School Days

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

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

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.

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!

2010 Rosemary Flannery All Rights Reserved