Tis the Season to...Get Organized! At least that is what local Scotch Plains resident and founder of The Uncluttered Home, Julie Isaacs, recommends. With the holidays fast approaching, Julie has all sorts of ways to be more organized, and thus, less stressed, this year. Here are just a few of her tips:
Step #1: Grab a pad and make a list of all of the undone tasks that are robbing you of the focus and energy you need to tackle the holidays. These might include...
o Recycle unwanted electronics! (monitors, CPUs, TVs, VCRs, etc.). Staples, Best Buy and other retailers have recycling programs, and each county holds its own series of electronics recycling events as well.
o Eliminate paper piles! Sort your paper into these piles: "RECYCLE", "SHRED", "FILE", "ACT", and "BILL." Designate a place for bills, keep a bag for shredding, set up easy-to-use files and be sure to make time for all of those action items.
o Switch over your clothing! The time for shorts and tank tops is over. Remove all of your warm weather clothing from closets and drawers and find your sweaters and corduroys! Use under-bed boxes to store out-of-season clothing and even shoes.
o Make way for holiday gifts! If you’re expecting lots of incoming gifts for the holidays, make sure there’s enough storage space. Purge your playroom, bookshelves, and other storage areas. For each area, set up 2 bags: one for "garbage", another for "donations". It’s amazing how many bags you can fill!
o Create a holiday gift spreadsheet with FOUR HEADINGS: Name, Gift, Wrapped? and Mailed?/Delivered? Use it to track your progress throughout the season.
"The holidays can be stressful enough with family, school and community obligations," states Isaacs. "You owe it to yourself to feel more in control and organized. I guarantee you will enjoy yourself a lot more!"
Julie’s web site www.unclutteredhome.com contains many useful tips on how to begin de-cluttering any area of your home all year-round. She offers complimentary consultations for those looking to gain greater control over their clutter. Gift certificates are also available.
For more information log onto www.unclutteredhome.com or call (908) 358-3460.