From Clutter2Clarity

A Novel Idea

2012-01-22T11:02:00.004-05:00

While all of you are hunkering down in between football and Downton Abbey viewings today, you may want to revisit your bookcase. Maybe you have a lot of books you've read, but really aren't that special to you any more. What to do with these unnecessary tomes can be a moral dilemma since no one just wants to put them out with the trash.

Thanks to a chance meeting at Whole Foods in Union Square, I have found a solution, at least for New Yorkers: ReLit.org

Started by a group of volunteers, ReLit.org has kiosks at two Whole Foods outlets and at Brooklyn's Invisible Dog Arts Center, where anyone can drop off books to be distributed monthly at subway stops.

Their mission statement: We want to encourage and promote reading to all age groups and provide free and easy access of reading to do so.

At the same time, we wish to discourage throwing out vast quantities of unwanted books that never get recycled properly. We hope that our program will facilitate in the sharing of these unwanted items that no one in the city has room to keep and provide not only a cost-free but also an environmentally friendly reading option.

As someone who comes from a family of librarians and educators as well as a firm believer in upcycling, I applaud this group's efforts and hope this grassroots movement gains momentum and spreads to other geographical areas.

Check out their site: http://www.relitny.org

Holiday Greetings

2011-12-23T08:02:00.001-05:00

Dear Readers:

Have a lovely holiday season and a clutter-free 2012!

NYC-Recycling-Updates

2011-12-09T12:17:00.000-05:00

For those of you who live in the 5 boroughs you may want to take advantage of some of these terrific recycling programs. And for those of you who don't check out the Tips for a Sustainable Christmas, good no matter where you live!

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/NYC-Recycling-Updates.html?soid=1102640278356&aid=PHv6ZC2_jV4

Clean Your House For 20 Minutes Daily For 30 Days

2011-12-07T18:06:00.002-05:00

From Apartment Therapy - check this out!

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/cleaning/the-schedule-house-cleaning-in-20-minutes-a-day-for-30-days-131142

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T19:24:00.001-05:00

To my family, friends and de-cluttering fans, here's to a yummy holiday. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Thanks to TW Barritt of Culinary Types for the mouthwatering image.

Forget much?

2011-11-17T09:34:00.000-05:00

My aunt, who is also a client, sent this to me today.

Does this remind you of anyone?

If so, give me a ring for a free 30 minute consult.

It's Not Always About Physical Stuff

2011-11-09T12:52:00.001-05:00

Sometimes clutter can have a mental manifestation. Check out Dr. Weil's methods of leading a lighter life.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-weil-md/tips-for-a-happier-life_b_1071805.html

Daylight Savings

2011-11-05T12:24:00.001-04:00

As you remember to turn your clocks back tonight, don't forget to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Changing the clocks is always a good reminder to refresh the alarms.

Unless your batteries are rechargeable, they unfortunately, go in the trash. But if they are rechargeable, don't forget to recycle them.

Enjoy that extra hour of sleep tomorrow.

It's OK to Throw Things Away

2011-10-26T16:33:00.001-04:00

This is a very useful article for those of you who are afraid to face your clutter. It reflects some of my practices including the Outbox which I have by my front door. I have many clients with Separation Anxiety especially when it comes to books. I hope this article and my guidance will give you the confidence to let certain items go and know that it is ok to do so. Let me know how I can help.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/how-to-declutter-your-home--129659

A Great Lesson To Learn

2011-08-18T13:18:00.001-04:00

I think this is a beautiful lesson for all of us to learn. Letting go of things that are no longer relevant in our lives doesn't make us a bad person, it makes us grow and connect more with others. Check out this story in today's Times.

RF

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/17/selling-my-mothers-dresses/?nl=nyregion&emc=ura4

E-Waste Recycling In NYC

2011-07-07T14:51:00.001-04:00

I have had clients go to previous recycling events at Tekserve and they said it was well-organized and fast. If you have items that are taking up valuable space in your home or office, this is a great way to dispose of them responsibly. You will be so happy you did!

Also if you want to buy environmentally responsible products, check out Apple.

Seize the Day
eWaste Recycling Event

Saturday, July 16th
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Tekserve

All that old electronic gear has been cluttering your closet for too long. Now’s the time to bring it by Tekserve for recycling. Gather up all those unwanted computers, printers, monitors, cell phones, radios, VCRs, DVD players and more, and come on over on Saturday, July 16th.

When you do, you’ll get a chance to win a new MacBook Air, plus a coupon for $50 off a new Mac, with an accompanying coupon for $25 off AppleCare.

Going to be away on the 16th? Not a big problem. Any day of the year, when you purchase a new computer or device from us, you can bring your old one in for recycling—or, if they’re in good working order, you can trade them in and save on a new purchase.

For complete information about recycling at Tekserve, visit tekserve.com/recycling.

To learn about our Trade-In Program, click here.

Tread Lightly with a Mac
Concerned about your carbon footprint? Then go with a Mac. They’re designed to conserve power. Take the Mac mini: it uses only one-sixth of the power consumed by a 60-watt light bulb. But the mini’s not alone when it comes to efficiency. Every Mac exceeds the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star guidelines.

Macs are also designed to be highly recyclable. They’re made of fewer materials, most of which can be reclaimed for use in new products. And Macs are built for long life. Compare MacBooks to other laptops: the MacBook Pro battery lasts five years, while batteries in typical laptops last little more than a year and a half.

To learn more about Apple’s environmental impact, visit apple.com/environment.

Travel Checklist

2011-07-07T10:06:00.001-04:00

Many of my friends are off on fun vacations abroad, so I thought I would share this checklist posted yesterday on Apartment Therapy. I do most of the things Maxwell recommends but I would like to add two things. First, when putting wet wash in the dryer, turn it on and dry it before you leave since unattended dryers can catch fire.
Also I recommend calling your credit card company before you leave and advising them of your travels so when they notice some unfamiliar charges they don't suspect fraud and freeze your card.

Happy Travels this summer.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/at-email/dont-forget-checklist-for-making-the-perfect-getaway-150637

Hoarding

2011-06-19T19:46:00.002-04:00

I know I haven't written anything original lately, but I've come across so many articles that I think are really useful to readers. Here's the latest - this time about hoarding from the Sunday Times.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/19/magazine/exploring-the-landscapes-of-other-peoples-trash.html?_r=1&ref=magazine

Minimizing Job Stress

2011-06-17T10:22:00.001-04:00

I know you're all rolling your eyes about this headline and article from Huffpo, but with some discipline and organization, these recommendations can work. Let me know how you are managing your job stresses.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kristi-blicharski/avoiding-burnout-7-ideas-_b_878174.html?utm_source=DailyBrief&utm_campaign=061711&utm_medium=email&utm_content=BlogEntry&utm_term=Daily%20Brief

Ideas from Design Sponge

2011-06-16T09:42:00.001-04:00

I love it when people take ordinary items and repurpose them for clearing up their homes. Take a look at the latest post from Design Sponge.

http://www.designsponge.com/2011/06/diy-best-of-organization.html

Culinary Types: Tea and Clarity

2011-05-16T08:59:00.000-04:00

Some kind words from friend and client, TW Barritt...

Culinary Types: Tea and Clarity: "Sometimes, you need a little clarity…and, a little tradition, ceremony and ritual. Rosemary is my de-cluttering guru. She runs a de-clutte..."

Yard Sale Season

2011-04-23T07:52:00.004-04:00

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.

Earth Day Should Be Every Day

2011-04-22T07:34:00.001-04:00

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

Rid Yourself of E-Waste

2011-04-18T20:02:00.004-04:00

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!

Spring Cleaning

2011-04-04T18:51:00.003-04:00

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

Helpful Hint From A Client

2011-03-30T22:37:00.002-04:00

One of my clients passed this onto me. I think many of you will find it helpful whether or not you suffer from ADD. Going through everything is a torturous process for many of us, but what we are actually doing is creating a foundation so all the items we decide to keep have a home. Once every item has a designated space, it makes it easier to discontinue the cycle of letting things pile up. Let me know if I can help you dig out from your clutter.

RF

FROM THE ADD MANAGEMENT GROUP:

Uh-oh, It's Spring Cleaning Time!

Happy Spring! This is a great time of year—the days are longer, the colors are brighter, and we tend to have a lot more energy!
It's also the time of year that many of us look around and actually want to get our physical environments in shape...and that means getting rid of clutter!
So many adults with ADD are plagued with clutter. Our desks are covered with papers. Our sinks are full of dishes. Our floors and counters are covered with "stuff."
Where Does Clutter Come From?
Clutter builds up easily for many ADDers. Sometimes, we get distracted and just place a paper or an object wherever it's convenient. Other times we find that, despite our best efforts, we just don't know where to put something, so we put it anywhere. And then there are times when we just don't care what goes where and why, and we shun the idea of "organization."
How Clutter Affects the Mind
No matter why your clutter builds up, one things is clear: clutter affects the mind in a bad way.
Sometimes just looking at your clutter can zap your energy and motivation. You get angry with yourself for letting it get to this point...and then you feel bad.
You want to clean up, you want to be organized, but you just don't know where to start...and that makes you feel bad, too.
Because you don't know where to start—and because cleaning and organizing is not your favorite activity—you procrastinate...and that makes you feel even worse.
The result is that your clutter sticks around, and continues to build. And if you do manage to make some headway, chances are you'll be feeling bad again when the clutter quickly comes back. What an awful cycle!
What to Do
There is a proven, ADD-friendly method for dealing with clutter, and it's a 3-step process:
1. Sort your stuff.
This means going through all that clutter and figuring out what you have, what you need, and what you can get rid of.
2. Create the systems.
After you've successfully sorted all your stuff and you know what you need to keep, you'll need to figure out where to put it all!
This is the point where you start thinking about how to work with your ADD to keep your stuff organized. It means developing systems based on what will work for you, and NOT based on that organizing show you saw on TV.
3. Plan the follow-through.
No matter how great your organization systems are, your clutter will come right back if you don't put a plan in place to use your systems consistently!
And there's one more missing piece to this puzzle that trips up many ADDers: To make this process work, you must step back from the problem in order to create the solutions.
It's nearly impossible to find a lasting solution to your clutter challenge when you're standing in the middle of it. You've got to detach—both physically and mentally—to keep from getting overwhelmed by it.
Don't Judge Yourself
Lastly, don't judge yourself because you tend to accumulate clutter. It's a common problem and it does NOT indicate a character flaw! Just know that when you are ready to deal with it, you can successfully get rid of your clutter!

Trash or Treasure

2011-03-21T13:33:00.000-04:00

Very often clients ask me where they can recycle or donate items as they are going through clutter in their homes and offices. Last month's "O Magazine" had a very helpful list. Please go to their link below and check it out next time you have items that are too good to just toss.

http://www.oprah.com/home/Where-to-Get-Rid-of-Clothing-Toys-Old-Phones-and-More/print/1/?slide=1

From Top To Bottom

2011-03-13T22:39:00.012-04:00

A few weeks ago I began the first of four sessions with a client at her Gramercy Park townhouse. This client is extremely organized so when she called and asked me to help her with her closet because it's more fun doing it with someone else, I jumped at the chance. Not many people find de-cluttering fun, as I do, so I couldn't wait to transform her walk-in closet. Day one began with a house tour from top-to-bottom with my client pointing out the areas that bothered her the most. We decided to work our way down by starting with her main clothing closet in the master bedroom. For me the first order of business was to clear a path on the floor.

Once that was done we tackled the infinite number of shoes all marked clearly in their boxes. Then it was onto the clothes. Eight hours later (including a lunch break and two trips to the thrift store) we were done. Exhausted but exhilarated!

During our second session, we started at the bottom in the basement laundry room. It has very low ceilings so having items crowded into one space made it feel very encroaching for my very tall clients and not a welcoming place to do laundry. Again, we started with clearing the floor and the laundry folding table so they did not become dumping grounds for orphan items. While we were unable to go through all the boxes on the shelves (that's a task that has to wait for my client's husband to tackle), we did eliminate a box or two and created some space to get items previously on the floor, off.

Hard-to-reach corner shelves were cleared out and items were grouped together for easier access. I love that the folding table is clear except for a basket of hangers. I left a reminder on the surface to keep it for folding only!

We made three thrift shop runs (we are in thrift shop central which makes donating so easy) and put out at least four trash bags for pick-up. While this area is still a work in progress, I am thrilled my client would sneak downstairs periodically just to admire her newly-clear surfaces and floor. I am counting the days until next week to continue our organizing journey. I am already salivating at the thought of tackling the pantry and utility closet! The goal of this project as always, is to create a foundation so everything in a space has a home and areas no longer become dumping grounds because they have no place to go.

If you are struggling with a problem area in your home or office or have overcome your clutter issues, I'd love to hear from you. Feel free to comment on the blog, become a fan on Facebook or follow me on twitter.

Shred-A-Thon

2011-02-28T07:58:00.003-05:00

A friend and client passed this onto me for all of you who live on the Upper East Side of Manhattan (or those who are willing to make the trip). I just did my annual paper clear-out in preparation for my tax return appointment, so this April event is apropos for those of us in the tax mode.

I am also including info about an UES Greenmarket that started this weekend. It takes #5 plastics (yogurt containers, plastic bottle caps, etc.), batteries etc. - some of those pesky things you just don't know what to do with. It's a great idea so we don't toss them in the trash and have them sit in a landfill.

SAVE THE DATE!!!!!

Saturday, April 30^th: Recyclorama/Shred-A-Thon III

St. Stephen of Hungary Church, 82^nd Street, between First and York,

10 am – 4 pm

Old tech… Tax returns and receipts dating from the dawn of time… And anything else we can responsibly recycle… Bring it on!!

We’ll be filming, too!

On to the week to come:

Saturday, February 26^th: 82^nd Greenmarket

St. Stephen of Hungary Churchyard, 82^nd Street between First and York, 9 am – 3 pm

Can the weather be more bizarre than that of last week with gusts of wind attempting to lift goat skins to the heavens? We’ll be finding out. Not that the inclement seems to keep you hardy shoppers at home. And UES’s reputation for being soft and spoiled? HA!

With us will be Atlantic Seafood, Bread Alone, Gayeski, Samascot, Baghoo, Rabbits’ Run, our new beef vendor, Ballard Honey and Beth’s Kitchen. Beth’s Kitchen was present last week and will be on Saturdays to come.

Again, I’ll arriving around noon for recycling duty.

Commencing within the month, I’m going to start weighing our weekly accumulations in the various categories. For sure, it’s more all the time. Be fun to be able to quote statistics, yes?

Accepted weekly are #5 plastic (well-washed), wine bottle corks, cellphones, printer cartridges (if you can’t get to Staples), household batteries and DVD/CDs you want to discard.

Closet Case

2011-02-08T09:10:00.004-05:00

Here we are half-way through the 2011 winter and I know people are getting restless, especially in the Northeast, because of the cold weather and snow that has blanketed our area since December. I am seeing though, something positive emerging from our hunkering down in the house. Since some of us are virtually trapped, we're taking the time to look at our homes and see what's working, what's not and just how overstuffed our closets are. In the last week alone, I have done four consultations about closets with enthusiastic clients who can't wait to tackle spaces that are bursting. I am all for it and very excited to help out. If you need guidance, get in touch. We can discuss a plan that meets your needs and start tackling those ever-growing piles I keep hearing about.

Whether you need my help or want to give it a go on your own, The Container Store's annual Elfa sale is on until February 15. If you place your order by this date, you will save 30% on your purchase and 30% on your installation. Not only is this is a great deal but a very useful system for closets, garages, laundry rooms and basements. I have some of their shelves in my apartment kitchen and it has allowed me to use my table for eating instead of a desk. I'm also working with two clients who are considering systems for the kids' room and kitchen pantry. Go to:
www.containerstore.com for more details and inspiration.

Happy purging!

P.S. Don't forget to re-use, re-purpose and re-cycle!

Managing Receipts Can Be Taxing

2011-01-30T09:03:00.001-05:00

It's tax season and time to face all those 2010 receipts you've been stuffing in a drawer. I just helped a client make order out chaos with the help of an Excel spreadsheet. If YOU can't face your paperwork, I CAN. So get in touch.

Green Clean

2011-01-04T18:20:00.001-05:00

For those of you who are tackling after holiday cleaning, check out these non-toxic cleaner recommendations from Apartment Therapy. Your lungs and the environment will thank you.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/cleaning/cleaning-secret-weapons-reader-intelligence-report-135912

2011 Rosemary Flannery. All Rights Reserved.

Being Organized in 2011

2011-01-03T13:00:00.003-05:00

Today's Apartment Therapy postings #5-9 are really simple tasks that can help you recover from the craziness of the holidays and start the New Year in a calmer state. Check it out.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/roundup/10-simple-projects-to-start-the-new-year--135882

2011 Rosemary Flannery. All Rights Reserved.

Recycle Your Electronics Around NYC Throughout January

2010-12-29T21:38:00.000-05:00

Recycle Your Electronics Around NYC Throughout January

Let's try to make 2011 a green year by starting off with this January's recycling event.

2010. Rosemary Flannery. All Rights Reserved.

2010-12-23T08:05:00.002-05:00

Best wishes to all my readers for a clutter-free 2011!

2010. Rosemary Flannery. All rights reserved.

At Your Service

2010-12-20T21:54:00.002-05:00

With less than a week until Christmas, I'm guessing some of you have visions of flat screen TV's, iPads, and Kindles dancing in your head. But have you thought about what you're going to do with your old electronics?

While reading a post on the Manhattan User's Guide (www.manhattanusersguide.com) a few months ago, I discovered a service that I think we could all use... The 4th Bin (http://4thbin.com).

The 4th Bin is the only NYC company that has door-to-door pick up of e-waste. For a small fee, the company will pick up unwanted or unusable electronics and recycle them responsibly. This was music to my ears since it really pains me to see electronics put out for the trash with no consideration for their environmental impact.

Thankfully, The 4th Bin founders, Michael Deutsch and John Kirsch are affecting change one borough at a time. While it is illegal in NYC to mix electronic waste with normal trash, the City has yet to find an ethical disposal method. Seeing an opportunity, Michael and John created a model that makes it easy for residents and businesses to get rid of e-waste. According to The 4th Bin website, here is how the process works after it is picked up: "Your e-waste is then driven to our Local Sorting Facility, items are separated and classified as either 'reusable' or 'recyclable.' Items classified as 'reusable' are refurbished and sold at discount prices on eBay, Craigslist, or through Terracycle. 'Recyclable' items are sent to our recycling partners for processing. The 4th Bin only uses e-steward certified recyclers for our electronic waste! During the processing phase, items are shredded, refined, and finally resold on the open market. These materials are used to create new products. No items that we handle are exported!"

I didn't relish the idea of hauling a 20" analogue TV to Best Buy nor did I know what to do with a broken carbon monoxide alarm or paper shredder, so I decided to give The 4th Bin a try. The entire experience couldn't have been easier. I clicked on the website: www.4thbin.com and input my info for a price quote. I immediately got a call from a 4th Bin employee to discuss pick up dates and prices. The price was a steal -- $30 to pick up my three items; it would have cost me that much in taxi fare to recycle at Best Buy plus no wear and tear on my body going up and down a flight of stairs. I was hooked and scheduled an appointment. Pick-up day arrived and so did John and Michael on time! In a matter of minutes, my items were whisked from my apartment out to the truck and I reclaimed some floor space - a premium in a studio apartment.

Customer service is definitely a company forte. At one point my appointment had to be rescheduled and Michael called me directly four days in advance, to ask if it was okay to make another date. I was so impressed with my experience that I wanted to find out more about this company to see if there was any way we could collaborate. After a great meeting, I decided to spread the word about The 4th Bin amongst my client base. Michael and John very kindly offered to list me as one of their recommended vendors for their America Recycles (www.kab.org) initiative last month.

Currently, The 4th Bin services the five NYC boroughs, but there is talk of expansion to the tri-state area. I can't wait until this is a national movement and our curbs are no longer littered with unwanted electronics.

Why not start the New Year with a clean slate and conscience? How can you NOT AFFORD to do this????

Last Minute Gift Idea

2010-12-18T10:59:00.002-05:00

Only one week until Christmas and still stuck on what presents to buy?

Consider the gift of de-cluttering.

This present is timeless. Think of friends who are moving and need help; someone with a baby on the way who needs to make room for the new addition, seniors who are downsizing and are overwhelmed or a professional whose office clutter is affecting his/her work. Don't fret if someone lives out-of-town, Clarity offers travel or Skype services.

Gift certificates are available starting at $50 for one hour. Just think you won't have to fight store crowds or sweat delivery by Christmas and you're helping someone might not be able to organize on his/her own.

Rosemary Flannery 2010. All Rights Reserved.

Update on Office Re-Org

2010-12-15T09:43:00.002-05:00

Wk.2 working w/ Keys To Clarity Coach, Louise Crooks to create a serene office. This week more of the floor appeared and the library was weeded out.

We're taking a break for the holidays, but that closet is next for 2011!

The End of An Era

2010-12-01T20:21:00.002-05:00

Well after nine years, I am now rid of my last 'Harvest Gold' appliance. I use a stove rarely - really only to boil water so I was okay with my 40 year old enamel model. But when a client decided to renovate her kitchen and said she was junking her 12 year old white stove, we talked about me taking it for my house. After numerous consults with other homeowners and coordinating the logistics of transport and installation thanks to some very talented and generous friends, I am now the proud owner of an upgraded stove. Yes, I am still using it for making tea since I NEVER cook, but at least it makes the kitchen a bit more modern and matches my other appliances.

It did pain me that my old stove was not going to be re-used. However, the oven had some rusting damage that I thought even dumpster divers would not appreciate, but it worked fine and was not dangerous. Luckily, this week is my town's bulk pick-up so they will discard it for me or so I had planned until a few minutes ago. A gentleman driving down the street saw my stove as well as a dishwasher that had been added to the pile and asked if he could take them. I was thrilled to know that these items were going to be used and not contribute to our area's appliance graveyard. It's amazing how a measly $20 investment has reaped such huge dividends!

BTW, if you like to keep your carbon footprint low like me, consider donating your unwanted household appliances and materials to your local Re-Store which benefits Habitat for Humanity. Go to: http://www.habitat.org/restores/default.aspx to find locations and details for donating.

Rosemary Flannery. All Rights Reserved 2010.

Think Before You Shop

2010-11-25T08:30:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow is Black Friday and as turkeys are roasting this morning, Americans are gearing up for the frenetic shopping that starts as early as 4AM or even today if you go to Wal Mart or K-Mart. Before you put on your running shoes to get those bargains, take some time to look at your shopping list and think long and hard about what your friends and relatives really need in their lives. Is it another cashmere scarf, ipod or video game? Maybe what these people need is the gift of time or a service. I know it may sound corny, but if your friend with three toddlers never has any down time, then consider making a massage appointment for her while you babysit. If a relative needs rides to appointments, don the chauffeur's hat and drive him/her. Sometimes we just don't need another physical object to crowd our lives, so you may want to consider hiring an organizer to help someone who is drowning in clutter in their home or office. A few hours of de-cluttering can make a huge impact that will last longer than any fruit basket or sweater. If you would like to give the gift of organization, Clarity is here to help. Contact us for gift certificate info @ fromclutter2clarity@gmail.com
Happy Thanksgiving!

From Clutter2Clarity: Packing Up for a Remodel

2010-11-15T10:58:00.001-05:00

From Clutter2Clarity: Packing Up for a Remodel: "One of my friends is remodeling her kitchen so we spent this past Saturday packing and purging. After about 4.5 hours in a world of bubb..."

From Clutter2Clarity: Finishing up the creation a...

2010-11-07T20:05:00.000-05:00

From Clutter2Clarity:
Finishing up the creation a...: "Finishing up the creation and organization of Every Day With Rachel Ray's in-house library. Here's a sneak peek:"

2010-11-07T19:57:00.004-05:00

Finishing up the creation and organization of Every Day With Rachel Ray's in-house library. Here's a sneak peek:

From Clutter2Clarity: Kids Are Never Too Young To Pitch In

2010-11-01T17:31:00.001-04:00

From Clutter2Clarity: Kids Are Never Too Young To Pitch In: "Clients often complain that their homes are in disarray due to their kids' toys and other belongings cluttering up the house. Recently on th..."

Kids Are Never Too Young To Pitch In

2010-11-01T17:24:00.003-04:00

Clients often complain that their homes are in disarray due to their kids' toys and other belongings cluttering up the house. Recently on the blog, Unclutterer, I read about some tips to rectify the problem, so I am passing them onto my followers. Some of these practices can also be applied to your spouse or roommate. Good luck!

Encouraging young children to clean up their toys

A common topic of discussion among the parents in my son’s playgroup is:

How do we teach our children to put away their toys?

Our children are only one year old, which means we don’t yet have much of a problem, but we’re eager to ensure we don’t have problems later. We want our children to develop life-long skills that help them to be organized and respectful of their things in the future. We might fail miserably — kids have amazing will-power — but here is what we’re trying:

Model the behavior. It’s tempting, especially with small children around, to wait until after the kids go to bed to pick up the house. However, children should watch and “help” you clean up so they can start to mimic your actions. Otherwise, they’re under the impression that a magical fairy appears and cleans up the toys, coloring books, and wooden spoons.
Explain the process. As you put away toys and project materials, talk through what you’re doing. “I’m putting the lids on these markers so they won’t dry out and you can use them next time you want to color.” “I’m putting these books on the bookshelf because it’s where they belong when you’re not reading them. The bookshelf protects the books from being damaged so you’ll have them the next time you want to read them.” I should admit that this narration is extremely tedious, but I’ve noticed my son incorporating words into his vocabulary like shelf and cap, so I at least know he’s listening.
Be positive. Look for ways to make the clean up process as interesting as the play. Put on fun, fast-paced music your child enjoys every time you pick up toys and dance while you work. Make up a cleaning song to sing or play a counting game. Voices shouldn’t be raised and threats shouldn’t be wagered.
Give your child time. Clean up for young children shouldn’t be rushed. If the child has an hour to play, budget the last 10 minutes of that playtime to picking up the toys. Let your child know that playing with toys involves taking the time to put them away. This is similar to dinner not being finished until the dishes are cleaned, the table is wiped off, and all of the ingredients returned to the pantry or refrigerator. Playtime includes putting away the toys.
Be consistent. This is the hardest part of the teaching process for me — making sure I always leave time for picking up toys. If we’re in a rush to get out the door to run an errand, it’s difficult to pause and make sure the toy is returned to it’s storage place before we leave the house. The consistency and repetitive action, however, are what instill the positive behavior. If a child doesn’t know there is the option to leave his toys strewn about the room, he won’t make that decision. (Well, at least in theory.)

Versions of this can be used with older children. When I was teaching high school, I’d let the students know when they had three minutes left in the period so they could gather up their materials and be ready to leave when the bell sounded. When the students were working in groups, I’d have them race to see which group could clean up their workstation the quickest. I’d award imaginary points to students when they found something of mine left in the classroom: “5,000 points to Gryffindor!” But, I never gave real rewards (no points, no gold stars, no treats), since I believe that cleaning up is a sign of respecting materials the school provided and an expected behavior of all the students.

What techniques have you used with your children or students to encourage them to pick up their toys? Share your tips in the comments.

Posted by Erin on Oct 25, 2010 | Comments

Be cool…reenergize your refrigerator

2010-09-27T08:28:00.004-04:00

Last week I had to pleasure of being a guest blogger at www.palaisprofessionalorganizer.com/ where I submitted the piece below on cleaning out the refrigerator - a timely topic now that we are switching seasons.

Jennifer Palais is an LA based organizer who works virtually as a coach to help clients unclutter their internal well-being as well as physical environments. If this sounds like someone who could help you out in CA, check her out.

School is underway, summer has a few more days and before you know it, we will all be on the holiday fast track. Before figuring out where you’re going to put that pumpkin pie, turkey or leftover Halloween chocolate, why not take this time to clean out the refrigerator and freezer before your next spree at Costco.

Easier to make this when your fridge is setup! (Photo by Zoetrope)

As with any de-cluttering project, the first step is a massive clear-out. Open the refrigerator and remove everything. If it’s easier you can have trash, compost and recycling bins at your side so you can sort and toss as you go along. Remember, Whole Foods recycles cork (old wine bottles?!) and #5 plastics and Preserve.com will give you a location near you to recycle plastic bottle tops. ‘Keepers’ should be set-aside on a counter or kitchen table. This may seem obvious, but check containers for expiration dates and signs of aging.

1950s GE refrigerator ad (Photo by SeeSaw)

Once the refrigerator is empty, take a basin of warm water with a mixture of baking soda and gently sponge the shelves, glass tops, crisper drawers, etc. If the fridge is particularly smelly, add a drop of lemon essential oil to the water – this will help combat odors as well as work on any greasy residue. If it’s easier, take out the removable pieces and clean them in the sink or bathtub. Once the interior is spotless, add a new box of baking soda to prevent future odors (dump the old box down the drain or make a paste to clean greasy pots and pans).

Before putting anything back in the refrigerator, give the keepers a once over and wipe the containers of any spillage. Group like items together: condiments, salad dressings in one spot, beverages in another, fruits and vegetables in the crispers, etc. Not only will your appliance work more effectively but the breathing room will allow you to view your contents and therefore keep you shopping more efficiently.

Next stop is the freezer where you follow the same steps. However, in this case, for a freezer to work efficiently it is recommended that it be kept full. You might want to take a tip from Martha Stewart: keep blocks of ice in your freezer to keep it energy efficient if your freezer is often empty. And don’t forget to replace the baking soda…

Doing this refrigerator re-sort before you go food shopping will help you keep track of what you need so you don’t overbuy or clutter all those clean empty spaces!

The real deal! A 1950s kitchen with the refrigerator loft-style (Photo by acn1495)

So your interior is now spotless and organized, and you’re thinking it’s time to reward yourself with a drink… not so fast. You’re not finished until you face the exterior of the appliance. Using a warm soapy solution, gently wipe from top to bottom to remove stickiness and fingerprints. Make sure you wipe the rubber seal around each door and make sure it’s tight. A good test to tell if energy is escaping from your refrigerator is to stick a dollar bill in the door, close it and see if you can pull the bill out. If you can, your refrigerator is losing energy so the gasket should be replaced. If you can’t, the seal is tight and you are on track.

The last thing to do to keep your appliance in tiptop shape is to dust or vacuum the coils in the back; this should be done monthly.

Here’s to the cool hard cash you are about to save!

From Clutter2Clarity: Say Goodbye to Clutter the Allstate Way

2010-09-20T08:40:00.000-04:00

From Clutter2Clarity: Say Goodbye to Clutter the Allstate Way: "Wow, even my insurance company is getting into the de-cluttering business. Today I received a postcard from Allstate prodding customers to '..."

Say Goodbye to Clutter the Allstate Way

2010-09-20T08:33:00.003-04:00

Wow, even my insurance company is getting into the de-cluttering business. Today I received a postcard from Allstate prodding customers to 'Say goodbye to clutter' by going paperless. Their Allstate Paperless Solutions program allows people to pay online and offers a variety of ways to do it with your checking account, debit card or savings account. In some cases users can even get a 5% discount for doing so. With everything else in this country going up, it's nice to see a company offering incentives to loyal customers for making a small change and eliminating tons of paper from a landfill.

From Clutter2Clarity: Recycling At Your Service

2010-09-12T08:50:00.000-04:00

From Clutter2Clarity: Recycling At Your Service: "Many people I speak to want to get rid of items to create more space in their lives, but when it comes to disposal, they don't want to take ..."

Recycling At Your Service

2010-09-12T08:34:00.002-04:00

Many people I speak to want to get rid of items to create more space in their lives, but when it comes to disposal, they don't want to take the time to recycle or re-use items appropriately. Instead everything goes into the trash and then lives in a landfill for years to come. I always try to discourage this practice but the response I get often is something like this, 'I don't know where to drop off or donate or I'm too busy to find out or don't care.' Pretty harsh huh -- this attitude kills me.

Well for all of you who are swimming in clutter yet have items that can be re-used, this service may solve your problem. I just received in the mail a postcard from The United War Veterans Council in NYC. They are having a pick-up in my NJ town on Wednesday, September 22 for clothing, household items, toys, small appliances, etc. They have a particular need for knickknacks, so this may be the time to get rid of that annoying Hummel collection you inherited that has been taking up valuable real estate in the attic. The great thing about this organization and some other charities, is they provide a plastic shopping bag so you can leave your items at the curb along with your postcard and they will pick up on the scheduled day. You don't have to be home; all you have to do is call ahead and put your address on the pick-up list. What could be easier. Contact them today for a full-listing of needed items and to get on the list.

1-888-821-8982 or www.UWVCpickup.org

Don't you feel lighter already??

Drill Baby Drill

2010-09-03T18:46:00.004-04:00

Even though I have been a homeowner for nine years, today I officially became one - for today I used a power tool! Ever since my uncle gave me his old school Black and Decker electric drill, I have been afraid of it. My sisters and friends have hear me whine how I want to get things done but am afraid that I will make a mistake that I can't fix and thus not complete the task. Today was different... my oldest sister, a homeowner veteran, came over to help me hang some artwork so while she was there I showed her a curtain rod and tiebacks that have been sitting in a cupboard waiting to be hung. I got out the drill and she proceeded to show me how to measure, choose drill bits and then the nuances of using a "chuck." Within an hour, I became a drilling fool and kept trying to find things I could hang up before putting the drill back in the cupboard. Now that I am no longer a drill virgin, maybe I can now master the art of using a roller and tackle the repaint of my bathroom!

School Days

2010-08-23T20:07:00.002-04:00

Can someone tell me where the month of August went? I can't believe that in some areas kids are back in school or will be in a week's time. When you're doing your back-to-school shopping consider where these items are going to live in your house. I very often work with clients whose children walk in the door and plop their backpacks, coats, shoes, etc., in doorways, on the on the living room floor amongst other inconvenient spots. This creates not only a hazard for someone to trip over and get hurt, but it really doesn't teach children about respecting their belongings.

So here's my tip to start the school year and keep the other areas of your house clear: designate a practical area where children can hang or stow their items at home after school. I know, I can hear the eyes of parents rolling...It will take some time for them to adapt but if you keep on them they will eventually get it — they need to not only respect their things but also the common areas of the house. I'd rather they put everything in their room even if it's a mess because you can close the door but still retain a serene environment in the rest of the house without the kids monopolizing it. Check out places like Target www.target.com or Pottery Barn Kids www.potterybarnkids.com for ideas. Once children know that their books, backpacks, etc., have a home, they might even stop asking you where everything is which would give you more time for that extra cup of coffee as you send them off in the morning.

Appointments are available for September to help with other ways to make back-to-school painless. In the meantime I'd love to hear from you on ways you handle the school year cycle.

All Rights Reserved. Rosemary Flannery 2010

Store That Sells Nothing

2010-08-16T08:26:00.002-04:00

I just read about this idea and it is like a pop-up freecycle. If you're in the area, consider dropping off your unwanted items that you think someone could use. Or maybe start one of these in your town. Click on the link below to learn more.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/16/nyregion/16free.html?nl=nyregion&emc=ura3

2010 Rosemary Flannery. All Rights Reserved.

National Yard Sale Day Is Approaching

2010-08-10T16:03:00.002-04:00

It's not too late to get in on National Garage Sale Day this Saturday, August 15. I have time on Thursday and Friday if you need help getting it organized.

2010-08-01T08:07:00.001-04:00

If you are considering hiring me or another personal organizer, you may want to consider this client, Adam Woods' experience in person and via Skype.

Ashamed at the growing clutter around our house in London, I called in Rosemary for a morning look around and very quickly we came to an agreement about priorities. With 2 growing children, a dog and cat, there were many priorities in my mind, but Rosemary very gently narrowed them down to some intensive work in the 'playroom' which had become a boy's computer room and had a sad, neglected feel to it. When the day of action arrived (Sort out Saturday) I was up far too early clearing irrelevant lofts, but Rosemary came in like a modern-day Mary Poppins, and with great fun and warmth, turned what could have been a stressful day of forcing me to 'let go' of stuff to a really practical, therapeutic series of constructive questions. Just 3 hours in, the room had been transformed into what she termed a 'man cave' where I now centre my self-employed life. The transformation was amazing, and felt completely natural. There's no way I would have been able to have made these changes on my own, so it really pays to have someone as experienced and professional as Rosemary by your side! We followed up SoS with a few sessions via Skype between NY and London to make sure I was on track with the other aspects of de-cluttering we had discussed. The overall effect is like a waterfall - now my boys have started to tidy-up after themselves, and the house is beginning to look more like the vision I had when Rosemary first came round. I can't recommend her services enough - it's like having a close friend and ally helping you get, literally, your house in order!

National Garage Sale Day

2010-07-29T13:55:00.000-04:00

Until I read about this in the latest issue of Better Homes and Gardens, I had no idea that this day existed. For those of you who don't know, National Garage Sale Day is held on the 2nd Saturday in August each year; this year it falls on August 14. So if you have had stuff piling up that you haven't gotten around to donating or feel you can't face, think about having a yard sale.

Not only will you make some $, but you will be giving your stuff a second life instead of filling a landfill. For more information about this event, contact C. Daniel Rhodes, 1900 Crossvine Rd, Hoover, AL 35244. Phone: (205) 908-6781. E-mail: rhodan@charter.net On a local level, I am now booking appointments for August to help you organize your sales. Contact me to schedule a time.

Clarity Now Offers Skype Services

2010-07-27T08:32:00.002-04:00

For those of you who need my help but can't afford the expense of getting me to come to you, here's an alternative that allows us to work together virtually.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New De-cluttering Business Uses Skype For International Expansion

New York, New York, USA

July 25, 2010

From Clutter 2 Clarity, specializing in personal organizing and de-cluttering is now offering international clients the same services offered domestically.

According to owner, Rosemary Flannery, ‘I am an avid traveler and in talking to people along the way, I have recognized clutter to be a universal problem. Now I can work with clients via video conferencing tool, Skype to help them lead a lighter life. All clients need to do is download the software.’

Key to Ms. Flannery’s de-cluttering strategies is to get clients to confront the clutter in their lives. When she is not present, Skype provides a window into the client’s world. Using the Internet for dialogue, clients must look at each item, discuss and defend it, and make a decision about how the item fits into their life.

Ms. Flannery has been working very successfully with some London based clients using Skype. ‘It allows my clients to recognize how their physical clutter is directly related to their mental well-being.’

From Clutter 2 Clarity, is New York City area based practice that works with clients to teach them how to improve their residential and commercial spaces by facing their clutter accumulation. The company specializes in a an eco-friendly aesthetic and offer clients resources for re-using and recycling of items as well as personal shopping and design consulting. Rates begin at $50 per hour with a two-hour minimum.

###

CONTACT: Rosemary Flannery

From Clutter2Clarity@gmail.com

917-282-0338

www.fromclutter2clarity.blogspot.com

2010-07-15T08:41:00.001-04:00

I just read the newsletter in my ConEd bill and saw a program where they will remove and recycle old fridges and AC's and they PAY YOU for it. Click on this link for details. I hope other energy companies provide the same services.

http://coned.com/videos/index.asp?rss=http://h.zeitbyte.com/o1/zb3.1/con-edison/power-of-green/mediaplayer-playlist/progressive_playlists.xml&ID=video14&auto=true&tite=Go%20Green%2C%20Get%20Cash

Hoarding

2010-07-14T22:31:00.001-04:00

Hoarding is coming to national prominence because of shows like Hoarders on A&E. Check out how people are dealing with this problem in a recent issue of Time.

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1984444,00.html

2010-07-12T11:42:00.000-04:00

This is a topic I have discussed with many clients who have children. I thought this posting from the blog, Unclutterer really hit the nail on the head, so I am passing this info onto you should you need to make organizing your home a family affair.

Unclutterer

Ask Unclutterer: Encouraging kids to help out at home
Posted: 09 Jul 2010 07:30 AM PDT
Reader Sonja submitted the following to Ask Unclutterer:

How do you get your family to want to help with a cluttered house? I have four children.

Unfortunately, Sonja, I have some bad news. If your family doesn’t want to help unclutter your home, there aren’t any methods to make them want to help. Fortunately, though, you’re the mom and there are numerous strategies you can implement so they will help you — regardless of if they want an uncluttered home.

The first thing to remember is that children are led by example. If you’re cheerful, excited, and energetic about getting the clutter out of your house, they’ll see this enthusiasm. On the flip side, if you complain, whine, and drag your feet, your children will see and mirror this negative attitude. Maintain an eager and positive attitude, and they’re more likely to get on board with your efforts.

Be explicit about what you want completed, when, how to do the activity, and why. A chore chart (like one that was discussed on Wednesday) helps children to know exactly what actions you expect of them. Telling your kids to “pick up the family room” is vague, they need specific directions such as “return your shoes to the shoe bin in your closet, bring all dirty plates to the kitchen and load them into the dishwasher.” Additionally, let them know how long a task should usually take and when you would like for it to be done (take out kitchen trash, 3 minutes, immediately after dinner). A training session might also be in order to demonstrate exactly how you want an activity to be completed (don’t be condescending, just give them good directions). Even with a demonstration, younger children might also need to be supervised when they do tasks. Finally, be direct about why you want them to help with the uncluttering efforts. “Because I said so,” is not a reason that will motivate your children to help you, but explaining to them the life you want to lead can make an impression — “I want us to spend less time on chores and work around the house so we can spend more time having fun together as a family.” Have a conversation with them and let them share their opinions on how they want the house to look and how they want their home life to function.

Next, take some time to think about what it is that made you happy as a kid and what makes your kids happy now. If your children love games and puzzles, create an incentive structure based on these activities. For each five minutes of uncluttering completed, let them choose a letter on a game of hangman. If your kids are older, do a minute-for-minute video game tradeoff — 15 minutes of uncluttering becomes 15 minutes extra of video game playing later (or reading or bike riding or staying up late on a weekend). Kids can earn allowances with bonus dollars if they don’t have to be reminded to do their uncluttering tasks. They could bank time toward a slumber party or a trip to their favorite park. Put incentives in place that they really want and that you think are deserved for their efforts.

Also, make the uncluttering process fun — play upbeat music while everyone works, have snacks available, tell goofy jokes, and dance while you work. Race to see who can fold their stack of laundry the fastest or find all the toys in the house they haven’t played with in months and can be donated to charity. Work together and enjoy your time uncluttering as a family.

When your children help you with uncluttering efforts, be sure to thank them for their work and acknowledge that you appreciate their contribution to keeping the family home running smoothly. Consider handing out silly awards (King of Loading the Washing Machine!). It feels good to receive praise, no matter what age you are.

Finally, listen to what your kids are saying throughout this process. They might want different incentives than what you’ve put in place, so be flexible and willing to change. Your children might figure out a better way for them to complete tasks, so let them take the lead. If you really want your children to help you unclutter, respect what they have to lend to the project. Most importantly, don’t nag — nagging is a sign of disrespect — but feel welcome to pass along a gentle reminder at different points during the day: “After school today, you’ll have trumpet lessons, probably an hour of homework, 30 minutes of helping around the house, dinner, and then it’s family movie night. What movie did you decide we should watch?”

Thank you, Sonja, for submitting your question for our Ask Unclutterer column. Good luck getting your children to help out with uncluttering efforts in your home. It might take a few months to master their involvement, but with guidance you’ll help your children establish good habits that will stay with them into adulthood.

Electronic Recycling Event

2010-07-08T09:19:00.000-04:00

If you have unwanted. broken electronics taking up valuable space in your home or office, then head on over to Tek Serve in Manhattan this weekend to get it out of your house and not in a landfill.

http://www.tekserve.com/service/recycling.php?front0701

Managing Email Accounts

2010-06-28T22:54:00.003-04:00

Some of us are consultants and are used to having various email accounts to manage, but for those of you who aren't sure how to handle this, my good friend, Dyske has kindly allowed me to publish his article on the subject so here it is...
Managing Email for Your Business

I remember the days when only a small number of my friends and colleagues had email accounts (i.e. mid 90s). I used to think, "Oh, wouldn't it be nice if everyone had email... I could send out my party invitation in one click!" (Yes, I used to throw parties.) Now we assume everyone has an email account. Even our government asks for our email addresses, which implies that having an email account is a social responsibility. Also, every legitimate business is expected to have its own domain name for the email addresses of their employees. It does not look professional to have email addresses at AOL or Yahoo. But it's not so simple to have your own domain name and manage it. The solution I offer below assumes that you have a small business without an IT department. That is, it is a cost-effective compromise, and not a definitive solution for all businesses.

Let's suppose you have a restaurant called Chinese Laundry and your domain name is chineselaundry.com. Every employee should have his or her own email address with that domain name, like mary@chineselaundry.com. But, if you were to create an email account for every employee, she would have to check two accounts all the time: her personal account and her business account. Unless she happens to be tech-savvy, she wouldn't know how to add another account to her email program. As a business owner, you become responsible for trouble-shooting it. Or, you would have to provide a separate email program (or Webmail interface) for your business. Either way, it's a hassle unless your business is large enough to have an IT department support them.

So, don't create a new email account, but forward the email to an existing account. Instead of creating a new account you can forward each email to a specific address. Suppose your employee, Mary, has a personal account, mary.doe@yahoo.com. You create a forwarding address, mary@chineselaundry.com, and configure it to forward all the emails to mary.doe@yahoo.com. This way, Mary will start receiving all the business emails into her existing Yahoo account. No need to install or learn any new program. Even if she decides to leave your restaurant after her appearance on Top Chef, all you have to do is delete the forwarding address. Mary will stop receiving emails addressed to mary@chineselaundry.com. You would also have the option of forwarding the emails to your own address so that any business contacts Mary had would now be contacting you.

For critical roles like sales, support, and press, it is better to create email addresses dedicated to those roles. For instance, instead of using mary@chineselaundry.com for press inquires, use press@chineselaundry.com. This way, even if Mary leaves the company, there would be no disruption. Also, keep in mind that each forwarding address could forward the emails to multiple email addresses. The emails sent to press@chineselaundry.com could go to your account as well as to Mary's.

Typically you create forwarding addresses on the website of your ISP, the Internet service provider, who hosts your website (e.g. Media Temple, Blue Host, Dream Host, Pair Networks, etc..). You could also do this through your domain name registrar such as Network Solutions and GoDaddy, but I recommend that you use your ISP. (For some of you, I am your ISP, so you can ask me to set up your forwarding addresses.)

One thing to keep in mind is that when your employee hits "Reply" or compose a new email, the "from" address would be her personal address. If you want the "from" address to be her business address, this can be configured in most email programs like Outlook, Entourage, and Apple Mail. Since every email program has a different way to set this up, I cannot go into them in this newsletter, but here is how you can do it in Gmail:

1. Click on "Settings" (upper right corner).

2. Click on the "Accounts and Import" tab.

3. Within the section labelled "Send mail as", click on the button "Send mail from another address" and follow the instructions.

4. Within the same section, there is also an option labelled "Reply from the same address the message was sent to". You should have this selected.

Once you have it set up, whenever you compose a new email, you should be able to select a "from" address from the drop-down next to "From:". And, when you hit "Reply" on any email sent to your business address, the "from" address would automatically be set to the same address.

In Gmail, you can also create "Filters", so that all emails sent to your business account would be labeled as "Business", or whatever label you create. This is also available on the "Settings" page.

In the rare cases where your employee does not have an email account, or where she prefers not to mix her personal emails with her business emails, suggest that she create a new Gmail account. Gmail is free and it can be used with any email programs and devices (Blackberry, iPhone, etc..). Gmail is what I use also, and you will need it for other popular tools like Google Analytics anyway, which will be another topic of this newsletter in the near future.

I hope this is helpful to some of you, and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to email me.

All Rights Reserved Rosemary Flannery and Dyske Suematsu 2010

Silence IS Golden

2010-06-23T18:47:00.003-04:00

Today I had the pleasure of taking the Hampton Jitney to Manhattan from Long Island after an extended stay on Shelter Island. The Jitney strictly enforces a no cell phone policy and limits calls to emergencies with a three minute maximum. How refreshing to find a place finally where I don't have to wear my ipod to avoid cluttering my brain with other people's mundane phone conversations. Clutter isn't just physical - it affects our mental health as well and I for one, hate being distracted by a conversation of people I don't know nor am uninterested in hearing about. I try to block it out but it's hard when the person is usually talking above a normal decibel level. I applaud the Hampton Jitney for creating a transportation haven where passengers can read, crochet or just look out the window, in silence. I wish more venues would follow their example so we can all relax and keep room in our brains for information that is meaningful to us. What are your methods for keeping your mind clutter-free?

2010 Rosemary Flannery All Rights Reserved

Organization Is Possible

2010-06-17T07:02:00.003-04:00

It's always thrilling when clients check in with me to show their progress on their organization journey. I get very excited when I hear that so much of what we discussed during our sessions is now being learned and put into practice. I have one client who is a convert to The Container Store. TCS should be thanking me for all the money she is putting in their coffers! I'd like to share with you what a client wrote about her Clarity experience to see that all things are possible when it comes to organization!

Rosemary has been helping me systematically purge my house. We started with paperwork (which I am overrun with due to my freelance business on top of my regular job).
I was so inspired, I started clearing out one closet at a time on my own, making it though four so far. I have donated clothing, books, etc. She came over... recently and we began tackling the garage.
There is nothing like friendly support when you're in the trenches!!! If you need help, contact Rosemary, she's better than psychotherapy and makes a fantastic gift for yourself or someone who has everything literally!

Lowering Landfill Capacity

2010-06-11T10:34:00.000-04:00

I just saw this on the blog, Unclutterer and thought this was a terrific idea. I hope other college towns follow suit. Hear that NYU?????

Columbus gets creative with clutter recycling program | Unclutterer

http://unclutterer.com/2010/06/10/columb...

The Ohio State University has a program that not only helps students responsibly get rid of their clutter at the end of the semester, but it is also available for residents of the Columbus area to use. The program is called Dump and Run.

A Non- Material Gift That Is Just As Meaningful

2010-06-09T16:50:00.000-04:00

June the month of weddings, anniversaries and Father's Day. Follow some of my clients' leads and give a gift of de-cluttering instead of a material gift. So far I have done a husband's dressing room and just got booked for a day of garage clearing.

This Could Be You

2010-06-03T12:39:00.005-04:00

I just had to share a testimonial from my one of my latest projects. You may remember that I spent almost a month in London working on making a client's flat feel "more grown-up." Here are some before and after shots. You too can achieve this same level of satisfaction. Contact me for a consult.

Hiring Rosemary was literally the best thing I’ve done in years! I was so sick of looking at all the clutter in my flat that had been accumulating and expanding for years and years and thought, what is one thing I could do for myself that would have a huge impact on my life, and my solution was, get Rosemary over to London and let her loose on my flat. Then from the moment she arrived her enthusiasm for de-cluttering and providing the most useful tips on keeping things tidy and in their respective places was just incredible-and contagious and after 2 weeks of Rosemary transforming my flat, drawers and cupboards I have continued to utilise all her useful tips and hints to ensure I didn’t go back to my old ways. In addition to transforming my flat, Rosemary tackled my huge “to do” list of things like, get a repair man in for this and that and I am happy to say that after 11 years in my flat I finally have beautiful gas fireplaces, smoke detectors and an intercom that actually works! I can’t thank Rosemary enough for all her hard work, enthusiasm, dedication and wonderful guidance in making my living space and life so much less cluttered and relaxing-she’s like a magic wand that EVERYONE who knows her should make use of-she’s just fantastic!!!

Rosemary Flannery All Rights Reserved 2010

Keeping It Together

2010-06-02T06:54:00.000-04:00

I encounter this problem often in my practice: families living under one roof leading separate lives. Here's how you can tackle this problem.

Peter Walsh's Challenge for Busy Families

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Peter-Walshs-Challenge-for-Busy-Families

Living Your Life On TV

2010-05-27T16:45:00.000-04:00

While I normally don't like to refer clients to competitors, how can I compete with Oprah and her team of experts. Check out this offer if you and your family want a complete lifestyle makeover.
The Oprah Winfrey Show
Organizational expert Peter Walsh is looking for people who need HELP
conquering their clutter for a new show on OWN. C...ould this be you? https://www.oprah.com/ownshow/plug_form.html?plug_id=4280860

Yard Sale Addendum

2010-05-23T22:18:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, I participated in Highlands town wide yard sale. It was a beautiful day which brought a lot of traffic via foot, car and bike to the sale. One hint I left out of my previous post was to make sure you price everything in 25 cent/$1 increments to eliminate the need for providing all variations of change. Take the time before the sale to go to the bank and get about $50 broken down into quarters, singles, tens and fives. This small step will make your day a breeze!

Never Own Anything Again

2010-05-18T11:54:00.001-04:00

Check this link out from treehugger.com
Not only will it help cut down on clutter but also build community relationships.

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tech-transport/neverown-anythingagain-thingloop.html?campaign=th_weekly_nl

Yard Work

2010-05-03T10:25:00.001-04:00

With the weather warming up my thoughts are turning to the outdoors after being cooped up in the house all winter. So with that in mind, why not consider having a yard sale? It’s a great way to get rid of unwanted items and maybe make a little extra cash at the same time.
Already NJ towns, Highlands and Atlantic Highlands, have announced the dates of their town-wide yard sales (May 15 and May 22 respectively). Check out www.highlandsnj.com and www.ahnj.com for more information.

How about banding together with neighbours and making it a block-wide event? The proceeds could benefit neighbourhood improvements, a local charity or a social cause. Two years ago, some residents from Needham, MA donated the proceeds from their town-wide sale to their new playing fields fund.

Yard sale prep takes time. The better organized and more attractive your sale is the higher customer interest will be. Go through all your storage areas, closets, garages, etc. Really look at each item closely – if it’s in good condition and you don’t need it, then put it in the sale pile. If you wouldn’t use it in its current condition, then probably no one else will either, so recycle or toss broken or worn out items. Group similar sale items to make set-up easier on the big day.

Set-up the area like a store, grouping house wares in one spot, clothing and accessories in another, etc. Make sure the items are clearly and securely priced and displayed neatly. Any miscellaneous items that you feel won’t bring in cash but someone might like, put in the “FREE BASKET.” You will be happy to see how much of it goes.

A friend and I had a sale at her house in the Hamptons a few years ago and we received such positive feedback from our clientele. They appreciated how we positioned merchandise to move as well as created a user-friendly experience.

Don’t forget about signage – it is something many sellers take for granted. I know I get discouraged when I am following signs and then they disappear leaving me in the middle of nowhere. Or the text is so tiny it is unreadable while driving by. Make lots of signs leading to your location. Use brightly coloured poster board with black letters and place them strategically in your area.

The FINAL RULE – when the sale is over, NOTHING COMES BACK INTO THE HOUSE! Dispose of usable items at your local thrift shop, put leftovers on the curb for latecomers and dumpster divers or send appropriate pieces to the recycling bin. You will have had a fun day, met your neighbours and filled your coffers. How can you lose!

If you need help organizing your sale, I can help. Bookings are available after May 7.

Rosemary Flannery All Rights Reserved 2010

Sort-Out Saturday

2010-05-02T06:17:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was "Sort-Out Saturday" with a Teddington client. The task was to take the children's mancave and turn it into a den for dad. Within a few hours we made great progress, despite my client being on crutches! It is a work-in- progress, which I will continue to monitor via Skype when I return home.

An International Affair

2010-04-29T09:26:00.007-04:00

Cheers From Sunny London.

Yes, I did say sunny! The weather has been absolutely gorgeous since I arrived two weeks ago. Sadly, I am nearing the end of my project, but am proud to say that so much was accomplished during my time here. It is such a thrill to see my client's face light up when she comes home after work as she surveys my accomplishments. Simple things to me are life-changing to her, i.e., using add-a-shelves in the kitchen cupboards and china cabinet; grouping like items together, sourcing items at household stores and just keeping surfaces clear. While I started out with a long list of tasks, the list is getting smaller yet growing at the same time. Here are a few photos from my experience/

Now that my client has gotten into the spirit of de-cluttering and creating more space in her flat, she has so much more she wants done. It looks like I'll have to come back for Phase 2 because as I'm learning during my time here, clutter is an international affair!

Cheerio.

Rosemary Flannery All Rights Reserved 2010

London Calling

2010-04-08T09:17:00.001-04:00

Clarity has declared war against the British -- War on clutter that is!
Word of Clarity’s success has spread internationally so I am preparing to leave for London where I will be spending two weeks working with a client to create some new space in her flat. This experience will be a little challenging since my client will be at work while I go through areas and determine what stays and goes.

I am also excited to try the UK version of Freecycle called Freegle, since I know there are some items that we will be eliminating but are still usable for someone else. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you in future postings.

Bye for now!

2010 Rosemary Flannery All Rights Reserved

2010-04-06T19:01:00.002-04:00

Spring Fling

2010-04-03T06:45:00.001-04:00

As Easter arrives and Passover comes to a close, here are some tips to keep in mind after the holidays end.

Before putting away your dishes and decorations, take a close look at each item. Are any dishes broken or chipped? Are baskets coming apart? Upon inspection are these items worth keeping and storing until next year? Right now is a good time to replace any unusable items since most stores will have sales starting Monday.

Once you determine what to keep, it’s a good idea to have a designated area in your basement, attic or closet for holding holiday accoutrements. Within that space, designate one container per holiday so you don’t end up finding your Halloween decorations mixed up with Hanukah items.

Whichever Spring holiday you celebrate, I hope it is happy and festive.

2010 Rosemary Flannery All Rights Reserved

2010-03-26T15:59:00.002-04:00

It’s A Taxing Time

Tax Day is quickly approaching so you may be scrambling to assemble all the pertinent paperwork to prepare your tax forms. I’m even a little late myself this year having had my appointment earlier this week.

As you’re compiling the back up for your return, you are probably uncovering a pile of papers from bank statements, utility bills to a bill from an item you no longer own. Is it ok to dispose of these outdated docs or are they necessary to keep? Many financial advisors have varying opinions on this topic. Here is what Suze Orman in her March 2010, “O Magazine” column recommends:

Utility Bills: Hold on to these for one year—just in case there are any billing issues. If you claim a
home-office deduction, keep statements for three years because that's how long the IRS generally has to
challenge tax returns.
Pay Stubs: Save one year's worth. Once you receive a year-end W-2 statement, check it against the last
pay stub. If it all matches, chuck the backup.
Bank and Credit Card Statements: Keep for one year, but with this caveat—if you expect to apply for a
mortgage, HELOC, or car loan in the near future, hoard two years' worth of bank statements. After being
burned by their own no-doc policies prior to the credit crisis, many lenders are now asking for a ton of
income verification before granting any loans, especially for the self-employed. If you bank and pay your
bills online, you can typically access at least six months of statements at no charge. Save pdfs of them on
your hard drive (or print out copies) in case you need the information; you may be slapped with a fee if
you have to ask your bank or credit card company to cough them up later.
Investment Statements
You probably receive monthly or quarterly updates, as well as an annual summary. Once you get that
annual statement, toss the others.
If you make any trades during the year, keep a record of each transaction for at least three years.
For nondeductible contributions to a traditional IRA or conversions to a Roth IRA, save the IRS form 8606
you filed when making the deposits. When you withdraw during retirement, it will be a piece of cake to
prove you've already paid the taxes.
Tax Returns and Supporting Docs
Since the IRS has three years to challenge anything, you must keep three years' worth of returns and
Warranties and User Manuals
Save active warranties; equally important is letting go of expired ones.
Although the 100-page tomes covering operating details of shiny new gadgets are not financial
documents, I've included them here because they go hand-in-hand with warranties and contribute to so
much clutter. If you find yourself staring at a user manual for the cell phone you lost in a cab last month,
trash it right now! And if you're comfortable Web surfing, get rid of all user manuals: Manufacturers have
downloadable versions on their Web sites, and plenty of third-party sites amalgamate manuals from
different companies (try UsersManualGuide.com and ManualNGuide.com).
Forever Docs
Some stuff should never, ever be tossed: birth certificate, marriage license, divorce decree, will, trust,
estate planning documents, and death certificates. Make sure your family can access these important
records if you die.
I'd also suggest keeping a permanent file of all loans you have paid off (mortgage, car, school, and so on)
because if you later find a mistake with how the data was reported to credit bureaus—or if an identity thief
complicates your life—having those docs handy will save you much grief.
Keep It or Not?
Get Rid Of… ATM slips more than a month old. Toss them after checking them against your monthly statement.
Be Sure to Save… Receipts for big-ticket purchases that might be included in an insurance claim. And
photograph the possessions; the more documentation you have, the easier the claims process will be.

My accountant gave me a list too so see which one works for you.

Now that we’ve covered what to keep, the next step is where to store these papers for future access. Since I live in a studio apartment and don’t have room for file cabinets, I use expanding A-Z letter-size accordion folders. I even treated myself to new ones at the beginning of this year from the Container Store. I am a little general in my filing system – everyone has their own method – e.g., Con Edison bills go under “C” rather than “E’ for electricity or “U” for utilities.

If you itemize your return like I do and need to hold onto receipts, I use the A-Z accordion system checkbook version. I label each section with the appropriate categories, i.e., transportation, magazines, business meals, etc. You can label it any way that works for you. Every time I have a new receipt, I mark it and store it in my file. I try to deal with receipts immediately so there is no pile-up or risk of losing them. At the end of the year, I spend an afternoon totaling up my receipts in preparation for my tax return. If you prefer, not to handle/store receipts, scanning is an option for digital storage. You can also use Quicken Software to enter receipts and it will calculate your totals for you.

Whatever method you choose, I hope your tax prep is not too painful and that you use your refund to obtain some tools to make your life simpler. And don’t forget to shred, shred, shred and recycle that paper!

2010 Rosemary Flannery All Rights Reserved

2010-03-26T15:44:00.001-04:00

There's No Place Like Home

2010-03-13T08:45:00.005-05:00

The snow seems like it is on its way out and Spring is in the air if this past week is any indication, so how about tackling your closets in preparation for the new season. Let's see what you have, still fits, or needs to go. If you don't have the time to examine everything in your closet, this is something that can me done daily as you pick out what you are going to wear on a given day.Just take 10 minutes a day - if you make this a daily habit you will have put in over an hour per week and cleared some room in your closet.

But if you do have the time, especially on a rainy weekend like this one, it's a good idea to work on improving your space. Because of our current economic situation, you may have come across the term, "shop your closet." Start by taking everything out of your closet until it is empty. Sort through the items. Touch and inspect EVERYTHING, then try the garment on. Does it fit? Is it flattering? Is it in good condition minus holes, stains, worn out patches and most important, DO YOU ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT? If you answered yes to all of these questions, then put the clothing in the "keep" pile. As you continue this process designate "toss," "repair," and "donate" piles.

When you have whittled down everything you are keeping, clean the closet first by vacuuming and washing shelves. I recommend The Aromatherapy Apothecary's natural cleaning spray (www.thearomatherapyapothecary.com) - a non-toxic alternative to Fantastic or Spray 9. Once the space is clean, and sparkling, you are ready to put your designated items back. To see what you have and get a good rotation of you wardrobe, I recommend putting like items together e.g., blouses and shirts on multiple shirt hangers, same for pants, etc. ( this also helps if you have limited room like I do). One of my favorite items is the Hanger Cascader(www.shopgetorganized.com)which allows you to tier your tops and dresses while allowing for some breathing room between grouped clothing.

Once you can see everything in your closet, you may re-discover an old favorite or be more open to mixing and matching instead of relying on old stand-byes or feeling the need to have to go out and buy more stuff. I advise you to act swiftly on disposing of unwanted items. Things that are unwearable should be tossed or used for rags. Anything in good condition, i.e. still wearable with no signs of wear or damage, should be taken to your nearest thrift shop where you can get a tax deduction for your donation. If you have business attire that is still in style consider a donation to Dress for Success annual clothing drive. Check out www.dressforsuccess.org/ for more information.

I know this is not the easiest of clutter tasks to conquer. We all have emotional ties to our clothes, but if you do not feel fabulous every time you put on an outfit, then it is time to go. Even Oprah is getting into the spirit of letting go, so if she can do it, so can you.

Lighten The Load

2010-02-17T19:13:00.005-05:00

I've always been conscientious about recycling and re-using items, but since I launched my de-cluttering practice four years ago, I am constantly on the look out for new items to recycle and the outlets that accept them. So you can imagine how thrilled I was to find a program at my local Greenmarket in Manhattan that recycles old clothes, shoes, and bed linens, among other household items. Visit www.cenyc.org

When I am doing my quarterly purge in my homes, I donate to a local thrift store or a charitable organization. But in some cases the items are well past their expiry date and of no use to anyone. I ask you just how many cleaning rags can one have? Knowing that two blocks away, there is a kiosk waiting for my castoffs, has helped me enormously. Each Greenmarket has a receptacle to toss unwanted items. With the possibility of getting a tax deduction you can't afford not to do this. Check with the Greenmarket personnel to find out if you're eligible. If you live outside of NYC, contact your local recycling center to inquire about a similar program or maybe start one in your community. Just imagine how much lighter you and the earth will feel!

One Down. Three To Go!

2010-02-17T19:04:00.003-05:00

Here we are halfway through the first quarter of the new decade and I’m wondering how many of you are sticking to your New Year’s resolutions? Each year people make promises that they will lose weight, spend more time with their friends and families, save more money, etc. but shortly thereafter resort back to their old habits. Well one thing you can work on without too much pain, but lots of gain, is to shed the things in your life that aren’t working for you.

If you have a broken or outdated electronic, go online and find out if your town’s recycling program collects it. If there’s an area in your home or office that resembles a junkyard, brace yourself and dig into it. It may seem daunting but after an hour of tossing things or putting them away, you will be amazed at how much progress you can make. One client, a PR professional, spent a night after work tearing through three years worth of files and other assorted papers. He realized it was time to let go while gaining a clear head and office.

If you’re afraid to tackle a task like this alone, then working with a personal organizer may help. As an objective person, an organizer will assist you in determining what to keep, donate or toss. Most people don’t know where to begin but with some guidance you can find the key to a simpler life.

Holiday Cheer

2009-12-23T08:46:00.001-05:00

Seasons Greetings.

Here's to a clutter-free New Year!

All the best,

Rosemary Flannery
Clarity

fromclutter2clarity@gmail.com

Clearing the
path to calm since 2006.

ENLISTED

2009-09-21T17:59:00.001-04:00

Occasionally, readers contact me with their particular organizing questions. In this case, one reader is struggling with lists and trying to find a method that would encapsulate all of her tasks for her home and home office. I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately since I live by lists personally and professionally. I get great satisfaction from feeling grounded but love crossing off a task once it’s been completed. Depending on how much time you want to devote to list making, here are a few options:

1) Plain and Simple Paper Lists – If contained in a pad, they’re portable for shopping but can get a little messy once you start crossing off chores. Paper also contributes to paper waste so if you go this route, I encourage all lists to be recycled when they have outlived their use.

2) For those who use PDA’s or iPhones, I believe there are apps for list making. Or you can type up the list in Word or Excel and then sync the document to your device. With this method, every time a change is made, it will be updated automatically when you sync up.

Along these lines, www.lifehacker.com has written some great advice on this very topic as quoted below:

Many of us walk around with mini-computers/digital cameras in our pockets thanks to smartphones, and we can use them to bypass paper entirely. Instead of jotting your grocery shopping list on a scrap of paper, use Gmail Tasks, Remember the Milk or your list manager of choice on your phone. Transcribe whiteboards to PDF or even fax documents using previously mentioned Qipit. Also, popular note-taking application Evernote makes it dead easy to capture ideas, lists, and notes without killing a single tree.

Whatever method you choose to compile your lists, have you thought about how you are going to break it down? My preference is to group home chores together, administrative (i.e., phone calls, correspondence, financial matters, etc.) as another section and then tasks outside the home e.g., dry cleaners, food shopping, car repairs, etc. To stay focused, I recommend setting aside time every day to assess what needs to be done and how to get it done. Firstly, I would categorize tasks by room in the house, i.e.,
Living Room
- dust furniture
- vacuum rugs and walls
- DVR Hoarders on A&E

Kitchen
- unload dishwasher
- clean out fridge
- empty trash bin

Break things down and be specific about the task to be done. Don’t be put off if the list is very long because in the end, the more detailed the list, the more focused you will be in accomplishing your work.

One final piece of advice… when certain chores require that I block out time to address them, I use the iCal calendar program on my MAC laptop. This program is invaluable in keeping my appointments or self-imposed deadlines. I love the timer feature that allows me to schedule an “event” for a specific date and time. I hit the alarm button which gives me “heads up” minutes, hours or days before my desired time.

2009 Rosemary Flannery All Rights Reserved

Just Say Ahhhh...

2009-09-14T17:26:00.000-04:00

I received a lot of positive responses to my last posting about my struggle with packing up my house. Some readers were riveted and can’t wait for the next installment. I’m not sure my current situation constitutes enough for serialization but I will keep everyone updated on my further adventures of garage hell!

I took a bit of a break from writing due to an influx of visitors. It’s hard keeping things orderly when I have a nephew sneaking yet another crab trap into my garage or beach items being used constantly. Now that everyone has gone home, I am left again to face the demon garage. The house is not rented yet, nor do I have any prospects, yet I am trying to get as much advance work done without having to live in an empty space. I spent part of the holiday weekend sorting through my beach chair collection. Once I whittled down which ones were keepers, the rest went to the curb with a big “FREE” sign. By that afternoon it was one chair gone and as of yesterday the rest were taken too.

The largest item I have to dispose of is my mother’s 1970’s wall unit. I spent earlier this week posting the sale information on craigslist and prepping copy for eBay. Once I sell this piece I think I will be at peace because I will have gained more storage real estate in the back of the garage. So maybe my anxiety is for naught as my sister (and next door neighbor) announced that she is going to use her house instead of renting it out. This news means that some of the items I worried about storing may now have a temporary home next door. Ahhh…

2009 Rosemary Flannery All Rights Reserved

Swimming In Material Stress

2009-08-16T19:28:00.001-04:00

I have been away from my blogging because I am facing my own clutter problems and feel a little overwhelmed right now. Generally, I am able to tackle tasks one at a time and then move onto the next one. What is different this time? Well I am trying to generate business for Clarity, freelancing as a graphics producer and trying to prepare my weekend house as a 12 month rental in order to generate additional income. This last point is the one that is stressing me the most.

When I bought my little bungalow eight years ago, I really had no housewares to speak of, so packing the place up after the summer for a rental was easy – everything fit in my garage. Fast forward to 2009, after using the house full-time for five years, well let’s say I am equipped +.

My first task is to go through the garage. I’ve seen a lot of garages and mine is not in bad shape but I have been storing items for friends and family that now need to find a new home. To keep myself from hyperventilating, I am scrutinizing everything I have and deciding if I really want to pack it and store it indefinitely. So far, I’ve given a friend a set of acrylic tumblers and re-usable plastic flatware in anticipation of her beach house purchase. I know I’m not making a dent of any kind, but I’m really taking baby steps on this one. While I consider myself not even close to a hoarder, I was fascinated by an episode of A&E’s Obsessed which focused on a this disorder. It was very sad to see a grown man be afraid of tossing junk mail addressed to his dead mom because it would diminish his connection to her. The entire ranch house was COVERED with belongings, garbage and who knows what else. Thank God Smellovision never caught on because I can only imagine the stench.

Hoarding is a very serious problem, so much so that now A&E is devoting an entire series to the topic on Monday nights at 10pm beginning August 17. Some of my clients have this problem; they think by letting go of something that they are somehow dishonoring themselves or the person/event associated with it. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a practice that helps hoarders deal with their quality of life issues. I am not a therapist but this is my understanding of this therapy – basically clients are asked, “what is the worst that can happen if you throw this away?” Some respond well to that question, others just shut down – it’s a complicated behavior. Well I am pushing forward on my garage and so far managed to get rid of some bottles of bubbles, hedge trimmers and a hanging basket just by putting them to the curb. I also took my own advice and went to Best Buy to recycle an old television. It was so easy. I happily paid the $10 recycling charge in exchange for a $10 BB gift card which I used immediately to buy new camera batteries. I told the salesperson that BB should really publicize this service since it’s so simple and worthwhile. The bag for the thrift shop is growing and I am feeling lighter already!

2009 Rosemary Flannery All Rights Reserved

SOCK IT TO ME

2009-07-12T10:42:00.002-04:00

A friend of mine is “grappling” with his sock drawer and asked for some advice on how to tame the beast. I’ve seen many a sock drawer as a de-clutterer and some were not pretty. There’s the “just toss all socks whether they match or not into the drawer “ method or rolling pairs or tying pairs together. I have the luxury of a large drawer to store my hosiery so my system is very simple. Before the organizing can take place it is imperative to go through all of your socks/hosiery to weed out the intact ones from those that have holes or tears or loose elastic. Once you have done this you are ready to organize!

My main application of all de-cluttering is dividing items into zones or “like = like.” My chosen method is rolling. Yes, to some this could be tedious when folding clean laundry but I find it therapeutic. On the left side of the drawer I have grouped all my “short socks, i.e. ankle, athletic – this category is quite small so it takes up little room. The other 2/3 of the drawer is used for my knee socks – yes a throwback to my Catholic school days but you know in the winter, under pants, they work well at keeping me warm. At times it’s hard to buy them because the trend has been ankle socks so I load up every time I go to Europe. Did you know that Paris seems to only have black socks and Florence only has navy – never shall the two colors meet in the same city… but I digress...

Since I only have navy and black palettes to work with, the entire navy collection is grouped together in the back and the black are in the forefront. I organize them in rows – it’s a little off-kilter since I don’t use dividers. Cotton socks stay with cotton and wool/cashmere stay together. I also have a very small area designated for tights – black opaque of course! They are rolled neatly into balls but since I am short on space for them I double up to 2 tiers. My rule when dealing with hosiery is if you wear the item and the elastic is shot or there are holes is to toss immediately – you don’t want them back in the mix. I just wish more companies branded themselves so I can keep track of which socks/tights worked or not. To give all of the accessories equal time, I rotate – it prolongs the life of the item

If you’re looking constantly for a sock mate but can’t locate it – I think sock dividers will become your new best friend and eliminate future orphans. One client uses the narrow box type dividers. I’ve worked with the diamond drawer organizers too. You can find both types at Bed Bath and Beyond

Ok, now that you have that drawer under control, walk on!

2009 Rosemary Flannery All Rights Reserved

A Little Planning Goes A Long Way

2009-06-26T13:05:00.002-04:00

Being organized is not confined to physical spaces. Information we take for granted could become very valuable and difficult for a loved one to locate if we aren’t able to do it for ourselves. Writing down medical histories, doctor information, emergency contacts, etc. is not something that only older people need to worry about. This list is really something that we all need.

A few months ago, my mom went into the hospital unexpectedly and I was able to step in and help her and her husband. My mom, a very organized Virgo, carried a lot of information in her head that she would download to me during my daily hospital visits. By the end of the week I was well versed in my mom and her husband’s routines. Thank goodness my mother was lucid and able to tell me what to do, but it occurred to me if she hadn’t been, I would have been stuck figuring out some important things like medication doses. The producer in me got into action. During my downtime, I started to compile an Excel spreadsheet outlining some pertinent information for family members to know should my mom not be available. She was resistant at first, but then it became a project.

The sheet I made for my family was broken down by name and divided into categories, i.e., Medical History, Medications, Doctors’ Contact Info, Immediate Family Members Contact Info, Power of Attorney, Social Security #, Caregivers, Nearest Hospital, etc. The format can be tailored in any way that works for you, but should be put in an obvious place where a friend or family member could find it. I recommend by the phone or on the refrigerator.

I live in New York City and not to sound morbid, but after surviving 9/11, blackouts and just ordinary daily life, I decided to start an “In Case of Emergency” binder divided into sections labeled: Insurance, Investments, Accounts, Health Care Proxy and Living Will, etc. It’s not complete yet, but it’s a start and hopefully will make things easier for my family to settle matters on my behalf, because you just never know!

Out On The Street

2009-06-16T17:56:00.002-04:00

Last Friday at midnight, the US switched over from analogue to digital television signals. It’s a great thing for those of us who only have network access since we now can receive multiples of each network and the reception is very clear! But what’s not so clear is how local and state governments are handling the disposal of all the old, non-working televisions that are probably lining curbsides across America.

While I always applaud clients getting rid of items that are no longer useful, it pains me that many items that can be recycled just go into the trash because it’s “convenient. “ For those of us who are aware of the harmful effects junked electronics have on our environment, I offer some thoughts on how to deal with these obsolete items.

First of all, there is no need to run out and buy a new TV if you can buy a digital converter box (for about $75 --less if you have the government sponsored coupon) that will work with your current set. If your TV is too old for the converter box, then consider calling your town/county recycling centers and inquire about their policy for accepting and recycling electronics. If you can’t find a local outlet, try these resources. Sure they might take some effort to drop-off or ship but just think of how much good your are doing for yourself and future generations by minimizing toxic waste in your community.

According to Real Simple’s article, “How To Recycle Anything. “ Best Buy will remove and recycle TV’s when they deliver a new one. Office Depot will accept TV’s for recycling and if you have a Sony set, go to www.sony.com/recycle to find a drop off center near you.

2009 Rosemary Flannery All Rights Reserved

The 10 Minute Rule

2009-06-11T03:00:00.000-04:00

So many people want to clear the clutter from their environments but feel so overwhelmed by the mountains of stuff blocking their path. Taking a tip from decluttering guru, Peter Walsh, spend 10 minutes every day to tackle an area that is bothering you. There are lots of little problems that can build up to big ones. I call these little problems, “clutter potholes.”

So where to begin? After a tough work day, mix yourself a cocktail, put your feet up, set the timer and start going through the mail. You would be amazed at how many people don’t open their mail and how quickly it piles up. Whatever your clutter pothole, just take 10 minutes every day and you can prevent these little problems from developing into monster chasms.

©2009 Rosemary Flannery All Rights Reserved

You Are Not Alone!

2009-06-10T18:26:00.001-04:00

Welcome to what I hope will be the first of many musings on the process of decluttering. As so many of us have experienced, getting rid of things can be difficult. We all want to hold onto items that make us feel secure, which is fine. But when these items we cling to take up precious room and don’t serve a purpose any longer, it is time to think about moving on. I am here to tell you to toss and that it’s ok to do so. In the coming months, I will be posting some case studies from clients and give tips on taming your clutter demons. You are not alone! Together we can make the journey From Clutter2Clarity.

©2009 Rosemary Flannery All Rights Reserved