Recent days in Georgia have been quite traumatic for some.  Schools have been lost depriving children of a second safe haven.  Businesses who have existed for years will now face tough decisions following clean up regarding recovery of their physical plants, jobs, customers.  Shelters for pets are now either overflowing or are vicitims themselves with a need for immediate help to save the animals. People who talk about helping or have helped are now ones in NEED of the help.  Here’s an opportunity to take action in our own back yard.

Now I must practice what I have always preached.  I must assemble all the documents needed to fill my Vital Records Portavault by Securita. An act as simple as this would provide these vicitims virtually everything they need in a water resistant canvas organizer to re-establish their lives. It is recommended by the American Red Cross. FEMA and GEMA will be involved with these families in their recovery and meeting their immediate needs. The paper work they require can be overwhelming. Freedom Filer organizes paper by FEMA guidelines with their updated system. If you don’t have your set of these pre-printed labels, contact me for an immediate purchase or visit my website or Freedom Filer’s website to order.

Procrastination is the mother of regret. Will you be saying “I wish I had…” the next time a disaster strikes you or your loved ones? Please share this blog with all you know, love, or care about.

Some will take donations to various sites around the Atlanta area (See this church site for one location that will be assembling all sorts of aid to the flood victims). They need your volunteer help too so this can become an efficient, effective operation.

Lost: time…can never be regained
Found: new ways to manage my time

Lost: money…can be a “hidden” loss
Found: new ways to make money and manage it

Lost: serenity…
Found: new sense of “me”, what I can do.
My mindset has changed. Sometimes necessity will do that…cause you to REFOCUS and REALIGN not only your thinking but your environment. It has been a gradual thing but I have come to the realization I can “do” or live with much less. As a result, I’ve set a campaign for myself to reduce, resize, reorganize, redirect my body, thoughts, actions, home, office, social connections. The 6:00pm newscast recently used the term “new normal” and were showing individuals who were applying new methods and patterns to their way of living. I really got a chuckle because what the worldly media doesn’t realize is this: most of us in the real world have been living that way all along and have been perfectly happy.

I have also “finally” realized how much can be done in the virtual world. In my passionate enthusiasm to help those who find being organized a true challenge, I have developed a virtual organizing package. Sometimes those folks who are challenged just need an accountability partner who has a bit of imagination. Once a plan is put in place and the client can “see” the vision for their space, it is much easier for them to go about getting the job done. I’m looking forward to helping you be one of those recipients of virtual organizing and coaching.

We are into our first month of resolutions implementation…so how’s it going? Hmmm…don’t want to talk about it? I understand. I’ve half kept most of mine but have slipped miserably on some of the others. Here’s what I’m going to do to boost my resolve and results. It involves some time management principles and can apply to many areas of our lives.
P=Positive.I’m going to be looking for the “positive” in each moment that causes me consternation.
R =Re-evaluate.Is what I’m doing really going to make a difference?
E=Effort.Not everything can be accomplished in a microwave second. Do the work !
P=Priority.Check my priorities against my values and goals.
A=Action.Break the paralysis of analysis…just do something!!
R=Realistic.Getting something done is better than attempting to do too much.
E=Enjoy.Each moment comes only once. I”m going to relax and enjoy even what seems to be the drudgery tasks.

How are you doing with your resolutions? Did you make too many? Did you not make any at all? What “tricks” have you found that have been helpful? Post to the blog and me know how you are doing! First five posts receive an “organizing” tool.

Sherry Lee…Helping you make things fine in 2009

Curious title, don’t you think? I mean it is the end of one year and the beginning of a new year so why don’t we call it New End??

Since it is the end of one year, now is the opportunity for you to make some things “new” for a better start on the year ahead. One of my choir buddies stopped me on Sunday and said she’d been thinking of me as she was cleaning out each of her handbags. That’s an example that’s applicable to our scenario here. She was making something new to have a fresh start on the next year.

Let’s extend that further…why not do the same to all your dresser drawers, the junk drawer in the kitchen, your desk drawers…even the trunk of your car. Once they have all been purged and you’ve restored them to the order in which you are accustomed, you will easily face the new year with some calm.

In terms of cleaning the files, now is the perfect time to align all the receipts needed for your tax return filing and clearing your files of the unneeded clutter that has amassed there. Remember if the receipt or certificate or correspondence relates to an asset you still own, you will need to keep it until the asset is disposed of…which could be permanently (a home or land, your birth certificate, stock purchases). If it is not tax related and not an asset, then most receipts can be disposed of 24 months past their origination (utilities, credit card purchases - unless there is a warranty issue, etc).

Recently on an IRS conference call, parties were advised to keep the original receipt when it related to a tax matter for up to 3 years or until the statute of limitations has expired. If the receipt is one that will fade with time, then photocopying and attaching to the original was recommended. This was for receipts that cannot be traced back to the originator…a third party type receipt would require you to keep the original (i.e. credit card transactions but not Home Depot, Target, etc). Let me insert a caveat here that I am not a CPA or a Registered Agent so I would recommned you consult your tax preparer and follow their advice.

If you have not already established a filing system for these then I would recommend the Freedom Filer Label system. It can be ordered from the bottom of my affiliates page of my website www.theorderlytouch.com.

Scanning receipts for an electronic permanent version can also be utilized to download the information into many of the popular financial record keeping systems. I personally use NeatReceipts and highly recommend this product. They have developed many powerful programs for levels beyond my needs so I’m sure you’ll find exactly what will fit your situation.

Here’s a toast to you in the year ahead while you make things new. I am looking forward to helping make things fine in 2009!

The “season” is well underway and about now is when panic begins to set in. You know the guests are coming. The dinners, desserts, or appetizers needing preparation seem endless and the gift wrapping…well, let’s not even go there until after the shopping has been completed.

Let me help you with some of this. Although I can’t say I’m “completely” finished with my preparations, I do feel I have them under control. Let’s start with the guests. If they are overnight guests, then give them some easy assignments to assist with food prep or tablescaping. Perhaps they can squeeze the orange juice, whip up the batter for the muffins, or load the dishwasher. Most folks feel better when they can “help” even if it is in a small way. For my guests, I maintain a small basket of sample size toiletries and the extra toothbrushes/toothpaste we get from dentist visits along with a shower cap, disposable razors, feminine products. This is placed in their room along with a set of towels wrapped in a ribbon and positioned on the bed to greet them.

Food prep can be challenging with increased activity around this time of year. My friend, Jennifer Pettus with Homemade Gourmet, can help you make life a bit easier with simple recipes, seasonings, and “Four Meals in Four Minutes” preparation. Email her to order, Jennifer Pettus , or visit the website HomemadeGourmet. I have found this to be a huge help for great meals made ahead. Also, be easy on yourself. Often it isn’t the “fancy” that impresses but the simple and tasty becomes the big hit.

Shopping and gift wrapping made simple — online, gift cards, and quick homemade are my by-words. Find your strengths and play to them. Anything you can personalize will show you thought specifically of them. Some like to stay “green” and give a donation in the name of the honored or “regift” a perfectly usable but unwanted(unused) item from their own home. Wrapping can be inexpensive and made easy as well. One client of mine purchases a HUGE gift bag and places all the gifts for each child in a bag. On the gift opening occasion, the child reaches into the bag with eyes closed to pull out and enjoy one gift at a time. If the gift is from someone else, say grandma, a gift tag tied onto the gift with a pretty christmas ribbon or bow makes identification for thank you notes that much easier. If you are really wanting to wrap, use the Sunday comics or plain Kraft paper adorned with fronts from last year’s Christmas Cards.

To manage the time to do this….ahhh now we are getting down to the nitty-gritty!! I turn off or ignore the television after dinner. It is amazing what can be accomplished in two hours each night. Take next Saturday morning to do your last minute baking and give part of your plunder as a gift accompaniment. Make a list before you leave the house mapping out your route based upon the stops that need to be made to accomplish the list. Write out the grocery list based upon what’s needed for two weeks including the special holiday party foods, entertaining menus, and things needed for the “Four Meals in Four Minutes”. Your freezer and crock pot will become your best friends until the first of the year!

Now the best part….ENJOY each moment of any celebration. Your mind set as you complete the baking, wrap the gifts, freshen the clothing, will make it all so much more fun. This is the season of giving. Let yourself enjoy the preparations and each party knowing you’ve done your best. I attend church, sing in the choir, and savor my friendships and family with gatherings. For me, remembering Jesus is the Reason for the Season helps me stay on target as well. Merry Christmas to you and yours from The Orderly Touch, Inc.

Here we are with only weeks to go to the first major family holiday celebration … Thanksgiving and THEN an equal amount of time to Christmas/Hannukah.  What is the first room of the home most folks like to gather in during these celebrations?  The kitchen is the one most often chosen because of the yummy smells and that’s where the action is taking place.

Why not choose the kitchen then as the place to organize and “get in line” for holiday preparations?  This time of year calls for more entertaining accoutrements - platters, special glassware, table linens - that aren’t used any other time.  The following are some changes that if you make them temporarily you’ll find your life just a bit easier for these next few weeks.

• Wash, dry, iron if necessary, then fold carefully all tablecloths and place on a men’s pants hanger that has several “fingers” for hanging each individually
• Next, perform the same cleaning ritual on the matching napkins then place them in a ziploc bag and either place in a drawer of the china cabinet or safety pin the bag to the table cloth once it’s hung on the pants hanger.  Place the hanger in a little used guest room closet or even in the coat reception closet.
• Remove from cabinets and box temporarily any items that typically are only used during the summer months, i.e. plasticware used by the pool, paper products used for picnics, etc.  Replace into that space the special serving pieces needed to meet your current entertaining needs.  Locate the boxes temporarily into a garage, under the bed, or to the back of a closet.
• Select only a few recipes to prepare for the upcoming parties or family celebration meals and buy the necessary ingredients NOW (with the exception, of course, of the fresh veggies) to stock your pantry.  Post the recipes on the inside of a cabinet door or in the pantry for easy access by yourself and other helpers.

The next space that will require your attention is the dining room table. Still using that as the bill paying station or is that homework central? For now, establish a separate location for those activities.  You may need to “think outside the box” for this.  Speaking of a “box”…that overly used container can be a life saver here.  If  you need one “go to” place for the holidays, then a simple box can be it.  Let that be the spot where opened mail is deposited, the checkbook is stored for those not using online bill paying, and an envelope for receipts is kept.  If you don’t already have a file system where payment stubs are kept for future reference then establishing an expandable labeled file (either alphabetical or individually labeled tabs for the vendor) would be the minimum to get you by until a more complete file system is established.

Each of the steps above does take some time.  All the preparations require time that was allocated before for another activity.  If you break it down into “bite-sized” scenarios grouping like-activities with like-activities you’ll find it easier to accomplish.  For instance, the washing/drying of linens in the first suggestion can be accomplished while you are working nearby on another project.  Perhaps set these aside after this part of the cycle is done and plan on ironing/storing them on a different day.

Preparing the cabinets and pantry really won’t take that much time (maybe 30 - 45 minutes) and can be done as another family member unloads the dishwasher or while the wash/dry cycle is completing in the above scenario.

Those are some “hefty” assignments for you to complete this week….stay tuned for tips on completing your holiday gift shopping, greeting card tasks, and maintaining your “self” through the holidays.  Having a checklist such as the one at www.RealSimple.com to complete all these seemingly endless tasks will give you a sense of accomplishment as you check off finished jobs and look around at your “pulled together” kitchen and dining room. 

Do let me know how these suggestions worked for you. If you become overwhelmed or just need a live body for assurance these tasks will be completed, give me a call. 770-707-1044

I can’ t believe over 30 days has passed since I last visited to write to all of you.  Many happy things have come my way and filled my days.  I prepared for and was a speaker at the IAAP Atlanta Regioanl Fall Conference where I discussed “Juggling” with organization — leading a balanced life at work and at home, there has been much activity putting together the program book for NAPO-GA’s Regional Conference “Focus on the Future” and, finally, physical therapy and clients have rounded out  my days.  My strength and back have greatly improved and I’m better able to service my clients without being in pain.

When an opportunity arises, I like to bring new products to your attention.  There have been many occasions in my client’s homes when a wall-mounted, adjustable, fold-down table top would  have been a tremendous help.  There is a great one on the market that could be used in almost any situation…laundry room, potting shed, garage workshop, home-office, craft room, pantry.  While it currently comes in only one finish, it is safe, sturdy, and made in the USA.  How many products during this day and age can say that?  It’s actually made in Iowa, the state of my birth.  The Bench Solution can hold up to 400 pounds and can be purchased with an additional IdealWall panel that allows for great organization of tools with hooks, baskets, and shelves.  It’s worth your time to take a look

For those of you just thinking about holiday preparation, now is the time to check out all the lights and all your decorations before the “sale” items go away. If you don’t have clearly labeled boxes or neatly stored lights and decorations, then a call to 770-707-1044 will help you get it all in order with The Orderly Touch!

Have you ever thought about a day when you could just “be lazy”?  For some that cogitates an image of doing absolutely NOTHING!!!  For others it means I will do something  but not up to my usual standard…only to say I’ve accomplished a little something but not really done the task to my fullest capability.

For me, just “bein’ lazy” today meant that I truly had all really important things accomplished…laundry done, house cleaned, yard work maintained, paper clutter corralled, really important things organized.  I was “done” and could just be “lazy” and enjoy the day and my family.  I truly didn’t have to worry about my physical world.  I could pay attention now to other things…and that meant for us a picnic with my 85-yr-old mother and my husband with some fishing poles.

I guess the whole point was that I was released.  My mind was free to be….wherever and however it wanted BECAUSE I had attended to, devoted time previously to the organization and preparation of my home.

I hope you have all enjoyed your Labor Day…were you able to just “be lazy”?  If you’d like to enjoy that state, then give me a call.  I’d love to help you feel that freedom (770-707-1044)

I was always excited as a child when the first day of school FINALLY came after the long hot summer.  I usually got new shoes and the necessary school supplies.  “Back in the Day” we didn’t have book bags as we often weren’t allowed to take books home.  Yet we managed somehow to always get the homework back to Mom and Dad, receive the help we needed, and then transport it carefully for presentation to the teacher the next day.

Here are some quick  hints for parents to help you be better prepared to handle the barrage of paperwork that comes with each successive year of school:

1. Establish a “home” where permission slips and other papers needing to be reviewed before the next day are placed by the child.  This can be something as simple as a decorative basket, box, or an in/out tray
   2.   Now is a good time, too, parents to find that container that will be used for all the wonderful art pieces and other memorabilia the child will create, be awarded or received throughout the coming year.  One caution though…if these are paper items and you want them to be preserved safely over a long period of time be certain they are made acid free and ligning free materials this archival safe document box from The Container Store.  As the school year progresses, let the child select their favorite piece or one or two items they may want rather than keeping every scribbled upon masterpiece.3.  School supplies are often purchased in bulk which can be a cost-saving measure if the supplies are used wisely after purchase.  Often this requires having a central supply closet not always accessible to the child dependent upon their age and habits.  Things like these acrylic storage boxes allow you to see how many pencils, pens, erasers, bottles of glue, notebook paper or pads, construction paper are still available. Using an acrylic box like this to store writable CDs for school projects and back up of homework done, again, allows you to see the supply limit.

   4.  For electronic transmissions regarding school work or other notices, develop a separate computer file for each child possibly for each subject which will make managing these much easier.  Utilizing Google Calendar allows the child to enter after-school activities, project due dates and view your important family events that are not to be missed. This is easily maintained remotely as well. HUGE TIME SAVER!!

   Stay tuned as the year progresses for other timely hints.  Give us a call at 770-707-1044 for our “back to school” closet organization special!

      What a wonderful weekend my husband and I enjoyed over the 4th. of July.  We had the opportunity to surprise some friends in the mountains of north Georgia.  An old-fashioned parade, BBQ, and fireworks rounded out the actual celebration and visit to a waterfall the next day with a great meal at The Smith House completed our visit.

      Not one to let the fun dissipate, we had a FUN weekend following the celebrating.  Some good friends allowed us access to their pond stocked with multiple varieties of fish.  It was a wonderful way to forget about the work left undone, projects demanding our attention, and the rest of the cares of the world we all seem to take on.  Seeing the ripples in the water as our baited line hit the water or the ruffly waves created when the cool breeze blew across the pond just seemed to melt away tension.

      Although there was a bit of competition sported, we both were clearly winners with a more relaxed spirit when we left despite the “count” of hubby = 28, wifey = 14 catches.  We kept only the “grown up” fish and had fun together descaling and cleaning them in preparation for a family fish fry.

      Of course, you understand, neither of these fun times could be had if we hadn’t made time in our schedules, taken care of tidying up the house, and maintained our traveling gear and fishing paraphenalia in an organized fashion.  One of the best tools I found to corral the rods is this rod rack.  The lines stay free, the rods are protected, and the reels are kept aligned and damage free on this wall-mounted unit.  We hang the scoop net on a hook next to this rack and keep the tackle box, bait bucket, and cricket keeper on nearby shelving.

If the mounds of paper, piles of clutter, or clogged garage are keeping you from enjoying your summer, then visit my site.