Dear   ,    

It's been a busy summer, with lots of clients focusing on how to downsize and get rid of the clutter in their lives.  Congratulations to all of you who took the step to make some changes and get some help! 

As you start putting away all the summer toys, the shorts and bathing suits in the next few weeks, take a moment to see if they're in good enough shape to be used again next year.  If they've been worn out beyond their useful life, get rid of them now rather than packing them away for another year in the attic or basement.  And as you pull out the back-to-school clothes, pay attention to which you really expect will be worn vs. which might you might want to donate or dispose of.  The change of seasons is a great time to evaluate your stuff.

- Maryann Murphy 

Overcoming Procrastination

Procrastination tends to be private. We often hide our weaknesses from others so they'll think better of us (or at least I do)! If you do too, why not use this tendency as a motivator to get moving and reduce your procrastination?

When you have a task you're procrastinating on, take a minute to get clear about what exactly needs to be done, then find a partner you trust. 

Share with them what you need to do, and make a commitment to your partner that you will start right away. Give yourself a time limit to complete at least a portion of the task (20 minutes, 2 hours, 24 hours - whatever's realistic). You may set a longer time limit for completing an entire project, but breaking down the task into smaller steps and then holding yourself accountable for one step at a time makes it much easier to accomplish and for your partner to monitor.

You don't have to do this alone, so if you want to make this work, go get a partner.  Yes - NOW! 

If you have just small amounts left, or the paint is no longer useable (lumpy, mixed with rust in the can, too separated to mix back together, etc.), it can be recycled, but you want to do it right to avoid damaging the environment in the process.

I recently spoke with Paul Dunn, Paint Department Manager at Cape Associates in Yarmouth, about how to recycle different types of paints and stains.  As they announce at my transfer station, Paul confirmed that latex (acrylic) paints should be dried out and recycled with other trash.  But many of my clients have cans of paint that are still pretty full and would take a long time to dry to a solid.  Paul suggested pouring the paint into a larger container like a cardboard box filled with sand, shredded paper or clay-based kitty litter to absorb some of the moisture and speed up the drying time.  Once dry, you can scoop up the paint and toss it in the trash, or dispose of the entire box.