New Baby, New Routine

 

 

Bringing your new baby home is very exciting-especially if it’s your first child. The new addition also requires a lot more of your time and it is very helpful to establish a new routine and “Organize Your NEW World”. Do your best to plan a regular routine as soon as possible.

 

Here are a few tips to help you adjust:

 

• When offered help, don’t be shy, accept the help. Sharing chores with a family member or a good friend is always a great idea. It will give you time to unwind, take a relaxing bath or go for a walk.  

• There are many ways to comfort a crying baby other than rocking or swinging. A walk in the stroller, driving in a car or vacuuming while the baby is in your baby sling is other solutions.

• For quick, homemade meals try mashed potatoes or bananas.

• Pleasant, relaxing music in your baby’s room will help relax your child to sleep.

• Keep all baby items in one location. If all items are together, you will save time searching and avoid having to make an unnecessary trip to the store. Baskets or boxes will do the trick. You may not have to purchase a new basket, look around your home for something suitable. You may even find a suitable gift bag from your baby shower that is a perfect fit!

• Try to put the baby to sleep at a regular bedtime. During the day, try to nap when your baby naps 

 

Lurlene Anderson

 

www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca

 

What's Your Sign?

There are several signs of procrastination:


• Unpaid bills and parking tickets

• Stacks of unused gift certificates

• Clutter

• Last minute shopping (and the stress that comes with it!)

• Piles, not files on a desk (and the wasted time searching)

Ever notice busy people get things done? They move at a quick pace but they are not running around in circles, moving or shuffling paper or things from one area to another. Ever wonder how they do it? They have a plan, they always know what they are going to do; they take the time to plan. They are prepared for those last minute monkey wrenches that suddenly appear at the worst possible time.

Why do you procrastinate?

I think procrastinators are rebels. Rebelling and delaying the obvious, making excuses. For example, do you ever hear yourself saying...? “Leave my things alone, if you clear my desk (or other appropriate location), I won’t be able to find anything!”

The truth is, it is there, you will find it, but how much time do you waste going through the piles of paper or stuff?

Most of us know that it is best to have the brakes of our vehicle checked and repaired before the damage becomes severe. If we wait, the cost to repair is a lot higher. If we ignore the problem, we pay for it. The same is true for clutter and your to-do list.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Give your tasks the attention!

• Set goals

• Set a realistic time frame

• Prioritize

• And finally, “Do it”! Or, better yet, hire someone to do it for you.

Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer, Writer and Speaker

Practice What You Preach!

I practice what I preach, or so I thought. I am a firm believer in regular purging. I take pride in the fact that I control my clutter. I created a habit of clearing and purging my home on a regular basis. As I bring something new into my home, I take something out.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not a minimalist, but the clutter in my home is under control. As I write this sentence I am remembering that old phrase “things that make you go hmmm”.

My “awakening” occurred recently when a family member moved to her very first apartment. I remember how exciting it is to move to your new home but also how expensive and difficult it is to stock your new place with essential items. Wanting to help out I decided to pass on one or two items that I do not use. In the back of my mind, I thought it would be a difficult task as I am not a collector.

I started in the kitchen. I searched my kitchen drawers, cabinets and pantry. Here and there I discovered extra cups, glasses, serving utensils, extra oven mitts and even cans of food that are in the cupboard-just in case items. The small bag I had on hand soon had to be replaced with a larger, sturdier bag.

Wow! Did I just find all these extra things in MY kitchen? I felt good about passing these items on, but started to question myself and my own ability to purge.

Of course, I had to continue the process; so I found myself in my linen closet repeating the process. Two large (very large) bags later I completed my task.

I have to admit, I felt lighter. Something I visually witness with my clients when they are ready to purge. Just imagine the feeling of space and organization whenever you open your cupboard or storage area.

I enjoyed the learning experience. I was reminded just how easy it is to lose control over the “stuff” in your home. How quickly one or two items become many and the wonderful feeling that engulfs you have when you finally release your clutter.

Gift Certificates are for Giving

There are many commonalities when I work with my clients. Just to name a few: loose change, excess junk mail or an abundance of gift certificates. Today, I am compelled to discuss gift certificates.

Gift certificates are a great idea for the person who has everything. It can be extra special if it is for a favourite store.

When you receive gift certificates, I always recommend keeping them together in one location. Some ideas are a decorative basket, vase, dish or box, and within your sight. If they are kept together, you will save time (and money!) searching for misplaced valuable gift certificates.

If you accumulate too many, it is time to start using them. There are several ways to redeem the certificates.

1. Sale items

Check flyers for sales and save even more cash on your special purchase.

2. Treat yourself

What do you dream about constantly? What is your muse? Is there something you want but just don’t take the time to treat yourself? Recently I was given a coupon for one of my favourite stores, I was so excited by the thoughtfulness that it took me a few days to put the certificate to good use. It finally dawned on me that I should make the time to go out and buy the item I had been thinking about for the last 6 months or so. (Imagine that!) Every time I look at my new purchase it puts a smile on my face and I think fondly of my thoughtful friend who took the time to buy me the personalized gift certificate.

3. Pay it forward

There are many charities that could benefit from your gift certificate donation. Whether is used for much needed, essential items, it can also be used to raise funds. Not too long ago, I had the pleasure to serve on the Board for Girls Inc Durham. A non profit agency like Girls Inc can use the gift certificates to raise funds as an auction item.

However you decide to use your certificates, be sure to use them within 2 months. Don’t let them collect dust; enjoy and appreciate the gift of giving!

Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer
Writer & Speaker
http://www.organizeyourworld.ca/
http://www.lurleneanderson.com/

Seven steps to a Clutter Free Christmas!

Christmas is a special time, a wonderful season and reason to spend time and catch up with family, friends and loved ones. It is also a time when you feel the most stress; too much to do in so little time. Here’s a few tips to help you clear the clutter in your home so you can look forward to entertaining.

You can clear your home with a check list of easy to do steps. Before you start, have bags and bins ready for sorting.

Step 1

Go through your home and put all the recycling in your recycle bin or bag.

Step 2

Gather all items you no longer use, love or damaged. Put all the usable items in a bag and donate to charity. A lot of Thrift Stores will pick up from your home; the pickup will help save you time for other priorities.

Step 3

Put all trash items together to be disposed.

Step 4

Put all the dishes in your dishwasher or sink to wash right away.

Step 4

Clear and wipe clean all table top and counter surfaces.

Step 5

Dust

Step 6

Wash the floors

Step 7

Clean the bathrooms. And remember to hang fresh, clean towels!

Organizing Just for YOU

Whenever I am asked what solutions I provide for my clients, I have to talk about the fact that there are several ways to organize based on personalized needs. I never provide the same solution for each and every client.


Everyone thinks and act differently, that is why getting organizing is such a personal process.

When you organize, you have to constantly keep in mind what will work best for you. After you sort and purge, you want to create a habit to maintain control of your clutter. Keep it as simple as possible; organize your things in a way that works for you.



There are 2 main activities that are the same for everyone- sort and purge.

Sort

Always have a clear space ready to sort. As you sort, pile like items with like (similar/same) items.

Purge

Purging is a very important and necessary process. I know it can be painful, but the benefits in the long run will be worth it. No pain, no gain.

Donate:

• Duplicates

• Anything you no longer use

• Anything you no longer love



Purge a second time and do not hold on to damaged or beyond repair items.



I also recommend that you purchase (if necessary) your organizing solutions (baskets, containers, pantry or similar items) after you have sorted and purged your items. You can then decide on products that are the correct size and avoid purchasing duplicates that you will have to return to the store (or forget to return!). In fact, you may not have to purchase something new-you may already have solutions in your home that will suffice. How wonderful would that be!



There are a plethora of products available to fit any budget. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on organizing products. Check flyers for sale items or compare prices before you buy.

Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer,
Writer, Speaker
http://www.organizeyourworld.ca/
http://www.lurleneanderson.com/

Personalized Organization-Just For You!

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I really love the “Before” and “After” effect of organizing. When I work with a customer who is ready to roll up their sleeves to tackle their clutter, it inspires me. I love to be inspired by my clients.


Today I am inspired by a client with 2 young children who was anxious to get organized. I received a call from her two weeks ago, she was ready and willing to get started AND finish on her own but just didn’t know where to start. After visiting her home, I set up a personalized plan just for her, based on the space in her home and her needs. She was very motivated and I had complete confidence in her, I enjoyed being her cheerleader. She told me, that she would “make me proud”.

Keep in mind, with two children, one an infant with round the clock needs and a school age child to be dropped off in the morning and after school, it is difficult to find time in the day to focus on additional tasks. I am proud to say I received a call from my client today; she wanted me to see what she accomplished in 2 weeks. I give her a huge gold star and two thumbs up. She did an excellent job and is ready to entertain guests this weekend! I had a huge smile on my face as she showed me around her new space. I have to say, her smile was just as large as mine and yes, I am very proud of her!

Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer
OrganizeYourWorld.CA