“Going Shopping” When Organizing

/ Org & Relo/
“Going Shopping” When Organizing

When I work with clients during an unpack and organize, before I begin to put the items away I like to sort, categorize, and present them as if the items were on display in a store.   I find that if you present the items in a visually pleasing way people tend to make quick and concise decisions about what stays and what goes.  Even kitchen utensils deserve to be presented in an appealing way. When a client sees that they have 10 spatulas and really only 2-3 that they use, it makes it easier to decide what goes.  I like to call it “going shopping”.  When I am doing a master closet that’s when things get really fun and you can be creative as well as efficient in the way you lead a client through the closet, by categorizing clothing in groups such as: workout, casual dress, fancy clothes, etc. I also like to practice this at home when I am seasonally changing out clothes in my closet or sorting my grown children’s left behind items in the mudroom.  Sometimes I will FaceTime them with all the items displayed so they can make quick decisions.  It may take a little more time on the front end, but it’s worth it in order to move through the decision making in a quick manner.  So next time you are organizing a part of your world, put everything on display and go shopping! 

Written by: Leslie Dietrich, Project Manager

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Paying Attention to Detail

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Paying Attention to Detail

On a recent vacation, my husband I stayed in a very small resort in the Bahamas.  The resort is run by an older couple from Italy who have made a new life building and running an amazing vacation getaway.  The secret to their success has been personally seeing to every detail and going above and beyond to make sure that every little corner of their establishment is perfect.  They also had clear systems in place to ensure that each day certain areas of the resort were cleaned and organized.  Basically the secret to a successful and well organized home/resort/workplace is consistent and detailed daily upkeep.  It certainly made for a relaxed and pleasant vacation!

 

Written by: Leslie Dietrich, Project Manager

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Spring Organizing Made Easy

/ Organization & Relocation/
Spring Organizing Made Easy

  1. MAKE A PLAN
    Choose one room at a time.  Prioritize what area is the most important or require attention first.  “Without clarity of a plan or a goal, there is a tendency to be overwhelmed with the task of organizing,”

  2. LESS REALLY IS MORE
    In order to organize you need space and that usually requires reducing, or "purging" what you already have.  But it need not be a negative process!  Set up bins so that sorting is easy, or hire Org & Relo where we can walk you through the process and dispose of items you no longer need. 

  3. SETTING UP SYSTEMS
    You may want to start with small spaces first and build confidence.  Try and keep yourself from being distracted and emotional about the task ahead.  Org & Relo offers services that can help you ease the burden and stress of any space large or small.

RELOCATION TIP:
It is important to use the correct box based on weight and size of the item.

  • Small book boxes – ideal for books, small heavy items, pantry.

  • Medium boxes – ideal for folded clothes, shoes, kitchen items that are not dishes.

  • Large boxes – ideal for bedding, large bulky items that are not too heavy.

Are you planning a move this year? Contact us today to get on our schedule! The best moving companies book out 2-3 months in advance, don't wait until 2 weeks before!

Written by: Corinne O’Doherty

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Project Recap: Getting Organized After the Death of a Loved One

/ Organization & Relocation/
Project Recap: Getting Organized After the Death of a Loved One

We recently worked with a widow whose husband had died 3 years ago and she is putting her house, which she has lived in for over 30 years on the market.  The basement and garage were full of her husband’s old hobby equipment. To her and her grown children is was a mountain of “junk , a hurdle, a burden, an obstacle preventing her to move on with her life. 

When she first spoke with Org & Relo, she just wanted everything “gone”.  On closer analysis however, we were able to identify items of not only financial value but personal value to her and her family.  With a team of four organizers we were able to sort items for resell and donation, cutting down on the amount that would be removed for trash.  Saving her not only the cost of disposal but also making her money with the reselling of her husband’s tools and ham/short wave radios. 

All those cost savings pale in comparison however to the true treasure on of our organizers found when culling through her husband’s old text books; a manuscript he wrote about his experiences during the Korean War.  Priceless.  Now that her basement and garage are empty of the mountains of old books and unused electrical equipment, our client can move forward with the next phase of her life with her children and grandchildren AND have important mementos that honor her late husband which she can share and pass on.

 

Written by: Corinne O'Doherty, Project Manager

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Make Storage Peace not War!

/ Organization & Relocation/
Make Storage Peace not War!

When your house in going on the market, your realtor will encourage you to cleanup, clear out and create less distractions for potential buyers. New owners want to imagine their belongings in a space, not yours.

At Organization & Relocation, we have the perfect system to get your house market ready.  What to do with the stuff you want to keep, but need out of the house for showings?

In a word, storage units. After Org & Relo helps you sort, categorize and decide what to keep, donate or trash, we pack every box personalized and tailored to you. 

Every household member has their box color coded and label clearly, making it easy to see whose box is whose in the storage unit.

 Plus, when your house sells, you and your family are already partially packed and ready to move on!

Call us today, let's get your house ready for sale in the best way possible!

 

 

Written by: JD Farley, Project Manager

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Mitigating Mud Season

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Mitigating Mud Season

As Spring is bursting forth it’s glorious show of blooms, blossoms, and greenery, another factor that comes with it, is mud. In climates where Spring has fits and starts with sunshine one day and snow the next, there is a profusion of mud.  This can be especially trying if you are a dog owner and enjoy hiking or walking with them.  One of the ways I combat bringing Spring’s glory inside is to designate a pair of shoes that are strictly for muddy walks only.  I keep them outside my mud room door and once the mud dries, I clap them together to get the big chunks off.  

In order to clean my dogs I keep a stack of “dog towels” handy by the back door.  My small dog goes directly in my mud room sink for a quick paw and belly wash with a rub down using a dry, clean towel.  My big dog gets the similar cleaning, but I use a small bucket filled part way with warm water that I place on a towel, but I place it toward the bottom of the towel. This is so that after I have dipped his front paws in the bucket they can drip dry on the front of the towel while I attend to the back legs.  I also have on the ready a damp smaller towel or rag to do a quick wipe down of his belly and upper legs.  Lastly, another dry towel is used to finish off the job.  I find that this is an easy and efficient way to keep the muddy paws in check.  The key to this process is preparing the bucket and towels before departing for your walk or hike.  

Keeping all entryways to the house swept and free of mud and dirt is also a good way to keep it from coming inside.  If it is especially messy outside, I will place a dog towel inside the door for people to place their muddy shoes on.  

Spring is a wonderful time of year, but it is also a little messy!

 

Written by: Leslie Dietrich, Project Manager

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The M Word

/ Organization & Relocation/
The M Word

Realtor √ Movers √ Move Coordinator…what is that?

It is no secret that moving (aka The M Word) is a stressful process.  Whether you are moving 2 blocks or hundreds of miles, the same steps need to be done to get your family and all your belongings from Point A to Point B.  For many, just the thought of everything that needs to be done keeps them from even entertaining the thought of moving.  Is this you?  There are many obstacles to prevent you from making that decision but worrying about how to orchestrate a move in addition to you everyday life responsibilities does not need to be one.  There is help!

When I share with someone what I do for a living the number one response I get is “I didn’t even know that service exists!”  Well, it does. 

5 Reasons to Hire Org & Relo to help with your move

1. You are already operating at peak capacity. We deal with the movers, packing, unpacking, organizing and so much more.  You could even go on vacation during the move!

2. You have no idea where to start.  We do!

3. You are physically unable to oversee movers all day, pack, and unpack.  It would take you years to get unpacked and settled.  We have a team of experienced organizers to make your house a home in a matter of days!

4. You love to decorate and personalize your home.  You still can!  We do the “not so fun” tasks making it easy for you to add the final touches as you settle in to your new home.

5. You are a business moving.  Yes, we do business moves or all sizes!  Why burden your employees (or in many cases one employee) with everything that needs to happen to move an office to a new location? Hiring Org&Relo allows you to continue doing business and move with minimal interruption knowing you still have the control. 

Don’t be afraid to shout the “M” word.  Org & Relo has your back.  Who knows… you may end up loving to move.

 

Written by: Jennifer Gowler, Director of Operations

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The Professional Organizers Guide to Clothing Consignment & Resale

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The Professional Organizers Guide to Clothing Consignment & Resale

Sometimes I will have a client that is purging clothing and some pieces are too nice to just donate. If the client is amenable to me handling the resale of these items there are a few things I consider before taking them to consignment.  The first is checking the items for any holes, snags, or stains. Then I consider the brand, most high end consignments won’t take mass produced brands.  They are looking for the luxury brands or unique one off brands.  Another thing I consider is season. Most consignments only take clothes seasonally. I like to create separate piles of fall/winter and spring/summer items to consign at the appropriate season. Another option is selling them through an app like Poshmark, but keep in mind this is a time consuming task that requires photographing each piece, posting it then you have to send it to buyer. It can make more money, but how much is it worth your time?  

I like to give my client all of these options and am always happy to accommodate their needs.

 

Written by: Leslie Dietrich, Project Manager

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Organizing Myth Busters

/ Organization & Relocation/
Organizing Myth Busters

MYTH #1

"I need organizing products in order to start organizing"

Not true.  Once you have sorted and eliminated what you no longer need or use often you can utilize what you already have.  When you do purchase organizing solutions, you will not overbuy! 

MYTH #2

"My space after organizing doesn't look like pictures I've seen."

Yes, we want our home and workspaces to look appealing, but ultimately the purpose of organizing is so that we can function efficiently. Taking your time an accepting that the end result may not look like a designer magazine is ok!

MYTH #3

"The simple act of decluttering with make you happy"

There's a lot of talk about the emotional benefits or organizing, but if it doesn't function for your lifestyle it's not going to alleviate long term stress.  Explore products and storage solutions that fit your needs and lifestyle.

Written by: Corinne O’Doherty, Project Manager

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All aboard! - or not?

/ Organization & Relocation/
All aboard! - or not?

Planning a move?  Chances are, someone in your household is not so eager as you are to make the change.  Who is dragging their feet?  Your spouse who just finally started to feel like your house was a home after months (or maybe years) of finding just the right furniture, art work, and paint color?  Your 7-year-old who has only lived in one place his/her whole life so far?  Your dog who knows the best places to bury their bone? Or is it you – dreading the idea of packing, packing, and more packing…then figuring out how to move items from point A to point B, then unpacking, unpacking, and more unpacking…and trying to still work at the same time!

We talk about it often.  Moving is one of the top stressful life events.  That said, there are those individuals who love to move.  They are invigorated by the changes and new opportunities that a relocation can offer.  Maybe that I you.  If the move involves more than a one person household, likely someone is not on board 100%. 

Here are a few tips to dealing with moving when everyone is NOT “All aboard”.

  • Talk about it and make the decision to move together.  Listen to each other’s positives about moving and also their concerns.  They may be different, they may still not want to move, and that is ok.  Just acknowledging each others feelings is huge.

  • Involve them in the process of making the house a home.  Let them choose the paint color for their room, pick out a new rug, or write a special message on the floor before the new carpet is installed.

  • If possible, visit the house together as a family before the move happens.  Maybe have a picnic in the dining room or take sleeping bags and have a sleepover before all the “stuff” arrives.  This is a good reminder that memories are created by being surrounded by our loved ones and not material things. 

  • Explore the community together by eating at a local restaurant, checking out the local shops, join the neighborhood page to get suggestions of local events. 

  • Be patient.  Change is hard, even when it is for the best. 

Written by: Jennifer Gowler, Project Manager

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“I Don’t Want Anyone to Know…”

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“I Don’t Want Anyone to Know…”

Over the past 7+ years of working with Organization & Relocation, I have seen and heard it all.  Recently I was looking at the calendar with a client to schedule an organizing day and she said “My friend arrives on Friday and I don’t want her to know I get help organizing.”  This is not the first time I have heard a similar statement.  I get it.  It is hard to admit we need help. 

We are trained to be the superhero and do it all.  High expectations are placed on us from our family, bosses, friends, strangers and mostly ourselves.  This is not necessarily a bad thing…we are often capable of more than we think.  Or we don’t put in the effort that we could if we really put our mind to it and make it a priority.

As much as I get this mentality, I also have witnessed the benefits of help.  The great news is even though we can probably do it all ourselves, we don’t have to!  Allowing the help, regardless if it is volunteered or you hired someone, is a very admirable quality.  It takes a huge weight off your shoulders and allows you to focus on things that you enjoy doing.  And trust me, the “helper” gets as much benefit from it as you do.  Remember that rewarding feeling you had when you last helped someone? 

Bottom line:  Keep your expectation high and do your best but don’t beat yourself up or wear yourself out.  Getting help and allowing support is key to not getting overwhelmed.  Nothing to be ashamed of in that!

Written by: by Jennifer Gowler, Project Manager

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Org & Relo to the Relocation Rescue! 

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Org & Relo to the Relocation Rescue! 

Many of our amazing clients have children far and wide with almost impossible schedules to gather for the sake of a parent relocation. Do you have an aging parent living in a massive house filled to the brim? Drop the stress, drop the guilt, let Org & Relo help you and your family.

Let me talk about our fantastic client Brian, (not his real name to protect his privacy), who needed help transitioning out of a 7,500 square foot home to a 2,500 moderate one. First, his children, all long distance in various continents, via email, skype, pictures, etc. were able to collect the important and meaningful inherited items each and secured in hand.

Now, what about the THOUSANDS of other times in the garage, the attic, the basement, the numerous closets that needed help with sorting, purging and containerizing? THAT'S WHAT ORG & RELO IS COMMITTED TO! Org & Relo created a system to help Brian dig out, move out and settle in. By the time Brian's relocation was complete, he and his children treated us like family and everyone's spirits were lifted. THEY did not feel guilty knowing their Dad was just fine, surrounded by a great team of pros and secured in his new home.

 Do you need help with a loved one's relocation? Let Organization & Relocation take care of all the details, it's what we do.

Written by: JD Farley, Project Manager

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New Years Resolution Check In!

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New Years Resolution Check In!

It’s the resolution that’s as old as time - to lose weight in the new year.  Right?  So many of us, so many times, find ourselves on January 1st (or any other date, for that matter) resolving to take the weight off for good this time!  But why is it that we keep ending up at the starting point over and over again?  Does your workout fall to the wayside at the end of a busy day?  Does it feel exhausting to find the time shop, prep and cook all of your healthy meals so you start to slip back into convenience and comfort foods?  If you quickly lose steam on your weight loss plan due to these types of obstacles, maybe it’s time to change your approach, not your diet.  Here are 4 simple steps to make your health and fitness goals a reality. 

 

            1.         Hard schedule your workouts

You show up to work at a specific time each day, right?  If you came in for half days or just didn’t show up for weeks at all, that wouldn’t bode well for your career.  Well, if you don’t show up for your health you’re going to lose it, just like a job.  Create a schedule that you can maintain for the workouts of your choice, and go for perfect attendance.  Choose your workout time wisely, like early mornings for example, where no other appointment, errand or task could get in the way.  For maximum results, try to workout at the same time each day to solidify the habit. 

 

            2.         Prep your meals 

This is a biggie and worth repeating.  Prep your food each and every week.  Choose one day to grocery shop, prep and cook your meals for the week.  Not only is this one of the most sure-fire ways to maintain a consistently healthy diet, but it is going to save you time (not to mention money) in the long run.  Cook in batches, portion out your meals, freeze the excess. 

 

            3.         Log your food

Now, I’m no diet guru, so I won’t be advocating for any certain diet or exercise methods.  However, the one common thread that most diets have is to highlight the importance of keeping a food journal and logging your meals on a daily basis.  One of my favorite tools for logging food is the calorie counting app, Lose It!  We all know there’s a lot more to nutrition than just logging calories, but from the standpoint of accountability and tracking, this app is the best.  You can log meals, snacks and exercise.   One of my favorite features is a scanning option that loads the nutrition information instantly from a photo of the bar code.  Brilliant!  Plus, it’s free!

 

            4.         Develop a bedtime routine

There are multiple reasons why sleep deprivation will destroy your weight loss efforts.  Research shows that people who stay up late consume more calories than those who go to sleep at a reasonable and predictable hour each night. Sleep deprivation interferes with the hormones that signal hunger and fullness levels. Plus, when you're tired, your body demands energy and you’re more likely to cave in to sugar and comfort food cravings. An organized and consistent sleep schedule won't just make you feel better—it'll keep you focused and motivated.

 

            5.         Set actionable goals

Set your goals, then break them down into actionable steps.  I know you want to lose 40lbs, but if you keep thinking of that number you will be discouraged when you only lose 2 pounds in two weeks.  Set an achievable amount of weight loss for the month, write it down, and post it somewhere in your home or office where you will see it every day.  If you’re following steps 1-4, then you will surely make it there! 

 

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Professional Organizers Share Their Top Tips for Organizing Your Space

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Professional Organizers Share Their Top Tips for Organizing Your Space

By: Randa Kriss, Serendipity Social,

For these Instagram influencers—and professional organizers—helping people stay organized is what they do…and post! We tapped them for tips on putting systems in place, staying on track and keeping your space clutter-free.

Meet Our Influencers

@neatmethod: Lisa Ruff, director of business development, Neat Method
@org_relo: Jennifer Gowler, senior project manager, Organization & Relocation
@horderlynyc: Jamie Hord, founder, Horderly Home Organizing
@ocdaz: Ashley Stewart, founder, O.C.D. (Organize. Create. Design.)
@practicallyperfectla: Joni Weiss and Kitt Fife, co-founders, Practically Perfect

“Start small and work your way up. Be sure to finish that area completely before digging into another project.” @horderlynyc

“I have a saying: S.O.S (Sort. Organize. Simplify.) Once you have like items grouped together, you will have a better visual of what you have.” @ocdaz

“Edit. Edit. Edit. Merely going through a drawer and pulling out unused items makes a big difference. Don’t put the damaged shoes back into your closet. Get them fixed or get rid of them.” @neatmethod

“Staying organized does require some effort. A person must have the intention of placing things back where they belong once they have been used. If not, then the systems don’t work.” @practicallyperfectla

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Org & Relo is 14 Years Old!

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Org & Relo is 14 Years Old!

Org & Relo is Turning 14!

Something about January and a fresh new year ahead always gets us thinking: What will this year bring? What will we conquer, what dreams will we fulfill? This month is especially exciting for us because Org & Relo is celebrating 14 years of business!

Organization & Relocation was founded by Sheryl Hadley in January 2005 after going to help a friend pack his home. Instead of packing even one box, they picked up trash and put away shoes to clear the space in order to be able to pack. Sheryl thought, “there must be a business in this.” 

The next day, Sheryl called her friend Stacey Kramer (brandplay.com) who does naming and branding and the result (over a glass of wine, written on a cocktail napkin... of course 😂) was the name Organization & Relocation was born. Sheryl then contacted her graphic designer friend Ryan Batch, (parallelarts.com) who is a graphic designer and the logo was created around the coffee table at her home. Sheryl hit the town flapping her "big mouth" and three weeks later she landed her first client (thanks Cooper Schell)!

14 years later, here we are, coming off of our best year yet with clients all over the US! But we couldn't have done it alone! We have an amazing team of professional “problem solvers” aka organizers working tirelessly to transform the lives of clients all over the country! Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout the years. We can't wait to see what 2019 has in store!

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Happy Holidays!

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Happy Holidays!

Thank you so much to every one of you for helping us to reach our BEST YEAR YET!  Your business, referrals, and support mean the world to us!


In celebration of the season a donation has been made in your honor to Direct Relief Emergency Preparedness and Response and the Humane Society of Ventura County. This gift provides hope and relief to those affected by natural disasters this year.  

Almost three-quarters of Americans probably won't like the gift they receive this holiday season, according to a survey from online retailer Rakuten. More than a third of respondents said they will regift unwanted gifts, another 27% will donate it to charity, and 14% will sell it. It's time to be the change you want to see in the world. Instead of perpetuating the same vicious cycle of non-sensical gift giving, we are helping our communities rebuild with the ultimate clutter-free gift of a donation to the charities mentioned above. We do this in honor of you. Thank you for all of your support of Org & Relo this year and from our family to yours - Happy Holidays!

Written by: Analiese Ross, AMR Digital Marketing

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Holiday Organizing - and Some Old World Memories

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Holiday Organizing - and Some Old World Memories

Snow crunching underfoot, houses outlined in sparkly lights, the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting out of the kitchen--the holidays are here again!

Christmas always takes me back to warm memories of my mother’s nanny, Molly. My grandmother died in 1948 and Molly came over from Denmark to LA to look after my mom and her two siblings. She was a true mother to those kids and a grandmother to me. She loved Christmas, and every year she covered coffee tins with contact paper and filled them with her famous Danish currant cookies to give as gifts. My mouth waters just remembering their buttery texture. But what really makes me think of Molly is when I take out my Christmas boxes and carefully unpack the handmade yarn Santas she gave to my mother before she died. These Old World Danish decorations bring the holiday spirit into my home like nothing else I own.

While I was decorating and remembering Molly this past week, I started thinking about holiday organizing and how beneficial a good system is. Let’s face it: by the end of the season we all feel the temptation to simply stuff everything in boxes as quickly as possible and get them out of sight for another year. But there are other ways to do this that lessen stress, free up time, and create some welcome ease. It just takes a little planning. Next year, when the season rolls around again, I’m always glad I did it.

I thought I’d share some tips and tricks that make my holidays a breeze:

  • The Container Store sells affordable, see-through boxes in different sizes that will accommodate small items like table decorations and ornaments or larger items like wrapping paper and garlands (or to save money, you can hang on to segmented wine boxes and cardboard egg cartons to store ornaments and breakable items)

  • Label all boxes in full capital letters for easy readability (I use a label maker but you can also print them or neatly hand-write them)

  • Designate “open first” boxes to streamline your decorating

  • If it’s broken, if you hate it, or if you never use it, give it away or properly dispose of it

  • Test light strings before putting them away to make sure you’re ready to go next year

  • Wind light strings around cardboard and stack them in a bin to save you from detangling a mess next year

  • Keep a stash of “neutral gifts” already wrapped to give to guests who show up with an unexpected gift for you; olive oil, chocolate, wine or candles

  • Keep a list for next year of items you know you’ll need, or shop the after-Christmas sales to get inexpensive lights and decorations to pack away 

When it comes to anything in my home, seasonal or otherwise, my philosophy is pretty simple. I ask myself: Do I use it, do I love it, do I appreciate it? Any item I have must clear at least one of these hurdles. It seems to me that the holidays are an especially good time to ask myself these questions as I get out things I don’t see that often.

You’ll be happy to know that Molly’s Santas received my highest rating--a thumbs-up in each category. They’re staying.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Whatever Holiday You Celebrate, and, of course, Happy Organizing!

Written by: Sheryl Hadley, President & Founder

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A Complete Guide to Holiday Organizing Products

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A Complete Guide to Holiday Organizing Products

1.  Wing-Lid Ornament Storage Box - (Click to Shop)
This clear Ornament Storage Box can easily store and protect up to 75 holiday ornaments. Plus, they're stackable and easy to identify!

2.  Clear Gift Wrap Box

Create a portable gift wrapping station using these clear storage containers. Each box can hold up to 28 rolls of wrapping paper. Add in some bows, ribbons, scissors, and tape and you'll be ready to take on the Holiday season! 
 

3.  Holiday Card Keeper

We all love receiving Holiday Cards but what do you do with them after the fact? We recommending picking 10-20 of your absolute favorite keepsakes and storing them in a mini filing system like this Holiday Card Keeper! 


4.  Wing-Lid Light Storage Boxes

Say goodbye to tangled lights! This Wing-Lid Light Storage Box comes equipped with four Light Cord Wraps that are suspended inside of the box so they hang neatly and tangle-free all year! 

 

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In Death Do We Inherit

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In Death Do We Inherit

My Dad passed away about two months ago which I shared with you in my last blog, In Death Do We Organize.Now, it's another take on this whole experience, In Death Do We inherit!

Some of you folks, have lots to potentially inherit; money, cars, homes, stocks, etc., and that is great, for you. But, there are many of us that don't have a pile of stuff coming our way, in fact, more than many. I'm one of those who inherited a few precious items from a few precious possessions. And make no mistake, I am so grateful!

See this picture of Saint Nickolas? That's a very old doll, over 100 years old, from the Swedish side of my Mom's family. Boy, do I remember every Christmas seeing him come out of the tissue paper for a few months of holiday. When I was a child, I was scared of Saint Nick, as an adult, he still freaks me out a bit! LOL Yet he is FABULOUS! 

I remember to this day, the moment when my Father said in front of my sister, Janet, (thank goodness) that HE would be MINE. WOW, I felt then I won the lotto! And still feel so fortunate to have this amazing family treasure.

Next, you'll see a little basic cordial glass of absolutely no value. But, it's the memory of this that takes my heart away.

My Mom was a heavy smoker, (menthol, Salem Lights), and never stopped until the final last years.

However, her way of self medicating was to fill this little glass with maple syrup and as she stated,

"It will coat my throat so I won't cough as much."  Now the medical establishment may disagree with Mom here, and as a kid I used to think, really? But I still see her sipping out of this glass while doing dishes at the sink, her yellow Playtex gloved hand holding carefully not to slip.

This Holiday Season, no matter what you own, may you embrace beautiful and hilarious memories and inherit them in your heart forever. 

Happy Holidays!

Written by: JD Farley, Project Manager

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My Favorite Organizational Product for Traveling!

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My Favorite Organizational Product for Traveling!

When I travel, my go to product to stay organized and spend less time rifling through my luggage is the pack-it by Eagle Creek. It can be found at The Container Store and REI and of course, Amazon.  I like this product because it is lightweight and has two zippered compartments to put your clothes into. They usually come in packs of two which are different colors. For instance, the green one I will pack tops in one compartment and pants in the other.  You can fit a surprising amount in each side.  This makes for a quick way to find what you are looking for and keeps your luggage tidy.  These are especially handy when your itinerary takes you to several cities in one trip.

Another travel tip is to keep all of your toiletries for traveling in one place at home in the bag you use to carry them.  My husband travels a great deal and generally always has a carry on.  I keep clear quart size bags with the appropriate sized toiletries stocked and ready for him to grab. Replenishing is easy once you return home because it is all in one place.

Click here to shop yours today: http://go.shopyourlikes.com/pi/9ab7d6942652c4949d6758761fe5992c40108320?afId=641746&afCreativeId=2996

 Written By: Leslie Dietrich, Project Manager

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