Tag Archive for: organizing process

Donation Challenge – Part 2

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putting donations in carBeing pleased with myself for not giving into the temptation to donate items that belonged to my husband, I shared my mini triumph with my him.  I asked him if he thought he could do it, get rid of 10 things.  He said, “Easily!”  So, he went through his CD collection and picked out 15 CDs to donate.  Humm!  Was that an easy way out?
Easy or not, I was pleased.  I wanted to capitalize on his generous state.  I wanted to test our limits.  I started asking about particular items that I knew we haven’t used in several years, like the 3 tennis rackets that we made a specific home for in the garage.  Would we be willing to part with them, especially since this fundraiser is for such a good cause (H.O.P.E. Program of Boston Children’s Hospital)?  Yes!  What I’ve learned from my clients is, that, it’s easier to part with something when you know it’s for a good cause.
Once I realized his willingness to donate, we quickly thought of more items of which we could let go.  I was careful to get his approval on anything that I considered joint property.  Our pile soon grew to 50 denote-able items, listed below.

Item 11 – 25 =  fifteen CDs, moved all music wanted to save to computer
Item 26 – 28 =  three tennis rackets, admitted we’d never play again
Item 29 – 32 =  four pot holders, decided 10 is too many
Item 33 & 34 =  two canisters not being used
Item 35 =  small two wheel cart, only used once
Item 36 & 37 =  two large round green candles that are too big for my holders
Item 38 =  collapsable bag, received as gift more than 5 years ago, never used
Item 39 =  small stuffed bunny was going to give as gift, but didn’t
Item 40 =  Bread maker, admitted we’d never use again
Item 41 =  Apple baker, new, never used
Item 42 =  Expresso machine, admitted we’d never use again
Item 43 =  Seed spreader, admitted we’d never use again
Items 44 & 45 =  2 pairs of binoculars that we were given, but never used
Item 46 =  oval serving bowl, new, never used
Item 47 =  tin bucket that a gift came in, never used
Item 48 =  hanging rod for closet, admitted we’d never use
Items 49 & 50 =  two piece slide projector, decided 2 is too many

© May 2013, Janine Cavanaugh, Certified Professional Organizer®  All rights reserved

NAPO

Proud member of NAPO

Yard Sale Details:  Saturday, June 22, 2013, 8:00AM to 2:00PM
North Attleboro, MA 02670
All Proceeds go to H.O.P.E Program at Boston Children’s Hospital

The Reach Ability Factor

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book caseIn organizing, just like real estate, it’s all about location, location, location.  Where we permanently and temporarily place our belongings, papers, projects, and information, is important because it helps us find what we want when we need it.  The Reach Ability Factor is a system that helps us decide the best location for things based on how frequently we use them.

We have 4 sections.

 

Section A:  Items in this section are things we use daily, like our toothbrush, our favorite coffee mug, and underclothes.  Everything in section A is easy to reach, all we have to do is reach out an grab it.
Section B:  Items in this section are things we use weekly but not necessarily daily, like our workout clothes, and specific utensils or dishes.  Everything in section B requires us to move a little, but still within comfortable reach.
Section C:  Items in this section are things we use occasionally, like suitcases,  a food processor, and extra blankets.  Everything in section C requires us to exert more effort to reach, like bending down or using a step stool.
Section D:  Items in this section are things we use once a year, like holiday decorations, or things you can’t part with like our wedding gown.  Everything in section D would be in a remote storage area like the basement, attic, or a cabinet that is more difficult to reach.

The Reach Ability Factor is meant as a guide to help individuals evaluate the best location for their belongings.  What is a perfect spot for one person is not the best spot for another.  Organizing is personal.
Please note that it’s important to concentrate efforts on one’s current lifestyle and reevaluate the placement of items once a year.

©May 2013, Janine Cavanaugh, CPO®  All Rights Reserved

NAPO

Proud member of NAPO

smile bucket

Spring Cleaning

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smile bucketBy combining efforts of organizing and spring cleaning the benefits will be twofold. Here are four ways you can combine your efforts.

1. While you’re getting out your spring and summer clothes purge those items that you didn’t wear last year and any items that are a bit too snug.  Donate to a local charity or look into a consignment shop.
2. While getting out your grilling tools and uncovering your grill,  weed out and pare down your recipes and cookbooks.   Pick a number and only save that many, and make a vow not to print any more from the internet.
3. While tackling your spring yard work, sort through your lawn and garden tools. Get rid of rusty tools and duplicates. Keep only the ones that you really use.
4. While airing out the house, sort through your linens. You only need three sets of sheets per bed and three sets of towels per person. Donate any extra to an animal shelter.

© March 2013 Janine Cavanaugh, Certified Professional Organizer®.  All rights reserved

NAPO

Proud member of NAPO

Garage & Attic Cleanup

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The leaves and temperatures are falling, and before we know it the gift giving season will be upon us.  Before that happens why not take the opportunity to organize two areas in which autumn is the perfect time to work, our attic and garage.  The temperatures, now, are just right for tackling these two areas, and once we’re finished we’ll be ready for packages, gift bags, and bows.

Autumn Days

 

It’s typical that the attic and garage in our home are filled with a variety of items.  After all those areas are meant for storage and get stuffed with all types of unwanted, unused and outdated things. Therefore, when it’s time to organize them, we’re faced with making tough decisions about items we’re not sure how to get rid of, and on items that we think we should save, just in case.  I’d like to offer some solutions.

First of all, getting rid of items safely can be time consuming and troublesome, but with a bit of effort we can make it happen.

 

Solutions for getting rid of items:

1.  Contact local recycle stations.  They’ll clarify what can be recycled and when they offer bulk trash, and hazardous waste removal.

2.  Contact second-hand shops and drop off unwanted items.  Try Savers, Saint Vincent De Paul or Goodwill.

3.  Contact donation centers and see if they’ll pick up at your door.  Try Big Brother Big Sister Foundation, Salvation Army or the Epilepsy Foundation.

4.  For information about electronic recycling try one of these websites, www.ehso.com, or www.earth911.com.

5.  Call a junk removal company.  Try Clean Out Your House or 1-800-got-junk.

 

Solutions for saving items just in case:

1.  Ask yourself the following questions:

A.  Has it been used in the last 5 years?

B.  Will it be used in the next 5 years?

C.  Does it fit into my current life style and serve a purpose for me and my family now?

If you answered ‘no’ to all three of these questions it is time to let go. Toss, donate, or sell the item.  If you need more convincing ask yourself the following questions:

D.  I need this item when…?

E.  I use this item when…?

F.  I love this item because…?

If the phrase “but I might need that someday” escaped from your lips, the jig is up.  Let it go and move on.

 

If you’d like more assistance or a personal helper call me for a complimentary consultation at (508) 699-6652 or email me.  I’d be happy to help you.