Saturday, April 23, 2011

Yard Sale Season

Yard sale season is upon us (even though the weather in the Northeast is uncooperative). This is a great time to examine your possessions and determine what you really need in your life. Sometimes it is difficult to face this task alone, so consider the services of a professional organizer.

The towns of Atlantic Highlands and Highlands, NJ have announced the dates for their town wide yard sales.

http://www.ahnj.com/ahnj/Recreation/Town-Wide%20Garage%20Sale/

http://www.highlandsnj.com

These events are great way to unload some of the useful clutter that is weighing you down and also have some fun. If you want to participate but can't face the prep, contact me. I can help.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Earth Day Should Be Every Day

Happy Earth Day! What are you doing in your daily lives to make every day Earth Day? Send me your thoughts.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Rid Yourself of E-Waste

A big shout out to Tek Serve for their Spring e-waste event this past Saturday. My friends went and said it was efficient and very user-friendly. They were in and out in minutes thanks to the drive-up/drop off lane. If you missed the event, don't despair, because The 4th Bin is available all year long to collect e-waste from the five boroughs of NYC. For a reasonable fee, they will come to your home or office and quickly pick up your old electronics for responsible recycling. Below is their latest offer:

Since April is Earth month, we are asking you to share your experience with your vendors, clients, neighbors and building managers. Few companies know they have e-waste recycling and disposal options, but you do - so help us lower NYC’s e-waste footprint. Speak up and Take The 4th Bin to work!

In honor of Earth Month, companies who join us in the effort will receive an automatic 20% discount on their first pick up with the code: EarthMonthNYC . 4th Binners who refer them will also receive 20% off their next pick up if their company name is mentioned.

Click here to forward this email to your, vendors, clients, neighbors, building manager...

http://www.4thbin.com/?utm_content=fromclutter2clarity%40gmail.com&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=&utm_campaign=This%20Earth%20Month%204th%20Bin%20It!content


Why The 4th Bin?
* We are a local NYC based and operated company.
* Recycling takes place locally. Items are never shipped abroad.
* Electronics are recycled to e-Stewards Certification standards (most stringent in the nation).
* Company Data is treated securely with proof of Data Destruction to Department of Defense standards.
* Our low fees already include labor and insurance.
* Submitting an inventory online is a snap.
* Arranging for a pickup is fast and easy.

Ok, friends now that you know how to dispose of your unwanted, unusable electronics, move them on out and revel in the open space!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Spring Cleaning

Even my insurance broker is getting on the organizing bandwagon. Here is their checklist for Spring cleaning which I thought you would find useful.

SPRING CLEANING CHECKLIST
Brought to you by The Martin Financial Group:



KITCHEN
Dust refrigerator coils
Microwave cleaned inside & out
Drawers/cupboards cleaned inside & out
Clean oven, grease traps, and stove vents/filters
Refrigerator cleaned inside & out
Fixtures cleaned and polished

BEDROOMS
Rotate mattress and change blankets
Clean pillows

BATHROOMS
Discard expired cosmetics and beauty products
Update first-aid kit and discard expired medications

HOME OFFICE
Organize files
Review insurance policies, contracts, and household inventories.
Clean computers and other equipment
Screen, fan and vent, mouse, keyboard

CLOSETS/CABINETS/UTILITY SPACES
Replace cool-weather clothing with warm-weather clothing
Wash or dry-clean garments before storing.
Donate apparel you no longer use
Clean out the garage - Create efficient storage for sporting goods, camping equipment, recreational vehicles, and garden tools

OUTDOOR SPACES
Clean porch ceilings and walls
Scrub decks, patios, driveways, and walkways
Treat mildew spots with a solution of 1 part oxygen bleach to 3 parts water using a deck brush.
Wash outdoor furniture
Inspect light fixtures
Wash covers, and check for damaged wires and connections
Tour house exterior and yard. Make a list of any needed seasonal maintenance.
Clear away any remaining dead foliage and weeds from beds and lawn. New growth will be protected from damage or disease.

THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE
Wipe walls and ceilings
Vacuum and shampoo rugs
Some rugs may require professional cleaning
Clean upholstered furnishings
Dust thoroughly
Especially tops of ceiling fans and window casings; when dusting, work from the top down
Ensure fire safety – change smoke detector batteries, dust detector units, and review fire escape plans
Dust books and shelves
Polish metal door and window hardware
Wash windows and screens
Arrange for a spring inspection of cooling systems and replace any filters
Move furniture and vacuum beneath it


All Rights Reserved. Rosemary Flannery. 2011