Blog – Page 29 – ReSolutions – The link to your organized future

A Checklist for Prepping Your Home Exterior for Winter

Posted on October 26, 2016 by

Dawn Link Posted in Garage, Winter — No Comments ↓

This time of year is bittersweet. The warm weather is gone. The barbecues have come to an end. Your garden is slowly dwindling away. The good news is this time of year is festive, and oh-so fun!

With November a few short days away, I am hoping you have started to look at your home and determine what needs to be done to get your house ready for winter. There are a number of tasks that need to be completed to make sure the seasonal preparation has begun.

Here are some tasks to consider to prep your home for winter:

Outdoor patio furniture – If you have space in a shed, garage or basement, move your furniture out of the elements. This will preserve your furniture for the upcoming season. If you don’t have storage space, invest in covers to protect them during the harsh winter months.

Gutters – Have you made an appointment with someone to come clean out your gutters before the snow falls? Having clear gutters will help eliminate ice dams from forming.

Garage – If you have a garage, take advantage of it as a shelter from the snowstorms! The question is, in its current state, can your car fit in your garage? Take the time now to get it organized so you can save yourself from having to scrape off your car. If you are struggling to fit your car into your garage, think about the vertical space around your garage. Research garage shelving systems, and get items off the garage floor!

Lighting – Now is the time to make sure your outside lights are in good working order before it is freezing outside and you aren’t able to get your lights in working order. The days are shorter, and outdoor lighting is crucial during these upcoming winter months.

It’s best if these tasks are done in the next few weeks, before Thanksgiving hits and life gets a bit too crazy.

What other outdoor prep do you typically take on before the winter months?

Photo: Bob Vila

3 Tips to Clean Up Your Computer Desktop

Posted on October 21, 2016 by

Dawn Link Posted in Computer — No Comments ↓

Okay, fess up. If I looked at your computer desktop right now, how many of you have a desktop littered with so many files that you can hardly see your background image? I see it all the time, and I also get it. It is much easier to save a file to the desktop, than saving it to its proper home.

I have always told my clients that your computer is an electronic filing cabinet. Just like your paper system, your computer also needs to have a filing system. How you set it up needs to make sense to you so you can find the file when you need it.

Below are three tips to organizing your computer desktop:

Create a file system that works for you. Under your “My Documents” folder, create folders that fit into your lifestyle. A simple lineup of folders includes Financial Documents, Photos, and Family Records. Within each folder, create subfolders with the given year, then within that, the given month. By doing this, it’s easier to hunt down your files in the future.

Rework Your Downloads Folder. Typically your Downloads folder can get cluttered quickly with downloads from the internet. Instead of directing downloads to your desktop, create a folder within your My Documents folder that houses these downloads. Also, when downloading and given the option of where to store the file, redirect the file so it goes to its proper home. It’s also a good idea to clear old downloads you don’t need every month so you don’t take up valuable memory on your computer.

Use the Desktop Cleanup Wizard. Right click, or go to your computer settings, to cleanup your desktop files. It will take the files you haven’t used in a certain period of time, and move them to an archive folder. You can also right click and aesthetically organize the files on your desktop so they are lined up, and easier to view and manage.

The last thing you want to see when you turn on your computer is a screen plastered with icons. That can add to the stress you feel. Instead, download a beautiful desktop wallpaper and picture turning on your computer and seeing a photo of something that makes you calm and happy. That should be your goal.

Photo: Business Insider

We’re Loving – Baskets for the Fall

Posted on October 13, 2016 by

Dawn Link Posted in Fall, Mudroom, Storage — No Comments ↓

When I think of fall and winter, I think of cozying up the home. I think of the L.L. Bean catalogs featuring slippers, blankets and flannel EVERYTHING. It’s a warm feeling, and a feeling unlike any other. As we start to pull out our favorite fall items, a big question comes to mind – where do you store everything? The answer is simple – a basket.

There are many wire, wooden and wicker baskets that can beautifully store these items. Baskets come in all shapes and sizes. Some have handles, which can be helpful if you need to move the items from one place to another. Some have lids if you need to protect your gloves from your dog that just loves to play – and chew – them up.

Below are three ways to use these baskets:

Winter gloves, hats, and scarves – In New England, these items are a necessity, but they can easily cause clutter, or get lost. (Everyone has fallen victim to losing one glove, and that is just no fun!) Snag a small basket for each member of the family, or create separate baskets to hold each similar items.

Pet Items – Your pet has his or her own wardrobe and accessories, and baskets are a great way to organize these items. Corral their leashes, poop bags, toys and treats in a basket, and opt for one with a lid if your pup will get into trouble.

Healthy Snacks – The cooler months mean more warm, cozy food. Who doesn’t love pumpkin muffins, hearty stews and pies? Help yourself and your family eat healthier by putting a basket on the counter of healthy snacks. By keeping these snacks out in the open, it encourages family to grab for healthier snacks like nuts, granola bars, fruit, or other items that encourage less sugar and salt.

What are other items you and your family store in baskets?

Photo: Decor Pad

Budgeting for an Event

Posted on September 30, 2016 by

Dawn Link Posted in Budget, Finances, Holidays — No Comments ↓

October begins tomorrow. Enter fall. Enter the beginning of the holiday season. And enter the many family gatherings and holiday parties. Hosting a party or event is a fun part of the fall and winter season. Planning a party can be expensive and hard work, especially if you don’t have the funds to hire an event planner. Budgeting for an event is an important part of the entire process, especially amid the holidays when you are spending more than usual.

If you get overwhelmed with the thought of budgeting for a party, this blog post is for you!

Below are 3 party budgeting tips to keep in mind when planning your upcoming shindig:

Start with the end date and work backwards – Whenever you need to plan an event, I recommend starting with the end date and setting goals and deadlines leading up to that date. The date of the event is not going to change so all activities leading up to that date need to coordinate together.

Use a spreadsheet – This may seem obvious, but believe me, most people have a slight aversion to spreadsheets! Spreadsheets are great for organizing your to-dos, major expenses, and listing out actual budgetary expenses to ensure you’re not going over budget. Whether you have Microsoft Excel, Apple’s version of Numbers, or even Google’s version of Sheets, use one of these tools to start getting organized. I love that there are separate tabs within the one spreadsheet so you can custom tailor to suit your needs.

Allocate for miscellaneous expenses – Party planning involves many moving pieces – catering, decor, invitations and more! But there are also minor expenses – that you likely haven’t anticipated – that can add up. Examples include stamps for invitations, party favors or tips for vendors. Set aside a small amount of money for these items to ensure you have a slight cushion in your budget.

There are many free budgeting tools you can use to help you along your way. In doing a quick Google search, I found 7 Simple and Free Budgeting Tools. A few of these are really more geared towards general budgeting, but you can take and leave the features that will help you budget for your event.

The important part of any planning process is to stick to your end goal and budget, and keep referring back to your spreadsheet to ensure you’re on track.

And remember, this should be fun! It is a party, after all.

What is your favorite event budgeting tool? I’d love to see your tips below!

Photo: ASHLEY SCHWEITZER, minimography.com

Tip Tuesday – Organizing Cleaning Supplies

Posted on September 20, 2016 by

Dawn Link Posted in Bathroom, DIY, Eco-friendly, Kitchen — No Comments ↓

Cleaning supplies are a necessity in any home. Keeping a home clean is just as important as staying organized! But have you gone overboard with the number of cleaning supplies you have? Open up your under-the-sink cabinet, and I’m sure you’ll find a sea of spray bottles – from Windex and toilet bowl cleaner to counter top cleaner and bath tub cleaner.

Our grandmothers and great-grandmothers didn’t have a separate bottle of cleaning solution to clean each of their separate surfaces. Why do we? We live in a society where there is a home cleaner for every type of cleaning duty. When we sit down to watch television, we are bombarded with advertisements that entice us to buy their cleaners for a specific need! Before you know it, you have ten different bottles. This is certainly not necessary.

The first thing you need to do is STOP buying so many cleaners. Then, it’s time to get organized! Below are three essential tips to organizing your cleaning supplies:

Purge Unnecessary Cleaners – Before you begin organizing, get rid of existing cleaners taking up space.

Purchase a Caddy – Fill a portable caddy with your cleaning supplies, and store one on each floor. If a mess happens upstairs, you’ll have your caddy ready upstairs, and won’t have to run downstairs.

Fill Your Caddy – Include one general purpose cleaner, a set of rags, sponges, and paper towels. Instead of buying new cleaning supplies, you can make your own. If you Google home made cleaning supplies you will discover a wide array of recipes using just white vinegar and baking soda as the main ingredients. These are safe and natural products!

I challenge each one of you to look under your sink, and get started on purging and organizing your cleaning products. If you have tips for keeping your cleaning products organized, comment below!

Photo: West Elm

Pullout Shelving for the Kitchen

Posted on September 16, 2016 by

Dawn Link Posted in Kitchen, Products, Shelving, Storage — No Comments ↓

The kitchen is a central hub of the home. We spend a lot of time in our kitchens, and we also store a lot in our kitchens. There are many spaces in our cabinets – whether hard-to-reach or hidden – that aren’t being utilized. There is no reason why we can’t use these “secret” spaces. One item that I use to help clients accomplish this is pullout shelving.

Pullout shelving is also great as we age, when it gets harder to bend over and look in our lower cabinets for items tucked in the back. Heck, bending over or squatting to get to these spaces is just a pain in the butt, regardless of age! As with any home project, you can go the DIY route, or hire a company like Shelf Genie to come in and do the work for you.

Companies like the Shelf Genie are experts in this category of organization, and they have the ability to see your kitchen in a new light. They know how their products can maximize your storage space, and the new shelving that they have for dead space in corners is very exciting. Okay, maybe you don’t think this should be considered “exciting”, but believe me, when you see all of that new storage space, you’ll be so excited you want to do a cartwheel.

If you are DIY person, do your research to know what products are available and allow yourself the time to do this project. I often see DIY projects start collecting dust, as time is a constraint and home projects are to hard to fit into busy schedules.

I found a great pullout shelving shopping guide on The Kitchn, which is great for both hired and DIY projects.

Take a look at this list, do your research, and get started on maximizing that precious kitchen storage space. Bonus, if you get this project done before the holidays, you’ll have extra space to store all of the holiday cookie trimmings – sprinkles, cookie cutters, icing…!

Photo: Wayfair

Happy Labor Day

Posted on September 5, 2016 by

Dawn Link Posted in Holidays, Labor Day — No Comments ↓

Happy Labor Day! What is Labor Day? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, it is “a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.”

Did you know it has been celebrated in America since the late 1800s? I hope you all have a great day celebrating all the hard work you do. As Vince Lombardi says: “The only place success comes before work is the dictionary.”

Making Time for Fun

Posted on August 31, 2016 by

Dawn Link Posted in Calendars, Quotes, Stress, Time Management — No Comments ↓

“Make time for things you want to do, not just what you have to do.”

I was watching a video from Gretchen Rubin, happiness guru, and she had the above words to share. It can be hard to do this. In this crazy world, we are all trying to squeeze the most out of the day, so much so that we forget to make time for ourselves.

But like scheduling for work, you need to schedule time for YOU. This can be going to the gym, getting a pedicure, or taking a vacation.

For me, it’s hard to schedule time when I’m busy with several client projects. I’m often asked when I am the busiest. And to be honest, after almost 20 years of being a certified professional organizer in Boston, there is no pattern. I always say it depends on who is on the other end of the phone. Summers can be the busiest time for me as it is a popular time for families to move and settle in before the kids start school. I have spent a few summers working on estate clean-outs that have taken all of my free time. I love what I do, but I need some free time!

So, how do I make time for fun? It’s all about scheduling it and blocking it off in my calendar. A friend of mine and I like to do a few day trips in the summer. We went to Kennebunkport, Maine in July and this month we will be exploring Portsmouth, New Hampshire. I have had a few other fun days during the summer by taking a weekday off to go to the Peabody Essex Museum and spent an afternoon being crafty by trying glass fusion. That was fun and very relaxing. I also did a weekend trip to Martha’s Vineyard and took time off and drove to visit family in western New York.

Another element, according to Rubin, that’s important for making time for fun is setting a true “quitting time” at the end of the day. It’s easy to bring work home, or for me, work late in my home office. By writing down your quitting time in your calendar, you can hold yourself accountable and use the end of the day to schedule dinners, go to the gym or simply enjoy time with loved ones.

I also manage to take time for myself and go and get pedicures and facials, as well as walking when the weather isn’t too oppressive. After all, it’s summer and let’s try to enjoy the nicer weather and somewhat lazier days. It is all a delicate balance and when you do take time for fun, you are so much more appreciative of life and all it has to offer. What do you do for fun?

Photo: Sarah Jayne Photography

Goal Setting – Mid Year Review

Posted on August 24, 2016 by

Dawn Link Posted in Goals — No Comments ↓

Last month we hit the halfway mark of the year, but who really wants to talk about goals in the middle of summer barbecues and vacation time? Certainly not me! As we edge closer to fall, and smell the start of the school year, we realize how close we are to the end of the year. That means it is time to reevaluate your goals.

Do you still have the list of goals you wanted to accomplish this year? I hope you wrote them down, as research shows that you are more successful achieving your goals if they are written down and viewed daily. Is it time to re-evaluate those goals? Or even make one or two more goals?

If you didn’t write down your goals…Don’t beat yourself up and write them down now! You still have time to work on goals and still feel a sense of accomplishment as we approach the end of the year. Go grab a piece of paper and pen or use your smart phone to create your list now.

If you already have your list of personal goals…Are you on track or do you need to tweak the goals? If they are too broad, you need to narrow them down to make them achievable. For personal goals like losing weight, write down a specific amount of weight you’d like to lose. It may not happen in the next 6-12 months, but at least you have a number to work towards.

If you have business goals…Are you being specific enough with your goals? For example, stating that it’s your goal to get a new job is an undefined goal. What industry do you want to work in? What job title excites you? A better goal might be, “I’d like to work in the biomedical industry as an account executive.” Your sub goals could then be to spend X hours per month networking with people that are in that field or are connected to that industry. See how that goal is now more defined?

I made a goal for this year to eat better lunches. That was my broad goal. To narrow it down, I make sure I bring my packed lunch as many days in the week as I can. If I can’t bring a lunch, I make sure that wherever I go, it is not a fast food location. I aim for salads and fresh food. I feel better and have managed to drop some weight. Yeah! It’s a small goal that has yielded big results. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I am off to make my lunch for tomorrow.

Photo: Motivational Memo

Purge! Unused Gifts

Posted on August 19, 2016 by

Dawn Link Posted in Gifts — No Comments ↓

Let’s go back to the last holiday season. You’re opening gifts, and unwrap something that you know you’ll never have a use for. But out of guilt, you keep it and tuck it away in your closet. Fast forward seven months later, that gift – and maybe some others – are sitting in the closet taking up space.

We’ve all been there! It’s natural to feel bad about returning it or giving it away, but the important part about the gift is actually “receiving” it. If you don’t have a use for it, part with it.

Below are three ways to clear that clutter, and find another home for unused gifts:

Regift – If a gift wasn’t for you, it very well could be a fit for one of your friends or family members. If you’re thinking of regifting, be smart about it. Make sure the gift lands in the hands of someone outside the social circles of the original gift giver. Also, make sure you remember who gave you the gift to begin with! You don’t want to risk giving it back to the person who originally gave it to you! Can you imagine? Well, maybe it has happened to you? Yikes!

Donate – Instead of taking up space in your closet, donate an unused gift. There are so many people and organizations that will cherish the gift, and you can feel good knowing that you’ll put a smile on a stranger’s face.

Return – Lastly, don’t forget about the ability to return an item. Now, most gift givers will remove the tags and retail information before wrapping, but that’s okay! If you’ve received a popular name brand item, there is a chance it can be returned without the receipt for store credit. Around the holidays, most retailers have more lenient return policies. If your friend or family member gave you a gift receipt, then of course, feel empowered to return that gift!

Not all gifts are going to be winners in the recipient’s eyes. Unless we have a wish list for the person, we are only (hopefully) thinking of that person and their likes and dislikes. I don’t know about you, but once I do give a gift, I do not clog up my brain with a list of past gifts I have given. I also am not the type of person that goes looking for the gifts I gave someone.

When working with my clients, we often come across a gift someone gave them Naturally, I ask them about it. Oftentimes the look on their face says it all and they do not like it, need it, or want it. Yet there is this guilt that comes along with parting from it. I have to let them know that it is ok to let it go. Another person will love it, use it, and want it.

I give you all permission to not feel guilty about letting go of a gift you have received. You may regift it, donate it or return it. Now, don’t you feel better?

Photo: www.berries.com