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Organizing Tips from Maryann Murphy, MSW
Helping You Get and Stay More Organized! |
November 2011 |
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The Recycling Corner:
Construction Materials
The waste from renovation projects is expensive to get rid of and often results in a huge loss of reuseable material. Several organizations and companies are helping save the environment, reduce demolition costs, and provide reduced-cost options for new construction and renovation.
In the Boston area, Habitat for Humanity(R) has a "ReStore" in West Roxbury where remodelers can donate cabinets and other salvaged material. Resale of these materials helps the organization build more houses for those struggling to afford their own home. Habitat is preparing a Cape Cod ReStore in Yarmouth as well. Go to
www.habitatBoston.org/restore
Also in the Boston area is Boston Building Resources in Roxbury (617 442-2262 or bostonbuildingresources.com).
They accept donated building materials, one third of them from kitchen items and appliances.
Wherever you live, if you're renovating or otherwise de-constructing a space, check with your builder to see how much of your material can be re-used. Your discards can help someone else build their space less expensively, support a worthy cause, reduce waste and help preserve the planet! |
Upcoming Classes
Overcoming Procrastination
at The Professional Development Collaborative
1 Blue Hill River Rd.
Canton, MA.
Tuesday, November 29
1:30 - 4:00 pm
Learn how to recognize your patterns, become more productive, and stop procrastinating.
This seminar will be helpful to anyone who struggles with procrastination. There are STRATEGIES THAT WORK to overcome your procrastination!
$45.
Go to
www.pdcboston.org
to register. |
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Reminder:
Check out the coupon below! |
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Dear , 
Just a week until Thanksgiving, and one month until Hannukah, Christmas and New Year's Day! These tend to be times when we take out supplies we haven't used all year, decorate differently (and more extravagantly), bring out our most festive clothes, and accumulate a lot of new things. Even our workplaces feel the effects of the holiday season. It's a good time to be (or get) more organized!
This month's newsletter includes tips to help you through the holiday season, both at home and at work, as well as presenting some resources for organizing and recycling at any time of the year.
I hope you find it useful, and I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
- Maryann Murphy
Your Personal Organizing Expert
508 292-6706
P.S. Check out the coupon at the bottom of this issue for a great, non-cluttering holiday gift idea! |
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Don't Get Tricked Into Overspending! 
The holiday shopping season is a good time to pay attention to some of the psychological tricks played on us by those who want our money (and want us to buy more "stuff"). The latest issue of Real Simple magazine featured an article about one technique based on "The Rule of Reciprocity".
According to Steve Martin, coauthor of Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive, when people are given something for free (like samples, complimentary gifts with purchase, or amenities like chocolate just for entering a store), we "typically feel obliged to make a gesture - or even a purchase - in return, ... even when the free item is unsolicited and inexpensive" (like those free personalized address labels and calendars we get in the mail).
So be aware that those freebies could end up costing you money, and contributing to your clutter. Just because it's free, doesn't mean it's a bargain, especially if it's something you don't need, won't use or don't have the room for. Be a smart shopper this season - make a budget, plan your purchases in advance, and don't feel you have to buy something (or donate to a cause that isn't your priority) just because they give you something for free! |
 Make the Most of Your Time During the Holiday Season
The holiday season is a great time to spend time with family and friends, get away for a few days and relax. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the seasonal cheer in the next month and a half!
But at work, it's also a time when productivity can suffer, as we may think "everybody's taking off early for the holidays - there's no point in trying to reach them now". And yet, in many businesses, the largest number of sales of the year are made during this very holiday season. It's also the end of the fiscal year for many, and bringing in business may impact total sales for the year.
How do we keep motivated and use our time most effectively while our co-workers are eating Halloween candy, sharing pumpkin pie recipes, and doing their holiday shopping online?
Phone Calls: Although some people are not available to take your calls, other people are more available than usual because their schedules are a little off, or their assistants (who usually screen their calls but are now off at the company holiday party) aren't blocking your access to them. This is a great time to try to make calls. Even if they're not there, you can leave a Happy Holiday message and get on their list of the first people they'll call back after the holidays.
Planning: If there are fewer interruptions in your business at this time of year, and your prospects or customers are not available, use this time to plan for the coming year. Review your progress over the past year, and set goals for the coming year, including priorities and plans for each month or season. Think about the resources you may need and develop a plan for how you'll get them.
Organizing: The end of the year is a great time to gather your papers, file them appropriately, and get rid of the ones you no longer need. Taking the time to clean up your office when there are fewer interruptions will make you more efficient when work picks up again later.
By the way, although I don't work on the holidays, I work right up until those days, and I'm available to help you get organized! |
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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 have a Happy Thanksgiving! I hope to talk with you soon. |
Sincerely,
Maryann Murphy, MSW Professional Organizer, Speaker, Trainer
(508) 292-6706
- Member, National Speakers Association (NSA) & NSA-NE
- Chronic Disorganization Specialist, Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD)
- Member, Mashpee Hoarding Task Force
- Past Director of Professional Development, National Association of Professional Organizers New England chapter (NAPO-NE)
- President, Marion Toastmasters Club
Please join my network on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @MMurphyMSW
Like me on Facebook!
Check out my new video on my website:
www.maryannmurphymsw.com |
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Holiday
Gift Certificates
(Plus: earn free time for you) |
Yes, I'll be offering Holiday Gift Certificates for your family and friends again this year! Gift Certificates will be available in a variety of denominations to suit your needs, and you can earn one free hour of organizing time for YOU* with every gift certificate you purchase for someone else. Give the gift of Organization to someone you love! Available for hands-on organizing or coaching by phone. Give me a call at (508) 292-6706 for more information. | |
Offer Expires: December 24, 2011
* Bonus time for you will be by phone if you are more than 1 hour from Mashpee, MA |
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