2008 Gift Guide

Are you searching for that perfect holiday gift? Here are some ideas to get your family and friends more organized for the new year.

1. Gift Wrap Organizer
Do you know someone with a lot of wrapping paper, ribbons, and gift bags? Consider giving a gift wrap organizer as a gift. They come in hanging bags, flat boxes, vertical boxes, and more. The Container Store has the best selection I’ve seen.

2. Collapsible Colanders
It’s uncanny how much I love my collapsible colanders. They are constructed with combination of hard plastic and rubber, so they fold flat. They save space in my kitchen cabinets, and they take up less room in the dishwasher. I have a few from Bed, Bath & Beyond, but Target and Crate & Barrel also carry versions. They retail from about $15 to $30.

3. Mailmate Shredder
With the growth of identity theft crimes, it’s becoming more and more essential to own a shredder. I love my MailMate desktop shredder from Staples. It may be too small if you shred a lot, but I find it perfect to shred junk mail and personal forms once or twice a week. Because of its size, you have to empty it more often, but I consider that a benefit. I recently destroyed a shredder because I didn’t lubricate it often enough. With my little MailMate, I just lubricate it every time I empty it, using Staples lubricated shredder sheets. (Include these easy shredder sheets with your gift—they’ll thank you later!) The shredder costs about $60, and shredder sheets are $10 per dozen.

4. Method “Detox Your Home” Cleaning Kit
If you know someone who wants to go green but doesn’t know where to start, try the “Detox Your Home” kit from Method. The cleaning supplies really work, and they leave rooms with nice scents that don’t make you feel dizzy. I especially love the peppermint bathroom cleaner—very refreshing! Purchase it for about $28 from www.MethodHome.com.

5. Calendars and Planners
I usually don’t advise giving people calendars as gifts because they feel like they have to use the new one along with the five other calendars they already have. If you have someone who asked you for a new calendar though, consider these options:

• Taylor Planner. Designed by renowned time management expert Harold Taylor, this weekly calendar is a simple, straight-forward way to keep track of your schedule. Pair it with one of Taylor’s time management books for a great gift set. Order the planner for about $30 at www.TaylorInTime.com.

• Artalendar. Do you know a creative type who has yet to find a calendar that works for him? Professional Organizer Colleen Warmingham created a calendar called the Artalendar for people who like to “color outside of the lines.” It sells for about $20 at www.Artalendar.com.

• I’m FLYing Calendar. This family wall calendar from the FLYLady helps you complete your appointments and household chores. It even includes stickers and a dry-erase board. Purchase the calendar for about $18 plus at www.FlyLady.com.

If none of these gifts float your boat, consider “clutter-free” gifts such as gift certificates to stores, theatre, or museums, or donations to charitable organizations. Overall, remember what the holidays are really about, and have a safe and joyous season!

Black Friday

The day after Thanksgiving, or Black Friday is traditionally the hottest shopping day of the year, the day that all of the stores are "in the black." There is also a movement to make it "Buy Nothing Day." Whatever you decide to do on November 28, have a happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the spirit of the holidays.

Peter Walsh on Oprah

Expert organizer Peter Walsh was featured on Oprah this week. See his clutter tips online at http://www.oprah.com/contributor/home/peterwalsh.

Presentation at Middletown Library

Sara Long Organizing will be presenting a program entitled "What Do I Do With All the Paper" on Friday, November 14, at 10 a.m. at Middletown Free Library. To RSVP, call Meg from Lion's MANE at 610-627-7234.

Save Money by Clearing the Clutter

In this troubling economy, we all are looking for ways to save money. Here are some ways in which getting organized can actually help you find extra funds.

Avoid late fees. If you paperwork is in order and you have a reliable schedule for paying bills, you will reduce late fees. You may even get a better view of where your money is going and how to save a bit here and there.

Discover gift cards and certificates. While clearing up your files, dressers, and closets, you may find forgotten gift cards and gift certificates. Use them for your daily needs or for upcoming holiday gifts.

Find items to return. If you are cleaning out closets and storage rooms, see if you find any unwanted items that you recently bought that still have tags and/or receipts with them. Return these items to the stores for extra money, or use store credit for holiday gift purchases.

Unearth items to sell. While clearing out the clutter, you may find older items that you don’t really need. Consider selling them on eBay or Craig’s List or consigning them at your local thrift shop.

Prevent buying things twice. Often while you’re organizing, you will come across items that you forgot you had bought. Maybe you already bought a second one (which you can return or sell), or you were just about to buy a second one. It’s a great feeling when you’ve found something, because you’ve saved the money you would have spent buying it again!

Rack up tax deductions. Donating items to thrift shops can give you more tax deductions. You can get a receipt from the donation center. If you get a receipt or not, remember to keep a list of what you donate and their estimated fair market values. It adds up!

Once you clear out the clutter and develop organization systems, it will be easier to determine what you have and what you need. Being organized saves you money, and it also saves you time. So pick a place to start organizing today!