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December 2009
 

Tips and Tricks to Make Life Easier

It's easier to be jolly when you're organized.

Here are 4 quick monthly tips provided by
Molly Boren of Simplicity Works Home + Office Organizing Services. I hope they make your holidays a little merrier. 
 
Remember: if it takes 2 minutes or less, do it now. 
That is, read this and then file or delete it. How ironic
if it were to become e-clutter!
DO

Do Make Giving & Receiving Easier
Make a fast sweep of the house for give-aways before the influx of holiday gifts. 1) carry a bag to contain your haul; 2) focus on EASY DECISIONS; 3) set a timer: 5 mins per room? 4) don't underestimate kids' ability to let go of stuff; 5) create a home for "gifts to give," or items to re-gift; 6) schedule a donation drop-off on your calendar (email me for charity suggestions); 7) bask in your new clarity.
DON'T

Don't Suffer
Set that timer for just 1 minute and think: "What 1 event or task did I sweat last December that wasn't worth the stress, i.e., no return on my investment?" Those last 30 Christmas cards? That boring party? The multi-store quest for the ideal gift wrap? The assumption that everything has to be perfect? Don't do it this year!
GET

Get Low-Clutter Gifts
Constantly I hear: "I don't love or have space for this sweater/vase/piano, but it was a gift so I have to keep it." So think virtual or experiential: music, events, gift cards, services (babysitting, laundry, wardrobe/houseplant/decorating consultation, etc., by you or others). Include a "home" where they can collect and keep track of all of their gift cards.
GIVE

Give & Get Great Meals
First Slice makes amazing local and organic meals for subscribers and Chicago's hungry alike. Pick up 3 every weekend for 3 months (family of 3: $68/wk; single: $35/wk; everyone: less time cooking all week) at their fab Lillistreet Arts Center cafe. Gifts of full or partial subscriptions available. Proceeds turn directly into great food for those less fortunate, so call/email today to subscribe or volunteer.
A SPECIAL "GIVE" (OR "GET")

Gift Certificates for Organizing Services 
Add Simplicity Works gift certificates to your holiday gift-giving (or gift-getting!) list. It's one present that -- far from becoming clutter -- banishes it. Email [email protected] or call 773-915-3537 to purchase by check or credit card.
        
Simplicity Works Home + Office Organizing Services helps busy people streamline with tips, tools, and hands-on projects that make everyday routines and spaces more efficient and less cluttered. Time, money, and energy are then free for the things that matter most.
Molly Boren, Professional Organizer 
Happy Holidays,
Molly

Molly Boren
Certified Professional Organizer�
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