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Wednesday, November 20 2013
READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

Now that Halloween has come and gone, we are gearing up for the official holiday season which begins next Thursday with Thanksgiving (and Chanukah).  After Thanksgiving, we only have twenty-seven (yes, 27) days until Christmas.

Are you ready for the holidays?

This time of year I get so many inquiries about how to transition from Halloween to Thanksgiving to Christmas in an organized way.

Recently, I was asked how to combine Fall clean up with holiday prep.  

The answer is all of these questions is to create a plan.  As with any other type of organizing project, you need to start at the beginning and systematically work through the process.

Here are some ideas:

1.  Create a holiday notebook.  You can use a paper version (such as a binder), an app on your Smart Phone, a bulletin board or any other method that works best for you.  Do the "brain dump" and jot down all of your thoughts about the things you need to do to get the job done.  This will take the "remembering" out of "remembering" and immediately reduce your stress by providing you with a sense of control and a plan.

2. Divide and conquer.  Take your list and create various categories with deadlines.  What type of things do you need to accomplish?  When do you need to get them accomplished by?  Here are some suggestions:  

Cleaning the Home, Decorating the Home (inside and out), Sending Out Holiday Cards, Gift Giving Ideas, Gifts Purchased, Supplies For Wrapping Presents, Preparing A Menu, Guest Lists for Holiday Parties, Budget/Expenses, etc.

3. Create a holiday calendar.  Devote a calendar to holiday activities and tasks.  Indicate the deadlines you have established for getting things done.  Assign a different color to each member of the family so that nothing is missed.  This can include chores for the kids to accomplish and invitations for parties.  Don't forget to include gift giving to teachers, the mailman and other service providers in your life.  What good is purchasing a gift for them if you forget to give it to them?

4. Choose a select few.  You cannot accomplish everything at one time.  Do yourself a favor and prioritize what needs to be done sooner as opposed to later.  Select a few items at a time and focus just on them before moving onto something else.  Obviously, it makes sense to clean the home before you decorate it, so don't worry about decorating until the home is clean.  Each day that you do this, you will be able to check things off your "To Do" list and move forward.  

5.  Work with a deadline in mind.  Even though you want to start at the beginning of a project, it is best to be aware of your deadline so you can plan backwards.  What I mean by that is, for example, if you are having a holiday party at your home on December 21st, you want to make sure that your To Do list for that project is completed by that date.  Determining how long something will take will enable you to provide sufficient time to get it done and, therefore, everything will be done on time. 

6.  Ask for assistance.  Are you getting bogged down with the details and don't know where to begin?  As a professional organizer, I can help you to create some time management tools you can use to supplement these suggestions so that you can enjoy the holidays with less stress.  (Feel free to contact me.) 

In the coming weeks, I will be providing more tips on how to get and stay organized through the holiday season.

In the meantime, I am sending you best wishes for a happy and ORGANIZED Thanksgiving holiday.

     

 

Posted by: Audrey Cupo AT 12:03 pm   |  Permalink   |  5 Comments  |  Email
Friday, November 08 2013

I have found over the many years of being a professional organizer, that some people are not sure if they are in need of help from a professional organizer. 

Is it possible that you are not sure either?  If so, you should consider these questions:  

 

Do you need help creating an area in you home that could function more efficiently?

You might need some space planning ideas.

Do you have a room that you avoid entering in your home because of the clutter?

You might need a place to start and in need of direction.

Do you and your family have difficulty getting out the door in the morning?

You might need some time management training.

Do you feel like you have too much paper and it's all over the house? 

You might need a customized paper management system created to meet your specific need.

Are you having trouble locating information in your home office?

You might need a better filing system installed.

Are you so deep in “stuff” that you can’t find any room to store more?

You might need to find a new balance in your home for the things you are keeping. 

Are you paying more in storage fees than the items are worth?

You might want to consider downsizing. 

Are you simply overwhelmed and do not know where to start?

You might need a plan in order to move forward and get "unstuck".

 

If you answered “yes” to even one of these questions, you may need to hire a Professional Organizer.

 

I would love to see you maximize the potential of your living space and make sure you are using it, not wasting it. 

I am here to help you in all aspects of organizing when it comes to your home and your time management.  Simply contact me and we can talk about your specific needs.

In the meantime, I wish you an organized day!

Posted by: Audrey Cupo AT 08:10 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Friday, November 01 2013

Most of us have a desire to maintain organization in our homes.  We strive to keep our homes de-cluttered and organized on a regular basis.  Sometimes that is easier said than done.

Life gets busy.  Items enter the home and don't get put where they belong.  So, how, you ask, can I keep clutter in my home under control.  The answer is having habits and routines that you follow consistently.  Here are a few:

1.  Make it easy.  Complex routines that require more than three steps can be difficult to maintain.  Create simple routines that are easy for you to manage.  Be sure the system works for your current lifestyle.  Sometimes it takes some trial and error to find the right solution.  Some examples are to get up 30 minutes earlier to allow time to get things done; keep a donation box inside your closet, sort your mail on a daily basis.   These are easy but productive ways to stay uncluttered.

2.  Do it regularly.  To maintain a clutter-free environment in your home, it requires an ongoing process.  This is not "one and done".  Add some time to your calendar on a regular basis for a specific amount of time (for example 30 minutes a day and 60 minutes on the weekend) to go through your home and put things away.

3.  Do what's right for you.  Be sure to incorporate the right strategies and tools that work for you.  Don't do something just because it's popular.  Use techniques that suit your personality.  For example, you can use a notebook or perhaps a digital option to remind you to get things done.  There is no right or wrong solution.  The best solution is the one that works best for you! 

4.  Put it away not down.  It is best to touch something once instead of over and over again.  Put things away the first time instead of just laying them down.  This will avoid you having to take additional time to put it away later.  This will avoid clutter piling up and you will always know where to find something without having to search for it.  

5.  A place for everything and everything in it's place.  I grew up hearing my grandmother saying this all the time.  Be sure to have a home for everything.  It is much easier to put things away when you have a place to store them. Put items where you tend to use them. 

6.  Be selective when making purchases.  I always teach my client to purchase with intent.  Purchases made without much thought have a greater chance of not being used.  Attempt to plan out your purchases before you go to the store or order on line.  (This applies to groceries, clothing, toys, etc.)  Think about where you are going to put the item when you get home. (Other than the kitchen table.)  If you are purchasing a piece of art work for your walls, do you have room on a wall to hang it?  Do you already have 8 pair of black pants?  Chances are you don't need another pair.  The fewer things you have, the less you have to maintain and store!

These habits can sometimes be overwhelming until you can find balance in your home.  If you are having some difficulty with this aspect of organizing, contact me at audreycupo@4abetterspace.com.  I am here to help.  

Until next time, happy organizing!    

Posted by: Audrey Cupo AT 08:15 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Tuesday, October 22 2013

Is your house haunted by clutter?  Is there clutter in your basement, attic or garage?  Is it hiding in a closet, under your kitchen sink or under your bed?  Is it lurking in your filing cabinet or desk drawer?  Are you afraid to tackle your clutter?  

When you can close a door or drawer to hide whatever is inside, it's easy to ignore it.  Even though these areas might not be a distraction to you on a daily basis, it does create stress and anxiety each time you access that area or whenever you think about these spaces.  That's a scary thought!  

Unlike clutter that is in plain sight, clutter that is hidden away can lead to bug or rodent infestation, increased levels of dust and dirt and prevent you from discovering leaks, cracks or other major structural issues.  The inability to view your home's hidden spaces can cost you a lot over the long term - both financially and emotionally.

Flat surfaces are an ideal location to bring those hidden items out into the light of day.  Anything from a dining room table to a driveway works well.  This will enable you to determine what can be thrown away, recycled or donated to charity.  The rest can be returned to its original location if it still makes sense for them to be there.  However, before doing so, take a few minutes to clean the area of dirt and perhaps cobwebs, and note any repairs that need to be made.  

If the contents are being stored in a small dark area, consider installing a battery operated light.  (I installed a push button light in a lower cabinet in my kitchen next to my stove where the access is not in the center of the cabinet to provide better lighting.)  

The basement, attic, garage, closet and other enclosed areas are NOT dumping grounds for your possessions.  Be sure to replace cardboard boxes with plastic containers to avoid bugs, rodents and perhaps water if it leaks into the space.  Be sure to label the containers clearly so you will know what they contain without having to open them. 

Ultimately, the less you have stored away, the better.  This will prevent your home from being haunted by clutter this Halloween!

If you want more information on how you can get help to eliminate your clutter that is haunting your home, contact me.  I am glad to help.   

 

 

Posted by: Audrey Cupo AT 01:58 pm   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, October 14 2013

The holidays will be here before you know it and you will be shopping in the malls and in the local stores.  Now is a great time to organize your wallet so that using it will be easier. 

You probably use your wallet on a regular basis.  (I know I do!)  When was the last time you cleaned it out?  Are you able to find what you need when you need it?  How long does it take you to find that credit card you want to use or a store reward/loyalty card?  Is your wallet bursting at the seams with receipts and information?  Do you need to hold it together with a rubber band?  (Yes, I've seen this!)

 

Here are five simple steps to organize your wallet:

 

1.  Purge your receipts.  I recommend that you do this daily to keep it all under control.  Log the debit expenses into your checking account ledger and put your credit card receipts in an envelope until the bill arrives.  Hold cash receipts for no more than 30 days following a purchase in case you need to return something. 

 

2.  Use digital coupons.  If you carry store loyalty cards or paper coupons in your wallet, they could be taking up too much space in your wallet.  Try using digital coupons or a smart phone app instead.  Try Passbook for iPhone.  They attach your phone and loyalty number so you don't need those cards anymore.  (This might free up your keychain as well!)

 

3.  Determine your "Must Haves".   Everyone has difference needs and routines.  There is not one way to organize your wallet.  Whatever works best for you is the right way.  However, that does not mean it should be stuffed or stretched beyond its limit.  Take a few moments to figure out what you really need to have in your wallet on a regular basis.  Consider how many credit cards you need to carry with you at all times.  Do not carry your social security card in your wallet!  For me, I keep it simple:  debit card, major credit card, wholesale store membership card, drivers license, health insurance card, AAA membership card, some business cards, and a small amount of cash.  The rest of my credit cards are kept in a separate wallet that I use when I am going shopping at a particular store.  (I plan ahead for any excursions to the store.)  

4.  Decide whether your current wallet fits your needs.  There are many types of wallets to choose from.  Find one that comfortably fits what you need.  Sometimes a wallet can be too big for your needs and you can downsize.  Sometimes you need a longer one to fit your contents.  (Remember to make a copy of your credit cards and keep them in a safe place in case your wallet gets stolen.)

 

5.  Have a spot for emergency money.  Keep a small sum of money in case of emergency in your wallet.  Sometimes you find that a store only takes cash (my local produce store is a good example) or you find that your credit card is not working.  Fold up some cash and keep it separate for use in an emergency only. 

 

What do you have in your wallet that can be removed?  

 

If you find that you are overwhelmed with your clutter and need help getting and staying organized, contact me.  I am here to help!

 

In the meantime, Happy Organizing!  

 

 

 

Posted by: Audrey Cupo AT 03:33 pm   |  Permalink   |  2 Comments  |  Email
Wednesday, October 02 2013

Are you struggling with debt?  Are you fed up and ready to do something about it?  Is your debt weighing you down?  Perhaps its time to go on a debt diet.

If you are seriously ready to gain control of your finances, I have some ways to help.

1.  Figure out your total debt.  Do you have any idea how much you owe?  Do you know what the current interest rate is on each of your credit cards?  Are you able to figure out how long it is going to take you to pay off your debt?  Collect all of your monthly statements and make a list.  When you have a clear picture of your financial obligations, you will be able to make better decisions about how to manage it.

2.  Stop spending.  You need to start by figuring out where the money is coming in from and then where it is going.  Most people discover that they are spending more than they are making.  Figure out what things you could easily do without and stop spending money on them. 

3.  Prioritize your debt.  There is a difference between secured and unsecured debt.  Secured debt has an underlying asset, such as your home or car that can be repossessed if you don't make payments.  Unsecured debt does not have assets backing them up.  The worst that can happen is that your credit score drops.  Make sure to pay on the secured debt first.  Be sure to pay your taxes to keep Uncle Sam happy.  Then, pay those credit cards with a focus on those with the highest interest rates.  Try to pay more than the minimal balance.   

4.  Repay your debt.   First you want to reduce your interest rates.  Start by learning your credit score by getting a copy of your credit report.  You are entitled to a free report once a year from the various reporting agencies.  What is your FICO score?  If it is not above 720 (a perfect score is 850), work to raise it by paying all of your bills on time and not applying for any new cards.  Every time your apply for a new credit card, your FICO score goes down.  Every time you make a late payment your FICO score goes down.  Every time you cancel a credit card, your FICO score goes down.  Take steps to avoid doing these.  With a higher score you can contact a Customer Service supervisor and attempt to get a better rate.  You could refinance a car loan for a lower rate.  Consolidate student loans, refinance your mortgage. Then, put as much money as you can toward paying off those bills. 

4.  Create a monthly plan.  Attempt to spend no more than 35% on housing expenses (including taxes, insurance, upkeep and your mortgage).  Attempt to spend no more than 15% on transportation (including gas, insurance, car payments).  Put 10% of your income away for savings.  Put 15% towards repayment of debt including credit cards and 25% on other aspects of your life. 

5.  Earn more money and make hard choices.  Ask for a raise.  Sell some valuable items.  If you are unable to do so, you might need to sell your car or look for a less expensive place to live. 

Do you need to go on a debt diet?  You might want to start with my U CAN DO IT BUDGETING SYSTEM.  It is an easy 6-step process to figure out what is coming in, what is going out and where it is going.  Simply visit my ABS Store right here on my website.  You can download it immediately and begin your debt diet today!

In the meantime, happy organizing! 

 

     

Posted by: Audrey Cupo AT 04:30 pm   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Thursday, September 05 2013

As the Summer ends and Fall begin, this is a time of transition and renewal.  It's also time to evaluate where we are in our lives and what we have. 

We can all agree that having multiples of certain items in your home (for example, toilet paper) or in your office (pens) are helpful and make sense to have.  Since we use these items often, we need to be sure that we can store them in a way that makes it easy to access them. 

However, sometimes, multiple items can accumulate and begin to take up valuable space.  We want to be sure not to let those items cause us "double vision". They should not get out of control.

Here are five items that you probably have duplicates of:

1.  Paper shopping bags.  How many have you accumulated from the grocery store?  Although they can be useful for various purposes, if you find that they are accumulating, consider donating them to charities that could benefit from them.  Some charities bag up meals, clothes, supplies or purchases and are always looking for bag donations.  Check with your local charity to see if they are in need of this item.   

2.  Hotel toiletries.  I have talked about this in a previous blog, but I think it is worth repeating.  If you are a frequent traveler, chances are you have come home with travel-size toiletry bottles and packets.  If you find that you are just collecting them and not using them, you can offer them to overnight guests in a basket in the bathroom, use shower caps as food container covers or donate them to a local shelter.  You can even leave them at the hotel and not bring them home at all.  Let others make use of them instead.  

3.  Pens, pencils and markers.  I don't know about you but the pens, pencils and sometimes markers seem to multiply in my house.  How often do you come home with a pen that you borrowed and forgot to return?   I must admit it happens to me from time to time.  When my son was in public school, he "acquired" lots of pens and pencils throughout the school term.  Don't ask!  If you end up with an abundance of pens, pencils or markers, consider donating them instead of holding onto them.  It's impossible to use all of them!  Donate them to your local school or community center or the Pencil Project.

4.  Bedding.  When was the last time you went through your linen closet and eliminated the older sets of sheets or blankets that you no longer use?  We tend to hold onto more sets than we need.  If you change your sheets once a week, you don't need more than two, maybe three sets per bed.  The third set might be a set of flannel sheets.  Are they stained, torn, or don't fit the beds you currently own?  Consider donating them to a local charity if they are in good shape or a local animal shelter.  They are always in dire need of bedding.  

5.  Mugs.  Do you bring home mugs from places that you've traveled or received them as a promotional item at an event?  They can accumulate in your kitchen cabinet over time.  We tend to have our favorites and don't tend to reach for the others.  If you find that you have too many, consider donating them to a local charity in your area or to that college student living in a dorm or apartment.  

So, are you seeing double in your home?  Take a look around and start putting things together that you can donate.  You will gain more space for your important items and help others in the process.

If you need assistance in downsizing your possession, feel free to contact me at A Better Space.  I am here to help.

Until next time, HAPPY ORGANIZING!

Posted by: Audrey Cupo AT 09:00 am   |  Permalink   |  2 Comments  |  Email
Wednesday, August 21 2013

When was the last time you took a good look around your home?  Is it time for a change?

I recently met with a new client who has lived in her home for about 18 years.  She lives alone.  

As we went through the home I learned that she does not use her dining room in the traditional sense.  She does not have dinner parties or sit-down dinners with friends or family.  She uses the space to gather paperwork as it comes in the door.

This prompted me to ask her if she would be interested in converting this space into a home office.  Upon some consideration, my client decided this was a good idea.  As a school teacher, she has a lot of paperwork to process and needs a larger and brighter area in which to work, rather than her current space in an area of her basement.  

The dining room is spacious enough for a long table or desk and a filing cabinet to store her personal paperwork and school work.   It is set off from the foyer so it is not the first thing you see when you enter the home.  It's the perfect solution as it would eliminate the need to go downstairs to the small cramped area in the basement to work.  My client would have easy access to the kitchen and powder room as needed.  

When I purchased my home, the builder had intended the room next to the kitchen to be a family room.  I already had a living room on the first floor so another family room would not suit my personal needs.  Instead of having a small dining area divided by a pony wall in the living room, I decided to make the intended family room into a nice-sized dining room where I could easily entertain and serve my guests from the kitchen.

Just because a room is originally intended for a certain purpose does not mean that is what you have to have it be.  Change a dining room into a home office!  Change a family room into a dining room!  It's okay!  The point is to create a home that suits your personal needs - and this might change over time. 

So, I suggest that you take a look around your home.  Are there areas of the home that are not being used because their original intent no longer fits your needs?   Is it time for a change?

If you need assistance in creating organized and functional spaces in your home, I can help.  You deserve A Better Space.

In the meantime, leave me your comments about the areas of your home that you would like to change or have already changed to accommodate your current needs.  This might inspire others to do the same.

Have a great week!         

Posted by: Audrey Cupo AT 11:33 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, August 12 2013

Recently I helped a client prepare her home for sale.  She was downsizing from a three-bedroom rancher with a full basement to a two bedroom condo.  I not only helped her de-clutter, I helped organize, downsize and stage her home in preparation for putting it on the market.  

This prompted me to think about some low cost ways you can spruce up your home to make it more attractive to potential buyers (or even for you to continue to live in):  

1.  Landscape - Your home's curb appeal is the first thing that people notice when they drive up to your home.  Keep your lawn mowed and weed-free.  Trim the shrubs low enough to be able to see the front windows.  Put out some colorful hanging baskets of flowers near the front door to create an inviting entrance.   

2.  Paint the interior - A fresh coat of paint or a new color on the walls can change the look of a room very quickly.  If you are painting in order to sell your home, avoid dramatic colors and stick with neutrals.  Save the color for accent pillows, area rugs or other items that are mobile and easily changed out. 

3.  Give the kitchen cabinets and drawers a makeover.  You can refinish the cabinets and drawers with a coat of paint or stain to give them a fresh look.  Updating the hardware on will provide a whole new look.  

4.  Update light fixtures.  If you are currently dining under a chandelier or light fixture that is 20 years old or if you are getting ready each morning under drab lighting in your bathroom, it's time to add some new lighting.  Select tasteful yet simple fixtures and add a dimmer in the dining room for extra appeal.  Use bright, natural lighting in the bathroom.  By cleaning your fixtures, you will be able to provide additional brightness to a room very quickly. 

5.  Maximize storage.  As a professional organizer, I believe that this is very important.  Cramped closets are unattractive to buyers and frustrating to your family members.  Clear out everything from the closet and only put back what you currently need to keep.  Use a closet system that provides plenty of shelving and rods for efficient organization. 

Whether you are putting your house on the market or want to simply spruce up your home for you and your family, utilizing these tips will start you on your way.

After helping my client to stage her home, she was able put it on the market and received an offer within six days.  She is making settlement at the end of the month.

If you need assistance with preparing your home for sale, contact me.  I can help. 

In the meantime, have a great week! 

 

Posted by: Audrey Cupo AT 02:01 pm   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Friday, July 26 2013

Do you rent a self-storage unit (or two) to store your "stuff"?  Some of my clients do. 

 

I have a theory about off-site self-storage.  Basically, I believe they are great if used short term.  They are very useful when you need additional space to store items that you are transitioning from one place to another, for example, after the passing of a parent.  There are other examples as well.

However, I do not believe they should be used over the long term as they can become expensive to maintain.  Calculate the monthly fee by 12 and see what you are spending over the course of a year.  It is worth it or can that money be put to better use?

If you are going to rent an off-site self-storage unit, you should at least know what to look for.

With literally hundreds of local self-storage facilities in any given area, how do you choose one of another?   Do you choose one closest to home, one your Aunt Jane's friend rented last year, the one you keep seeing advertised on television?  You need to find one that best suits your needs.

DON'T GET CAUGHT UP IN ALL THE HYPE - When it comes to making a choice, hindsight is 20/20.  Don't get caught up in the bright and snazzy colors on the bulletin board ads, local newspaper ads or elsewhere.  Don't take your eye off the ball.  The bottom line is service. 

DO YOUR HOMEWORK - Seek out a knowledgeable customer service associate to help you.  Make several phone calls and visit several locations.  Ask lots of questions so you can make an informed decision.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION - Where are the various facilities located?  Is it located in a congested area?  You want to be able to get to your unit when you need to without hassle.

SAFETY AND SECURITY -  Is the facility located in a safe location in case you need to go there at night?  Is there 24-hour surveillance?  Are there separate alarms for each unit?  What kind of fire protection or sprinkler system is available?  Is there climate controls such as air conditioning or de-humidified units available?  Is there heat for colder months when your items might freeze? 

ACCESSIBILITY - You want to be able to get to your unit and access your items at times that work best for you.  What are their hours of operation and are there any restrictions on the times of day or days of the week you can load or unload your unit.  If 24-hour, seven day admittance is important to you, make sure you find a company that can accommodate you.

TRANSPORTATION - Are there dollies or carts available on the premises or do you need to supply your own.  Is there sufficient space to bring a U-Haul or trailer on the back of your vehicle to load or unload items? 

OTHER THINGS TO THINK ABOUT - What size units are available?  What are the various prices?  Are there any discounts available?  (Some offer the first month for a $1).  What is the cancellation/refund policy?  Is the facility insured for break-ins, theft, fire damage, water damage or natural disasters?  What insurance are you required to carry?   How do they handle non-payment (just in case you forget to pay your bill) and how long do you have to retrieve your items? 

 

Renting a storage unit at a storage facility requires that you take the time to get the facts.  Be sure that you are "Self-Storage Savvy" when it comes time to renting a unit.

My hope is that you eliminate the clutter in order to avoid having to incur this additional expense, but just in case, I hope this helps.

Until next time, I wish you an organized day.    

   

Posted by: Audrey Cupo AT 02:16 pm   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email

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