Magic Without a Wand
Sometimes a downsizing or senior move management job goes so well —all the moving parts coming together like a well-oiled machine—it's as though I have a sparkly wand that gets waved in the air and *poof* magic happens! I'm not a magician; I don't even play one on TV!...
Top Ten Tips for a Successful Garage Sale
Clutter-clearing garage sale season is upon us! Before you commit, ask yourself this one important question, and be honest: Do I have enough to sell to make it worth my time and effort, or should I just donate the stuff and be done with it? If you decide to proceed,...
The Tax Man Cometh…
Are you ready? April 18th is right around the corner and for most of us, that's the deadline for filing our 2017 tax returns. There's nothing I can say to make the process conceptually exciting (as in, "Yay! I get to file my TAXES now!") but I can offer some...
Where Should It Live?
My clients hear that question all the time. When they complain about the backpacks plopped in the middle of the kitchen floor, or the car keys that can't be found when needed, or the pile of missing mail from two days ago…whether its backpacks, keys, or the incoming...
Buried Under the Paper Piles
I work with many clients setting up filing systems and sorting through years and years (and YEARS!) of accumulated papers. The question I'm asked most often is, "How long should I keep paper stuff?" As a former accountant, I'm comfortable answering. I add this...
‘Tis the Season… Are You Feelin’ It?
It’s officially here. Are you enjoying this holiday season, or have you let the hub-bub and hoopla get the best of you? If it feels like there’s still more to do than time to do it in, prioritize. What MUST you accomplish, what would you LOVE to get done, and what...
Time-Saving Holiday Meal Tip
I don’t know how holiday meals work at your house, but around here we do NOT mess with tradition! It actually makes things easier because I know exactly what we’ll be eating – no new recipes to learn, no new ingredients to buy – so I computerize my shopping list for...
Baby Steps
It’s a fact: clutter can be overwhelming. Whether it’s a four-day pile of unopened mail or years of accumulated papers, there comes a point when tackling it becomes daunting. Maybe it’s the hall closet filled with linens you no longer use. Perhaps the spare bed is...
Top Ten Tips for a Successful Garage Sale
Clutter-clearing garage sale season is upon us! Before you commit, ask yourself this one important question, and be honest: Do I have enough to sell to make it worth my time and effort, or should I just donate everything and be done with it? If you decide to proceed,...
the life changing magic of tidying up – a book review
Before you accuse me of “sour grapes” regarding the hoopla surrounding Marie Kondo's best-selling book, hear me out. I think this is much more a case of brilliant marketing than of a brilliantly-written organizing book. Just look at that title: Life-changing: Many...