I Would Rather Have Experiences

What is your favorite pastime? Is it shopping? Does this truly count as a life changing experience?

My point here is that most of the people we work with are having life experiences through shopping. Lives composed of someone else's idea of who or what they should be.

Dictated by the latest fad or phase of something to buy.

What are real life experiences? Are they brought to you by marketing agents that get you to buy things that are not enriching your life? More positive life experiences could be a music venue you go to, or the art museum to view pleasing sights.

Can the feeling about buying stuff replace the feelings about people or event experiences? These are some of the questions we as professional organizers struggle with each and every day. The mountains of stuff that takes a toll on both emotional and physical energy. The so-called "bigger and better" way of life with more stuff, a never ending quest to buy. These are the life experiences that many people are having now. Brought to you by the relentless marketing machines.

Our company tries to make a difference by showing ways to live with less. This is an uphill battle, considering the average person watches 4.25 hours of TV per day filled with over an hour of commercials.

See if this scenario sounds familiar... Buy, Buy, Buy... disconnect life's real experience to spend time going to the "maul" (aka mall). Be like everyone else on your block. Advertise for the "Marketing Mafia" with your logo branded life. Live in a house 5 times bigger than you need, only to spend all of your free time away from your family to pay the mortgage and energy bills. Pay for all of the conveniences because you claim you have no time. Your plans are not to cut back and look at the way your lifestyle robs the planet of all the world's natural resources. Your just too damn busy to pay attention. Someone else will do it, right? WRONG...

Wake yourself up! This is a vicious circle that will take your real experience of life. Play superficially now, then pay later.

Choose this week to stop shopping. Find things to do without paying to bring something back into the home. Your life experiences can include walks, adventures, biking, storytelling, and challenging ways to have fun without spending money.

I'd rather have a real life experience then one sold to me by someone else.

"E-Slay Anonymous"
A much needed 12 Step program to battle the stuff demons
ClutterOrganizers.com

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Nine Downsizing and Moving tips

Simple Downsizing, Moving, Estate Liquidations

"Problems cannot be solved by the level of awareness that created them"
Albert Einstein

1. Plan Plan Plan - Create an inventory sheet to keep track of what items will be donated or packed.
2. Packandfind.com makes the task of downsizing and packing very easy.
3. If the thought of going through a loved ones items causes great stress, hire a professional organizer that can make this job of moving much easier.
4. Presort and Create memory boxes. Fill them with all of the things that bring back great memories. Then take each item out and photograph them. Make a book with Shutterfly.com and fill them with the pictures that are still holding the memories. You may now choose to donate or give away the items that are stored in the box.
5. Delegate and ask for help.
6. Tag items with different colored labels for relative identification. Each person will have their own label to designate what items they want. Use eco-friendly labels.
7. Think outside of the box. Do you really have the space or time to cart these items to your new home? Do you know where these items are fitting into your home? Now is the time to decide to downsize your life. Don't bring items into your home that have strings attached.
8. Take action. Lessons are to be learned here. Downsizing means just that. All of the things that were once useful are of little or no value now. Don't take on what you cannot handle.
9. Make peace with your past life. The memory of the future can be just as bright, or even brighter. Clutter is a state of mind.

Clutter Classified; "memory clutter" is what brought fond memories from the past "future clutter" is "just in case I need it" clutter. These are two of the problems most people have. By identifying these clutter problems you can become more accountable for your behavior and make this move easier.

Downsizing and Moving Specialists

Clutter Organizers Professional Organizing Service
Serving Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
ClutterOrganizers.com

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Moving the Organized Way

Moving is something that most families do a few times.
Make your life a bit easier this time. Less stress can be the reward for a well planned and organized move.
Let's see if we can help.

Checklist for your move

*Two to Three months before move.
Get referrals from friends for moving companies.
Call at least 6 moving companies to give you estimates.
Save all receipts for moving - tax deductions
Remove all excess clutter...call in a professional organizer
Measure existing furniture (fitting for rooms in your new home)
Locate new things in community - examples: doctors, library, schools, grocery stores, recycling & waste management, civic associations, etc.

* 8 weeks until movers come
Arrange to have a copy of all health related records...hospital, doctor, pharmacy
Start membership transfers...YWCA, gyms, swim clubs, etc.
Gather all important papers and have reviewed by estate attorney or counsel
Look into insurance changes for health, car, home, life, etc.

* 6-7 weeks until the move
Empty your pantry by eating all of the food or donate to Food Bank.
Change of address Postal Service cards
Notify bank of any changes of the branch & start new account near new home.
Most out-of-season clothing inventory should be packed and inventoried.
Make arrangements for pets. Shots & records transfer
Will all of the items you are going to keep fit in the new home?
Arrange for storage?
All non essentials in closets, sheds & storage should be cleared.
Call local charity for pickup (inventory for tax deductions)

* 4-5 weeks before the moving service
Arrange car transport if needed
Call handy-crew to do quick repairs to old home.
IRS needs to be notified of address change
All inventory should be photographed & data stored with serial numbers
Schedule contractors for new home if needed
Take the kids and pets to new neighborhood

*3-4 weeks before the big move
List all items that mover will not take and must be shipped
Service your vehicles before move
Call and schedule everyone in for help on the big day - babysitters, dog watchers, food, etc.
Cable, Water and all services should be contacted
DMV...don't you love the long lines?
Arrange for hazmat pickup or drop off for all chemical paints and poisons that need to be discarded.

*1-2 weeks before the move
Everything should be packed except essentials
Important papers are to be stored in a readily available location in a folder or file
List all phone numbers for easy contact
All power lawn mowers and anything with gas and/or motor oil should be drained
Valuables should be removed from the home and stored in safe deposit box

* Day of the move
Have a drink it is almost over!
Let the movers do the work... however, keep an eye on what is taking place
Contact information should always be left with the new owner's Realtor
Keep your cell phone camera ready for any damage that you may observe from movers
Walk through... have two to three different people walk through after all items have been removed.

Smile, your new life is ahead of you

“Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit.” Denis Waitley

ClutterOrganizers.com

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Get Organized: Tips from the Pros

Start the night before

1. Make a List of what needs to be done – post this where it is clearly visible for you to see in the as a "To Do List".

2. Lay out your clothing - (we mean everything, socks, shoes, earrings, necklace, watch, etc.) – time 10 minutes

3. Food for breakfast – *Double Duty “DD” different types of food can be made in advance



i. Pancakes - make the size that you can put in toaster
ii. Quiche
iii. Scrambled eggs
iv. Burritos w/eggs & cheese
v. Crepes - add filling in the morning
vi. Hash browns
vii. French Toast
viii. Oatmeal
ix. Muffins

4. Pack a lunch - make nutritious lunches the night before (easier for watching weight) – Delegate if possible
5. Shower - set timer for 8 minutes – *Double Duty “DD” clean shower & sink each time with - Biodegradable type cleaner
6. Makeup/Hair supplies - have all the makeup/hair supplies you use in a separate case.
7. Briefcase or Tote bag - put all items that must be ready for work the next morning right next to the door.
8. Kids – make it a point to have all homework/assignments signed and ready next to the door.
9. Get at least 8 hours sleep – go to bed 15 minutes earlier than normal

Work in the morning – this is also for stay at homes moms

1. Make a list of what needs to be done – “the magic is in the writing”
2. Time your tasks – make it a point to learn how long it takes to do a task. If you think it will take 10 minutes to do a task, pay close attention by using a timer. Most tasks take longer then you think… usually double the time.
3. On Time – Make it a point to always be on time. Chronic lateness is often systematic of other issues.
4. Just say NO - some of the chaos that we feel is self-induced. Make it a point before you commit to something you can give it an appropriate amount of time it takes to proficiently do the job. This also means not over-scheduling the children.
5. Group tasks – when writing out the plan for the day group like type task together. Errands, calls, meeting, relaxing, etc.
6. Point Positive – your attitude and your day starts early. Make it a point to be as positive about what you are doing as possible. You have probably heard the statement “fake it until you make it”. Smile and a great day could follow.

After Work @ Home

1. Relaxation Time - Schedule a time to relax with friends and family
2. 15 minute clearings – Everyone in the family should pitch in. Chores are for everyone in the home.
3. Dinner Make dinner together. *Double Duty “DD” different types of food can be made in advance. Casseroles, stew, soups, lasagna all can be made in double portions.
4. No Shopping - This has become, second to TV, America's favorite past time. Spend time with friends and family not supporting the national debt.
5. Community involvement - Start a project that includes your family and kids. This can be anything from community gardening to volunteering at a facility with people less fortunate than you.
6. Learn organizing - Most of what you learned about organizing, both good and bad, has been from your upbringing. Some organizing skills are taught in school, however not enough. It is up to you to make a difference in your life, starting today.

Clutter Organizers Professional Organizing Service
Serving Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
ClutterOrganizers.com

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Organize Today - Start Now

There is no better day than today to get started. Take the plunge. Get started on the one thing that you have been putting off. Get started on the project that always gets put on the back burner.

1. Make a list of six things you want to accomplish today.
2. Start first with the most difficult item on the list.
3. Allocate how long it will take to complete and write it on the list.
4. Group like items together on your list.
• Calls, errands, tasks, etc. can be grouped together for better productivity.
  
5. Cross off completed items as you go.
6. Make your plan for the next 6 items to work on tomorrow.

Permission granted to reprint this article only if source is cited.
http://www.clutterorganizers.com

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Need versus Want for Today's Consumer

Marketing surrounds us everyday and is saying "...buy the latest and greatest item. You really need this to be a better person. You cannot do without this new and improved gizmo or gadget." Some media marketing hype comes in the form of TV journalism trying to portray this as a news story. Upon closer inspection, it is the new movie or book that is being sold, not journalism or news.

How can you decipher the truth from what is being sold to you "the want" and what you really need?

Studies have shown the more TV you watch the bigger "the want" factor. How easy is it to look beyond the hype and get down to what is really needed?



Eight suggestions to consider before buying:
1. Be the educated consumer - comparison shop
2. Take only cash when shopping - No Credit Cards
3. Make a list of specific items needed
4. Budget monthly for necessities
5. Can you prolong the life or fix the item you have?
6. Borrowing is an option
7. Classic and well made clothing is best and long lasting
8. Be aware of your environmental impact!

Clutter's companion is your inability to say NO. More of nothing brought to you by the companies that want you to buy. This is marketeering at its best for the woefully uninformed. Debt and clutter combining and multiplying, leading to houses exploding and busting at the seams with the trash of the tomorrow.

What was wanted one day, quickly becomes another day's unwanted useless debris.
Yes, you can do with less by knowing the difference between a "need" and a "want". The planet will love you for it.

Productivity Coaching & Professional Home Organizers
Delaware Office: 302.392.0083
Maryland - Washington D.C. Office 410.504.1903
New Jersey Office: 609.910.0416
Philadelphia Office: 215.253.5679

Permission granted to reprint this article only if source is cited.
http://www.clutterorganizers.com

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Telephone Reminders:Get Organized via alerts

Wakerupper - A reminder for phone and Web

This is a nice service that delivers the alerts that may be needed to keep you on time. I use this to keep me alerted to appointment and thing that are important to get accomplished in the day.
Using technology to stay organized must meet your style. Some people are very used to using software, programs or devices, however if the technology takes more time to plan than to do the action then it is of little or no help for most.
It takes at least 30-60 day to get accustomed to using a new device. Be aware of jumping from one thing to the next without first knowing if you have mastered the first.

www.ClutterOrganizers.com

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Where Did All of Your Time Go?

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Less Stuff means More Space

Less Stuff means More Space

Replace quantity with quality is a great motto. Ever wonder why the pages of the best home décor magazines of the rich and famous have less. It is because they don't have to prove to the world they are rich.

The sheer volume of stuff people are willing to acquire and possess seems to have no limit. You will spend time working for the money to pay for stuff. You will spend time to go out get the stuff. You will spend time caring for the stuff and then you will spend money to have someone like "Clutter Organizers" the professional organizers to remove the stuff.
Then you wonder where did all of your time go…. maybe it was shopping.

This is a wonderful business that helps people on a daily basis, however this could all be avoided if you thought more like the wealthy. What are you proving with having many cheap inferior items that are mostly worthless from the time it comes in the door? Try reversing the motto that was mentioned in the beginning "Quantity over Quality". Quantity is more worthless *&%$# to further junk up your abode quality is peaceful and serene comfort.

Therefore, this getting organized fascination can and will increase your wealth just by saving your sanity and wallet. Don't allow yourself to be pillaged by the relenting marketers that are very good at getting you to cart off this worthless stuff. Clutter is truly a state of mind that grabs a hold of your money and your soul. Please do not be the next victim.

Delaware Office ph: 302.392.0083
(serving New Castle, Sussex, Kent County and resort beach )

Maryland - Washington D.C. Office 410.504.1903
(serving Baltimore MD, Eastern Shore, MD, Beach Ocean City, MD
and the Washington D.C. area)

Southeastern Pennsylvania Office ph: 610.624.1448
(serving eastern PA - Pennsylvania area)

Philadelphia, PA Office ph: 215.253.5679
(serving Metro Philadelphia PA area)

Southwestern New Jersey Office ph: 856.393.0416
(serving Southwestern New Jersey area)

Central/South New Jersey Office ph: 609.910.0416
(serving Central, Southern Jersey, and New Jersey Shore)

Toll Free Office ph: 800.964.8943

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Attention Disorganized Distracted Parents

What are you teaching your children by "LIVING in CHAOS"?
Are you teaching your children by example?

• · Children learn by example
• If you are disorganized your children probably are too.
• Chaos breeds Chaos
• § Being organized can be one of the greatest lifelong gifts.
• · Less is More
• Teach being organized with consciously having less stuff.
• With less to manage, you and your child will have more time.
• · Putting things away - Start Early
• 2-4 yr olds can be taught to put things away.
• § Start with helping & showing where toys belong.
• § Add picture to shelving to show toy placement.
• · Clear expectations for being organized
• Make a short list to show what is expected.
• Praise children for making an effort.
• It takes about 30 days to learn a new habit through daily repetition.
• Examples - All must be scheduled daily
• § Help with dishes
• § Start homework by a certain time
• § Make lunch for the following day
• § Keeping room clean
• § Mealtime planning
• § Doing laundry
• · Time Management for children
• School age children can use a planner/calendar
• § School work - assignments
• § Holidays
• § Extra curriculum activities
• o Routine for younger "preschool" children
• § Getting dressed in the morning
• § Putting toys away
• § Brushing Teeth

Learn to be a better-organized parent. You will find it is easy to teach by example.
When you need HELP, we are just a phone call away.

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