Summer time is generally vacation time.  It's time to take those photographs and create a  collection of the memories of that great summer vacation or day trip. 

Therefore, I thought it would be appropriate to give you some suggestions on how to display those photographs after you have developed your favorites.  Here are some Quick Tips For A Better Space:

Always keep in mind that visual clutter occurs when your photographs are in different frames and scattered randomly throughout a room. When displaying your photos:

I have recently had several of my existing clients advise that they are moving.  One of my clients is downsizing from a home to an apartment, one is moving from an apartment into another apartment in another town and the latest is moving from one house to another.

My advise to anyone who is planning on moving is to go through everything in the home to make sure that what they have is what they want to take with them.  I guarantee in every instance, you will find that there are many items that have just sat around the entire time you have lived at that current location and chances are those items will remain in boxes when you move.  Why spend the time and money to move those items?  Just get rid of them. 

If they are in good condition, someone else can make use of them.  Either give them away to family or friends, donate them to a local charity, freecycle them by going onto freecycle.org or place an ad for sale of the item on Craigs List or some other local listing.  Another option is to have a garage sale before you place your home on the market for sale.  (See my previous blogs about how to conduct a Garage Sale). 

The bottom line is that you want to make the move as smooth a transition as possible and you can do that by only packing up and taking what you truly need.

Using the services of a professional organizer to help you make those decisions and help to organize the packing will save you lot's of time and aggravation when you move to your new home.  Moving companies love when I organize the packing with my clients because they always know where something should go.  It saves time and therefore saves money because they can move your items into the home fast and, therefore, you don't have to spend as much for their time.  

I recommend using my services to help you before and after the move.  When you get to the new location, using my services to organize the placement of items in the home can save your lots of time and aggravation as well.  You want to get your home settled quickly so you can function easily and enjoy it.

If you have any questions or concerns about an upcoming move, please feel free to contact me.  I will be more than happy to help you make your place A BETTER SPACE.

Have a great week!

Last Wednesday I was at a networking meeting and out of no where, I went into extreme spasm in my neck.  It was so bad I could not drive home from the meeting and had to leave my car in the parking lot and get a ride home from a friend.  I felt helpless.

Needless to say, the rest of the week I spent focusing on eliminating the spasms in my neck and taking time to recouperate.  As a result, I had to take a week off of work and not do too much around the house.  I could not drive so I could not run errands.  I was not able to keep up with the housework and not able to keep my home "organized".  

I have a hard time not being able to do what I normally do when things happen to cause me to lay low for a while.  Not my style.

I am anxious to return to work this week and resume my normal activities.

I know that most people believe that since I am a professional organizer, my life is always "organized".  However, this goes to show that we can all have times in our life when something comes along, unexpected, that throws us off course.

The important thing to remember is that you need not give up, but rather, work to get back to where you were before and resume those every day tasks.

Of course, being organized to begin with will help you to resume your normal schedule quicker.  Just pick up where you left off and accept that sometimes, we cannot control what happens in life.  Just learn to roll with the punches and be determined to get back to "normal" as soon as possible.

Remember, organizing is not a one-time-and-you're-done kind of job.  It's an ongoing process so get back on that horse and get going!

If you have any questions or issues relating to any type of organizing, please contact me and I will be glad to help make your place A BETTER SPACE.

Have a great week!

It's officially Summer!  This is a great time to consolidate your efforts to save time and energy so you can have more time and energy to do those Summer activities. 

Here are some quick tips for A BETTER SPACE in your day:

Shop for groceries once rather than three or four times a week.  Plan out a menu for the week and do it all at once.  It will not only save you time and energy, it will save you gas!  You would be surprised how those trips to the grocery store can add up.

Iron a bunch of items at one time rather than one at a time.  It takes time to pull out that iron and ironing board and set it up to iron.   Gather the items you have laundered for the week and do it all at once.  It will also save you time when you go to get dressed in the morning.  You will not have to take time to iron that particular item; it will already have been pressed and ready to go!  Also, cut down on your ironing time by pulling items right from the warm dryer and hanging them immediately.  The warmth from the dryer will release a lot of those wrinkles on their own, saving you time.

Double a recipe and freeze half for another time.  When making dinner, double it and store the additional amount for another meal.  Over the course of time, you will have built up an array of dinner options and all you will have to do is defrost them and heat them up.  This will save lots of time on those nights when there is just a short amount of time to put dinner on the table.

Lastly, buy all the birthday and other special-occasion cards and gifts you need one month in advance.  Sit down with your calendar and figure out whose birthday is coming up the next month and plan to purchase a card and perhaps a gift.  Planning out what you need for when will save you time and effort.  When the day arrives, you will be ready!

Hope these tips will help you enjoy more of your time this Summer and throughout the rest of the year.

For more information and assistance on any organizing issue you may have, feel free to contact me.  I will be more than happy to help you reach your organizing goals.

Have a great week!

So you've decided that you want to have a garage sale (or yard sale) and you don't know where to begin.  Here are some Quick Tips to create A Better Space in your home by getting rid of those items you no longer want, but wish to get a little money for them.

First, don't save things to sell at a garage or yard sale unless you have set a definite date for that sale.  Donate those items instead.

However, if you have determined a date (sooner as opposed to later), be aware that your time is valuable.  It takes a lot of time and energy to plan and hold a successful garage sale so be prepared to spend the time. 

Advertise in the local paper - post signs in your neighborhood with arrows pointing to your home. (Just remember to go back and remove them when the sale is over!) Post signs in local stores that you frequent. My bank has a community bulletin board that I use to promote my business. You can do the same for your garage sale. Get the word out!!!

Make it a family affair.  Get the kids involved.  Have them select some toys or games they no longer play with and books they don't read anymore.  Let them keep whatever money they make for themselves!

To get started, evaluate what you have and categorize it.  Use boxes for smaller items and a large blanket or drop cloth for larger items.  Visibility is key so make sure everyone can see what you have.

Once items have been categorized, you can use the box to indicate the price of the items or mark it "Priced As Marked" and then individually tag each item within that category.

Be reasonable.  Remember, it's a garage sale and customers are looking for bargains. Don't attach your sentiments to the item to determine it's worth.  Think about what someone would be willing to pay for the item.  You will make out better if you sell a lot of items cheaper as opposed to charging more for one large item.  You want the customers to buy a lot of things.  The goal here is to get rid of the stuff!

Make sure you have a cash box on hand for dollar bills and coins to make change.  Sometimes people bring large bills to a garage sale and you don't want to lose a sale because you can't make change.

Have some paper grocery bags or plastic bags for your customers to carry their purchases.  If you have fragile items, make sure you have some tissue paper or bubble wrap on hand.  Your customers will appreciate the extra effort you are taking to wrap up their precious belongings.

Negotiate.  If someone really wants something, let it go for a bit less than you originally priced it.  It's not worth holding onto for just a bit more money.  There is a chance you might not sell it at all!

Have fun!  Talk to people.  Be a salesman (or woman).  See if you can help them find what they are looking for. 

At the end of the day, let the stuff go.  Don't put it back in the garage or in the house.  Donate it to a local charity or post the items on freecycle.org.  Someone will make use of what you no longer want and you will keep it out of the landfill.

Take the proceeds from the day and do something fun with them - go to dinner with the family - buy something that you actually need.  And look around, you now have A BETTER SPACE!

For more information and assistance on any organizing issue you may have, feel free to contact me.  I will be more than happy to help you reach your organizing goals.

Wishing you a good week!

With Father's Day coming this weekend and Independence Day (a/k/a The Fourth of July) just around the corner, I thought a few tips to organize your grill area might be just the ticket!

This time of year, like you, your food doesn't even want to be inside either!  Set up for barbecue season with a smart outdoor cook station. 

Place your grill on a flat surface that is well ventilated, away from the house, yet protected from winds that might cause flare-ups.  Then, set up the area like a mini kitchen:

Create an insta-island for food prep with a folding table.  Place a grill mat underneath the grill to protect your deck and have a trash basket close by.  Use hooks and magnetic clips to keep the cooking utensils handy. 

Opt for long handled metal cooking utensils which give you some distance from the open flame and long-armed mitts to better protect you from splatters and burns.  Avoid using plastic utensils and standard oven mitts - just leave them in your kitchen drawer!

Keep an extra spatula and pair of tongs on hand to prevent cross-contamination of raw food and cooked food.  You can designate which you use for uncooked meats by using red tape for "raw meat" around the handle.

Toss your grill-cleaning brush (or replace the head) once the pad or bristles get too worn out to work. 

Keep the grill on high after cooking to let residue from the food burn off and clean the grate more easily.  (Remember to shut it off when you are done!)

Invest in storage on your deck.  Deck boxes, such as a watertight plastic models can stow your supplies outdoors where you need them.  Certain versions can also double as additional seating.  Stash paper towels, aluminum foil, platters, cutting boards, skewers, grilling utensils, a meat thermometer, a timer, mitts, etc.

Also, save yourself a few trips to and from the kitchen by using a carry-all caddy that has compartments for condiments, napkins, plates and eating utensils.  Imagine actually being able to eat along with your guests instead of spending that time running back and forth to the kitchen!

Create an outdoor living space where you will want to spend time relaxing and entertaining outdoors this summer.  Most importantly, be safe!

With these tips, I know you will create "A Better Space" for your grill area.  Enjoy!

For more information and assistance on any organizing issue you may have, feel free to contact me.  I will be more than happy to help you reach your organizing goals.

Happy Father's Day!  Have a great week!

Here's another Quick Tip for A Better Space -

I bet a lot of you are cleaning out your garages and other areas of the home in preparation for summer.  Below is some information you can use when considering making use of your local consignment shop.

If you have high-end furniture, for example, that’s too big for your space after you've downsized, it may be worth investigating the possibility of consignment sales. Be aware however, that although something may be of good quality, it may be out of style and a consignment agent will be less likely to take it on.

Before going the consignment route, research the various stores and agents in your area to be sure it is a worthwhile arrangement. You’ll usually receive a percentage of the selling price and some shops only take items they know they’ll sell.  Once you’ve given it to them you won’t have to ever take it back. This can apply to making use of E-bay stores as well. 

Remember, sometimes, it's just better to give it up and move on.  In some cases, if it has served it's time and you have gotten it's money's worth, it's time to just let it go. 

Separate emotional value from monetary value and you will have a better time deciding what to do with those "expensive" items.  I promise you will then have A Better Space.

For more information and assistance on any organizing issue you may have, feel free to contact me.  I will be more than happy to help you reach your organizing goals and create A Better Space for you.

Have a great week!

I got this via email from a current client of mine and thought I would pass it on. It’s a bit long but very inspiring. I enjoyed it and intend to refer to it often. Hope you do too!

Since Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner, I thought I would provide those of you who intend to travel either that weekend or any other time during the summer months with One Dozen Travel Smart Quick Tips from A BETTER SPACE.

1. Start early. Once you determine where you're going to be going, begin gathering everything you need to make your trip a pleasant one. Need a passport? Apply at least 3 months ahead of time or you'll pay extra for express delivery. Secure airline reservations at least 8 weeks prior if possible, especially if traveling abroad. The closer it gets to the date you want to leave, the more the tickets will cost. Reserve hotel and car rentals well ahead of time to ensure your reservation is accepted. Get maps, surf the Net and speak with others to get specific travel tips for the areas you're visiting. Get maps. They can be lifesavers along the way. Better yet, invest in a GPS system!

2. Call ahead. Contact your hotel ahead of time to find out what their amenities are. If they have a hair dryer in each room for instance, you won't have to bring yours along. If they have laundry facilities, you can pack even less since you'll be able to wash while you're there. If they have exercise facilities, you may want to bring some sneakers along. Better to know ahead, so you're prepared.

3. Apply the 50% rule. When packing clothing for a trip, lay out everything you think you'll need on your bed--then, put 50% of it back in your closet. Most people take way more than is necessary and end up carrying unnecessary weight along the way. Chances are, you'll be able to wear each outfit at least twice, especially if you mix and match different tops with different bottoms.

4. Use a packing list. Come up with a list of everything you need to take with you when traveling. Organize each item by genre: clothing, toiletries, financial, etc. Make copies of this list, so you can reference it for each trip you take. As you're packing, check off each item on your list as you put it in your suitcase. Finally, pack your list, and use it on your last day of vacation or business trip, so you remember to take everything back home with you.

5. Take an empty suitcase. If you're the type of person who shops when you travel, be sure you bring along an extra suitcase. You'll have the perfect place to pack your souvenirs and gifts purchased during your trip.

6. Make a schedule. Find out what you wish to do at your destination BEFORE you get there. Then, make yourself a schedule for each day based on criteria, such as the days and times a particular store or museum is open. If you wish to switch some events around when you get there, that's OK. But, at least you'll have something to reference so you're not wasting time wondering what you should do or what's open on what days.

7. Carry one on. If you're taking an airline or other mass transit to your destination, always carry on a small carry-on bag that contains your prescription medications, some of your cosmetics, a toothbrush/toothpaste duo, your cell phone, a change of underwear and a good book. Just in case your luggage doesn't make it when you do, you'll have your important items with you. (Check with your airlines to determine what you can bring on the plane, and what you can't.)

8. Bag it. If you don't plan on washing your clothes while you're away, be sure to pack an empty plastic bag so your dirty items can be kept separate from your clean clothes.

9. Bring games for the kids. It's definitely worth it to stop by your local travel store to find some travel games for the kids, such as Travel Bingo, magnetic checkers or coloring books. Also, don't forget some snacks and boxed juices as the little ones are bound to get hungry at one point or another. In fact, you might want to bring a few snacks along for yourself while you're at it!

10. Safety first. Make two copies of your itinerary--one for yourself and one for family members who are not traveling with you. Those at home will be able to contact you in case of an emergency.

11. Play catch up. As long as you're not driving, travel time could easily be used for catching up on some business work, reading or letter writing. Laptops have made it easy to bring your work along with you if you choose. Magazines or a good book can be tucked into your carry-on for reading while you're on the road, in a plane, or later while you're in bed at a hotel or a relative's home.

12. There's no place like home. Before you leave for vacation, clean your house, wash all of your laundry and make your bed. When you arrive back home after your vacation, your home will be a welcome haven.

Hope you find these tips helpful.  Send me feedback if you make use of them and let me know how you made out. 

For more information and assistance on any organizing issue you might have, feel free to contact me. I will be more than happy to help you reach your goals for organization and create A Better Space for you.

Have a great week!

This week's Quick Tip For A Better Space is Part Two from an exerpt of an article posted on the site www.busybeelifestyle.com.  With their permission, I am submitting to you the following: 

I am continuing with the theme of last week's blog which was called "Create A Five Star Guest Room".  This week you can create a more elaborate guest room with a few fun ideas!

You can buy quality sheets with a high thread count without spending a fortune!  Take a look at Martha Stewart's 400 thread count sets starting at $39.00 and 500 count sheets at $59.99 at K-mart.

Pamper your guests with soft, fluffy towels, providing each with a bath towel, hand towel and wash cloth.  Add a monogram for a personal touch.  You can embroider guest towels with your monogram (wife's first initial first, family last name initial large in the middle and husband's first initial last) or a single word like "Welcome" or "Guest".  Fold and bundle each towel set with a wide ribbon.

An especially nice touch is to provide a sturdy wooden luggage rack that looks like bamboo.  Suitcases rest on strong cotton twill straps and a lower shelf can hold shoes or handbags.  Ballard Designs - ballarddesigns.com - $99.50

A water carafe and glass set is a perfect bedside accessory and easily available.

Taking a cue from the best hotels, hang terry cloth robes in the guest room closet.  You can purchase them from Lillian Vernon for a reasonable price.  The Ultra-Soft Microfleece Robe with complimentary personalization costs $49.98.  You don't necessarily need to personalize every last item in your guest room but it can be fun to embroider these robes with "Guest" or "His" and "Hers".

Other touches can include: a clock/CD player for quiet music and wake up calls, a spot to stow wet towels such as an attractive laundry basket or hooks on the back of the door, a reading lamp, coasters, a note detailing a weekend of activities, etc.   Use your imagination and think about what you would like to have if you were a guest in someone's home.

So, why not undertake that guest room makeover today and be ready for visitors tomorrow!

For more information and assistance on any organizing issue you might have, feel free to contact me. I will be more than happy to help you reach your goals for organization and create A Better Space for you.

Have a great week!