Clear the Clutter Spring Organizing Challenge!

It is finally warming up and spring is in full swing. With spring comes the desire to open up your windows, get outside and do some spring cleaning. In light of all this, I am starting the spring organizing challenge. Each week during the month of May, I will post a challenge to all my readers. Each week, you will be challenged to get a section of your home organized. I will be asking for lots of feedback – I want to hear about what went well, tips that you came up with, or challenges you faced. We can all learn from each other.

The areas that I am picking will offer other benefits in addition to getting organized. You will be encouraged to use what you have, which will reduce consumption, making this earth friendly as well. Reducing consumption also helps you financially. In these tough economic times, who can afford to waste? This challenge will help you keep money in your pocket by using what you have rather than buying more. Finally, you can make this a lesson for your entire family. Get everyone involved in the challenge to teach your children better organizational/life skills.

Look for the first challenge on May 1. Get ready to get organized!!!!!!!!!

Meagan Farrell, professional organizer, is the owner of Clear the Clutter organizing services. She can be reached at (360) 631-7268 or at clear_theclutter@yahoo.com. Check out her blog at http://cleartheclutterprofessionalorganizing.blogspot.com/

Product Tip

Lazy susans or turntables, whatever you choose to call them, can be found at any store like Wal Mart or Target. They are inexpensive and oh-so-handy. Here are 5 uses for them:

• Spice rack
• Hair products
• Medicines
• Vitamins
• Cleaning products

I could go on all day, but you get the point. Go pick a few up now and get those cabinets organized!

Not sure what in the world I am talking about? Follow this link to view the product - http://www.rubbermaid.com/rubbermaid/product/product.jhtml?prodId=HPProd100112



Meagan Farrell, professional organizer, is the owner of Clear the Clutter organizing services. She can be reached at (360) 631-7268 or at clear_theclutter@yahoo.com. Check out her blog at http://cleartheclutterprofessionalorganizing.blogspot.com/

Come join me for a class on basic organizing!!

I am teaching a class called Organizing Basics. This two hour class will take place on Thursday, May 21 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at Park Place Middle School in Monroe. This class will inspire you as you learn great ways to break down the task of organizing into simple, easy to do steps. Tips on how to inspire your kids to be more organized will also be discussed.

For information on how to register, call (360) 804-2570. I hope to see you there!

Going on Vacation?

Going on vacation is something we all look forward to, yet it can cause quite a bit of stress during the preparation. Here are some quick tips to make the process of preparing for vacation go more smoothly:

• Packing List – type up a general packing list for each member of the family. Save it as a document in your computer. When preparing to leave, print them up and hand them out. This way no one will forget toothbrushes or special medicines.
• To-Do List – as long as you are typing up that packing list, type up a to-do list for vacation preparation as well. Include things like “put newspaper on hold” or “ask neighbor to feed fish.” Again, every time you are preparing to leave, you print this up and check off the items.
• Contact List – Keep a vacation contact list on file as well. Include emergency contact numbers, addresses for postcards, etc.
• Big Trip Preparation – if you are going away for an extended vacation or you are traveling internationally, there will be more things to do to prepare. Make a complete list of all that needs to be done (passport update, money exchange, etc). Open your calendar and break down the items so you only have a few things to do each week, leading up to your vacation. For example, passport updates should be handled 6 months out so there is no stress or rush. Money exchange can be done a few weeks out so you aren’t running to the bank the day before you leave. Plan ahead so you aren’t completely frazzled the week of your departure.

Now go ahead and start off your vacation in a more relaxed state of mind. Enjoy!


Meagan Farrell, professional organizer, is the owner of Clear the Clutter organizing services. She can be reached at (360) 631-7268 or at clear_theclutter@yahoo.com. Check out her blog at http://cleartheclutterprofessionalorganizing.blogspot.com/