things I needed were because she had them organized ahead of time.   

 

We live in an unpredictable world.  Anything could happen at any time and think about how much easier it would be to deal if we were organized.  If we could find that emergency kit (assuming we even had one) in an instant, or if all our vital records were together and up to date for the insurance filing, then that is one less thing...one less obstacle to getting things back to normal.   Being organized isn't just a nice "bonus" to your life.  It can mean the difference between chaos or peace of mind in the face of the unexpected. 

 

Make getting organized a priority.  Get some help if you feel like you need some guidance.  We all deserve peace of mind.

 

 

Grocery Inventory

 

If you’re like me, you have been walking out of the grocery store with the same amount of groceries as usual, but with waaay fewer dollars in your wallet than in the past.  The increase in cost of everyday foods (you can forget about buying the occasional gourmet item nowadays!) is outrageous.  So, how can we help ease the strain on our budget?

 

Why not start shopping in your pantry and your fridge and freezer first?  Sound crazy?   I used to be the type who would plan menus for the week (or even month) and then shop for the ingredients needed.  Sometimes some of those planned meals wouldn’t come to fruition so I would be left with odd ingredients in the pantry or fridge or freezer.  Often those items would go to waste.  Solution?

 

Take about an hour (I know, I know, where are you gonna find an hour….) with a clipboard, some paper and a good pen.  Start with the refrigerator.  Write Refrigerator at the top of the paper and underline it.   Then list all the items you find (yes, you can take this time to toss that really old crusty lid salsa jar in the trash and any other outdated items you find).  You don’t have to worry about categorizing anything at this stage as that will come later.  Then, move on to the freezer compartment.  Do the same thing.  If you have an additional freezer, move on to that.  Then, go warm up (it gets cold standing in front of the freezer!) and inventory the pantry in the same way.   If you have more than an hour, (maybe dedicate a nice rainy afternoon to the task…and get the kids in on the action!) you might even want to physically remove everything from the pantry so you can “gasp”, ORGANIZE it by putting like with like items (you know...all the canned stuff together, all the condiments, all the Hamburger Helpers…and if you are REALLY like me, you might find that stash of dark chocolate you hid away from the kids and then forgot about! J).  

 

Once you have your initial written list completed, open up your Excel program (or any data entry software you use) and create a spreadsheet.  You can format it any way you like, but I start at the top left with “Grocery Inventory” and the current date.   I begin with REFRIGERATOR.  Then I create my sub-categories Dairy, Condiments, Meats, etc.  If you find you have one or several items that don’t seem to fit any one category it is perfectly fine to make a Miscellaneous category…just don’t get lazy and put too much in that one instead of taking time to create the proper sub-categories!  I format my spreadsheet to be printed in landscape as it seems to be easier to read that way.   When you get all your inventoried items entered for the refrigerator, continue in the same way for the FRIDGE FREEZER, your CHEST FREEZER (if applicable) and then the PANTRY.  When you are completely finished, be sure to save your document and then print.   It is fine if it is more than one page, mine is usually three!

 

Now, take the Inventory to the kitchen and find a nice home for it on the fridge door secured by magnets.  You will now use this inventory to either A) plan your meals for the week, and create an “additional needed grocery list” to complete the meals on the menu  or B) have fun, get creative and on a daily basis, figure out what you can make with the inventoried ingredients you already have. 

 

When you use an item on the inventory, simply mark it off immediately.  If an item from the Chest Freezer is now a partial package and it will be stored in the Fridge Freezer compartment, cross it off of the Chest Freezer category and hand write it on the Fridge Freezer area of the inventory.  When you shop for groceries, add the new items to the printed inventory.  If your grocery store provides itemized and categorized receipts, then you can just look at the receipt to find the new items instead of having to list all the new stuff as you are putting it away. 

 

Since the original inventory document has been saved on your computer, it is easy enough to take the old list down from the fridge and update the inventory and print a nice new fresh copy about once a week or so.  Be sure to change the date at the top of the document before you print the new updated copy.

 

This project might seem a bit daunting at first but once it is all set up it will be beneficial to your time and your budget.   You might find that it is actually fun and you have a flair for using ingredients in ways you normally wouldn’t have thought!

 

Here is a guide to how long food can stay in the fridge:  

http://www.pastrywiz.com/storage/refridgerated.htm 

 

This one offers a guide to keeping staples on hand:

http://preparedness.families.com/blog/a-prepared-pantry-my-kitchen-staples 

 

Can’t sell your “too small” house because of the current market conditions?  You’re not alone.  According to data released by The National Association of Realtors, existing home sales are down 15.5% from a year ago and it doesn’t look like things are going to get any better anytime soon folks. 

 

So, what’s a family to do?  Maybe you actually like the house you are currently in and really don’t want to leave the neighborhood anyway?  What if I told you that you could stay in your existing home and make it “larger” without extensive, costly major remodeling?   Well, it is possible. 

 

Let’s take a look at some of your problem rooms.

Kitchen:   

 

Problem:  Is your countertop space so cluttered with small appliances and cutting boards, knife racks and things that aren’t even kitchen related?  Perhaps you are constantly purchasing food preparation utensils after forgetting that you already own one of that same type because it is lost in a drawer of jumbled utensils?

 

Solution:  By systematically going through the drawers and cabinets you can discover what you currently own and use and pare down what you don’t use.  If you had forgotten you even had the item, the chances are pretty good that you don’t NEED it!   

 

Problem:  Is it difficult for more than one person at a time in the kitchen preparing a meal because there is no room to maneuver around each other?

 

Solution:   A simple re-evaluation of the placement of the items in drawers and cabinets as well as the countertop appliances to create actual designated work spaces would greatly improve the flow and make the kitchen appear much larger and functional than it currently appears.

 

Living Room-Great Room-Family Room:

 

Problem:  Is your furniture placed around the perimeter of the room, leaving large, empty, non-functional spaces in the middle? 

 

Solution:  If you could re-group your furniture to divide up the room, giving each area or “zone” a specific purpose, it would greatly improve the functionality (and aesthetics) of the room.   Also, if you are going to replace furniture, think about it being “multi-purpose” furniture.   A great coffee table could also function as a CD/DVD or magazine storage if it was trunk-like or if it had a way to place beautiful storage boxes underneath.   Choose a sofa bed for the infrequent guests, freeing up the “guest” bedroom to be used for other purposes such as a craft room, exercise room or office space. 

 

Garage:

 

Problem:  No room for one car let alone two?  Is the perimeter of the garage lined with boxes and sports equipment and you need to dig through everything just to find the ice scraper? 

 

Solution:  Again, “zone” out the space.  By dividing up the space and assigning each area a purpose (and labeling everything!) you will consistently know where to find an item (and where to put it BACK!).   Also, think UP.  Cities build skyscrapers for a reason.  Within a crowded city there is only one way to grow and that is UP.  Use the ENTIRE height of your garage walls for storage solutions, not just halfway up. 

 

There are many, many ways to find extra living space in a home.  Sometimes it just takes a different perspective to see the possibilities.   Hiring a Professional Organizer might be a way to get that different perspective and realize that your home fits your needs after all! 

 

From the National Association of Professional Organizers:

How to Hire a Professional Organizer

After many years of unrealized New Year's resolutions and failed attempts to get organized on your own, you have finally decided to take the plunge and hire a professional organizer. And why shouldn't you? People hire personal trainers, life coaches, and image consultants to help them achieve their goals, so is there something wrong with you if you need professional help to get organized? Absolutely not.
You know you will benefit greatly from getting the help you need, yet the process of finding the "right one" might seem confusing and overwhelming. Relax. Finding a professional organizer is no different than hiring any other service professional. You need to know what services you are looking for and hire the person you feel most comfortable working with. You need to ask the right questions to make sure that there is a good fit. The "right choice" for you will be a professional organizer who has the expertise, skill set, and personality that best suit you to help you achieve your goals.

What kind of professional organizing services are you looking for?

Some professional organizers offer a wide range of services, while others limit their practices to a specialized niche. Some organizers prefer to work with corporate rather than residential clients; some specialize in creating custom filing or closet systems; others may specialize in preparing for moves or organizing collections and memorabilia. There are even professional organizers who specialize in working with clients who are chronically disorganized or have been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD). Once you determine the type of organizing services you are looking for, you are ready to begin your search.

How do you interview professional organizers and decide who is right?

You should speak to several professional organizers before choosing one to work with. This can easily be done by telephone or e-mail and will save both you and the organizer much time. If you prefer to meet the organizer in person before making a decision, some organizers offer free consultations, while others charge for them and credit that fee if they are hired. Others will charge one fee for a client assessment and another fee for service.

What questions should you be asking?

One of the first questions you should ask is whether the organizer is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). Of course, NAPO membership does not guarantee the quality of the professional organizer's work, but it does demonstrate a commitment to continuing education and an industry code of ethics. Other professional associations directly related to the organizing industry include Professional Organizers in Canada (POC) and the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD).

Other questions to ask are as follows: What services do you provide? What are your areas of specialization? How long have you been a professional organizer? What can I expect from you? How long is a typical work session? Who will I be working with? How do you charge for your services? Do you have a contract? Do you have references? Is the work of your company guaranteed?

Your relationship with a professional organizer will be a very personal one. An experienced professional organizer will ask a lot of questions about you, your work style, what you are looking for, and the issues you believe have thwarted your best attempts to get organized in the past. They are not being nosy. They want to get to know you, understand your objectives, and determine whether there is a good fit between your personalities and philosophies. Don't be shy. It is in your best interest to be as open as you can and clear about the results you want to achieve.  

What are the fees that you should expect to pay?

As with most professions, fees vary widely based on experience, geographic location, and competition. Many professional organizers charge by the hour, while others prefer value-based pricing and charge by the project. Some will give you options. You will need to establish a budget in your own mind and decide what feels most comfortable to you. The most important thing to note is to avoid choosing a professional organizer strictly by price. Finding an organizer with a skill set that matches your needs and a personality you "click" with is what will provide you with the best value and deliver the results you expect in the shortest amount of time.

Your decision is not irreversible. Professional organizers should be nonjudgmental, encouraging, and supportive. They should be good listeners and recommend a variety of suggestions, alternatives, and solutions to create the system that will work best for you. If you begin working with a professional organizer and decide that you are not comfortable with his or her particular methodology or style, you are rarely under obligation to continue the relationship after the initial visit. Be sure to let the organizer know how you feel, and more than likely, he or she will be happy to recommend a colleague who is better suited to work with you.

If you have been imagining a clutter-free home or office and a desk that you can actually see and use, don't put it off any longer! By following these simple steps, you can competently and confidently hire a professional organizer and get the help you need. You will be amazed how quickly your dreams of living and working in a functional and clutter-free environment will become your new reality.

 

It is 7:10 a.m.  My beautiful teenaged daughter is flying down the stairs, again.  Shoes in hand, jacket dragging on floor, no time for goodbye.   The school bus arrives simultaneously and she misses it, having to run down the street to catch it at the next stop.  This happens nearly EVERY single school morning.

I go upstairs to turn off the television and the lights in her bedroom, tripping over the wet towels on the floor.   I enter her bathroom to switch off the flat iron and re-cap the various cosmetic items on the counter.   I pull back the tub’s shower curtain to grab the wash clothes and encounter a strange item.  I pick it up.  It is a glue stick.  Why there is a glue stick in her tub I don’t know and realize I probably really don’t want to know.

I get a text message from her.  It states in all caps that she simply must have the report she left on her desk because it is due today!  I get another text right after that.  Her lunch account is at zero balance and she didn’t have time to make any lunch before she left.  I enter her room again to retrieve the report but don’t see it.  I do see however, an invitation to a party from last year, the back to a cell phone that has long since been dead and buried and a room key card to the Orlando hotel we visited 5 years ago.   I text her back to ask where she might have left the report.   Her return text states that it might be in the printer.  I remove the banana peel, the various bits of change and a swimsuit (it is February 1^st and it is 29 degrees outside, why is a swimsuit out?) from the top of the printer.  I open the paper compartment and there is the report…all crunched up with what appears to be a jolly rancher stuck to it.  I understand now why the printer often jams up.   I decide to re-print the report for her.  I search her word documents to try to find it.  I can’t locate it.  I text her again to ask.  She texts back that she accidently deleted it but that she sent it as an attachment to my computer so she could print it out because her computer was almost out of ink.  I go to check my email.  It isn’t there.  I go back to her email to see if she indeed sent the email.  The email message and the attached report are in her outgoing box.  It had not been sent.  I send the email to my computer so that I can print the report on my printer.  I notice her email inbox.  There are a lot of emails.  Some are unread.  Others had been read many, many months ago.  There are 3200 emails in her inbox.  There are 5800 in her junk email box.   

After I print the report, I drive to her school to drop it off along with a check for her lunch account.  She meets me in the office and asks if I could TIVO Ellen for her because she forgot to do it.  Back home, I walk upstairs to her room.  I cannot locate the TIVO remote.  I finally find it at the end of her bed underneath the top sheet.   I turn on the TIVO and locate the listing for Ellen.  I record Ellen and then look at all the shows she has on the TIVO.  There are shows that go back a year that have been watched but not deleted.   There are literally hundreds of shows on that box.   I turn off the television and walk out of her room, closing the door behind me and shaking my head. 

This wonderful, creative, beautiful, talented and soooo right-brained girl came out of me.  I carried her for 9 months.  One would think that would have been sufficient time for her to have absorbed at least ONE organized gene from me.   I gladly accept that she is disorganized though because it is part of who she is and I wouldn’t want to change one bit of her.   But I am getting her a copy of Organizing from the Inside Out for Teens by Julie and Jessi Morgenstern.    Where it will end up though is anyone’s guess.