Declutter Archives

“Do I need a Professional Organizer?”

Well, that depends.

If you have found yourself reading this, it probably means that you are looking for ways to be more efficient and organized. The “need” for a professional to help you will depend on your needs, time and budget. I am a big fan of “hiring” out tasks that are not my strengths or I don't have the time to complete. With that same philosophy, I recommend the same to my friends, family, and clients.

Your time is precious and it shouldn't be spent worrying about your long list of things-to-do. That is where professional services come in.

Do you have a demanding career and you simply don' have the time to cook? Yup, so you get a meal-prep subscription.

Are you hardly ever home and when you are, the last thing you want to do is clean? Yup, so you hire a cleaning company.

Does looking at a spreadsheet and filing your taxes give you a headache? Yup, so you hire a tax accountant.

The list could go on.

My point is, hiring a professional of any kind is a choice you make because it will make your life easier and more pleasant. Sometimes, we just need some inspiration to do it ourselves. Whether you want to do it yourself or hire a professional, don't forget that your time is valuable and that you are doing the things you want to do.

Kindly, Stephanie

The Size of Your Project Matters!

You've heard the sayings “size doesn’t/does matter” or “it’s what you do with it that matters”. As kitschy and funny as those saying sound, they also apply to how you plan your organizational projects! Determine if your project is “small” “medium” or “large” in size. This will help you determine how much help you need so you don’t find yourself overwhelmed in the middle of the project and/or don’t finish because it became “too” much. Here is a quick snapshot of what each of the project sizes entails:

Small Projects:

Small: you can do it yourself and it will take you less a day, regardless of how many hours it will take you. If you think it will have to break it down to two days, it's no longer a “small” project. Small projects are the ones you can finish without interruptions. Think: organizing 1-3 junk drawers or organizing your purse.

Medium Projects:

Medium: Projects that will take you more than one day, regardless of hours or more than 6 hours in a day (because this means you will have to start-stop-start). These are the projects that you can probably do on your own but just take longer. Think: organizing your closet or a dinner party for 8-10.

Large Projects:

Large Projects: These are the projects that may require you to ask for help from either a professional installer or a member of your household. These projects will require multiple days and/or multiple people to make a decision (like asking your children/spouse/roommate/coworker for permission to throw something away). Think: organizing the entire kitchen or basement or a wedding.

So as you begin planning out your projects, take a moment to look around be honest about how big your project is, it'll set you up for success!

Kindly, Stephanie

Magazines Organization

Do you have a stack of magazines piling up in your office or home because you keep telling yourself one or all of the following? Here is a list of things people will tell themselves and solutions.

That you are going to read it eventually or there may be a really good article in there you don’t want to miss.
- SOLUTION: Did you know that your local library has an archive of magazines to look at? Head over to the library when you can and read through all the magazines you’ve been missing! Feel free to snap a picture or scan the article and read it later.

What if I need it later to create a vision board or craft project?
- SOLUTION: Ask your neighbors, family or friends for all of their spare magazines when the time comes that you need some magazine clippings.

I have a collection of magazines dating back decades; what if they are worth something?
- SOLUTION: “When it comes to magazines, there are no rules for what makes a given issue valuable to one person and not another” (flipsy.com). The only way to really know how much they are worth is to hire an appraiser or a grader. “Keep in mind that grading and appraising are two different services.” An appraiser is going to cost more but may pay off in the end if your magazine is a collectible. Here is the thing, though, appraising a magazine takes time, money and effort. Your time and effort is valuable, so if you don't think you will get to it or willing to put in the effort, use your time to do something that you truly value or go the extra mile and hire someone to tell you for sure what it's worth. If you still want to keep your collection, make sure it is stored in a tightly sealed box so that it doesn't get damaged by its environment and then it really won't be worth much!

More tips on how to organize your magazines!

Set time aside (maybe while watching your favorite show or enjoying a nice poolside day), go through the magazines and rip out the articles you want to read later or recipes you want to save. This will diminish your stack of papers!
Use them as a decorative piece. I would only advice my clients to keep sets that truly reflect their personalities (so if you like to travel, only keep travel magazines) and use them as a statement piece on your shelf. Remember, though, if you are going to move at any point, magazines are heavy to carry! (Speaking of heavy, if you place a lot of them on a shelf, make sure the shelf is sturdy enough to carry the weight).
Magazine holders such as these are a great way to keep them together and tidy:

Blu Monaco Foldable Pink Magazine Holder with Gold Label Holder – Set of 2 – Cardboard Magazine File Boxes Desk File Organizer

Bamboo Vertical File Folder Holder & Office Product Organizer, Store Files, Magazines, Notepads, Books and More, 2 Pack Combo Set

Simple Houseware White/Black Magazine File Holder Organizer Box (Pack of 12)

Kindly, Stephanie

Makeup Drawer/Bag Organizing

Remember, makeup does not last forever! (they trap bacteria). Don't let your makeup drawer or bag get so\ full that you can't find your favorite or most utilized items. Here's a quick guide:

Lipstick – a year after you have opened it.
Eye Makeup (mascara, eyeliner) – every 3 months
Foundation/Primer – up to 2 years (keep it away from heat).
Perfume – as long as it still smells good! (keep it away from direct sunlight)
Blush – up to 2 years
Nail Polish – up to 2 years. (keep it away from direct sunlight or extreme weather)
TIP: if the makeup starts to smell or the liquid breaks apart, then it's probably no longer good.
TIP: Makeup's shelf life is USUALLY from the day you open it. Anything that is liquid or is holding moisture like foundation, has a much shorter shelf life, even if you kept it closed.
TIP: Natural beauty products may have a much shorter shelf life. Check the brand's website or the back of the container.

Pro Organizer Tips

Your every-day items should be kept separate from the items you only use for special occasions so that you can find things easily.
Utilize a makeup bag or container that has compartments for easy access. Like this one (I actually have one and LOVE IT!!):

Kindly, Stephanie

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Junk Mail Opt-Out List

Last Updated: August 1, 2019

Is your junk mail getting out of control or just when you think you've thrown away the junk paper, more comes in the mail? I'm here to tell you that you have options on how to make all of that junk mail stop coming your way!

4 Ways to Stop Junk Mail!

4 Ways to Stop Junk Mail

OptOutPrescreen.com – (USA residents only) eliminate the bulk of your junk mail by putting a freeze on your credit report or registering to optoutprescreen.com (a joint venture of the major credit reporting agencies). Once you do, companies will no longer be able to run credit checks on your name and send you pre-approved offers. For more information, head to the Federal Trade Commission's website: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0262-stopping-unsolicited-mail-phone-calls-and-email
You can also contact the Direct Marketing Association (www.the-dma.org) (USA residents only) and request they add your name to their “Do not mail” database. The DMA is the largest U.S. data and marketing association. The program costs $2 and will block unwanted DMA mail for 10 years. It also offers registration for DMA’s email preference service.
Opt-out of individual mailers/companies. This method requires more effort, but it guarantees that you pick the companies that you don’t want to receive junk mail from. You'd have to call/email each of the companies and ask them to remove you from their list. I have put together a quick list you can use to keep track of the junk-mail you want to opt-out of HERE
Find an app that does it for you. One that is recommended over and over again is PaperKarma –> “Empty your recycling bin for good! PaperKarma is a mobile app that stops postal junk mail. Declutter your life. Protect your privacy. Help your loved ones avoid scams.” Download them on your phone/tablet.

Flamingo Tip: If you just moved, bought a house, having a new baby, got married, or have had any other life events recently where you could find yourself needing or wanting those coupons you get in the mail, then don't opt-out. Not all junk mail is evil, but this is a good way to get your life more organized. You can always opt-back in, so maybe after you are at a place where you don't feel as out of control, you can opt back in.

Flamingo Tip: When you move, don't fill out post office change of address forms, or your junk mail will follow you to you renew home. Instead, personally contact people and companies to provide them with your new address.

Kindly, Stephanie

Category: Declutter

“Do I need a Professional Organizer?”

The Size of Your Project Matters!

Small Projects:

Medium Projects:

Large Projects:

Magazines Organization

More tips on how to organize your magazines!

Makeup Drawer/Bag Organizing

Pro Organizer Tips

Junk Mail Opt-Out List

4 Ways to Stop Junk Mail

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