Sara Long Organizing

Organizing with Kids: Tupperware

2012-01-28T10:32:00.000-05:00

If you have toddlers, you may think, "how in the world can I do any organizing with them!" I'm beginning a new series of articles about organizing with kids.

One good project is kitchen organizing. If you want to clear clutter in your cabinets, get your kids to help. Here is a photo of my son helping me see which tupperware-type plastic containers have lids. He thought of it as a game, like blocks.

Organized…for Life

2011-12-07T08:38:00.010-05:00

As I write my last column for the News of Delaware County, I am reminded of the main challenge that many of my clients face as they approach organizing their space: maintaining their organization systems throughout the years. By the time I meet them, many clients have already tried several systems and have been frustrated with the results. Many clients had childhoods full of bad habits and had been labeled “messy” since as far as they could remember. If these clients truly wish to break the pattern—to take control of their time and their space for the rest of their lives—I often give them these suggestions.

Have a goal. This one may look familiar. I have used this tip in many of my organizing columns. If you have a clear goal for how to improve your life, you can visualize how you want your life to be, feel, look. Then you can take small steps to achieve your vision. Write down your goal and post it, paint it, embroider it, write it in lipstick on your mirror—whatever reminds you that you are taking control of your life from this point on.

Find systems that work for you. My columns have included many different ways to make your life easier. You don’t have to do all of them. I repeat: you don’t have to do all of them. Discover a balance between challenging yourself to improve your life and creating routines that work for you. Depending on your life—your job, your health, your family, your house—it may be impossible to do everything “right.” You are going to have to let some things go. Remind yourself of your goal, choose the most important tasks or rooms or meetings, and change your systems if they don’t work. My March 2011 column (“Just For You: How to Create Your Custom Organizing System”) can walk you through this process.

“Get back on the horse.” Every one of us has had points in our lives where we fell out of habits. Whether it was due to an emergency or simply malaise, we neglected the steps we committed to doing to make ourselves legitimately happy. When this happens—for a week, a day, even a year—it is important to remember the overall goal of a better life. Then brush yourself off, get up, and get going again.

Get help. Read. Attend workshops. Call a friend. Call a professional. If you don’t know where to begin, there are a lot of people out there who can help you start. My July 2009 column entitled “Summer Reading” gives you some fantastic organizing resources.

Overall, I encourage each of you to enjoy the journey to know yourself and to set your priorities. We each have only 24 hours a day—make your time your own. Assisting clients with these adventures, and seeing their transformations first hand, are why I love being a Professional Organizer.

To Collect or Not to Collect

2011-11-02T08:51:00.001-04:00

As a Professional Organizer, I am often asked how I feel about collections. Is collecting antiques or memorabilia a harmless hobby or is it a sign of “hoarding?” The answer is, as usual, “it depends.” Here are some ways to determine if your collecting tendencies are becoming problematic.

1. Do you love your collection?
When you look at your collection, does it make you smile? When you think of buying an addition to your collection, does it fill you with excitement or with stress? Does it represent something special in your life or has it become a selection of gifts that you feel guilty about letting go of or to telling people to stop buying you? Are you addicted to the search more than the item itself?

2. Do you take care of your collection?
Is it clean? Is it stored so that the items stay in good condition?

3. Is it affecting you financially?
Can you afford to maintain, build, and/or insure your collection? Are you in debt and still buying additional items? Are you trying to keep up with someone else or keep up appearances? If you think that selling these items will earn you a lot of money for the future, have you done the research?

4. Is it affecting your safety?
Is your collection so large or stored in a way that it impedes moving about your home? Could you get out of your home or could people get inside in case of an emergency?

5. Is it affecting your relationships?
Do you spend more time collecting, researching, and cleaning your items than you do with family and friends? Are the people you value in your life bitter or sarcastic about your collections? Has anyone confronted you about your collecting habits affecting other concerns on this list?

What Do You Do with Lots of Linens?

2011-10-05T08:49:00.001-04:00

Do you have a tower of towels? A surplus of sheets? A plethora of pillowcases? What do you do when you’re the contents of your linen closet look like they could supply a Holiday Inn? Organize!

1. First, sort by type and take a count. Put like with like: sheet sets, bath towels, hand towels, etc. See how many sets you have, and if you have any odd items.

2. Next, assess how many of these items you actually use. How many beds do you have in your home, how often do you change your sheets, and how often do you wash them? Consider the mattress sizes, and then use these values to determine the minimum number of sheet sets that you need. If you have one queen sized bed that you change the sheets on once a week, but you only wash sheets every two weeks, you need at least two sets of queen-sized sheet sets. You also can use this formula for towels, hand towels, etc.

3. Determine what you want to keep. Decide how many linens you’d like to keep based on what you use and how much space you have. It’s good to have an extra set of sheets and towels in case of emergencies, but be realistic. Then keep sets that are in the best condition, match, or are just your favorite for other reasons.

4. Donate old linens. The SPCA accepts towel donations to use for the animals. You can donate sheets and blankets to most thrift shops. If they are in very bad condition, consider cutting them up and using them as rags.

2011-09-20T08:04:00.000-04:00

Impact Thrift store is hosting an electronics recycling event.

Saturday, September 24, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Location
Impact Thrift Store - Montgomeryville
979 Bethlehem Pike (Route 309)
Montgomeryville, PA

http://impactthrift.org/events/community-computer-electronic-scrap-recycling-event

Extreme Tidying Up

2011-09-14T19:29:00.000-04:00

Check out these funny "organizing" photos!

http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2011/09/12/140394807/extreme-tidying-up?sc=fb&cc=fp%0A

Clearing Clothing Clutter with Lifehacker

2011-09-13T21:02:00.001-04:00

Here's a great clothing organization article from Lifehacker:

http://lifehacker.com/5838723/how-do-i-get-rid-of-clothes-clutter

Links to style guides for men and women included!

Repurpose Old Cribs

2011-09-13T07:55:00.001-04:00

Thank you to Impact Thrift for the link to this great photo list of ways to repurpose old cribs:

http://consignmentmommies.com/_blog/Consignment_Sale_Advice/post/30_Fabulous_Reuses_amp;_Repurposes_for_Old_or_Recalled_Cribs/#.TmkJT0Bx2ZQ.facebook

Household Hazardous Waste Event in Media, PA

2011-09-12T07:37:00.001-04:00

Delaware County will host a Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Event in Media, PA, on Thursday, September 15.

Rose Tree Park
1521 N. Providence Road
Media, PA 19063
All Delaware County HHW Events run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
* Computers, printers, fax machines and portable televisions will also be collected at this event. See Computer and Television Recycling Topic for further information.

http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html

And you thought you didn't have room for more furniture...

2011-08-30T09:02:00.000-04:00

Here are two examples of furniture pieces that stack into sleek sculptures:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/home_blog/2010/08/-look-for-less-dedon-obelisk.html

How to Get Rid of Clutter...and Organized Confusion

2011-08-28T20:49:00.001-04:00

This is a great article from AOL Healthy Living:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/karim-orange/getting-rid-of-clutter_b_933690.html

"Getting rid of clothes we'll never fit into again means accepting our current shape and level (or lack) of fitness...Getting rid of an expensive item we never use means admitting that we made a poor decision when we bought it..." Poignant thoughts.

The Back-To-School Shopping List

2011-08-03T08:00:00.001-04:00

Getting the kids ready to go back to school seems to become more complicated each year. The supply list is longer, the money is tighter, and the summer is shorter—and hotter! Here are a few ways to organize your school supply shopping to save time and money.

Read the list, and then make your list. Your child’s school probably gave you a list of supplies to send to school with your child on the first day of school. If you don’t have it, contact the school to get it. The list may even be on the school’s website. Once you have this list, make a list of other items your child may need for school.

Shop in your house. Once you complete your supply list, look for items around the house. Most people have more pencils, pens, and other office supplies than they think they do. Include your child in the search: make it a scavenger hunt!

Start at the dollar store. You’d be amazed at what you can find at the dollar store, especially classroom supplies like disinfectant wipes and tissues. I suggest purchasing as many items as you can at a dollar or discount store, then going to other stores to finish your list.

Read the ads. Many office supply stores, department stores, and pharmacies have sales on certain items in August and September. Some of the prices can’t be beat, like notebooks for 10 cents or pencils for a penny. Consider the value of your time, though. Would you prefer to spend hours going to five stores to complete your list or to spend more money buying all of your items at one store?

Buy in bulk. If you have an organized group of friends, you may be able to purchase school supplies in bulk and split them amongst yourselves. Many stores offer free shipping once the bill reaches a certain amount, so you can shop without even having to leave the house.

Remember the calendar and to-do list. Your child’s teacher may or may not have a system for students to keep track of homework assignments and project deadlines. I suggest purchasing a weekly or monthly pocket calendar and a small notepad for your child. These items often cost a dollar or less at dollar stores or office supply stores. The habits of tracking daily assignments (as a to-do list in the notepad) and long-term projects (in the calendar) will help your child learn time management skills, which will help them for the rest of their lives.

2011-07-11T21:00:00.002-04:00

Here is a great article about car organization and maintenance from one of my favorite blogs, Lifehacker:

http://lifehacker.com/5817998/how-to-organize-and-maintain-your-car-to-save-you-time-money-and-effort

Looking for a Job? Get Organized!

2011-07-06T08:15:00.003-04:00

If you are in the midst of a job search and waiting for employers to return your calls, don’t just sit there and wait. Now is the perfect time to organize your portfolio materials for possible interviews. Examples of your work set you apart and may be why you are hired. Here are some examples of what you can do while playing the waiting game.

Gather visual examples. Gather all of your writing samples, graphic design samples, etc., into one place. Then sort the items by type, then reverse-chronologically. Once this sorting is complete, choose one or two samples from each category. Make clean photocopies or print hard copies of each one to bring to interviews. Also, make sure you have digital versions of each sample in case you need to email them to a potential employer.

Compile your work history. Since you fit your resume into one or two pages, it may not list every job you’ve ever had, or it may not include specific dates, locations, telephone numbers and other details. Now is a great time to create a document with more details for your own use. Write down every job you’ve ever had, including part-time jobs and internships, and include their address, phone, contacts, and a list of duties and accomplishments. This document is a great resource if you have to change your resume to apply for a different position or a job in a different field.

Obtain reference letters. Now that you have a work history, see if you can use any past employers or co-workers as references. If you do not have any reference letters, ask some recent employers to write you basic letters that you can use for any job application.

Don’t forget the numbers. Employers are busier than ever, reading more resumes and managing short-staffed teams. They may not have time to read your resume with a fine-toothed comb, but numbers will jump out. See if there are places where you can add statistics about how much you increased sales, publicity, output, productivity, etc., to your resume or cover letter. Include these numbers in your work history as well, so you can use different statistics with different types of jobs.

Shredding Event in Folsom, PA, on July 23

2011-07-01T10:34:00.001-04:00

Representative Joe Hackett is hosting a free paperwork shredding event at his Folsom office. The event is on Saturday, July 23, 2011, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 554 East MacDade Boulevard, Folsom, PA 19033.

Also, Representative Hackett requests that attendees bring a donation the American Troop Support Team, which collects goods to send to the troops. Their list of needed items includes: AT&T national phone cards, batteries, baby wipes, disposable cameras, food, DVDs, novels and more. Visit their website at www.americantroopsupportteam.com for the full list.

See their website for details: http://www.rephackett.com/ShredderEvent.aspx

CNN Article about Clutter

2011-06-20T11:47:00.000-04:00

Here is another great article about organizing:

http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/06/16/seeking-serenity-a-life-less-cluttered/

Article About Productivity vs. Interruptions

2011-06-18T20:48:00.000-04:00

Here is an article with some new productivity statistics about workers who are interrupted on the job, mostly by wireless calls and texts.

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2011-05-18-social-media-worker-distractions_n.htm

Best Place for Your Baby Registry

2011-06-04T12:51:00.000-04:00

I've heard a lot of pros and cons of having baby registries in different place: local stores, department stores, discount stores, online and more. After all is said and done, I still think the best store to have a baby registry is Babies 'R' Us.

While local baby supply stores may be good for your local economy, it is difficult for gift-givers from out of town. Department stores like Macy's, JC Penney's and Sears are nice for clothes and bedding, but they often do not offer the selection of equipment (strollers, cribs, car seats, playpens, swings, bottles, diapers, wipes, etc.) that Babies 'R' Us does. Discount stores such as Target and Walmart will give you a good selection for lower prices, but they have two detriments. The first is that their inventories change often, so your registry items may be gone even a month or two after you create your registry. The second problem is the return policy. Target has a notoriously poor return policy, setting a monetary limit on how many items you can return without a receipt within a year, even if the returned items are on a registry. Online stores like Amazon.com have the selection, but they change their inventory often as well. Also, the buyer has to pay for shipping and doesn't get to see or touch the items live--which is half of the fun of buying baby stuff! Plus, online stores exclude gift-buyers who are uncomfortable with using the Internet or paying for things online.

For these reasons, I suggest creating your baby registry at Babies 'R' Us. They have a very liberal return policy, especially for items on a registry. They have almost everything you can imagine you'd need or want for a baby, including clothing, bedding, equipment, furniture, diapers, wipes and formula. They have many locations nationwide, so out-of-towners can send gifts. They also have an easy-to-use online registry system that allows people to send the gift directly to your address.You can sign up for a rewards card that gives you large coupons for diapers and such, and Babies 'R' Us will give you a substantial coupon after your baby is born to finish purchasing items on your registry.

While it's finally your decision where to have your registry, or whether or not to have a registry at all, I recommend visiting a Babies 'R' Us as part of your search. The prices may seem a bit high, but it's worth the convenience for you and your friends and family.

Another Baby Gift Idea: Childproofing

2011-06-01T13:48:00.002-04:00

Another great ideas for new parents is the gift of safety...child safety to be exact. You can purchase and install a lot of the items yourself, but why not call a professional?

There is a company in Wayne, PA, called KidProteq* that will analyze your childproofing needs for a fee. Then you can use that fee to purchase items from their store and/or to get them to install the items. While many babies don't start crawling until about six months old, it may be good to have these items in place while the baby isn't mobile.

I'm pretty savvy with a screw gun, but I wish I had hired someone else to give me the best products and tell me what to do.

*This post does not represent an endorsement of this company. Services and fees may vary.

Special Delivery: Organizing for a New Baby

2011-06-01T08:15:00.001-04:00

The arrival of a new baby can turn even the most organized person’s world upside-down. Here are some ideas to help expecting parents, as well as gift-givers, to prepare for the big day and beyond.

Look at the registry. If you’ve been shopping at a baby supply store in recent years, you know that it’s easy to be overwhelmed. There are a lot of new “gadgets” out there for babies, some essential and some more gimmicky. Many baby registries are available to view online or on computers in the store. Gift cards to the store are also great idea, so the new parents can purchase unexpected essentials after the baby arrives.

Stock up on basics. Of course, we all want to buy frilly clothes, tiny shoes and cute pillows, but the best gifts are towels, washcloths, receiving blankets and burp cloths. These items are used often and washed often, so they wear out easily. There are a lot of creative designs and organic options out there now, so you can still have fun shopping!

You can never have too many of the essentials. It may not be glamorous giving someone diapers and wipes, but they are necessary! Parents may even include their preferred brand of diapers and wipes on their registry. You can also find out if the parents plan to use cloth diapers and help them stock their stacks.

Shop rummage sales. If the new parents are on a budget, ask if you can look for gifts at rummage sales. You can find almost-new swings, playpens, glider chairs and even bedding at rummage sales. Inspect the items closely, though, and be careful about cribs and car seats. Standing in line at a rummage sale while pregnant is not very fun, so it would be great if you could do it for the expectant mom!

Give time. Having a baby is like having ten times as much work to do in half the time. One of the best gifts a person can give new parents is his or her time. Offer to come over for a few hours to babysit so the new parents can rest. If you aren’t confortable watching the baby alone, offer to do laundry, go to the grocery store or cook a meal. These tasks get very difficult when you have a newborn, especially if the mother is recovering from surgery.

Why are my washcloths turning gray?

2011-05-23T12:45:00.000-04:00

OK, this may be a little off-topic, but I had a hard time finding it other places on the Internet.

I recently noticed that the center of some of my washcloths were turning gray. I tried washing them with Oxyclean, and bleaching some of them, but nothing worked that well. And they just turned gray again.

I realized that the gray stains were due to using liquid body wash. I use liquid baby wash for my son, and only his washcloths were turning gray.

Rinsing the soap out before putting them in the laundry hamper helped, and I've seen a bunch of other laundry ideas and techniques posted on various obscure websites. But honestly, isn't it just easier to buy a lot of navy blue, burgundy, dark green, brown, and dark gray washcloths?

Radio Interview on The Joy of Organizing Show

2011-05-13T13:08:00.000-04:00

Thank you to Bonnie and Matt of The Joy of Organizing radio show for a great conversation about paper management. Listen here:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/paper-organizing-filing-shredding/id352871697?i=93954469

Shredding Events at Bryn Mawr Trust

2011-05-04T08:20:00.003-04:00

Bryn Mawr Trust will host several free shredding events in the region in May. See http://www.bmtc.com/about/about_community.html for more details.

Shred Your Old Receipts, Statements & Documents

HOW :
Bring those confidential documents and receipts.
DocuVault professionals will shred them as you watch.

WHAT :
• Old credit card receipts • Cancelled checks
• expired credit cards • Insurance forms
• Old financial statements • Any personal information
• Pre-approved credit offers you no longer need
• Credit applications

WHEN :
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

WHERE :
Brookhaven Office : Saturday, May 21, 2011
Parking lot of Bryn Mawr Trust at 3218 Edgmont Avenue
in Brookhaven, PA [610-876-6293]

Bryn Mawr Office : Saturday, May 7, 2011
Centennial Wing Parking lot, adjacent to office at
801 Lancaster Avenue in Bryn Mawr, PA [610-525-1700]

Chester Heights Office : Saturday, May 7, 2011
Parking lot of Bryn Mawr Trust at Rte. 1 & Stoney Bank Road
in Chester Heights, PA [610-361-1300]

Exton Office : Saturday, May 21, 2011
Parking lot of Bryn Mawr Trust at 237 North Pottstown Pike,
Southeast corner of Swedesford Road & Route 100
in Exton, PA [484-875-9050]

Havertown Office : Saturday, April 30, 2011
Parking lot of Bryn Mawr Trust at 18 West Eagle Road
in Havertown, PA [610-789-1840]

Swarthmore Office : Saturday, June 4, 2011
Parking lot of Bryn Mawr Trust at 330 Dartmouth Avenue
in Swarthmore, PA [610-328-9998]

West Chester Office : Saturday, April 16, 2011
Parking lot of Bryn Mawr Trust at 849 Paoli Pike
in West Chester, PA [484-356-9413]

Willowdale Office : Saturday, May 14, 2011
Parking lot of Bryn Mawr Trust at 106 East Street Road
in Kennett Square, PA [610-444-9800]

When Can I Get These Chores Done!?!

2011-05-04T08:05:00.003-04:00

Now that it’s spring, you many be tempted to do some much-needed spring cleaning. But how do you find the time with all of those regular chores to do? Here are some ideas on how to schedule your chores so you don’t feel like a maid and you have time to do the things you really want to do.

1. Make a list of chores for your home. Brainstorm all of your chores, including spring cleaning chores. Write down every task that needs to be done in your house on a regular basis.

2. Mark how often you’d like to do each chore. On your list, estimate how often you’d like to accomplish each task: weekly, monthly, semi-annually, annually, etc.

3. Estimate how long it takes to do each chore. Based on your experience with these chores in the past, write down how long it takes to do each task on your list.

4. Assign chores to your schedule. Look at your weekly availability and determine when you can reasonably accomplish the weekly tasks. Do the same for monthly, etc. If you take an evening class or go to the gym on Tuesday nights, it may not be a good idea to schedule two hours of chores on that night.

5. Delegate. Try to reinforce the importance of these chores to your household. Give them each a chore that they can handle and that work with their schedules. Can one of your children be in charge of the trash and recycling? Can your spouse take care of loading the dishwasher and running it if you take care of emptying it? Can you hire someone to mow the lawn, clean the bathrooms, walk the dog, etc.?

6. It’s all too much! If your outcome still seems too overwhelming, it’s time to let some chores go. If your chore schedule shows that you are spending too many hours cleaning on one or two days, see if there’s anything you can make biweekly. Most likely, a room won’t fall apart if it has to wait an extra week. Prioritize your chores and stick to your schedule, and you will have more time to do other things.

For spring cleaning ideas and laundry ideas, please search this blog.

Free Shredding!

2011-04-25T09:05:00.001-04:00

Remember to stop by the free shredding event at IKEA Conshocken on Saturday! A Wiggins truck will be there from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See www.napo-gpc.org for details.

Blog Feature: 12 Small Business Owners Share their Tips

2011-04-22T13:49:00.000-04:00

I'm featured in this blog!

Marketing in Bloom
12 Small Business Owners Share their Tips for Office Organization
http://marketinginbloom.com/site/2011/04/22/12-small-business-owners-share-their-tips-for-office-organization/

Medications: Dispose of Old Pills Properly

2011-04-19T11:00:00.002-04:00

The Drug Enforcement Administration is hosting a “Got Drugs? National Take Back Initiative” event on April 30 at many police departments. See http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html or call 1-800-882-9539 to find a drop-off center near you.

The Great Closet Clean Out!

2011-04-13T13:09:00.002-04:00

The Great Dames of Delaware are collecting clothing and shoes of all sizes for their Great Closet Clean-out on Friday, April 15. Here is their info:

THE 2011 GREAT CLOSET CLEAN OUT
A Career Clothing Drive sponsored by Great Dames Inc. & Pettinaro Relocation
FRIDAY, APRIL 15
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
The Towers at Greenville 210 Presidential Drive, Wilmington, DE
Additional drop-off locations online at www.great-dames.com/events

Who will benefit
The Clothing Bank of Delaware, Great Stuff (DE Breast Cancer Coalition) Shoes 2 Share

What we need
New or gently-used, clean business and dress attire for women and men in any size, shape or color

How to participate
Gather career clothing, preferably on hangers or in closed bags and bring your donations to The Towers at Greenville

For more information
Heather Hake at HeatherHake@Great-Dames.com or 610.389.4710

Could You Live in 90 Square Feet?

2011-04-07T13:10:00.008-04:00

My friend Bridget sent me this article about a woman living in a 90-square-foot apartment in New York City.

http://shine.yahoo.com/event/green/simple-life-in-manhattan-a-90-square-foot-home-2472666/

Could you do it? I think she still has more than I would have! Ha ha! I've lived in 360 square feet (12' x 30'), but living in one-fourth of that would be a challenge.

Although I often don't read comments at the bottom of online articles, many of the commentators are less than supportive of this woman's lifestyle. They compare their cheaper, larger apartments in other parts of the country to hers. Come on! NYC is NYC. City living is spending good chunks of your time living publicly, in coffee shops, book stores, libraries, restaurants, bars, art galleries, theatres, gyms, parks, etc. You give up your living space, and the city gives you its food and culture. If your big screen TV and your whirlpool tub are your priorities, then you can't do it. It's a different lifestyle, but it can be very enjoyable!

For Your Safety: Removing Your Computer Hard Drive Before Recycling

2011-04-06T08:15:00.000-04:00

If you are planning to recycle your laptop computer at one of the upcoming electronics recycling events, it may be a good idea to remove your hard drive first. Your hard drive may contain personal information which, in the wrong hands, could lead to identity theft. See this article about how to locate and remove your hard drive. There are several ways to destroy your old hard drive once it is removed, including getting it shredded at companies like Wiggins Shredding in West Chester, Exton and Kennett Square, PA. It's not as hard as you think!

http://www.ehow.com/how_4913137_out-hard-drive-laptop.html

What Do I Do With This Stuff?

2011-04-06T08:10:00.001-04:00

I recently wrote a column on how getting organized and reducing your purchases also can help the environment. In celebration of Earth Day later this month, I want to share with you some ways to responsibly dispose of items that you are purging as you organize your home.

That box of wires
Everyone I run into seems to have a box of wires! This box can contain power cords, adapters, extension cords and power strips that may or may not work or fit anything that you own. The Delaware County Solid Waste Authority hosts regular electronics recycling events along with their household hazardous waste (HHW) recycling events. The next event is on April 9 in Darby, PA. See http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html or call 610-892-9627 for details and future events. The Earth Care Council will collect electronics recycling at their Delaware County Environmental Fair on April 9, as well. See http://earthcarecouncil.org/index.htm. If you cannot make it to one of these events, consider donating items to Impact Thrift Stores (http://www.impactthrift.org) or call your local Staples or Best Buy store.

Cell phones
As well as bringing old cell phones to the above-listed electronics recycling events, you can donate old cell phones at many Delaware County municipal buildings and at every Delaware County Library System (DCLS) member library. Visit http://www.delcolibraries.org for a list of public libraries.

Paper (that I don’t want anyone to get a hold of)
Shred it! The Delaware County Environmental Fair in April will offer free shredding. Also, the National Association of Professional Organizers-Greater Philadelphia Chapter (NAPO-GPC, http://www.napo-gpc.org) will host a free shredding event at IKEA Conshohocken on April 30. Many municipalities offer free shredding as well. If you need to get it shredded now, Wiggins Shredding in West Chester offers shredding services for a small fee.

Medications
The Drug Enforcement Administration is hosting a “Got Drugs? National Take Back Initiative” event on April 30 at many police departments. See http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html or call 1-800-882-9539 to find a drop-off center near you.

Glasses
Lions Clubs accept used glasses for donation to people in third-world countries. The Aston Township Lions Club has a drop-box in Aston. You can find your local Lions Club by using the search on http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/our-work/sight-programs/eyeglass-recycling/how-you-can-help.php. Or mail your glasses to Lions Clubs International Headquarters, Attn: Receiving Department, 300 W. 22nd Street, Oak Brook, IL 60523.

For information about other regions’ recycling resources, visit my website at http://www.saralong.com and click on “Resources.”

Free Shredding and Computer Recycling at Environmental Event

2011-04-05T09:34:00.000-04:00

Free shredding at the Delco Environmental Fair on April 9!
Homeearthcarecouncil.org

Household Hazardous Waste Recycling

2011-04-04T08:51:00.000-04:00

Delco is holding an HHW recycling event on Saturday, April 9 in Darby:
http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html

Daylight Saving Time

2011-03-11T08:15:00.001-05:00

Turn your clocks ahead tomorrow morning, Sunday, March 13 (or tonight)!

Speaking Events at Haverford Library

2011-03-09T11:36:00.007-05:00

I will be speaking at Haverford Township Free Library on these dates:

Sunday, March 20, 2 p.m. - What Do I Do With All the Paper?: Organizing Tips to Manage Your Paperwork

Sunday, March 27, 2 p.m. - Savvy Closets: How to Organize Your Clothing to Save Space and Time

Sunday, April 10, 2 p.m. - Finding Time: Time Management Tips from a Professional Organizer

Haverford Library is located at 1601 Darby Road, Havertown, PA 19083.

The program is free, but registration is required. Call Mary at 610-446-3082 or register online at http://www.haverfordlibrary.org/events. If you do not see the event listed, click on the "Eventkeeper" link and scroll down.

Computer Recycling Event

2011-03-07T21:20:00.003-05:00

Impact Thrift in Montgomeryville will host a Computer & Electronic Scrap Recycling Event on Saturday, March 26 from 9 am to 2 pm. Click here for details: http://impactthrift.org/news/spring-recycling-with-impact

On Jeopardy!

2011-03-03T19:45:00.000-05:00

Did you see Jeopardy! tonight? The category was "Special Months:"

And the answer for $200 was "Shape Up USA Month & Get Organized Month:"

Yay National Get Organized Month!

Nate Berkus Helps Dr. Ruth Clear the Clutter

2011-03-02T08:23:00.000-05:00

The New York Times shared a great story about Dr. Ruth, a Holocaust survivor, transforming her apartment after the death of her husband. Nate Berkus' insights about surrounding ourselves with the things we love can be applied to all of our organization and decorating projects.

Dr. Ruth and Nate Berkus on Clearing Clutter:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/24/garden/24qna.html?_r=2&src=me

Just For You: How to Create Your Custom Organizing System

2011-03-02T08:20:00.001-05:00

There are many organizing products and systems out there, but how do you know what will work best for you? Here are some tips on how to create custom systems to organize your space.

Write down your goal. Whether your goal is to make your home look like a magazine photo or just to be able to see the floor, your goal will help you make decisions on how to organize your space. It also will help you stay focused when tough decisions arise.

Sort and purge. Before setting up a system or buying products, sort your items into “like with like” and purge what you do not need. You may be surprised at how streamlined your space feels just by clearing out the clutter.

Find a place for everything. Many of my clients say that their biggest organization problem is that they never established the right places to put their things. Failure to create “homes” for items inevitably leads to further disorganization and frustration. Take the time to find a practical place for each item. Consider where you’d keep dirty laundry, books, magazines, mail in, bills to be paid, mail out, clean laundry and shoes.

Set up a system. This is where your space meets your time. Determine how often you need to do chores, read the mail, pay bills, file paperwork, etc. Assign days of the week or dates in the month for each task. Write it down and post it in a place that will remind you and other family members to do the tasks.

Be honest with yourself. Be reasonable and have confidence in your ability to get things done. Once you have a system, it’s a matter of sticking to habits that will make your system work. If you have a good system that’s right for you, the house’s organization won’t fall apart if you have to skip a day. Just get back to it as soon as you can.

As always, call a Professional Organizer if you need help. We are trained in the intricacies of many organizing solutions and can help you discover which systems will work best for you.

Zero Trash Family Also Has Almost No Clutter

2011-02-06T20:46:00.002-05:00

Check out this USA Today article entitled "Zero trash family lives without clutter, excess."

"Béa Johnson said a neighbor called their uncluttered home 'futuristic and alien-like' and, peering into closets, asked: 'Where's all your stuff?'" I love it!

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/greenhouse/post/2011/01/zero-trash-home-mill-valley/1

In Search of a Good Paper Flow System?

2011-02-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

Many people I know are bombarded with incoming mail and other paperwork. I have a system that will help you keep your paperwork moving to the right location in your home. Using bins, boxes, magazine files or baskets, create these categories:

IN
The in box is for any paper that has come in that you haven’t really had a chance to deal with yet. Ideally, you’d be able to open your mail right after you get it. Not many people have that option! Put it in the in box and deal with it every few days or weekly, at the most.

TO DO
Also called an “action” file, move papers into the to do box when you’ve opened them, but they need further action. Bills to pay, invitations for which to RSVP, phone calls to make and items to read go into this box. If this box gets too confusing, consider breaking paperwork into separate categories for each type of action. If this box gets too full too quickly, increase how often you go through it or reduce how much you do!

TO FILE
This box holds paperwork to be filed until you have time to file it. Either file the paperwork when this box is full or schedule weekly filing sessions. You’d be surprised how quickly filing can go when you do it regularly.

OUT
The out-box is for letters going out in the mail, items to give to people, things to take to work, etc. Items in this box must be completely ready to go. A bill must have an envelope, address and stamp. The out box does not need to be a box or bin; it can be your briefcase, purse or coat pocket. Find a place that’s close to your door that works for you.

Finally, remember to have a trashcan (as well as a recycling bin and shredder, if possible) near where you sort your paperwork.

At the Office: Clutter and Time Management

2011-01-31T12:46:00.004-05:00

Here are two great articles about getting more organized at the office.

National Survey Reveals Workplace Clutter Tarnishes Professional Image and May Prevent Promotions
http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/officemax/46659/

Don't gnaw your nails; organize your tasks to control worry
http://www.usatoday.com/money/jobcenter/workplace/crom/2011-01-28-how-to-curb-worry_N.htm

GO Event at Impact Thrift

2011-01-29T21:29:00.003-05:00

The Philadelphia Chapter of NAPO volunteered at Impact Thrift in Montgomeryville on Friday. What a great place!

Video from Gilda's Club GO Event

2011-01-27T20:22:00.001-05:00

Here is a fun video of our Gilda's Club GO Event that Alix Longfellow made. Awesome!

Gildas Club Go Month Event 2011 from Alix Longfellow on Vimeo.

Gilda's Club South Jersey Welcomes NAPO-GPC Volunteers

2011-01-26T13:35:00.005-05:00

I had a great time volunteering with fellow Professional Organizers Joanne Rinaldi, Alix Longfellow and Carla Shipman (all NAPO-GPC members) at Gilda's Club South Jersey on Monday, January 24. We organized their storage room in four hours! Check it out:

Before:

After:

Photos from Good Morning America

2011-01-21T13:56:00.007-05:00

Here I am with my NAPO-GPC buddies in the audience of Good Morning America with George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts and Juju Chang! More photos coming soon.

Organizing for Tweens

2011-01-21T09:28:00.001-05:00

I'm mentioned in this organizing article by Kerry Luksic:
http://www.examiner.com/parenting-tweens-in-philadelphia/tips-to-get-your-kids-organized-at-school-and-at-home

AboutOne.com Featured Organizer

2011-01-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

I'm the featured Professional Organizer on AboutOne.com today!

NBC News Tonight with Lilliana Vazquez

2011-01-05T13:01:00.003-05:00

Update: The segment didn't air on Wednesday night, but it should air tonight, time TBA.

I'll be appearing on the NBC News tonight (during the 5 p.m. hour, I think) with Lilliana Vazquez. She is doing a report on organizing your wardrobe. I hope you enjoy it!

Plus, here are some more organizing tips about closets and about saving money through organizing.

Organizing Products for Kids

2011-01-05T08:20:00.004-05:00

There are a tons of great organizing products for kids. Stores like Ikea, The Container Store and Target have some great options, and you can find a lot of products by conducting and Internet search. Here are some fun options to store stuffed animals.

Boon Animal Bags
http://www.booninc.com/products/OttoAnimalBag/821

The Zoo
http://www.littlezookeepers.com/

Jackpopz
http://www.jackpopz.com/grandyshop.html

Ikea
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90096164
...and much more!

Kids Can Organize Too

2011-01-05T08:15:00.003-05:00

If you have children, you know that January presents some unique organizing challenges. The influx of gifts from the December holidays, plus more “inside time,” can throw a wrench into your goal of a clutter-free home. Here are some ways to help tackle your kids’ clutter while teaching them to organize.

A place for everything. It’s difficult to keep up with children’s organization systems because their possessions change so often. Give everything a “home,” though, to make it easier for you and your child to stay organized. Use bins (opaque or clear) of different sizes for toys, shoes and any items that children can put away themselves. Depending on your children’s personalities, you can sort and label, or just be happy that they get things off of the floor. Choose your battles!

Establish a routine. Once everything has a place, it becomes easier to create times to put away items. Try to establish habits like hanging up coats and bookbags when the kids come home, putting toys away before bedtime, preparing homework and bookbags for the next day the night before, cleaning bedrooms once a week, etc. It may be a battle, but your kids will learn from experience that life is much easier when they don’t waste their time looking for everything!

Teach your kids to let go. Learning not to hoard items is an important part of growing up. For younger children, you can make items they no longer use “disappear” when they are out of the house. For older children, involve them in the process of letting go, concentrating on the fact that quality over quantity is best and that their donations can help children in need.

Teach yourself to let go. You realize you can’t keep every toy and item of clothing that your child has ever owned, but why is it so hard? Be honest with yourself about your space and how many sentimental items you can keep. The truth is that your child probably won’t want a bin of baby clothes when they go to college or move into tiny apartments in their twenties. Save only the most important items, things that will be fun (not tedious) to look at years later.

Recent Articles about Beating Clutter

2011-01-03T09:15:00.007-05:00

It must be Get Organized Month (GO Month)! There are lots of great articles on how to stick with your new year's resolution to organize your life in 2011.

Organize Your Finances in Five Days:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/12/28/earlyshow/living/money/main7191582.shtml

Cleaning Out Your Makeup:

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/jan/01/start-with-makeup-as-you-vow-to-clean-the/

Organizing Over 50:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/barbara-hannah-grufferman/lose-the-clutter-find-your-life_b_802994.html

General Organizing To-Do List:

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20101230/LIFE04/12300315

A Great Time to Organize Your Office

2010-12-26T20:10:00.001-05:00

Here's an article about organizing your office clutter this week, the "slow" week between Christmas and New Year's Day.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/columnist/abrams/2010-12-24-de-clutter_N.htm

Summing It Up

2010-12-19T20:32:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite blogs reviews one of my favorite books.

Lifehacker on "Organizing from the Inside Out"
http://lifehacker.com/5714390/organizing-from-the-inside-out-form-a-plan-of-attack-for-lifelong-organization

Save on storage: Use household ‘junk’ to organize your stuff - Holland, MI - The Holland Sentinel

2010-12-12T19:44:00.001-05:00

Here is a great article about how to use household objects as storage solutions. Money saver, and earth-friendly!

Save on storage: Use household ‘junk’ to organize your stuff - Holland, MI - The Holland Sentinel

Paper Clutter Tips

2010-12-06T08:24:00.000-05:00

Here is a great article about paper management from USA Today:

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/greenhouse/post/2010/11/nine-tips-cut-paper-clutter/1

Combatting Holiday Clutter

2010-12-05T20:53:00.002-05:00

Here is a great article from Take 5 for Moms:

http://www.pnj.com/article/20101205/LIFE/12050306/TAKE-5-FOR-MOMS-Combat-holiday-clutter

Great Shelves and Bins for Organizing Attics

2010-12-01T08:20:00.000-05:00

For your attic (and garage and basement, etc.) organizing projects, I highly recommend Sterilite's shelves with coordinating totes. They shelves are very easy to assemble and can be as tall or short as you need. The bins come in clear or opaque, and they are a good size to move and fit through doorways. I found my set at SpaceSavers.com.

Organizing the Attic

2010-12-01T08:15:00.000-05:00

If you want to tackle your attic, the colder seasons can be a good time to do it. You definitely don’t want to be up there in the summer! So bundle up, and set aside a few hours to organize and clear out your attic. Here are some tips:

Plan ahead. As with many other organizing projects, schedule a few hours ahead of time and avoid interruptions. Collect boxes and bags for items to go to donate or dispose. Set up helpers if you have trouble lifting or moving items.

Protect yourself. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes, and wear work gloves and a face mask if necessary. Lift carefully and have a first aid kit handy.

Clean as you go. Bring a dust rag, spray cleaner, broom and dustpan with you so you can clean as you go. This step will save you time later and will get rid of dirt that may be in your way discouraging you from proceeding. Bring down as much as possible. The reason so many items accumulate in the attic is that they are out of sight. Once you decide you are getting rid of things, take them downstairs and get rid of them as soon as you can.

Re-think your attic space. Now that you’ve had time to analyze your attic, determine how much you actually want to store there. Just because you have an attic doesn’t mean you have to use it. Carefully consider what you keep up there and if it can handle the dust and temperature changes. Store the items you do keep in waterproof, dust-proof plastic bins that are legibly labeled. Put like with like, and put the items or use more often closer to the door.

Do You Have any 80-Million-Dollar Vases Lying Around?

2010-11-14T20:53:00.004-05:00

Check out this article:

Express.co.uk - Home of the Daily and Sunday Express | UK News :: Vase found in house clutter sells for £51m

A vase found under a pile of clutter sold for 51 million pounds, which is over 80 million dollars. Clear out that clutter, folks!

Organizing Documents For Your Heirs - Investors.com

2010-11-08T20:06:00.001-05:00

Although none of us wants to think about this, I'm sure none of us wants to picture our family rooting through piles of paperwork and having trouble finalizing bills after our death. Here is a great article about how to organize your paperwork for your heirs when you pass away.

Organizing Documents For Your Heirs - Investors.com

Organize Your Holiday Decorations

2010-11-03T08:20:00.004-04:00

Halloween is over, and Thanksgiving is coming, followed by Christmas, and more! Are you having trouble organizing all of your holiday decorations? Do you feel like you have more and more each year? Are boxes and bins of seasonal items occupying too much space in your home? Here are a few suggestions to trim the trimmings.

Plan and pare down. Decide which areas of your home you wish to decorate: the front door, the mantle, the stairs, the dining room table, etc. Then determine which decorative items will go in each space. Anything that doesn’t fit can be donated or given to family members.

Store wisely. Many seasonal decorations are stored in basements or attics. It’s best to store them in clear, plastic bins to prevent dampness and dust. Select bins that you can easily carry up and down stairs and through doorways. Label them well, and store all of one holiday’s items together. If you store your items in a sunny room, use opaque bins instead.

Consider displaying decorations you don’t have to store. If you are really tight on space, consider using plants and other temporary decor. For Halloween, use pumpkins, mums and bales of hay. Purchase pine cones, berries, poinsettias and evergreen wreaths for Christmas. When the holiday passes, you can dispose of these items easily in an eco-friendly way.

Concentrate on the meaning behind the holidays. When you think back to past holidays, was the abundance of decor what you remember most? The traditions and family memories celebrated among the decorations are what make your holidays special.

Yep, That Was Me!

2010-10-20T21:15:00.001-04:00

If you were watching the Channel 6 News on Monday, October 18, and you thought you saw a familiar face (or name)...yep, that was me! I was filmed visiting Linvilla with my husband and son.

Organize Your Bathroom

2010-10-06T08:20:00.001-04:00

It’s most people’s dirty little secret—their dirty little bathrooms! There’s nothing worse than looking for health and beauty items when you’re sick or in a hurry and finding only insufficient or expired items. Here are some tips on clearing your medicine cabinet and toiletries storage to make your most personal room your most efficient room.

1. Grab a piece of paper and pencil to make a list of items you discard and will need to replace. You may not need to replace every item, just those you are pretty sure you will use at least once a year. Also note the quantities you think you will need.

2. Open your cabinets and drawers and move shelf by shelf, disposing of any expired items.

3. Next, dispose of items that don’t have an expiration date but that look old or smell bad, to the point where you wouldn’t use them.

4. Finally, dispose of anything that you haven’t used in a while, say a year or more. Take an honest look at these items when you consider whether or not to purchase replacements.
5. If an item does not have an expiration date and you forget when you bought it, consider writing an expiration on the bottle. Use Real Simple magazine’s online article entitled “Expiration Dates for Beauty Products” to come up with your dates. Most items are good from three months to a few years.
6. Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down drains. To properly dispose of medicines, contact your local pharmacy to see if they participate in a prescription medication disposal program. The DEA’s Office of Diversion Control organized their first “National Take-Back Day” in September. They hope to host this event annually, to reduce the quantity of dangerous medicines available to children or sold illegally. See www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/takeback for more information. If these options aren’t available to you, you can take a few additional steps to safely dispose of medications yourself. Remove your name and personal information from any bottles. Recycle bottles, if you can. Then pour the pills into a plastic bag, and add coffee grounds so animals avoid pills in the trash. For more information, see www.smarxtdisposal.net.

7. After you have cleared old items and purchased new items, consider creating “zones.” Create a shelf for cold medicines, a shelf for first aid, etc. Place the most urgent or often-used categories on the most accessible shelves.

Household Hazardous Waste Event

2010-10-01T10:20:00.000-04:00

Delaware County is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste recycling event on Saturday, October 9, 2010, at the Upper Chichester Township Municipal Building. Computers, printers, fax machines and portable TVs will also be collected at this event. See http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html for details.

Give Your Stuff Away Day

2010-09-24T20:00:00.003-04:00

Kick clutter to the curb! September 25th is a new holiday called "Give Your Stuff Away" day. Don't worry, no Hallmark cards or gifts are needed!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/24/give-your-stuff-away-day-_n_736983.html

Back To School and Lightening the Load

2010-09-22T20:05:00.000-04:00

Here is a great article on helping your school-aged children to carry less stuff in their backpacks:

http://www.newschief.com/article/20100919/NEWS/9195013/1009?p=all&tc=pgall

Get that Garage

2010-09-14T12:42:00.000-04:00

Here is a great article about garage organizing from the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/09/10/HOVS1F5P8O.DTL

Free Shredding Event in Wilmington

2010-09-13T10:14:00.000-04:00

The Wilmington area Professional Organizers of NAPO-GPC will host a free shredding event on Saturday, September 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The shredding truck will be located at the Sports Authority on Rt. 202, across from the Concord Mall in Wilmington, DE. Click here for details.

Hazardous Waste Recycling Event

2010-09-10T10:10:00.001-04:00

Delaware County is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste recycling event on Thursday, September 16, 2010, at the Rose Tree Park in Media, PA. They will collect Computers, printers, fax machines and portable televisions at this event. See http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html for details.

Manage Your Time

2010-09-01T08:15:00.005-04:00

The summer is over, children return to school, coworkers return from vacations, and everything seems to move faster. If you’re grappling with how to manage your time better, to have the quality life you want, here are some tips to get started.

Set goals and priorities.
If you have an idea of how you want your life to be, it’s easier to make decisions on how to spend your time. Write a list of important things in your life, such as career, children, spouse, friends, education, hobbies, etc. Then write numbers next to each item, assigning number one to the most important item, number two to the second, etc. When you get two invitations for one night, refer to your priority list to decide which is the best choice.

Create a “task block” schedule.
Have you ever seen network executives working on a TV programming line-up? They take names of TV shows and put them into a schedule to see how the week looks. You can use a similar exercise to look at your personal schedule. You can use Outlook, Palm, Excel, a paper calendar or even a piece of paper with times written on it. Make sure you have space for 24 hours in each day. Input items on the schedule, until all space is filled, using categories such as such as sleep, eat, work, travel, chores, errands, family time, personal care, entertainment, etc. It may be good to overestimate time for items like travel and chores. Take a step back and look at your schedule. Does it line up with your goals and priorities?

Your health is #1.
Everything you do gets harder if you don’t take care of yourself. Try to eat well, sleep and exercise. Set aside at least one or two hours a week to treat yourself to some “me time” by going to the gym, reading, watching a movie, going to a museum or doing something else that feeds your soul. Take time to recharge, and it will carry you through the stressful events of the week.

Say “no.”
It sounds easy, so why is it so hard? Saying “no” more often will give you time to concentrate on how you want your life to be. Have you ever looked at your week and realized that half of the things you do don’t meet your vision for your life? You may think people will be angry or disappointed with you, but I think you’ll find that they respect and value you more when you stand up for yourself.

What’s Your Reason?

2010-08-04T08:35:00.004-04:00

As a Professional Organizer, I hear a lot of frustration from people who are trying to organize their spaces. I’ve heard it all! Here is my top ten countdown of reasons why people think they can’t get organized.

10. “If I get rid of something, I may need it later.”
You may, but if you forgot you had it and haven’t used it in several years, you probably won’t need it. Plus, you probably will be able to buy a similar thing if you need it later.

9. “I’m so busy, I don’t have time to organize.”
Organizing an hour a week will give you several more hours in your schedule.

8. “All of this stuff may be worth something.”
If you are serious about making money, research your items’ worth, and be willing to sell. Call an appraiser if necessary. Your space is valuable too, and you need your space now.

7. “I’m saving this to give to my kids.”
Do your kids really want it? Ask them, and don’t be afraid to get your feelings hurt.

6. “All of this stuff has memories.”
It is difficult deciding which sentimental items to keep, but you know you need the space. Keep the memories, part with the stuff. And clear your house for new memories.

5. “Those clothes are three sizes too small, but I’m on a diet.”
If you have items of clothing that haven’t been worn in a year, take time to sit down and be honest with yourself. It adds stress to have a closetful of tiny dresses staring at you as you are dieting. Keep clothes one or two sizes too small at most, not all of your clothes from high school.

4. “This is all other people’s stuff.”
The kids leave stuff, your spouse dumps stuff, your room is full of junk! Start by dividing what belongs to whom. Find places in the house to be “homes” for their stuff. If it has no home and hasn’t been used in over a year, consider donating it. Then lay down the law: you deserve a clutter-free space for yourself!

3. “I’m just a messy person.”
Messy and disorganized are two different things. Some messy people can find what they need in two seconds, while some neat people don’t know where anything is. Organization is about retrieval. It’s still possible to be organized if you like your space full of things.

2. “It’s so bad, I don’t know where to start.”
There is no “perfect” place to begin. Start somewhere, anywhere. Start with a small project, and make a list of other small projects you can do a few hours at a time over several weeks or months.

And finally, drum roll please...

1. “I can’t do it alone!”
Maybe it’s time to call a Professional Organizer. Visit www.saralong.com to read about what a Professional Organizer can do for you.

Article in Delaware Moms Magazine

2010-07-29T09:04:00.004-04:00

I'm proud to say that I was featured along with Professional Organizers Rhonda Sinor, Dawn George and Catherine Dombroski in the July 2010 issue of Delaware Moms magazine. Denise Morrison Yearian wrote the article entitled "Everything in its Place" on page 25. Pick up this free parenting magazine in book stores and other locations in the Wilmington area.

Planning a Successful Yard Sale

2010-07-14T08:15:00.001-04:00

If you’re looking to get rid of clutter and earn some cash, a yard sale or garage sale may be the answer. If you already have boxes of unwanted items and are willing to spend the time sorting, pricing, and organizing a yard sale, here are some tips to make your yard sale as successful as possible.

Advertise. List your yard sale in your local newspapers and online. List in the “garage & moving sales” section of CraigsList.com, and conduct an Internet search for “yard sales” to see which other websites let you list your yard sale online for free. Also use email, Facebook, and Twitter to share your yard sale date with friends and family.

Create consistent signage. The best yard sale signs include at least the following information: the words “yard sale,” the date, times, location and an arrow. Use large, legible lettering. Print all of your signs on the same color paper, so drivers can follow the signs from a distance. Place signage at major intersections a few days before the sale, and remember to take them down after the sale ends.

Balance between pricing to haggle and pricing to move. Most people planning yard sales want both to get rid of old stuff and to earn money. Overall, it’s better to sell an item for a small amount of money than to have to give it away for free later. Use a simple pricing structure, with room for buyers to bid lower. Consider labeling everything in dollar amounts and not charging below one dollar for anything. This way you only have to stock up on dollar bills, not lots of coins. Combine little items into plastic bags and charge a dollar for the whole bag. Try using brown paper lunch bags to create one-dollar “mystery bags” full of small items to sell to kids. Also think about having a five-dollar shopping bag sale for the last hour of your yard sale.

Consider selling refreshments. A good way to earn some extra cash at a yard sale is to sell yummy treats and cold drinks. They’re hard to resist for people who’ve spent all morning yard-saling.

Determine what you will do with the remaining items. Too often, boxes of old yard sale items are lugged back into the house. Once you determine you don’t want an item, let it go. If it doesn’t sell at the yard sale, donate it to a thrift shop or other organization. Don’t bring that clutter back in!

Eye Contact in the Modern World

2010-06-02T08:27:00.004-04:00

Think back. Way back. To your high school dances. Have you ever been dancing with someone and they are looking around the room? Possibly they're looking to see who's watching them and what they are thinking, or possibly they're looking at (or for) more attractive dance partners. Either way, it doesn't feel good.

That's how it feels when someone is constantly looking at their phone when I'm out with them.

Now, I'm fortunate enough to have a group of friends who are techno-savvy as well as polite enough to make me feel like they really want to be there with me, not whoever may call or text in the next five minutes. But I know I'm one of the lucky ones.

It's the elephant in the room that makes us feel like "old fogies" when we bring it up. I didn't include it in my last article, but it deserves some discussion. It's not just etiquette, it's a lack of appreciation for a person you may really care about. It poisons the intimate, face-to-face connection that all of us crave and that all of these technologies were created to foster, not destroy. It's behavior that says "I'm not that into you," even when you may be.

As cell phone technology has advanced, users have been more and more trained to look for that "greener grass." This habit robs them of the enjoyment of the moment, time spent with the people who like them enough to make time to be with them in person. Being an adult is about making sacrifices and taking the chance on committing to something to reap deeper rewards. Only kids float from place to place, always searching, always proving and impressing, and never stopping to revel in the intrinsic satisfaction of the current experience. Having a short attention span and taking people for granted are immature traits.

So take a chance on the person in front of you, and let the rest of the world find someone else to dance with for an hour.

Communication Clutter

2010-06-02T08:15:00.001-04:00

Do you ever feel like you’re juggling all of the people who seem to need your full attention immediately? Many of the gadgets released over the past 20 years seem to have made conquering your communication clutter harder, rather than easier. Use these tips to prioritize your communications, give you focus, and make you feel less frazzled.

1. It’s an old sales trick: the person in front of you is more important than the person on the phone. Good customer service reps will serve the person at the counter, and put the incoming phone call on hold. Try the same thing in your life. The person in front of you gets priority over anyone who calls or texts you on your cell phone. You can always check your voicemail and text messages in an hour, and the person that found time to sit down for a meal with you will appreciate your full attention. Of course, there are exceptions. If you are expecting an important call or get an emergency call, take it, but excuse yourself politely and make it brief.

2. Set boundaries with kids, and yourself. Inevitably, your kids will start talking to you as soon as you pick up the phone to call someone. Reiterate that it’s not polite to ask questions while someone is on the phone, and teach them what counts as an emergency. But hold up your end of the deal as well. Don’t spend all of your time on the phone or cell phone, especially when you’re with your children.

3. Make email lowest priority. It’s easy to get tied up reading and sending emails. If you have trouble finding time in your schedule, try checking email only a few times a day. Notify people that you are not constantly connected, so they know they need to call you if there is an emergency.

4. What’s an emergency? People will call you with urgency in their voice all of the time. But is there problem really an emergency? Remember the old saying: “lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.” Emergencies are events that require immediate action. If it can wait three or four hours, it’s not an emergency. Allow yourself not to be everyone’s keeper. (This change will make a lot of things in your life easier!)

Multitasking: A Professor's Insightful Video

2010-05-27T12:08:00.007-04:00

Recent studies have been showing that multitasking is no longer a virtue, it's just doing two things poorly at the same time. As younger generations surround themselves with more electronics, we wonder if they are overcoming this multitasking pitfall. This video explains how the brain works (in a fun way) and why most multitasking still hurts learners more than it helps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34OZ-dsNkBw

"Professor Daniel Willingham looks at multi-tasking and concludes that even though kids today may like to multi-task, there's no reason to think that they are different than previous generations; they don't *need* to multi-task to be engaged and, like everyone else, kids today can't do two things at once as well as they can do one."

Local Shredding Events

2010-05-11T12:48:00.004-04:00

The Borough of Brookhaven, PA, is having their annual "Shred It!" event on Saturday, May 15, from 9 am to 1 pm. Call 610-874-2557 for details.

Maybe your town has a free shredding event coming up too! Check your town's website, newsletter, or call the office. 'Tis the season for shredding!

Tackle the Paperwork

2010-05-05T08:15:00.001-04:00

Tax season has just passed, and it’s a great time to organize your paperwork. If you don’t have a filing system, or if yours just needs a tune-up, here are some suggestions.

1. Get all of your paperwork in one place. It’s difficult to organize your files if you have boxes in several rooms.

2. Separate your paperwork into piles by subject. If you already have files set up, you may be able to use them for your new system. If you don’t have file folders, put documents in piles and use sticky notes to assign subjects. Broader subjects are better than very specific ones, so you avoid having only one piece of paper per folder and many folders. You can always go back and get more specific later.
3. Purge excess paperwork. Create piles for trash, recycling and shredding. Use a guide like Catherine Williams’ “How long to keep financial records” article from Bankrate.com to decide how long to keep certain documents. It’s usually seven years for tax returns and 45 days to seven years for credit card statements.
4. Make your file folders. Use the sticky notes as a guide. I suggest Pendaflex hanging file folders with removable plastic subject tabs. They make it convenient to change subject labels in the future. Place your documents in the labeled folders.

5. Assess your file storage. Now that you know how much paperwork you have, make sure you have file furniture to store it and to grow. Office supply stores have a wide selection of filing cabinets, as well as more “open” filing furniture and racks. Make your system your own, and it will be easier to find things.

6. Create a file index. Look at your file folders and write or type a list of the subjects on the tabs. Keep this list near your files. It will help you find the right file, before you even open your cabinet. It will help other members of your household as well.

7. Dedicate time to file regularly. Try to find a half hour a week to file. Keep on top of it and your “to file” pile won’t be quite as intimidating!

Hazardous Waste Event

2010-04-16T10:15:00.002-04:00

Delaware County is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste recycling event on Saturday, April 24, 2010, at the Emergency Services Training Center in Darby, PA. They will also take computers, printers, fax machines and portable TVs at this event. See http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html for details.

Blogs, Blogs, Blogs: How to Create A Blog Reading List

2010-04-07T08:30:00.002-04:00

Blogs, blogs, blogs...It seems like everyone has a blog (short for “web log”) these days. How do you begin to find blogs you like to read?

Internet marketing expert Alex Seigfried of Seigfried Designs (www.seigfrieddesigns.com) suggests using Google’s free online applications. “If you want to be notified of new blog postings on blogs you already follow, then I would use Google Reader,” Seigfried explains. Google Reader (reader.google.com) collects new postings from blogs you like, so you can read them all in one place at your leisure.

“If you want to find new blogs or Web sites on a certain subject, then you can use a service called Google Alerts,” Seigfried adds. Google Alerts (www.google.com/alerts) allows you to create search terms, such as “home organizing blogspot” or “organizing blog wordpress.” The links it finds can be emailed to you on a daily or weekly basis, or they can be sent to Google Reader.

To get you started, here are a few blogs I like to read regularly:

Getting Things Done Blog
www.gtdtimes.com
Author, consultant and international lecturer David Allen writes this blog about personal and organizational productivity.

Stepcase LifeHack Blog
www.lifehack.org
This blog includes articles from dozens of contributors on the topics of saving time, improving productivity and bringing simplicity to your life.

Zen Habits Simple Productivity Blog
zenhabits.net
With articles that help you find simplicity in life’s daily chaos, this blog clears the clutter so you can focus on what’s important, create something amazing and find happiness.

Fitness Together Main Line Blog
www.ftmainline.com/blog
The blog from this personal training company offers more than just exercise information. You’ll find articles on nutrition, stress relief and longevity.

Sara Long Organizing Blog
saralongorganizing.blogspot.com
Yep, that’s my blog! If you like my column, you’ll love the additional organizing tips on my blog.

HGTV's New "Home Rules" Show: I'm Not a Fan

2010-03-22T11:45:00.004-04:00

I really wanted to like the new series "Home Rules," HGTV's hour-long show with Life Coach Fran Harris. I thought it would be a little organizing, a little time management, a little money management, a little goal-setting, and a little therapy. That wasn't the case.

Overall, "Home Rules" is a glorified interior design show. I know one of the sponsors is Sherman Williams. I get it. They have to paint, and they have to have close-ups of paint cans while they're painting. But the rest of the show misses the mark as well.

The premise of the show is that a Life Coach is sent to help a family that has financial and relational problems. The show's answer is to tempt them to improve their lives by offering to drastically renovate their house for free. The renovations start while the family attends meetings, completes exercises, and establishes rules.

Okay, pause. Do you see where the first problem is? The family hasn't even gone through one week of attempting to change their lives, and they're already in the middle of what I can only guess is a $50,000 renovation. What are the producers going to do if the family doesn't commit to change, stop working and leave their house worse off than it was?

In the episode I watched, a family needed a new refrigerator, insulation in one room, and to finish a bathroom and a laundry room. (Also, the kids didn't like the styles of their rooms, but I'm not considering that a dire need.) Why couldn't the show just fix the broken things? Instead, they rewarded people who made poor financial decisions and lived beyond their means for at least ten years with a whole-house renovation that most levelheaded, frugal people could only dream of.

To reign in the spoiled oldest daughter, they made her take out an old toilet. Good television, yes. But couldn't they just teach her to do laundry? Or cook pasta? Or even clean a toilet? Couldn't they make her do something she could do to help her mother and that would be a good skill for her future as well? I'm a handy person, but I'll tell you, I never have taken out a toilet and never plan to take out a toilet. The idea was too extreme.

Also, there were several camera "asides" where Harris was shocked and almost teasing her clients. Really, Fran Harris? You've never seen this before? I realize these quick asides were probably just for entertainment value, but it's kind of insulting to all professionals who make a living helping people find order in their lives. Believe me, we're not all that judgmental.

Maybe I have an inaccurate perception of what Life Coaches do. I remember watching a TV show called "Starting Over," where a group of women going through life transitions lived in a house together and participated in coach-lead exercises, goal-setting, and therapy. Granted, it was still a cheesy "crazy house" reality show, but it had some great ideas on how to help people overcome common roadblocks. I've also seen similar shows about financial management and time management that used a "tough love" approach to help people and share practical advice that all of us can use.

It may be the producers, editors, or just the nature of the TV format, but "Home Rules" breezes through these people's transitions without pinpointing what was really wrong with their value system. They treat the family's obsession with over-spending on expensive stuff by...giving them a lot of expensive stuff. Sorry, "Home Rules," you lost me.

Hazardous Waste Recycling Event

2010-03-19T10:15:00.001-04:00

Delaware County is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste recycling event on Saturday, March 27, 2010, at the Marple Transfer Station in Broomall, PA. See http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html for details.

Big Shredding Event

2010-03-05T09:40:00.005-05:00

Save the Date!

The National Association of Professional Organizers Greater Philadelphia Chapter (NAPO-GPC) will host a big Get Organized shredding event on Saturday, March 13, at Ikea in Conshohocken.

And it's free!

Click here for more information.

Winter Preparedness

2010-03-03T08:30:00.009-05:00

Sometimes being organized just makes your life easier, and sometimes it goes as far as saving your life. During this winter of unexpectedly harsh storms, FEMA’s Ready.gov website lists a lot of great information to help you prepare for electricity failure, pipe bursts, and more at. Although it’s rare for Philadelphia area residents to be without heat and electricity for more than a few days, a few days can feel like a long time if you’re not prepared. Here are some useful tips you may not have considered.

Keep your cell phone charged. If you use a cell phone as your main phone, remember to plug it in and keep it charged. If you lose electricity, you don’t want to lose the ability to contact people as well.

Have a list of important phone numbers handy. Many people don’t memorize phone numbers anymore; instead they rely on their cell phone’s contact storage. If your cell phone loses power, you’ll want to have a list of phone numbers for family, friends, your insurance company, the water company, the electric company, etc. that you can call on another phone.

Keep at least a half-tank of gas in your car. If you need to leave your house for a warmer house or a shelter, or to check on a relative, it may be difficult to stop for gas. Road conditions may make it hard to pull over, and many gas stations may not be open.

Have "mad money" in the house. Along the same lines as it being difficult to stop for gas, it may be difficult to stop at a bank or even at an ATM during a storm. You may need to pay people to help you dig out.

Stock up on the real essentials. Many people run out to buy milk and bread before the storm. Remember to concentrate on the items you could not live without during a few days stuck inside. These include medicines, water, and supplies for pets and babies. Find more at http://www.readypa.org/potentialemergencies/winterstorms/.

Online Library Lists

2010-02-25T10:10:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite new features on the Delaware County Library System website is their library lists option.

Simply search for a title using the online catalog. When you find the title you like, check the checkbox next to it, and click on the "Save to My Lists" button at the top of the list. Sign into your record with your name and library card number. Use the drop-down menu to select "Create a New List." Type a name for your list, and click on the "Submit" button. The title you selected is now saved to that list, and you can log into your record at any time to view your lists.

I have a list for organizing research, as well as for fun reading. Now I can check my lists before I go to the library, or even use the library's catalog computers to check them while I'm there!

Tiny Home Offices

2010-02-24T13:03:00.004-05:00

Here's a great photo slide-show of tiny home offices, many in closets!

http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/02/23/closet.offices/index.html?eref=rss_latest&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_latest+(RSS%3A+Most+Recent)

Procrastination Story

2010-02-22T10:02:00.003-05:00

CBS Sunday Morning had a great story about procrastination. It seems there are a lot of new books and studies on the subject. If you or someone you know is "time-challenged," take a look at this report: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/02/21/sunday/main6228451.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody.

Wardrobe Strategy

2010-02-03T08:25:00.003-05:00

If you're sick of digging through piles of clothes and trying on ten outfits each morning, maybe it's time to take stock of your wardrobe. Forgetting that you have things, unworn items with tags still hanging from months ago, and re-buying things are all signs that you need a wardrobe overhaul.

If you're ready to "go minimal," try this method: look at your life and what you where when. Then do the math to make sure you have no more clothes than you would need for two weeks, in any season. This means that even if you can;t do laundry for a few weeks, you're still covered, but the laundry pile doesn't overflow with a month's worth of clothes.

For example, say you work in an office five days a week, go to the gym three days a week, and like to garden on your weekends. With this system, you would have no more than ten pairs of work pants, ten work shirts, ten suits, etc. for each season. You would have no more than six sets of gym clothes for each season. You would have no more than four grungy gardening/housework outfits, and you would have no more than 14 t-shirts and 14 sweaters.

If you can live with less, great!

If you're really ambitious, try using layers in basic colors to skip the seasonal shift altogether. Try wearing black pants, jeans, and khakis that can transition easily between seasons. Cardigans, blazers, and light jackets also work well.

Some exceptions include dresses, tuxedos, and costumes for special occasions. But be honest with yourself! Will you wear it again, and will it fit?

Attack of the Closets

2010-02-03T08:15:00.003-05:00

If one of your winter organizing projects is tackling your overflowing bedroom closet, here are a few ways to do it.

Yes, Maybe, No
The most aggressive process, this method is meant for people who have a pretty clear idea of what they want to purge. The “yes” pile is for items to keep, “no” is to give away, and “maybe” is to decide later. After the first round of sorting, take a break, then return to divide the “maybe” pile into “yes” and “no.”

Past, Present, Future
Your wardrobe may span several time periods: now, high school, when I lose twenty pounds, if I ever get invited to a gala, etc. These clothing items can be sorted into “past,” “present,” and “future” piles. To reclaim closet space, it may be a good idea to set limits on how many “past” and “future” items stay in your closet. Consider implementing rules such as not keeping anything more than two sizes too large or too small, or not keeping anything over five years old.

Always, Sometimes, Never
If you’re not sure how to start sorting, use this method to sort your clothing into piles for items you wear at least once a month, wear at least once a year, or haven’t worn in years. Look at your piles, and consider letting go of items you haven’t worn in years. For items worn once a year, consider how many of these items you really need to have on hand.

When putting items back into your closet, use a system that works for you. It doesn’t have to be color-coordinated or “like with like” if that’s not how you will look for items. Consider putting outfit separates together, sorting by frequency of use, or sorting by purpose if you wear a uniform or business attire to work. As with any organizing project, avoid buying boxes, shelves, and hangers before sorting and purging.

New Year, No Clutter!

2010-01-06T09:15:00.001-05:00

If your new year’s resolution includes saying so long to clutter, here are some tips to stay organized in 2010.

The Fantasy. Every purchase involves a fantasy. Every new item of clothing, fitness equipment, book, pair of shoes, perfume, and on and on, has a dream attached. When you decide to spend your hard-earned money on something, you have a vision about how it will make your life better. This year, avoid clutter by taking a second look at what you buy and if it’s fulfilling its promises. More often than not, people’s "good intention" purchases turn into clutter in a corner, making their organization goals even more challenging. Establishing clear goals—"less clutter," "more time," "pay off debt," etc.—makes for easier decision-making.

The House Beautiful Effect. Professional Organizers encounter this dilemma a lot. We’ve seen perfect-looking houses that aren’t organized, or that have secret, clutter-filled closets and spare rooms. Just because your house doesn’t look like a photo out of a magazine doesn’t mean that it’s not organized. The point is: make organizing your top priority, and save the glamour of fine design for your second priority. This way, there’s less of a chance that disorganization will creep out into your beautiful decor.

Maintain, maintain, maintain. I haven’t found a system yet that doesn’t need maintenance. Sorry. If I could come up with one, I’d be rich! The key is to create systems of organization that work for you, so that you are motivated by the outcome to continue the maintenance.

First People, then Money, then Stuff. One of successful financial advisor Suze Orman’s mantras is “People first, then money, then things." She has helped thousands of people get themselves out of debt by realizing what is really important in life. As you make your clutter-free plan for 2010, remember that debt is clutter. You can enjoy things without owning them, and some of the best experiences are free. Find ways to enjoy the people around you and life’s simple pleasures without spending money or purchasing stuff. If you can do this in 2010, you’re giving yourself the best gift of all.

Odd-sized Kitchen Drawer? Organize Your Utensils

2009-12-17T13:52:00.012-05:00

When I moved into my new home this spring, I had the usual batch of organizing questions. Where should everything go? As many people do, I began with the heart of the home: the kitchen.

I hit a snag right away, though. There were two options to house my day-to-day utensils. On one side of the kitchen, there was a drawer that was too small to hold an average-size utensil tray. On the other side, in a less convenient location, was a large drawer where the utensils would only fill half of the space and have to share with other items.

Luckily, I found a great product from The Container Store called "Custom Drawer Organizers." I was able to give away my old utensil tray, and custom-create three spaces just for forks, knives, and spoons. I also used it in the drawer below to separate whisks, spatulas, etc. It was a great solution.

If you plan to use this product to customize your kitchen drawers, here are some suggestions:

1. Measure twice, cut once.

2. Err on the side of "tightness," as the plastic connections give a little over time.

3. If you are uncomfortable scoring plastic (with an exacto knife) or breaking it apart by hand, ask a friend to help you. The process doesn't take a lot of strength, but it does take accuracy.

Overall, I'm happy with the versatility this product has given my kitchen drawers. While a little pricey, the solution was much cheaper than redesigning my kitchen drawers and much less irritating that having items in an inconvenient place.

Ideas to Tackle the Tupperware

2009-12-02T08:45:00.001-05:00

Try these products to tackle your overflowing Tupperware cabinet:

Rubbermaid Easy-find Lids
http://www.rubbermaid.com/Category/Pages/ProductDetail.aspx?Prod_ID=RP091258&CatName=FoodStorage

GladWare
http://www.glad.com/containers/gladware_containers.php

Smart Spin Containers
https://www.smartspin.com/

Spruce Up Your Kitchen

2009-12-02T08:30:00.003-05:00

The holiday season can be a great time to take a second look at your kitchen cabinets. Before you start your holiday cooking, follow these simple steps to streamline your kitchen.

Check your expiration dates. Throw out expired items. Determine why you didn’t use the items, and decide if they need replacing. If a food item doesn’t have an expiration date, use a sharpie to mark a date several months out, and get rid of it then. Don’t risk eating spoiled food to save three dollars.

Do you need all this stuff? Take an honest look at what you actually use. Do you bake four pies every holiday? If you don’t, you don’t need the four pie pans you bought a decade ago with the best of intentions. Avoid the “just-in-case” excuse. Most seldomly-used items can be bought or borrowed in a pinch.

Tackle that Tupperware! If your plastic storage containers are overflowing, consider an overhaul. Try to have only three or four sizes of containers, all from the same brand.

Put items in their proper places. I know it sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people are reaching and bending for utensils they use every day. Start by sorting items in piles for daily use, weekly use, and less often. Items used more often should be able to be accessed without squatting or grabbing the footstool. Items used less than once a month may be able to be stored in other rooms or storage areas. Consider putting great-grandma’s antique platter on a shelf or the mantle instead of taking up prime kitchen space.

Remember, there are a lot of people in need, especially this year. Your kitchen items could be just what a family needs to make their holidays special. Consider donating to worthy causes.

Cashing In

2009-11-04T08:32:00.001-05:00

Have you ever been a little strapped for cash? I know I have! Here are some easy ways to find cash and save money to get through the lean times.

1. Use your gift cards. Were you saving those Christmas and birthday gift cards for a rainy day? Use them now! Buy necessities, or use them to cover expenses of gifts for others. Or, trade them in for other gift cards at website like www.plasticjungle.com.

2. Request the checks. It may be the perfect time to cash out your Paypal account, or to request the checks for your credit card’s dividend dollars and other money-back incentives. Also, follow up with your employer about business reimbursements, and call in those loans to friends.

3. Collect the change. Now is the time to cash in your change jar, and to look for loose change around the house. Don’t forget your car, couch, and coat pockets!

4. Contact your insurance company. Many insurance companies offer refunds for programs like health club memberships, smoking cessation, and maternity expenses. Research your insurance company’s programs online, and call them to see if you qualify.

5. Clean out your pantry. I’ve found that most people have enough food in their kitchens to feed a small army. If you’re short on cash, try using up all of the food you have in stock, buying only perishable items like milk and eggs. It’s a chance to assess the items you want to replace, as well as to be a creative chef!

Turn Your Clocks Back

2009-10-30T09:18:00.001-04:00

Don't forget to turn your clocks back an hour before bed Saturday night (October 31) or first thing in the morning on Sunday (November 1)!

Purse Perfect

2009-10-19T09:28:00.000-04:00

Here's another great purse organizing option: Purse Perfect.

Find Your Calendar

2009-10-07T09:26:00.010-04:00

Looking for the "perfect" calendar? Here are some ideas.

Personal/portable calendars:

Family/wall calendars:

Pottery Barn's Daily System

BusyBodyBook® Fridge Grid Pad

Magnetic Dry-erase Wall Calendar

I’m FLYing Calendar

Choosing a Calendar

2009-10-07T09:19:00.001-04:00

This is the time of year when we start to think about next year’s calendar. If your calendar isn’t working or if you’re looking for a change next year, here are some ideas.

1. Find what works for you. Fancy calendars and electronic organizers may seem impressive, but they may not fit your needs. If you’re having trouble finding a calendar, I suggest starting simply. Buy a pocket month-by-month paper calendar, and use a small notebook for your “to do” list and other lists. These small items fit easily in your purse or pockets. If you find you need more space on each date, try a week-by-week paper calendar. If that isn’t working for you either, try a customizable, three-ring binder calendar with inserts like the systems from Franklin-Covey or Day-Timer. If you are very techno-savvy, try a personal digital assistant (PDA) like a Blackberry or iPhone. They are great because you can sync the information and have an electronic back-up, but they can be annoying because it takes more time to find your information. Also, they can run out of power or break just when you need them. There are also online calendars like Google and Plaxo, but you have to be around a computer a lot to make them worthwhile.

2. Don’t have too many calendars. You’ll want to get in the habit of looking at your calendar every morning. Looking at three or four calendars will become cumbersome and will throw a wrench into your system. Try to have one personal calendar (for your work and home lives) that you carry all the time. Then have a big family wall calendar, if you need one.

3. “Garbage in, garbage out.” You may have heard this saying about accounting, databases, or software. It means that the system is only as good as the information you put into it, and it applies to calendars as well. If you want to get a handle on your schedule, commit to writing all of your appointments in it. Include the start time, end time, name of event, brief location, and phone number (in case you have to cancel).

4. Give it a chance. A new system will take several weeks to get used to. I suggest giving a calendar at least two months. If you’re having problems, analyze why it’s not working, and consider buying a new calendar that fits your needs. There are hundreds of options out there, so I’m sure you’ll be able to find exactly what you need!

Computer and Hazardous Waste Recycling Event

2009-09-25T10:14:00.001-04:00

Delaware County will host an event to recycle computer equipment and household hazardous waste (HHW) on Thursday, October 8, from 9 am to 3 pm. The event will be held at the Rose Tree Park, 1521 N. Providence Road, Media, PA 19063.

There are some limitations, so please visit their website for details.