Holiday Greetings

Dear Readers:

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

NYC-Recycling-Updates

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.