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Making Time for Fun

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

Making Time for Fun

“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 by Dawn Link Posted in Goals — No Comments ↓

Goal Setting – Mid Year Review

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 by Dawn Link Posted in Gifts — No Comments ↓

Unused Gifts

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:

  1. 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!
  1. 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.
  1. 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

RESET DAY – The Kitchen

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Kitchen, Summer — No Comments ↓

SET DAY - The Kitchen

The kids are out of school, and they have invaded all parts of the home, including the kitchen. In the summer, the kitchen can bring in a bunch of clutter with kids’ summer activities, snacks and meals around the kitchen, and a disorganized fridge. It’s time to take it back!

It’s time to get back to basics in the kitchen. After all, the kitchen is the hub of your home. During the summer, this can be a bit challenging since we all tend to have a “lazier” attitude when it comes to decluttering and organizing. (I know I feel this way!). Take back control of your kitchen with these easy steps!

– Clear the Counters – Take a look around your countertop space. Are there extra appliances that are rarely used? If so, now is a great time to find a better spot for them. If they are rarely used, place them in the lower cabinets, or in the pantry.

– Evaluate the Oils and Spices – Sometimes these cooking ingredients have accumulated on or near your stove. It’s easy for this to happen, especially if you cook often. Take ½ hour to wipe them down and return them to their proper storage spaces.

– Remove Mail and Paperwork – This happens all too often. Kids’ artwork crowds the counter. Mail is stacked on the island. Clutter, clutter, clutter. Gather that pile of papers, and go through it to see what is relevant. If needed, file the paperwork, or act on the action item.

– Tame your Refrigerator – Last, but not least, what is going on in your refrigerator? Make sure you don’t have science projects lurking in there. Wouldn’t it be a great time to take items out and wash down the shelves and get rid of anything that has expired? Also, we tend to accumulate more condiments during BBQ season, so be sure to ditch the old yellow mustard that has been hanging out in the fridge for a couple years.

As you go through this process, show the kids what you’re doing so they can help keep the space organized! Show them where to place their artwork, how to put away snacks and lunch food, and where to put their toys and other items! Before you know it you will have taken back control of the clutter and restored your kitchen to an inviting, calm area for you and your family. Now, doesn’t that feel good?

Photo: Real Simple

Tip Tuesday – 5 Tips for Managing a Home Improvement Project

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in DIY, Goals, Home Improvement — No Comments ↓

Tip Tuesday - 5 Tips for Managing a Home Improvement Project

The summertime generally means many home improvement projects. From the outdoor space, to the indoors, there is always a never-ending list of to-dos. If you’re doing the projects yourself, big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s have knowledgeable professionals who can help you along the way. But sometimes there is that project that needs professional attention. Time to hire a contractor. Below are five tips for managing your home improvement project.

  1. Create a Budget – I’m always preaching about budgets, and it’s no different for your home improvement project. Have a budget in mind before you even start talking to contractors and architects. This will help with the planning phase. Sometimes if a project is too costly, you can break it up into phases. For example, if you are redoing the master bedroom and bathroom, it might be a wise decision to do one in the springtime, and one in the fall.
  1. Find a Reputable Contractor – Do your research before you hire your contractor. Word of mouth referrals are always the way to go, so ask friends and neighbors who they’ve used and their experience with the process. Be sure to interview three to five contractors before hiring.
  1. Over-communicate – This is with written and verbal communication. Make sure everything you’ve agreed to is in writing in the form of an agreement that both parties sign. This should include pricing, as well as the exact details of the project. During the project, don’t be scared to speak up if you see something you don’t like. For example, if your contractor promised you one color of hardwood, and he started installing something slightly off, be sure to vocalize this. You don’t want to get through the install to realize he installed the wrong color!
  1. Receive a Timeline – Be sure you agree to a schedule before the work starts. It is likely that the project will run over by a day or two, but that is normal. The contractor’s schedule will also help you plan around your work and home life.
  1. Hold onto the Final Payment – Wait to make the final payment until you’ve had a chance to walk through the room with the contractor. You want to make sure the contractor has finished everything before delivering payment. If you pay it all before the list is complete, you may have a lot of trouble getting the final touches done.

If this is your first time hiring a contractor, this process can be a bit intimidating. The best advice is to do your research, and be assertive throughout the process! Give the contractor the space and respect to do their job, but remember that it’s your home and you need to ensure the job is being done properly!

Photo: Red Fin

 

Do or Don’t – Grocery Delivery Service

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Groceries, Kitchen, Time Management — No Comments ↓

Do or Don’t – Grocery Delivery Service

There are two camps when it comes to grocery shopping – those who absolutely love it, and those who adamantly hate it. For those who would prefer that they never have to walk through the frozen food section again, this article is for you. Today’s focus is on grocery delivery services – is it a do or don’t?

In the greater Boston area, we have access to a number of different grocery delivery services. This is a great idea for busy people, working moms, shut ins, people without a car, and those who do not like to grocery shop. The idea is simple: order online, and services like Peapod deliver your groceries right to your door. In addition to avoiding the grocery store all together, you will never fall victim to cravings as you walk down the aisle, and you will stick to your list! You will also save a lot of time shopping, waiting in the checkout lane, loading, and unloading your vehicle.

There are a few cons to think about. If you are really picky about brands, or if you like to selectively pick out your produce or meat, this might not be the best option for you. For example, we all have particular needs for produce. Do you want a ripe avocado for your meal tomorrow night, or an avocado a few days from now? With this service, you are at the mercy of the person shopping for you. If that isn’t an issue, great! I know a few people who use the service just for bulky items and staples but they shop for their own meat and produce.

All in all, I do think it is a fantastic option available when you just can’t get to a grocery store. I recently met a new mom, who works 40+ hours a week, who only has her groceries delivered. She said it’s a lifesaver!

I personally have not used this service, but I could see myself needing it if I was ever injured, or my schedule was unmanageable. I may be one of the odd ones, but I do love to grocery shop. I shop with a list (surprise, surprise!), which helps eliminate excess purchases. And I simply enjoy being in the store – it’s therapeutic in a way! What camp are you in when it comes to grocery delivery services?

Photo: patch.com

Happy 4th of July!

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in 4th of July, Holidays — No Comments ↓

Happy 4th of July

Today is for celebrating our country’s independence and freedom. I hope you and your loved ones have a safe and happy day of celebrations, filled with delicious BBQ, and festive firework displays. Take the day off from any organizing project you are working on and enjoy your family and friends!

Photo: Praveer Sharma, Flickr Creative Commons

We’re Loving: Bankers Boxes

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Books, Clothes, Moving, Office, Packing, Products, Storage — No Comments ↓

We’re Loving: Bankers Boxes

Before you read any further, know that I’m not bringing anything new and sexy to the table. Oh no, in fact, I’m talking about something your grandfather likely used to stay organized. Bankers boxes are a bit ‘blah’, but they pack a mighty punch when it comes to keeping a home or office organized.

I have been using them a lot with my clients. I love them because they are easy to put together, and they collapse when you are done with them. Simply fold them back up and save them for another day! These arrive with covers, thus stacking boxes is a major plus when it comes down to maximizing space.

I recently used a set of bankers boxes to help with swapping winter for summer clothes at a client’s home. She has a cedar closet where we store her off-season clothes and the closet is on another floor. I simply loaded everything in these boxes, and it made for fewer trips up and down the stairs.

I have also used these when helping clients declutter a room. We set up the boxes for a specific collection purpose such as donate, recycle, or go to another room. Then, when we are ready to distribute the items, it is faster to grab the box and go bring them to their proper room or ‘home’.

When a client is moving, I have used these to pack up photos and books. The great thing about the banker box is that they have punched in handles on both sides to make it easy to carry. Their size is perfect for books as they can’t get too heavy, and again, having the covers speeds up the process by not having to tape the boxes shut.

If you wanted to keep these boxes out in the open and use them for permanent storage, you can do that as well! I’ve seen people wrap these with colorful or patterned paper, and voila, you have storage that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Worth noting, you can by boxes that look like bankers boxes at Ikea or Target, that appear to be more refined and prettier, however these boxes don’t easily break down, and should be used more for permanent storage solutions.

Do you have bankers boxes at home? If so, what have you used them for?

Photo: Walmart

Tip Tuesday: Organizing for Visual People

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Desk, Office — No Comments ↓

Tip Tuesday: Organizing for Visual People

If you’re a visual person, chances are you’ve found yourself in the shoes of many of my clients. Their office is organized, yet they find that they often lose track of hot button to-dos and important papers when they aren’t in front of them. Because of this, they tend to leave their to-dos in plain view so they don’t lose track of them, but their space isn’t large and their desktop starts to look messy with piles of paper in the open. Sigh.

Does this sound familiar to you? This is not an unusual situation. I work with a lot of clients who are visual. If we even think of putting the important papers away in a drawer, they will start to panic. If it’s not out in front of them, and they can’t see it, they fear that they may never find it again or they may never complete the task.

For my visual clients, it’s all about keeping what is out in the open organized. I create binders or use different colored file folders to differentiate the various tasks or projects for the different papers. One option is to have a hanging wall mounted file holder to contain your important papers. I’ve also seen people hang clipboards for each big project above their workspaces, so it is a constant reminder of the work that needs to be done.

For non-visual folks who loathe paper, I like to customize a system that will address their style of processing paper. Some clients have ADHD and are bothered by the extra stimuli of having papers out. For these folks, we make sure we create a system that allows them to know what they have to do, while eliminating the piles of papers.

There is an organization method for each type of person – visual, non-visual, or a hybrid of both. You can have an organized office even if you need to have your papers out in front of you. Don’t feel you need to hide your papers; you just need to develop a system that works for you. Do you have a visual desk organizing tip that works for you? If so, share in the comments below!

Photo: Style Me Pretty

Do or Don’t – Closet Organization Systems

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Bedroom, Closet, DIY — No Comments ↓

Do or Don’t - Closet Organization Systems

We’ve all seen those beautiful California Closet commercials, glamorizing closet organization systems. The closets are spacious (so spacious!) and appear clean and clutter free. So dreamy, right? Well, I have been asked by clients which is better: purchasing a large-scale organizing system from places like California Closets or The Container Store, or, it is better to use a DIY approach. The answer is: it depends.

First, ask yourself these two questions:

  1. Do you own your own home? If you do not own your home, investing in a closet system can be pricey. Why invest in something you can’t take with you when you leave?
  2. Do you wear the items in your closet? I always have my clients evaluate their clothes to make sure what they have in their closets are the items they love and that they will wear. It doesn’t make any sense to invest in any closet system if you are only going to wear ½ of what is in the closet.

If you answered ‘yes’ to the questions above, take the next step and think about what your goal is for purchasing a closet organization system. Do you want to create more space? Do you want to create a functional shared closet space with your significant other? Once you know your goal, you’ll be able to better evaluate how much hanging versus shelf space is required.

Next, think about how you will go about getting these installed. How handy are you? For me, I don’t like doing handyman type tasks so I think it is better for me to hire someone to do this type of work. It will be cheaper in the long run as it will be completed in a time efficient manner. It is also best to bring in a professional organizer to help guide the process and set you up for success.

If you are handy, go for it! Using the Elfa system from The Container Store is customizable and supposed to be easy to install. You could also go the route of going to Lowe’s or The Home Depot and purchase their DIY closet system. If you have a large closet space that needs a lot of work, then perhaps a California Closet organization system is right for you.

The answer to this question depends on the person. The best advice I can provide is to know your goal and budget. By doing this, you’ll ultimately create a closet space that will make you smile!

Photo: California Closets

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