Pure Wow just posted this list of items and their shelf life. Do you agree with their assessment?



http://www.purewow.com/home/how-often-to-replace-everything?utm_medium=email&utm_source=national&utm_campaign=How_Often_to_Replace_Everything_2016_10_18_b&utm_content=Food_editorial



2016. Rosemary Flannery. All Rights Reserved.

Space Savers

Underneath bathroom sinks are always a difficult place to organize. I know I struggle with mine and I'm a pro! Check out these tips from The Container Store to help you make the best of your space.


http://www.containerstore.com/tip/roomBath/bathspace






2016. Rosemary Flannery. All Rights Reserved.

Doing Good

Yesterday I dropped off a donation on behalf of a client at Lunch Break in Red Bank.Thanks to an enthusiastic volunteer, named Bonnie, I ended up getting a tour of this upbeat and bustling facility and learned so much about their services. They offer  much more than meals!

Lunch Break has a huge 'store' of clothing for men, women and children with a special section of professional clothing for people getting back on their feet and looking for work. They also have a DESPERATE need for all types of toiletries and hygiene products for both sexes.

So next time you get free samples or take extra bottles of shampoos from a hotel stay or just find your medicine cabinet overflowing with unopened items you have no intention of using, why not do a drop off at Lunch Break.  Not only will you be helping people who truly need it, but also gaining some extra space at home!!

lunchbreak.org

If you are not in the Two River area, google homeless shelters or groups that help the homeless or indigent to find organizations that accept donations.


2016. Rosemary Flannery. All Rights Reserved.

Summer Organizing

Unclutterer and I are on the same page this week as I was wondering how everyone is coping with the transition from school ending to summer vacation. As the author states, working with a professional organizer is a perfect way to stay on track. 

https://unclutterer.com/2016/06/20/organizing-summer-pro-organizer/

If you are struggling with an area in your residence or professional space, or perhaps you have been saving a special project for the warmer weather, well the wait is over. Take the time to clear out the basement, attic, or garage. Who knows you may end up with enough items for a tag sale. If you want to have a sale but can’t find the time, get in touch. I have prepped and run numerous sales for clients and am always happy to do more.

I am booking appointments for July and also have a few openings this week. 

 Rosemary Flannery. All Rights Reserved. 2015.

Decluttering Is Easy!

One of my good friends and recurring client, food writer, T.W. Barritt has used some of these rainy weekend days to become inspired and tackle problem areas in his house. Here is his latest progress and what he has to say about decluttering.

Rosemary, you have inspired me to approach decluttering and home organizing by setting small achievable goals.   And, your advice to take things out and look hard at them is so important.  Recently, I realized my kitchen utility closet had become completely stuffed with plastic supermarket bags.  The mess wasn’t even registering with me anymore, until I found I couldn’t pull a step stool out of the closet because of all the clutter.  This morning I emptied the entire cabinet, and bagged up four trash bags full of plastic bags.  Now, the utility closet holds just two step stools and some kitchen aprons.  It is right-sized for it’s intended use, and I’m feeling really good having wrapped up a defined task and having improved the functionality of my kitchen at the same time.  As always, thanks for the inspiration!   T.W. Barritt   

2016. Rosemary Flannery. All Rights Reserved.

Mom

I can’t believe it is May already and this is my first original post of 2016! I actually had a lot to say after the New Year began in order to get you on the right path to a clutter free space, but in mid-January, my family and I experienced the loss of our mom. It was a shock to say the least since she was in seemingly good health and her death just felt surreal. I have a very close family and we all used our respective skill sets to plan a simple and happy memorial for her. It was during this time that it really hit me how influential my mother was on my career choice. She was the original organizer in the family and even in death made a painful time easier because she had her directives written down as a blueprint for us to follow. Now her preparation has inspired me to follow her lead and get my wishes in place though I have no immediate plans for them to be put into use!

As a single mom, (before that term was even coined), she multi-tasked while working full-time, going to college at night and bringing up four children. Weekends were spent taking care of us as well as cooking for the week and studying.

We lived in a modest home but everything in it had a place. We were taught from an early age to return things where we found them and not leave our stuff in common areas of the house. She even enlisted our help, so my siblings and I had chores to do on a weekly basis. Twice a year, she had us go through our toys and clothes and assess what should be kept or donated. This training has paid off as adults because my sisters and brother and I are very good at keeping clutter at bay.

When I decided to pursue de-cluttering in between producing gigs, my mother was my biggest supporter. She was always coming up with ideas or connecting me with people she met at her apartment complex who she thought could benefit from my services. Thanks to her, I increased my exposure and got my first speaking engagement. I’m just sorry she didn’t live long enough for me to put her on a retainer! So Happy Mother’s Day, mom! You may not physically be here, but your presence remains strong and influence endures. 

Taxing Situation

The discussion of what financial papers to keep and for how long is an ongoing discussion with my clients. Here is a perspective from the folks at The Freelancers' Union.

https://www.freelancersunion.org/blog/2016/02/10/do-you-really-have-save-all-your-tax-forms

I tend to hold onto some forms longer like tax returns as I thought the IRS had 7 years to audit. Check with your financial consultant to find out what is the best method for you.









2016. Rosemary Flannery. All Rights Reserved.