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' 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

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

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

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

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.