Seminar: "Spring Clean Your Clutter"

Archive Photo: Carolyn Speaking on Organization

The evening of Tuesday, April 9, 2013 I had the pleasure of speaking to one of the women's groups at Dexter United Methodist Church. This is a great bunch of ladies and I was honored to be asked for a return visit. I first spoke to this group in December of 2011.

Just in time for the church's spring rummage sale, I shared four simple steps to clear clutter anywhere in your home or office. If clutter is holding you back from reaching your goals, here's where to start:

Step 1: Pick Your Project
Write down the first area that comes to mind and your vision for this space. 
Please feel free to share your project area or ask questions in the comments!

Step 2: Break It Into Small Steps
Consistent small blocks of time yield amazing results and keep you organized. 

Step 3: Set Goals
Use a calendar to aid in making sure your goals are measurable and attainable.

Step 4: Get Going
Keep it if you use it, you love it and it makes you feel good. Everything else can go!

Would you like more details on how to "Spring Clean Your Clutter"? Check out my May 10, 2013 seminar with Ann Arbor Rec & Ed. 

Do you need a speaker for your group? Check out the seminars page on the Simply Organized Life website. 

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. Do you need to conquer the clutter in your space? Carolyn will be presenting "Spring Clean Your Clutter" through Ann Arbor Rec and Ed on Friday, May 10, 2013. Register with Ann Arbor Rec and Ed. 

Organize Your Medicine Cabinet

Be sure to dispose of expired medicine properly.

It is that time of year when illnesses are going around and I know too well how important it is to have the proper medications accessible. In the spirit of planning ahead and keeping your family safe, I encourage you to organized your medicines in three easy steps:

 

1) Gather All of Your Medicines in One Place

It is best to have one place where you can store all of your medications safely. Pharmacists recommend cool, dry, dark places that are out of reach of children and pets. The other advantage is not having to search all around when you are sick.

 

Time Yourself:  This step should take about 15 minutes depending on how scattered your medicines are.

 

2) Sort

Less is more. Keep only those medications that you currently use and have not expired. It is best to dispose of (see below for disposal guidelines) expired medicines as they loose their effectiveness over time. If you have a lot of medications you can sort them by type (i.e. pain reliever) or family member and place in simple labeled cardboard boxes or bins.

 

Time Yourself:  This step should take about 15 minutes depending on how many medications you have.

 

3) Dispose of Medications Properly

Because medications can get into our water supply and in the hands/paws of children/pets, proper disposal is a must. Many communities, including Washtenaw County, have "take back" programs where you can take both prescription and over the counter (OTC) medications to pharmacies for proper disposal. If your community does not have such a program it is currently recommended that medications be wrapped in duct tape and several layers of plastic bags to prevent crushing in garbage trucks.

 

Time Yourself:  This step should take about 15 minutes depending on how far you live from a participating pharmacy.

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. Would you like to learn how to keep your family organized? Carolyn will be presenting "Organize Your Family" through Ann Arbor Rec and Ed on Friday, February 8, 2013. Register with Ann Arbor Rec and Ed. 

Christmas Break Bucket List

Remember to take time this holiday season to enjoy simple things.

This year I started a "Christmas Break 2012 Bucket List" in the notes feature of my phone. This includes things we must do (renew kid #1's passport) and things we want to do (visit area museums). 

Every year my husband and I look forward to the long break between Christmas and New Year. We have grandiose plans of how we will spend the time. And every year on January 2nd we look at each other and wonder where the time went.  

While I doubt we will accomplish everything on my list, my hope is that we can use it to prioritize our precious time with our family. My idea is to balance the "have to's" and the "want to's" by alternating our activities for each day. 

When the children go back to school in January, I can rename my list "Spring Break 2013 Bucket List" or slide the items to the list I have started for Summer 2013. 

Here's to being intentional in the way we spend our time this holiday season and every day.  

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. Would you like to learn 5 simple strategies to keep your New Year's Resolutions? Carolyn will be presenting "Simply Organize the New Year" at this year's Women's Health and Fitness Day, a free healthy lifestyle event on Saturday, January 12, 2013. Register at the Women's Health and Fitness Day website.  

Organizing Mish Mash

Carolyn Presenting at Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor

Today's title is a bit of an oxymoron, but perfectly suits what I have been up to the last few weeks and why I missed posting to the blog in October 2012. 

Here's what has kept me busy in the last month and a half. I have included some tips for you to conquer your own organizing mish mash. 

Meeting with Clients:

Since founding Simply Organized Life in 2005, I always expect the month of September to be really busy with clients whose children are back in school. Realistically speaking, it takes folks a good month to get back into their new routines. Be aware of this trend when starting any new routine. 

As for the work accomplished with clients, we cleared out a long abandoned storage area, revamped a guest room full of clutter, tackled a shared girls' room and conquered lots of paper clutter. I also had the pleasure of visiting a client who hired me over a year ago as a consultant on her office remodel--before any demolition took place. The results were amazing!

Seminars and a New Product:

Preparing for and presenting several seminars also kept me busy this fall. My first on-line webinar titled "Tame the Paper Monster" took me outside of my comfort zone. In addition, I developed a unique routine worksheet for purchase and download on-line. For a replay of the webinar and to purchase the routine worksheet click here. 

On a Personal Note:

My life outside of Simply Organized Life is busy too. In October I chaperoned two field trips, one for each of my children. I have also been clearing some of my own clutter. My kids' art clutter all over the kitchen counter started to drive me crazy, so I cleared out two drawers in my kitchen for  their supplies. Habitat for Humanity's ReStore and Purple Heart came to take away some items  we no longer need. I organized my medicine cabinet, taking the expired items to our local pharmacy and went through my cleaning supplies. My unneeded cleaning supplies need to be taken to  the local home toxins collection center. 

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. Carolyn will be presenting the hands on workshop "Tame the Paper Monster" at Ann Arbor Rec & Ed on December 7, 2012. Register with Ann Arbor Rec & Ed and bring your paper piles. 

Avoid Organizing Mistakes (Part 1 of 3)

Summer is a busy time. 

With all the activities on the calendar and less structure, I find it more difficult to stay organized in the summer months. Does this hold true for you? 

That being said, I believe even a little organization can take us a long way in the busy month of July. 

Today I am sharing the first of three ways you can avoid the most common organizing mistakes. 

Follow these tips and you can take in all those activities guilt free, without worrying about disorganization.

Do a Little at a Time

Many of us think that if we just had one weekend (or if you're a Mom, maybe one hour) we could really get things organized. The problem with this thinking is that for most of us these large chunks of time are few and far between.

While spending a weekend on organizing can lead to amazing results, if you do not have a plan to keep the area organized, it won't be long until you are in the same predicament again. Taking baby steps when it comes to organizing is the long term way to keep clutter at bay. 

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. Carolyn will be presenting the hands on workshop "Tame the Paper Monster" at My Urban Toddler in Saline, Michigan on July 20, 2012 (childcare is available, check with My Urban Toddler for details).

Crazy Ways to Simplify Your Life (Part 2 of 2)

Carolyn at an organizers' luncheon.

In 2012 living a simple life is easier said than done. Many of us are overwhelmed by the vast amount of information and stuff in our lives. We crave organization and simplicity, but often do not know where to start.

Here are some crazy ways to simplify your life. With these tips, I hope you will find maintaining organization a little easier. 

1) Create Empty Space

This is meant both literally and figuratively. Carving out empty space in our homes, offices, schedules and minds can be very freeing. For the month of May, pick one small area in your home or office that you can empty out. Be careful not to overbook your calendar and leave some empty space, just for you.  

2) Limit Distractions

There are so many ways to limit distractions in daily life, but we overlook most of the them or perhaps feel the need to be distracted or "busy". Some of the distractions I try to avoid include: multitasking, text messaging (see last week's post), recreational shopping, television and magazine subscriptions (although I am a huge fan of the free magazine exchange at my public library). 

3) Learn to Say "No"

This one is particularly difficult for those of us who are people pleasers. I have seen it over and over again, where wonderful people (mostly women) take on too much at their own expense. Taking on too much can run you ragged and leave little time to maintain organization at home or work. 


Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. For more organizing tips and a free gift sign up for Carolyn's monthly e-newsletter, "Your Simply Organized Life". Carolyn will be presenting "Secrets of a Simply Organized Life" at My Urban Toddler in Saline, Michigan on May 18, 2012 (childcare is available, check with My Urban Toddler for details). 

Super Simple Spring Cleaning

First sign of spring:  forsythia in bloom.

The last few weeks here in Michigan we have had winter, spring and summer...not necessarily in that order. 

If the thought of spring cleaning overwhelms you, relax, here are some super simple spring cleaning projects:

1) Refrigerator Clear Out

Before you shop for groceries, take about 15 minutes to clear out your refrigerator. Check to make sure you do not have any science projects growing in the back and plan a meal around something that needs to be used up. Remove everything that is left, one shelf at a time, to wipe down the inside of the refrigerator. I like to use a vinegar and water mixture for non-toxic cleaning near the food. 

2) Shredding Be Gone

Do you have piles of papers that need to be shredded? Recycle Ann Arbor is offering secure document shredding the second Saturday morning (9 a.m. to 12 noon) of each month from April to October. There is a $10 minimum charge per car with a 20 box maximum.  

3) Dispose of Medicine Properly

Saturday, April 28, 2012 is National Take Back Drugs Day. Through the Drug Take Back Network, you can properly dispose of medicine on April 28th and on most days in many communities throughout the United States. Take about 15 minutes to sort through your medicine cabinet this month.

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. For more spring cleaning and organizing tips sign up for "Spring Clean Your Clutter" to be held at Ann Arbor Rec & Ed on Friday, April 27, 2012. 

Donations

Source:  detroit.donatestuff.com

Purple Heart is coming to my house today. And this makes me happy. To maintain organization in your home, it is really important to let go of the things that you no longer use, love or treasure. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best:

"You must let go of a thing for a new one to come to you."

In order to make donating old items really simple, here is what I do in my own home:

1) Always keep a box or bag at the ready for donations. 

I like to use medium size cardboard boxes for my donations and keep them in my closet. This makes donating items super simple. Whenever Purple Heart calls me to see if I have anything to donate (and I almost always do) all I have to do is tape up the box and put it on the front porch. 

Having a home for donations also gives me an immediate place to put items at the moment that I decide I no longer need them. These things are now out of site and no longer cluttering up my space.

2) Keep a running tally of donations for tax purposes

On a shelf near my donation box(es) I keep a simple piece of paper where I write the item and its estimated value. I always low ball the value based on how it might be priced at a garage sale. When an item goes in the box, it is added to the list. Then, when I receive the receipt from the charity, I just staple the list to the receipt and put that in my tax file. 

Due to updated tax laws, some CPAs also recommend taking photos of the items. However, do not get so bogged down in the details that you end up keeping a lot of things you no longer need. Always check with your CPA or tax preparer for specific recommendations. 

3) Have a plan

Half of the battle in getting rid of donations is knowing where to take them. I like Purple Heart because all I have to do is put the stuff on my front porch and they pick it up. They also call me periodically when they will be in my area. 

If charities make regular rounds in your neighborhood be sure to get on their calling list. This can be a great motivator to let go of your excess. If not, have a plan of where you will take your donations when they start to pile up. In the Ann Arbor area, we have a plethora of great charities that will take your gently used off casts. 

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. On Friday, March 2, 2012 Carolyn will be presenting "Secrets of a Simply Organized Life" with Ann Arbor Rec & Ed. There is a $25 fee for this public event. Register with Ann Arbor Rec & Ed. 

Cut Kid Clutter

My child's closet on a good day. 

If you have kids, you probably have kid clutter. 

As hard as I try to keep kid clutter at bay, it slowly creeps into my home time and again. At major holidays and birthdays the kid stuff strolls right in on a welcome mat. 

So, what is a busy mom or dad to do? Here are a few quick tips to help cut the kid clutter:

1. Keep a box or bag at the ready for donations. 
2. Periodically go through toys and books to see if there are any items you can add to the donation box.
3. Separate clothing that does not properly fit your child into the donation box or a bin for the next child. 
4. Whenever the chance arises (see below) let go of excess. 

Here is a great chance to donate your abundance while helping others in our community. 

The Lambs Preschool at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea, Michigan is collecting donations for their Mom's Sale to be held on Saturday, March 3, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1515 South Main Street in Chelsea, Michigan (next to McDonald's near I94). There is no admission fee and strollers are welcome. All items for sale come from donations. 

Gently used clothing, toys, books, games and maternity items will be accepted Sunday, February 26, 2012 through Thursday, March 1, 2012 by appointment (call 734-475-7338 and leave a message). You can also drop items off at the church without an appointment on Friday, March 2, 2012 from 12 noon to 2:30 p.m. 

All proceeds from this sale will benefit the preschool. Any unsold items will in turn be donated to Faith in Action or the Salvation Army. 

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. On Friday, March 2, 2012 Carolyn will be presenting "Secrets of a Simply Organized Life" with Ann Arbor Rec & Ed. There is a $25 fee for this public event. Register with Ann Arbor Rec & Ed. 

Organizing Your Tax Papers

It is that time of year again, that many dread....tax time!

This year you have until April 17, 2012 to file your taxes in the United States. With an extra day in February (yes, it is a leap year!) and two extra days in April, let's make 2012 the year that you do not have to file an extension.

For easy organizing of tax related paperwork, I recommend three basic files:

1) Annual Tax File

This can be as simple as a box or hanging file folder labeled "2011 Taxes". Employers and financial institutions are required to send financial statements (such as W2s and 1099s) by January 31st. While you are at it, make a file for 2012 as well, so you can place items inside (such as donation or property tax receipts) as they occur throughout the year.

2) Flexible Spending Account File

If you do not participate in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or similar program with your employer, skip ahead to item number 3. If you do participate in an FSA, be sure to organize and submit all of your claims before the grace period (typically 2.5 months) ends for your plan. This will prevent you from losing your pretax funds contributed to the account. 

3) Medical Expense File

This can be the most complex of the three tax files listed here, particularly if you have enough medical expenses to deduct from your taxes. There are many ways to organize a medical expense file. A three ring binder for each family member, organized by service date (i.e. the date you went to the doctor) is generally the easiest way. You can tally out of pocket expenses on paper in each binder or create an expense category using a computerized tool such as Microsoft Excel or Quicken.

If you have specific questions regarding taxes, always consult with a tax expert, such as a CPA. 

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. On Friday, March 2, 2012 Carolyn will be presenting "Secrets of a Simply Organized Life" with Ann Arbor Rec & Ed. There is a $25 fee for this public event. Register with Ann Arbor Rec & Ed. 

Your 2nd Chance: Chinese New Year

10 Chinese New Year Resolutions (photo credit:  rootsbd.com)

I love fresh starts. There is something wonderful about the possibility of starting new. 

In the January edition of "Your Simply Organized Life" (subscribe for free here) I wrote a little about new year's resolutions, including a couple of my own. However, I am finding my excitement over the new year start to wane. 

Life happens and it is natural for our enthusiasm to fade. For myself, the last two weeks have been extremely busy with preparing and presenting two seminars and unfortunately, tending to a sick child. The latter never occurs at a convenient time. 

Since today is Chinese New Year, I see the notation on the calendar as a second chance to clear the clutter and start afresh on my goals for the new year. I am not demanding perfection of myself, just progress in the right direction. 

The best thing about fresh starts is that we can do this any time. Maybe the year of the dragon is your time!

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. On Friday, February 3, 2012 Carolyn will be presenting "Downsizing Your Life" with Ann Arbor Rec & Ed. There is a $25 fee for this public event. Register with Ann Arbor Rec & Ed. 

October Seminars

October will be a busy month for me with three seminars, including my first "international" seminar in Windsor, Ontario, Canada! Carolyn will be traveling to Canada on Saturday, October 15th to present "The Best Organizing Tips for Busy Families" at the 33rd Annual Multiple Births Canada National Conference. Parents of multiples certainly need all the help they can get. On Monday, October 17, 2011 Carolyn will be presenting "Organizing Tips for Small Business Owners" at the Women Making Connections Fall Empowering Conference in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Come out, network with wonderful women business owners and learn practical tips for making the most of your time. Register now to join Carolyn on Friday, October 28, 2011 for "Five Habits of an Organized Office" with Ann Arbor Rec & Ed. If you have an office at work, at home or on the road this seminar is for you. Learn five simple habits to keep your office organized for optimal efficiency. Do you need an organized speaker for your event? Carolyn has availability from November 2011. Give me a call at 734-646-4177 to learn more.