Is today the day that you are making a list of your resolutions for the New Year?
Are you thinking about a change? Has anyone asked you about your resolution today?
Every year, getting organized or spending more time with family and loved ones are one of the top ten.
Getting organized is actually a “habit” that you can develop with conscious effort and commitment. It takes 28 days to develop a habit, so why not commit to one change in your daily routine to create a new you for the month of January!
Start slow, here’s a list of small, baby steps to get you started:
• Make your bed each morning. (Even if you pull up the covers to your pillow, your bed will look better than an unmade bed)
• Put your keys in one location every time you walk in your door
• Clear your kitchen table each night
• Put your dishes directly in the dishwasher instead of the sink or wash your dishes right after dinner
• Designate one location for all your mail and put it in the same spot each day
• Recycle junk mail as soon as you receive it-put it in the recycling bin right away
• As you become more organized in your daily routine, you will find you have created more time to spend with family and loved ones. “Being organized can save you time”, according to the Fast Company magazine, Executives waste 6 weeks per year searching for misplaced documents!
This is my New Year’s gift to everyone-work on one resolution and you actually succeed in making two of your resolution wishes come true!
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Last Minute Christmas Tips
Do you feel time is running out? Don’t stress... Don’t panic...use these tips to help you enjoy the holidays!
Gifts
• Gift certificates are safe purchases but could appear “last minute” and not creative. To spice up the certificate, tape the certificate to a box of chocolates, or a practical item such as a candle, favourite bottle of shampoo or hand cream. Another option is to tape a gas certificate to a bottle of engine oil or windshield washer fluid
• Purchase a Christmas themed platter and Christmas cookies or dessert. Put the items on the tray and wrap in clear plastic wrap with ribbon.
• If you are giving a bottle of wine and do not have a wine bag, decorate the bottle with a ribbon or bow.
Wrapping
• Gift bags are always quick, easy & simple solution to wrapping gifts. They are great for re-use and the tissue paper can always be re-used as wrap for storing delicate Christmas ornaments.
• Clear plastic wrap is also great for last minute items. The wrap is usually sold in a three pack with a decorative tie-or you could use your own ribbon if you have some handy at home.
• As an alternative to ribbons, decorate gifts with candy canes, peppermints or small boxes of chocolates or cookies
• If you run out of Christmas paper, make your own with printer paper. Print a design or paint, draw or crayon your own design on the paper-personalize it!
Don’t forget to enjoy the holiday. This is a time to socialize and share the love with those near and dear to your heart-family, friends or both!
Gifts
• Gift certificates are safe purchases but could appear “last minute” and not creative. To spice up the certificate, tape the certificate to a box of chocolates, or a practical item such as a candle, favourite bottle of shampoo or hand cream. Another option is to tape a gas certificate to a bottle of engine oil or windshield washer fluid
• Purchase a Christmas themed platter and Christmas cookies or dessert. Put the items on the tray and wrap in clear plastic wrap with ribbon.
• If you are giving a bottle of wine and do not have a wine bag, decorate the bottle with a ribbon or bow.
Wrapping
• Gift bags are always quick, easy & simple solution to wrapping gifts. They are great for re-use and the tissue paper can always be re-used as wrap for storing delicate Christmas ornaments.
• Clear plastic wrap is also great for last minute items. The wrap is usually sold in a three pack with a decorative tie-or you could use your own ribbon if you have some handy at home.
• As an alternative to ribbons, decorate gifts with candy canes, peppermints or small boxes of chocolates or cookies
• If you run out of Christmas paper, make your own with printer paper. Print a design or paint, draw or crayon your own design on the paper-personalize it!
Don’t forget to enjoy the holiday. This is a time to socialize and share the love with those near and dear to your heart-family, friends or both!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Entertaing Overnight Guests
Tis the season to be jolly! If you are hosting a Christmas celebration at your home, it is a good idea to be prepared for overnight guests. Sometimes you plan to have guests, other times it may be last minute due to weather conditions or excessive drinking. Whatever the reason-be prepared!
If you have a guest room, you are one step ahead of the game. If you don’t have a guest room, any spare couch will do. Inflatable mattresses are an easy economical choice for a quick spare bed.
The following items will help you be better prepared and create a comfortable environment for your guests:
• Books or magazines
• Bathroom amenities
• Spare towels
• Over the door hook for wet towels or clothing
• Extra pill or blanket
• Alarm clock
• Night light (very important for guests who may have to find the bathroom in the middle of the night)
• Water or other refreshments in room or on kitchen counter for easy access
It is also a good idea to be clear about boundaries and personal preferences. Not everyone wakes up at the same time-ensure breakfast or snack items are easy to find in the kitchen.
Enjoy your party!
If you have a guest room, you are one step ahead of the game. If you don’t have a guest room, any spare couch will do. Inflatable mattresses are an easy economical choice for a quick spare bed.
The following items will help you be better prepared and create a comfortable environment for your guests:
• Books or magazines
• Bathroom amenities
• Spare towels
• Over the door hook for wet towels or clothing
• Extra pill or blanket
• Alarm clock
• Night light (very important for guests who may have to find the bathroom in the middle of the night)
• Water or other refreshments in room or on kitchen counter for easy access
It is also a good idea to be clear about boundaries and personal preferences. Not everyone wakes up at the same time-ensure breakfast or snack items are easy to find in the kitchen.
Enjoy your party!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Yesterday I cleaned my windows. I guess you could say I “cleared” my windows...
It always feels great after you clean your windows, the sun shines through a lot brighter and the air always smells and feels cleaner as the breeze blows through the windows. I had to remind myself of the benefits before I tackled clearing my windows yesterday.
Before I started, I assembled all my old towels and cleaning rags (damaged clothes that I cut into rags) and mismatched socks. I put old towels on the floor and placed the windows on them as I took the panes out of the windows. I always use many cleaning rags for cleaning the window because I like to clean the windows twice, once to remove the dirt and a second cleaning for the shine. Single socks are great for cleaning the hard to reach tracks of the window. Any difficult corners are cleaned with cotton swabs. I had my tunes on loud enough to hear as I moved from room to room. Some people sing in the shower, I sing when I work!
When I finished, I needed a hot bath, more good tunes but the choice this time is ballads, and the singing continues.
Today, the sun is not shining as brightly outside, but I am still enjoying the view and the air is perfect-almost as fresh as sitting outside. I am happy I motivated myself and enjoying my day off.
Next week I will get motivated for the next step in spring clearing. I know the benefits will be worth it!
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer, Writer, Speaker
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
Before I started, I assembled all my old towels and cleaning rags (damaged clothes that I cut into rags) and mismatched socks. I put old towels on the floor and placed the windows on them as I took the panes out of the windows. I always use many cleaning rags for cleaning the window because I like to clean the windows twice, once to remove the dirt and a second cleaning for the shine. Single socks are great for cleaning the hard to reach tracks of the window. Any difficult corners are cleaned with cotton swabs. I had my tunes on loud enough to hear as I moved from room to room. Some people sing in the shower, I sing when I work!
When I finished, I needed a hot bath, more good tunes but the choice this time is ballads, and the singing continues.
Today, the sun is not shining as brightly outside, but I am still enjoying the view and the air is perfect-almost as fresh as sitting outside. I am happy I motivated myself and enjoying my day off.
Next week I will get motivated for the next step in spring clearing. I know the benefits will be worth it!
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer, Writer, Speaker
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
A Walk That Motivates!
One of my favourite times to walk is during the spring, especially on a sunny day with a cool, light breeze. Today was just one of those days. Everyone always appears to be in a good mood and will nod their head or give a quick smile and hello as they pass you by.
I just love to hear the different songs of birds in the trees and see plants in bloom. It is a wonderful season to witness new life and rejuvenation.
Today, I discovered I was smiling more than usual and really taking in the beauty of spring. It made me think of how I feel after I clear clutter. You know, those times when you clear space and you put everything in order. It always feels good to look at the renewed space and you keep sneaking a peak to enjoy it again and again.
The walk inspired me to tackle the pile of papers I need to shred and put in the recycling bin. I know when I finish I will have immense joy looking at the newly cleared space...
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
I just love to hear the different songs of birds in the trees and see plants in bloom. It is a wonderful season to witness new life and rejuvenation.
Today, I discovered I was smiling more than usual and really taking in the beauty of spring. It made me think of how I feel after I clear clutter. You know, those times when you clear space and you put everything in order. It always feels good to look at the renewed space and you keep sneaking a peak to enjoy it again and again.
The walk inspired me to tackle the pile of papers I need to shred and put in the recycling bin. I know when I finish I will have immense joy looking at the newly cleared space...
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Organize Your Home with Spring Clearing
With warm weather just around the corner, many of us are looking forward to the opportunity to renew and refresh our homes with spring cleaning. I prefer to call this time period spring “clearing”, a chance to revitalize your space!
Spring cleaning is rooted deep in many cultures. Homes are cleaned thoroughly; everything in the household is cleaned and dusted. Windows, walls, furniture, bedding, rugs, floors, cupboards, closets, garage and basements are all included in the cleaning. It is a time to reinvigorate the home to help create a healthy lifestyle. In Chinese culture, homes are cleaned thoroughly to remove misfortune & bad luck. What a concept! I like to get rid of the old; it creates room for the new and exciting.
When I spring clear, I usually start with my bedroom closet. It is a time for me to look at my winter clothing and give away anything I haven’t worn that season and to throw away anything that is damaged. I usually add to my cleaning rag supply at this time. A lot of the fabric of my old clothing makes great dusting or cleaning rags. I use rags as much as possible instead of paper towels.
I alternate the clothes in my closet seasonally. I purchased an under the bed storage container for this purpose. A word or two of caution: measure the height of your bed before you purchase a container to ensure it is low enough to fit under your bed. There are also fabric storage containers if you prefer fabric to plastic.
Keep following for more tips!
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer, Writer, Speaker
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
Spring cleaning is rooted deep in many cultures. Homes are cleaned thoroughly; everything in the household is cleaned and dusted. Windows, walls, furniture, bedding, rugs, floors, cupboards, closets, garage and basements are all included in the cleaning. It is a time to reinvigorate the home to help create a healthy lifestyle. In Chinese culture, homes are cleaned thoroughly to remove misfortune & bad luck. What a concept! I like to get rid of the old; it creates room for the new and exciting.
When I spring clear, I usually start with my bedroom closet. It is a time for me to look at my winter clothing and give away anything I haven’t worn that season and to throw away anything that is damaged. I usually add to my cleaning rag supply at this time. A lot of the fabric of my old clothing makes great dusting or cleaning rags. I use rags as much as possible instead of paper towels.
I alternate the clothes in my closet seasonally. I purchased an under the bed storage container for this purpose. A word or two of caution: measure the height of your bed before you purchase a container to ensure it is low enough to fit under your bed. There are also fabric storage containers if you prefer fabric to plastic.
Keep following for more tips!
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer, Writer, Speaker
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
Friday, March 19, 2010
Office Organization
A lot of my clients hire me because their business grew very quickly and they are overwhelmed with paperwork. Many of us would love to have the challenge of a successful business. A successful business requires effective procedures and systems. When adequate systems are not in place, the “blame game” or projection occurs. Frustration builds and you lose sight of the root cause of your current situation.
When assessing workflow, it should always be about the system, not about the person. If a company grows quickly without an adequate system in place, it becomes more difficult to “catch up” or to set up a system that should have been in place from the onset.
Here are a few signs that may indicate you are experiencing procedural issues within your business:
Panic mode
Offers of help not accepted
Jumping to conclusions, quickly judging before looking at the facts
Forgetting tasks
Being in a reactive state instead of being pro-active
Unable to take vacation
These are all indications of a challenge, it is best to uncover the source, and make the necessary adjustments.
Solutions:
Make a list of what is working well and the challenges, and then correct it.
Set up a system that you can maintain
Keep it simple
Always work your strengths and hire your weaknesses
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
When assessing workflow, it should always be about the system, not about the person. If a company grows quickly without an adequate system in place, it becomes more difficult to “catch up” or to set up a system that should have been in place from the onset.
Here are a few signs that may indicate you are experiencing procedural issues within your business:
Panic mode
Offers of help not accepted
Jumping to conclusions, quickly judging before looking at the facts
Forgetting tasks
Being in a reactive state instead of being pro-active
Unable to take vacation
These are all indications of a challenge, it is best to uncover the source, and make the necessary adjustments.
Solutions:
Make a list of what is working well and the challenges, and then correct it.
Set up a system that you can maintain
Keep it simple
Always work your strengths and hire your weaknesses
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
What is a Professional Organizer?
When I am asked what I do I often hear "I need you to come to my house" or I am asked what is a Professional Organizer? What do you do?
It is not an easy question to answer. I offer many services. I help busy people who are overwhelmed or just don’t know where to start with their clutter and I help create a retreat in YOUR home or office.
Here's a short list of services:
o Home or office organization and setting up personalized systems to help maintain clutter. I organize based on my client’s needs, not my own.
o Personal assistant. I help busy entrepreneurs keep their office organized and appointments scheduled.
o Public Speaking to help deal with clutter or time management challenges.
o Published writer to provide tips to clear your clutter.
o Prepare homes for sale by painting, de-cluttering, staging and packing.
I love what I do and I am finding it difficult to choose my special niche. I’ll keep working on that...
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
It is not an easy question to answer. I offer many services. I help busy people who are overwhelmed or just don’t know where to start with their clutter and I help create a retreat in YOUR home or office.
Here's a short list of services:
o Home or office organization and setting up personalized systems to help maintain clutter. I organize based on my client’s needs, not my own.
o Personal assistant. I help busy entrepreneurs keep their office organized and appointments scheduled.
o Public Speaking to help deal with clutter or time management challenges.
o Published writer to provide tips to clear your clutter.
o Prepare homes for sale by painting, de-cluttering, staging and packing.
I love what I do and I am finding it difficult to choose my special niche. I’ll keep working on that...
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Organize Your Closet!
I was watching the Oprah show when I heard the topic, a subject near and dear to my heart-clearing the clutter in your closet. I immediately grabbed a pen and paper to take notes. I am always on the lookout for tips that I can pass on to my clients. Sometimes, it’s the “same ole, same ole”, other times, I strike gold. Adam Glassman brought home the gold! His tips are practical and very easy to apply.
Purge:
• Anything you do not wear, even if you paid a lot for it
• Doesn’t fit now, don’t wait until you have lost weight, it may be out
of style by then
• Brings you bad memories
• Duplicates
Everything in your closet should bring you joy, feel comfortable and be useful.
When clothes shopping, have a list so that you shop for what you need.
Lurlene Anderson
www.organizeyourworld.ca
Purge:
• Anything you do not wear, even if you paid a lot for it
• Doesn’t fit now, don’t wait until you have lost weight, it may be out
of style by then
• Brings you bad memories
• Duplicates
Everything in your closet should bring you joy, feel comfortable and be useful.
When clothes shopping, have a list so that you shop for what you need.
Lurlene Anderson
www.organizeyourworld.ca
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Thanks to the A&E series “Hoarders”, there is a growing awareness regarding “Hoarding”. I for one am happy to see this situation addressed. A family experiences many challenges if there is a hoarder in their life. I truly feel the more it is talked about, the greater the understanding and less judgement. Many of us have a hoarder in our lives and we don’t know how to help.
Whether you refer to it as hoarding, excessive clutter or chronic disorganization, there are varying degrees. Hoarding can be temporary. It could be caused by a recent move, death of a loved one, divorce, birth or a toxic environment in your home or work.
A problem with excessive clutter could also be neurological, such as ADD or MS, emotional issues or addiction-there are several causes.
If the problem is severe and you are ready, it is highly recommended to receive therapy before you attempt to de-clutter.
What I do know is outside clutter is an indication or reflection of something going on inside you.
If you have a family member, loved one or friend with excessive clutter you should never nag, criticize, ridicule, judge or clear clutter without consent.
People with clutter issues are everywhere, on your street, co-worker, or boss. They come from all walks of life.
If you have clutter, try not to feel ashamed or judged by your clutter. I know several people who have a closed door to hide clutter.
If it is severe,it is best to seek professional therapy during the de-clutter process as well. And when you are ready to deal with your clutter, choose a Professional Organizer that you feel comfortable with who respects your boundaries and can trust with your purge.
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer, Public Speaker and Writer
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
www.LurleneAnderson.com
Whether you refer to it as hoarding, excessive clutter or chronic disorganization, there are varying degrees. Hoarding can be temporary. It could be caused by a recent move, death of a loved one, divorce, birth or a toxic environment in your home or work.
A problem with excessive clutter could also be neurological, such as ADD or MS, emotional issues or addiction-there are several causes.
If the problem is severe and you are ready, it is highly recommended to receive therapy before you attempt to de-clutter.
What I do know is outside clutter is an indication or reflection of something going on inside you.
If you have a family member, loved one or friend with excessive clutter you should never nag, criticize, ridicule, judge or clear clutter without consent.
People with clutter issues are everywhere, on your street, co-worker, or boss. They come from all walks of life.
If you have clutter, try not to feel ashamed or judged by your clutter. I know several people who have a closed door to hide clutter.
If it is severe,it is best to seek professional therapy during the de-clutter process as well. And when you are ready to deal with your clutter, choose a Professional Organizer that you feel comfortable with who respects your boundaries and can trust with your purge.
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer, Public Speaker and Writer
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
www.LurleneAnderson.com
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Thrilled to join other Professional Organizers for the Great Organizing Getaway
January 25, 2010 is the first day of the Great Organizing Giveaway!
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=263547322425
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=263547322425
Friday, January 15, 2010
New Year, New You!
Free Your Time to meet personal New Year Reslutions
Free your time to meet personal New Year Resolutions
• Start small
• Set attainable goals
• Share your intention; this will help you stick to it
• If you slip up, it’s okay, start again
• Set up a system that works for everyone in the household, make it fun!
How to Purge?
• Is it useful?
• Have you used it in the last 6 months?
• Do you know someone who can use it?
• Donate, donate, donate
Children’s Toys
• Right after Christmas is the best time to purge the toys
• Sort when your children are not home, you should be aware of their favourite toys, if unsure, keep those toys for them to sort
• Throw out all broken toys
• Donate age inappropriate toys and toys that are not popular with your children
Children should always be responsible for putting away their toys before going to bed or when visiting. This will develop a healthy habit.
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer,
Speaker, Writer
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
Free your time to meet personal New Year Resolutions
• Start small
• Set attainable goals
• Share your intention; this will help you stick to it
• If you slip up, it’s okay, start again
• Set up a system that works for everyone in the household, make it fun!
How to Purge?
• Is it useful?
• Have you used it in the last 6 months?
• Do you know someone who can use it?
• Donate, donate, donate
Children’s Toys
• Right after Christmas is the best time to purge the toys
• Sort when your children are not home, you should be aware of their favourite toys, if unsure, keep those toys for them to sort
• Throw out all broken toys
• Donate age inappropriate toys and toys that are not popular with your children
Children should always be responsible for putting away their toys before going to bed or when visiting. This will develop a healthy habit.
Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer,
Speaker, Writer
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
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