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The Recycling Corner:
Where to
Put it All!
One of the challenges about recycling is finding the space to put it while waiting for pick-up or delivery to the recycling center.
For newspapers, I use a basket with a hinged lid (18-1/8 x 15 x 11-3/4" h). It keeps the papers tidy, holds at least 2 weeks' worth, and looks good in my home. Another alternative is an open bin, such as the one sold at the Container Store and made out of bamboo: This is a little smaller (17-7/8 x 13-3/4 x 5-1/8" h), so it doesn't hold as much, but it's more elegant, less obtrusive, and is easier to use, since it doesn't have a lid.
A third alternative is to use stacking plastic bins (also available at Container Store or many discount stores) that you place in a closet, under a sink, in a garage, etc. With this option, it doesn't have to be decorative - just functional! The important thing is to find a container that fits your style and habits, and that fits the papers! The average newspaper is 12" x 12-3/4" when folded in half, so you want a container that's a little bigger than that on the inside so you can fit your hands in, account for imperfect folding, etc. Measure your own newspapers and magazines, then bring your tape measure with you when you look for the right container. Whatever style you choose, be sure to let go of your old newspapers and recycle them regularly! A consistent habit of recycling will help reduce the clutter, and help the environment! |
Upcoming Speaking Engagements
The Latest Organizing Tools
I'll be speaking on a panel at the NAPO-NE meeting in Waltham on Tuesday evening, May 9th. My topic will be the latest organizing tools I'll be seeing at the NAPO national conference this April.
Clutter Control At Home
2 sessions, Thursdays, May 12 & May 19 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm.
This class can help you reduce the clutter and reduce your stress! Learn a simple 5-step strategy for organizing your kitchen, office, closet, or any room in your home, and practice using this strategy between sessions. Learn how to control the clutter and enjoy your home again!
At Sandwich Community Schools. www.scslearn.org. |
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Looking for a speaker or trainer for your group?
Please visit my website for more information on my speech topics and workshops. To schedule me to speak to your group, or for more information, please email me at mmdwk@peoplepc.com, or call 508 292-6706. |
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Dear ,
Spring is here - well, spring in New England, anyway! We've "sprung ahead" and set the clocks forward one hour, the crocuses are up, the day lilies are sprouting, and most of the snow is behind us.
Spring Cleaning is a tradition as the longer days help us notice all the dirt we've tracked in over the winter and move us to start pulling out our springtime clothing. To get more organized as you clean, try these tips:
- Re-evaluate all your winter coats, jackets, scarves, mittens, boots, sweaters, etc. before you put them away for the season. Are there some you didn't wear at all this year? If you didn't need them during the cold, snowy months of this season, you probably won't need them next year either. How about your children's winter clothes? Will they fit next year? Donate the ones you probably won't ever use again. Clean the ones you will use before putting them away for the season.
- Put ALL the winter holiday stuff away. Some people leave the holiday wrapping paper and greeting cards with their other paper and cards, but then they have to sort through them all year long to get to what they really want. Put all your holiday-related items in your holiday storage area (you do have a holiday storage area, right?)
- As you bring out your spring clothing, gardening tools and recreational items (bikes, skateboards, etc.), take the time to set them up in an organized way (clothes organized by type and color, tools together according to how you will use them, and sports items together by sport). Move their winter equivalents that you won't be using until next year (skis, snowboards, etc.) to the back of your storage area.
- One exception (sadly): You may want to keep your snow shovels and winter mittens handy for a while longer. Even though it is spring, it's spring in New England!
- Maryann Murphy
Your Personal Organizing Expert
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Overcome Procrastination
 If you're one of the many people who regularly put off starting (or finishing) certain kinds of tasks, you've got Procrastination! Procrastination is a consistent and active avoidance of certain types of tasks, where, even if you are an excellent time manager in general, there are some areas where you consistently delay, and just never get things done.
One key to overcoming this problem is recognizing when you do it, as well as why. If you procrastinate because you're a Perfectionist and have to get it perfect, the solution will be different than if you're an Overdoer and constantly have to put more things on your plate. The book "It's About Time! The 6 Styles of Procrastination and How to Overcome Them" by Linda Sapadin with Jack Maguire, is very helpful in identifying the why behind your delays, as well as suggesting solutions.
But to me, a lot of the reasons we procrastinate boil down to fear - fear of not being good enough, fear that the task will prove to be too hard for us, fear of the unknown. So a solution that works for many people is to remind ourselves of our strengths - make a list of the successes we have had in our lives and read the list over several times, talk to someone who thinks we're wonderful and capable of doing anything (mothers and sweethearts are particularly good for this), read over our resume or school application and notice how good we sound. When we can remind ourselves of how powerful we are, the task we were afraid of suddenly seems a lot easier to tackle.
And don't forget the other source of our strength - other people. Don't be afraid to ask for help tackling the tasks you've been avoiding. There's no shame in seeking help, and sometimes it's the smartest (and easiest) way to break through that habit of procrastinating! |
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 Please call me at 508 292-6706 if you need additional help organizing your home, your office, or your schedule. I can come to your home or office and help you there, or do coaching by phone.
My business relies on referrals, so please forward this to anyone you think might benefit from it. Thanks, and I hope to talk with you soon! |
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Sincerely,
Maryann Murphy, MSW
Professional Organizer, Speaker, Trainer
(508) 292-6706
- Member, National Speakers Association (NSA)
- Director of Professional Development, National Association of Professional Organizers New England chapter (NAPO-NE)
- Division 31 F Governor, Toastmasters International
- Member, Mashpee Hoarding Task Force
- Chronic Disorganization Specialist, Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD)
Please join my network on LinkedIn 
Follow me on Twitter @MMurphyMSW 
NEW! I'm now on Facebook!  |
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