Clutter Conversions

Clear the Computer Clutter Now!

Now is the time to clear the computer clutter.  Take a look at your desktop.  Delete old files you have sitting there taking up space or move them to a file within your computer system.  Email.... you should not have any emails sitting in your inbox unless you have not read them yet or you use it as a storage place for emails that need action. Technically you should create a folder for emails that need an action but some people only have a few action oriented emails, so it is alright if you have less than 10.  At the end of the day you should have no more than 10 emails sitting in your inbox.

Clear out the "sent" box! That is a box we often forget about but its contents take up a lot of storage space on our computers.  If you sent an email to another person or client and it was important, copy the email and move it to a file within your filing system in your computer.

Do not forget to clear out the recycle bin occasionally also.

I use yahoo mail and can clear out my boxes by clicking on the "select all" tab and then "delete" and it only deletes those on that page, not my entire box.  Start from the oldest page and work towards the most recent.

While you are at it, take a look at all the items you have stored under "documents".  Are any of them duplicated or no longer needed?

Become friends with the "delete" button and don't forget to "backup" your files regularly!

Classes are coming to Harrisonburg and Rockingham County VA!

Clutter Conversions, LLC Classes and Seminars are coming to Harrisonburg and Rockingham County VA. I have been repeatedly asked, "Kathryn, when are you going to present classes and seminars in Rockingham County and Harrisonburg VA?"
Well, they are now available!
Click on "Upcoming Classes and Seminars" to find a class that suits you and see how to register.
I look forward to seeing you there!

Why do people dread the Holidays?

I find that many people dread the holiday season for many reasons but the most common one is due to having too much stuff to get done and the cost.

I am writing this now because now is the time that you should start preparing for Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

Here are four quick tips but many, many more will be offered in my "Get Organized for the Holidays" class.

1) Create a Christmas shopping list in January. The list should contain the name of people you know you will want to buy things for at Christmas and an idea of what you may want to give them.  Start purchasing items in January and shop throughout the year.

2) Learn to say "NO".  You can not possible attend everything everyone invites you to and you can not do everything all by yourself.

3) Make time for your self!

4) Prepare this year for next year.

 

To register for this class log onto www.clutterconversions.com under classes and seminars.

Want to get organized but short on time?

     As a professional organizer I often hear people say, “I sure would like to get more organized but I just do not have the time.”  Contrary to what most people believe, getting organized does not have to take up a lot of your time!  There are many things that you can do when you only have a couple of minutes.

     Here are three things you can do that only takes five minutes and makes a huge difference in the appearance of your home, making it look organized and uncluttered.

1)      Make the Bed!  It is usually the largest item in the bedroom and if it is made, the room looks 75% organized and uncluttered.  You do not have to make sure the bed is perfect just pull the comforter back over the bed and put the pillows at the head of the bed.

2)      Clear off the Bathroom Countertops!  Put the toothbrushes in their holders and toothpaste away in the cabinet or drawer.  Slide make-up into the drawer, put combs and hair brushes in a drawer and pick up towels.

3)      Pick up Laundry!  Hang up clothes; put clothes in a hamper or drawer.  Do not leave them hanging on a chair, bedpost or thrown on the floor.  Place shoes inside the closet or under the bed.

 

These three things take less than five minutes to do daily and will make your house look more organized and uncluttered.  Just remember that anytime you have unexpected guests, they will most likely want to use your bathroom.  Now you will not have to worry what it looks like!

Project Go 2010 Was a Huge Success!

Valley Mission “Gets Organized”

 

On January 22^nd and 23^rd, Kathryn McMillan and Teresa Barr of Clutter Conversions, LLC in Staunton led a group of professionals in a volunteer project to re-organize and de-clutter four areas within the shelter.

 

"Having increased our capacity to 85-beds, and now regularly housing over 65 people, more than ever before, it is imperative that we make the best use of all available space to provide for the needs of the people we serve," said Wendy Shiflett, the Valley Mission's Public Relations Coordinator.

 

The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) has designated the month of January as Get Organized Month.  "“Getting organized is one of the top New Year'’ resolutions people make, and with 4,300 NAPO members ready and available to assist, it is easier than most people think," ”said NAPO President Laura Leist.  “NAPO members have helped people put order to their lives during this month-long event by offering solutions for getting organized and hosting events nationwide.”

 

Kathryn McMillan and Teresa Barr teamed up with Jim Maust, owner of Venture Builders, Deb Mitchell, owner of the Design Group of Harrisonburg, and Home Depot’s Home Team Pros.  This team of professionals oversaw

the “GO Project” which utilized the skills of other professionals, volunteers, and shelter residents.

 

The enthusiasm of all involved made for two days filled with excitement and fellowship in a project that truly benefits Valley Mission.  We, at Clutter Conversions and the Valley Mission are so appreciative of the support we received from the community, and now that Valley Mission is better organized they can more accurately target our donation requests to further improve on the services we provide.  

Thank You To All Who Helped

 

We wanted to recognize all those businesses and volunteers that helped to make the “GO Project” such a success.

 

Venture Builders

The Design Group of Virginia

Home Depot – Home Depot Pros and products

Mill Cabinet Shop – for custom built cabinets

Community Bank

American Real Estate – Kendall & Betty Bennett

Staunton Wal-Mart

First Bank & Trust

Christ United Methodist Church Seekers

Amanda Whitehead

Bentley Commons in Staunton

Jerry Coffman

Global Puppet Ministries

Wanda Washington – Montague Miller Real Estate

Simple Elegance Catering – Brenda Vann

Brian Minninger

Augusta Free Press

Domino’s Pizza provided pizza for Saturday volunteers

 

Friday Volunteers                       

Kathryn McMillan, Teresa Barr, New Hope Church members,

Jim Maust, Deb Mitchell, T-Ann Johnson – (ActionCoach), Donna Stone, Tony McMillan and Valley Mission Residents     

 

Saturday Volunteers

Kathryn McMillan, Teresa Barr, Johnnie Barr (ActionCoach), Jim Maust (Venture Builders), Home Depot Pros (Jennifer Love, Kat Carr, Kali Carr, David Eustler), Cambridge Austin, Donna Stone, Tony McMillan, Dawn Hinde (Dawn’s Cleaning Service), Lee Ann Breeden, Paula Tyree and Oliver Patrick (Interim Health Care)                   

 

January is “GO” Month

“Getting organized is one of the top New Year’s resolutions people make, and with 4,300 NAPO members ready and available to assist, it is easier than most people think,” said NAPO President Laura Leist. “NAPO members have helped people put order to their lives during this month-long event by offering solutions for getting organized and hosting events nationwide.  This year it’s time to take action and Get Organized!”

During Get Organized Month, NAPO’s chapters and members will hold public events offering de-cluttering tips and filing methods throughout the country. Some events include reuse-and-recycle programs, organizing services, shred-a-thons, seminars, school outreaches and contests. Programming will take place in local libraries, bookstores and community centers nationwide.

According to a recent survey conducted on behalf of NAPO, respondents agree—getting organized is definitely a necessity. Of those polled, 71 percent said their quality of life would improve if they were better organized.

• 65 percent described their home as at least moderately disorganized.
• 27 percent said disorder keeps them from being effective at work.

I have teamed up with Jim Maust, owner of Venture Builders and Deb Mitchell, owner of  The Design Group of Harrisonburg to de-clutter and organize three areas for The Valley Mission located in Staunton, VA. The event will take place on Friday and Saturday, January 22^nd and 23^rd.

We are in need of monetary and product donations.  You can donate any amount of money you feel is comfortable or any of the following items:

***12 sheets of 3/4"plywood or OSB Board

***2 sheets of 1/2" plywood or OSB Board

***Clear plastic bins/tubs, shoe box to large 5 gallon size

***(4) Label maker tapes - Brother P-Touch 12mm 1/2" laminated white split back

***White wire shelving - 12 or 16' x 16" and brackets

The Valley Missions’ Public Relations Coordinator, Wendy Shiflett, states that “by building and installing shelving units and reorganizing donations, these storage rooms will become better organized, helping us to make better use of donations received, and more accurately target our donation requests.”

If you or your business would like to donate money or products to assist with this project please contact Wendy Shiflett at (540) 886-4673 or wendyshiflett@valleymission.net  or Kathryn McMillan at (540) 294-1523 or clutterconversions@yahoo.com.

Holiday Organizing Tips

Gifts

Prepare a list: who you are buying for, what are you getting them and how much money do you plan to spend on them.  This will help you purchase items that are usable and wanted for someone and keep you within your budget.  Gift buying should be completed 2 weeks before the Christmas and wrapped one week before.

Decorations

Avoid stashing everyday household items in closets and cabinets, by storing them in the containers that your holiday decorations were stored in.  Think safety when decorating!  Do not set items in areas that people can trip over or knock off and break.

Entertaining

If you entertain during this time, make sure your walkway and entrance is well lighted.  Turn the heat down two hours before guests arrive.

Meal Preparation

Prepare your menu for Thanksgiving and Christmas now.  Make a list of items you need to prepare both meals and compare to what you already have.  Double batch anything you can and freeze if you are going to serve it for both meals.  Ask yourself what you can do before such as setting the table or cooking items the weekend before your meal.

Following these few tips can help you enjoy your family and friends more during the holiday season while decreasing stress and saving money.

Change of Season = Change of Clothes

     With the change of the season comes the changing of the wardrobe and if you are like most people you do one of two things. You leave all of your summer and winter clothes in the closet and drawers all year long or you switch out the clothes from storage based on the season.

     Here are some tips if you switch out clothes for the season. When storing away your summer clothes only pack up the ones you actually wore and donate the rest to Goodwill, Salvation Army or other charity, sell them in a yard sale or put them in a consignment shop and make yourself a little cash. Storing clothes that you have not worn for the season takes up valuable storage space.

     Use colored containers for storage and place an index card on three sides of the container and on the top listing its contents. Be cautious storing them in attics or basements due to humidity, dampness, bugs or rodents. Place wooden cedar pieces inside each container which are available at most home stores. If you do not have a lot of storage space but you do have a garage, you can purchase overhead ceiling hanging shelves for your garage. They are very durable and can hold up to 300lbs.

     Use the "hanger trick" to decide if you should pack up an item this spring. When you pull out your winter clothes and hang them in the closet, place the hangers on the rod with the opening of the hanger facing out towards you. Once you wear the article of clothing and go to hang it back in the closet, place the hanger on the rod the normal way. At the end of this winter season any clothes that are still on the hanger with the opening facing you, it is safe to assume you did not wear the item through the season and you should be able to donate it.

Modular Mates

Modular Mates by Tupperware® are wonderful food storage containers for the kitchen.  They can free up 1/3 of the space in your cabinets or pantry.  They are very durable and come with multiple colors for lids to choose from so that you could color code your items.  For example: pasta may be stored in containers using red lids, while cereals have blue lids.   They stack well and come in many different sizes.  Modular Mates® are also excellent at keeping bugs and rodents out of your food while being stored in your pantry or cabinet.  To see these or order them contact tupperwaregal@verizon.net or log onto www.my2.tupperware.com.

Holiday Seasonal Storage Basics: Top 5 Rules

School is just beginning but you should already have a general list of people that you will be purchasing Christmas gifts for because most are going to be for the same people, year after year.   Carry the list with you in your wallet and as you are shopping during the year and you find something specific for someone on the list, purchase it, write what the item is beside their name, take it home and put it in a tub you have marked as "gifts".  You will find that by doing this, you will not be hit as hard financially during the holidays and have more time to enjoy family and friends.  So, if you have not started thinking about shopping for the holidays, do it now. Below is an article that was submitted to me that I feel will be very useful and wanted to pass it along and I also encourage you to check out their website. Seasonal Storage Basics: Top 5 Rules Submitted by Ellen Bell

Ellen works for The Christmas Tree Storage Shop, a retail website offering seasonal storage solutions such as artificial tree storage bags. Visit us at www.christmastreestoragebag.net to check out other Christmas storage solutions.

Description:

Seasonal storage is a dilemma for many families. What do you do with all your holiday decorations for the other 11 months of the year? Learn how to get your seasonal storage organized right now so that holiday decorating goes faster and more smoothly next year.

Seasonal storage is something that many of us struggle with from year to year. We spend a lot of money on holiday decorations, and we want to make sure that those items are protected from damage while in storage. Yet at the same time, we all get so busy, and sometimes it’s just easier to throw everything in one box or plastic bag, stick it in a closet, and forget about it until next year! Inevitably, this always leads to more time and frustration when “next year” arrives and it’s time to decorate again. Save yourself some time in the long run by investing a little time and energy now by learning the top 5 rules of seasonal storage basics

Rule 1: Fix it first

Have you ever opened your artificial Christmas tree box or your Christmas tree stand and found that something was broken or a piece was missing when you took it down last year? As soon as you see this, you’ll probably remember your good intentions last year of fixing the problem or replacing the missing piece before storing the tree or stand away, but somehow it just didn’t happen. This leads us to Rule number 1: Fix it first! Never store a holiday decoration away until it is in good repair.

Rule 2: Preparation

This one kind of goes hand in hand with Rule 1. Before storing any holiday decorations away, you should first make sure they are prepared and ready to go for next season. For example, if you have old worn out strings of lights, throw those out. A set of candles that’s burned almost completely out? Toss them, too. If you use any battery powered lights on coffee tables or end tables, take the batteries out and dispose of them properly before storing the light sets away. You’ll want new batteries in them next year. All this might take you a little extra time at the end of the holiday season, but it will save you a lot of time at the beginning of the holiday season next year!

Rule 3: Like items together

When you’re getting ready to organize your seasonal storage, always remember to keep like items together. That is, all your holiday lights should be stored together in one box, all the nativity set figurines in another, and so on. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to dig through all your seasonal storage boxes to find the two matching candlesticks that should have been stored together in the first place.

Rule 4: Store it wisely

Now that you’re ready to store your items away, you need to decide what type of storage container you want to use. Do you want to store in corrugated boxes, plastic bins, or cloth bags? This question is answered in part by your storage budget. If you have more money to spend, you might want to invest in plastic bins or commercially available heavy-duty storage bags. Also keep in mind that some items should be stored in their original packaging. For example, if your 12 piece porcelain nativity set came in a Styrofoam box that is specially molded to hold each piece, then don’t throw that away! Breakable items will always do better if stored in their original protective packaging. If the original packaging includes a cardboard box, it might be a good idea to then place the cardboard box inside a heavy-duty storage bag or plastic bin to keep moisture out.

Rule 5: Label, label, label

Once you get all your holiday decorations into their respective storage containers, the last and most important step is to label. It is absolutely critical that each storage container be labeled clearly! This will save you an enormous amount of time next year. For example, wouldn’t it be nice to know which box contains your Christmas tree stand so you can get it out first and have it ready when your family brings home the live Christmas tree? Make it easy on yourself by creating large labels for each storage container.

The holidays are already stressful enough! Don’t make it harder on yourself with a disorganized mess of holiday decorations. With a little time and forethought in how you put away your seasonal storage, you’ll make the holiday decorating process easier on yourself for years to come.