Thursday, April 9, 2009
Article: How to Say Enough
I read this great article in April's issue of "O Magazine." Written by Martha Beck, the article entitled "When and How to Say 'Enough!'" talks about the different between "just in time" and "just in case" inventory. Check it out: http://www.oprah.com/article/omagazine/200904-omag-beck.
Friday, April 3, 2009
"My Mother's Garden" Hoarding Documentary on NBC
The documentary film, "My Mother's Garden" will air on NBC at 10 pm eastern time this Sunday, April 5.
This film was created by Cynthia Lester, who tries to help her mother overcome living in an unhealthy environment full of hoarded items. If you've ever known anyone who hoards, or have seen TV shows of people's homes and said "there's no way they really live like that," watch this film. It gives insight into what causes hoarding and how far it can go.
Here is more information about the film:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29981109
Here is more information about hoarding and chronic disorganization:
http://www.nsgcd.org/resources/clutterhoardingscale.php
This film was created by Cynthia Lester, who tries to help her mother overcome living in an unhealthy environment full of hoarded items. If you've ever known anyone who hoards, or have seen TV shows of people's homes and said "there's no way they really live like that," watch this film. It gives insight into what causes hoarding and how far it can go.
Here is more information about the film:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29981109
Here is more information about hoarding and chronic disorganization:
http://www.nsgcd.org/resources/clutterhoardingscale.php
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Spring Cleaning
When this time of year rolls around, I always feel better when I finish a few key spring cleaning chores. It washes the winter out of my house, along with those stuffy, closed-up winter smells. If you don’t know where to start your spring cleaning ritual, here are some ideas.
1. Start at the top. This time of year is a great time to clean your ceiling fans and light fixtures. Most light fixtures will unscrew with a basic flathead or Phillips head screwdriver. I usually suggest cleaning from the top first because dust falls as you clean, so why try to fight gravity?
2. Launder everything. Have you ever asked yourself “when was the last time I washed that?” Include washing draperies, pillows, comforters, and dust ruffles in your spring cleaning ritual. Pet-owners and smokers: you will be amazed at how washing fabrics freshens the air in your house. It’s one of those old open house “staging” tricks. If you are lucky enough to get a particularly nice spring day, hang items on your clothesline. If it’s too overwhelming to wash them all at home, spend a few hours taking up four or five machines at a laundromat. Or, better yet, get them dry-cleaned. Just don’t forget to read the labels!
3. Shampoo the carpets. It’s worth it to call a professional shampooing service because they will move the furniture and do the legwork. If you want to do it yourself, though, you can rent a shampooing machine from many supermarkets, home repair stores, or department stores. If you have pets, have kids, or smoke, think about purchasing a shampooer and doing it more often, section by section.
4. Get rid of expired items. Take time to look through your refrigerator, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom cabinets for expired items. You may be surprised at items that have expiration dates. For example, did you know that sun block expires? So does bottled water. Feeling guilty about all the garbage? Take preventative measures: make a list of new items to buy, but only include items you actually used in the past year. Any other items can be bought or borrowed in an emergency.
5. Sort and purge before buying anything. I know, I know, all of the stores are having sales on organizing supplies. Resist the urge to buy new bins, boxes, shelves, and hangers before you actually go through your stuff. Many people wind up buying eight bins at a sale, when they really need only four. Then extra supplies become part of the clutter. I know it’s tempting, but be strong!
1. Start at the top. This time of year is a great time to clean your ceiling fans and light fixtures. Most light fixtures will unscrew with a basic flathead or Phillips head screwdriver. I usually suggest cleaning from the top first because dust falls as you clean, so why try to fight gravity?
2. Launder everything. Have you ever asked yourself “when was the last time I washed that?” Include washing draperies, pillows, comforters, and dust ruffles in your spring cleaning ritual. Pet-owners and smokers: you will be amazed at how washing fabrics freshens the air in your house. It’s one of those old open house “staging” tricks. If you are lucky enough to get a particularly nice spring day, hang items on your clothesline. If it’s too overwhelming to wash them all at home, spend a few hours taking up four or five machines at a laundromat. Or, better yet, get them dry-cleaned. Just don’t forget to read the labels!
3. Shampoo the carpets. It’s worth it to call a professional shampooing service because they will move the furniture and do the legwork. If you want to do it yourself, though, you can rent a shampooing machine from many supermarkets, home repair stores, or department stores. If you have pets, have kids, or smoke, think about purchasing a shampooer and doing it more often, section by section.
4. Get rid of expired items. Take time to look through your refrigerator, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom cabinets for expired items. You may be surprised at items that have expiration dates. For example, did you know that sun block expires? So does bottled water. Feeling guilty about all the garbage? Take preventative measures: make a list of new items to buy, but only include items you actually used in the past year. Any other items can be bought or borrowed in an emergency.
5. Sort and purge before buying anything. I know, I know, all of the stores are having sales on organizing supplies. Resist the urge to buy new bins, boxes, shelves, and hangers before you actually go through your stuff. Many people wind up buying eight bins at a sale, when they really need only four. Then extra supplies become part of the clutter. I know it’s tempting, but be strong!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who attended the paper management workshop at Middletown Library yesterday! Please contact me if you have any questions, or if you'd like to schedule a presentation for your group. See www.saralong.com/speaking.htm for details.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Hazardous Waste Recycling Event
Delaware County will host a household hazardous waste (HHW) recycling event on Saturday, March 28, from 9 am to 3 pm. The event will be held at Marple Transfer Station, Marpit Drive and Sussex Boulevard, Broomall, PA.
I have attended several of these events, and I am always impressed at how the staff handles the waste collection. Often, you don't even have to get out of your car! For details on this event and the rest of their 2009 schedule, click here.
I have attended several of these events, and I am always impressed at how the staff handles the waste collection. Often, you don't even have to get out of your car! For details on this event and the rest of their 2009 schedule, click here.
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