Next, take the same approach for any items that you feel will give you a little cash back in your pocket. I recommend contacting a consignment store, like Finder's Keepers (412-563-5898) in Mt. Lebanon, or using an on-line ebay auctioneer, like We Sell Now.com, who will come to value and pick up your items for sale. When it comes to antiques or older items, it may be worth scheduling an appraisal for sale. Otherwise, consider a garage sale or an ad in the Pennysaver.

Now that all the unnecessary items are out of your way, it is time to pack up the rest of your house! First, think about the items that you only very seldom, like seasonal decorations, china, and small appliances. These items are your "C" items and should be boxed up and labeled, listed in your notebook, and put into storage or if you are lucky to have enough space in your home, the attic or garage.

Second, sort all items that you will need within a month of your move-in date. Those are your "B" items. The items that are crucial to your existence in your current home are called "A" items - these include furniture you absolutely need, medications, phone, linens, toiletries, basic tools, and vital documents.

Realistically review these categories as you get closer to the move date. You may find that the toaster oven you thought you used every day is actually not even working!

Remember the trips to the post office to change your address? What about all the catalogs that still come to your house from the previous resident months after you have moved in? The U.S. Postal Service has created a 5 Step online process to help you change your address, create a checklist, find community information, get maps and directions, and deal with those catalogs!

"Call a mover at least 6 weeks prior to your move date", says Bob Pallitto of Vesely Brothers Moving and Storage. This way, you will be sure to move on your preferred date.

Here's a familiar scenario: The real estate agent comes to your home for the first time to start the listing process. The agent tells you that your home is great, but that the buyer could see all of your space better "if there was less...clutter."

Our pre-move services will certainly help you weed out any items that you do not need to take to your new home. We also help you find creative ways to store - as well as display - the items you are keeping and love. While staging has its advantages, there are additional options for temporarily opening up that precious real estate INSIDE your home.

One of the newer and more feasible ways to integrate no-stress packing and off-site storage of your household items until moving day is the use of a modular storage unit. Go-Mini's, which come in 4 different sizes for your needs, allow you to load the unit at your own pace. When you are ready for the items to be stored at a safe remote storage facility (operated by Vesely Brothers Moving and Storage) just call for a pick-up.

These mobile containers also serve as a great way to store contents of a room during a remodeling project!

Recently at a NAPO Conference, I discovered an easy paper filing system that some of you are already using - it truly creates a "no-brainer" way of getting your personal, financial, and even small business files under control.

The best part of the Home File system is that it lets you know how long to keep certain documents (i.e. tax returns and real estate documents)! Find bank statements, medical records or mortgage papers instantly.

Information, networking and answers to questions on organizing your life.

• Thursday, September 21, 2006
• 9am-4pm
• Greentree Holiday Inn

Last week, I helped an elementary teacher by organizing her classroom with her. It was a very rewarding experience, because I was able to help her prepare for what she does best - educate kids!

Not all of us are experts at everything - we all need assistance in one area or the other. I have heard a lot of you say, "but I should KNOW how to do this!". Organizing is a skill that can be learned, and I believe everyone can master it. I appreciate the opportunity to work with each of you, for letting me empower you to get control over your environment.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Sincerely,