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"Picture Yourself Organized!"
Details By Shelly Fletcher - Organizing e-News
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 Issue: #18 |
July 2009 |
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Summer Greetings , 
An unusually long and mild spring has provided an abundance of exquisite wildflowers. Unfortunately, as the weather gets drier, we may experience a very dangerous fire season. I felt it was important to share some "defensible space" strategies in this issue.
Just like you clear dry debris from your property, it is important to create a defensible space in your home. Read my suggestions in the Good Tips section.
Have a very safe and sane Independence Day.
Shelly
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PERSONAL CHALLENGE - Get Organized in 2009 |
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NEW - ORGANIZING CALENDAR FOR 2009
Each month I will share three things to do that will help you get organized in 2009. You can choose to do one or more of my suggestions, or come up with your own.
JULY 2009 - Sell, Donate or Toss
1. Plan a yard sale
- Summer is a good time to hold a yard sale; a great way to get rid of your clutter plus gain a little cash for your efforts. Yard sales can be great de-clutter motivators.
- Plan a date for your sale, schedule your advertising, let your friends and neighbors know, get your sale area set up. There are many websites that provide good tips; Google "yard sale tips". Click here to see the kit provided by "Clean House" TV show.
- Plan ahead to do the purging so you will have enough to sell. Sort items into sale categories as you purge.
2. Set an example
- Show family and friends that you are serious about controlling clutter by keeping your own space clear and organized. Set an example.
- Donate so others can benefit from your de-cluttering experience.
- Hold a clutter party where others can bring bags of their useful clutter to donate to charities.
3. Lighter days mean more time for editing & minimizing
- As the days get longer (and hotter), plan your organizing time for early morning or later in the evening. Take advantage of the time change and weather conditions to stay focused on your organizing projects. You'll still have plenty of time for play.
- Re-evaluate your organizing year so far. If you need help, ask for it. If you need time, create it. If you need to refocus on a particular area, do it.
- Continue to gather up items that do not support your life goals and donate or toss them.
- Enjoy the summer knowing you are working toward a clutter-free life.
You can print this out as a full calendar page and put it in a binder for future reference. Go to my website for the download version:
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GOOD TIPS, READS & LEADS |
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Getting Organized "In Case of Emergency"
Good Scouts are taught to "be prepared". You may remember the story in the September 2008 issue about my daughter's experience during Hurricane Ike [ view that issue through the archive feature on my website] While we may not have hurricanes in California, wildfires are common and can move in quickly. In these tips you will learn how to be prepared in case of emergency.
1. Keep pathways in your home and garage clear of piles and clutter. In an emergency you want to be able to get out fast. Also, should firefighters have to get into your home, they need clear access to your rooms and attic or basement doors.
2. Gather up irreplaceable and important documents. Either make a photocopy of them and leave with a relative (or at your worksite), or scan them onto a flash drive and store it away from the house. Update this collection of documents once a year.
3. Create a list of important people and phone numbers: family, friends, insurance, etc.
4. Take a plastic garbage can with lid and create an emergency home supply. Include flashlights, batteries, radio, garbage bags, non-perishable food, bottled water, and more. [click here to see a list of things to put into this kit] update contents annually. 5. Discuss with each family member what to do in case of emergency. Where to meet, who to call, what to take, what will happen if someone is not home. 6. Evaluate the important things in your life. Is it all about the "stuff", or is it something more sustainable?
7. Keep a list handy of family medications, copies of prescriptions, names and phone numbers of doctors or specialists, phone number of pharmacy. 8. Put the letters "ICE" in your cell phone next to important family member contact numbers. "ICE" stands for "in case of emergency" and alerts emergency personnel to who should be notified. 9. Don't forget the pets! Prepare a list of important phone numbers, medical information, license and vaccination copies. You may need to leave pets at home in case of evacuation. Plan ahead on where you will board them and where they will have food and water until you return. Many shelters will not accept pets, but humane societies may go door to door to rescue animals. Have your pet information clearly visible if you need to leave them at home. Click here for Red Cross suggestions.
10. Like a good scout, be prepared. Emergencies happen when least expected. You will be glad you organized your papers and information ahead of time.
You can find more tips at the Red Cross website - click here.
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LEARN TO GET ORGANIZED |
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Adult Education Classes announced for Fall 2009
I will be teaching the very popular "Let's Get Organized" class again this fall at Placer School for Adults on Saturday, September 26th, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. This is the only class I will be teaching this fall in adult education. I'll keep you posted on registration deadlines and class location. Even if you've already taking this class, you will learn new tricks and reinforce what you've learned before. Mark your calendar now.
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ORGANIZING EVENTS |
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No scheduled seminars for June, however if you are interested in having me speak to your organization, contact me about available dates.
Shredding Services
I'm taking a break from shredding this summer....lots of traveling and not so much purging. Watch for this service to resume in the fall.
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NEED A SPEAKER - for your group or conference?
Speaking at the NOON Program - Auburn Main Library
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If you are ready to start on an organizing project, give me a call to discuss a plan that might work for you.
Call me at (530) 613-2968, or you can email me at detailsbyshelly@yahoo.com
Sharing ideas and creating solutions for you,
Shelly Fletcher
Details by Shelly Fletcher
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