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

National Garage Sale Day

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.

2010 Rosemary Flannery All Rights Reserved.

Clarity Now Offers Skype Services

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

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