"Picture Yourself Organized!"

Organizing Tips by Shelly Fletcher 
TopIssue: #47

March 2012

GET ORGANIZED NOW!
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Hello

 

screamOpps.  Had some glitches in my email account causing the MARCH issue to be late.  Just makes me want to scream!  But you don't have to.  Take a look through the hints for spring cleaning and put them to work now, or in April.  These rainy days are perfect for planning your indoor organizing and cleaning projects.  The April issue will come out in a few weeks. 
 
Don't forget to sign up for my class on April 14th.  You will learn how to organize like the professionals.  Click here for more details.

Wishing you well organized spaces,

Shelly

 

GETTING ORGANIZED in 2012

 

March - Reinventing Spring Cleaning

  

1. Do a home (or office) declutter plan

  • Place a large garbage bag in each room. Fill the bag with as much stuff as you can that can be thrown away. Repeat with another bag for items to be donated.
  • After you have cleared much of the unnecessary items, determine what needs to be cleaned or repaired. Put those items aside to clean or fix.
  • Grab a note pad and walk through each room. In each room, list what clutter issues remain; circle the one that bothers you the most. Schedule a time when you can work on that area.

 

2. Set up a cleaning box

  • Gather all your cleaning supplies and assess what you actually use. Choose ones that work well, are multi-purpose, and support your environmental concerns. Toss the rest; carefully follow disposal instructions.
  • Separate dry from wet cleaning items (e.g. dusting rags from bathroom cleaners).
  • Put the wet cleaning items in a waterproof container such as a bucket with handle. Put the dry cleaning items in another container. Store these items in an area safe from small children and pets.
  • If you reduce your cleaning supplies to fewer, multi-purpose items, you may be able to put them all in a portable carryall with wheels. That way you can easily take your supplies with you from room to room as you clean.  

 

3. Find the "Hidden Clutter" in dresser drawers, under beds, and on shelves

  • Go through the house and look for small hidden clutter spots. Look in drawers, behind doors, on top of cabinets, tall shelves, etc.
  • Choose at least one of these areas to clean and organize on a rainy day.
  • Repeat this exercise in October. See how many areas stayed clean.

 

 

If you need help getting starting with any of these tasks, contact me.

 

 

GoodTipsGood Things to Know

Class 

"Let's Get Organized" Class in April

 

Sign up now for my popular three-hour "Let's Get Organized" class at the Placer School for Adults (Placer High School in Auburn). Class will be held on Saturday, April 14th, from 9:00-12:00 in room 629. Fee is $37.

 

To register online, go to www.placeronline.org, click on "REGISTER FOR CLASS" box and type in the class number 3600200. If you would rather fax or mail in your registration, click on this link to download a registration form: REGISTRATION FORM

 

This class focuses on why clutter develops, how to create a strategy to clear it, and the steps you need to take to get the job done. This is a great overall organizing class where you learn the secrets of professional organizers. Hope to see you there.

 

  

Do It Yourself Network Program - "I WANT THAT"

  

I hate to admit this, but I record the show "I Want That" on the DIY Network.  There are some terrific organizing, decorating, and time-saving ideas demonstrated in this 30-minutes show, but beware of the temptation to buy them all!  You can go to their website (http://marketplace.diynetwork.com) to scope out some of the products shown on the show.  Click on these links to see some of my favorite ones:

  

Closet organizers  These organizers look awesome and hang from a rail fastened to the wall.  Easy!  I have them in my bedroom closet and they work great.

 

Undersink organizer  Solution to your shelving needs under tight sink spaces.  The shelves expand or contract to fit around the pipes.

 

Bungee products  Bungee cords can be your friend when it comes to taming tall handled tools, sports equipment, or wrapping paper.  Use hooks to keep cords tight and in place.  See the different types of cords for a variety of uses.  Use your imagination.

 

Plastic dip handles  Coat the handles of your garden or craft tools, sport equipment, keys, etc. for sure-grip handling and easy identification. 

 

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Sharing ideas and creating solutions for you,
 
Shelly Fletcher
Organizing Specialist 

You can reach me at (530) 613-2968, or by email at detailsbyshelly@yahoo.com
 
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