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Your April Newsletter from
The Organizing Consultant LLC
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Greetings!
It's spring! A perfect time to clear out old clothes, winter and summer. If you haven't worn it recently, it doesn't fit, or you don't like it - donate or consign it - you're moving it anyway, right? Spring is also a good time to clean out attics and garages before it gets hot.
This month's Success Story is about helping an aging parent - anyone who has elderly parents knows how hard it can be to help them manage their lives, especially through a move.
Please pass this newsletter along to anyone who may benefit from this information. And, as always, don't hesitate to share tips or experiences of your own - I'll share them with everyone else.
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April Tip - Overwhelmed by an organizing project? Chances are you are looking at the enormity of it, and how far you are from completing it. Break it down! Make a list of its smaller pieces, schedule time to do them individually - and take some time to stand back, admire your work, and give yourself a pat on the back. |
News:
I am always looking for ways to provide better service, I attended a class on reorganizing your computer, how to find duplicate files, how to improve your computer's speed by cleaning up files, etc. It's amazing how much better your computer can serve you, without much effort.
Also, this month I'm attending the annual conference of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), a 5-day event jam-packed with workshops and seminars on all the ways I can help my clients (you).
April Holidays are (among other things):
Organize Your Files Week
April 19-25 - how long have you had those electric bills? Do you have two folders for the same file?
TV Turnoff Week
April 20-26 - especially if you have kids. Too much TV is associated with poor grades and ADD.
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April Tip - Repurpose! Before throwing anything away, try and think of a creative way it might help you organize (and throw it away if it doesn't). A checkbook box becomes a drawer compartment. Gift baskets become organizing bins. Besides being "green," it will save you money and space! | |
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April Success Story
"Marian" was a previous client who engaged me recently to help her mother move from her home of many years in North Jersey into a retirement home near Philadelphia. Finding a mover in North Jersey was easy - I have an extensive network of many service providers throughout the US. The harder part, especially for a family member, is to help the parent decide what to keep and what to let go of. Carefully evaluating the emotional value and the functionality of all her belongings was easier with a sympathetic third party (Me).
This difficult process had to be duplicated some time later, when her mother had to move into a smaller unit in assisted living. Once again, we were able to negotiate the difficult emotional decisions, making sure that she had all her favorite belongings with her (with in reason considering the confines of her space).
"Each item was a link to her past," says "Marian." "Without help, it would have taken forever, and would have been so hard on Mom and me. It took no more than a day to make all the decisions and make her comfortable."
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As awareness of the organizing profession has grown, it was bound to attract well-meaning people who advertise "organizing" services, based only on their own enterprise. Whomever you retain, make sure that person has certification from the Board of Certification for Professional Organizers (BCPO), and is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). This certification assures you that members of these 2 organizations are required to abide by codes of ethics, and to get training and continuing education, part of which enables us to educate our clients on developing constructive methods and habits for the future. We are committed to a higher standard than simply filling a niche in the market - make sure your organizer meets your high standards.
Wishing you good health,peace of mind, and a clutter free month,
Anna Sicalides
The Organizing Consultant LLC
Please forward this newsletter to anyone you know who may appreciate it.
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