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Each month in this newsletter I share organizing tips to use in your
home. Try some projects by yourself or ask for help from our friendly
professional team.
We have great ideas for improving the use of all sizes of spaces.
Happy Organizing!
Pierrette Ashcroft |
DOWNSIZE & DECLUTTER
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Should You Keep It?
 One component of organizing is decluttering and downsizing. Deciding what to keep can be very emotional and difficult for many.
Indecision can lead to a cluttered life, which increases stress levels and lowers self-esteem.
On the flip side, eliminating unnecessary items from your environment will enrich your life by increasing your ability to enjoy today.
If you ask yourself a few simple questions as you organize, it will be easier to make a decision.
Do you use it?
This mean currently, and actually using it - daily, weekly, or
seasonally. The waffle iron you last used on Mother's Day in 1994
doesn't cut it.
Do you need it?
Many people confuse the word 'need' with the word 'want'. Will you need
it again? When and for what purpose? If you don't have clear and
decisive answers to these questions, it's time for it to go.
When was the last time you used it?
If you haven't touched it in the last 12 months, you probably won't in
the next twelve. So make room for something useful in your life.
Do you love it?
If you saw it in a store, would you by it again? Sentimental attachment
can be strong, but your happy memories are not in the piles of stuff.
Don't let your belongings define who you are.
What will happen if you get rid of it? Imagine the worst scenario. It's not that bad, is it?
Finally, when in doubt, get rid of it and be happy about it. |
ASK PIERRETTE:
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Crafty Storage Solution
Question:
I am having a problem getting control of all my yarn. It has taken over the closet in our guest room. Can you help?
 Pierrette:
It
can be difficult to see what yarn you have if it is stored in plastic
bags on the floor. Take advantage of the vertical space in your closet.
Consider hanging a sweater bag from the rod in your closet, or the
narrower version designed for shoes. After you have gone
through your yarn and given away or discarded the unwanted skeins, sort
them into categories that mean something to you, such as project, color
or type of yarn. Use each compartment to store one category of yarn. Remember not to buy more yarn until you have used what you have. |
KITCHEN CENTRAL
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Cleaning out the Refrigerator
 Does your refrigerator contain potential science experiments? Maybe you will be motivated to celebrate Clean Out Your Refrigerator Month.
The best time
to tackle this job is when you really need to go grocery shopping. If
your refrigerator is almost empty you will have much less to deal with.
Start by removing all food items,
storing them in a cooler while you clean. Throw out anything that has
passed its expiration date. If you're not certain, it should go.
Pull out anything removable
such as the shelves and drawers. Clean them and the interior with water
and baking soda or mild soap. Start at the top and work your way down.
Most drips and spills will eventually settle at the bottom so pay
special attention to that area. Don't forget the inside of the door.
Clean out the freezer. Throw out old or frost-damaged food. You probably won't have many spills so the cleaning should go more quickly.
Return only the edible food.
Wipe down any sticky spots on jars and food containers. Organize the
food by types. The most frequently used items should be up front.
Clean the outside. Since the inside now gleams, make the outside shine too. Don't forget to clean the gasket so that it will seal properly.
Vacuum the coils.
First unplug the refrigerator. Use the crevice tool on your vacuum to
get in the tight spots. Remember to plug in the refrigerator when you
are finished.
Now you have a sparkling refrigerator to store all those Thanksgiving leftovers.
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ORGANIZING SOLUTION
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What's For Dinner Tonight?
Challenge:
Planning daily dinners when your refrigerator is empty and resisting the urge to order take out again.
 Solution:
Subscribe to a meal planning service such as Six O'Clock Scramble.
Each week their subscribers receive:
… A weekly menu plan with five family-tested, healthy, delicious and quick dinner recipes that take 30 minutes or less to prepare.
… An organized grocery list so you can grocery shop just once per week.
… A searchable database where you can customize your weekly dinner plan.
… Your own personal recipe box where you can save your family's favorites 30 minute meals.
… A newsletter with useful tips for easier mealtimes, snacks and lunches.
Result:
You
can now print out a weekly shopping list for easy and quick-to-prepare
and nutritious meals that taste great. Who would want Chinese when you
can have pumpkin black bean soup with garlic toast? Yum!
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Pierrette Ashcroft, founder of getOrganizedDC, has more than 20 years
of business experience organizing events and providing innovative
solutions in homes and offices. In 2007, she was in the first group to
receive credentials as a Certified Professional Organizer, CPOÆ,
earning her a top distinction in the organizing industry. She continues
her education and training and in 2009 became a Certified Relocation
and Transition Specialist (CRTS™). As a senior move manager she takes
the worry and work out of the moving process by helping seniors and their
families with their needs for a seamless and successful transition.
In
2009 she also completed training to become a certified home stager. She
can help you prepare your home for sale and use her design skills to
create a beautifully organized new home.
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 challenge, large or small. Expect efficient and
reliable service from our staff, who promise to keep your personal
information confidential. Read what our clients are saying about us.
Enjoy your organizing projects! |
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