Possible reasons for clutter in the elderly: They are weaker physically As parents age, they often develop physical difficulties that they might not share with their children. It is harder for them to move around. Putting things away may be difficult so they leave the items out on the table or counter “just for now”. They may think they are going to get better and they have visions of giving parties and entertaining again, so they continue to buy and keep cooking paraphernali

Now, here is the idea. The glass pie plates will take the place of some old metal pie tins, the grater replaces the one so old that I should probably donate it to the Smithsonian. In other words as the new items are put away in my kitchen, the old ones disappear. I do not save them “just in case” I will need them someday. I only allow so many CDs and books on my shelves so for each new one in, an old one will leave my home. New clothes in – some old clothes gone. My challeng

I often just ask the person outright or ask someone in the household, “What do you think they are hoping for this year?” I will then take something from that list and add another small gift that might go along with the item. If I am lucky, I will have been with the person at some time in the past year and had that “aha” moment that points the way to the perfect gift. Then there are gift cards. Normally I really dislike giving gift cards. Part of the reason for that is I have

That new bundle of joy comes into your home and suddenly your home explodes with baby clothes, furniture, baby accessories, toys, books, feeding apparatus, and more. How did this happen and what to do now? Utilize the container system. I feel that as long as you can contain items in an orderly fashion, you can have as much “stuff” as gives you pleasure. A container can be the shelf for the books, the drawer for the sleepers, the hammock for the stuffed animals, the room for t

In my household books are always under the Christmas tree. If you are choosing a book as a gift for a young child, what should you look for? A book that grows with the child is ideal. Choose a book that you read to a little one. In time the child will start to recite some of the words to you. And eventually he will enjoy reading the book by himself. Younger children like stories that mimic experiences that they have had. Books about milestones like potty training, learning to

It’s fun to receive gifts. I think it is even more fun to give gifts. But, let’s give this whole gift giving a bit of thought. When we decide to give a gift consider: Do they really want it? Will it clutter up their space? Do they have a designated place to put it away when not in use? Does it require upkeep or maintenance? Will they use it? Let me explore this from a recipient’s point of view. I love to give parties. People know this and it is great that they think enough ab

Christmas is just around the corner. What organizing tips can we incorporate now to make this Christmas and the next a little less stressful? Cards: As the Christmas cards come in, take the time now to check addresses and update your contact list. Plan on how you want to handle the cards you receive. Do you want to keep all of your cards, just the very special ones, or none at all? If you like to use some pretty cards for gift tags, after the holidays put them in a small box

While it has been a long time since I have had children living in my home, I remember some of the “stuff” that started pouring into our home before the first little guy even arrived. I look around at friends and clients with children and grandchildren and see how the “stuff” can take over parts of the home. Each new child in a household increases family possessions by 30% and that’s just in their preschool age. How can that happen? Extra furniture, clothes, linens, toys, and

Having a holiday budget is the best way to outsmart the overspending chaos. Much of our spending is tied to a combination of emotion and family traditions. Before things get out of hand, do two things. First, develop a vision of what is really important to you this year. Then decide how much you can spend to make this vision happen. Once you come up with your big total, break it down into categories. Start with the categories that are really important to you and your vision.

Cards: As the Christmas cards come in, take the time now to check addresses and update your contact list. Plan now on how you want to handle the card you receive – especially those with personal pictures and notes. I do not keep cards unless there is a very special note or picture. Then the card will go into a memorabilia box. If you like to use favorite cards as gift tags for the next year, put those cards in a small box and label them “gift tag cards.” If you want to keep

One of the things I like about my family gift giving plan is that each year we give to a different family member. This year I give to my sister and her family in Washington. Next year I will give to my brother and his family in Ohio. When I reflect on gifts I consider: The gift should be personal. I like gifts that show you know the person. You are aware of their interests and needs. I do not want a gift card unless it is for an event or an experience. As an organizer, I hav

Jonda S. Beattie Professional Organizer #traditions #children #giftcards #gifts #Christmas #family

Jonda S. Beattie Professional Organizer #Christmas #gifts #organization #storage