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April, 2014
Issue No.    57    

The "GO" Newsletter 




Springtime brings with it energy and new growth, and this was no exception at Get Organized! With over 40 hours of training for new organizers and a new Affiliate, the GO Team is ready for new challenges. We currently have 10 organizers, two office employees, and one IT guru. This summer one of our current organizers will become our Client Manager handling calls, inquiries, invoicing, billing, and more and I welcome the extra help.

For my family, Spring Break gave us the opportunity to relax. On the last day we planned a Family Fun day, surprising two of our boys with an in-town adventure. My husband and I took them to the Fort Worth Stockyards, a place we had not visited in all my years in Dallas. This was followed by a shopping spree (yes, my boys love shopping) at Kohl's and then to Cabela's for tactical gear.

My organizing focus this past month has been twofold: the annual tax deadline and the never ending project of scanning our family photos. Taxes have to be completed by law, but archiving family history is a passion of mine. This project is going to take a while, but with the help of my daughter-in-law, I will conquer it. Enlisting the help of your kids to at least scan the photos will allow you to organize the scans into groups, occasions, or by people.

This month it was such an honor to speak to the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) in the design district of Dallas. This event was filled with chefs, party planners, caterers, rental companies, and more. The focus of the evening was on improving time management skills, and it was my pleasure to help these planners get organized. The event was beautiful (see photo) and had a great group of charming members.

Until next month, go and get organized!
  
New Signiture Lorraine B&W Headshot
  
  
   Golden Circle  
  
Local Workshop on Time Management
This Weekend!!  

Time often is not consciously managed, but rather passively spent, and as a valuable gift from God, we can cheapen it by the way we choose to spend it. To understand how to set priorities and learn to plan your life in a way that reflects your values, join June for this valuable teaching on Time Management.
 
This is a free event, but you must register!
 
 
Attend this workshop in person or buy the live
event and watch it anytime.
Honor Mom this Mother's Day
 
mothers-day-gift.jpg
Try something new this year to honor your mom! Every mom loves to be appreciated. Why not create something more than just a memory? Plan a fun family gathering: a home cooked meal of her favorite dishes, eating out at a place she would enjoy, or an activity such as a shopping spree, a trip to a local coffee shop, or making her favorite dessert.
 
When the family is all together for the chosen event, write out letters of appreciation to mom. Be creative by making a framed handwritten note or letter with colored markers on construction paper, an artistic masterpiece, or your most sincere words of love on stationery. Write down all the things you appreciate in your mom and make her day a memory she won't soon forget!

Spring Cleaning is in the Air

 

There are many ways to get your house in order this spring. Making this a family event will benefit everyone in the short term and even more in the long term, as this can be a great learning experience!

 

Garage Sale: The best way to keep order in your home is to remove the items you do not want or need. If you are planning a garage sale, designate a place in your garage to keep these items until you are ready. Never leave items you no longer want in your home "until" you have time to do a big cleanout. Taking items to the garage as you find them will keep your prime living and storage spaces available for what you use now. However, if you do not already have a pile started, plan a clean out for some key areas of your home weeks in advance of your sale. Getting the kids involved in purging their rooms teaches them responsibility and also hones skills in cleaning and organizing. What you teach them now will usually come back to you in the future through your grandchildren.

 

Find a location in the garage to place empty boxes for the sale. Sort items into the boxes as you find them. One box might be home décor, another kitchen, and another toys or books. This will make it easier to organize and set up the sale. 

 

Schedule a weekend to price your items. Typically you will get 25% of less of the original value of the item. Using colored stickers for pricing will make your job easier on Garage Sale day. One color for each price and having only 4-5 dollar amounts will simplify checkout. Price larger ticket items individually. Get enough change before the sale and choose one person to handle the money. Kids of appropriate ages can help on the day of the sale organizing tables and keeping an eye on customers while they shop. Make sure you check for city guidelines on sales at your home and for marketing options.

 

Consignment: This can be a great choice for items that are in almost new condition. Clothing should be on hangers, pre-laundered, and in the current season. Most consignment shops will only take namebrand clothing or clothing that is under two years old. Check out the following consignment options: Area25Dallas.comNicolesResale.com, or 

ConsignmentDallas.com

 

Donation Locations: If your unwanted items are not garage or consignment material, choose a donation option. Where you would like to give can be as easy as having a heart for who they serve. A few that come to mind are: LLS.orgArmsofHope.org, or for an extensive list, go to DonationTown.org.

 

Hazardous Waste Options: Most cities have a drop off site that is free for the residents of that city. You may need to show your utility bill to prove you are a resident and there may be a limited number of times you can drop items off per year. Paint, toxic chemicals, aerosol sprays, plastics, metals, and oils are just some of the items that cannot be thrown away in your trash pickup.

 

Electronic Recycle: Best Buy takes these items at no charge. Local cities will also advertise large drop offs, pickups or recycling events in the spring. The city of Sachse advertises upcoming recycling events...check your city site.

 

These item disposal suggestions are by no means an exhaustive list. We have many more resources at our fingertips. Contact Get Organized! if you need more assistance in any of these areas.

 

Estate Sale: Get Organized! provides Estate Sale services within Richardson, Plano, and surrounding areas. Maybe you have had a loved one pass away or a parent downsizing. We would be honored to serve you in this way.

 

 

Get Organized! also offers packing/unpacking services. We can arrange for packing supplies to be delivered, organize and pack your belongings, and coordinate with the movers on moving day. Once in your new home we unpack, organizer, and accessorize.

Meet Our New Organizer!
 
Sarah came to Get Organized! after a career as a math and science teacher and varsity basketball coach. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and General Science and has also earned her Lay Counselor Certification from the American Association of Christian Counselors. Sarah took some time off to raise her four children and develop better family-life management systems in her own home. Now she is ready to share her knowledge with others.
 
"Life is more manageable when everything has a place," Sarah says. With that mantra in mind, she uses her keen eye for spatial reasoning and processes to help educate others to utilize spaces and systems in a more functional way. Using all of her background and training, Sarah excels in helping others establish and implement systems for personal finances, time management, and paper systems, as well as organizing and decorating spaces from a beautiful front-door first impression to a functional garage.
 
Handy with tools and hardware, she often does her own household repairs, builds organizing products from places such as IKEA and The Container Store, and is handy in the garage. Sarah loves new challenges which can only increase her skill set as she serves our clients. 
Spring Camper Bathroom Storage  

As you travel by camper this season, here are some products to save space in your bathroom and shower area.

Purchasing a small camper and  looking for ways to maximize space in the tiny bathroom? We found these helpful ideas for products at your local Bed Bath and Beyond.

The toilet paper and wet wipe stand can be very handy for storing these items together in a place convenient for children and older campers. The small cart with wheels that lock can serve as extra storage for cosmetics, toiletry supplies near the toilet area, tissue, towels, wash cloths, or hand towels. The shower caddy is a great space saver for showers and tub areas that need organization. This keeps bottles, razors, and soap up off the floor and rim of the tub.
Become a Professional Organizer
Areas open in Texas include Rockwall, Austin, and Houston 
  
Get Organized! is interested in connecting with individuals throughout Texas who are naturally organized, creative with space planning and organizational systems, have business smarts, self-motivation, and an understanding of the importance of excellent time management. Organizing skills are often learned or enhanced through tasks and hobbies you have done both in the corporate world and in your own home. These skills, in addition to the branding advantage and professional training from a successful organizing company, can launch you into a profitable organizing business. 
  
Our Affiliate Program allows you to focus on working as a professional organizer while you save both time and money utilizing the experience, brand recognition, and proven processes from one of DFW's finest organizing companies - Get Organized!. The initial investment includes: your time, travel expenses (for training in the Dallas area), general liability bonding insurance, and insurance for business use of your vehicle. There are no other startup costs.
 
We look forward to hearing from you about starting your own organizing business anywhere in the great state of Texas.    
In This Issue
Local Workshop on Time Management
Honor Your Mom
Meet Our New Organizer!
Spring Camper Bathroom Storage
Become a Professional Organizer
Important Links

 

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Visit my blog 
Savvy Ways to Save   

Ever see the hit show Storage Wars?
Hit storage auctions in your community for
good deals and hidden treasures. Check out Storage Auctions to find them in your area.

 

Packing and
Unpacking Services
  
Our team of professional organizers can declutter
then pack your home, then
 unpack and organize your entire home once your move-in is complete.
  
We can also work with
your movers for placement of furniture when the truck arrives at your new home.

 

 
 Our Partners


 
  
   
Get Organized! 
only recommends 
 Cornerstone Chem-Dry
as our exclusive partner 
for the services listed below, and we proudly recommend them
to our clients.
  
Carpet, oriental, and area rug cleaning, tile and grout cleaning and sealing, carpet repairs and stretching, leather cleaning and repairs, upholstery cleaning, 24 hour water damage restoration, and pet urine removal and treatment.
 

 

 

Mary Pat  
 
Need a Realtor?
Buying or Selling?

 

Keller Williams

4 Free Organizing Hours or

2 Free Hours of Staging
with Service
 
214-923-3114 

 


MomsBestFriend 

 

Do you need a caregiver for your children or your elderly parent? Checkout   
 See how they can help you
.

    

 


 

Need a storage unit for 

a few months or long term?
Maybe a member of your family recently passed away and you inherited
things you need to store
until you have time to sort through them?

 Storage Unit  

Get Organized

recommends

Assured Self Storage 

They have 20 locations in the DFW area.

 The Move Magicians 
We are a full-service moving concierge company,
skilled and experienced in all relocation services. Located in
Dallas, Texas, we offer a
premium moving experience catered to your needs.
 
 Things an
Organized
Person Keeps
in her Purse
 

Band-Aids

Medication

Lotion

Feminine products

Small tape measure

Gift cards

Nail clippers

Mace

Mints

Lipstick

Tissues

Cough drops

Extra cash

Notepad

Pen

Small light

Keys

Reading glasses


  
Get Organized! is a WBENC certified woman owned professional organizing company
offering both residential and business organizing services.