Get Your Mind Out of the Clutter
News and Tips to Organize Your Life
from Get Organized DC
WELCOME
Each month in this newsletter I share organizing tips to use in your home and office. Try some projects by yourself or ask for help from my friendly professional team.

We have great ideas for improving the use of all sizes of spaces.

Happy Organizing,
Pierrette Ashcroft
In This Issue
Workday Planning
Ask Pierrette Tips Column
Closet Hangers
Organizing Solutions Column
Facebook Fan Page
Links to Our Website

Pierrette Ashcroft, founder of getOrganizedDC, has more than 20 years of business experience organizing events and providing innovative solutions in homes and offices. She is committed to continuing her education and training to best serve her client's organizing and productivity needs.

As one of the inaugural class to receive credentials as a Certified Professional Organizer, CPO®, Pierrette earned a top distinction in the organizing industry.
 
In 2010 she completed her training to become a Certified Productivity Coach. Through her Productivity Boot Camp she is able to increase the productivity of busy professionals. Pierrette will clear your piles of paper, overloaded inbox and cluttered life so you can be more effective in your business and career
.
 
To learn more, call or write for a free telephone consultation at: 202.537.9705 or pierrette@getorganizeddc.com. Or visit our Web site.
 
The hardest part of organizing is developing an attractive plan. We are happy to help you with any challenges, large or small. Expect efficient and reliable service from our team, who promise to keep your personal information confidential. Read what our clients are saying about us.


pierrette w/ sig 2010

March 2010
GET THE MOST FROM YOUR WORKDAY
A Little Planning Will Help You To Be Productive

pda & plannerHave you ever dreaded walking into your office in the morning because you know the disorder that awaits you? It may take the first hour just getting back up to speed before getting down to work.

Most people would be grateful to walk into an orderly office. With a little planning you will be able to get right to work.

Take 15-20 minutes at the end of your work day to plan for the next.

Make notes on unfinished projects so you can quickly determine where you left off.

Create a to-do list for the next day and prioritize the tasks. Add items that where not completed from the day.

Review your calendar for appointments, meetings and deadlines for the next day.

File any documents or folders that were used during the day. If they are put away you will know where to find them.

Stow pens, paperclips and other supplies you used throughout the day.

Practice these techniques for 30 days and they will become habits that you don't have to think about. The best part is you will get more work completed in less time.
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ASK PIERRETTE:
How Long to Keep Empty Boxes

Question:
How long should I keep the boxes of electronics and other similar types of purchases?

Pierrette:
empty boxesI have worked in homes that looked like a Best Buy warehouse. Empty boxes are robbing you of valuable space. If there is a chance that you will return the item, keep the box for duration of the store's return policy. That is usually only 30 days, some are a bit longer. After that recycle the box. Period.

CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET WEEK

A Solution from the Joan Crawford School of Organizing

hangersThe third week of March is Clean Out Your Closet Week. I'm sure the custom closet industry had something to do with this designation and they would love to install a beautiful closet system for you.

If your dreams or budget are a little bit more modest, you can create an orderly and streamlined closet simply by changing your hangers so everything is hanging at the same height. Instantly transform your closet's appearance by using hangers in the same style and color. Mismatched hangers create visual chaos.

The first order of business is to get rid of all those wire hangers you got from the dry cleaners. There is a reason they are free - they are worthless and can stretch out fabrics and leave stains if the fabric is damp.

Select new hangers that fit your needs, style and budget. There are a variety of styles from which to choose.

Slim flock-covered hangers sometimes called huggable hangers take up less room and your clothes won't slip off.  

Plastic tube hangers are the most economical. You can buy accessories like clips for skirts and pants or shoulder shapers for added support.

Wooden hangers are the most expensive but add a look of quality to your closet. Consider the flat-body version if you need to save on space.

Padded fabric hangers are also on the pricey side. They add a feminine touch and are gentle on your clothes.
ORGANIZING SOLUTION
Carrying A Load

Challenge:
Many jurisdictions are charging for paper and plastic bags. Some reusable bags aren't strong enough for heavier grocery items or large enough for bulky items.

Solution:
folding cratePurchase a folding crate or two. They provides practical, portable storage when you need it - and fold down to mere inches when you don't.

The built-in handles and sturdy design make it much more comfortable to carry a heavy load. No more thin little straps digging into your hand.

They're also ideal for toting toys, containing craft supplies or for organizing the trunk of your car.

Result:
Multiple crates can be securely stacked and they take up little space in your trunk so you have them with you when you need them.
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