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Tip Tuesday: 8 Products You Need to Organize Your Home

Posted on March 10, 2015 by

Dawn Link Posted in Products — No Comments ↓

If you can believe it, we are 10 days into March. I know, I know. It doesn’t feel like March because of the mounds of snow that have refused to melt. But folks, trust me, spring is around the corner, which means my favorite cleaning season is here! It’s time to think about spring cleaning your home. After this rather rough winter, all New Englanders can stand to reenergize and organize their homes. It will feel so good. I’ve shared several cleaning and organizing tips in the past, and today I’m going to focus on what you need to get started on cleaning and organizing your home. Below are eight must-have professional organizing products, selected by yours truly.

Label maker – This handy tool is not only great for folders and hanging files, but you can use the label maker for so much more! One great use for a label maker is for the chargers of those new electronic devices. By labeling the charger with what device it should be paired with, you’ll never have to waste your time plugging in and figuring it out. The label will also help you easily determine when and if you are able to purge the item. Hey, we all upgrade our phones every couple of years, meaning those old chargers can be properly disposed.
Paper shredder – With identity theft on the rise, we all need to make sure we’re protecting our identity and personal information. Every household and office needs a crosscut shredder with a removal bin. The removal bin makes it so much easier to empty without have to lift the heavy shredding mechanism. Another great tip is to keep a clear garbage bag in the bin so that clean up is a snap. What should you shred? Shred anything with account numbers or other private, personal information. I take it one step further and shred anything with my address on it.
Calendar – Whether you choose an electronic or paper calendar, every household needs a calendar. If you need a few tips on selecting the right calendar, check out this blog post all about the different calendar systems available to you. I also wrote how to keep your family activity calendar organized. Calendars keep you sane and organized.
Storage bags – These are simple, yet effective organizing tools. Ziploc® makes my favorite storage bags. I can’t tell you how excited I was when they came out with the snack size bag. These bags are so handy when you’re looking to corral and organize drawers, cabinets and other small spaces.
Over-the-door shoe organizer – You can use this home organizing accessory for more than shoes! You can use them in your entry hall closet to keep seasonal items in easy-to-see and easy-to-access pouches. In the winter, you can use the shoe organizer to store your gloves, scarves and mittens. In the summer, you can store sunscreen, sunglasses, bug spray and other seasonal items. In a girl’s playroom, the shoe organizer is a great spot to place Barbie® dolls and accessories separated so playtime is a cinch.
Clear bins– Clear bins are an essential part of organizing. You can see what’s inside and how much remaining space you have for other items. You can also opt to use labeled baskets or opaque bins. You should still use your label maker to give each bin a label so you can identify what’s inside at quick glance.
PaperKarma app – There’s an app for reducing the amount of unwanted junk mail that seems to add clutter around the house. Download the app, and then use your smartphone to snap a photo of the company’s address alongside your name and address. Submit the information and voila! Your information will be removed from future mailing lists. You’ll also be helping the environment a bit.
Garbage bins – As a professional organizer in Boston, I’ve seen many rooms without garbage bins. A room without a trash big can lead to unwanted trash in a room. A decorative garbage bin can add to your decor and cut down on the clutter and trash. This will make cleaning so much easier.

Stay tuned for my next post where I challenge you to purge and organize during Clutter Awareness Week!

Photo: Good Housekeeping

Downsizing? Five Questions to Ask Before You Move

Posted on February 24, 2015 by

Dawn Link Posted in Children, Estate Planning, Family, Moving — No Comments ↓

We’re about to enter March, which means graduation season is around the corner. We’ll see another wave of kids enter adulthood and head off to college, leaving some with an empty home and too much space. With fewer bodies living in a home, some empty nesters are selling furniture, donating clothes and passing down assets to prep for a smaller home. But before you put the house on the market, and start selling off your valuables, ask yourself these five questions:

Will you be happy living in a smaller footprint? Think about this from a physical space perspective – will I truly be able to live in this space? – and emotional perspective. Some people identify with the idea that you are judged by the size of your home. There is nothing wrong with this, so you shouldn’t neglect this thought in the decision-making process.
What will you miss about the larger living space? Think through your and your partner’s living habits. Do you have a craft room? Does your significant other have an office? Do you have different sleeping habits? Do you need a quiet room while your partner is watching TV? You really need to think about what you are willing to give up in terms of the number of rooms you need for your lifestyle.
Are you willing to sell your stuff? When you go through the process of downsizing, this also means living with fewer physical assets. Will you be happy living with less? For example, if you have a large kitchen, and like to cook, will you be able to cook comfortably with fewer kitchen appliances in a new, smaller kitchen? If you have a lot of antique and sentimental furniture, or you okay with leaving them behind? Or, you may have to switch from a California king size bed to a queen-size bed due to the size of the master bedroom. Additionally, consider the cost associated with buying smaller furniture.
How will you dispose of the unwanted items? After you’ve decided your comfort level with shrinking the number of household assets, you’ll need to think through how you’ll go about disposing of these items. There are many ways to go about this including donating items to charity, having a yard sale/estate sale, and giving items to relatives.
What do you want your lifestyle to be when you downsize? We’re seeing more couples downsize from their suburban homes and buying a condo in the city. Even though you are going to less space, think about the other costs associated with this kind of a move. For example, living in the city you’ll likely need to pay for parking and condo fees, and you may incur higher living taxes. Also consider your comfort level with taking public transportation and living alongside a younger demographic.

Downsizing is a big choice for you and your partner, and these are just a fraction of the questions you need to ask yourselves. Are you thinking about downsizing? If so, share your questions and concerns in the comments below!

Photos: Sixty and Me

How to Make Time for Your Love Life

Posted on February 10, 2015 by

Dawn Link Posted in Habits, Holidays, Motivation — No Comments ↓

How do you balance your work and your love life? This is the age-old question, and one I’m not even sure cupid could answer with 100 percent confidence. When both individuals in a relationship work and have thriving careers, it can be hard to make time for love and fostering your relationship.

Modern romance often means no one is home to make dinner, and quality time can be hard to find. This is why it’s important to MAKE time for your partner. As we approach Valentine’s Day, boost the love in your relationship by making these commitments:

I commit to scheduling a date night. I always talk about how important it is to plan and schedule important appointments, and the same goes for date nights with your partner. This should be an appointment you can’t reschedule. If you need a babysitter, book them in advance so you know you can still spend time together. Scheduling a date night doesn’t always mean going to dinner and drinks. To cut down on costs, you can even spend time talking over coffee, grab ice cream or go for a long walk.

I commit to talking about the future. As we discussed in our last blog post, you should schedule time to talk about what you want for your future. When do you want to retire? Where do you want to retire? Do you want to age in place? Working on your future plans together gives you a goal to work towards. This also goes for vacations. Do you both have a dream vacation in mind that you want to take? If so, have that conversation and set up a budget – and date! – so you can start saving. Set up a budget to save for this with a future date in mind to keep it real. Planning the trip together will keep you both interested and create excitement as you work towards your goal.

I commit to avoid using technology in the bedroom. We’ve seen this scenario time and time again on sitcoms. The wife or husband is laying in bed, with their laptop, working away, eliminating the opportunity for quality time. Make a promise to each other to keep iPads, TV, iPhones out of the bedroom. By putting a technology ban in place in the bedroom, you can focus the attention on each other.

I commit to doing something nice for my partner at least once a month. Small, sweet gestures go a long way in a relationship. These moments can have a lasting impact in lifting the mood of a relationship. Try starting the car for the other person on a cold morning, making dinner or cleaning up after dinner if your partner is the one that normally does this task. It can also be scheduling a surprise date night in the middle of a hectic work week. It doesn’t have to be an expensive gift, and the important takeaway is making the gesture from-the-heart and unexpected. Once you start depositing more energy into the relationship, you’ll find that your partner will start to do the same.

Photos: Travel Craft Journal

Plan for your loved ones: Three Estate Planning Actions to Do NOW

Posted on February 4, 2015 by

Dawn Link Posted in Estate Planning, Family — No Comments ↓

February is known as the month of love. The obvious way to celebrate is on Valentine’s Day, when we shower loved ones with gifts and sentimental notes. While this one day is a beautiful way to show affection, this day is a reminder to think long-term about your loved ones and plan for the future – what happens if a loved one becomes incapacitated or passes away?

This isn’t an uplifting topic to think about, but it is something we all need to think through if the worst-case scenario does happen. After all, these are our loved ones and it’s important their wishes are on paper. If you haven’t already done an estate plan, there is no time like the beginning of a new year to think about getting your affairs in order.

Here are three estate-planning tips to do now to jumpstart the estate planning process:

Create a list of what should be on the list. Think through the intangible and the tangible assets. The list should include your investment accounts, insurance policies, retirement accounts, real estate, business interests and assets. You should also include financial assets such as cars, jewelry, coin and also any heirloom items that you want to go to a specific person or organization.
Think about who should inherit each of your assets. This is always one of the more challenging topics, but trust me, it’s better for you to dictate who gets what, then having the family decide during the aftermath. Sometimes your assets will be equally divided between your family members or perhaps you want to individually assign each asset to a particular individual or organization. The other big action to check off your estate planning to-do list is to decide who will be your executor, health proxy and power of attorney if you become incapacitated.
Decide where you should store these documents. After you have your will and estate plan completed, pick a secure and safe location to store these documents. This can be a safe deposit box at your bank or a fireproof and secure safe at your home. One thing to note, if you opt for a safe deposit box, is to be sure you grant your designated power of attorney access so it’s easy to obtain the documents. You should also leave a copy with your estate-planning attorney so there is a backup in case your documents are misplaced. Also be sure to let those that need to know where to find the documents and your final wishes.

Photos: BWTP

Life Lessons: How to power through the depths of the long, cold winter

Posted on January 21, 2015 by

Dawn Link Posted in Goals — No Comments ↓

In New England, after the holidays are over, many of us find our spirits sinking a bit. I also know that because we’re spending more time in the home, there is this constant mental activity of “what needs to be done, organized, purged, cleaned…” and thus we can feel overwhelmed.

There are simple daily activities you can do to feel more awake and engaged with your daily life. Clients have told me that once they are up and moving, they are motivated to tackle the day. A few tricks to get you up in the morning are to use a programmable thermostat so that your heat comes on and your house is warm when you are ready to get out of bed. There is nothing worse than waking up in a cold room. Another action that helps is setting your alarm to a music station that will get you up and going. I’m not talking about workout music, rather music that will inspire you!

I have also found that planning your morning the night before will give you a reason to wake up with an ambitious attitude. It also takes the mystery out of what you want to accomplish in a day and will help you feel less overwhelmed. For example, if you go to the gym in the morning, pack your gym bag the night before. That way there are no excuses for not waking up.

To ensure you’re hitting your daily to-dos and goals, evaluate having a friend or family member as your accountability partner. I am sure someone you know is procrastinating on a big project – or neglecting going to the gym! By pairing up, you can check in with each other and stay on track.

Photo: CNN

Tip Tuesday: Finding the right calendar system for you

Posted on January 13, 2015 by

Dawn Link Posted in Goals, Time Management — No Comments ↓

Walk through the mall, or visit any online stationery company, and you’ll see stacks of 2015 calendars. But which one is right and the most effective for you?

We discussed time management tips in our last post, and now I want to help you find the right calendar system to manage that time. There are many different options to consider, and today we will walk through three different calendar management systems; Google, a physical planner, and a wall calendar, to determine what is best for different work styles.

Google Calendar – This is the most popular and intuitive electronic calendar platform. You can share your calendar with others, and have it sync to other calendars. This calendar can also sync to your own other electronic devices like your iPhone and iPad. One of the features I love the most is that you can set up notifications – emails or texts – when you have a meeting, so you never miss a meeting again. I use Google Calendar for a client. We include household maintenance tasks on one calendar, her kids schedule on another, and so on. She can share any one of the calendars with others to view and edit, and she can also turn on filters to view work-related calendars versus personal calendars.

Paper Day Planner – As a professional organizer in Boston, I always tell my clients that it doesn’t matter if you are using a paper planner or an electronic calendar. All that matters is that you are using one. For some people, the pen to paper helps them remember. They also love crossing out and marking up their calendar. This is not something you can do on Google Calendar. One aspect of using an electronic calendar that I really miss is seeing in large print my month or week at a glance. It took me awhile to get used to this and is still bugs me when I use my iPhone to look at entire month without seeing any detail. It is faster to record an appointment on paper, however if you forget your calendar – or lose it! – there is no back up. You also need to choose a calendar that fits your lifestyle. It needs to be portable so you will have it with you at all times to make sure you are where you need to be and to be able to schedule upcoming appointments without any conflicts. I recently came across Day Designer and I think this paper calendar system does a nice job balancing work and personal lives.

The Wall Calendar – The wall calendar is another viable option. The biggest drawback is that it is not portable, however, its size lends itself to making it hard to miss an appointment. In order to be used, it needs to be in a good location that is accessible and viewable. If you’re using the calendar for both personal and professional appointments, the kitchen is a great spot to keep it, as you’ll always be coming in and out of that communal space. I have also found that a wall calendar is great for tracking goals, and it’s easy to look back on what you’ve accomplished. And remember, if you pick your calendar based on how it looks, make sure you are OK with writing on it. Sometimes people are hesitant to write on their ‘pretty’ calendar.

Photo: Day Designer

5 things to change TODAY to help you manage your time – Tips from a Boston Professional Organizer

Posted on January 5, 2015 by

Dawn Link Posted in Time Management — No Comments ↓

It’s the new year, and it’s time to refresh, reignite your passions, and reinvigorate your minds! We are all aspiring to achieve our resolutions and goals, but before you get started (you guessed it!) you need to get organized. Perhaps the most important thing to do is learn how to manage your time. Time management is one of the most effective ways to reach your goals and make changes. Because I love to share professional organizing tips, I’ve put together my top five tips to managing your time this year.

Use one calendar as your “hub” – With multiple calendars, you can miss an event or important occasion. As a professional organizer in Boston, many of my clients have tried to juggle multiple calendars with little success, so avoid making this same mistake. Create one “hub” with all of your appointments.
Plan your day – This might seem straightforward, however many people forgo this simple step before starting their day. Because of this, there is no structure and the day becomes disorganized. Plan your day the night prior or first thing in the morning. Write down the top 2-3 actions that must get done and block them in your calendar. If you just write them down on a piece of paper, there is no plan of when you will do the task. If you can’t do the task in the selected time, move it down in your day but do try to get it done the day it’s scheduled.
Learn how to say ‘no’ – One of the most important things I share with my clients is that ‘no’ is not a dirty word. By learning how to say this two-letter word, you can protect your time and limit the number of commitments. This will put YOU in control, versus at the mercy of others. After all, we only have 24 hours in our days and we need to prioritize what’s important in our professional and personal lives.
Set a timer – Time flies when you’re checking Facebook. It’s true; sometimes browsing social media channels and checking email can go from “a few minutes” to more than an hour. The best way to avoid this time trap is to set a timer for 15 or 30-minute increments. When the timer rings, you can evaluate if you have more time to continue or if you have to move on to another appointment or task.
Minimize distractions – One distraction – or phone call from your mother – can derail your day. Before you get started with your note, make an effort to clear the air of distractions. Turn your phone to vibrate. Close out of your Facebook page. Close your office door. If you work in an open office where people will swing by without an appointment, see if you can find space in a conference room. If you know your day will inevitably be filled with impromptu, schedule it in your calendar so you can set your expectation at the beginning of the day. Going through your day with minimal distractions will help keep you on task so you can get more work done in a timely manner.

Photo: Etsy

Cheers to the New Year – And Your Resolutions

Posted on January 1, 2015 by

Dawn Link Posted in Holidays — No Comments ↓

Welcome to 2015, everyone! The new year, and all it brings, highlights the heart of my business. It’s a time to renew and create resolutions. While the new year is a time we think about resolutions the most, I’m especially grateful I’m able to help individuals and families throughout the year reinvigorate their lives and become more organized!

I hope that everyone will kick off the year on the right foot – cheers to a happy, healthy 2015!

Photo: I Fall in Chocolate

Merry Christmas from Your Boston Professional Organizer

Posted on December 25, 2014 by

Dawn Link Posted in Holidays — No Comments ↓

Wow, it has been a heck of the year. I’m sitting here smiling and thinking about the amazing people I’ve met over the last year. I truly love what I do and who I get to work with every day. As I spend time with family and friends today, I’m counting my blessings. All of them. Life is beautiful – Merry Christmas!

Photo: Lil Luna

2015 Goal Setting: Six Dos & Don’ts from a Boston Professional Organizer

Posted on December 17, 2014 by

Dawn Link Posted in Goals, Holidays — No Comments ↓

We’re just over halfway through the month of December, and along with all of the holiday prep, we should be thinking about our 2015 plans. It’s important to reflect on 2014, and gather your thoughts on what you’d like to accomplish in the new year. By doing this, you’ll be starting the year off right, with the best intentions and expectations. There are many things to keep in mind as you’re going through this process, but I managed to whittle my list down to six solid dos and don’ts. Read through this list, and come out ahead in the new year!

Don’t be unrealistic. There’s a difference between setting a manageable goal, and setting an unachievable goal. It’s important to only write down those goals that are reachable and definable. For example, if you noticed that you were always late to work in 2014, and you want to set the goal of being on time, set up some smaller goals to help achieve this. These can include finding a home for your keys, preparing lunch the night before, and setting your purse/bag by the door. Each small task that goes awry can snowball into a late departure.

Do use SMART goals.

S is for Specific. Set goals that are focused and well defined.

M is for Measurable. Think through how you will measure your personal goal at designated checkpoints throughout the year. For example, roping back in the goal of being on time for work set a checkpoint at the beginning of each quarter to reflect on where you are with achieving this goal.

A is for Attainable. I mentioned this in my first bullet, but I can’t express how important it is for these goals to be attainable. Change takes time, so keep that in mind in your 2015 personal goal planning.

R is for Relevant. Your goals should be aligned with where you are in your personal and professional life. If you just moved into your new home, you should select one big renovation to focus on. If you just had a baby, focus on managing your personal time with a new addition to care for.

T is for Trackable. Select a timeframe in which you’d like for this goal to be achieved. No goal is great unless there is a defined finish line.

Don’t use negative phrases. Negativity can put a damper on your goals, and thus your goals need to be infused with positivity. Correct: I will pay my bills on time. Incorrect: Don’t miss a bill payment. It’s amazing what can be done with a positive state of mind!

Do write down your goals. Research has shown that people who write their goals down AND look at them daily are more successful in achieving their goals. You can also write down your goals and share them with a close family or friend to help keep you accountable. Accountability can go a long way in helping one achieve their goals.

Don’t let others get in your way. Similar to the note above about staying positive, surround yourself with supportive people who will be there when you have bad day and need a boost. Additionally, it’s important to avoid comparing yourself to others and their achievements. Each individual has his or her own journey, and your path is unique and special. Measuring your successes with someone else’s can lead to self-doubt, which can reduce productivity. Avoid this at all costs!

Do set priorities. It’s okay to have a list of goals you want to achieve, but if you focus on all of them at the same time, you may be setting yourself up for failure. Evaluate your list and decide what items should be executed first and by what deadline. The more focused you can be on a project, the sooner you will hit your goal and check it off the list.

Photo: Words Over Pixels