Posts Tagged ‘organize’

Let’s Get School to Home Paperwork Organized!

Posted on: September 9th, 2015 by Cathy Mendler No Comments

Cathy Mendler  It’s September!

  Children are back at school, and the first official day of fall is
..almost here. I love the fall with all of the beautiful colours as
..the trees change, although I’m not so fussy about them losing
..their leaves.

I hope you had some time to relax and rejuvenate during the summer. For many people, fall means getting back into a busy routine with meetings, piano lessons and sports activities.

Back to school brings with it much more than structured routines and homework—a seemingly endless stream of paper!

Here are some suggestions to help you handle all of that paper.

ORGANIZING SCHOOL AND HOME PAPERWORK

Designated Paperwork Area

Designate one area where you will deal with paperwork.  Use a tray or basket as an inbox.  Get everyone in the family into the habit of using it.  If it doesn’t go in the inbox, it won’t get looked at.  Remember–it can take up to 21 times repeating an action before it becomes a habit.  Gentle reminders will help the process when you first start.  Perhaps you can offer a small reward as an incentive.

Routine
Having a routine for keeping paperwork under control is critical.  When your children get home from school, have them unload their knapsacks—dirty lunch containers go in the sink or dishwasher, books go to their homework or study area, paperwork goes to the inbox, etc.

Calendar and Activities Schedule
The family calendar should be kept in your designated paperwork area.  All activities should be put onto one calendar.  Keeping more than one calendar up to date is difficult; it usually results in missed appointments.  Label each family member’s activities in a different colour; let your children pick their favourite colour.

Once you add all of your children’s extra-curricular activities to the calendar, you may realize that they are overscheduled.  Remember that it’s OK to limit the number of activities for each child.  Your children need some time to just be kids!

Reference Binder
A three-ring binder can be used to store frequently used information–names and phone numbers for your dentist, school, babysitter, veterinarian or lawn care company.  Lists for children’s sports activities and take-out menus can also be included.

Tickler File
Set up a tickler file.  A tickler file system consists of folders with tabs for each month and day of the month.  This system should hold all of your current household paper—bills to pay, receipts, coupons, wedding invitations, etc.  A file cabinet should contain your non-current household paper.

If you would like further information on setting up a tickler file, please contact us.

Schedule Time for Paperwork
Set aside a few minutes every day to deal with paperwork.  What’s important is that it happens on a regular basis as required.  Review paperwork in the late afternoon or evening.  It is less stressful than trying to deal with it as everyone is trying to get ready and out the door in the morning!

Don’t forget to place signed permission slips, tests or notes into the children’s knapsacks as soon as possible after completion in order to avoid misplacing them.

Artwork and Projects
Is your fridge or bulletin board covered in artwork?  Each child should have their own box for artwork and projects.  Let your child have fun and decorate the box.  Place a folder inside for current masterpieces.  At the end of the month (or whatever time period you decide), ask your child to select his or her favourite piece or two.  You’ll run out of space in no time if you keep all of them.  If necessary, take photos of bigger projects and artwork that they decide not to keep.  Remember to label each box with the year and grade.

Keep it Simple
Don’t make your system for dealing with paperwork more complicated than it needs to be.  Controlling your family’s paper will be much easier if you keep it simple.

Get started and turn over another leaf!



Organizing Your Kitchen

Posted on: July 3rd, 2013 by Cathy Mendler No Comments

It’s officially Summer!

Summer is now in full swing with Canada Day already behind us.  Happy Fourth of July (later this week) to our neighbours south of the border!

Have you made any plans for the summer?  No matter what you do, take time to relax and enjoy the great weather.  Summer never seems to last long enough.

Let’s get started and turn over another leaf! 

ORGANIZING YOUR KITCHEN

“My grandmother was the greatest cook in the world. She could just go in there, the whole kitchen would look like a tornado hit it and then she’d come out with the best food.” Edie Brickell

For many people, a lot of time is spent in their kitchen. Did your kitchen function well when you made Easter or Thanksgiving dinner? If not, take some time to organize your kitchen so you’re not frustrated the next time you entertain.

Planning

You may not be able to complete your reorganization all at once. Divide the kitchen into sections, and work on one section at a time.

Supplies

Once you’ve finished purging, you can determine what you need.

Getting Started

It’s important to think of your kitchen as prime real estate space.

Frequently used items should be stored in the work triangle in your kitchen–between the stove, refrigerator and sink. Store items for food preparation, cooking/baking, serving, storage and cleaning there—close to where they will be used. Make your kitchen as efficient as possible.

Start by grouping similar items together by category.

China/Glassware/Silverware

Setting the table and washing dishes are things to consider when determining the best location for these items. A cabinet close to the dishwasher or sink makes putting away the dishes easier. Or you may want these items in a cabinet close to the table. Do you have a cabinet located halfway between your table and your dishwasher?

Pots and Pans

Pots and pans can be reached more easily when they are stored in a drawer. Display pots and pans by hanging them on racks if you have limited cabinet space.

Serving Items

Serving trays (and cookie sheets) are best stored in divided racks, so that they slide out easily. For items that are only used several times a year, you may wish to store them in your dining area or basement.

Food Preparation

Try to keep your countertop clear for food preparation. Limit the countertop to items used on a daily basis. This will also make it easier to keep clean.

Storage

Clear storage containers should be used as much as possible, so you can see what is inside. You need to know when you are running low on a particular item, so that it can be added to your grocery list. Square or rectangular containers stack more easily, fit better on a shelf and take up less space. Be sure to label all containers.

Items like gravy and sauce packets can be easily retrieved if stored in baskets. Baskets also work well for children’s lunch or snack items.

If your kitchen utensils are crammed in a drawer, determine which ones you actually use. Empty the drawer, put everything in a box and then take utensils out as you need them. Get rid of the ones that are left at the end of a month or two. Frequently used utensils can be stored in a handy container on the countertop.

Pantry

Discard items which are past their expiry dates.

Consider storing items like rice, pasta, cereal and crackers in plastic containers to keep them fresh. Adjust shelves or add extras to maximize your storage. Heavy items should be stored on lower shelves for safety.

Spices

There are many storage options for spices today—a traditional spice rack, magnetic spice containers or a tiered drawer insert. In order to keep spices at their best, do not store them too close to heat sources.

Refrigerator and Freezer

Clean out your refrigerator on a weekly basis. Get into this habit the night before your garbage is collected.

Post a grocery list on the refrigerator, so that it’s easy to add items to your list.

If you haven’t cleaned out your freezer in a long time, don’t despair. This is a chore that’s easiest to do when the weather is cold. Discard items that have dried out or items that won’t be eaten.

Junk Drawer

Try to avoid a junk drawer. Items typically found there are usually best stored elsewhere.

Renovations

If you’re planning to renovate your kitchen, make some notes about what you’d like to change—as you think of them—such as a drawer for storing pots and pans or a roll-out pantry.

Rewards

Reward yourself with a cup of flavoured coffee, tea or hot chocolate.  Organizing your kitchen is one of those tasks that will pay dividends every day. Your eating habits may even improve!



Organizing a Decorating/Renovating Project

Posted on: June 7th, 2013 by Cathy Mendler No Comments

 

Cathy MendlerSpring has finally sprung!

Spring is the time of year when we like to clear out the cobwebs, splash on a fresh coat of paint, and spruce up tired areas of our homes.

So let’s get started and turn over another leaf!  

ORGANIZING A DECORATING/RENOVATING PROJECT

“Among these several kinds of beauty the eye takes most delight in colours.”

Joseph Addison (English Poet, 1672-1719)

Planning

If you’re planning to redecorate or renovate, start your plan on paper. Determine your budget.

Renovating can be stressful. However long you think the project will take, add some extra time to your estimate. Unexpected delays are often a reality of renovation projects.

Supplies

Create a list of everything you will need in order to avoid numerous trips to the store.

Professional Help

Hiring a decorating professional for a 1-2 hour consultation may seem expensive, but one large mistake may prove more costly.

Choose a contractor if you’re not doing the work yourself. Get family and friends to recommend someone. Check out the contractor’s references, and contact the Better Business Bureau.

Outside Projects

If you are planning to build a new deck or outside structure, don’t forget to contact your local utilities in advance.  “Call before you dig” is always sound advice.  You don’t want to cut hydro/power, telephone or TV/internet cables, and/or water or gas lines.  Always think safety first!

Inspiration

Which styles do you like–traditional, contemporary, country, cottage or eclectic? What colours do you like?

A piece of fabric or artwork can be the inspiration for a whole room/area. If you plan to redecorate more than one room/area, think about the colour flow.

Watch a decorating show. Take a walk through a furniture store or fabric store. Peruse some decorating magazines. Canadian House & Home and Style at Home are good ones; they provide the Canadian sources for many of the featured items.

Storage

How can you decide what to build for storage if you don’t know what items will be stored in that location? Purge as you pack your belongings, so that you can determine your storage needs. Reassembling your room will be easier also.

Furniture and Placement

Will you be rearranging your current furniture, switching pieces from another room in your home or adding new pieces?

Decorators often recommend neutral colours for investment pieces. It is much easier to replace your accessories than to replace your sofa.

Remember that large pieces of furniture look smaller in the showroom than they will in your home. It is extremely important to take the measurements home beforehand and check to see if the new pieces will fit. You can tape an outline of the furniture on the floor, so that you don’t have to move heavy furniture.

Choose furniture that performs double duty—an ottoman with a tray and storage inside, a sofa with a bed, etc.

Colour

Changing the colour of a room is the easiest change you can make, and it will give you the biggest bang for your buck.

Keep in mind that it is easier to mix a paint colour to co-ordinate with your fabric and/or furniture than the other way around. Take fabric samples to the paint store. We can recognize over 7,000,000 colours, but we can’t remember an exact colour for more than 30 seconds.

Choose an environmentally friendly paint if your budget allows. Large paint chips and test pots are available at some paint stores. If you don’t want to test the paint on the wall, paint a small piece of bristol board. You will be able to move the board around to different locations to see what the colour looks like at different times of the day and night. Light is an important issue when choosing a paint colour.

Did you know that if you paint a cool colour in a north-facing room, it feels even cooler? Did you know that if you paint a warm colour in a south-facing room, it feels even warmer?

If you choose a neutral colour, a variety of textures in the room will make it work well.

Accessories

Here is where you can use this year’s trendy colours. Take paint chips and fabric samples when you look for accessories. Remember that items don’t need to match exactly—as long as the colours blend.

Meals

Plan ahead for easy meals. When cooking, double a recipe and freeze one batch. This is especially important if you are renovating your kitchen. What will you be able to access? Can you cook outside? Consider using paper plates if you won’t have a kitchen sink to wash dishes or use your dishwasher.

If you’ll be ordering take-out, don’t forget to include those costs in your budget.

 

If you take the time to plan well, your decorating/renovating project should go more smoothly, and your money will likely be spent more wisely.

 



Planning For the Holidays–Part 1

Posted on: October 9th, 2012 by Cathy Mendler No Comments

Yes, I know it’s hard to believe, but the holidays are just around the corner.  Make this the year that everything runs smoothly.  If you start planning now, there’s no reason why that can’t happen.

So let’s get started and turn over another leaf!

PLANNING FOR THE HOLIDAYS – PART 1

“The more prepared I am, the more I’ll be in control, less nervous, less stressed and more focused.”  Marilu Henner

Never has this statement been truer than when it comes to the holidays.

If Thanksgiving was too hectic, think about what you can do differently.  I’m not going to scare you and tell you how many days are left until Christmas.

Start Early
Spreading out your tasks over an eight-week period instead of trying to cram everything into the last few weeks is the best approach.

Family Traditions
Now is the time to think about your family traditions.  Which are your most favourite?  Which are your least favourite?  You don’t have to do something just because you feel it is expected.  It might not be as important to others as you think.  Talk to your family about eliminating the least favourite.

If dinner is at your home this year, and the idea of cooking dinner for 25 people overwhelms you, don’t try to do it all yourself.  Make it a potluck dinner.  Ask relatives or friends to bring their favourite dish.  Remember to keep a list, so that you don’t end up with too much of an item.

Calendar and Activities Schedule
Update your family calendar with school events, parties, concerts, parades and tournaments.  Try not to overschedule yourself.  Remember that it’s OK to say NO!  It may be tough if you’re not used to it.  If you do say no, don’t feel guilty about it.

Create a Master List
Your master list should contain all of the tasks that you want to complete.  Write the tasks on your calendar and plan to do one task each day.

Gifts
Start a notebook, and make a list of everyone for whom you need to find a gift.  Ask for suggestions.  Listen carefully to people; they often provide ideas without even realizing it.  Don’t forget to jot down ideas as you think of them.

Your time is valuable; perhaps you can order online or use the Yellow Pages.  Call ahead to see if the store has an item in stock.  Most stores will set items aside.

Label an envelope for gift receipts.  If an item needs to be returned or exchanged, you’ll only have one place to look.

Stock up on any items you need–especially if they’re on sale.  Pick up hostess gift items—boxes of holiday chocolates, holiday napkins tied up with colourful ribbon, a bottle of their favourite beverage, etc.

Give gifts that are kind to the environment.  Check out the many church bazaars and shows which showcase talented local artisans.  A gift certificate to a nursery for plants, flowers or trees makes a great gift for someone who loves gardening.

Make your own gift certificates—several hours of babysitting for a friend, a home-cooked dinner, shovelling snow for a neighbour, etc.  Let your children have some fun creating the gift certificates.

For those people who have everything, make a donation to their favourite charity.  Make a donation to a Christmas Goodwill program in their name.  Or give them a card stating that you have bought an Angel Tree gift, so that a child has a gift to open on Christmas morning.

Baking
Would four kinds of cookies suffice for the six or eight kinds you made last year?  Organize a cookie exchange.  Make sure to order ahead from your favourite bakery, if you decide not to bake.   If you have a friend who loves to bake, ask her if she’ll bake for you in exchange for wrapping gifts or another task.

Cooking
Try out new recipes ahead of time.  Don’t attempt them on Christmas Eve when you have numerous other things to worry about.

When cooking meals now, double the recipe and put the second batch in the freezer.  You’ll appreciate not having to cook when you have a particularly hectic night.

Volunteer
Make time to volunteer—even if it’s for a couple of hours.  Involve your children.  Whether it’s buying gifts, serving a meal at a soup kitchen, helping at the Food Bank, wrapping gifts, delivering Christmas hampers or visiting with someone who lives alone, there are unlimited ways to get involved in your community.

Realistic Expectations
We all want everything to be perfect, but it’s not good if we’re so stressed that we can’t enjoy it.  Be realistic.  Set reasonable limits on gift-making, wrapping and baking projects.  Don’t add to your stress level by being a perfectionist.

The important thing about the holidays is that you set aside some time to be with your relatives, friends and neighbours or doing whatever means the most to you!

I invite you to share our newsletter with your friends and family. As well, I welcome your feedback and suggestions.

Stay tuned for Part 2 next month!

a new leaf-cathy.png



Organizing Your Yard Sale!

Posted on: June 21st, 2012 by Cathy Mendler No Comments

Welcome to our second edition The Monthly Organizer! I apologize that it’s been so long since the first edition. Recovering from an operation took more time than expected, but I’m back.

I invite you to share our newsletter with your friends and family. As well, I welcome your feedback and suggestions.

How is your ideal life coming along? If it’s not progressing as quickly as you would like, that’s OK. Even small steps keep you moving forward.

Let’s get started and turn over another leaf!

Organizing Your Yard Sale

“Riches do not consist in the possession of treasures, but in the use made of them.” Napoleon Bonaparte

It’s that time of year. Congratulations if you have decluttered and decided to have a yard sale. The next step is to plan it and get organized. If you’ve never had a yard sale before, check out a few beforehand. It may help you determine appropriate prices for your items. Maybe you’ll decide that a yard sale is not worth your time and effort.

Planning

Determine the date and time. Choose an alternate date in case of poor weather.

Decide whether you will advertise in the paper or put up signs in your neighbourhood. Post a store-bought sign, or let your children put their creative talents to work.

Ask friends, neighbours and family to join your sale. Larger sales tend to attract more people.

Make sure you have sufficient help on the day of your sale.

Preparation

Sort items into categories—toys, books, household items, furniture, clothing, etc. Display similar or complementary items together.

Ensure that all items are clean and in good, working condition.

Determine whether items will be priced individually or have a price sign for each different section–$1, $2, $5, $10, $25.

If other people are joining your sale, each person should mark his/her items differently, or you can keep track of each person’s sales in a notebook.

If you decide to donate a portion of your sale profits to charity, put up a sign to tell your customers.

Supplies

  • Cash box and change–coin and small bills
  • Newspaper or tissue paper to wrap breakable items
  • Bags or boxes
  • Extension cords, batteries or bulbs
  • Tables
  • Plastic cloths—in case of rain

Note:  Remember to get a good night’s sleep the night before your sale!

Sale Day

Allow yourself sufficient time to get everything set up before your scheduled start time. Set up as much as possible the day or night before your sale.

Delegate one person to be in charge of the cash box. Never leave it unguarded.

Be prepared to negotiate the price. Remember that you want to sell as much as possible!

Have fun! Let your kids sell coffee or cold drinks.

After the Yard Sale

Drop off any unsold items which you are donating as soon as possible once your yard sale is finished. You don’t want your left-over items collecting dust!

Be as kind to the environment as possible. Good, usable items should not be thrown in the garbage.

Talk to your friends, neighbours and family to see if there are items which they can use. Remember–you don’t want to add to someone else’s clutter!

The list of charitable organizations accepting donations or businesses accepting items for sale is almost unlimited. You should call ahead of time to ensure that your items will be accepted.

Online

Sell items online at www.eBay.com, www.craigslist.com, www.freecycle.com or Kijiji. There are businesses who will sell items online for you if you don’t want to do it yourself. The cost is a percentage of the sale price.

Recycling

Reduce what you send to the landfill by recycling as much as possible. Old cell phones can be donated to e-waste programs. Ink cartridges can be refilled or donated for school programs.

Junk Removal Companies

Contact a junk removal company ahead of time if you have a large quantity for disposal.

And last but not least–don’t forget to reward yourself for all your hard work!!