Organizing Cosmetics

The Clinique counter at Macy's in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

It is Clinique bonus time at Macy's (until April 14, 2013 or until supplies last). I do not wear much make-up, so I can pretty much get by on purchasing my favorite powder and the samples from the bonus bag. 

Most of us are pretty good at stocking up on our favorite cosmetic bonuses, but not so good at letting go and organizing our make-up. Cosmetics do have a shelf life and it is important to throw out old or expired items. 

The same day I make my bonus purchase, I take everything out of its package and write the purchase date on the individual items in permanent marker. This gives me a good indication of when I need to throw out old items and how long cosmetics last in my drawer so I do not overbuy. After dating the new purchases, I throw away the old duplicates. This is also known as the "one in, one out rule" in maintaining organization. 

I keep my cosmetics laid out in a bathroom drawer in the order that I apply each item. This saves precious morning time. I also keep a makeup bag (a "free" bonus of course!) in the drawer, so that when I travel everything is easily placed in the bag. In addition to the cosmetics' bag, I have a couple of cups holding brushes, a nail file, nail polish; as well as a small organizer for lip stick, mascara and small brushes. 

This is a really easy way to organize cosmetics, which saves time and money!

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. To receive a free copy of Carolyn's "Secrets of a Simply Organized Life" and a monthly subscription to the e-newsletter "Your Simply Organized Life" sign up here. 

Organizing Your Tax Papers

Tax time (and maybe spring) is right around the corner.

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

This year you have until April 15, 2013 to file your taxes in the United States. Let's make 2013 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 "2012 Taxes". Employers and financial institutions are required to send financial statements (such as W2s and 1099s) by January 31st, while brokerage houses have a later deadline. While you are at it, make a file for 2013 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. Do you need to conquer the clutter in your closet? Carolyn will be presenting "Conquer Your Closet" through Ann Arbor Rec and Ed on Friday, March 15, 2013. Register with Ann Arbor Rec and Ed. 

Crazy Ways to Simplify Your Life (Part 1 of 2)

Carolyn presenting
"Secrets of a Simply Organized LIfe"

How can it be that May is already here?

April was a busy month in my household. We celebrated Easter, a birthday and had three sets of house guests; including a surprise visitor from Germany, who arrived in the night. The whole family was sleeping and I thought someone was trying to break into our home!

During a recent conversation with our latest house guest, this time an Italian, I mentioned that I choose not to utilize text messaging and have requested the feature be disabled by my cell phone provider. I think our visitor was astonished by my stone age views and perhaps many of you reading find it crazy too. 

Now, I am not asking you to stop text messaging, particularly if it serves a purpose in your life. For me, I find texting a distraction and unneeded extra expense; both of my time and my money. It is an easy way for me to simplify my life.

Next week I will include other crazy ways to simplify your life. Give one or two of the ideas a try. You might just find yourself more organized and more happy too!

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). 

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. 

Keeping Clutter Free

Bryan from
Ann Arbor Rug and Carpet

It is one thing to get organized and another thing to stay organized. Sometimes it takes something extra to keep clutter at bay. 


A little external pressure can be motivating in the journey to be organized. This might be inviting visitors over on a fairly regular basis (as long as you do not stash everything into paper bags and hide it in an unused room!).


For me, a nearly annual ritual of having the carpets and tiles in my home professionally cleaned helps keep me clutter free. Last week, Bryan and his crew from Ann Arbor Rug and Carpet Cleaning came in to clean the usual high traffic areas and a few of the low traffic areas depending on need. 


Even though I am a professional organizer, clutter still creeps in and the floors get dirty. By playing upon my neurotic quest for a clean home, I also got rid of that huge stack on reading material on my nightstand, not to mention the massive collection of Lego blocks that had taken up residence in the living room. By having to move nearly everything up off the floor, I could no longer ignore clutter build up. 


In your journey to be organized, find something that gives you pleasure (for me it is super clean floors) and link it up with your desire to clear clutter. Perhaps you could organize a dinner party potluck or maybe do some good old fashioned spring cleaning? Just remember not to burn out and take it one small space at a time. 


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. 

Pillows & Bedding

A seminar attendee recently e-mailed me to ask what to do with old pillows. Unfortunately, charities cannot take old pillows due to health concerns and Recycle Ann Arbor is not able to recycle pillows either. It is sad to say, but old pillows are destined for the trash.

In trying to help the seminar participant find a home (besides the garbage) for her old pillows, I contacted the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) thinking that they might be able to use pillows for the animals.

Kelly Schwartz, HSHV's Director of Volunteer Programs & Operational Support, explained that pillows, sleeping bags or comforters cannot be used by the Humane Society because "they are difficult to wash and disease amongst the animals is a concern for us." She went on to say that HSHV has a need for lots of other gently used and new items. Currently they urgently need towels and small blankets.

Like many local charities HSHV has a "wish list" posted on-line with up to date needs.

Facebook and Twitter

I held out for a long time, fearing that Facebook and Twitter would be a huge drain on my time. However, I also felt I might be missing out on something. Look for Simply Organized Life on Facebook and SimpOrgLife on Twitter to keep up with the latest news. During slow times, I will post limited time discounts for Facebook Fans and Twitter Followers.

If anyone knows how to link this blog to my Facebook and Twitter accounts, please leave a comment (note: all anonymous comments will be rejected).

Selling on Craig's List

For those of you that read my last posting on "Letting Go of Children's Clothes" I am happy to report that I sold my remaining kids' clothes on Craig's List within the day I posted. The most difficult part was finding a place and time to meet the buyer, but the whole thing went smoothly. I have sold other items on my local Craig's List and have a few tips if you are looking to let go of your things this way and earn a little cash.

• Always include a photo. When looking to buy on Craig's List, I won't even click on the item unless there is a photo.

• Set up your photos on a clean uncluttered surface (see photo at right). If the background looks cluttered or dirty, I won't consider an item.

• Arrange to meet the buyer in a public place. Let's face it, there are weirdos out there and this goes for buyers and sellers.

• Ask for cash and list at a reasonable price (similar to a garage sale). Expect buyers to want to negotiate. I think of Craig's List as an easy way to get rid of stuff that has some value, but if I have something really valuable or collectible, I will turn to eBay.

Happy decluttering!

Organizing Medical Paperwork

Today one of my children went to the dentist for the first time. Thanks to Dr. Rice, Mickey, Kathy and Pam for making it such a wonderful experience for both of us!



Along with a visit to the dentist or doctor comes paperwork and sometimes lots of it! Here's what I do to organize the medical paperwork for my family:



1) Each family member has a three ring binder with their name on the spine. Mine is titled "Carolyn Health Care" and is stored alongside my husband's and children's binders.


2) We are basically healthy so one binder is sufficient for our medical, dental and vision records. I like to use Avery's write-on dividers that can be erased and reused, but you can use whatever you have on hand. Here are a couple of photos of my child's binder.


If you visit multiple doctor's or have a lot of medical paperwork, you might need several divider tabs or a binder for each doctor.


3) I organize the papers in reverse chronological order according to the date of the office visit with the dates highlighted in yellow. Sometimes the insurance companies will send explanation of benefit (EOB) paperwork with several visits on one sheet. In that case, I just take a copy or make a note of the coverage on the medical provider's paperwork.

WSJ Article on Hoarding

Today's Wall Street Journal had an informative article on compulsive hoarding disorder. The article included a quote from my colleague, Deb Stanley, who specializes in helping chronically disorganized clients. There is also an interesting recording with an interview with Dr. Randy Frost, a psychologist from Smith College who studies hoarding.

Donate Clutter in Dexter

Here's a great opportunity to get rid of your clutter (err, unloved treasures) in Dexter. Every day this week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dexter is collecting items for their upcoming flea market. Items can be dropped off at the Parish Center in the village.

If you cannot drop your items off this week here are additional dates and times:
Saturday, June 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
June 29~July 3, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
July 6~8, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Letting Go

I see the biggest personal transformations in the clients that I am able to work with over long periods of time (6 months plus, about once a month). It is incredibly rewarding both for the client and myself.

This morning during our organizing session one of my long term clients proudly (and rightfully so!) told me about her practice of what I like to call the "one in, one out" rule. She had purchased new drinking glasses and while the new ones were in the dishwasher, she promptly (utilizing the "do it now rule") sorted out the old glasses for donating or recycling. This is something really simple, but something she probably would not have done in the past. Hurray!

If you are ready to let go of some of your old stuff, here's a great general guide to clearing out clutter.

Cost of Disorganization

It has been over a month since my last post, as things have been busy with Simply Organized Life. Most notably, in early November I attended the annual conference for Professional Organizers in Canada (POC) which was held this year in Vancouver. I look forward to sharing the new things I learned at the conference with all of you.

In the meantime, I came across an interesting internet resource that will help you calculate your cost of disorganization. Smead (the company that makes file folders) has a section on their website called "Organomics" which includes a calculator for the cost of disorganization.

The calculator is geared toward corporations, but if you want to calculate your individual cost of disorganization just type in 1 person, your hourly rate and the amount of time you think you waste daily due to disorganization.

Hint: Newsweek Magazine reported in 2004 that most Americans waste 55 minutes a day looking for things they know they own but cannot finds. So 1 hour is a good starting point for most people.