Taking a Break from Blogging

My boys

Time management is necessary to keep life in balance. My life has gotten quite full. Business is good. I'm volunteering for a couple of causes that are significant to me. My three children are involved in many activities, so I'm chauffeuring them around and watching their performances. So after careful consideration, I have decided to stop blogging for a time. I am still in business and still organizing. I hope to get back to blogging. At this point, putting a hold on this, as well as a few other activities, allows me the time and serenity I require. That is what managing my time all is about!

Free Hazardous Household Waste Collection

We all have them, unused cell phones, household cleaners, paint thinners, etc. Collect the toxins that are no longer used and get them out of your home. Taking care of household hazardous waste products safely improves the quality of your home environment by getting toxins out of area and leaves more space for the things you use and love!
If you live in Kenosha County, WI, now is the time to get those hazardous products out of your home. Kenosha has a FREE Household Hazardous Waste Program.  
Residents of the City of Kenosha can drop their household hazardous waste at the Kenosha Water Utility at 4401 Green Bay Rd on The first Saturday of each month (except Holidays) December through April and the first and third Saturday of each month (except Holidays) May Through November from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. 
Village of Pleasant Prairie Municipal Center is hosting a Hazardous Waste Collection for all residents of Kenosha County on September 10, 2011 8:00am - 1:00pm at 8600 Green Bay Road. They provide this service twice a year, in the spring and in the fall. See http://www.pleasantprairieonline.com/services/garbage/hazardouswaste.asp for more information.
Not from Kenosha County, WI? Google "hazardous waste collection" for your community to find services. Many counties have household hazardous waste programs. Residents must drop items at a specified location on the collection days. Types of items accepted vary by county. Contact your local town hall or sanitation company for information about hazardous waste collections in your area.
As our awareness of the dangers of disposing these household wastes improperly grows, more and more communities are providing this service.
Household Hazardous Waste items being accepted at these locations include: household cleaning products, bug sprays, batteries, vehicle fluids and cleaning products, oil based paints, paint related products, fluorescent bulbs, pool chemicals and garden/outdoor related products.
Protect our environment and keep your home safe and orderly by disposing of any unused hazardous waste properly.

Develop a Homework Routine

Routine is defined as the usual sequence of a set of activities. Having an after school routine that includes a homework time benefits children and parents. When a predictable pattern of activities occurs, children know what is expected. Once the child recognizes that during this time, this activity will always occur, there is less resistance.
First, make a list of your child's after school and evening activities. This list may include: snack, "down time", physical activity, homework, sports, clubs, supper, chores.
Next, determine when your child is the most focused. Some children are ready to do homework immediately, while they are still in the school mode. Others need to eat something, run off some energy, or just relax a bit before they can hit the books. When is your child most ready for homework?
Develop the sequence of activities that works for your child and roughly assign a time to them. (ie. Snack, chores, play time, supper, homework, soccer, relax time, bedtime.) The order is more important that the time. If you child knows homework comes right after supper, for example, he/she expects to do homework during that time. Of course, if homework is after a less structured activity such as play time, a time would need to be specified.
Be prepared for homework time. See http://simplespacesorg.blogspot.com/2009/03/create-portable-homework-station.html for ideas on a homework station.
Children and adults thrive on structure. Having a predictable routine that includes homework will make the school year go more smoothly for everyone. Happy studying!

Win by Donating the Most Shoes

Clean out those closets and box up those shoes you no longer wear. Others can use them.
Last year, after the devastating hurricane in Haiti, my husband spent 10 weeks in the Port au Prince area, helping in the recovery efforts. He witnessed poverty at a level we cannot even imagine here in the US. That is why I am so excited to participate in the Soles4Souls program. (www.soles4souls.org) From now, until December 1, 2011, I will be collected gently used shoes which will be distributed in Haiti.
How will sending shoes to Haiti help the people?
See a video made from photos taken while in Haiti. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTaz6mi625w

There is no garbage removal system or sewer system in Haiti. Trash fills the roadsides, ditches, and waterways, which is a breeding ground for diseases. Disease and infections can be spread through people's feet. Footwear can protect the wearer from disease.
Also, many schools require students to wear shoes. Only 35% of children have access to a formal education. 48% of adults are illiterate. Your donation of a pair of shoes may allow a child to receive an education and with an education that child can escape poverty. The results of your donations can be huge!
So collect your unused shoes, your friends and neighbors' unused shoes and give me a call. I will be happy to pick up (within my area of SE WI and NE IL) any shoes you are able to donate. Contact me at 262-515-3200 or pam@simplespacesorg.com to arrange pickup.
Win organizing services: The person (within my area of SE WI and NE IL) that gives me the most pairs of shoes to donate to Souls4Soles for Haiti will receive 2 hours of organizing services.
Special Instructions: Do not wash shoes. Tie or rubberband each pair together.

Organizing Tips for Technology Use

I am now a "content contributor!" A tip I submitted for an ebook has been published. The book is: Sync or Swim: 201 Organizing Tips You Need to Survive the Currents of Change. Sync or Swim is a practical book that addresses tons of annoying, everyday organizing problems with easy, quick "techno-lite" solutions especially for busy moms, young professionals with active home lives, and those of us who are not digital-natives! Click here to learn more about the book.

Organize the Garage in Seven Simple Steps

The garage tends to be the holding spot for belongings we no longer want in the house, but aren't ready to give up yet. The "holding spot" will fill up if left unattended. Take the time to organize the garage while the weather is nice and before the task appears overwhelming.

1. When you move items to the "holding spot" in the garage, store them in a closed container, label and date them. If you haven't used the items in a set period of time, say one year, toss or donate the items.
2. Schedule a time to devote to the project. Include a backup date, in case of rain. Allocate plenty of time. Depending on the amount of belongings stored in the garage, this project could take an afternoon or a weekend.
3. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.
4. Sort belongings into categories: lawn care, tools, toys, etc
5. Purge: get rid of what you don't use and items from the "holding spot" that are past their "use by" date.
6. Designate a specific area for each category – tools by workbench, toys by service door, lawn care items on shelf above mower, etc. Use containers for small items. Label containers. Consider labeling shelves also, so all family members know where items should be returned after use.
7. Reward yourself for a job well done with an activity you enjoy. (Avoid rewarding yourself with a purchase – adding more belongings to your home as a reward for getting rid of others can be counterproductive.) Read a book. Go to a movie. Play baseball. Sit by a bonfire with friends.

Prepare for Spontaneity – Invite Guests Over

The weather is finally warm and people are enjoying the outdoors. This is the time for those spontaneous gatherings. It is a bit of an oxymoron – preparing for spontaneity. Having some items on hand, so you can invite guests over, spur of the moment without a trip to the grocery store, increases the chances of actually getting together.

Think simple, throw together foods. Consider who your typically guests would be in determining the menu. You'll have a different menu for families with young children than for a group of adults. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:

Simple meals: Hamburgers & hot dogs on the grill, tacos, pizza – Have guests make their own personal pizza.

Appetizers: Frozen appetizers that can be popped in the oven at a moment's notice, veggies & dip, chips & salsa

Desserts: Ice cream with toppings, frozen yogurt, smores: graham crackers, chocolate bars (or my personal favorite – peanut butter cups), and marshmalloww

Beverages: Sweet tea, lemonade, bottled water, soda, wine, beer

What easy foods would you keep on hand? Think simple, make a list and get your supplies. Then next time you see your neighbors out working in their yard, invite them over when they are done and enjoy catching up!

Beginning of Summer “To Do” List (for families with children)

Start the summer off by doing some planning and organizing.

1. With your family, make a list of "Family Activities" you would like to do this summer, for example: ride bikes to park, have a picnic, visit grandma... Schedule these events now. By planning ahead, you will get to do more of the activities you'd like to do.
   


2. Sort & purge all the papers your child/ren have brought home from school. Save a few samples of written work and a few pieces of art work – fewer than ten total. Write the child's name, grade, and year on each selection. Store in a bin, labeled with the child's name. See http://simplespacesorg.blogspot.com/2008/05/end-of-school-year.html for more ideas for memorabilia.
   


3. Toss school supplies that can't be reused and store the rest in a container labeled "school supplies." Next school year you'll have those supplies ready to go.
   


4. Make an Indoors "Unbored" List and an Outdoors "Unbored" List – for each, list at least 20 activities your child/ren enjoy doing. Have your children help brainstorm ideas. When your child says he/she is bored, suggest he/she check the list for some ideas. Really, this works!
   


5. Sort through toys. Toss any that are broken and donate or sell any that your child/ren have outgrown or no longer play with.
   


6. Sort through each child's closet. Toss, donate, or sell any clothing & shoes that they've outgrown or no longer wear.

Plan, declutter, then enjoy your summer!

My Techno Tip has been Published

I am now a "content contributor!" A tip I submitted for an ebook has been published. The book is: Sync or Swim: 201 Organizing Tips You Need to Survive the Currents of Change. The authors, Judith Kolberg and Allison Carter, are gurus in the organizing industry.

Sync or Swim is a practical book that addresses tons of annoying, everyday organizing problems with easy, quick "techno-lite" solutions. Topics include using technology to: manage & store info, organize finances, keep the home & family organized, and wellness. This book is especially for busy moms, young professionals with active home lives, and those of us who are not digital-natives!

Click here to learn more about this ebook.

Quick Spring Cleaning Projects

The weather is turning warmer. Now is the time to lighten the feeling in your home. Surround yourself only with belongings that you use, love, and enjoy. Making more space for your belongings will make spring cleaning faster & easier. Here are a few project ideas:
1. Garage: Grab a garbage bag and do a quick purge. Fill the bag with belongings that you haven't used in the past year. Either toss the bag or donate, depending on the condition of the items.
2. Linen Closet: Remove sheets, blankets, and extra towels that you don't use. Donation centers always need linens.
3. Bathroom: Dispose of toiletries that you don't use.
4. Kitchen: Remove pots, serving platters, and dish towels that are used only for special occasions. Store these on a shelf in the basement or attic, with holiday decorations, or in another out-of the-way location. This will provide more room for items used routinely.
5. Pantry: Check expiration dates and dispose of any food that is past its prime.
6. Bookshelf: Remove tchotchkes that have collected. Donate any books that are no longer of interest to you.
Purging will not only make spring cleaning more efficient; it may also lighten your spirits! Happy spring!

Child’s Bedroom Transformed

We were so excited to get started on this bedroom that I forgot to take before pictures. Let me describe the before: the bed and floor were full of stuffed animals and other toys, moving around the room was difficult and trying to find a specific toy was overwhelming. Getting to items in the closet was tricky.

This young man made a list of his favorite toys, which were kept in the room. The rest of the toys were removed. His special toys were containerized by category and labeled. He loves having the floor space for playing. He can put his toys away, now that he has defined homes for them. And I witnessed his enthusiasm as he hung up his shirts and put them in his closet.

This is what I love about my work. The effect of our work in the room is much greater than the actual organizing. Imagine, now this child can put away his toys and find the clothes he wants. I believe every parent will agree with me – this is priceless!

Overflowing Kitchen Drawers?

Kitchen drawers tend to collect clutter. Why? They are convenient. Items we don't know where to put are tossed in kitchen drawers. Small objects not wanted on countertops are slid into drawers. Small items that we are afraid to throw away, even though we don't know what the items are for, get tossed in kitchen drawers. Here are some ways to prevent kitchen drawers from becoming stuffed:

• Use dividers to separate items. In a drawer with all utensils, sort by type: spatulas, knives, measuring cups, slotted spoons. You will be amazed how much this helps in finding the utensil needed.
  
• Assign a specific spot for each item.
  
• Hot pads & utensils for cooking near stove
• Knives by the food prep area
• Flatware & serving utensils near eating space
• Dish clothes & towels by the sink
  
• Store items used only during the holidays. Storing those extra serving spoons and holiday towels used only a few times a year will free up space for those often used items.
  
• Keep a minimum of tools and hardware in the kitchen.
  
• Those little things that may be important, but you are not sure what for, are taking up your prime storage space. If you aren't ready to toss them, store those little pieces and parts in a small container in the garage or basement. If you haven't figured out what they are for in a year, it's time to get rid of them.

Organizing a kitchen drawer takes a short amount of time and will make using your kitchen so much more enjoyable! Which drawer in your kitchen bothers you the most? Take 30 minutes and transform that drawer into a functional space. You'll love it!

Quick Spring Cleaning Projects

It's beautiful outside today. I've got a bit of spring fever.

I started by going through my "mismatched socks" bin. This is where I toss those socks that come out of the dryer without a match. When the bin gets full, I sort through it, matching up the socks.

Then I moved to the cabinet above the refrigerator. I sorted through the medicines, removing some that had expired, put the glues in a cup to contain them, and emptied the vase I put stamps in for my husband. (He collects stamps. I put the stamps in his stamp box in the office.)

I was on a roll. I headed to the dining room to empty out the hutch. I tossed several candles that were spent, put a table cloth that I don't use in my donation bin, and added a container for my kid's airsoft gun accessories. Yes, I keep airsoft guns in our hutch. This is convenient storage, close to the backyard, which is the only place they are allowed to use them.

That was all the time I had. In about an hour, I'd purged, cleaned, and organized three areas. Yippee!

Six Time Savers

National Time Management Month is February. The eternal question, how can we accomplish everything we want to in the time we have? Managing time efficiently is definitely going to get you closer to achieving those goals. Here are six time savers to get you moving.

1. Be decisive – Make a decision and act on that decision. "Imperfect action is better that no action" according to Giovanna Garcia, life coach. Ignore those perfectionist tenancies!

2. Be organized – The average American spends 1 hour each day looking for misplaced items. Organize your space and just image what you will do with that extra 30 hours each month!

3. Create a sense of urgency – Eliminate interruptions, focus on the task and get it done.

Time savers I've blogged about before that deserve mentioning again are:

4. Setting Goals – Have daily goals, short-term goals, and long term goals.

5. Setting Priorties – Determine what activities and tasks are valuable and necessary for you and say no to those that don't fit with your goals.

6. Taking time for yourself – Moms are notorious for taking care of everyone else and forgetting about their needs. Taking time to renew your energy will make you much more effective in all your other roles.

We all have 24 hours each day. Use it to the fullest by eliminating time wasters and embracing time savers. What do you want to accomplish today?

Procrastinate, then Back to Reality!

March 1^st kicks off National Procrastination Week! So, relax, put your feet up, and don't even think about those tasks you've been putting off.

Once the week is over, get back to reality! Procrastinating drains your energy, creates guilt, and leaves you in a time crunch.

1. First, figure out why you are avoiding the task. Is it because:

• It's an unpleasant task.
• You are unsure about how to do the task.
• The task will involve making some decision/s you'd like to avoid.
• You like the adrenaline rush of barely making the deadline.

2. Get Started - "The best way to get something done is to begin." - Author Unknown. Have you ever noticed that once you get started, the project isn't as bad as you'd thought; you get done in less time than you'd imaged, and now you have more time to do what you want to do.

3. Set Goals – Break the task into small portions. Set a date & time for completion of each portion. Enlist the help of an "accountability partner." Check in with that person when each step is scheduled to be completed. This is motivating and prevents the entire project from being completed at the last minute or not at all.

3. Reward Yourself – After completing a step, give yourself a small reward – 5 minutes of music, reading, or a short walk. Upon completion of the entire project, celebrate. Treat yourself to a larger reward – a massage, dinner at your favorite restaurant, watch your favorite movie. And remind yourself that you did a great job, worked hard, and were successful at beating your procrastination! Congratulations!

Organizing a Student Desk

Students have a lot of items to store in their desks. Having a well organized desk will make finding school work and needed supplies much easier. Better yet, being organized may improve academic performance.

1. Use Folders: Teachers often have specific folder categories they encourage students to use. Find out what your child's teacher recommends and reinforce those. These are commonly used categories:

• Homework Folder – mark one side "To Do" and one side "To Turn In". This folder is for school work that the student needs to take home, complete and return to school. Throughout the school day, when a student has unfinished work, put it in this folder. If he/she has time later in the school day, the work can be taken out of the homework folder and worked on. If not, it's ready to go home at the end of the day. When arriving at school, the "To Turn In" work can easily be located.


• Stay Home Folder – completed and corrected work that is no longer needed at school. Fliers for parents can be put in this folder as soon as they are received.


• Blank Paper Folder – paper student will need for his/her work.


• Subject Folders – assign one subject per folder – store all handouts for that subject.


• No loose paper in the desk. Every paper should fit in one of the assigned folder categories.


• Label each folder.

2. Use a supply bag or box for pencils, crayons, erasers, ruler, and scissors. Use the pencil tray for only a few pencils and an eraser. All other small items ought to be containerized, so they are easy to find.

3. Keep only needed items in the desk:

• Put garbage in the trash as soon as possible.


• Toys take up valuable space. If students are allowed to bring toys for recess, store them in the child's locker.


• Keep excess supplies at home or in your locker until needed.

4. Put items in the same spot in the desk every time they are put away. You'll know right where to look for needed supplies.

5. Organize the desk weekly to maintain order.

Talk with your child about ways to keep his/her desk organized. Ask to see the homework folder daily and the Stay Home Folder daily or weekly, depending on the teacher's schedule. Discuss any concerns with your child and your child's teacher. Encourage your child's efforts to become more organized.