5 Quick Tips to Pack It Up

The holidays are nearly behind us, but there’s possibly one more thing most of us need to do . . . . pack it up!

Tackling this task can either be liberating or daunting, depending on how organized and prepared we are.  Here are some thoughts on making it easier, if not this year, certainly in years to come.

  1. Reduce, reduce, reduce:  It’s always easier to pack away less stuff, so I suggest my clients take a good, long look at what they are planning to pack away.  A couple questions to ask yourself:
    • Do you or someone in your home love it?  If it holds great memories and you decorate with it every year, pack it up.
    • Has it been trapped in a storage container year-after-year-after-year?  If that’s the case, it’s probably not your style and doesn’t hold great memories.  Give it away.  Someone else will probably cherish it.
  2. Give it away:
    • Has someone you know admired the decoration?  Ask them if they want it.  Gifting items to someone who has admired them is an easy way to release things that no longer serve us.
    • Is there a local charity, church, etc. that cold use the item?  Gifting things to those that can’t afford them brings extra honor to the decorations.  (NOTE:  Most charities will gladly accept Christmas decorations even at the end of the season, but it’s best to check before you try to drop them off.)
  3. Store it: There are nearly as many ways to store decorations as there are decorations themselves!
    • Specialty containers like these from the Container Store can be extremely functional, but not very cost-effective.
    • Other simple solutions:
      • Wrap lights around cardboard, use a extension cord holder, or for larger quantities, utilize a hose reel. Check it out.
      • Liter-size water bottles work well to hold beaded garland.
      • Plastic produce clam-shell containers from warehouse stores are fantastic for glass ornaments.
      • Egg cartons work well for small, breakable ornaments.
  4. Traditions:  What traditions served you well this year?  Did everyone still enjoy trekking into the woods for the Christmas tree? Was neighborhood caroling a big hit?  Midnight/sunrise service still magical?  If so, plan it again for next year.  If not, let it go.  No need to carry on traditions “just because.”
  5. Holiday Cards:  Be sure to keep track of who you received holiday cards from this year and add them to your 2017 holiday card list. If you still have the envelopes, double-check the addresses to ensure your records are up-to-date.

Going through the sort, purge, and store process probably isn’t the most fun thing you will do this holiday season, but it could very well be the best gift you could give yourself come holiday time next year!

Happy New Year, everyone!

Cindy Jobs

Organize to Simplify RGB www.organizetosimplify.com

Member Color - WebNational Association of Professional Organizers, Seattle Chapter President
 ICD_LogoTag_Horz_72 websiteCertified Premium Subscriber, Institute for Challenging Disorganization

2017 Word of The Year

I’ve never participated in the popular “word of the year” exercise, but I’ve known lots of folks that have and they find it very inspirational.  So, this year I’m giving it a go.

Picking a word was difficult for me.  There were so many words running through my head I found it hard to focus.  Wait!  Was “focus” the right word?  Nah, I’m pretty good at focusing anyway, no need to focus on focusing.  Too redundant.

One of my clients selected “process” as her word of the year.  I’m pretty good at process too, so that one didn’t resonate.

A friend and colleague selected “positive.” In her words “I feel like putting the word “positive” out there in my consciousness will help me be on the lookout for more positive and maybe I can snowball positive-phew!”  Brilliant, Monika!

I was getting pretty agitated about this whole “word of the year” thing.  “Calm down, it will come to you.”  Wait!  What?  “Calm” that was it! I could certainly benefit from more “calm” in my life!

Using my trusty thesaurus, I found “calm” was even more perfect than I imagined:

Tranquil, Peaceful, Quiet, Still, Cool, Composed, Unruffled, Serene, Relaxed, Peace, Quiet

All things I truly want to be.

So, look out 2017!  “Calm” Cindy is on her way!

Cindy Jobs

Organize to Simplify RGB www.organizetosimplify.com

Member Color - WebNational Association of Professional Organizers, Seattle Chapter President
 ICD_LogoTag_Horz_72 websiteCertified Premium Subscriber, Institute for Challenging Disorganization

It’s the final countdown . . . . .

Happy Holidays

Less than a week before the “big day.”  Are you stressed about what’s left to be done?  Save your sanity and reduce some stress by following some (or all) of the suggestions below.

Last minute gift options:  Some people think gift cards are just too impersonal.  I heartily disagree.  There are so many options out there that would be perfect for almost everyone on your holiday list.  Check out your local grocery or drug store gift card kiosk and I’m certain you will find something that will work nicely.  Too late to mail a gift card?  Many retailers offer e-gift cards that can be e-mailed at a moment’s notice.

Let someone else bake/cook:  Personally I had great intentions for holiday backing this year.  Well, other things took priority.  Most grocery stores have wonderful bakeries that turn out goodies “as good as Grandma made.”   For that festive dinner, many restaurants and grocery stores offer pre-cooked, multi-course meals.  They may cost a little more, but may be well worth it for the stress reduction.

Enlist some help:  We don’t need to do it all ourselves!  In general, people enjoy being a part of the process and feel a sense of contribution.  Instead of taking on the entire responsibility for huge, festive dinners, make them potluck.  Ask  family members to help wrap packages.  Delegate grocery shopping.  Just because we’ve done it all in the past, doesn’t mean we need to in the future.

Send Happy New Years cards:  Still haven’t had time to get cards in the mail?  Well, don’t stress about it.  I’ve noticed a new trend of sending “Happy New Years!” cards.  Frankly, I think it’s a great idea!  Fantastic family pictures can be taken when the family is all together.  Creating/mailing New Year’s cards can  be done after the hustle and bustle of Christmas.  Plus, your card won’t get lost in the plethora of other cards landing in mailboxes right now.  Win. Win. Win

If you are looking for additional holiday suggestions, check some of my prior holiday-related posts:

Still Looking For That Perfect Gift?

Five Quick Tips to Destress the Holidays

Stressless Holidays

Not another tie!

Happy Holidays!

Cindy Jobs

Organize to Simplify RGB www.organizetosimplify.com

Member Color - WebNational Association of Professional Organizers, Seattle Chapter President
 ICD_LogoTag_Horz_72 websiteCertified Premium Subscriber, Institute for Challenging Disorganization

Still looking for that perfect gift?

Happy HolidaysIt’s the first week of December.  Major gift-giving days are right around the corner.  Are you feeling the stress of finding the perfect gift?  I know I am.

Every year I go through the “who do I need to buy for?,” “what does Aunt Mildred want?,” “what’s meaningful, but still easy to ship?,” . . . the list goes on and on.  Although there is magic in finding the perfect gift for someone, often-times finding the perfect gift is incredibly stressful.

I’m in people’s homes and offices every week, and quite often I find remnants of the “not so perfect gift.”  Sometimes they just sit in a drawer, sometimes they take up valuable space that could be used for something my clients truly enjoy, or they get relegated to the “re-gift” closet.  No matter where it ends up, it’s generally not in a place of honor or respect.  My clients generally can’t get themselves to give it away “because it was a gift.”  But think about it, would the gift-giver want you to burden yourself with something they gave you that you didn’t enjoy?  I think not.

So this year, what kind of gifts can we give that will bring more meaning and joy to those we love?

Here are some places to start:

The White Envelope Project:  I saw this on my Facebook feed a few days ago and think it is a brilliant way to honor someone you love and support those that may need it the most.

Do a good deed:  Instead of giving store-bought things, offer to:

  • Run errands.
  • Take down their holiday lights and decorations.
  • Babysit.
  • Mow their lawn/shovel their driveway.

And, for busy families or those who find it difficult to cook, fill their freezer with home-made goodness of soups, casseroles, etc.

Adopt-A-Family or Child:  There are many ways to support those in need, and adopting a family or foster child is a great way to do it.  Check with your work, local businesses, or Chamber of Commerce for specifics.

Purchase a gift in the recipient’s name from well-known, reputable charities:  It’s easy to get caught up in donating to whomever we receive a call or solicitation in the mail from.  To ensure your donation gets the biggest bang for the buck, check out  Charity Navigator. The Charity Navigator site gives you the ability to look up charities

Whatever gift-giving solution feels best to you, remember the spirit of the holidays is really to spend time with the ones we love.

If you are looking for additional holiday suggestions, check some of my prior holiday-related posts:

Five Quick Tips to Destress the Holidays

Stressless Holidays

Not another tie!

Happy Holidays!

Cindy Jobs

Organize to Simplify RGB www.organizetosimplify.com

Member Color - WebNational Association of Professional Organizers, Seattle Chapter President
 ICD_LogoTag_Horz_72 websiteCertified Premium Subscriber, Institute for Challenging Disorganization

 

Five Quick Tips to De-Stress the Holidays

Happy HolidaysFor many of us, Thanksgiving kicks off the busy and potentially stressful holiday season . . . that time of year when many people compare their lives to beautiful, perfect Rockwell and Better Homes and Garden images.

This time of year I hear a lot of stress-related concerns from my clients.  In large part, they center around not having enough time to “get it all done.”  This gives me the perfect opportunity to have the conversation about what “it all” is and if “it all” is bringing joy to the holiday season or just layering on undue stress.

I encourage my clients to check in with themselves, review their priorities, and figure out the best way to give themselves the most precious gift of all . . . time with their family and friends!  Here are some great places to start:

  1. Forget perfection.  Try not to hold yourself to the Rockwell and Better Homes and Gardens standards (don’t even get me started on Pinterest).  As much as I love outside images for inspiration, it is almost impossible to have our homes and meals live up to the standards presented by professional stylists and photographers.
  2. Edit your schedule.  Do you really need to accept every invitation that comes your way?  Probably not.  Some events may be non-negotiable, like the company holiday party.  When you receive an invitation, ask yourself if you are excited to go or just feel an obligation. If it just feels like an obligation, ask yourself what the worst thing that could happen if you don’t go.  Are you comfortable with that?  If so, a polite “no, but thank you for the invitation” may be the correct way to go.
  3. Whenever possible, stick to your routine.  During the holidays, some of us tend to eat too much, drink too much, not exercise, and certainly not get enough sleep.  Neglecting our own personal care causes us to get run down, cranky, and possibly sick.
  4. Abandon what’s not important. For many, the holidays are all about tradition.  Well, sometimes our traditions just don’t make sense for the way we currently live our lives.  Does taking the day to press cider and cut down a tree in the forest still bring you joy?  If so, go for it.  If not, let it go.  Spend that time doing something you truly enjoy.
  5. Ask for and accept some help.  We don’t need to do it all ourselves!  In general, people enjoy being a part of the process and feel a sense of contribution.  Instead of taking on the entire responsibility for huge, festive dinners, make them potluck.  Ask  family members to help wrap packages.  Delegate grocery shopping.  Just because we’ve done it all in the past, doesn’t mean we need to in the future.

The holidays are meant to be joyful and fun for everyone.   Starting with you.

ADHD: What is it? How to work with it.

adhdawarenessmonth_color_medOctober is National ADHD Awareness month.  I recently gave an hour and a half presentation at the Everett Library about ADHD. The highlights are noted below

“It’s so much easier to suggest solutions when you don’t know too                                     much about the problem.”                                                                                                                    — Malcolm Forbes

What is ADHD?

“A complex syndrome of developmental impairments of executive functions, the self-management system of the brain, a system of mostly unconscious operations.” (Dr. Thomas Brown).

It is neurological, not a matter of willpower.

How many people have it?

During their lifetimes, 12.9% of men will be diagnosed with the attention disorder. Just 4.9%  of women will be diagnosed. Today, about 4% of American adults over the age of 18 deal with ADHD on a daily basis.  (healthline.com)

It is highly genetic. Only height has a stronger genetic predictability.
(University of Maryland psychologist Andrea Chronis)

What are some of the traits of ADHD?

The Big three:  Inattention.  Hyperactivity.  Impulsivity

But wait there’s more:  Organizationally challenged; Chronically late; Trouble prioritizing; Challenged socially; Poor listening skills; Addictive personality (shopping, substance abuse, etc.); and lots, lots more.

Will medication help?

Medication helps 70%-80% of the time.  According to drugs.com,  as of October 2nd, there were 48 ADHD medications listed.  Success is a joint effort between therapists, MDs and the client to get the correct medication in the correct dose to help maintain focus.

What can be done to manage ADHD?

Work collaboratively with physicians, therapists, family/friends, coaches, professional organizers, etc.

Helpful processes:

-Thought management: write things down where you  can find them
-Time management:  routinely use a planner and a timing device (timetimer.com)
-Get organized: less stuff, less to think about
-Embrace a “to do” list:  keep it simple and current
-Voice recordings:  leave yourself or others messages if you can’t write it down
-Clocks, clocks, and more clocks

How do I know if I have it?

There are several on-line tests that may provide some clarity; however, a true diagnosis should be done with a trained medical/mental health provider.

How can I learn more about it?

CHADD.org (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

add.org

additudemag.com

My favorite books are by:
Ari Tuckman, PsyD; Thomas Brown, PhD; Sari Solden, MS, LMFT; Edward Hallowell, M.D.; John Ratey, M.D.; Daniel G. Amen, M.D.; Judith Kolberg

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.  I am not a doctor or mental health provider; however, the majority of my organizing and coaching clients have ADHD and I’ve spent years researching the condition to ensure their success.

 

 

Organize to Simplify CMYK

 

 

www.organizetosimplify.com

cindy@organizetosimplify.com

206-707-3458

National Association of Professional Organizers, Seattle Area Chapter President

seattle

 

 

 

Institute for Challenging Disorganization, Six Certificates of Education

ICD_LogoTag_Horz_72 website

 

What kind of disorganized are you?

Basement BeforeThere are lots and lots of reasons people become disorganized and in my business I’ve worked with all of them.  In large part, disorganization can be broken down into major categories:

Chronic Disorganization:

What does it look like?  Home and/or work spaces containing too much, disorganized stuff. Difficulty knowing what items are owned and/or finding them.  Those struggling with chronic disorganization may also suffer with disorganization relating to time and process.

Clients that suffer from chronic disorganization have struggled with this for most of their lives.  Many of my chronically disorganized clients have taken classes, read books, and possibly hired people to help them become organized, all to no avail.  They feel hopeless that they will never get out from under it.  Not true.  Chronically disorganized people may need additional, regular, and specialized support, but they are not destined to be disorganized for the rest of their lives. Note:  It is important not to assume those who struggle with chronic disorganization are also struggling with Hoarding Disorder, a diagnosed mental health condition.

Social Disorganization:

What does it look like?  Too much stuff and too many commitments caused by a “keeping up with the Joneses” attitude.

Unfortunately, many people suffer from a “more is better” attitude when it comes to stuff and activities.  This can be destructive both financially and physically.  Our health suffers when we are surrounded by too much stuff too many activities.  Think about it, everything we own needs care: we need to pay for it, insure it, dust it, water it, etc.  In addition, when we over-schedule our time, we don’t get enough rest and our health suffers.  What’s the point?

Situational Disorganization:

What does it look like?  This is short-term disorganization possibly caused by a sudden life event.

Disorganization of this type is easier to tackle than most.  Situational disorganization is caused by events such as moves, acquiring a loved one’s possessions after their passing, time away from home for vacations, medical emergencies, etc.  This type of disorganization can generally be brought back under control fairly quickly with some extra time and effort.

Historical Disorganization:

What does it look like?  Have you heard the term “we live what we learn?”  This is the basis for historical disorganization.

Some of us learned early on the importance of becoming and staying organized and embrace it as adults.  Some of us were raised in cluttered environments and feel comfortable living that way as adults.  Some of us were raised in highly organized environments (possibly minimalist) and rebel against that lifestyle,  living our adult lives in a more cluttered environments.  Conversely, some of us were raised in very disorganized, cluttered environments and choose to live our adult lives at the opposite end of the spectrum.  How we were raised plays a very integral role in our choices as adults.

Habitual Disorganization:

What does it look like?  When you tell yourself “I’ll put that away tomorrow,” but you don’t.  Or “I’ll file those papers next time I’m in the office,” but instead you just close the office door. Or “I’ll leave the laundry on the couch just this one time,” but then it becomes a habit.  That’s habitual disorganization.

Conquering habitual disorganization requires substituting new, positive routines (and rewards) for the negative routines that have resulted in our disorganization.  The first step is to identify the habit that is causing the disorganization.  For example, if you routinely pile laundry on the couch, add a routine/reward that requires you to keep the TV turned off until the laundry is put away.

Do you see yourself in any of these types of disorganization?  What are you willing to do to overcome them?

Organize to Simplify CMYK

 

 

www.organizetosimplify.com

cindy@organizetosimplify.com

206-707-3458

National Association of Professional Organizers, Seattle Area Chapter President

seattle

 

Institute for Challenging Disorganization, Six Certificates of Education

ICD_LogoTag_Horz_72 website

“I just can’t do anything right!”

Pixabay Negative ThoughtsDo you participate in negative thoughts like “I just can’t do anything right!”?  Dr. Daniel G. Amen, MD, refers to this as  Automatic Negative Thinking.  Automatic negative thinking can be personally destructive and is tied very closely to negative self talk.

“These thoughts severely limit a person’s ability to enjoy his or her life.  How people think “moment by moment” has a huge impact on how they feel and how they behave.  Negative thoughts often drive difficult behaviors and cause people to have problems with their self-esteem.  Hopeful thoughts, on the other hand, influence positive behaviors and lead people to feel good about themselves and be more effective in their day-to-day lives.” (excerpt from Healing ADD, Dr. Daniel G. Amen, MD)

Some examples of negative self talk I’ve encountered with clients (and some I’ve participated in myself):

  • I’m too stupid to be organized.
  • I’m too fat.  I need to get rid of all these clothes.
  • No one wants to spend time with me.
  • No one likes/trusts me.
  • They didn’t call me back, they must hate me.
  • I’m never going to be as fun/pretty/smart as my friends are.

Every thought we have releases chemicals in our brains:

  • Positive and hopeful thoughts release chemicals that make us feel good.
  • Negative and degrading thoughts release chemicals that make us feel bad.
  • What you focus on determines how you feel and act.

What do to?

  1. Acknowledge negative thoughts, but don’t empower them:  It’s nearly impossible to not have a negative thought from time-to-time, but we don’t need to empower the negativity.  Acknowledge it and move on.
  2. Re-frame: “I’m too fat” can turn into “I need to lose 5 pounds.”  See how that works?  You’ve turned negativity about yourself into an action plan.
  3. Analyze the negativity from a 3rd person perspective:  Would your best friend react the same way?  Sometimes looking at things from outside ourselves brings a new perspective.
  4. Assume best intentions:  If someone doesn’t acknowledge your in-passing “how are you?” or doesn’t return your call in a reasonable amount of time, assume they didn’t hear you or didn’t get the message. My guess is that they aren’t intentionally ignoring you, even though your perception of the circumstance may lead you to believe that’s the only answer.

Conquer your automatic negative thinking and negative self-talk by employing the above techniques.  Your brain will thank you!

Organize to Simplify CMYK

 

 

www.organizetosimplify.com

cindy@organizetosimplify.com

206-707-3458

National Association of Professional Organizers, Seattle Area Chapter President

seattle

 

 

 

Institute for Challenging Disorganization, Six Certificates of Education

ICD_LogoTag_Horz_72 website

How can you simplify your life?

simplifyLast week was “National Simplify Your Life” week.  I meant to write a post last week about this subject, but I took a week off and REALLY simplified my life by not doing any work.  How’s that for “simplifying?”  Not very productive, but it felt really good!

Although I didn’t write the post, I thought about what simplifying my life would look like.  What do I have to simplify?

  • Stuff?  Yes!
  • Schedules?  Yes!
  • Technology? Yes!
  • People?  Yes!  (yikes!)

Stuff:

Most of us have way more stuff than we actually need, and probably want.  Look around the room you are sitting in and really take a hard look at all the items that are in the room.  Do you use them?  Do they bring you joy and happiness?  If not, what would it feel like to let them go?  How would it feel knowing that they were in the home of someone that actually needed and wanted them? Not only is it okay to let things go, de-cluttering makes us healthier:

According to the Chicago Tribune: “Getting rid of clutter can have unexpected health benefits. Letting go of material things gives a feeling of euphoria some liken to the runner’s high. It’s liberating and frees up time and space for healthy habits, such as exercising. It can even reduce allergy symptoms and help you lose weight.”

Schedules:

Raise your hand if you feel you have too much to do and not enough time (I see lots of hands raised right now).  Do you need to do everything on your schedule?   Are there things you knew at the time you should have said “no, but thanks for asking” to?  Are you doing things that don’t make you happy and are not critical (book club you no longer enjoy, exercise class you are only attending because you already paid for it but don’t really like, networking meetings that don’t bring you joy or clients, etc.)  Much like our stuff, cluttered and over-crowded schedules can affect our health.  I encourage you to take a look at your schedule and see what you can eliminate.  What would you do with that extra time?  Exercise?  Sleep? Spend more time with family and friends?

Technology:

Am I actually suggesting you give up technology?  Absolutely not!!! What I am suggesting is taking a critical look at how much time you are devoting to it.  Personally, I don’t do Twitter, Instagram, or Snapchat, but I spend way too much time on Facebook.  What are you learning from all these connections?  Is it really a “connection” or just a way to spend time?  What would happen if you disconnected from a social media platform or two?  What would happen if you reduced the amount of time you spent on them.  What would you do with that time?  Remember, doing nothing is a perfectly acceptable answer to that question.

People:

This one threw me for a minute, but it’s worth thinking about.  I could never do without connections to people.  I love being around people; being with people fills me with joy.  But, are there connections I am spending time maintaining that no longer serve me (or the other person) the way they used to?  Think about it.  Is the time spent maintaining some relationships disproportionate to the the joy the relationship brings you?

“Not every person you meet is here to stay.  Some people come in your life only to teach you something.”  Anurag Prakash Ray

I’m pretty sure we are all aware of things that could be eliminated from our lives, but it’s so hard to take that first step.  So, I’m going to challenge you:

Over the next week:

  • Eliminate one item of clutter.
  • Cancel one unnecessary appointment.
  • Reduce time spend on technology by one hour.
  • Take a critical look at one relationship.

Simplify your life . . . one small step at a time.

 

Organize to Simplify CMYK

 

www.organizetosimplify.com

cindy@organizetosimplify.com

206-707-3458

National Association of Professional Organizers, Seattle Area Chapter President

seattle

 

 

 

Institute for Challenging Disorganization, Six Certificates of Education

Simple Tips For Heading Back To School

Pixabay Back To SchoolYikes!  I keep seeing advertising for back-to-school preparations.  Where, oh where, has the summer gone?

Getting everyone ready for school adds another level of anxiety and stress to the last few summer days.    Here are some tips to get you started and make the transition a little smoother.

  1.  School Supplies:
    1. Get a copy of the school’s supply list.  I was able to find the school supply list for my local middle school on-line within just 30 seconds.  Doing a web search should result in a list similar to this (I searched “Lake Stevens School supply list”).  Local retailers may have these lists also.
    2. Once you have the list, shop at home.  Chances are, you will have a good number of the supplies already on hand.  There’s no need to purchase a full set of supplies every year.
    3. If you have supplies you aren’t using (or don’t foresee using in the near future), donate them to the school or to a local Boys and Girls Club.  I’m certain they will be put to better use than taking up space in your home.
  2. Clothes:
    1. Check with you local school to see if there are dress codes that need to be followed. If so, ensure that your student reads and understands them prior to embarking on the clothes shopping adventure.
    2. Depending on the age of your student, you will more than likely need to go shopping with them.   Note I said “with them.”  Although it may be simpler to just do the shopping on your own, having your child with you may be more efficient.  If you shop with your child, you will ensure the clothes fit properly, they feel good on them, and are something they like and will wear.
  3. Classes:  Hopefully at this point, classes have been signed up for.  If not, get in touch with the school to set an appointment to register as soon as possible.
  4. Extra-curricular activities:  Have all extra-curricular activities been signed up for?  Has the appropriate equipment been arranged for?  If not, now’s the time to start working through that process.
  5. Transportation:  Most of my clients work at least part-time out of the home, so arranging transportation for any after-school activities is critical.
  6. Health requirements:  Does the school require specific health tests or immunizations?  Again, a quick on-line search led to this information for our local school district.

Changes in schedules tend to add a little stress to our lives, but some excellent pre-planning goes a long way to making the transition just a little easier!