Monday

Lazy - No Desire to Clean and Organize

They admit, "We're lazy."  These are the people who don't enjoy putting things back, cleaning after making messes, placing items in convenient locations where others can find them and more.  Lazy people create havoc for a household whether they choose to admit it or not.  Their failure to make life easier causes grief for those who are organized.  This is one of many reasons why some people don't get invited back for family events, are not welcome to live with family members, and are rejected by friends.  Where there is laziness, there is also irresponsibility lingering too.  They don't much care that they broke items and refused to replace them.  They can't seem to remember where they left items they borrowed from others.  So if this describes you or someone that you know, think about some things to combat laziness:

1.  Don't expect others to welcome or accept your unwillingness to be orderly no matter how much you reason it.  They will debate with you.  Hurt feelings will result.
2.  Don't make excuses for not doing little things like cleaning a dish or putting belongings away.  Those offended will eventually set up consequences like no longer cooking meals.
3.  Train yourself to put items back where they belong, clean, etc.  You can do this by implementing rules or yourself and following them.
4.  Self-talk why it is important to be organized and research the benefits.
5.  Create reminders online or offline to clean and organize. Set aside certain days and times.
6.  Avoid the trap of keeping things you really don't need including trash like bags, boxes and other packaging.
7.  Motivate yourself to stay clean and organized when you think of things like: rats, roaches, bed bugs, dust mites, and more.  If you don't tidy up your place, no worries, in time the insects will.

Bedroom is simple, functional and clean.



Saturday

21 Wall decoration ideas and Creative Displays - shadow boxes, picture frames, wall decorating

Moving from Single Room to Shared Space

It happens, for whatever reason you end up having to share a space with someone after spending years living in a room or dwelling alone.  So what to do to make things comfortable for you while respecting your roommate's space?

1)  Spend time checking out how much room you have and how might you best organize your stuff so that it doesn't get in your roommate's way.
Think like this, "I have a lot of books..." so most likely you will need book shelf space.  "I have a lot of health and beauty items..." so you will need plenty of cabinet or drawer space.  Take a look at what you have and what you know you will be using on a daily basis and be sure those items are accessible.  However, don't go overboard with organizers when you know your area is limited.

2)  Do not post any wall hangings or display keepsakes that are offensive such as political, religious, intolerant, or racist.
This seems like an obvious point, but you will be surprised at what you might think is "okay, alright" while someone else thinks your interests are highly offensive.  Keep your odd interests out of view until you get your own place.



3)  Avoid asking to use or borrow your roommate's stuff and don't volunteer your items.
If you want to avoid future arguments, establish boundaries and not free for alls.  The items that you enjoy the most will be used and your kindness taken advantage of when you have that "mi casa, su casa" attitude.  If you don't sincerely mind someone touching your things, don't allow it and don't use theirs either.

4)  Unpack items immediately and don't leave your belongings in disarray.
Cardboard boxes are magnets for spiders and other insects, so do away with them.  If you must store items, use plastic bins.  Avoid bulky, whimsical and bright furniture especially if you have no plans on utilizing and living in the space for long.  Choose items that go well with existing furnishings.

5)  Be sure your area is neat and smells appealing at all times.
Odor lingers in carpeting, bedding, and laundry, so do be sure you are aware of your body odor and clean linen, carpeting, etc. and spray deodorizer.

Before moving from your single room or dwelling into the shared space, be sure you have already donated, sold, threw away, and kept necessary items.  Do not bring along things that you know you just don't need.  The more you keep, the more clutter and also the more headaches for your roommate.  Give yourself a self-talk on why it is important to rid yourself of some things or pay for storage elsewhere before someone has to later sit you down and explain why you simply have too much stuff and why it would be better for you to move.

Nicholl McGuire is the author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet?

Tuesday

Teach Children to Organize - Tips on How to Organize Children’s Belongings

When it comes to training children on things like good hygiene, being polite, and caring for others, many parents are doing quite well. However when it comes to teaching children how to organize their things, some parents are dropping the ball. Educators, family members, friends, and strangers look upon these helpless children with pity, eye-rolls, or frustration. Poor Johnny or Jill is dropping items, can’t find things, and is having his or her share of fits because they just don’t know what to do with all their stuff.  So what to do?

1)  Start by getting organized yourself.  Then teach children how you keep up with your items.

2) Give a child a task to organize. From a bookshelf to a table top, show them not only how to organize, but why it is important.

3) Walk through their environment and point out the things they could organize better.

4) Reward the child for his or her effort.

5) Be consistent and remind him or her to stay organized everyday. Ask, “Did you put your items back after you used them?”  If they continuously forget, you will have to remove favorite items from area or other distractions until he or she improves.

6) Communicate what you are teaching your child to others so that they too will help your child learn good organizational skills.

Things to start teaching children to organize in their room and elsewhere:

1) Video games and accessories

2) School work

3) Clothes

4) Bedding

5) Small toys

6) Edibles in the kitchen

7)  Bathroom items

Once they have shown that they are doing well organizing their items, remember to reward them and encourage them to keep up the good work!

Nicholl McGuire is the owner and manager of this blog.

Wednesday

Feeling Unproductive at Your Workspace?

Time to clean the desk.  Only essentials on the top, please.


If you're not using it everyday, store it away, give it away, or throw it away!


Wednesday

Need to Switch Rooms in Your Home with Someone? How to Prepare

Sometimes we think that a space is right for us, but then later we discover it isn't. When this occurs, you will need to take a look around your home, finding a new spot. Better bring out the measuring tape and be in agreement with the one you plan on switching rooms with or rearranging their treasured stuff.

Now one way to approach a relative or friend with your request to trade rooms is to be polite and express to the person why you need a change as well as what are the benefits to him or her if they should agree to the trade.  Be sure to disclose any problems or make arrangements to fix them prior to the conversation, because if you don't he or she may bring up those issues and will deny your request.  Also, find out from the individual if he or she has had any problems with the room you would like to move into beforehand.

When moving from a larger room to a smaller room, you most likely will need to purge some things if there isn't enough closet space or your bed is too large to fit.

When moving from a smaller room to a larger one, you will need to think in advance what exactly is your reason for upgrading.  In addition, what do you plan to buy to take up that space and will the purchase fit?

Other things to think about when you are ready to trade a room with someone:

1) Remove at least one large item from the small or large room first. Then take that piece and set it aside until the other large items from the room you are moving into have been removed. Once clear, place your large bed, for instance, in that spot. It is easier to move large items when you haven't filled up the hall area, for example, with a bunch of stuff.  So take beds out first then other furniture.

2) Take items out of big cabinets, dressers, and other things before moving.  By doing this the items are less heavy and easier to move around. Use large furniture sliders for bigger or heavier items. The last thing you want is to damage the carpet or your furniture.

3) Be sure loose items are out of the way of doorways and also the items you removed out of the furniture is arranged neatly away from other items (like in a corner, along a wall, etc.) that have yet to be moved out of the room.  Otherwise your stuff might be tripped over or worse broken during the transition.

4) Take time to vacuum an area once items has been removed and possibly shampoo carpet using light water not too much, or use shampoo that dries rapidly.  Place a fan in room while you and others are on break aiming at carpet. The last thing you want to do is move into a room and smell someone else's body odor.

5) Check over your old room and be sure your items have been removed out of closets.  You can use your bed to hold your clothing until the other person has taken clothes out and placed in your old closet. Be sure the area within closet has also been vacuumed and/or shampooed too.

6) If you plan on removing carpeting, upholstery, painting, or upgrading the room, then you will want to pack items and store away until all those things are done.  This way you are not inconveniencing the person who you are trading rooms with by keeping your items in your old location longer than you need to. Young people and the elderly can become easily irritated especially if they didn't want to trade rooms in the first place.

Hope these tips help, happy moving!

Nicholl

Tuesday

Stop Struggling to Remember Everything


Nowadays the "To Do List" is on apps, websites, voice recorders and other electronics, but also still posted on refrigerators, traditional calendars, white or chalkboards, and other interesting places.  But when one awakens to no list, then what?  He or she forgets important tasks, arrives late or not at all to appointments, and upsets those who are relying on him or her to tend to a task for the umpteenth time. 

As much as we all want to stay on point each day, it can be quite difficult when we forsake or don't bother creating a list to remind us of all the things we need to do.  So if you have been slacking on performing your duties, today might be a good day to start getting things done.  It feels so good when you can cross off or delete a task from your list.

Wish you well!

Nicholl McGuire blog owner and author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet? available in print and eBook

Sunday

Garden Hobbyists - Compost Tumbler Review

Compost Tumbler Review: Motherhood blog based on book entitled, When Mothers Cry by self-published author Nicholl McGuire. Parenting, relationship, women issues discussed.

Monday

Home Owners: If Only Walls Could Talk...


Clean me.
Organize me.
Decorate me.
Take care of me.
What are you doing with me?
The smell never goes away!
Why did you buy me, you can't afford me?
You don't need another thing!
Can someone take out the trash?
I deserve a better family.
Throw that out!
You'll never use that, give it away!
When will you get that fixed?

It's your dwelling, what are you doing about it?

Saturday

Are You Organizing Your Tax Documents and Other Paperwork?

 
Make your important papers accessible.  You never know when you might need them again.
 
Organizers to use:
 
PDF files in online folders or computer
File folders offline
Portable drives
Memory cards and case
CDs
 

Thursday

Planning a Short Hotel Stay - Get Organized Now, So You Won't Be Sorry Later

On organizing a hotel stay, one will need the time and dedication to search for the best deals.  Think about the season you are planning your travel.  Are there discounted hotel stays currently ongoing? Do you have a membership to a site that offers exclusive deals, coupon codes and cash back or points on your purchases? There are websites that do offer cheap hotel rates but take a moment to research the hotels listed before you book your stay.  Also, some of those bargain sites do not refund your money if you should show up and decide that the hotel is not right for you.  Be sure to check reviews.


When it comes to planning a short hotel stay, you want to be sure that you have all items that you need and not necessarily what you might use or want just because.  The more belongings you have, the more likely you will forget something.  So start with your essentials (the things you can't go without) and then go down the list:

1)  Prescription medicines, Vitamin supplements

Check your refills.  Pack the vitamins that you know have a positive effect on you rather than every bottle you own.  So if B supplements you get the most benefit, be sure they are packed.  Then C, digestive supplements, etc.

2)  Hair products

Comb, brush, hair styling creams or gels.  Your favorite shampoo and conditioner if need be.

3)  Toiletries

Consider the length of stay (3 to 5 days).  You may only need to pack trial sizes.  Toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash.  Women's products (sanitary napkins, douche, pantyliner's, and body hygiene products).  Men's products (shaving supplies, aftershave, body wash, lotion...) Add tweezers, nail clippers, and a first aid kit.  Anything else like packing your own toilet paper or towels and you will have more items than you need and most likely will forget them when it is time to go.  However, if you plan on taking a swim at the hotel, you might want to bring your beach towel along with fun water items.

4)  Clothing

Pay attention to the weather and be sure you pack the kind of items that will make you feel comfortable.  When selecting clothes, pick out the items that you can pair with other things this way you don't need to carry so many.  For instance, a three night stay with possible rain showers and a drop in temperature, bring a light jacket.  Carry items such as:  a short sleeve shirt, a long sleeve shirt, a dress shirt, jeans, casual or dress pants.  Women might bring along similar items including a short skirt, long skirt, or after 5 pm dress.  Don't forget your belt!

5)  Underwear and Sleepwear

T-shirts, panties, bras, briefs, and lounge wear or pjs.  Depending on the occasion, men and women might include sexy apparel.  Women who have certain clothing that require additional undergarments like a stockings, slip or other items to flatter the body include those in your luggage.

6)  Shoes

If you plan on doing some sight-seeing or shopping, bring your comfortable shoes.  Going to a nice restaurant or other special location, bring dress shoes.  Plan on working out?  Don't forget your sneakers and your workout clothes!  Don't like walking on the hotel floor, bring your slippers!  For the shower, water proof sandals.

Additional items might include: printed directions (don't rely on GPS only), tickets to event and/or print out of reservation.  For downtime, reading materials and reading glasses, laptop, camera, work phone, etc.  Electronic chargers, batteries, and instruction manual.

7)  Accessories

What things might you want to add to your wardrobe?  Sometimes there is jewelry, smaller handbags, a special belt, or some other thing that compliments your attire, you won't want to forget it.

8)  Cash and Credit Cards

Things come up and you don't want to be stuck penniless.  So be sure you have cash to tip, extra credit cards just in case you max out, and anything that you might be able to pawn just in case a money emergency should arise.

9)  Kid's stuff

If you are traveling with children, don't forget to bring items that will keep them busy.  Those moments in the hotel can feel quite long when there is nothing for them to do.

10) Important Documents, Relics, Gifts

From phone numbers to contracts, sometimes people leave behind valuable items that were meant to be shared with those they are visiting.  Don't let it happen to you.  Be sure those things are packed in your bags the night before or days in advance such as:  memory cards of family events, photo albums, contracts, computer files, etc.  it is very easy to be so focused on packing your items, you forget what you were supposed to bring with you to give to someone else.

Have a safe trip!

Nicholl McGuire is the author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet?

Thursday

Organizing Items on a Flat Surface

Sometimes we just don't have the bins, bags, boxes, and shelving to store all of our stuff.  So when this happens, we just might have a spare table to display items.  Use your flat surface wisely taking up as much space as you can and whatever small items you can store in a jar, can, dish or some other small container do it.  This way you are leaving room for other things to be placed on the table.

Sort items based on likeness.  Place items in spaces near you if you plan to use more often.  If you were selling wares at a yard sale, you would have items easily assessable to customers and your more popular items would be within reach.
 
 
 
Check out http://thingstodobored.blogspot.com for a bit of creative inspiration.


Use this for collectibles or display at a fair or other special events.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Also, you can stack items using a cabinet shelf and place them underneath freeing up more space.


 
 

Jewelry, beads, small office supplies, cosmetics and more can be stored in something like this.
 
 
 
Take advantage of the space underneath the table.  Use items you already have to store remaining stuff.  A luggage bag, a plastic bin, a backpack, purses, even a large decorative blanket, cloth, 
sheet or fabric can be used to hideaway things until you have money to invest in furniture and more organizers.  Search for how to table skirt to add a bit of décor to your ambience!  Happy organizing!
 
 

Wednesday

The Risks of Buying Homes by the Water

There are many benefits of buying and owning property by a river, lake, or the sea. However, there are also many risks to consider. Before you go ahead and get yourself an awesome new waterfront property, you should take the time to evaluate the risk vs. reward and figure out if the purchase is a genuinely wise decision for you. Oceanfronthhi.com recommends that you check out the common risks listed below and determine if this is the right fit.

Your Taxes Might be Higher

When you buy a home or property located near a body of water, you’re investing in a place with gorgeous views. It is a place for you to escape to from busy life in the city. Who doesn’t want to be able to wake up on a summer morning and go for a swim right outside their door? The problem here is that most tax analysts and assessment specialists keep raising the value of waterfront homes. After a few years of ownership, there is a chance that your next evaluation will be so high you just sell your home to get rid of the drain on your resources.

This rise in the assessment can be even higher if the general neighborhood is also becoming more popular, or if you have built more structures on the property like a boathouse or pool. With possible increases in assessment values of about 50% a year, you stand to lose a lot of money in the long run unless you fight the assessment. While many people say that this is just one of the costs of living in a gorgeous home like this, it is something to think long and hard about.

The Danger of Water Damage

Most waterfront properties are located near lakes and rivers. Depending on the terrain and the climate, there is a another threat presenting itself to you. There is a high chance that you will face severe flooding at least once during your ownership period. Since flood damage isn't a clause in most home insurance policies today, you may have to pay out of your own pocket to repair the damages caused by the flooding. If you live in an area with a history of floods, it is best to get this damage covered by your insurance when you buy the home, just in case.

Some people buy waterfront properties in areas where there have never been floods in the past. This doesn’t mean that water damage won’t be a problem. Water from the nearby lake can seep through the ground and to your foundations over time. In the course of a few years, there could be significant damage caused to the foundations and structures of your home. Before you buy a property, make sure you have a damage expert analyze the foundations to determine their integrity.


While it is true that homes by the water are exquisite properties with a lot of potential for a family home, they aren't without their own set of risks. Be sure that you are okay with all of these and more before purchasing your home.

How to Organize like a Professional Organizer


Monday

Quick-Fixes to Help with Organizing

Tired of a messy underwear drawer?  Try this.
SimpleHouseware Closet Underwear Organizer Drawer Divider 4 Set, Gray

Too much stuff in every room?  Consider decluttering.




Organize mail or documents using a wall organizer.



Take a peek under your cabinet and use these organizers to sort items.




Add space savers to your refrigerator.



Shelves packed beyond capacity?  Make room for spices and miscellaneous items.  Hang on door or over door.

Blogs Worth Mentioning

Organizer Blog Topics for Home, Office & Beyond

how to get organized organize home apartment garage closet kitchen organizing for the holidays organize bedroom organize bathroom decluttering organization organize office how to organize an event how to organize shoes organize basement organizing spring cleaning advice on keeping home clean desk home decoration how to organize coupons how to organize tools moving organize attic organize children persuasion storage containers to do list about us childrens closet and room home organization how to clean how to organize clothes how to organize freezer how to organize garden how to organize home how to organize life how to organize makeup how to organize papers new year tips organize kitchen save money arts and crafts back to school shopping cardboard boxes and bins closet organizer family fast organization helping someone get organized hoarders holiday decorations packing and storing home organization stores hotel bed how to decorate bookshelves how to organize backpack how to organize car how to organize closet how to organize clutter how to organize college how to organize cords how to organize craft room how to organize dvds how to organize mail how to organize medicine cabinet how to organize money how to organize music how to organize pantry how to organize photos how to organize plastic food containers how to organize purse how to organize refrigerator how to organize room how to organize shed how to set table laundry room motivation organize home office organize narrow kitchen cabinet organized moms organizer tools organizing home for make-over shoes tips for organizers toys tv shows 1980s inspired organizers Christmas gift wrap Christmas storage tips Thanksgiving organizing apple reminders appliances art gallery art ideas art work blog owner bra organizer cables car organization carpet shampoo chargers cheap organizing childrens cabinet coats coin collection collectibles covid work space creative tips drawer dividers food storage furniture shopping gamer organizers gifts good housekeeping hobbies holiday gift wrap holiday giving guide holiday meal clean up holiday meal planning holiday prep holiday shopping home business home buying home care home decoration apps home design home organizers how artists get organized how to arrange livingroom how to clean your bedroom how to eliminate stress and worry how to get organized for the holidays how to get your link on this site how to make book jar how to make small room bigger how to organize Internet tasks how to organize a desk how to organize a small linen closet how to organize any room fast how to organize anything how to organize apps how to organize baby bottles how to organize baby changing table how to organize beauty samples how to organize bedroom closets how to organize bikes how to organize binder how to organize cell phone numbers how to organize chest drawers how to organize childrens dishes how to organize childrens files how to organize childrens rooms how to organize closet by color how to organize coat closet how to organize coffee table how to organize computer documents how to organize craft supplies how to organize crayons and coloring books how to organize cube shelves how to organize digital photos how to organize dishes how to organize dolls clothes how to organize email inbox how to organize entryway how to organize garden tools how to organize grocery list how to organize home filing cabinet how to organize hotel stay how to organize ideas how to organize jewelry how to organize kitchen how to organize kitchen cabinets how to organize kitchen drawers how to organize magazines how to organize nightstand how to organize notebook planner how to organize notes how to organize paper how to organize paperwork how to organize party how to organize party beverages how to organize perfumes how to organize phone how to organize playroom how to organize pots how to organize receipts how to organize recipes how to organize scrapbook supplies how to organize sewing room how to organize small kitchen how to organize spices how to organize stuff how to organize suitcase how to organize table top how to organize teen closet how to organize the coat closet how to organize time how to organize under bathroom sink how to organize under kitchen sink how to organize underwear how to organize wallet how to organize wardrobe how to organize workout how to organize your home how to organize your mind how to organize youtube channel how to paint kitchen cabinets how to paint walls how to plan your day how to prepare items for uploading how to set a buffet party table iPhone home screen kids art kitchen organization ideas labelmaker laziness lazy susan legal documents lux look minimalism neat freak need web content no money make-over nursery open shelf oragnizing organize briefcase organize files organize for freedom organize garage organize information organize instructions organize kitchen utensils organize life organize mind organize trip organize your child organized people organizing around unsightly appliances organizing bedsheets organizing people organizing protest organizing resources outdoor space pans and lids party invite professional organizers rearranging furniture for the holidays redecorating for the holidays reorganization roommates sanitary napkins social feed reader st. patricks day storing clothes super bowl party ideas tampons teen bedroom tips on organizing children tool cabinet organization trading rooms in house wall art wall decorating wall hangings wedding why organize workshop
Custom Search