tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37994921951181575402024-03-13T22:24:17.625-07:00Heather's home organizationheatherfulcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424613360757084690noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799492195118157540.post-47537271148588119042016-03-09T15:28:00.002-08:002016-03-09T15:28:24.140-08:00Guest room closet organizationOne of the final frontiers for organization in my own home is my guest room closet. It's a catch-all spot to store girlie accessories (handbags, pashminas, scarves), as well as wrapping paper, our vacuum cleaner and other odds & sods. The old hanging organizer (SKUBB from IKEA) wasn't adequate for the weight and volume of items I needed to store.<br />
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SOLUTION:<br />
I found a used an IKEA KALLAX (1 x 5) shelving unit on Craigslist for $45. I bought some inexpensive canvas baskets new from IKEA to go with the unit, along with a dual drawer insert accessory designed to fit inside one of the KALLAX cubes. From inside the closet itself, I removed the installed hanging rod, shelf, and shelf ledges. I patched the holes, then painted the inside of the closet. The hanging rod and shelf were cut to fit between the wall and the shelf unit. I installed an IKEA TJUSIG hook bar for added storage, but it also doubles as the shelf ledge on the wall side. Total cost: $100<br />
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heatherfulcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424613360757084690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799492195118157540.post-29004488455874446972014-01-17T07:50:00.001-08:002014-01-17T07:50:31.473-08:00The Trifecta of Home Organization<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times;">The Trifecta of Home Organization</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">by Heather Fulcher - Professional Organizer for
Hire<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times;">Step 1 – Have less stuff</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">The majority of us have too much stuff in our
homes. The first step to improving your organization is to purge unwanted
items. Each and everything in your home needs to earn its real estate. You
should either LOVE or have an immediate purpose for the majority of your
belongings. The overall volume of belongings should be appropriate and
proportional to the amount of space in your home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times;">Step 2 – Create organization systems</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 13.5pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times;">“A place for everything, and everything in it’s
place” - Ensure that everything has a place to live, ideally in a closed
storage system (closet, cabinet, drawer).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 13.5pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times;">Sustainable systems – a sustainable organizing
system is one that can easily be maintained by all of the residents of the
house. An organization system that stands the test of everyday use is one
where form follows function. Pretty or cool looking systems won’t be
sustainable unless they perform the function required.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times;">"I can't afford this!" - Systems don’t
have to cost much, by being creative and resourceful, you can use what you
already have such as shoe boxes, and old yogurt containers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Some
examples of organization systems:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 13.5pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times;">Containerize
and label – you can use baskets, bins, jars, boxes, bowls, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 13.5pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times;">Install a
closet organization system<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 13.5pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times;">Use a
filing cabinet and create a filing system for your documents<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 13.5pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times;">Buy the
necessary furniture (cabinet, dresser, filing cabinet, shelving) to organize
and store your belongings so that everything has a home, and can be
appropriately accessed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 13.5pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times;">Store
your high-use belongings so they are at hand and easy to access, and ensure
seasonal or low-use items are using up less accessible storage areas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times;">Step 3 – Habits</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">“Getting organized” is a task. “Being
organized” is a habit. An organized house will stay organized if the residents
are in the habit of putting things back to where they belong. Ensure each
member of the family is accountable towards the common goal of an organized house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Examples
of habits of organized people:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times;">Less is
more – organized people critically review belongings as a part of everyday
life, and are constantly purging<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times;">One-in/One-out
rule – when you buy a new pair of shoes, an old pair needs to be donated.
With the exception of consumables such as food, toiletries, unless there is an
equal amount of stuff leaving the house as is entering the house, you will
begin to accumulate an overabundance of belongings in your home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times;">Process
your mail as soon as it comes in. Read it, action it, then file it away.
Pin it to the bulletin board if is a work in progress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times;">Hang your
coat in the closet every time you come home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times;">Fold and
put away your laundry as soon as it comes out of the dryer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times;">Wash and
put away your dishes after dinner each night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times;">Put the
vacuum away when you are finished with it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Strategies
to developing and maintaining organizing habits:</span></i></div>
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<ul>
<li>Garbage management – get in the habit of putting things into the garbage can or recycling bin immediately. Have garbage cans placed conveniently throughout your space, and empty them when they are full.</li>
<li>Task lists or assigned zones may help younger
children develop organization habits. Reward the positive habits with money or
privileges. Hold children accountable by confiscating belongings that are not
put away, returning it if they perform a chore. </li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AWsBFG-TQUQ/UtlPcFDJvJI/AAAAAAAABrc/KutfQUqLbb4/s1600/outofluckbin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AWsBFG-TQUQ/UtlPcFDJvJI/AAAAAAAABrc/KutfQUqLbb4/s1600/outofluckbin.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo credit: www.positiveparentingconnection.net</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Blog post by Heather Fulcher</div>
<div>
Professional Organizer for Hire</div>
<div>
Vancouver, BC, Canada</div>
<div>
heatherfulcher@gmail.com</div>
<div>
604-618-4829</div>
heatherfulcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424613360757084690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799492195118157540.post-46405127329926071352013-12-09T10:59:00.002-08:002013-12-09T10:59:42.895-08:00Pantry organizing with mason jarsOne of the easiest and cheapest ways to containerize an unruly and disorganized kitchen pantry is with the use of mason jars.<br />
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Jar size and style<br />
I recommend using wide mouth mason jars for ease of filling and dispensing. Choose mason jars that are appropriate in size for the items you are storing and for the package size quantity that you typically purchase the product. I purchase quite a few pantry staple products in bulk, so when I replenish my jars, I only buy the amount that I need. <br />
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Labelling<br />
I recommend a consistent labelling style so your pantry looks neat and orderly. Maybe that's just the organizer in me talking. You can hand print on the labels that are included with the mason jar kit. Another suggestion is to use a label maker. Depending on where you are storing your jars, it might be easier to label the top of the jars so you can find jars easily at a top glance. Top labels can easily be made with your computer and home printer. Type the label words (ie. Rice Flour) into a Word document and align centre the text. Select the font style you like, and select the font size that will fit in the round sealing cap under the mason jar screw ring. Once printed, cut the paper slightly smaller that the sealing ring, and then insert the paper between the round sealing cap under the screw ring. You can laminate the paper for longer life if you like.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kjILINFVKbE/UqYQkJvdEXI/AAAAAAAABbc/py_LE_Oqp1g/s1600/IMG_7469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kjILINFVKbE/UqYQkJvdEXI/AAAAAAAABbc/py_LE_Oqp1g/s320/IMG_7469.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a photo of my own pantry shelf where I use mason jars to organize my dry goods. I use top labels because I see the lids more than I see the front of the jars.<br /><br /><br /><h2>
<b>Client project photos</b></h2>
This client was looking to organize her pantry shelves in an open concept kitchen. The storage solution needed to be functional as well as attractive since it's on display in her home.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mzdsqJGV_P8/UqYOv6VXQ6I/AAAAAAAABa8/0lo1j4e8-sc/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mzdsqJGV_P8/UqYOv6VXQ6I/AAAAAAAABa8/0lo1j4e8-sc/s320/image.jpeg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before: all the spices and dry packaged ingredients were stored in large bins on the pantry shelf. Very inefficient to find what you want quickly, and difficult to know what you have before going to buy more, and not terribly attract to look at.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-goBRuauYrwQ/UqYOvXjoCGI/AAAAAAAABaw/Dw7N4LHvUzw/s1600/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-goBRuauYrwQ/UqYOvXjoCGI/AAAAAAAABaw/Dw7N4LHvUzw/s320/image_1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g58LnXuG-dc/UqYOvsjqgcI/AAAAAAAABa0/IuvIkFtsMkk/s1600/image_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g58LnXuG-dc/UqYOvsjqgcI/AAAAAAAABa0/IuvIkFtsMkk/s320/image_2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In progress - the first task is to sort your items. Categorize, find multiples and estimate the size of containers required to store your ingredients.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gyjsfO0Dg3Y/UqYOwdiGgaI/AAAAAAAABbE/44LlxKyMt08/s1600/image_3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gyjsfO0Dg3Y/UqYOwdiGgaI/AAAAAAAABbE/44LlxKyMt08/s320/image_3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After: Small (125ml/250ml) jars were used for spices and larger jars (500ml/750ml) were used to store other dry goods such as cornmeal, specialty flours, beans, rice, quinoa, nuts, etc.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VwiQ-1swkGg/UqYOwmPifrI/AAAAAAAABbI/KxO1Y03wieA/s1600/image_4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VwiQ-1swkGg/UqYOwmPifrI/AAAAAAAABbI/KxO1Y03wieA/s320/image_4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After<br /><br /><br />Blog post by:<br />Heather Fulcher<br />Professional Organizer for Hire<br />Vancouver, BC, Canada<br />heatherfulcher@gmail.com<br />604-618-4829</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /><br />heatherfulcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424613360757084690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799492195118157540.post-16733650178916546842013-08-19T08:40:00.000-07:002013-08-19T08:40:17.851-07:00Organizing the tools in the garden shedWe are very limited with the amount of storage space in our house since we don't have a garage, so we need to make maximum usage of the space in our tiny little garden shed. To date, many of our tools were stored in stacked rubbermaid bins. I tried to find an off-the-rack shelf unit 2'x2'x5', but wasn't able to find exactly what I needed. So we decided to make a custom shelf unit to fit exactly in our space, and to fit exactly the stuff we needed to store. We used 2"x2" for the posts and 1" x 2" for the side bracing. We bought 3/8" plywood for the shelves and had it cut at the hardware store to 24" squares for the shelves. Then Rich notched out the corners of the plywood shelves to fit around the posts. The total cost for the project was $50 and it took the two of us about 2 hours to build it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w76M4ld1Olo/UhI5dtpKe9I/AAAAAAAABTM/UpF-RjDM_q0/s1600/shed+shelf+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w76M4ld1Olo/UhI5dtpKe9I/AAAAAAAABTM/UpF-RjDM_q0/s320/shed+shelf+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KERuqbVJY_M/UhI5d_qUDtI/AAAAAAAABTI/Rdo9_8RvtlI/s1600/shed+shelf+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KERuqbVJY_M/UhI5d_qUDtI/AAAAAAAABTI/Rdo9_8RvtlI/s320/shed+shelf+2.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r8bhbMpIfYY/UhI5diV7lyI/AAAAAAAABTE/blr4LcyvfaI/s1600/shed+shelf+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r8bhbMpIfYY/UhI5diV7lyI/AAAAAAAABTE/blr4LcyvfaI/s320/shed+shelf+3.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6651MQOB90/UhI5e7CtIHI/AAAAAAAABTY/Vp05l57-WRc/s1600/shed+shelf+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6651MQOB90/UhI5e7CtIHI/AAAAAAAABTY/Vp05l57-WRc/s320/shed+shelf+4.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-scS2JVd5-iU/UhI5fOvZJuI/AAAAAAAABTc/K5chtvj2RBo/s1600/shed+shelf+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-scS2JVd5-iU/UhI5fOvZJuI/AAAAAAAABTc/K5chtvj2RBo/s320/shed+shelf+5.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qXJ0ya8iYJs/UhI5fBIhLzI/AAAAAAAABTs/qyhJcCT6S6o/s1600/shed+shelf+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qXJ0ya8iYJs/UhI5fBIhLzI/AAAAAAAABTs/qyhJcCT6S6o/s320/shed+shelf+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FSxKX1ADl9U/UhI5fTroBEI/AAAAAAAABTo/lr07dut5atc/s1600/shed+shelf+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FSxKX1ADl9U/UhI5fTroBEI/AAAAAAAABTo/lr07dut5atc/s320/shed+shelf+7.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8W65dbecSTk/UhI5PDQBLRI/AAAAAAAABS0/IxL50t4DxgA/s1600/shed+shelf+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8W65dbecSTk/UhI5PDQBLRI/AAAAAAAABS0/IxL50t4DxgA/s320/shed+shelf+8.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Blog post by Heather Fulcher<br />
Professional Organizer for Hire<br />
Vancouver, BC, Canada<br />
heatherfulcher@gmail.com<br />
604-618-4829heatherfulcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424613360757084690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799492195118157540.post-62016580217479125762013-05-21T11:54:00.002-07:002013-05-21T12:11:22.758-07:00Organize a garage sale<!--StartFragment-->
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e4oGVYZd7yQ/UZvFA-D_ySI/AAAAAAAABPM/Id5brYYBhJo/s1600/garage-sale-sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e4oGVYZd7yQ/UZvFA-D_ySI/AAAAAAAABPM/Id5brYYBhJo/s1600/garage-sale-sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e4oGVYZd7yQ/UZvFA-D_ySI/AAAAAAAABPM/Id5brYYBhJo/s200/garage-sale-sign.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having a garage sale is a great way to kick start a clutter purge. Here are some steps and tips for a successful sale.<br />
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Gather
the stuff</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Use
a staging area (such as guest room, dining room, garage, basement) to gather
the items for sale.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Your
garage sale inventory should consist of general household items, clothing,
books, kids stuff, hobby supplies, low priced furniture, home decor, garden
equipment, board games, recreational equipment, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Separate out belongings that are highly specialized and
unlikely to appeal to the general public.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Research</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Garage
Sale, Craigslist OR EBAY. If you have any collectables or rare items for sale,
research the value and decide if the garage sale is the best marketplace to
sell these.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Craigslist is a good
marketplace for bulky items with value that are best sold locally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ebay is the best marketplace for rare,
specialized or collectable items that are reasonably easy to ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Ebay auction format is likely to
yield the highest possible market value for the rare or specialized item</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Does
your city require a permit? Call your municipality to find out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Are
there sign regulations? Check with your municipality.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Sort
items in staging area, putting similar items together.</li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Board
games</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Kitchen
items</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Hobby
supplies</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Garden
equipment</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Camping
equipment</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Clothing
(separate out by size, ie. Girls size 4, Boys size 8, etc. Ladies size 6,
Mens size XL).</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Baby
items</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Housewares</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Décor</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Set
the date</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Saturday
or Sunday are best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Choose one day
only, because all the good stuff is normally sold in the first few hours of day
1 and customers know this.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Avoid
holiday long weekends.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Choose
a start time that is consistent with start times with other garage sales in the
area – usually 8am or 9am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Die
hard garage salers plan their route to visit all the sales in the neighbourhood
first thing in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>12noon
start is not recommended for this reason.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Plan
an end time early in the afternoon, ie. 1 or 2pm<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Have
a plan B date incase you decide to cancel due to weather.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="5" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Exit
strategy</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Some
ideas to accelerate sales towards the end of the day:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo3; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>Half price items after 11am </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo3; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>$1/bag after 12pm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo3; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>Free items during pack-up at 1pm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Call
your favourite charity in advance, and arrange pick-up of all unsold items at
the end of the sale.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Alternatively,
load up your vehicle with the unsold items and drop it off at your local
charity, thrift store or shelter. Make sure you research in advance what items
each facility accepts and would find useful.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="6" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Pricing</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>If
the goal is to get the BEST price for your item, try selling it in a different
marketplace (Craigslist, Ebay, antique consignment, etc).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your goal is to get rid of it, then
sell it in a garage sale.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>What
price should you ask for your items?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Consider what you would pay at a garage sale for this item.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The general rule of thumb is 1/3 of
retail (MAX).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This doesn’t always
apply however.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may have spent
$20 on a souvenir ball cap from the Grand Canyon, but you’ll probably only get
$1 for it at the garage sale.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Price
EVERYTHING!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buyers are more apt to
buy if they know the price is in their ballpark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s OK to tag an item “Make me an offer”, and bundle all
kitchen gadgets in a bin marked “$1 each”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Prepare
to negotiate the price, it’s the name of the game, and it is part of what makes
garage sales fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Build in a small
buffer to your asking prices, and prepare to give buyers bulk pricing if they
are buying multiple items.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Know
your pricing and don’t overprice. Garage salers are looking for bargains, and
they know the going prices for things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Remember, the goal is to get rid of stuff.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Write
“FIRM” on a price ticket for items if that is your bottom price. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="7" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Give
back</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo11; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Consider
donating a percentage (or all?) of the proceeds of the sale to a charity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Advertise this in your online postings
and with a big sign onsite on event day. It’s a great way to give back in your
community or to your favourite cause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo11; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>People
are happy to pay full price if they know some proceeds are going to charity.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo11; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Include
an extra donation jar by the cash table for people to give some extra coins,
and for people that browse but don’t buy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo11; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>FOLLOW
THROUGH – it’s important to make the promised donation shortly after the garage
sale ends, and proceeds are calculated.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<ol start="8" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">ADVERTISE</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
The success of your sale rides
almost exclusively on this step. If you don’t have customers, you won’t make
many sales. Invest some time and a little bit of money on the marketing of your
event.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Craigslist
– post for free on Craigslist and Kijiji. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Facebook
and Twitter - Social media is another great FREE way to get the word out. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Your
<u>online listing </u>should include the Date, Start time/End time,
Address/City, and a brief description of items. Photos of the sale items in
set-up mode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Include photos of any
large ticket items (furniture, electronics, home gym equipment, etc). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Prepare
neighbourhood signs well in advance of event day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your <u>poster signs</u> should include: GARAGE SALE, Date,
Start/end time, address and directional arrow. Do not include any other
information on the poster signs. Send a helper to post them throughout the
neighbourhood EARLY in the morning of event day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prepare in advance where all the signs should be placed and
send your helper with a map with sign location instructions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See my separate post on the <a href="http://heatherfulchercl.blogspot.ca/2012/11/garage-sale-signage-dos-and-donts.html">dos and donts of garage sale signage</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have some strong feelings on the topic of garage sale signage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of the effort you put into the
preparation of the sale can be lost if your signage is poor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<ol start="9" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Check
list before event day</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Newspaper
for wrapping breakables</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Grocery
bags</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Stickers
for pricing (or use painters / low tack tape</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Sharpies/Pens/Markers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Hangers
& clothes rack / clothes line</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Boxes
for sorting or grouping</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Calculator</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Tape
measure</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Extension
cord to plug in electronics for testing</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Schedule
some helpers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Float
- ensure you have a selection of small bills and coins to make change</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Garage
sale signs are prepared and ready to be installed around the neighbourhood.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<ol start="10" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Setting
up on event day</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Get
everything sorted, prepped and priced prior to event day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lay everything out for easy set-up the
morning of your sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Set-up
in your garage, car port, yard and/or driveway. Make sure people can see the
sale from the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they can’t,
place a few large items visible from the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add balloons and/or large colourful signage to mark the
spot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Remove
or cover non-sale items in the sale area.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Use
fold-up tables or plywood on sawhorse stands for display. Try to display as
many of the items as possible, customers won’t always spend the time to dig to
the bottom of boxes to find out what you are selling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Hang
clothes as much as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use a
rope strung between trees, or portable clothes rack. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Display
books with spine out/up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Label
items that are unclear ie. King sized sheet set, accessories for certain brand
of electronic device.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="11" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Make
it fun</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo10; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Music
-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>pick a selection that is likely
to appeal to the general public, and don’t play it too loud.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo10; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Theme
– consider having all the merchants (all family members, or point person for
each area if having a multi-family sale) dress in a theme costume, so customers
know who to pay or ask questions to.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo10; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>Hawaiian grass skirt/Hawaiian shirt</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo10; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>Crazy hats</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo10; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Concession
– such as kids selling lemonade & cookies and/or free ice water and coffee.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo10; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Free
stuff – put your broken, unmatched, incomplete items in a FREE box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such as single earring, chipped mug,
puzzle with missing pieces, etc. If someone can use these items for crafting or
repurposing, it’s better to give them for free than send them to the landfill.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<ol start="12" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Be
safe</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Lock
the doors to your house during the sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Don’t
let anyone in to try on clothes or use the washroom inside.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Place
valueable items close to the house or cash desk to ensure supervison.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Don’t
take personal cheques</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Ensure
cash is kept safe – use a fanny pack or apron with pockets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t leave cash box unattended</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="13" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">At the
end</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo9; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Pack
up and dispose (donate?) unsold items. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo9; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Take
down neighbourhood signs</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brought to you by:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heather Fulcher</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Professional Organizer for Hire</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Vancouver, BC, Canada</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
heatherfulcher@gmail.com</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
604-618-4829</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
</div>
<!--EndFragment-->
heatherfulcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424613360757084690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799492195118157540.post-85094904106746985752013-04-29T10:04:00.000-07:002013-04-29T10:04:28.217-07:00When should I hire a professional organizer?<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>When should I hire a
professional organizer?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">When
time is money – with the help of a professional organizer, you can tackle
the clutter in less time than you would spend on your own.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">When
you are chronically disorganized and it’s the last task on your list.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">When
disorganization is causing stress in your relationships or difficulty in
your home life.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">When
you are physically limited in how much you can lift or move.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">When
the project is overwhelming, and you don’t know where to start.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">When
facing a deadline such as a move date.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">When
you just need HELP!</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>Common projects for
professional organizers<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pre-move </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In preparation for a move, many people take the opportunity
to review and purge belongings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is a daunting task for many people, especially if the move date is
fast approaching. A professional organizer can help you sort, purge, organize
and pack-up your belongings in preparation for your move.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Post-move</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Settling back into a new space (or recently renovated space)
is a wonderful opportunity to revisit organizational techniques.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A professional organizer can help
design organizational system customized to your needs and specific to the
parameters of your new space.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Downsizing</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When it’s time to move to a smaller home or condo, a
professional organizer can help scale down the amount of belongings appropriate
for the new space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your organizer
can also help distribute treasures to assigned beneficiaries (family/friends),
or sell collectables and valuables.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Home staging</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The way you live in your home is very different from the way
you showcase your property for sale or rent. A professional organizer can help
ensure your property is presented with the highest perceived value and to the
largest possible audience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An organized
home suggests the property is well maintained and has sufficient storage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It allows buyers to focus on the
positive features of the property.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
De-cluttering</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clutter has magnetic qualities, a few things turn into a
pile of things very quickly. A professional organizer can help you critically
review your belongings and sort into categories: keep, gift it, sell, recycle,
donate, garbage. Once sorted and purged, next comes organization techniques.
Each client, project and space is unique; a professional organizer can help
create storage and organization tools to solve any challenge.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blog post by:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heather Fulcher</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Professional Organizer for Hire</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Vancouver, BC, Canada</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
heatherfulcher@gmail.com</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tel: 604-618-4829</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
heatherfulcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424613360757084690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799492195118157540.post-85690293191538510332013-04-26T13:15:00.000-07:002013-04-26T13:18:57.128-07:00Tour of my kitchen cabinets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As a professional organizer, I realize my space is a bit more organized than the average person. Do you know anyone that would like help getting their kitchen cupboards to look like mine? As a professional organizer, I'm here to help.<br />
<br />
Heather Fulcher<br />
Professional Organizer for Hire<br />
Vancouver, BC, Canada<br />
heatherfulcher@gmail.com<br />
604-618-4829heatherfulcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424613360757084690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799492195118157540.post-33488775107845477782013-03-04T10:05:00.000-08:002013-03-04T10:07:30.353-08:00My favourite organizing tools and gadgets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In no particular order.....<br />
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<b>In-drawer knife block.</b></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aL7OFQpFbrY/UTTb-AJCZUI/AAAAAAAABBc/fXZCR1EAsqE/s1600/henckels+knife+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aL7OFQpFbrY/UTTb-AJCZUI/AAAAAAAABBc/fXZCR1EAsqE/s1600/henckels+knife+block.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henckels in-drawer knife tray - $39.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cnVJEzRHyxc/UTTfzBFCyDI/AAAAAAAABBw/Sr-Eq98vY4Q/s1600/rationell-knife-tray-IKEA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cnVJEzRHyxc/UTTfzBFCyDI/AAAAAAAABBw/Sr-Eq98vY4Q/s200/rationell-knife-tray-IKEA.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RATIONELL knife tray - $16.99 at IKEA</td></tr>
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<b>Tie and belt organizer</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5QuY3BiW-XA/USOzokjAH7I/AAAAAAAABAg/JcHQxL89VCw/s1600/708-tie-hanger+-+organizeit.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5QuY3BiW-XA/USOzokjAH7I/AAAAAAAABAg/JcHQxL89VCw/s1600/708-tie-hanger+-+organizeit.com.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chrome tie rack - $6.99 at Organizeit.com</td></tr>
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<b>Scarves & pashminas</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3nuJVorWAbU/USOxipIz5yI/AAAAAAAABAU/2bZh_MVX5qY/s1600/komplement-multi-use-hangar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3nuJVorWAbU/USOxipIz5yI/AAAAAAAABAU/2bZh_MVX5qY/s320/komplement-multi-use-hangar.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KOMPLEMENT from IKEA - $9.99</td></tr>
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<b>Socks drawer</b><br />
Fabric drawer boxes to organize socks and underwear.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O9u5PYGHpwM/USOwnKn4nbI/AAAAAAAABAI/32EIe6lw-og/s1600/skubb+drawer+organizer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O9u5PYGHpwM/USOwnKn4nbI/AAAAAAAABAI/32EIe6lw-og/s320/skubb+drawer+organizer.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SKUBB from IKEA - $11.99 for set of 6 boxes</td></tr>
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<b>Jewelry</b><br />
Use a cutlery tray to organize your jewelry inside your drawer.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H5cuOLHE17w/USOt1D9I2GI/AAAAAAAAA_8/dAvmbOkM3eY/s1600/JewelryOrganizer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H5cuOLHE17w/USOt1D9I2GI/AAAAAAAAA_8/dAvmbOkM3eY/s320/JewelryOrganizer.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">photo credit: totalimageconsulting.com</span></td></tr>
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<b>Hair care organizing rack</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2eBhtXVji2U/USOsjM4PZuI/AAAAAAAAA_0/aOkp2KbRSPA/s1600/Hairdryer+caddy+-+Amazon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2eBhtXVji2U/USOsjM4PZuI/AAAAAAAAA_0/aOkp2KbRSPA/s320/Hairdryer+caddy+-+Amazon.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Organize it all hair care rack" - $16.99 on Amazon.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Shower caddy</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DMHhXSQi248/USMUTkeSMQI/AAAAAAAAA_k/-OadQabiZwA/s1600/simple+human+shower+caddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DMHhXSQi248/USMUTkeSMQI/AAAAAAAAA_k/-OadQabiZwA/s320/simple+human+shower+caddy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">simplehuman adjustable shower caddy - $39.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Manual & Warrantee organizer</b><br />
Use binders and page protector sleeves to store your warrantees and manuals all in one place.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sDLsR78-u14/USMSLGchC-I/AAAAAAAAA_Q/z0zY7HOUKMY/s1600/Warrantee+and+manual+storage+binder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sDLsR78-u14/USMSLGchC-I/AAAAAAAAA_Q/z0zY7HOUKMY/s320/Warrantee+and+manual+storage+binder.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo credit: www.lifehacker.com.au</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<b>Shelving</b><br />
Heavy duty metal shelving for the garage or storage room<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k8si9cwXU0g/USMQyzRPqMI/AAAAAAAAA_A/J30zdrJck0I/s1600/metal+shelving+Costco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k8si9cwXU0g/USMQyzRPqMI/AAAAAAAAA_A/J30zdrJck0I/s320/metal+shelving+Costco.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4' wide x 2' deep x 6' high - $179.99 at Costco</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Kitchen plastic wrap and foil caddy</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NWVwrmxrLZU/USMPjr4OcwI/AAAAAAAAA-w/89Bbnba8xo4/s1600/Aluminum+Foil+storage+caddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NWVwrmxrLZU/USMPjr4OcwI/AAAAAAAAA-w/89Bbnba8xo4/s320/Aluminum+Foil+storage+caddy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$3.99 at spacesavers.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
<b>Spice storage</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xh7_Sv90doU/USMNziZQ7DI/AAAAAAAAA-c/3lpMSxghf-U/s1600/Magnetic+6+jar+spice+rack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xh7_Sv90doU/USMNziZQ7DI/AAAAAAAAA-c/3lpMSxghf-U/s1600/Magnetic+6+jar+spice+rack.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kamenstein magnetic 6 jar spice rack - $19.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<b>Tea towel holders</b><br />
- affix inside your kitchen cabinet door<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHM6FsPefhY/USMKYrcGdWI/AAAAAAAAA-A/84-S5J0wq0c/s1600/Connox+tea+towel+holder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHM6FsPefhY/USMKYrcGdWI/AAAAAAAAA-A/84-S5J0wq0c/s1600/Connox+tea+towel+holder.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connox tea towel holder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<b>Mop and broom clip </b><br />
- keeps them in place<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a1j7KH7Waus/USMJwc1kiQI/AAAAAAAAA94/XunHJPP8p9Y/s1600/broom+and+mop+clip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a1j7KH7Waus/USMJwc1kiQI/AAAAAAAAA94/XunHJPP8p9Y/s1600/broom+and+mop+clip.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">available at your local dollar store</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>Over the door ironing board</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ahTXp6Sptsk/USMI5JnZ1zI/AAAAAAAAA9o/wDTWAsk3A6M/s1600/Steampress+over+the+door+ironing+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ahTXp6Sptsk/USMI5JnZ1zI/AAAAAAAAA9o/wDTWAsk3A6M/s1600/Steampress+over+the+door+ironing+board.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steampress over the door ironing board - $24.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br />
<b>Kitchen sink scrubby holder</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mI5SELnZKz0/USMHxfxrenI/AAAAAAAAA9c/AfXzMfHVWGQ/s1600/scrubby+caddy+for+sink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mI5SELnZKz0/USMHxfxrenI/AAAAAAAAA9c/AfXzMfHVWGQ/s1600/scrubby+caddy+for+sink.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Under sink garbage</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lahEi2uuKJQ/USMHS8goshI/AAAAAAAAA9U/NwABNx3wtfs/s1600/Simple+Human+Garbage+bag+holder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lahEi2uuKJQ/USMHS8goshI/AAAAAAAAA9U/NwABNx3wtfs/s1600/Simple+Human+Garbage+bag+holder.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">simplehuman garbage caddy with built-in grocery bag storage - $29.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ueYspOW7Svo/USL8dR3b6ZI/AAAAAAAAA8k/ZaYM6Kt7Zbo/s1600/mac+sports+gift+wrap+caddy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EXyK4aFyNdY/USMCKNEC-3I/AAAAAAAAA9A/wrNgATDI5G4/s1600/EMU+IKEA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EXyK4aFyNdY/USMCKNEC-3I/AAAAAAAAA9A/wrNgATDI5G4/s200/EMU+IKEA.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IKEA EMU storage boxes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Storage organizer boxes from IKEA</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9KmDhTvwUIE/USMAx-wX5LI/AAAAAAAAA80/GvoOv4SqCdE/s1600/KASSETT+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9KmDhTvwUIE/USMAx-wX5LI/AAAAAAAAA80/GvoOv4SqCdE/s200/KASSETT+box.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KASSETT boxes - several sizes and colours available</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br />
<b>Hanging gift wrap organizer</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NzsQIAwIXGY/USL8LEPNkpI/AAAAAAAAA8c/utnXyDfq3V0/s1600/mac+sports+gift+wrap+caddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NzsQIAwIXGY/USL8LEPNkpI/AAAAAAAAA8c/utnXyDfq3V0/s200/mac+sports+gift+wrap+caddy.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mac Sports Gift Wrap Caddy<br />
$43.99 on Amazon.com </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ueYspOW7Svo/USL8dR3b6ZI/AAAAAAAAA8k/ZaYM6Kt7Zbo/s1600/mac+sports+gift+wrap+caddy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ueYspOW7Svo/USL8dR3b6ZI/AAAAAAAAA8k/ZaYM6Kt7Zbo/s200/mac+sports+gift+wrap+caddy2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>Hanging shoe organizers</b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBVenUlFZYE/USL4x8KVsuI/AAAAAAAAA8M/mP3yG1a1PuI/s1600/SKUBB+organizer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBVenUlFZYE/USL4x8KVsuI/AAAAAAAAA8M/mP3yG1a1PuI/s320/SKUBB+organizer.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SKUBB by IKEA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<b>Dollar store plastic basket for organizing drawers</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLBYhkUFPdw/USLo3eCgRUI/AAAAAAAAA74/HOeSxGb_VHU/s1600/bathroom+drawer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLBYhkUFPdw/USLo3eCgRUI/AAAAAAAAA74/HOeSxGb_VHU/s320/bathroom+drawer.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">photo credit: organizeitcheap.blogspot.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<b>Drawer dividers</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cgKKQ2fgGgo/USLj_MdEBzI/AAAAAAAAA7c/Bkuikk2MMsw/s1600/drawer_blue_whitedividers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cgKKQ2fgGgo/USLj_MdEBzI/AAAAAAAAA7c/Bkuikk2MMsw/s1600/drawer_blue_whitedividers.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.lifestylesystems.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<b>Label Maker</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2HmwkUuKuYQ/USLZ71ms9LI/AAAAAAAAA7M/6r2DkrdcGSQ/s1600/dymo+label+maker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2HmwkUuKuYQ/USLZ71ms9LI/AAAAAAAAA7M/6r2DkrdcGSQ/s1600/dymo+label+maker.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Tupperware modular mate storage containers</b><br />
- for pantry storage of flour, sugar, rice, etc.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0-40MAxHvQ8/USLYI7UDZ4I/AAAAAAAAA64/74DzN7BrN48/s1600/ModularMates1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0-40MAxHvQ8/USLYI7UDZ4I/AAAAAAAAA64/74DzN7BrN48/s320/ModularMates1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">photo credit: iheartorganizing.blogspot.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<b>Mason jars </b><br />
- for bulk pantry storage<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QQoMkNF-oMo/USLWvNqwwUI/AAAAAAAAA6o/1-8imYMfKyw/s1600/MasonJarPantry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QQoMkNF-oMo/USLWvNqwwUI/AAAAAAAAA6o/1-8imYMfKyw/s320/MasonJarPantry.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">photo credit: aprettylifeinthesuburbs.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Blog post by Heather Fulcher - Professional Organizer for Hire - Vancouver, BC, Canada -heatherfulcher@gmail.com<br />
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heatherfulcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424613360757084690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799492195118157540.post-53474932541649368892013-02-12T10:56:00.001-08:002013-02-12T10:56:07.759-08:00Top ten home staging tips<!--StartFragment-->
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-language: KO;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heather’s top ten home staging tips<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-language: KO;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Property vs. Home<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The way you live in a home is often very different
from the way a home is presented for sale.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Think about your property as your largest financial
investment, and stop thinking about it as your home. Your property is a product
that is for sale.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photos<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When your property is listed for sale, photos are one
of the most powerful marketing tools you will use.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most people are searching online for properties for sale, so
put your best foot forward with well-staged photos.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take photos of your outdoor spaces on a bright sunny
day.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take photos of your indoor
spaces during daylight hours, and with all unnecessary items removed from the
space.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Curb appeal<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First impressions are powerful, so make sure the
outside spaces enhance the appeal of your property.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remove objects from the path and perimeter of your house (bikes, toys,
building materials)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trim bushes and vines; keep lawn cut and watered; add a colourful planter
at the entrance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scrub the front porch, front door & trim, clean the mailbox and polish
the street numbers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Edit and De-clutter<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A cluttered house detracts from the perceived value of
your property.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It suggests the
place is not well maintained; smaller in size that it actually is; lacks
storage and is distracting buyers from the true features of the property.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo1; tab-stops: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Floors – remove items of storage piled on floors<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Horizontal surfaces – take everything off, then put only a few select items
back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo1; tab-stops: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Book shelves – arrange books in an orderly fashion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo1; tab-stops: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Closets – 70% of the items stored in your closets should be removed to
ensure they look spacious, organized and adequate for storage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo1; tab-stops: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Furniture & wall hangings – less is more<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ol start="5" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clean and Fix<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walk through each room and make two lists, one for
cleaning and one for fixing.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chipped paint, loose or missing tiles, broken door handle, a closet door
that doesn’t close properly.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finish any home renovations projects that are in progress. If you are
not able to do these tasks yourself, hire a professional.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The investment you make will be
returned in a higher sale price of your property.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ol start="6" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paint<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some potential buyers will try to negotiate a lower
price if the home is clearly in need of new paint. Painting is the cheapest way
to enhance the interior and exterior and capture the equity in your property.
To ensure your property appeals to the most people, choose fresh, neutral
colours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ol start="7" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Refresh and update<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your property will have a lower perceived value if it
the décor is outdated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some ideas to update your property without spending
too much:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Replacing the kitchen countertop and cabinet handles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Replacing light fixtures and faucets<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Use slipcovers on old couches and chairs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fresh bed linens in neutral tones with a few decorative pillows<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ol start="8" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Depersonalize<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Potential buyers are most attracted to properties when
they can visualize it as their home, not yours.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make the property as neutral as possible by removing and
storing any religious or political symbols, diplomas, abundant collections and
personal photos.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remove names or
initials identifying the occupant of a room, ie. name sign on bedroom door.
These distract the buyers from what you are selling – a PROPERTY not ‘your
home’. This is a delicate subject because most people are proud of the personal
items they have displayed in their home, and may take offence that the items
may not be to everyone’s taste. Remember, when your property is for sale,
consider that it is no longer your home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ol start="9" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let in the light<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Open all the curtains and blinds to let in as much
light as possible.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When showing
the property, go around and turn on every single light and lamp in every
space.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ol start="10" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Space optimization<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most buyers cannot visualize and see potential, and do
not have an imagination when it comes to house viewing.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the property has four bedrooms,
ensure they are all set-up as bedrooms (not as storage rooms). The livingroom
furniture should be positioned to create a conversation area which will look
towards the room’s focal point. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you need help preparing your property for sale? As a professional organizer I provide home staging services, and I'm here to help.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Heather Fulcher</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Professional Organizer for Hire</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vancouver, BC, Canada</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">heatherfulcher@gmail.com </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">604-618-4829</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus;"><br /></span></div>
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heatherfulcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424613360757084690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799492195118157540.post-62348006611032079292013-02-12T08:59:00.000-08:002013-02-12T08:59:07.491-08:00Magazine holders for under cabinet storage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Most people have limited counter space in their bathroom for products and appliances. This is a great solution to create additional storage space for awkward items like hair dryers, straighteners and curling irons, and beauty product bottles. These are standard wooden magazine holders from IKEA. I simply attached them to the inside of the under-sink cabinet walls with a couple of screws.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jVAK1AeYYHw/URp0GROscDI/AAAAAAAAA3A/92dNLXzt7N8/s1600/knuff-magazine-file-set-of-__0106930_PE256309_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jVAK1AeYYHw/URp0GROscDI/AAAAAAAAA3A/92dNLXzt7N8/s320/knuff-magazine-file-set-of-__0106930_PE256309_S4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KNUFF magazine holders from IKEA. $12.99 for 2.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ohoMkrOTNco/URpzV3pqpyI/AAAAAAAAA20/hlxFIwIMtEU/s1600/Magazine+holders+for+under+cabinet+storage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ohoMkrOTNco/URpzV3pqpyI/AAAAAAAAA20/hlxFIwIMtEU/s400/Magazine+holders+for+under+cabinet+storage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blog post by Heather Fulcher - Professional Organizer for Hire - Vancouver, Canada - 604-618-4829</div>
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<br />heatherfulcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424613360757084690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799492195118157540.post-58848160678425380232013-01-30T16:54:00.000-08:002013-01-30T16:54:13.615-08:00Clutter list - things we have in overabundance<!--StartFragment-->
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Tacking clutter starts with purging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are common household items that
many people have in overabundance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Kitchen</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Glassware</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Cookbooks</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Kitchen
appliances</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Pots/pans</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Mixing
bowls</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Tupperware</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Water
pitchers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Vases</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Expired
food/canned goods</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Take
out menus</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Plastic
grocery bags</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Serving
platters, bowls, etc.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Fridge
magnets</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Sport water bottles</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Dinning Room</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Crystal</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Liquor
bottles</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Table
linen</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Servery
items</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Paper</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Magazines</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Newspapers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Books</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Photos</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Greeting
cards</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Bathroom</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Medication
– expired</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Make-up</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Hair
accessories</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Beauty
appliances</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Beauty
products</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Bottles
of shampoo/conditioner</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Kids
bath toys</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Mini
hotel shampoo bottles</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Garage / Shed</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Tools</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Hardware</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Rolls
of tape</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Coolers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Sporting/recreational
equipment</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Recycling
– aluminum cans/glass bottles/paper</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Automotive
fluids</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Automobiles</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Scrap
lumber</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Brooms</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Rakes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Shovels</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Garden
tools</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Plant
containers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Empty
cardboard boxes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Camping
supplies</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Leftover
home renovation materials</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Old
paint cans</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 22.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Bicycles
(outgrown or unused)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Storage</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Suitcases/luggage</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Seasonal décor</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Travel memorabilia</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Wedding décor supplies</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Posterity collections</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Old framed photos</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Fitness equipment</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Broken appliances</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Sport bags</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Old (broken?) furniture</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Old TVs</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Collections</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Sports memorabilia</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Unused wedding gifts</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Kids</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Outgrown clothing</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Baby supplies/accessories/gear</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Baby furniture</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Old school books/papers/projects/artwork</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Board games</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Puzzles</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Kids toys</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Stuffed animals</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Utility / Hobby / Misc</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Cleaning supplies</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Sewing supplies</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Craft supplies</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Scrapbooking supplies</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Pillows</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>towels</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Bed linen</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Artwork</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Mirrors</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Tote bags</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Shipping supplies</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Wrapping paper</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Baskets</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Blankets</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Decks of cards</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -27.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Coins</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Office</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Photography supplies/equipment</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Computer equipment / printers / fax machines</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Old music/mp3 players</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Items on bulletin board</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Home office supplies</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Pens/pencils</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Old batteries</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Product manuals</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Files/old bills/tax receipts older than 7yrs</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Phone books</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Coupons</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Old address books</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Unmatched electronic cables</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Outdated catalogs</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Extension cords</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Note pads / books</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Elastic bands</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Training material from convention/meeting</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Old business cards</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Bedroom</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Clothing</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Hats</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Clothes hangers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Shoes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Winter gear</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Jewelry & accessories</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Purses</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Coats</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Socks</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Fitness or sports clothing/accessories</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Neck ties</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Ladies scarves</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Belts</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Living Room</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>CDs</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>DVDs</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Old remote controls</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Decorative items</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Candles</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Figurines</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Audio visual components</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Video game systems & accessories</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Video games</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Candle holders</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Houseplants</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
Blog post by Heather Fulcher</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
Professional Organizer for Hire</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
Vancouver, BC, Canada</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
heatherfulcher@gmail.com</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
604-618-4829</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -22.5pt;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">*list adapted from: Becoming Minimalist - 100 Physical things that can be reduced in your home by Joshua Becker</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
heatherfulcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424613360757084690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799492195118157540.post-11676256820253848602013-01-12T13:25:00.001-08:002013-01-12T13:25:53.228-08:00Top excuses for holding onto clutter<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Top excuses for holding onto clutter<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b>1. “I might need it someday”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; tab-stops: 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>The
‘just incase’ syndrome is the cause of clutter for many people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; tab-stops: 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Consider
this: would you know where to find this item when <i>someday</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> comes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Would you remember to reach for this item when </span><i>someday</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> comes?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; tab-stops: 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Weigh
the cost of the prime real estate it takes to store vs. cost to replace it<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; tab-stops: 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Instead
of owning it, can you rent one if you ever needed it again (tools, steam
cleaner)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; tab-stops: 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Bottom
line - If ‘someday’ hasn’t come yet, it probably won’t.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>I
need this item for the information it contains<o:p></o:p></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l8 level3 lfo3; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Do
you need ALL of it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it possible
to copy or remove the small amount of information you require from it, and
dispose of it?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l8 level3 lfo3; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Can
you scan or digitally input the information you need, then dispose of it?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l8 level3 lfo3; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Bottom
line – The information probably doesn’t need to be stored in this physical form<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>It
brings back good times - I need this item in order to remember the good
times or lost loves<o:p></o:p></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo4; tab-stops: 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Take
a photo of it, then discard it<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo4; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Bottom
line – it’s not healthy to live in the past<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>Guilt
– I don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings<o:p></o:p></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo5; tab-stops: 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>I’m
sure your loved one wouldn’t want you to feel burdened by the gifts they give
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If appropriate, ask if they
want the item returned to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo5; tab-stops: 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>It’s
OK to re-gift the item to someone else, donate, or even take it back to the
store and get something else you can use. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo5; tab-stops: 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Consider
the types of gifts you give to others – is it STUFF that could be a burden or
clutter their home? Consider giving consumables or experience gifts that do not
clutter someone else’s space.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo5; tab-stops: 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Bottom
line – Your duty is to receive it and thank the giver – not to keep the gift
forever.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<ol start="5" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>It
was expensive<o:p></o:p></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l5 level3 lfo6; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Consider
selling it to get some of that money back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l5 level3 lfo6; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Regardless
if it is expensive or not, if it’s stored in the bottom of a box in the attic,
it isn’t performing a function or adding value in your life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l5 level3 lfo6; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Bottom
line - Lesson learned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think
carefully about your purchases in the future<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<ol start="6" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>It
could be valuable<o:p></o:p></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Research
the value yourself or take it to be appraised. Then make the decision on
whether to keep it, sell it, or discard it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Bottom
line - Its not worth anything sitting in a box in the attic<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<ol start="7" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>Collectables
– it is part of my collection of _____________. <o:p></o:p></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo7; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Collections
are one of the top producers of clutter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most people don’t have enough space to properly store or display their
collections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo7; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>“Someday
I will have a house large enough to display my collection”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upsizing your house to fit your stuff
is expensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is the stuff really
that important?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo7; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>It’s
OK to love trains, but you don’t necessarily need a full train set in your
home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo7; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Bottom
line – if the collection is a burden, it’s not a worthwhile hobby<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<ol start="8" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>I’m
keeping it for posterity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
keeping it to give to my kids when they are older.<o:p></o:p></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo8; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222;">How would you feel if your parent gave you boxes and
boxes of stuff from your childhood?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If presented to you when you turned 18, it might be a lovely trip down
memory lane for a few hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
what?</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo8; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222;">Consider that keeping too many items from ‘the past’
contributes to trap of living in the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo8; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222;">Consider how you would feel if your parent had been
collecting stamps (spoons, swords, action figures, rare coins, oil lamps,
figurines, coffee mugs, cat themed ornaments, candle holders, etc) with the
goal of giving it to you when they die?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Would you value and enjoy their collection or would you be burdened by
it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would you know how to sell it
for full value? Would you feel guilty selling it, even if that was your
parent’s intention?</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo8; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222;">Bottom line - We do not need to be curators or purveyors
of stuff for future generations.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="9" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>Obligation
– it belonged to my great grandmother<o:p></o:p></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l10 level2 lfo9; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>How
many ‘things’ (if any) do I really need to honour this person’s memory?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l10 level2 lfo9; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Ask
other family members if they want the item, let them know that if nobody else
wants it, you intent to sell or donate it<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l10 level2 lfo9; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Bottom
line – your home is not a storage locker<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 99.0pt; text-indent: -81.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 99.0pt; text-indent: -81.0pt;">
<b>10. I want
the items to go to a good home<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l9 level2 lfo10; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Finding
the exact perfect beneficiary of your treasures can be paralyzing. (ie. waiting
until your grand-daughter is old enough to wear your old high school graduation
dress)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l9 level2 lfo10; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Bottom
line – donating usable items to a charity or thrift store close to your home is
a win-win solution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gets the
items out of your house quickly, and the items will be used by someone who
needs them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 99.0pt; text-indent: -81.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 99.0pt; text-indent: -81.0pt;">
<b>11. I
don’t know where to start or I can’t get motivated.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo11; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>‘
Delayed Discounting phenomena’ – if it takes a long time to reach a goal, you
value the goal less than if you could reach it quickly – making it harder to
get started.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo11; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Start
with an objective and visualize the goal <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo11; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Bottom
line - make projects smaller and rewards immediate<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo11; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo11; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo11; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
Do you need help combatting clutter in your home or business? As a professional organizer, I can help.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo11; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo11; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<b>Heather Fulcher</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo11; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
Professional Organizer for Hire</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo11; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
Vancouver, BC, Canada</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo11; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
heatherfulcher@gmail.com</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo11; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
604-618-4829</div>
<!--EndFragment-->
heatherfulcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424613360757084690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799492195118157540.post-11638297524822847652013-01-09T10:04:00.001-08:002013-01-09T10:04:32.976-08:00Simple steps to de-cluttering your home<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Simple steps to de-cluttering your home</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>OBJECTIVE</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> - Clarify your objective</span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: 31.5pt 49.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Getting
ready to move</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: 31.5pt 49.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Converting
the storage space for a new purpose (ie. guest room, baby room, office)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: 31.5pt 49.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>More
peaceful space; reduce the stress – “Mess = stress” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: 31.5pt 49.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Downsizing</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: 31.5pt 49.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Improve
efficiency in your space</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: 31.5pt 49.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Start
fresh in a new space (post-renovation, new home or office)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: 31.5pt 49.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Want
to live life differently, improved quality of life</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: 31.5pt 49.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Freedom
from feeling burdened by your stuff</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: 31.5pt 49.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Find
my things when I need them</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>PURGE</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> - Remove items from their context then
critically review each item asking yourself:</span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Do I love it?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Do I use it?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Does it fit?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Do I have space to keep it?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Is it broken?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Did I even know I had it?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Do I have an immediate use for it?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Am I keeping it out of guilt or obligation? Is it a gift
from someone that I’ve never even used?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Do I have duplicates of this item?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Is it important to me?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Has it expired? (ie. food, medication, safety
equipment)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Is it valuable?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Is it a treasure?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Does this item have a real function that cannot be
performed any other way?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Would I buy this item at this moment if I didn’t
already own it?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Do you know what it is?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>If I didn’t have this item, what would I do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Can I live without it?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>SORT</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> into categories</span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in left 58.5pt; text-indent: 9.0pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><b>Keep <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in left 58.5pt; text-indent: 9.0pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><b>Maybe <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in left 58.5pt; text-indent: 9.0pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><b>Donate<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in left 58.5pt; text-indent: 9.0pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><b>Sell<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in left 58.5pt; text-indent: 9.0pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><b>Gift</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> to someone
I know</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in left 58.5pt; text-indent: 9.0pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><b>Return</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> item to
the person who lent it to me or to the store where I bought it</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in left 58.5pt; text-indent: 9.0pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><b>Garbage </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">–
garbage/recycling/paper/etc</span><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in left 58.5pt; text-indent: 9.0pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><b>Action</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> items –
create a task list</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: 58.5pt list 1.0in; text-indent: 9.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>To be fixed</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: 58.5pt list 1.0in; text-indent: 9.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>To be painted, repurposed</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: 58.5pt list 1.0in; text-indent: 9.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Order a new part</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>ACTION</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> all of the above</span></li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><b>Keep
<o:p></o:p></b></li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 85.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 85.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Sort
into like categories (all table linens together, all electronics items
together). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 85.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 85.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>revisit
your decisions once you see all ‘like’ items together. Perhaps you have
unnecessary multiples of items.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in left 85.5pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Containerize and label (where appropriate)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in left 85.5pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Move immediately to it’s final resting place</div>
<ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><b>Maybe</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> – Once all of your <i>keep</i></span> items
have been moved into place, revisit your decisions in the ‘maybe’ pile. </li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; tab-stops: list 1.5in; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Do
you have space to keep these items after-all?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; tab-stops: list 1.5in; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Put
<i>maybe</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> items into a box, mark the date
and put it away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever stays in
the box after 6months or 1 year probably won’t be missed</span></div>
<ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><b>Donate</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> - Drop off donate items</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><b>Sell</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> - Post sale items online</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><b>Gift/Return</b></li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in left 85.5pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Schedule time with friends/family to give/return items
to them</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in left 85.5pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Return the item to the store for refund</div>
<ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<ol start="6" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><b>Garbage<o:p></o:p></b></li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in left 85.5pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Remove garbage/recycling (onsite disposal / dump)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in left 85.5pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-font-width: 0%;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>take items for proper disposal (metal, batteries,
recycling) </div>
<ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<ol start="7" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><b>Action</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> – take the actions on the task list (ie.
order replacement part, fix the broken items, paint the old dresser, etc)</span></li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div>
Written by Heather Fulcher - Professional Organizer for Hire - Vancouver, Canada - 604-618-4829 heatherfulcher@gmail.com</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
heatherfulcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424613360757084690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799492195118157540.post-25702836446445748442013-01-02T14:16:00.000-08:002013-01-02T14:16:03.472-08:00Causes and cures for clutter<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Causes and cures for clutter<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cause #1</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> – We don’t
purge frequently enough.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cure:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> De-clutter as
you go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have bins or boxes
designated for purging and donations handy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get in the habit of looking critically at your belongings on
a regular basis and discarding anything that no longer makes the cut.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cause #2</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> – We keep
many duplicate items, when one or a few will suffice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cure:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Keep the best
of your things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you really need
three garlic presses?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you have
a few favourite pairs of shoes that are worn before the others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider your duplicates as extras,
classify them as clutter, and donate them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cause #3</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> – We don’t
assign ‘homes’ for things.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cure:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Assign home
for items, placing them in the most convenient location according to how
frequently they need to be accessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Daily use items need to be assigned the most valuable real estate in the
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Infrequent use and seasonal
items should be assigned more inaccessible and out of the way storage spots
(attic, overhead bins in storage room or garage). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cause #4</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> – We save
things for ‘someday’ when we think we might need or use it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cure:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Realize that
if someday hasn’t already come, then it may never come. Ask yourself: “Could I
get another of these fairly easily and inexpensively if I needed it again
someday?” If the answer is yes, let the item go.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cause #5</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> – We re-buy
items because we can’t find or didn’t know we already had one. This causes a
build up of duplicate items, and wasted time, money and space.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cure:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Return items
and all their attachments and accessories to their assigned ‘home’ after each
use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ensure all members of your
household know where things are stored, and make them accountable for returning
the items they use.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cause #6</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> – We
confuse needs with wants.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cure:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Shop and Drop
– Every time you approach a cash register with a selection of item to purchase,
take a moment to review and revisit the selected items, and ask yourself: “Are
these NEED items or WANT items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cause #7</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> – We devote
too much of our money to buying un-necessary things, and we place a higher
value on stuff than it deserves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cure:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Most people
select their homes conscious of whether it will have adequate to hold their
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider the cost per
square foot of your home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also
consider that you could live in a lot less space if you reduced and
de-cluttered. Aside from the cost to purchase unnecessary items, the cost for
the space to keep the items is consuming more of our income that the stuff is
actually worth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cause #8</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> – CREDIT
CARDS. Impulse buying is made easy on credit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cure:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> If you are
carrying a debt balance on your credit card, then consider that everything you
buy on credit could cost you about TWICE the retail cost once you factor in the
credit card interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask yourself
– would you buy this item if the price tag was DOUBLE?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cause #9</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> – Poor
garbage management.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cure:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Ensure garbage
cans and recycling bins are placed conveniently in your home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get in the habit of placing garbage in
the bins not on the counter, floor, desk etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Empty the bins regularly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cause #10</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> – Poor
paper management.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cure:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Opt for
digital bills and automatic payments, this will cut your incoming paper
significantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Create a filing
system that is easy for the whole family to follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Action the task immediately then file or dispose of the
paper. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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By Heather Fulcher<o:p></o:p></div>
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Professional Organizer for Hire<o:p></o:p></div>
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Vancouver, BC, Canada<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="mailto:heatherfulcher@gmail.com">heatherfulcher@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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604-618-4829<o:p></o:p></div>
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Content adapted from organizingmadefun.com - Becky
Barnfather</div>
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heatherfulcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424613360757084690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799492195118157540.post-71656622579561048762013-01-02T10:25:00.001-08:002013-01-02T10:25:58.510-08:00Simple Steps to Staying Organized<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MqPYK-iO4DU/UOR7l06-ruI/AAAAAAAAAww/1oq6iPke1hw/s1600/Simple-Steps-To-Staying-Organized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MqPYK-iO4DU/UOR7l06-ruI/AAAAAAAAAww/1oq6iPke1hw/s320/Simple-Steps-To-Staying-Organized.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
<br />heatherfulcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424613360757084690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799492195118157540.post-84929730074708247632012-02-10T09:47:00.000-08:002012-02-10T09:47:30.294-08:00Hanging gift wrap organizerYears ago I spotted this image in a crafting magazine, and was inspired to make one for myself.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vqb_ovtFJeg/TzVWH7pl85I/AAAAAAAAAYk/WznWr4wL7iY/s1600/Gift+wrap+organizer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vqb_ovtFJeg/TzVWH7pl85I/AAAAAAAAAYk/WznWr4wL7iY/s400/Gift+wrap+organizer.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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This hanging gift wrap organizer slips over your own hanger to hang almost anywhere. One side has two huge pockets and centre section with inner compartments. Flip it over - 10 more pockets.</div>
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I took this idea, and modified it slightly to create my own version. Since then, I've made quite a few of these for family and friends. It's one of my standard house warming gifts for someone with a new home. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7AtQ4sY32uo/TzVW_VqGjiI/AAAAAAAAAYs/QtpKgYoGJFU/s1600/IMG_7342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7AtQ4sY32uo/TzVW_VqGjiI/AAAAAAAAAYs/QtpKgYoGJFU/s400/IMG_7342.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HyIHf1DI2eE/TzVXGdqyC4I/AAAAAAAAAY0/D_z_e0rhnKE/s1600/IMG_7343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HyIHf1DI2eE/TzVXGdqyC4I/AAAAAAAAAY0/D_z_e0rhnKE/s400/IMG_7343.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xUkGRWLHlEg/TzVXNlprr3I/AAAAAAAAAY8/rC7BTT2O-D8/s1600/IMG_7344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xUkGRWLHlEg/TzVXNlprr3I/AAAAAAAAAY8/rC7BTT2O-D8/s400/IMG_7344.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<br />heatherfulcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424613360757084690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799492195118157540.post-65893572048410295472011-01-03T13:00:00.000-08:002012-01-02T13:15:05.663-08:00Shed or Garage OrganizationWe don't have the luxury of a garage at our house, we just have a small garden shed. We also have very limited inside storage in our little house, so we need to make the most of every square inch of storage in our shed. <br />
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My solution:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Stacking rubbermaid storage bins - labelled</li>
<li>Rack shelving systems</li>
<li>Hooks on the wall</li>
<li>Garden tool storage caddy (Lee Valley Tools - $50)</li>
</ul>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TflYSgx9V2E/TwIaNHu3GtI/AAAAAAAAACo/F4g90LnAnLo/s1600/IMG_1194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TflYSgx9V2E/TwIaNHu3GtI/AAAAAAAAACo/F4g90LnAnLo/s320/IMG_1194.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iFHFww2pyJY/TwIaU0tHjTI/AAAAAAAAACw/3V3Yl9m16q4/s1600/IMG_1200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iFHFww2pyJY/TwIaU0tHjTI/AAAAAAAAACw/3V3Yl9m16q4/s320/IMG_1200.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
</tbody></table>heatherfulcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424613360757084690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799492195118157540.post-64697751829603274612009-11-15T13:14:00.000-08:002012-01-02T13:15:28.438-08:00Gadget drawer organizationWith very limited drawer storage in our original kitchen, we needed to turn a deep pot drawer into organized storage for all of our kitchen gadgets, including knife storage.<br />
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My solution:<br />
Together with my partner Rich, we designed and constructed a custom gadget storage system from plexiglass, complete with a sliding top section for the in-drawer knife block. This solution allowed us to function in the original tiny kitchen until we saved up our money to do a full kitchen remodel.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nKQla3kq1aU/TwIdXYMB_MI/AAAAAAAAADw/QaBTbT_-VcM/s1600/IMG_6686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nKQla3kq1aU/TwIdXYMB_MI/AAAAAAAAADw/QaBTbT_-VcM/s320/IMG_6686.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tTIq7dWRL24/TwIdmFIg66I/AAAAAAAAAD4/4Vw95LkxLk4/s1600/IMG_6688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tTIq7dWRL24/TwIdmFIg66I/AAAAAAAAAD4/4Vw95LkxLk4/s320/IMG_6688.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In progress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RAcE128M6fc/TwIdpSXOwWI/AAAAAAAAAEA/Es3w8GGbY04/s1600/IMG_0742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RAcE128M6fc/TwIdpSXOwWI/AAAAAAAAAEA/Es3w8GGbY04/s320/IMG_0742.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The knife tray slides from side to side on a rail system.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6QjpqkDCyGQ/TwIdsVxXtJI/AAAAAAAAAEI/XR-JF8SVWWU/s1600/IMG_0743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6QjpqkDCyGQ/TwIdsVxXtJI/AAAAAAAAAEI/XR-JF8SVWWU/s320/IMG_0743.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />heatherfulcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424613360757084690noreply@blogger.com0