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The Recycling Corner:
Freecycle (TM)
Freecycle (TM) is an online resource for finding local people who want and can use the things you want to get rid of. Its goal is to keep items out of landfills and help us re-use items of all sorts by providing a website where you can post offerings and requests. It's all free, and it's all local (there are different chapters in different parts of the country). You can receive an email every time someone posts (which will result in lots of email), or you can receive one email of all offers and requests each day.
Some recent examples from the Cape Cod chapter include: a bike helmet, boxed bread mixes, a Samsung 61" HDTV, entertainment center, chicken wire, cast iron radiators, chafing dish, Disney pins and a partridge in a pear tree (okay, just checking to see if you were still paying attention). As you can see, this can be a good place to find a good home for random things you might not otherwise know how to donate or recycle.
It's not for everyone, though. My 3 big warnings about Freecycle are:
- You can waste a lot of time reading posts about things you don't need,
- If you tend to be tempted by free things, you might end up "taking" more than you "offer", thus increasing the amount of clutter instead of reducing it, and
- Safety - you have to be careful about telling people where you live so they can pick up your stuff.
If you think you can handle the temptations and the risks, it can be a useful resource for recycling in the purest way (finding others nearby who will re-use your items). To find a local group near you, go to Freecycle.org. |
Upcoming Classes
Getting Your Home Ready for Summer Visitors
Tuesday, June 28
9:30 - 11:30 am
It's summer on Cape Cod (and elsewhere)and the guests are coming! You want to get your things organized, but who has the time? Spend more time at the beach and less time cleaning up. Come and learn some easy strategies for getting your home organized before the visitors arrive.
Upper Cape Tech Adult Ed in Bourne. Go to www.uppercapetech.cc or call 508 759-7711, ext 211 to enroll.
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Dear ,
Have you noticed how much happier everyone seems to be when the sun comes out, the temperature is comfortable, and the sky is clear? I know we haven't had a lot of opportunity to notice this lately, but yesterday was one of those days when people just seemed to be in a really good mood (myself included).
Our environment affects us, and the clutter around us is part of that environment. It's funny that on the same days when I feel like being outside, I also feel inspired to clean and organize my home and my office. When the piles are gone from the surfaces inside, it's easier to look out the window and enjoy the beautiful flowers and greenery outside.
Take advantage of the energy that spring fever brings and tackle just one pile of papers, or clothing, or knick knacks per day, OR try a marathon session and see how much you can get organized in several hours. Make this the time you uncover and organize your most beautiful spaces so that you can enjoy the upcoming months as we head into the unofficial start of summer!
Your Personal Organizing Expert |
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What's MOST Important to YOU?
- Is your calendar overflowing with commitments?
- Do you find yourself torn among the many different things you want and have to do?
- Do you have too much on your plate to really enjoy any of it?
Most Time Management experts agree that the most effective strategy for managing time is to identify
and focus on the most important goals in your life. We can't do everything, at least not at one time. Smart time management is about picking and choosing what we get done right now.
As I reviewed my own time management over the past year, I realized that in order to focus on my biggest priorities (growing my business and bringing my best offerings to all of you), I needed to let go of some of the responsibilities I had taken on with my many volunteer activities. It wasn't easy, but I decided not to run again for the board of NAPO-NE or for district office in Toastmasters once my current terms expired. I've loved serving on the board and being a district officer, and I'll miss being able to contribute in those ways, but I had to decide what was MOST important to me for the coming year. Now that I've made that decision, I can focus more of my energy where it really needs to go.
What's most important to you? Are there activities in your schedule that used to fit your priorities but no longer do? Is there enough time in your schedule to give your current priorities your full attention? If not, think about how you spend your time, and make changes to make your schedule serve you better. It's okay to let go of some activities to make room for others, or even (dare I say it?) to make room for some free time!!! Relaxation!! Fun!!!
As Benjamin Franklin said over 200 years ago:
"Dost thou love life?
Then do not squander time,
for that's the stuff life is made of."
Re-evaluate your schedule this summer, and re-focus it on what's most important to YOU! |
Update/Caveat regarding The Stadium File 
Last month I recommended the Smead "Stadium File" desktop file holder, and several of you have tried it and liked it.
One caveat, though: because the sides are closed, oversized file folders or folders that are stuffed full won't fit easily! The holder does tend to losen up a little with use, but be warned that the factors that make this item look so nice and neat are the same factors that make it a little less flexible when trying to fit too much in. Just thought you should know. |
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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! |
Sincerely,
Maryann Murphy, MSW Professional Organizer, Speaker, Trainer
(508) 292-6706
- Member, National Speakers Association (NSA)
- Past 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
Like me on Facebook!
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