20WAYS - Getting Organized Magazine

Transcription

20WAYS - Getting Organized Magazine
GettingOrganized
MAGAZINE
www.gettingorganizedmagazine.com
20
TREAT YOURSELF TO SOME SANITY
SUMMER 2015 • VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
WAYS
TO SAY
NO
BEAUTIFUL
BATHROOMS
18
10-MINUTE
TASKS
ARE
YOU A
PERFECTIONIST?
Chasing Perfection
I
n this issue we talk about perfectionism. I think I could have written that article myself!
Each issue I read, re-read and edit items with the utmost of detail hoping to provide
you with the very best issue possible. But as many of you many know from the last
issue, I have recently began the adoption process for an adorable 4-year-old girl. And
well, let’s just say a preschooler and perfectionism don’t really mix! I have learned to
let “good” be good enough. I have learned that perfection takes quality time from your
family. I have learned to set my priorities and do the very best I can with the time given.
In this issue, we also discuss how to say “no,” which is also very important. I haven’t
really had an issue with that myself, but now that I
have my daughter to consider I do find myself saying
no to work tasks I would have normally taken on.
As our checklist states, it’s ok to say no sometimes
and it’s OK to protect your personal time. This can
be especially important during the summer. For
some reason summer schedules are packed to the
limit every year. Kids and parents are running from
place to place, vacations to summer camps and
never really getting a chance to enjoy their time off or
their families. I encourage all of you to look at your
calendar right now and say “no” to something you
have scheduled. Take that time instead to just relax.
Relaxing is ok, too!
On page 25 we talk about paper planners. I am sure
some of you will read this article and think we have
lost our minds! Paper?! But as the article points out,
there are a lot of benefits to writing things down rather
than putting them in your electronic devices. I still
have a paper planner and was just talking to a friend the
other day about this very same issue. She is “trying” to
convert to her iPhone, but is still a paper person at heart.
I am not sure when this “digital peer pressure “ began,
but I for one won’t stand for it! I am a paper person and
proud to be. I believe you should use whatever method
works best for you and yours.
Getting Organized
Magazine
15600 NE 8th St.
Suite B1 #602
Bellevue, WA 98008
(360) 499-6260
www.gettingorganizedmagazine.com
Publisher
Stacey Anderson
Board of Advisors
Whitney Keyes
Mayna Sgaramella McVey
Editor
Lisa Quinn
Administrative Assistant
Taylor Sheuerman
Expert Contributors
Margo Arrick
robolady.blogspot.com
Leo Babauta
zenhabits.net
Sarah Baker
ispeakcanadian.com
Jonda Beattie
timespaceorg.com
Celestine Chua
personalexcellence.co
Stacey Anderson is a
Professional Organizer,
speaker, author
and publisher of Getting
Organized Magazine.
Our featured spaces this issue are bathrooms. As I am sure many of you can relate, the
bathroom can be a pretty messy place. These tips and products should help you with ideas
on how to maximize your space and create the serene bathroom you are longing for!
Don’t forget to take our challenge (page 39). Each issue we challenge our readers to
do one small task that will help them on their journey towards a more organized life.
When you complete your challenge be sure to share it with us- we love to hear from our
readers!
As always we welcome your feedback, tips and photos. You can send them to
info@gettingorganizedmagazine.com
Ramona Creel
ramonacreel.com
Casey Finn and Bridget Matkovich
thediyplaybook.com
Maria Gonzales
gracefulorder.com
Craig Jarrow
timemanagementninja.com
Anne Jensen
matrixkids.com
Mary Johanson
maryorganizes.com
Aimee Page
thecrazycraftlady.com
Andrea Stirtan
theinspiredhome.org
Harold Taylor
taylorintime.com
Deanne Marie
deannemarie.com
Cover image courtesy of
Casey Finn and Bridget Matkovich
thediyplaybook.com
At Getting Organized magazine, we don’t want to add clutter to your clutter.
Our magazine is published 4 times a year and is a bit shorter than most
magazines for a reason. We want you to actually have time to read the articles
and implement the ideas that work for you! We publish a real life magazine for
real life people and our goal is to give you simple, effective options to simplify
your life.
2
GettingOrganized | Summer 2015
Getting Organized Magazine, Spring
2015. Published four times a year, 15600
NE 8th St. Suite B1 #602, Bellevue,
WA 98008. Copyright 2015 Getting
Organized Magazine. All rights reserved.
Subscriptions are $19.50 within the US,
$29.50 outside the US, $13.50 for digital. POSTMASTER: Please send change of
address to Getting Organized Magazine,
15600 NE 8th St. Suite B1 #602,
Bellevue, WA 98008.
gettingorganizedmagazine.com
What’s Inside
Bathroom
Spaces
page 18
Kids’ Rooms
page 5
Are You a
Perfectionist?
page 14
10-minute
Tips
page 10
Meeting Planning
page 23
gettingorganizedmagazine.com
Summer 2015 | GettingOrganized
3
What’s Inside
Paper Planners
page 25
How to Say No
page 27
Trash Tips
page 31
Departments
Books:
Ask the Experts:
Kitchens
Quick Tips:
Finding Places to Think
Latest and Greatest:
Bathroom Products
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GettingOrganized | Summer 2015
Find Happiness
page 32
page 34
Comic
and Challenge
page 38
page 39
page 36
gettingorganizedmagazine.com
Organizing
ids’ Rooms
K
gettingorganizedmagazine.com
By Anne Jensen
matrixkids.com
Summer 2015 | GettingOrganized
5
N
o matter how old your kids are or how many you have – it’s definitely a challenge to keep their space
organized. But while it may involve some trial and error, having a good handle on organizing your child’s
room and play spaces will save a lot of time and effort, and teach some valuable life lessons, too.
For kids, there are a few tips to consider before you get started:
• While having a good system and order is critical, leave space
for imperfections. Kids need the freedom to experiment and
make mistakes.
• Kids’ needs change quickly. Think ahead a few months and
anticipate how the space will need to adjust to their changing
needs (New hobby? School starting? Sleepovers?)
• Involve them in your plans and let them play an active part
in creating an environment they want to keep organized. Their
enthusiasm for sticking to the plan they helped create may
make all the difference.
• Keep it fun! Having a well-organized room can create extra
space, but be sure to make it a fun space as well.
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GettingOrganized | Summer 2015
LET’S BEGIN WITH THE BASICS: TOY STORAGE!
Beyond a well-stocked bookshelf, a neat closet and chest of
drawers, kids rooms are often crowded with lots of toys –
which get pulled out of their designated spots very frequently.
While a parent will likely need to lend a helping hand with
the clothes, kids as young as two are perfectly capable of
putting their own toys away. Invest in a good quality toy chest
or storage unit that sits low to the ground, so kids can easily
reach it to make toy clean up quick and easy. Look for units
that are modular and can be stacked, so you can add more
storage as kids get older, or create different solutions as
you re-organize the rooms in your home. Always ensure the
appropriate safety features are included like a soft close hinge
for the top, or if the unit is stacked, an anti-tip kit to help
secure it to a wall.
Photos courtesy of Matrix Kids
gettingorganizedmagazine.com
OFTEN THE KID’S ROOM IS AMONG THE SMALLEST IN
THE HOUSE – BUT KIDS HAVE LOTS OF STUFF!
A great way to optimize a small space is a loft bed. Kids love
sleeping up high and the extra space can be used to add desks,
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dressers or book-shelves. A popular solution for getting into a
loft bed is the staircase. Not only is it a unique and fun way to
get into your loft bed, some manufacturers offer extra storage
by turning each step into a drawer.
Summer 2015 | GettingOrganized
7
BUNK BEDS can be space saving, too – you can sleep up to
three kids “stacked” one on top of the other, or opt for more
innovative designs that neatly fit into corners and use every
inch of space.
Kids love sleepovers, but young kids can lose their courage
during a long night at a strange house. To avoid your little
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GettingOrganized | Summer 2015
guests getting homesick, make their quarters extra comfy and
set them up for maximum fun. Consider adding a trundle bed
under your child’s bed so stories and giggles are shared just
by leaning over, and the sleeping surface is doubled simply by
rolling out the trundle bed. What’s best – when the overnight
guests have gone, the trundle rolls away neatly right under
your child’s bed, freeing up floor space again instantly.
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2 Great Ways
To Inspire
You To Get
ORGANIZED!
Our hit TV show:
Watch online at:
organizationmotivation.com
Our news segments:
organizedin60seconds.com
Deborah J. Cabral, CPO ®
Certified Professional
Organizer, Productivity
& Efficiency Coach
SUMMER IS TIME FOR FUN – BUT GOING BACK TO SCHOOL WILL HAPPEN FASTER
THAN YOU KNOW!
To get your child organized for school, designate a quiet, sunny spot for homework –
where interruptions from siblings or noise are kept to a minimum. Select a desk with a
large writing surface and drawers to help keep pencils and books organized. If space is
a concern, you can opt for desks that roll out of the way – so that as soon as homework
is done the space can be converted back to be all about play! For an older child, school
gets more complex and organizing becomes more of a challenge – consider adding a
hutch to your desk for additional storage space to help keep everything neat and tidy.
Kids’ room will always be a bit of a challenge, but hopefully these tips will spark some
ideas to help you not only organize the space, but make it a fun place for your child to
enjoy being in! GO
gettingorganizedmagazine.com
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and Federally (WOSB)
Certified WomanOwned Business
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in 2010.
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GettingOrganized | Summer 2015
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18
10-minute
decluttering tips to
start conquering
your mess
By Leo Babauta
zenhabits.net
W
hen your home is filled with clutter, trying to tackle the mountain of stuff can be quite
overwhelming. Here’s my advice: start with just ten minutes a day. Then try to do
another ten tomorrow and the next day and the next. Before you know it you will have formed
the habit of organizing and cleaning your house. Here are 18 tasks you can start with.
1. Designate a spot for incoming papers. Papers often account
for the majority of our clutter. This is because we put them in
different spots — on the counter, on the table, on our desk, in
a drawer, on top of our dresser, in our car. No wonder we can’t
find anything! Designate an in-box tray or spot in your home
and don’t put down papers anywhere but that spot. Got mail?
Put it in the inbox. Got school papers? Put it in the inbox.
Receipts, warranties, manuals, notices, flyers? In the inbox!
This one little change can really transform your paperwork.
2. Start clearing a starting zone. What you want to do is clear
one area. This is your no-clutter zone. It can be a counter, or
your kitchen table, or the three-foot perimeter around your
couch. Wherever you start, make a rule: nothing can be placed
there that’s not actually in use. Everything else must be put
away. Once you have that clutter-free zone, keep it that way!
Now, each day, slowly expand your no-clutter zone.
3. Clear off a counter. You want to get your house so that all
gettingorganizedmagazine.com
flat spaces are clear of clutter. Maybe they have a toaster on
them, maybe a decorative candle, but not a lot of clutter. So
start with one counter. Clear off everything possible. Have a
blender you haven’t used since jazzercise was all the rage? Put
it in the cupboard!
4. Pick a shelf. Now that you’ve done a counter, try a shelf. It
doesn’t matter which shelf. Could be a shelf in a closet, or in
the garage. Don’t tackle the whole garage — just one shelf.
Clear all non-essential things and leave it looking neat and
clutter-free.
5. Schedule a de-cluttering weekend. Maybe you don’t feel like
doing a huge de-cluttering session right now. But if you take
the time to schedule it for later this month, you can clear your
schedule, and if you have a family, get them involved, too.
The more hands pitching in, the better. You might not get the
entire house de-cluttered during the weekend, but you’ll likely
make great progress.
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11
6. Pick up five things and find homes for
them. These should be things that you
actually use, but that you just seem to
put anywhere, because they don’t have
permanent spot for them. If you don’t
know exactly where things belong, you
have to find a good spot. Take a minute
to think it through — where would be a
good spot? Then always put those things
in their designated home when you’re
done using them.
7. Spend a few minutes visualizing the
room. When I’m de-cluttering, I like
to take a moment and look round the
room. I think about how I want it to look.
What are the most essential pieces of
furniture? What doesn’t belong in the
room but has just gravitated there? What
is on the floor (hint: only furniture and
rugs belong there) and what is on the
other flat surfaces? Once I’ve visualized
how the room will look uncluttered, I get
to work.
8. Create a “maybe” box. Sometimes
when you’re going through a pile of stuff,
you know exactly what to keep (the items
you love and use) and what to trash or
donate. But then there’s the stuff you
don’t use, but think you might want or
need someday. You can’t bear to get rid
of that stuff. So create a “maybe” box.
Store that box somewhere hidden, out
of the way. Put a note on your calendar
six months from now to look in the box.
When you look inside, see if it’s anything
you really needed. Usually, you can just
toss the entire box because you didn’t
need anything it contained.
9. Put a load in your car for charity. If
you’ve de-cluttered a bunch of stuff, you might have a “to
donate” pile that’s just taking up space in a corner of your
room. Take a few minutes to box it up and put it in your trunk.
Then tomorrow, drop it off.
10. Create a 30-day list. Over-shopping is one cause of excess
clutter. Every time you think of something that you would like
to purchase/have, put that item on the 30 day list and write
the current date next to each item. Make a rule never to buy
anything (except necessities) unless they’ve been on the list
for 30 days. Often you’ll lose the urge to buy the stuff and
you’ll save yourself a lot of money and clutter.
11. Teach your kids where things belong. If you teach your
kids where things go, and start teaching them the habit of
putting them there, you’ll go a long way to keeping your house
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GettingOrganized | Summer 2015
uncluttered. Of course, they won’t learn the habit overnight, so
you’ll have to be very patient with them and just keep teaching
them until they’ve got it. And better yet, set the example for
them and get into the habit yourself.
12. Set up some simple folders. Sometimes our papers pile up
high because we don’t have good places to put them. Create
some simple folders with labels for your major bills and active
paperwork. Put them in one spot (perhaps your inbox from
task #1). Your system doesn’t have to be complicated. Having
some sense of order will help create confidence to tackle the
rest of your paperwork later.
13. Learn to file quickly. Once you’ve created your simple filing
system, you just need to learn to use it regularly. Take a handful
of papers from your inbox, and go through them one at a time,
starting from the top paper and working down. Make quick
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decisions: trash them, file them immediately, or make a note
of the action required and put them in an “action” file. Don’t
put anything back on the pile, and don’t put them anywhere
but in a folder (and no cheating “to be filed” folders!)
14. Pull out some clothes you don’t wear. As you’re getting
ready for work, and going through your closet for something to
wear, spend a few minutes pulling out ones you haven’t worn
in several months. Do this a little at a time until your closet
(and then your drawers) only contains items you actually wear.
15. Clear out your medicine cabinet. If you don’t have one
spot for medicines, create one now. Go through everything
and look for the outdated medicines and the ones you’ll never
use again.
16. Pull everything out of a drawer. Just take the drawer out
and empty it on a table. Then sort the drawer into three piles:
1) items that belong in the drawer; 2) items that belong
elsewhere; 3) items to get rid of. Clean the drawer, then put
the stuff in the first pile back neatly and orderly. Deal with the
other piles immediately!
17. Learn to love the uncluttered look. Once you’ve gotten an
area de-cluttered, you should take the time to enjoy that look.
It’s a lovely look. Make that your standard!
18. Have a conversation with your spouse/roommate.
Sometimes the problem isn’t just with us, it’s with the person
or people we live with. An uncluttered home is the result of
a shared philosophy of simplicity. If you take a few minutes
to explain to everyone that you want to have an uncluttered
house, and that you could use their help, you can go a long way
to getting to that point. Try to be persuasive and encouraging
rather than nagging and negative. GO
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Summer 2015 | GettingOrganized
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GettingOrganized | Summer 2015
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Are You a
Perfectionist?
Y
By Celestine Chua
personalexcellence.co
ou can usually spot a perfectionist a mile away, simply because of the extremist
behavior that is exhibited. Here are ten tell-tale signs you might be a perfectionist:
1. You are highly conscious and hyper-critical of mistakes.
Hence, you have an extremely sharp eye toward details.
2. You aim to be the best in everything you do, even if it is
something that you are not interested in.
3. You spend copious amount of time, right down to the last
moment, to perfect something. You would rather sacrifice your
well-being (such as sleeping, eating, etc.) than let something
be less than it can be.
4. You set absolute ideals. There is only black and white, no
grey.
5. You are the harshest critic of yourself. You beat yourself up
over the smallest thing that go wrong.
6. You mull over outcomes if they did not turn out as
envisioned. You wonder why it wasn’t a different outcome,
and whether you could have done anything to prevent that.
7. You are defensive toward criticism and have a fear of failure
because they suggest imperfection.
8. You only have the end goal in mind. If you don’t achieve the
goal, it really does not matter what happens in the process.
9. You have an all-or-nothing approach. If the situation does
not allow you to achieve the standard you have laid out, you
will abandon the task because it does not make sense to
spend time on something that you’re not going to conquer.
10. You are very conscious of any situation which might give
others the perception you are not perfect.
gettingorganizedmagazine.com
MY OWN EXPERIENCE WITH PERFECTIONISM
I used to be quite a perfectionist when I was younger, because
of my passion toward becoming the best that I can be. I fit
every one of the 10 perfectionist traits. My motif in life was
(and still is) ‘As long as you set your mind and heart to it,
nothing is impossible in this world’. Whenever there was any
flaw or mistake that came in my sight, such as grammatical
or spelling errors, typos, etc., I would flinch. I was always the
harshest critic of myself.
When I started developing websites as a teenager, I would
spend late nights, sleeping just 1-2 hours some days, tweaking
my sites to perfection. My sites had to look perfect on all
different browsers and devices. The works I produced had
to be the best conceivable. It was an unbendable, personal
standard I set for myself.
When I was in university, I usually ended up taking over everything
on a project because I wanted everything to match up to the
idealized state I envisioned. I spent a lot of time perfecting tasks,
right down to the nitty gritty. If it was a presentation, everything
had to be synchronized to a common look and theme, including
matching font types, font sizes, and colors. If it was a report, all
the content, flow and formatting had to be seamless. There was
hardly a time to stop doing work because it seemed that there
could always be improvement.
Whenever things did not go the way I wanted, I would
overcompensate by targeting a higher bar the next time.
Whenever I heard people making statements like “humans
are not perfect” or “to err is human,” I would cringe. To me,
that was just trying to find an excuse to make mistakes. My
philosophy was that perfection was possible and as long as
we put in all our effort and energy, we would achieve it. If we
did not, it simply meant we did not try hard enough.
Summer 2015 | GettingOrganized
15
It was later on in life that I found that perfectionism was being
a disabler, not an enabler, in my life.
WHAT LEADS TO PERFECTIONISM?
In general, there are three underlying motivations for
perfectionism. Perfectionism may result due to any one
or combination of any of the three reasons. If you are a
perfectionist, you may be able to relate to one or more of the
following.
1. Fierce desire for growth
They expect perfection of themselves. Their perfectionism is
the result of an insatiable thirst and desire for growth and to
be the best that one can be. To come anything short would
be not to live up to one’s true potential, which defeats the
purpose in living.
2. Social expectations
Their perfectionism comes about because it is socially expected
of them. Family, teachers, coaches, managers and leaders
styles induce perfectionism by drawing a high standard we
need to reach. Failing is equated to being worthless. Schools
and workplaces with a fierce culture of competition and strong
emphasis on performance and achievement are common
breeding grounds for perfectionism. Society and media
perpetuate untainted, flawless, perfect end states which are
often brought to life in the form of imagery, advertising and
marketing. They create the aspiration toward unrealistic ideals
and instill the belief that such ideals are in fact achievable.
3. Sense of insecurity
For some people, perfectionism may arise out of insecurity of
one’s own worth. People who have faced discrimination of sorts
or sidelined since young may develop a sense of inadequacy
or void in themselves. This abyss in turn manifests the desire
or need to overtly prove themselves through their actions and
accomplishments. They desire to make a statement about
themselves, whether for themselves or other people around
them.
TIPS TO OVERCOME PERFECTIONISM:
1. Be aware of your motivations for perfection
Why are you a perfectionist to begin with? To what end does
your perfectionism serve? Chances are, you will find that your
underlying motivations for perfectionism are likely tied to an
aspiration to be a better person, to be the best you can be, and
to do right by others.
Knowing these motivations serve to remind yourself of why
you strive for perfection to begin with, after which you can
use them to cross-check with your behavior and see if your
perfectionist tendencies actually serve you or pull you away
from your vision of yourself.
For example, say you are a perfectionist because you want
to achieve your best results in everything you do. Say you
are preparing a presentation and you can’t seem to finish it
because you keep finding things to edit. More specifically,
these things you keep mulling over are little, nitty-gritty things,
which don’t make a difference to
the overall output.
It helps to review these questions:
How does your obsession with
trivial details help you to achieve
your best results in life? Could
you actually spend that time,
elsewhere, in a more meaningful
manner that enables you to
achieve better results?
2. Recognize that ideals are
directions, not absolutes
Perfectionists tend to beat
themselves up incessantly over
little setbacks and thwarts to their
plans. They tend to see them as
“failures”; in their minds, they
think: “If I don’t achieve my goal
or vision, that means I’ve failed.
There is no point in doing any of
this anymore. I have no way to
rectify this situation. It’s a lost
cause.”
As a perfectionist, you should
recognize that your ideals are
directions to work towards and
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GettingOrganized | Summer 2015
gettingorganizedmagazine.com
not absolutes which you need to achieve. It is not your ideals
that are the problems here; it’s your attachment towards them
which need correction.
are not within your locus of control, such as the future or
perceptions by others. Plan for contingencies but beyond that,
do not waste your time harping over it.
Ideals are very good. Whatever ideals you have, continue to
hold them. Commit yourself to said ideals and goals. At the
same time, don’t attach yourself to them. They are meant as
to inspire, guide, and bring the best out of you, not to make
you feel bad about yourself. If you ever feel bad about not
achieving a certain ideal or goal, review your attachment with
it, and let go of this attachment.
5. Delegate and let go
Have faith in other people’s abilities and delegate tasks to
them. If they do not seem to be doing a particular task right,
teach and help them instead of taking over entirely. Teach a
man how to fish so there is more fish for everyone, rather than
doing all the fishing yourself and limiting the total output.
3. Respect and love yourself
Are you beating yourself up over something that could have
been better? Let go of all these negative thoughts in your
mind. You did what you could within that particular context.
Recognize you are an individual with your own rights and
integrity versus subjecting yourself to all the self-abuse and
self-depreciation. Treat yourself with the respect you deserve.
4. Focus on what can be done
Forget about mistakes that were made in the past which you
cannot do anything about. Learn from them and move on;
obsessing over them does not change anything at all. Realize
that the time you spend thinking about your mistakes actually
takes you away from time which you can have spent on more
productive things instead! Stop worrying about things that
6. Enjoy the entire process
The process is the longest part of achievement – enjoy it! Find
ways to lighten it up – learn to laugh at yourself, take things
positively, rest/eat/sleep/play when it is time to, take part
in enriching recreational activities, do not deprioritize your
social gatherings or time off from work.
7. Celebrate the victories and progress made
Give yourself a pat in the back for everything that you do,
regardless of the outcome. Reward yourself or other people
if a good job is done. Give credit where credit is due.
Wholeheartedly celebrate your victories when they come
along—you have rightfully earned them!
By the way, I still think that humans are perfect – it is in the
imperfections that I see perfection. GO
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Summer 2015 | GettingOrganized
17
BATHROOM SPACES
L
et’s face it — we spend a lot of time in the
bathroom. Whether it’s getting ready in
the morning or bathing kids in the evening,
our bathrooms can get messy rather quickly.
And often they are built in small spaces, so
organizing can be even more of a challenge.
We have rounded up some great examples
to help you create that peaceful, organized
bathroom you have been dreaming of.
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GettingOrganized | Summer 2015
This bathroom organizing tip is a great way to reduce and
reuse if you have old mason jars. With just a few accessories
(a piece of wood, hose clamps and picture hanging kit) you
can have an organized and unique bathroom feature that
looks like it took a lot more work to create than it actually did!
Casey Finn and Bridget Matkovich
thediyplaybook.com
gettingorganizedmagazine.com
Margo had quite the stash of picture
frames and was looking for a unique way
to create a towel rack after a bathroom
remodel. She laid out a design on the
floor first, and then traced them on to
craft paper to preview on the wall for
easy hanging. Because the frames are
layered on top of each other, there is a
space created that is perfect for hanging
towels. This project could include just
a few frames or an entire wall gallery to
decorate your space.
Margo Arrick
robolady.blogspot.com
On her blog, Aimee shares with her readers her dollar store
bathroom organizing tips which include the idea of hanging
two shower caddies in the shower. Aimee shares that she
was not only tired of moving bottles around while cleaning the
shower, but was pregnant with twins and finding it even more
difficult to clean. Her solution was to use 3M Command
gettingorganizedmagazine.com
Hooks to hang the caddies high enough to reach everything
that she needed. (Note: 3M/Command now makes hooks
specifically made for the shower.)
Aimee Page
thecrazycraftlady.com
Summer 2015 | GettingOrganized
19
Small spaces in the bathroom, or anywhere else, can be a challenge. And almost any professional
organizer will tell you that the best solution is to “look up” and use your vertical space. This is
exactly what Maria did when she installed shelves next to her bathroom vanity. The end result
allows her to store everything that she needs in a neat and tidy manner.
Maria Gonzales
gracefulorder.com
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GettingOrganized | Summer 2015
gettingorganizedmagazine.com
Sarah and her husband try to live simply and not have a lot of stuff. When looking to
organize her bathroom she decided to tackle the medicine cabinet rather than just shoving
thing in and shutting the door. She had extra plastic cups from their housewarming
party and decided they would be the perfect solution- and indeed they were!
Sarah Baker
ispeakcanadian.com
Kids’ bath time can be fun for
sure, but often ends up in a huge
mess in the bathtub. Andrea
tried a few different solutions
before deciding to try this one
that she found on Pinterest.
With just a tension rod, some
dollar store baskets and shower
hooks she created this easy to
use solution to her bath time
woes.
Andrea Stirtan
theinspiredhome.org
gettingorganizedmagazine.com
Summer 2015 | GettingOrganized
21
Often, people make organizing much more difficult than it really is. Simple is often better.
Mary’s solution is just that. She has several shoe-box sized containers that are sorted
into categories and labeled so that everyone knows what is inside. They are stackable and
keep things organized, separated and contained. GO
Mary Johanson
maryorganizes.com
For another great bathroom organizing example view our video Organizing Rule: Contain Your
Items: See how to Organize Your Bathroom Countertops by visiting our YouTube channel or
http://www.gettingorganizedmagazine.com/?p=4299
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GettingOrganized | Summer 2015
gettingorganizedmagazine.com
MEETING PLANNING
CHECKLIST
By Ramona Creel
ramonacreel.com
O
ften times, people think that meetings are a complete
waste of time. But they don’t have to be! The biggest issue
with meetings tends to be the lack of results which frustrates
the attendees who have busy schedules and other priorities. The
next time you plan a meeting, use this checklist to improve your
productivity, both during the meeting and afterwards.
HOW TO KNOW IF YOU SHOULD MEET
• Determine if the costs of the meeting are justified
by the objective
• Add up salary, overhead, travel time, expense and
lost productivity
• Multiply that by the number of attendees to
determine the overall cost of the meeting
• Then ask why you are meeting — what do you
hope to accomplish?
• Is your goal to disseminate information? Brain
storm? Make a decision?
• If the objective can be reached without a meetingtake care of the issue via phone, email or Skype
• Ask yourself if all the people on your list need to
attend
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PREPARING FOR YOUR MEETING
• Develop an agenda before the meeting
• Your agenda should explain why, when, where,
who and what
• Ask participants to contribute items to the agenda
• Distribute to participants at least a week in
advance
• Ask attendees to review the agenda and prepare
questions
• Confirm with attendees the day prior to the
meeting
• Decide on the ground rules before starting and
list them on a board (may include:
attentive listening, not interrupting, how to add
comments, etc.)
Summer 2015 | GettingOrganized
23
RUNNING THE MEETING
• Designate a recorder (other than the leader) to keep minutes
• Designate a timekeeper to keep everyone on track
• Stick to the agenda and assign a time limit to each agenda
item
• If the discussion gets off course, don’t be afraid to cut people
off
• Write down topics to be tabled for future discussion on a list
(often called the parking lot)
• Schedule a separate meeting to discuss those issues, if
necessary
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
• Establish a firm start and ending time
• Choose an odd time to begin — 11:05 AM — to improve
punctuality
• Schedule in advance to allow participants to plan their
schedules
• Schedule before lunch or quitting time to keep it short and
focused
• Reward those who arrive on time
• Don’t wait for latecomers unless they are critical to starting
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GettingOrganized | Summer 2015
WHEN YOU ARE THE ATTENDEE
• Question whether your attendance is necessary
• Confirm the location and time the day before the meeting
• Get directions, if necessary
• Review the agenda and prepare any questions or concerns
• Be on time and be prepared
• Stay focused on the discussion at hand so you can get out
on time
WRAPPING UP YOUR MEETING
• Establish clear wrap-up procedures
• Ask for a signal from the time keeper at five minutes before
the end
• Leader should reach a conclusion and summarize group’s
progress
• Develop an action plan based on the meeting discussion
• Assign follow-up items to specific members of the team
• Set a deadline for reporting back
• Ask for status reports prior to next meeting to include in
agenda
• State the next meeting time, date, place and adjourn
gettingorganizedmagazine.com
WHY I STILL USE A
PAPER DAY PLANNER
By Harold Taylor
taylorintime.com
A
s far as I can tell, personal productivity
has changed very little in the past 30
years in spite of the efficiencies of technology.
One of the results of technology has been
to speed up the pace of life. We are working
faster, driving faster, communicating faster
— in short, living faster.
gettingorganizedmagazine.com
But much of the time savings gained by technology has been
offset by increases in complexity, choices, interruptions,
expectations, stress, delays and errors. Our bodies are not
designed to operate at warp speed. Sleep, in many cases is
seen as an annoying necessity.
Our executive function skills – those brain-based skills that
allow us to execute tasks – including focus, working memory,
sustained attention and goal-directed persistence are
becoming weaker. Our free time is disappearing. Information
overload, ADHD diagnosis, stress, inefficiency, and lack of
balance are increasing. Perhaps we moved too quickly and too
Summer 2015 | GettingOrganized
25
completely into the digital world. It’s as though our goal were
to increase speed rather than productivity.
A UCLA study found that people who decreased the amount
of time using their electronic devices and instead adopted a
healthy lifestyle of exercise, good nutrition and some form
of meditation, showed improvement in memory scores and
reasoning within a matter of weeks.
Balancing high-tech with high touch can actually strengthen
“executive function skills.” It pays to limit technology and
maintain balance in your life. I suggest this could be done
by welcoming more paper back into your life – which to most
people might think is a backward step. But technology writer
Danny O’Brien interviewed top achievers and found one thing
in common that may account for their increased productivity.
They all used some sort low-tech tool, such as a written “To
Do” list or a plain paper pad.
Long after they were gone, my
parents were alive again in my
mind through their papers —
meticulous notes of income and
purchases, appointments and
events. I could relive my own
forgotten years…oblivious to
the hardships that my parents
must have endured.
Using a paper day planner for instance serves to ground me in
reality. I can touch it and feel it and see my scheduled projects
the moment I open it. Writing down an appointment solidifies
that meeting in my mind, while dictating it to a handheld
device makes little impact, little commitment, and little
chance I will even recall it the next morning without setting
an alarm.
A pen in hand generates focus, attention, commitment, and
a “do it now” mindset – something many of us lack. Written
down, a name or number stays in working memory longer
and has a greater chance of making it into long-term memory
for later recall. Fast is not necessarily better; it’s just faster.
Similarly, I prefer to make handwritten notes while on the
telephone and to jot ideas on a notepad instead of reaching
for a handheld device.
There is a place for digital devices. I do own a cell phone,
an iPad, a netbook and a laptop. And like most people, I do
online banking, make calls with Skype, shop online, have a
26
GettingOrganized | Summer 2015
PayPal account, participate in social media, and correspond
by email. But I also use a paper planner, a paper filing system,
a telephone log booklet, paper checklists, note pads, sticky
notes as well as read hard copy books. Paperwork adds
structure to my life.
Your day planner is the most important time management
and life management tool, so choose it carefully. It’s not a
case of just jotting down things to do. Any device can do that.
Planning involves visualizing the future you want and then
taking the necessary action in the present in order to make
that vision a reality. Here are five things an effective planning
calendar should include.
• A place to record your goals since they are an integral part of
the planning process.
• A place to record your mission statement since it reminds
you of why you your purpose in life and forms the launching
pad for your goals.
• Each day, including evenings and weekends, are broken into
15 minute increments
• Daily follow-up sections to record deadlines for assignments
due, birthdays and other special events.
• Weekly and daily “To Do” sections to record non-priority
items that should be done.
One big advantage of using paper day planners is that you never
lose sight of your past. You have a permanent record in your
own unique handwriting – your dreams, goals, achievements,
activities, and highlights of a lifetime. The purpose of the PDA
is to get things done faster, not record them.
Long after they were gone, my parents were alive again in my
mind through their papers – meticulous notes of income and
purchases, appointments and events. I could relive my own
forgotten years, the youngest of five boys, oblivious to the
hardships that my parents must have endured. None of that
would have been revealed in an iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry or
other PDA if one had been available at the time.
I record events in my day planner after-the-fact as well. If we
meet with someone spontaneously or decide at the spur of the
moment to attend a movie or go to a restaurant, the first thing
I do when we get home is jot the information in my planner –
the time, place, and phone number of the restaurant. At the
end of each year, I print that year on the spine of my planner
and store them in chronological order in my bookcase.
My life story is in those planners – from my teen years (little
pocket calendars) through college, and my forty plus years as
an entrepreneur, husband and father. As I get older and the
threat of dementia looms, I take solace in the fact that I will
never lose my memories; they are recorded for me as well as
for my offspring. GO
gettingorganizedmagazine.com
0
2
S
Y
T O SA
A
W
Y
NO
By Ramona Creel
ramonacreel.com
S
aying “no” is often very difficult for people, yet those same people are often the most
stressed out and overbooked! Many times people don’t want to hurt the person who is
coming to them with a request and that is polite, but you really should consider your own
needs first. Helping someone out only half-way or with only some of your attention doesn’t
benefit anyone. It is best to say “no” upfront. For those of you needing a little help, here are
20 ways to politely decline.
gettingorganizedmagazine.com
Summer 2015 | GettingOrganized
27
I CAN’T RIGHT NOW, BUT I CAN DO IT LATER
• If you really want to help, but don’t have time, say so
• Offer to help at a later time or date
• If they can’t wait for you, they’ll find someone else
I CAN’T, BUT I KNOW YOU WILL DO A
WONDERFUL JOB YOURSELF
• People often ask for help because they doubt their own
abilities
• Let them know that you have confidence they will succeed
I CAN’T, BUT LET ME CONNECT YOU WITH
SOMEONE WHO CAN
• If you aren’t available to help out, offer another qualified
resource
• Helping to connect people is a valuable service to offer
• Make sure the person you refer will represent you well
I CAN’T, I DON’T HAVE ANY MORE ROOM IN
MY CALENDAR
• Be honest if your schedule is filled
• “Filled” doesn’t have to mean really filled
I CAN’T, I DON’T REALLY ENJOY THAT KIND OF
WORK
• Life isn’t about drudgery -- if you don’t enjoy it, why do it?
• Don’t be afraid to let someone know you just don’t want to
• Someone else is bound to enjoy the work you don’t
I CAN’T, I HAVE ANOTHER COMMITMENT
• It doesn’t matter what the commitment is
• It can even simply be time to yourself or with friends or
family
• You don’t have to justify -- you simply aren’t available
I CAN’T, I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE WITH THAT
• Volunteering shouldn’t mean learning an entirely new set
of skills
• Suggest that they find someone who has experience in that
area
• Offer to help out with something that you already know how
to do
I CAN’T, I NEED TO FOCUS ON MY CAREER
RIGHT NOW
• Often, you may need to focus your energies on a workrelated task
• You may have to give up some civic or community duties for
that to happen
• If you don’t do it, it is ok- someone else will take on the task
I CAN’T, I NEED TO FOCUS ON MY PERSONAL
LIFE AT THIS TIME
• Don’t be ashamed of wanting to spend time with your family
• Having a strong family is an important priority in and of
itself
• Be willing to put your personal needs first
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GettingOrganized | Summer 2015
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gettingorganizedmagazine.com
Summer 2015 | GettingOrganized
29
I CAN’T, I NEED TO FOCUS MY
ATTENTION ON ONE PROJECT AT
A TIME
• Let people know that you want to do a
good job for them, but you can’t when your
focus is too divided or splintered
• You will be more effective if you focus on
one project at a time
I CAN’T, I NEED TO LEAVE SOME
FREE TIME FOR MYSELF
• It’s okay to think of your own needs
• Treat your personal time like any other
appointment
• Block off time in your calendar and guard
it with your life
I CAN’T, I WOULD RATHER
DECLINE THAN DO A MEDIOCRE
JOB
• Know when you aren’t going to be able to
deliver a quality product
• The reason doesn’t matter -- not enough
time, wrong skills, etc.
I CAN’T, I WOULD RATHER HELP
WITH A DIFFERENT TASK
• Saying no doesn’t mean that you can’t help
at all
• If someone asks you to do something you
really despise, refuse
• Then offer to help with something you find
more enjoyable
I CAN’T, I’M ALREADY IN THE
MIDDLE OF SEVERAL PROJECTS
• Let people know when you have accepted
other responsibilities
• No need to make excuses if you don’t have
any free time
• No one will fault you for having already filled your plate
I CAN’T, I’M NOT COMFORTABLE DOING THAT
• You might be uncomfortable for any of a number of reasons:
the people involved, the type of work, the moral implications, etc.
• This is a very respectful way to avoid a sticky situation
I CAN’T, I’M NOT TAKING ON ANY NEW
RESPONSIBILITIES RIGHT NOW
• You aren’t saying that you will never help out again, just that
you feel your schedule is as full as you would like now
• Understanding your limits is something to value
I CAN’T, I’M NOT THE MOST QUALIFIED
PERSON FOR THE JOB
• If you don’t feel that you have adequate skills, that’s okay
• It’s better to admit your limitations up front
• This is the best way to avoid feeling overwhelmed down the road
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GettingOrganized | Summer 2015
I CAN’T, SOME THINGS HAVE COME UP THAT
NEED MY ATTENTION
• Unexpected things happen that throw your schedule off
• Accept that you may need to make a few adjustments
• It is temporary and you will have more time when life
stabilizes
I CAN’T, THAT’S NOT REALLY MY STRONG SUIT
• It’s okay to admit your limitations
• Knowing what you can handle and what you can’t is a skill
• Your time will be more efficiently spent on something you
do well
NO
• Sometimes it’s okay to just say no!
• Say it in a way that expresses respect and courtesy
• Feel free to leave the door open for helping in the future
gettingorganizedmagazine.com
How to Dispose of Those Things You Know
You’re Not Supposed to
Throw in the Trash
BATTERIES
Many states have made it illegal to throw away
rechargeable batteries, such as those found on
power tools and cordless phones. Instead, take
them to a home improvement store (Lowe’s or
Home Depot) or an electronics stores (Best Buy
and Radio Shack accept them) for recycling of their
components and/or proper disposal.
see if they will accept your packing peanuts and reuse them. The
Peanut Hotline (800-828-2214) can also point you to the locations
nationwide that will reuse the little buggers.
CAR BATTERIES
Car batteries are the most recycled product in the
country with a 98 to 99 percent recycling rate. This
one is a no-brainer as most automotive stores will
accept your old battery for recycling when you buy
the new one.
Single use (alkaline) batteries may also be recycled, although it is not
prohibited to throw them away (except in California).
TAPES & DVDS
Generally speaking, working media may be
donated to charities or resale shops. DVDs and
CDs (and their plastic cases) are not recyclable.
Videotapes may be sent to greendisk.com (fee
applies).
AEROSOL CANS
The container of products such as hair spray and
spray paint may be placed in the recycling bin if
they are empty. If they are even partially full they
are considered “hazardous household waste”
(HWW). Contact your local waste management
company for proper disposal.
FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULBS
While more energy efficient, these new compact
fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs contain mercury and
are considered HWW. Both Lowe’s and Home
Depot will accept used CFLs for proper disposal.
PAINT
Latex paint may be placed in the trash once it is completely dried out.
Remove the lid and let the can sit for a few days
until the contents are nice and dry. But dried latex
paint may be recycled into things like cement (who
knew?). Contact your local recycling management
company to determine whether they collect latex
paint for recycling.
Oil-based paint, however, is considered HWW and may never
be thrown in the trash, even if it’s dried out or hardened with
another substance. Contact your local HWW facility and read the
manufacturer’s instructions for disposal.
MOTOR OIL
For the auto DIYers out there, collect the used
motor oil and take it to the nearest used oil
collection center, such as a service station,
automotive store or lube center. Look for the oil
drop recycling logo.
PESTICIDES
Fluorescent tube light bulbs — You know, the long,
thin light bulbs that cast such an inviting light in office buildings and
garages around the country? These should not be thrown in the trash
as they contain a small amount of mercury. They can be recycled, but
not curbside. So, take them to your local Home Depot for recycling
or proper disposal.
PACKING PEANUTS
Some of these peanuts are made from
biodegradable materials like starch (they melt
when exposed to water) but most are still
polystyrene. Check with your neighborhood
pack and ship store (such as the UPS Store) to
If the container is empty, do not reuse it. Place it
in the trash, unless the label specifies a different
procedure. If any amount of pesticide remains in
the container, ask your neighbors whether they
have a similar pest control problem and can use
it. Then, check with your local waste management
company to find out whether they have a household hazardous waste
collection program or a similar program.
Do not pour leftover pesticides down the sink, into the toilet, or down a
sewer or street drain, as they may interfere with the operation of wastewater
treatment systems or pollute waterways, i.e. your water supply.
For more information and to search for your local waste management and recycling operations, go to www.Earth911.com
For more smart solutions for everyday living, please visit www.smartsolutionsforbusypeople.com
©2013 by Dsign Omnimedia, LLC
gettingorganizedmagazine.com
Summer 2015 | GettingOrganized
31
Ask the Experts
By Jonda Beattie
timepsaceorg.com
Question: Can you offer any advice for my kitchen? I want to be
able to cook for my family, but the kitchen is always a mess and
I am often overwhelmed and not sure where to start.
Answer:
Before starting, take a long look at your current kitchen set up.
What is bothering you? Are your counters crowded? Are your
spices a jumble? Are some often used items hard to reach?
Create a vision of how you would like your kitchen to look and
feel by the end of this month. Make a brainstorm list of all that
needs to happen to make this vision come true.
Some items on your list might include:
• De-clutter your surfaces - what items are not used daily?
• Purge your cabinets - how many plastic containers or
saucepans do you really need?
• Organize for convenience - are your often used items easy
to reach?
• Set up zones - do you have a clear food preparation zone,
cooking zone, dish zone, storage zone and serving zone?
Now tackle the project. Divide your kitchen into four zones and
tackle just one zone a week. This will keep the job from being
overwhelming.
Week 1 - Cooking Zone - Clean the stove, oven and microwave.
Organize pots, pans, cooking utensils and bake-ware. If your
space is crowded, consider giving away pots that are rarely
used. If you have special cookware that is used only for a
specific holiday, store that ware with the holiday decorations.
Week 2 - Food Preparation Zone - Clean out the refrigerator as
well as organize cutting boards, knives, mixing bowls, spices,
mixers, blenders, measuring cups and spoons. Get rid of
duplicates. Toss foods and spices that are past their prime.
Week 3 - Dish Zone - Clean your sink area and dishwasher.
Organize your dishware, mugs, glasses and flatware. Discard
items you don’t need or those that are broken.
Week 4 - Food Serving Zone and Food Storage Zone - Look
over placemats, napkins, trivets, large serving pieces, and any
groups of items you have not already organized. When you
go through your pantry, pull out any cans that you have been
holding on to and are reaching expiration. Donate these to a
food pantry. When you replace the food in your pantry, group
the foods by type - all soups together, all pasta, all fruits, etc. GO
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Summer 2015 | GettingOrganized
33
Quick Tips
By Craig Jarrow
timemanagementninja.com
10 Places to Find Time to Think
1. In Your Car – The next time you are driving in your car, try the
following experiment: Turn off your radio. Put your cell phone out of
reach. Then, listen to the silence. I bet you won’t be able to drive more
than a quarter of a mile before you start to hear the thoughts in your
head.
2. Before Everyone Wakes Up – OK, this is a time, not a place, but
the early morning before the world gets up is a great time to think
for yourself. Whether it is just you, or you are getting up before the
morning kid chaos, find time for yourself before the day begins.
3. In Your Office – If you are fortunate enough to have an office for
your job, shut the door and get some planning done. (Yes, you can
shut the door.) Then when you are done, you can open the door and
re-engage your team.
4. Go Outdoors – Going for a walk outside is a great way to get some
peace. You don’t have to go deep into nature. (Although that can be
great, too). Many workplaces have walking paths or simply sidewalks
where you can go for a quick walk and recoup your thoughts.
5. At the Coffee Shop – Many people find isolation in the public noise
of coffee shops. Find a table in a secluded corner and get some work
done. (Or bring the coffee shop to you with an app like Coffitivity.)
6. In Your Headphones – Use your headphones to create your own
privacy. Shut out the noise. Play your favorite music. Even silent
headphones can bring privacy and the expectation that you are not to
be disturbed.
7. In the Library – There is a reason why libraries have a “quiet rule.”
Go there to find a silent place to think and plan.
8. The Unused Conference Room – If your workplace has unused
meeting space, make a meeting with yourself. Take advantage of
empty meeting space to get work done.
9. At Lunch – It’s nice to go out to lunch with the gang, but sometimes
it’s helpful to book lunch with yourself. Feed your body and your mind
with a lunch date alone to think and plan the rest of your day or week.
10. The Secret Place – Every workplace has one. The secret room,
hidden nook, or unknown alcove that only a few people know. Find
your own secret corner to hide away and get some quiet time GO
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Summer 2015 | GettingOrganized
35
Latest and Greatest
Sleek and Beautiful Bathroom Products
G
etting organized can often include purchasing products to help in the process. And while
the products you choose don’t have to be anything but useful, sometimes it is fun to
purchase beautifully designed products to help in your organizing quest. These sleek bathroom
products will help keep any bathroom looking neat and stylish (from dispenser.com).
FineLine 2 Tier Shower Basket | $50
These beautifully designed and generously
sized baskets can be installed onto any
surface without the use of tools, using
waterproof silicone glue for a secure
bond. The 2-tier basket includes optional
accessory hooks for even more storage
possibilities.
Hands Free Touchless Automatic Soap
Dispensers | $25-45
Sleek and stylish stainless steel design that
offers hygienic no-touch operation. Select
the volume of liquid with a quick press of
a button.
FLORA Vanity Organizers | Prices Vary
These gorgeous countertop organizers are made of clear, durable resin with a decorative
molded floral pattern. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and applications for
vanity top or in-cabinet organization. Compact enough to keep your vanity clean and
free from clutter or small enough to fit into a drawer.
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GettingOrganized | Summer 2015
gettingorganizedmagazine.com
HANDI Vanity Valet | $35
HANDI
includes
two
multi-purpose
divided
organizers for your makeup brushes and comb, and
a dispenser that holds your
favorite make-up remover.
Alternatively, use HANDI to
store your toothbrushes and
paste.
Toilet Mate | $30
The Toilet Mate is a sleek toilet tissue
dispenser and organizer all in one. A
spacious magazine rack and storage for
two extra tissue rolls, all conveniently at
your side!
SETTE Double Towel Stand | $42
Constructed of durable chrome plated steel, this unique towel stand is rust-proof and can
be easily assembled within minutes. The arms can be adjusted to create a design that best
suits your taste.
gettingorganizedmagazine.com
LINEA Luxury Double Dispenser | $49
Inspired by contemporary perfume
bottles, these install in minutes without
tools. Adhere to any wall surface with
waterproof silicone glue and 2-way
tape included. Crafted of crystal-like
elements and completed with rust-proof
metal features, LINEA is the definition of
luxurious modern elegance.
Summer 2015 | GettingOrganized
37
Books
Clear the Clutter,
Find Happiness
Finally, a way to get rid of the clutter — and keep it away — without making the
process a full-time job! Organizing expert Donna Smallin shows you how to enjoy
the happy, healthy, inviting home you long for with hundreds of time-saving tips and
solutions to your clutter and cleaning problems. Her approach is manageable and
simple, helping you focus on the things that will make the biggest difference with the
least amount of time and effort. You’ll discover small, quick routines that will keep
your spaces clean and clutter-free over time, as well as lots of things that you can do
to introduce order and serenity in just one minute! Clear away the clutter once and
for all, and enjoy the happiness you’ll find hiding underneath.
Donna Smallin
amazon.com
$10.95
Make Room for Clarity takes you through the journey of how and why people
accumulate so much stuff. Reading it will help you understand the wants and desires
that fuel our buying, the reasons why people continue to buy beyond their needs, and
why it’s so hard to let go of stuff even when we don’t want it or use it.
Rick Woods reminds us that when our possessions don’t contribute to our lives or
lifestyles, they are filling up the space between us and the life we could be living. His
book invites us to make room for clarity in our lives by following his clear, concise,
and realistic suggestions for de-cluttering and letting go without feeling guilty.
With each step, you will be creating space in your home—and your life. The end
results will be:
• Having items you around you that make you feel good.
• Possessions that serve you while meeting your needs.
• A home you’re happy to have other people see.
Rick Woods
amazon.com
$12.99
*For a full list of books we have featured in Getting Organized
magazine visit our website:
http://www.gettingorganizedmagazine.com/shop/books-we-have-featured/
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GettingOrganized | Summer 2015
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you can. Put everything back in the drawer in a neat and organized fashion. It
seems so simple- just one drawer. But you will be surprised the confidence and
skill you can gain from just one small organizing project!
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