We all do it. I have been driving around with some blinds that need to go back to WalMart for the past month. Because, let’s face it, who wants to stand in line for an hour to return something UGH!!! Yours truly, e-mailed several companies of recently bought items that didn’t work correctly for whatever reason. Last Christmas I bought hubby a $50 Brookstone fogless mirror. This was intended to be the last one I got because it had replacement mirrors. Well, I just e-mailed Brookstone asking where to find them - beacuse they aren’t in the store or on-line.
So, go get all the items that you have been meaning to return and all the resipts you can find and put them in the front seat of your car. If you have to e-mail the company - by all means, save time by doing so. If you have to go stand in line at Wal Mart - go do it. Nobody needs to waste hard-earned money! Money trees aren’t growing very well these days!
WOW - an organizing tip and way to support the troops at the same time. What a bargain!
Well I completed all the projects below…YAY!!! Untangling necklaces for a couple of hours is not a fun thing grrrr….
Today, I will put away all the wrapping paper and gift bags. I keep the ones that are absolutely Christmas in separate wrapping paper containers. Those are hauled up to the attic and put in a neat area with Christmas items put away carefully. I also got rid of all the cheap, broken and yucky ornaments this year.
I’ve decided that as I stay on top of my house, I will pick a project for you to follow along with. As a professional organizer, I would like to say my house is perfect, but it is not! Life doesn’t stop and messes pile up so fast! My business (with my partner Leaf) survives on your messes and sometimes it takes a couple of women to give you a “leg up” on your overwhelming mess. Our goal, when we enter your house, is to leave you with an area that “makes sense” and that you will be able to maintain on your own for the rest of your life (in a perfect world). If you need us, we are here to serve!
Today: Christmas Day - I am organizing my jewelry. My family bought me a wonderful jewelry armoire for Christmas. I had an old one over a year ago and it was unable to make our last move due to its’ pitiful condition.
When I say organize, I DO NOT mean throwing things from point A to point B! I mean sorting and making make sense so you can enjoy what you have. I don’t have very much good jewelry, but thank goodness my mom always told me to enjoy what I had. I wear it and yes, I used my china last night too. Again, no good if you don’t use it!
A few other projects I did this week:
1. matching all socks in my house and throwing away what didn’t match!
2. make-up organizing. My daughter was thrilled to get all the old eye shadow and blush compacts and a brush.
3. toiletries can really add up and you never have what you need but too much of the other. I had an old bottle of Vaseline lotion from who knows how many years ago. I won’t miss it a bit!
4. linen closet WHere does all this stuff come from and will I ever really need “those” curtains again? Nope - bye-bye!
5. Games - Not sure how all the boxes tear so easily - but they do - duct tape! Missing pieces - missing game - bye-bye!
6. holiday catalogs - you’ll get plenty of “sale ones after the holidays” - recycle!
Unless you are true crafty person and will actually do something with them - recycle bin baby!
* put all Chritsmas catalogs in the recycling bin - now!
* all socks with out a mate - garbage
* crushed bows and yucky wrapping paper - bye bye
Make a gift wrapping station. Keep all the scissors, tape, gift bags, cards and extra “in case gifts” handy for the next week.
Just a quick note to say how strongly I recommend Greta for reorganization services–she is superhuman! My house had gotten into a state of chaos fit for “Extreme Home Makeover,” and I didn’t even know where to begin with it. Greta showed up and wasted no time–she knew exactly what to do and got to it immediately. The difference between the “before” and “after” is amazing!
One thing I think is really important–I am an extremely private person, and I was terrified at the idea of having someone see the mess that I’d allowed to accumulate. If you’re like me, I can tell you that you need not worry. They understand that people get into routines and anyone can end up with a mess. No scoldings, no intrusions into your privacy, no complaints, none of that stuff you fear. Just let them do their thing and help you get organized!
~Beth C. Mobile, AL~
I asked our 2007 to please send any testimonials for our new clients. This is the first one we got back and we are thrilled.
Oh my g-d Greta are you kidding? You are my hero, I’d adopt you if I could. Send this to anyone and everyone—Greta and Leaf are the best!!! They work fast and furious, are honest (very important) and (equally important) fun to be around. They are cheap therapy and will leave your house looking like a Gap store. They have enough “mommy sense” to know what stays and what goes in terms of clothes/games/toys in relation to your kids age and have the amazing capacity to recall where all items were placed days/weeks after they come. As Siskal and Ebert would say “Two thumbs up!!”. Anyone can call or e-mail me with any additional questions or concerns but I think you guys already know how awesome I think you are. And as a side note, I have had hired other “organizers” in the past and these firecrackers blow them away!!!
~Stacy D. New Orleans~
Keep a little notebook and write in it who you got a card from and their address. After 3 years of “no cards” from someone - I generally drop them off the list. It also helps me make sure I didn’t miss someone.