Monthly Archives: March 2023

It’s always hard to think of paying someone to do a task you are completely capable of tackling.  I need my palm trees trimmed.  The thought of paying for that service made me cringe so I donned my gardening attire, grabbed a saw and began the chore.  A couple hours into it I looked like a pin cushion, I had been sliced, stabbed, poked and, although successful, was it worth my time, effort and pain?

Why didn’t I just call a professional?  So many other things I could have accomplished in those frustrating hours and my band aid box would still be full.  Sometimes you just need a little push in the right direction and other times you are too busy and a professional who can complete the task is the answer.

In any event, do what you are good at doing, and let the professional do the rest.  By the way?

I called a landscaper. 

I am often asked this question and since there isn’t one thing, I have a top ten list… The first 5 last week, the remainder this week.

6. Career Clothes Post Retirement. Seriously?  One would think the day after retiring those clothes would go straight to donation, especially the high heels.  I help many retirees and am amazed that a gentleman will hang onto 30 dress shirts when now he lives in T shirts or golf shirts.  Women?  You will never wear that suit again, trust me, and those high heels are simply dangerous.  You wouldn’t want to spend your retirement in a leg cast.  Pass them forward if they are in wearable shape.  It’s time for comfort!

7. Income Tax Returns. I highly doubt the IRS is coming after your 1978 return.  Check with your accountant.  Enough said.

8. Reusable Bags. I know, recycle, reduce, reuse.  I understand the whole green thing.  But, keep a few in your car and use the others for donation bags, or perhaps you bring dinner to a friend using these cloth reusables… but pulleeeze stop stuffing them in your pantry!

9. Tools, nuts, bolts and… yeah. Hang some artwork, need a hammer and picture hanging supplies. Basic necessary tools, ok.  Your grandfather’s, father’s and now your tools just to store?  Not a good idea.  Choose a nice toolbox at a home improvement store and fit the necessities into that one box.  Nothing more.  Your garage will love you, so will your spouse.

10. Kitchen Gadgets.  O! I could tell some stories.  I can identify pretty much any weird shaped thing I pull out of a kitchen drawer.  Many of us are of the generation of in-home parties, and buyer’s remorse or guilt ended up in our drawers, moved from house to house.  Well no more! Keep what you use and only what you use! 

I am often asked this question and since there isn’t one thing, I have a top ten list… The first 5 this week, the remainder next week.

1 – Books. O! so many books!  Will you ever read them again?  Do you really want to move them?  Where will they store in your new residence?  The library will gladly accept used books.  Pass them on to friends.  Use an E reader and collect no more.  The exception is a collection of collector’s books or signed books, of course, there is always an exception.

2 – Vinyl Records. Heavy.  Do you have a record player?  Does it work?  These are awkward to store and in Nevada, the garage is too hot.  They aren’t worth much if we take them to a record store, about .99 each is what you will fetch.

3 – Memorabilia. This one is tough.  It is all special, sentimental, cute, old, faded, unreadable, falling apart, but O! it means so much to us.  Your offspring will not want it nor will it mean anything to them.  Take a photo of the most beloved pieces and put together a digital album.

Allow yourself one or two archival boxes and store the most meaningful.  This takes time, thought and all your love.  Then part with the items not so special, guilt free!

4 – Family Photos. If they aren’t labeled and dated and you can’t identify the subjects, bye-bye.

If you can relate to an event, or family history send to a company, (many online), who will digitalize them for you.  Scanning them yourself is putzy and time-consuming but possible.  Your child’s school photos of which you have 25 of the same year?  Keep a 5×7 and ditch the rest, especially if your child is no longer a child.

5 – Linens.  I know ladies, your mom loved tablecloths, big heavy lace tablecloths.  But do you use them?  How often do you formally entertain?  How often do you change your bed linen? Every day?  Then keep 7 sets.  Once or twice a week?  Narrow it down to 3-4 sets and you are all set! 

“A What?”
“The Organizer!”
“Who?”
“The Organizer!”
“When?”
“Why?”
“How Much?”

I can help with projects large and small, especially talking and walking you through the de-clutter process.  I am the organizer!

What do I do?  Bring you freedom of clutter, chaos and all things that clog your life, home or office. 

Organizing isn’t just for hoarders.  In fact, only .2% of my clients are hoarders.

Ever think things like:  “when can I finally deal with my garage clutter” or “my closet needs a total clean out” or “where is that car title?” or “it’s time to sell the house, but we can’t call the realtor in this shape!”  That’s when it is time to call the organizer!

If you train in a gym, visit a nutritionist, or hire a life coach, you can hire an organizer.  This will complete you… organization is part of wellness.

From closets, to kitchens, pantries to garages, paperwork to attics, I help with decision making, facilitate disposal, donations, and sometimes consignment.  I contain, label and tidy.

What doesn’t an organizer do?  Clean.  I am not a maid, house cleaner, or window washer, but I will provide resources for those services.

Never be embarrassed and don’t tidy up before an organizer comes.  I’ve seen it all and then some.  I don’t gasp at a stash of weed, sex toys or dirty underwear.

Prices range depending on projects, but the service pays for itself in saving you time.  Duplicate purchases no more as I uncover items you never knew you had and now there are three!  I have found money tucked in the cleverest and forgotten places!

A life-change is a good time to start.  Widowed, divorced, make room for baby, downsizing, transitioning to assisted living, all good reasons to hire a professional.