Monday, January 19, 2009
Big Shredding Event at Ikea on February 7
The Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) is hosting a huge shredding event at Ikea in Conshohocken, PA, on Saturday, February 7, 2009. The event will be held from 10 am to 2 pm. Professional Organizers will also be at the store to answer questions and speak about organizing different areas of your home. I'll be there in the morning! Visit www.napo-gpc.org for more information.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Your January List: Beat the Winter Blues and Get Things Done
Sometimes the January doldrums hit hard: you’re broke from holiday shopping and stuck inside due to cold weather. Why not make the most of this month by finishing some important—and free—tasks.
1. Donate items to the thrift shop. You received new gifts in December, why not share something with those less fortunate? There are hundreds of thrift shops in this area, and many give you donation receipts for tax purposes. Check with your local church or hospital, or look up Goodwill in the phone book. Even if you don’t get a receipt, keep track of when and what you donated, and ask your tax accountant about using it towards deductions for charitable contributions.
2. Check your credit report. I know, it isn’t very exciting, but these days checking your credit report is a necessity. Fortunately, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) established the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which “requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies--Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion--to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.” You can check each of the three major credit tracking companies for free once a year at annualcreditreport.com. You can also request reports over the phone at 1-877-322-8228 or by printing out a form from the website and mailing it to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. I suggest checking one in January, one during spring daylight saving and once during autumn daylight saving. Alphabetically is the easiest way to remember: Equifax in January, Experian in March, and TransUnion in November. A caveat: don’t confuse annualcreditreport.com with freecreditreport.com. The FTC states that “only one website is authorized to fill orders for the free annual credit report you are entitled to under law.” You may have seen freecreditreport.com’s commercials, but they are not free. They charge your credit card about $12 a month to “monitor” your reports.
3. Go through your files. Even if you don’t like to file, there’s nothing like purging old papers to start the new year right. You’ll be amazed at how much space you will have left for new files once you are finished. Budget two hours per file drawer. Review memorabilia and old resumes and be honest with yourself: are you really going to need this in the future? Studies show that 80% of papers filed are never viewed again. Shred old documents yourself, or attend this year’s “GO Event” on February 7. Find details at www.napo-gpc.org.
4. Use your gift cards. You shopped for everyone else in December; January is time to shop for yourself! Many people save gift cards and gift certificates until they are forgotten or lost. Keep your gift cards in a visible place, such as your bulletin board, refrigerator, dresser, or valet. Schedule times to use them in your datebook: “January 10, 9 am - Shopping for Me!” Winter is a great time have a date night and use your restaurant and movie gift certificates. Some stores even give you cash back if you use most of your gift card.
1. Donate items to the thrift shop. You received new gifts in December, why not share something with those less fortunate? There are hundreds of thrift shops in this area, and many give you donation receipts for tax purposes. Check with your local church or hospital, or look up Goodwill in the phone book. Even if you don’t get a receipt, keep track of when and what you donated, and ask your tax accountant about using it towards deductions for charitable contributions.
2. Check your credit report. I know, it isn’t very exciting, but these days checking your credit report is a necessity. Fortunately, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) established the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which “requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies--Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion--to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.” You can check each of the three major credit tracking companies for free once a year at annualcreditreport.com. You can also request reports over the phone at 1-877-322-8228 or by printing out a form from the website and mailing it to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. I suggest checking one in January, one during spring daylight saving and once during autumn daylight saving. Alphabetically is the easiest way to remember: Equifax in January, Experian in March, and TransUnion in November. A caveat: don’t confuse annualcreditreport.com with freecreditreport.com. The FTC states that “only one website is authorized to fill orders for the free annual credit report you are entitled to under law.” You may have seen freecreditreport.com’s commercials, but they are not free. They charge your credit card about $12 a month to “monitor” your reports.
3. Go through your files. Even if you don’t like to file, there’s nothing like purging old papers to start the new year right. You’ll be amazed at how much space you will have left for new files once you are finished. Budget two hours per file drawer. Review memorabilia and old resumes and be honest with yourself: are you really going to need this in the future? Studies show that 80% of papers filed are never viewed again. Shred old documents yourself, or attend this year’s “GO Event” on February 7. Find details at www.napo-gpc.org.
4. Use your gift cards. You shopped for everyone else in December; January is time to shop for yourself! Many people save gift cards and gift certificates until they are forgotten or lost. Keep your gift cards in a visible place, such as your bulletin board, refrigerator, dresser, or valet. Schedule times to use them in your datebook: “January 10, 9 am - Shopping for Me!” Winter is a great time have a date night and use your restaurant and movie gift certificates. Some stores even give you cash back if you use most of your gift card.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Recycle Your Christmas Tree
When the season is over, please remember to find the proper way to dispose of or recycle your Christmas tree. Visit Earth911.com and use their "Start Recycling" search tool to find Christmas tree recyclers in your area.
For more ideas about tree recycling, visit these websites:
http://pickyourownchristmastree.org/disposing.php
http://www.mahalo.com/How_to_Dispose_of_a_Christmas_Tree
Enjoy the rest of your holidays!
For more ideas about tree recycling, visit these websites:
http://pickyourownchristmastree.org/disposing.php
http://www.mahalo.com/How_to_Dispose_of_a_Christmas_Tree
Enjoy the rest of your holidays!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Christmas Trees: Real or Fake?
Are you trying to decide whether to purchase an artificial tree or a real tree for Christmas this year? Even though a real Christmas tree may be a little more work, I think it has many advantages. The first is that you don't have to find a place to store it the other 11 months of the year. Also, even though you may think not buying a real tree is "saving" the environment, actually the opposite is true. Real trees help the environment while they're growing, and they biodegrade much faster than artificial trees. Read more at: http://www.christmas-tree.com/real/realchristmastrees.html.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
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!
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!
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