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Terri Stephens

Terri Stephens, CPO, CRTS

Certified Professional Organizer�
Certified Relocation & Transition Specialist�

2011

CONSUMER'S CHOICE AWARD WINNER

 

(678) 513-6585

 [email protected]

www.therealorder.com

 
IN THIS ISSUE
Ways We Can Help
Organizing for the Holidays
Organize for the New Year Now
10 Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Season

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WAYS WE CAN HELP

You can save money. You'll know what you already own, eliminating the need to buy duplicate items. A professional organizer can help you find the perfect organizing products for your space and lifestyle, so you stop wasting money on things you don't need or won't work.

 

You can become more productive and efficient. A professional organizer can create order and structure out of chaos. You'll receive systems that work for your dominant learning style, your lifestyle, your needs, your challenges, and your dreams.

 

You'll have a positive self-image and ditch the shame. Once your home or office is neat and tidy, you won't feel embarrassed to have guests visit. The guilt will fade away as you take pride in your surroundings.

 

You'll have a healthier environment. Physical and emotional clutter obscures your surroundings. An organized home and office is more easily cleaned. Lose the clutter and cut down on time spent moving piles of paper and stuff around.

 

Your stress level will decrease dramatically. When you can find what you need, are on top of your to-dos, and arrive on time, you'll feel calmer and have more peace of mind. No more feeling overwhelmed by life -- you'll be the one in control.

 

You'll discover more time for yourself. When you're organized, your days go as planned, and you get a lot more done. That leaves more time to indulge in a little "me time."

 

Your energy will shine. Clutter is a mask and a professional organizer can help you take off that mask. Once the clutter is removed, you can showcase your talents, skills, and personality and have the life you deserve.

 

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Faithful Organizers

 

 

November 2013

    

 

I know it's hard to believe, but it really is time to begin thinking about - and making preparations for - the upcoming holiday season. This month's newsletter is sprinkled with ideas and tips to make the "crazy season" less, well, crazy.  If you or someone you know could use the gift of organization, we're here to help.  We can prepare your home for the holidays so it's picture perfect for entertaining family and friends, and can even take down and organize your Christmas d�cor afterwards!  Our wish is that the good things of life be yours in abundance, not only at Thanksgiving, but throughout the coming year.  

Until next time,  

Terri Signature  

  

 

 

Terri Stephens, CPO, CRTS

Real Order Professional Organizing, LLC
(678) 513-6585

ORGANIZING FOR THE HOLIDAYS 

Advance planning and organizing is often a vital step in the success of projects and events. The importance of knowing what you need to do, what you need to buy, with whom you need to communicate - and when! - probably can't be overstated. Holidays are no exception; in fact, planning and organizing for your holidays are the key to enjoying a happier, peaceful, more joyful season.

 

As the holiday season approaches (Thanksgiving is just over two weeks away), there are a number of things you can do this month to get your home and your head ready:

 

Toys, Toys, Toys

If you have kids, holidays probably mean toys! Take some time now to clear out kids' toys, books and electronics to make room for gifts. Talk to them about donating items, which gives them more space and - more importantly - teaches them the value of sharing what they have with others. A little space cleared in your kids' play room or closet will make it much easier to find a home for new things in December.

 

And Clothes, Too!

The same goes for clothing, shoes and accessories. Pick a closet and declutter. (This past weekend I went through every article of clothing I own, down to my socks, got rid of a bunch of stuff and organized the rest - what a great feeling!). Getting rid of clothing that you don't wear or don't like makes it easier to see what, if anything, you and your family members actually need... so when Aunt Sally calls, you'll have some gift ideas to share!

 

Keep reading for strategies to make your holidays go smoothly.  

TOOLS TO EASE YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING BURDEN

For most of us, the holiday season means shopping for gifts. Here are a few apps that make shopping just a little bit easier:

 

Black Friday App - This nifty app allows you to browse Black Friday ads from dozens of major retailers. You can create shopping lists, compare deals between stores, and share ads with friends via Facebook, Twitter and email.

 

RetailMeNot - No need to print coupons any longer! Save money every time you shop with this app, which lets you search for coupons for your favorite stores and save them on your phone to use whenever you're ready. A web-based version is great for deals when you're shopping online.

 

RedLaser - A great all-in-one shopping app that makes it easy to find stores near you, wherever you are. It also has the capability to store your store loyalty card info (no more searching through your wallet or loading up your keychain), save favorite products and compare prices between thousands of retailers.

5 TIPS FOR A STRESS-FREE HOLIDAY SEASON 

How can you do less and enjoy this holiday season more? Here are five  tips from Cynthia Ewer, author of Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Organized.  

 

Prune the to-do list. Ask, "If I don't do this, what will happen?" Aim to knock down the list of chores to the rock-bottom necessity.

Cut the gift list. Rein in gift exchanges that have been outgrown or lost their meaning. Limit gifts to children only, draw names, or organize a gift exchange.

 

Wrap as you go. Who needs to spend Christmas Eve catching up on wrapping chores? Sticky notes will help you keep track of gift contents.

 

Scale back d�cor. Substitute a simple door wreath for outdoor lighting, a tabletop tree for the over-the-top tannenbaum. Focusing holiday decor on the Big Three--front door, tree and focal point--can bring a festive feel to the house without day-long decorating sessions.

 

Downsize dishwashing. Hand-washing fine china is nobody's idea of a good time, so move to everyday stoneware. Simpler still: paper plates! Finger food, not feast. A smorgasboard of tasty tidbits is easier on the cook and kinder to the waistline than a sit-down dinner. Share the work by hosting pot-luck events.

 

Stay home! Cuddling down close to the hearth beats holiday travel any day. A holiday "stay-cation" allows for evening drives to see the lights, family camp-outs in front of the Christmas tree, and evenings spent with carols and popcorn. Fun!

 

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.  

 

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REFER A FRIEND & DINE OUT ON US 

DiningMost of us recommend restaurants, movies or mechanics to our family and friends. When you recommend Real Order for professional organizing, we want to thank you with a $25 gift card to Red Lobster or Olive Garden - it's your choice. A minimum of four hours of organizing services must be purchased to qualify. To redeem your gift card, simply notify us of the family or friend you are referring to us. Bon appetit!

 

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