As our journey around the home is quickly coming to an end, we are going to face the challenge of organizing our bathrooms.  For this week we are going to focus on quickly purging our bathrooms of unneeded, unused, or expired items.  After purging, we will finish the week with a clean space. 

I always find it very helpful to set a timer when I am doing this type of project so I don’t find myself distracted.  Give yourself 5-10 minutes per cabinet.  During the time-block, only focus on the task at hand.  Don’t answer the phone, go to the bathroom, or get distracted by something (like trying out an eyeshadow shade you forgot you had).  If you need more time, simply set the timer again.

Please refrain from the temptation to run to the store and buy organizational tools now.  Wait until you get rid of the clutter before you try organizing your items in pretty containers.  Once you have purged; look at what you need stored, measure the space you have, and then you can look for containers that will suit your needs.  Be careful not to store things that should be tossed or donated.

Following is an example of how to break these tasks into 7 days.   Each day you should plan to spend between 15-30 minutes. Please keep in mind to break up your job into tasks however it suits you best:

Day 64:
Cosmetics- Pack up any unused items to sell or give-away.  The general rule of thumb is that most make-up is good for 1 year, but some are supposed to be used within 6 months, such as foundation.  It is not safe to give used items away, so if you don’t like it…toss it!  Do you have a bathroom cabinet full of make-up bags, which were included with department store cosmetic purchases?  These items are taking up very valuable real estate in your bathroom!  Donate them to a local charity, or use them at gift-giving time to pack up a present (like a nail care kit).  Wipe the shelves off before placing the items back into the cabinet. 

Day 65:
Toiletry items- Toss out empty bottles and consolidate half empty bottles.  Toss out anything that has expired.  If you have an over abundance of unopened and unused bath and body lotions from the mall, put these back for gifts.  These are great gifts!  Clean your toothbrushes by tossing them in a pot of boiling water, or better yet, get new ones!  

Day 66:
Towels- Now’s the time to get rid of the towels which have already fulfilled their life expectancy.  Cut them into squares for great rags and place with your other rags in the house and put some out in the garage. I know some people use a fresh towel per person every day and I am also aware of the health studies which would agree with this practice, but I find my family members can get around 2-3 days usage from a towel before I put it in to be washed.  For my family of four, I need around 12 towels per week.  I invested in 16 high quality Egyptian cotton towels 8 years ago.  These towels have been used very hard and remain brand new in feel and appearance.  

Day 67:
Bath toys- Clean any bath toys that your children have.  Dip an old toothbrush into some sea salt and scrub the toys.  If they are not able to be cleaned, toss them.  

Day 68:
Wash curtains (shower and window) and clean windows 

Day 69:
Give your cabinets a good thorough cleaning.  I personally like to use Murphy’s Oil Soap for my wood cabinets.  Today is another opportunity to purge more if needed. 

Day 70:
Wipe down all surfaces, wash the floors, and clean the toilets.  Clearly, if you have more than one bathroom this could take you longer.  Work at your own pace.  To reward yourself, make the room look pretty.  Place some fresh flowers on the vanity, display some candles around the tub area, and put some framed pictures on a stand. 

Enjoy the journey,
Betsy

I recently spoke to Professional Organizer Lea Schneider author of “Growing Up Organized: A Mom-to-Mom Guide.” Following is our conversation:

Betsy: In regards to children, what are the benefits of becoming organized in the home, and what negative effects have you witnessed as a result of disorganization?

Lea: Being organized is a stress-reducer. Our stress from daily events, like not being able to get everyone out the door on time, to losing the homework handout in counter top clutter, to trying to locate the missing cell phone or get dinner on the table when no one has made it to the store, creates one cranky parent. When the house is disorganized and parents are cranky and exhausted as a result, I imagine it is harder for any child to be sweet, compliant and happy. Being organized can help home life run smoother.

Betsy: Do you think it is easier or harder to keep things organized as a mom of young children now or twenty years ago?

Lea: One excuse for disorganization is the lack of time. Today, a mom of young children finds her time more consumed by technology. Working from home, checking emails, grabbing the cell phone or even just meeting up with friends on a social networking site takes some of the time that could be used to stay organized.

Betsy: What organizing problems are unique to this generation?

Lea: I’m not sure what generation you are referring to but in general our society has seen changes from mobility. We move for jobs. We hope to retire and move where it pleases us. We get a divorce and start over. We buy “starter homes” and dream of moving to a bigger one…someday.

With each move, we often acquire more things, furniture, accessories and bigger closets to hold our increasing wardrobes. As we get more things, so do the children. They have so many more toys, clothes, books and gadgets than previous generations dreamed of having. The more things you have, the more time you spend trying to organize those things and the more time spent wondering why you can’t get it all done.

Betsy: In your book, “Growing Up Organized: A Mom-to-Mom Guide,” I loved your chapter on how to attack the kids bedrooms. My daughter is ten years old and I find I still have to nag her to keep her room clean and organized. Do you think there is ever an age when we as moms should just allow the kids to live in filth in their own space if that is what they want?

Lea: You can be clean and disorganized. You can be dirty and disorganized. You can be dirty and organized. The two words mean different things.

Let me start by saying that it is not okay by me for my kid to live in a pigpen and for me to clean it up. Period.

Being organized is a measure of responsibility while clean means clean. Clean means the room is dusted, vacuumed, the trash is taken out, the sheets are changed and you won’t find a week’s worth of snack dishes under the bed.

I think that beyond the age of ten, a child who is organized with their schoolwork, chores and other activities, is capable of making their own decision about how organized or messy they wish their room to be. (You can make a shut-the-door rule.)

But along with that right, comes responsibility. I don’t think that they have the right to decide how clean they want their room to be. Set a standard for what cleaning chores you expect done and how often she is to do them. As long as she meets those standards, the room is hers. But, it is hers to not only keep messy but it is hers to vacuum, change the sheets and the other chores that you expect done. When a kid is old enough to start stomping their foot and saying “But it is my room” then they get the chores with the privilege.

Betsy: Do you find it better to purge through toys with or without the help of your children?

Lea: You should sort toys with your child but in an age appropriate and attention-span appropriate way. For example, a four-year-old is probably not ready to tackle a room full of toys by themselves. It would be beyond their skill to know where to start and beyond their attention span to stick with the task. However, a four-year-old might help you sort one mixed tub of toys into types – doll clothes, building blocks, crayons and so forth. Having them help you with portions of the toys and in small intervals is how you teach them. As they are older, they can do more.

Cleaning up and sorting toys with your child teaches them organizing skills. It teaches them time management, respect for property and personal responsibility for space and belongings. It teaches them compassion for others when they choose toys and books to give to charity. Do it with them. Don’t do it for them.

Betsy: What is the most common question asked to you by moms, and what is your advice for that question?

Lea: It’s the one you asked. What should I do about my child’s disorganized messy bedroom?

Children, and even teens, are not capable of doing a giant room overhaul alone. They have no experience in sorting into keep, donate, and trash. It’s very difficult for them to decide if they will need something again, if the clothes still fit properly or if it is okay with you to throw something out. You need to teach them the critical thinking skills involved in organizing. They will learn by doing it with you, not you doing it for them, unless they are a very young child. You’ll always need to be seasonally involved in a hands-on work session with your child. The daily or weekly clean-up should be their job, given out in age appropriate assignments.

Betsy: What are some of your general guidelines for setting chores around the house?

Lea: Someone needs to do them or the alternative is to move out and start over! Children learn how to be organized, how to practice time management, household skills and respect for their parent’s time and property by doing chores.

Guidelines:

· Choose age appropriate tasks.

· Be consistent. Don’t ask for two chores this week and 25 next week.

· Have variety. Mix it up. If you assign your child one chore, like emptying the dishwasher daily, you’ve only taught them one skill.

· Parents need to participate too. When everyone in the house heads off to do a few chores, it is pretty hard to complain how unfair it is!

Betsy: Although I am an organizer, I have to take the time to purge and organize my own space. I especially dislike dealing with my husband’s clutter (tools, clothing, etc) because I have limited control over the situation. What spaces do you dread organizing in your life?

Lea: When the photo shop clerk says “Double prints are free,” I cringe. I certainly don’t want two of them. I don’t want to deal with one. I dislike organizing photos. I love to have photos but I am not the least interested in making scrapbooks or photo albums.

Betsy: Despite my last statement about my husband’s clutter, he really is generally very neat and tidy. What do you suggest if the Dad in the household has a major clutter/hoarding issue?

Lea: Hoarding is a serious issue and is actually a medical diagnosis. If a family member is a hoarder, their amount of clutter can impact a family’s health, both physical and mental, as well as their safety in the home. If you have a family member with a hoarding issue, begin your search for help with your family physician.

Betsy: Have you always been organized?

Lea: Yes. As a small tyke, I drove my mother nuts by always putting away her shoes. She might take them off by the door and when she returned to slip them on they would be gone. (I probably drove her nuts in other ways but that’s material for another article!)

Betsy: Why did you decide to become an organizer?

Lea: A friend, tired of the waste, asked me to help her organize her leftovers in the fridge. Seriously. Another friend wanted attic help. My mother-in-law wanted help with closets. My sister wanted me to help my grown niece with her wardrobe. My parents wanted help downsizing my aunt. When people start wanting to buy you plane tickets in order to make use of your skills, it’s a good time to think about it as a career change. Best part of this job is when I get paid, I also get hugged!

Betsy: Your book is light-spirited, jam packed full of useful information, and very easy to relate to. Who do you think will most benefit from reading your book?

Lea: Thanks! If you are a mom, and you fall into bed every night and think “Maybe I’ll catch up tomorrow,” then this book is for you.|

Professional Organizer Lea Schneider, the author of Growing-Up Organized: A Mom-to-Mom Guide. (Amazon.com $14) Her organizing advice has appeared in Woman’s Day, Natural Health, Better Homes and Gardens Kid’s Rooms magazines, and in numerous websites and newspapers around the country, from The Columbian in Washington State to the Pensacola News Journal in Florida. In 2008, she was the Grand Prize Winner of the Rolodex Office Makeover Challenge. Her company, Organize Right Now, provides organizing assistance online using a team of expert professionals. For more information, visit www.organizerightnow.com.

There really is no right or wrong way to clean. Whatever works best for you is great. Be very careful that you do not get stuck in the details of these projects. Do what you can and then move on! Don’t spend this week cleaning and organizing your spice cabinet. We’ll spend some time down the road de-cluttering this room and you can focus on those areas at that time. Your main goal for this room is to spend the next seven days working towards a clean, functional, and easily maintainable kitchen.

I must admit that for me the kitchen is the area that requires the most work. If my kitchen looks clean I feel more relaxed and in control…and vice-versa. My family (myself included) can tend to use the kitchen as a dumping ground. Attempt to come up with clutter-busting solutions to fit your home. If you have an area that seems to accumulate clutter, try to come up with a system to get rid of it (or at least contain it).

Following is an example of how to break these tasks into 7 days.� � Each day you should plan to spend between 15-30 minutes. I do best if I set the timer.� Please keep in mind to break up your job into tasks however it suits you best

Day 57:
Grab a bag and purge! Set the timer for 15-30 minutes and purge what you can. If this is a project that requires more than the time permits, just write this down for a project to do when you have a chance. Don’t let yourself get stuck!

Day 58:
Clean ceiling fan, walls, doors, ceilings, and baseboards. If you have time left, try to tackle a bit more purging.

Day 59:
Clean your fridge. This means inside, outside, and on the top. Also clean your oven. If your oven is not a self-cleaning type, you may want to do this at a later date.

Day 60:
Take down curtains and wash
Clean the windowsills and trim
Windex windows, mirrors, and all glass surfaces
Hang the window treatments back up

Day 61:
Completely clear off your countertops and wash them down thoroughly. Clean small appliances and decorative accessories and make an effort to be very selective which items get placed back. Appliances which are not used much should be tucked away. If you are like me and seem to accumulate clutter in one area of the countertop, place a basket there! Old habits are really hard to break! If you have a table in the kitchen, wipe that down as well.

Day 62:
Wipe down all the cabinets and try to wipe inside as many cabinets as possible.
Sweep and mop floors
Treat yourself!� Decorate for summer; new tablecloth, placemats, fresh flowers, etc.

Day 63:
Free Day (or catch up)

Before you start any of the above projects, make sure you start with a straightened room.

Some of the tasks may need more time than what you have this week. An example of this would be if you really need a thorough de-cluttering of plastic ware, spices, freezer, etc. For larger tasks, skip it for now (or do what you can without making a larger mess for yourself) and make a to-do list. At the end of our 80 days (or during, when you have the time) you can go back to the list to see what needs to still be addressed. I don’t want you to get stuck and lose your momentum.

Enjoy the journey,

Betsy
�

When you look around your home are you often overwhelmed by all that you have to complete?� � So many projects, so little time; these once good intentioned tasks have become stressors in your world. � It is time to get real.�

List all the unfinished projects that you are working on; big and small.� Which of these projects simply cannot be finished by you?� Create a plan on how you can finish this; whether it is by hosting a workday at your home or by creating a weekly savings plan so you can afford to hire someone.�

Be critical when you analyze your unfinished projects to-do list.� When prioritizing what needs to be done, you need to not only think of the condition of where the project currently stands, but rather what the effect the unfinished project creates in your life.� In addition, now is the time to toss out any projects that simply do not belong on the list; now or possibly ever.�

Following is a guideline for completing these tasks, but please adjust these suggestions to best suit your needs.

Day 50
Make one large master list of all the unfinished projects; inside and outside of our home.� Asterisk the projects that you cannot do on your own, and start working on a plan for completion; budget and time-line.� From the list, pick 5 different simple projects that you would like to complete this week, or choose one larger job that can be completed when it is broken into 5 simple tasks.� Be realistic with the amount of time you have to work on this.� If you only have 15 minutes a day, do not give yourself more than what can be completed in that timeframe.

Days 51-55
Each day work towards either finishing a project from your list, or take the time to complete a task towards a larger goal.�

Day 56
Begin breaking down other projects from your master list into smaller achievable projects that you can tackle throughout the summer.

Enjoy the journey,
Betsy

May is Women’s Health Month.� It is a good reminder for all of us to pamper the ones we love.� The next few days we are going to focus on taking care of ourselves; because if we don’t love ourselves – who will?�

The cost of clutter is such a problem these days.� Loss of income, stretched budgets, overwhelmed schedules, late bills, broken relationships, depression, and lost dreams are just a few costs that some of my clients have experienced.� During the next seven days I ask you to try a few simple things, none lasting more than 15 minutes, but each can create a big impact.� Gaining control over your life does not have to be looked at as a monumental task; rather it can be dealt with in small bite-size steps.

Day 43:�

Set the timer for 5 minutes and purge a small space.� Don’t try and do an entire closet, rather one� small drawer.� Try the four box method: put away, give away, throw away, and keep.� Notice how amazing you feel, and the impact you see, from accomplishing a simple task.� If you have time, set the timer for another 5 minutes and recapture another small cluttered space.

Day 44:� Grab a bag and set the timer for 15 minutes and attack your car.� Once de-cluttered, wipe down all surfaces.� The next time you get in your car you will feel so much better sitting in a clean and organized space.

Grab a bag and set the timer for 15 minutes and attack your car.� Once de-cluttered, wipe down all surfaces.� The next time you get in your car you will feel so much better sitting in a clean and organized space.Day 45:

Write down a goal for yourself.� Share your goal with a friend, and start working towards it.� Encourage your friend to also share a goal with you.� Be each other’s cheerleader!

Day 46:

Is there a book you have been meaning to start but the clutter in your life (material and time) has prevented it?� Your mission today is to set the timer for 15 minutes and start your book.� Remember, if you don’t take care of yourself, who will?�

Day 47:

It’s time for another 5 minute purge.� Set the timer for 5 minutes and purge a small space and repeat the process if you have enough time.

Day 48:

Pamper someone else today.� Share with a friend, relative, or neighbor some of your best de-cluttering techniques.� Offer to drop off someone’s donation bags to your local thrift store.� See how taking care of others, gives you back.

Day 49:�

Set your timer and breathe.� Either in the morning or night, set the timer for 5 minutes, give yourself a quiet space, and breathe; meditate, pray, or simply allow your body and mind to relax.�

Enjoy the journey,

Betsy

Following are the steps in de-cluttering anything you use to contain your clothes: drawers, closet, or storage bins.� The first step I normally recommend is to empty out the space entirely.� Make four piles (or have bins) and as your emptying place each item in the following categories:

Keep

Sell

Donate/Give Away

Throw out

What to Keep:

I have heard all different strategies on how to decide what to keep.� My system is quite simple.� If I would not buy the item TODAY it gets tossed.� Try to not think about how much (or how little) you paid for the item.� It’s time to take the emotions out of the things around you!� Also, do not keep items that no longer fit you.� I clearly remember hanging onto a dream size wardrobe.� What I discovered is when I hit my dream size, the clothes were not as spectacular as I had envisioned.� If you are trying to fit into a certain dream size, tear out a picture of an outfit from a catalog.� When you reach your goal, try the outfit on before you buy it.� This is especially true if you are a woman holding onto clothes that fit you before children…5 + years ago!

What to Sell:

Prior to trying to sell your item(s), it is best to research what is the current market price.� I sell all my items on ebay. Once you have an amount of what similar items have sold for in the recent past, you need to decide if you want to sell it or donate it. One thing to keep in mind when selling your item(s) on ebay is that there are no guaranties your item will sell at the price you would like it to, or will sell at all

What to Donate/Give Away:

Because I have been very blessed by hand-me-downs for my children, I try to pass things right along when at all possible.� Make sure that your good deed is not cluttering up someone else’s closet.� Ask if your items would are needed first.� If you plan on donating your items to a non-profit charity make sure you keep a good record of what was donated and have the charitable organization sign your receipt. For specific instructions, please check out here:� http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p526.pdf

What to Throw Away:�

Throw away overly used and damaged shoes and clothing.

�

Now that your closet is completely empty it is time to give it a good cleaning top to bottom.� Before you start loading the closet back with only the items you have in your “Keep” pile, it’s time to evaluate what areas of your closet were the most cluttered.� If it was your shoes, place a shoe shelf to place in the bottom.� Perhaps it was the shelf above the coats that was overwhelmed with stuff.� Measure the area and place bins or baskets and designate each; purses, belts, etc.� Before you run right out to your nearest “mart” store to get bins, baskets, etc. make sure that you don’t already have something in your home that would work just fine.� Try to design a no-fail system for yourself and spouse.�

�

Daily Challenge for Days 36-42:

Since this is such a huge undertaking, I am going to suggest you take it at your own pace.� Be realistic with how much time you have, set your timer, and attack your clutter.� If you have 15 minutes, empty out a drawer at a time.� If you have 2 hours challenge yourselves to a small closet, and if you have an afternoon, attack a larger closet.� It is so worth the effort!

Enjoy the journey,

Betsy

Last week we worked on cleaning out the coat closet.� A lot of the same principles apply when cleaning out your children’s closets.� The first step is to empty out the contents of the closet.� While emptying place each item into the four categories

Keep

Sell

Donate/Give Away

Throw out

What to Keep?

This is pretty simple for children’s closets.

1. Does it fit or will it fit soon?
2. Will he/she wear it?

What to Sell?

Prior to trying to sell your item(s), it is best to research what is the current market price.� I sell all my items on ebay. Once you have an amount of what similar items have sold for in the recent past, you need to decide if you want to sell it or donate it. One thing to keep in mind when selling your item(s) on ebay is that there are no guaranties your item will sell at the price you would like it to, or will sell at all

What to Donate/Give Away?

Because I have been very blessed by hand-me-downs for my children, I try to pass things right along when at all possible.� Make sure that your good deed is not cluttering up someone else’s closet.� Ask if your items are needed first.� If you plan on donating your items to a non-profit charity make sure you keep a good record of what was donated and have the charitable organization sign your receipt. For specific instructions, please check out here:� http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p526.pdf

Throw Away:�

Throw away overly used and damaged shoes and clothing.

Now that your child(ren)’s closet is completely empty it is time to give it a good cleaning top to bottom.� Before you start loading the closet back with only the items you have in your “Keep” pile, it’s time to evaluate what areas of the closet were the most cluttered.� If it was the shoes that your child tossed in there, place a shoe shelf in the bottom.� Perhaps it was the shelf above the clothes that was overwhelmed with stuff.� Measure the area and place bins or baskets.� Before you run right out to your nearest “mart” store to get bins, baskets, etc. make sure that you don’t already have something in your home that would work just fine.�

Following is a guideline for completing these tasks, but please adjust these suggestions to best suit your needs.

Day 29:� �

Figure out what you are going to do with the items you are purging.� Do some research in regards to online auctions, local consignment stores, non-profits, or yard sales.

Days 30-32:�

Let the purging begin!!� Empty out the closet entirely and sort through all the items.� Once you have cleaned out the closet, only place back what you would like to keep.� This is the time to assess the situation for organizing items (bins, shelves, basket, etc.).� You can do this all in one day if you have time, but if not, split it up between the three days and tackle as much as you can each day.

Day 33:

Donation day!� Or this is the day to list your items on an online auction site, place a price sticker on each item and box them up for a yard sale, or drop off at a consignment shop.� Don’t allow your closet clutter to become attic, garage, or basement clutter.� Make sure you take care of this today!

Day 34:�

As a reward for your diligence and hard work, today you can purchase those organizing items for your closet.�

Day 35:�

Rest

Tip for keeping things neat and tidy:

Don’t wait for a purging event; rather keep a bag inside your child’s closet for items that he/she outgrows.�

Enjoy the journey,
Betsy

Spring can be a very dangerous time� in the malls and online shopping sites.� Retailers are in the midst of filling the aisles with spring and summer styles, and are slashing prices of the winter merchandise at record percentages due to the tight economy.� Please keep in mind that it is not a good deal if you never wear it!� Stop paying retailers to store their unwanted merchandise in your closets!

This week we are going to focus on cleaning out the clutter in your coat closet.� I would like to challenge you to empty out this closet entirely.� Make four piles (or have bins) and as your emptying place each item in the following categories:

Keep

Sell

Donate/Give Away

Throw out

�

What to Keep?

The easiest way to initially sort through the coats, boots, shoes are to keep only the items that actually fit your family.� Also, I would ask you to consider tossing any coats that you did not wear this season.� Only keep coats that you actually plan on wearing in the future.� If you would not buy it, don’t keep it.

What to Sell?

Prior to trying to sell your item(s), it is best to research what is the current market price.� If generally sell� all my better items on ebay. Once you have an amount of what similar items have sold for in the recent past, you need to decide if you want to sell it or donate it. One thing to keep in mind when selling your item(s) on ebay is that there are no guaranties your item will sell at the price you would like it to, or will sell at all.� Make sure you put in� a reserve price that you are happy with, or start the bidding at a comfortable number.

What to Donate/Give Away?

There are some wonderful charities that focus on coat donations.� Do a quick search on the internet to find a non-profit organization in your area.� If you plan on donating your items to a non-profit charity make sure you keep a good record of what was donated and have the charitable organization sign your receipt.� For specific instructions, please check out here:� http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p526.pdf

Throw Away:�

It’s time to get rid of the solo gloves, broken umbrellas, moth eaten/ripped clothes and any of the other unusable items in your closet.� How do you know if it should be thrown away?� When it is now longer good for you or anybody else.

Now that your coat closet is completely empty it is time to give it a good cleaning top to bottom.� Before you start loading the closet back with only the items you have in your “Keep” pile, it’s time to evaluate what areas of your closet were the most cluttered.� If it was the shoes that your family tossed in there, place a shoe shelf in the bottom.� Perhaps it was the shelf above the coats that was overwhelmed with stuff.� Measure the area and place bins or baskets and designate each for a family member.� For my family of four, we have four baskets on the shelf.� In each basket are our own gloves, hats, and scarves.� Before you run right out to your nearest “mart” store to get bins, baskets, etc. make sure that you don’t already have something in your home that would work just fine.� Try to design a no-fail system for your family.� These organizing missions are not to make your life more difficult!�

Following is a guideline for completing these tasks, but please adjust these suggestions to best suit your needs.

Day 22:� �

Figure out what you are going to do with the items you are purging.� Do some research in regards to online auctions, local consignment stores, non-profits, or yard sales.

Day 23-25:�

Let the purging begin!!� Empty out the closet entirely and sort through all the items.� Once you have cleaned out the closet, only place back what you would like to keep.� This is the time to assess the situation for organizing items (bins, shelves, basket, etc.).� You can do this all in one day if you have time, but if not, split it up between the three days and tackle as much as you can each day.

Day 26:

Donation day!� Or this is the day to list your items on an online auction site, place a price sticker on each item and box them up for a yard sale, or drop off at a consignment shop.� Don’t allow your closet clutter to become attic, garage, or basement clutter.� Make sure you take care of this today!

Day 27:�

As a reward for your diligence and hard work, today you can purchase those organizing items for your closet.�

Day 28:�

Rest

�

Enjoy the journey,

Betsy

Last week we worked on the large filling drawer to keep important papers.� These papers, although quite important, are not as imperative as the items I am going to ask you to keep in your smaller folio.� Once completed, this smaller folio will contain everything you need in case of an emergency.� In addition, it is extremely important to instruct your family members as to where this folio is in case you are unable to get it.�

Here is a sample of important papers. Keep in mind your list may look different, and should be personalized for your own needs:

• Titles of owned property (real estate, cars, recreation vehicles, etc)
• Other property records
• Certificates of Deposits and Stocks that have not been cashed in
• Insurance Policies (auto, home, health, others)
• Open Loan Agreements
• Child Support Orders
• Retirement plan papers
• Birth Certificates for all family members
• Citizenship papers
• Marriage Certificate or domestic partner registration paper
• Divorce paper
• Death Certificate of family member
• Social Security Card
• Records of paid mortgages
• Will and Trust
• Power of Attorney
• Copies of all current credit cards front and back (in case they got lost or stolen)
• Past 3-7 (or more) years taxes – for detailed information on how long to keep your tax records, check here:� http://www.irs.gov/publications/p552/ar02.html

Following is a guideline for completing these tasks, but please adjust these suggestions to best suit your needs.

Day 15:� �

Get a folio for these important papers and designate a home for them: safety deposit box, fire safe, etc.

Day 16 – 17:�

Go through your old filing cabinet or drawer and purge old papers that you don’t need and file the important documents.� Don’t forget to shred any papers prior to throwing into the garbage if there is any important information on them.� Check with your accountant and/or attorney for personal guidelines on what to keep and for how long.� Start a list of the documents that you need to acquire to complete this folio (will, trust, birth certificate, etc.)

Day 18:

Make sure your documents are� current.� If you need a will, trust, power� of attorney, etc. contact an attorney, or� you can even do this for yourself using different methods.� I have used Suze� Orman’s Protection Portfolio CD to create these documents and it worked out easily and� was quite inexpensive.�

Day 19:�

Make copies of all your credit cards (front and back)

Day 20:�

Take this time to apply for any important documents that you have lost throughout the years: social security cards, birth certificates, marriage license, etc.� Check with your state’s website for detailed instructions.

Day 21:� �

Rest

�

Enjoy the journey,

Betsy

Last week I gave you a shopping list of items to pick up if you did not already own them.� The list included a filing drawer or bin, hanging files (at least 20), tabs and a paper shredder.� In addition, I challenged you to do a quick toss of paper clutter that you absolutely knew you did not need to keep.�

This week we are going to work on what you need to keep in your file drawer and for how long. Following are the files that I keep.� You may need to add or take away from my list to best suit your needs.� The following information is not to replace the advice from a financial expert, so please use this just as a guide. Please check out this link:� http://www.irs.gov/publications/p552/ar02.html for information on what to keep and for how long.� Please consult your tax professional for specific questions and guidelines.

• Taxes- Items needed for this year’s taxes that do not fit into the other file categories
• Paystubs
• Medical bills
• Utility bills
• Credit Card Statements
• Bank Statements
• Quarterly Investment Statements

All of the above files are to be kept for one full calendar year unless they are used for tax purposes such as for use with Home Office business expense.� In the event that they will be used for a business expense, at the end of the year combine them all into a large envelope and clearly mark on the envelope 20xx taxes.

In addition include:

• Cancelled insurance policies
• Records of selling real estate or stock
• Home Improvement receipts

At the end of the year I store them with my other tax info for that year.�

Also include in your filing drawer:

• Paid Loans
• Sales receipts and warranty information- keep until the warranty expires

Now’s the time to get personal with your filing system.� Add to it those items which are important to you.� The following list is my list to help you think of what you may need:

• School- important papers from my daughter’s school such as student handbook
• Vacation- brochures of places we plan on going
• Home/Garden
• Automotive
• Pet papers and vet bills
• Home Parties- parties for which I hosted (Longaberger, Home Interior, etc.)
• Scrapbook- I put in here anything that I will want to use in my scrapbook but is not a photo (birthday invite, program booklet, etc.)

As a reminder, this is an 80 day challenge.� We are now working on days 8-14.� Following is a guideline for completing the tasks for this week, but please adjust these suggestions to best suit your needs.�

Day 8:�
Figure out what categories you will need

Day 9:�
Make tabs for each folder and place into your filing cabinet

Day 10:�
Go through your old filing cabinet or drawer and purge old papers that you don’t need.� � Don’t forget to shred� documents with personal information.� �

� Days 11-13:
Sort through your paper clutter and file� �

Day 14:�
Rest and prepare for the next week’s challenge

Next week we will work on the most important papers that will be kept in your separate smaller folio, safety deposit, or fire box.�

Enjoy the journey!
Betsy

�

Days 1-7:� Destination: Toss-Out

There are� many aspects of de-cluttering� a home that can seem quite daunting.� My experience has shown that paper clutter tops most everyone’s list.� As it is nearing tax time, perhaps this problem is becoming more evident.� Like most everything else, you need to come up with a system. You need to toss immediately what you don’t need, and sort and file the important papers.� Don’t allow the clutter to build up.

Materials needed for Days 1-7:

• Box, drawer, or basket for bills
• 3 Ring-binder
• 3-hole punch page protectors
• Paper shredder for documents with personal information
• Trash bags

Day 1:�

Set the timer for 15 minutes and grab a bag and start tossing the papers that you know are clutter.� Toss junk mail, expired coupons, old fliers, etc.

Day 2:�

Create a bill paying system.� Choose a drawer, grab a basket, or choose a box that will be devoted solely to upcoming bills.� When you get your mail, open the envelope and toss out the inserts and immediately place the bill in its home.�

Day 3:�

Go online and check into online payments for your bills.�

Day 4:

Set the timer for 15 minutes and toss out more paper clutter.

Day 5:

Begin purging your old magazines.� Now is the time to get rid of the magazines that you are hanging onto for one or two articles, and create more space in your place.� If the articles are seemingly that irreplaceable, simply tear out the pages and put inside a page protector and place into a binder.� I have two separate binders, one for recipes and one for home decorating and organizing ideas.� � �

Day 6:

Set the timer for 15 minutes and toss out more paper clutter. If you are unsure whether a paper is clutter or not, save it until next week when we will get more detailed about what to keep and for how long.

Day 7:

Follow-up on any unfinished projects from this week.� If all of your paper clutter has been purged, enjoy your day of rest!�

Next week we will focus on Days 7-13 in which we will create a filing system.� You will need a filing drawer or bin, hanging files (at least 20), and tabs.

Enjoy the journey,
Betsy

Don’t forget to check with your area’s recycling� center� and recycle all that you can!�
�

There were many resolutions this New Year’s.� Resolutions to lose weight, exercise more, and start a new career are just a few.� Did you know that becoming organized could help you achieve nearly all your goals and dreams for yourself?� I am going to list the steps to start controlling the clutter in your life.� Clutter can take many forms and only one of them is material.� In addition we clutter up our time and our mind.� As you read through the following steps, you may see examples of stumbling blocks that you have put on the pathway to becoming clutter controlled in the past in your own life.� This is the year to make these small changes, which will have a huge impact not only on your life, but also on the life of the ones that you love.

1.� Stop with the blame and guilt- Often we live our lives out of fear, guilt, blame, and shame.� Try very hard to realize that you cannot control what you did yesterday, but you most certainly can change your tomorrow.� If you spent more than you should of at Christmas, now is not the time to beat yourself up!

2.� It is not about perfection!� If you aim for perfection you are bound to find disappointment.� Your goal should be to simply get your clutter under control.� It is not about owning things; rather it is about not allowing things to own you. If you set your goals to unreachable heights you will only be left disappointed in the end.� Be realistic with what you can and cannot do and what you can and cannot control.� So often we perceive others to have a tighter grasp on their life than we have on our own, and we use it as a way to put ourselves down.� Be the best person that you can be today, that is all that any of us can really do.

3.� Prioritize your life and goals- Make a list of what and who are really important in your life and start basing your decisions on how they reflect your prioritize and goals.� Take a moment and think of how you would live your life differently if you knew the exact time and date you would die.� Live the life of the person that you truly want to be!�

4.� Stop Buying Stuff to Store Stuff- Please resist the temptation to run out and buy bins!� Spring is prime marketing target for stores to advertise their clever storage ideas.� Before you even think about how to store your stuff, I want you to really analyze what you keep and why you are keeping it!� If after you have purged you decide you still need to place it into a container, check around your home first to see if you have something already that will work.� Get creative!

5.� Allow yourself to let go of the things that are not inspiring you (pertains to both material items and obligations).� You cannot possibly go forward if you’re only looking backwards.

6.� Shop your home- I want you to walk around your home and look at your items with a different perspective.� If you were at your local mall or store and you saw the items that you currently own, would you like them enough to purchase them?� Would you buy it today?� If the answer is “yes” make sure you truly are cherishing the item.� If the answer is “no” perhaps you could give it to someone who would appreciate it, or perhaps you have been putting off throwing it away.

7.� Learn the definition of clutter- Clutter is simply a result of put-off decisions.� What are you putting off doing?� Is it the clothes in the attic that you know you need to donate?� Are there piles of paperwork that need to be gone through?� Start today!� It’s ok to take little baby steps.� You don’t have to do it all in one day, because it certainly did not take one day to get that way.� Baby steps forward are far better than standing still.�

Make a large list of all the things that are cluttering up your world, and slowly start crossing them out.� Better yet, photocopy your list and give it to at least one friend and ask them to do the same.� Be one another’s cheerleaders!� Help someone else achieve all that life has to offer, while doing the same in your own life.� Learn to become content with all of life’s blessings this year.

Betsy

Last week I asked you to look at your current situation and take inventory. � � I suggested you take a camera and walk around your home and take pictures.� It is very enlightening to look at your possessions through different eyes.� In addition, I suggested you take inventory regarding other aspects of your life.� In order to start where you stand; you have to know where you are at.

I have often heard that succumbing to today’s wants may keep you from achieving tomorrow’s needs.� This is made a bit easier when tomorrow’s needs are not even known.� What are your priorities?� What do you want in life? What are your hopes and dreams?

Last week I suggested you use a journal to document your thoughts.� This week’s first assignment is to list all your priorities, from highest to lowest.� Next I want you to list all your short term goals (within 5 years or less) and long term goals. � Keep your priority list in mind while setting these goals and be honest and realistic with yourself how much you can actually achieve. � In addition, I want you set up some goal statements and steps; what exactly do you want and how are you going to get it?� Be very specific and plan your course of action.� Make sure to share your dreams with someone who will keep you focused and on track.�

Finally, I would like you to take some time pondering what aspects of your current inventory is actually keeping your from achieving your dreams.� Which parts of your current lifestyle inhibit and which enhance your ability to find success.� It’s time to get real and purge those aspects that are keeping you stuck, and grasp firmly onto the ladder that will take you to the person you were meant to be.�

Years ago I realized that my unhealthy glue was my skewed relationship with material possessions.� I tried to find comfort, security, and happiness from items that could not possibly reciprocate my time and energy.� I was often left feeling empty and stuck.� Once I put “things” back into their place, the whole world was opened up in a different light.

Once you realize why you are stuck and unable to move forward, break the old habits and pry yourself from those things that are keeping you back from your full potential.� Start small, work diligently, and remain focused yet flexible.�

Betsy

When the brakes slammed on our economy the past year, many of us felt our lives simply spiral out of control.�

The floor dropped out of the aspects of our lives that were on shaky ground prior to 2008, and those things that seemed safe no longer seemed infallible.� In addition, perhaps the ways we once found comfort in the past (like shopping) were no longer advisable or either possible with the tightening credit market.�

Fluff, this is what I call all those things that are simply not necessary in life; and it is probably a good description of how many of us lived – fully enveloped in fluff.� It’s easy to get stuck in fluff when you don’t have any clear cut priorities and goals.� “Wants” rule your emotions, and “needs” are expected.� Not only will this type of living leave us feeling empty, but also broke!

Do you have too much?� Are you always running?� Do you want this year to be more fulfilling than last?� � � The first step in that is to take inventory of your life, and that is my challenge for you this week.� I want you to spend this week focusing on all that you have invested your emotions, money and time.� Refer to the following categories and feel free to add or adjust these to meet your specific needs.�

Material Possessions:� Literally walk through your home and grab your camera.� Don’t clean first; it is time to get real!� Take photos of your jammed closets, cabinets, cluttered cars, toy rooms, kitchen cabinets, piles of magazines, etc.� Print these pictures out and keep them as a visual reminder.� Sometimes viewing things from a photo make us face our reality.

Obligations:� For this week, document the time spent working at your job and/or volunteerism.

Sleep:� Keep a sleep journal and see how many hours you are getting each evening.

Health:� Make an appointment with your Doctor to get a complete health check-up.� We do this for our children every year, but often fail to take care of our own bodies with the same dedication.

Relationships:� Write down a list of all the people in your life and your relationship with them; and the amount of time you spend nurturing them.

Spirituality: � Where do you stand right now in your faith?� This week give this some thought.

I would suggest you document all of the above in a journal.� In order to make a new start towards a more fulfilling life, it is absolutely essential to know where you stand today.� This week please focus on your present situation, next week we will focus on setting priorities and goals and the steps to success.

Happy New Year!

Betsy

Here we are at the end of our Christmas Missions. Hopefully you have found some inspiration in these missions and your Holiday season is just a tad bit less stressful! This week we will be focusing on cleaning, organizing, relaxing, and enjoying this wonderful time of the year…

Week #4: FINALE

Here we are at the end of our Christmas Missions.� Hopefully you have found some inspiration in these missions and your Holiday season is just a tad bit less stressful!� If you have not finished your shopping, hopefully your list is not too great.� If you are finished, stay away from the malls and the temptation to buy more! This week we will be focusing on cleaning, organizing, relaxing, and enjoying this wonderful time of the year!

When I say cleaning, I do not mean that this is the week to deep clean anything!� You merely want things presentable…not perfect!!� This is certainly not the time to start a project.� Do your laundry mid week and press any clothes (if needed) WAY before they are actually needed!� Stock your fridge with milk and other necessities, buy plenty of bread, diapers, batteries, blank videotapes, Tylenol (for you and the kids), and anything else that you won’t want to be running out for at the last minute!!

Organize all your gifts by separating the gifts in bags or boxes as to where they are going.� It would be terrible to forget someone’s gift at home!� Now is also the time to place your bows on top of your gifts.� Pack up all of your paper and gift-wrapping supplies.�

Now is the time to plan your Christmas breakfast.� A great idea is a breakfast casserole that you make the day before and keep in the refrigerator until you put it into the oven in the morning. We always have baked goods for breakfast on Christmas morning.� I take some sweet breads out of the freezer on Christmas Eve and they are all ready to eat Christmas morning.� My daughter loves the Pillsbury type of cinnamon rolls and I always bake up a batch of those.� The great thing about doing that is it smells up the whole house with the warm sweet smell of cinnamon and there is absolutely no effort on my part!�

Now is the time to relax a bit.� Take lots of pictures and give tons of hugs.� Tell the people around you how much you love them, as there are no guarantees when it comes to life.� Remember how blessed you are.� Focus not on what you did not receive; rather treasure the things you have not lost!�

Merry Christmas!!
Betsy

What’s in your oven? There is nothing like a batch of homemade cookies baking in the oven to invoke the holiday spirit. Spend some time in the kitchen this week and create special memories for your children and share the bounty to fill the tummies and warm the hearts of those around you….

Week #3:� WHAT’S IN YOUR OVEN?There is nothing like a batch of homemade cookies baking in the oven to invoke the holiday spirit!� If you are involved in a cookie exchange you have a whole lot of one type of cookie to make. � Resist the temptation to not want help during the baking and decorating process.� I know it would be a lot easier to bake without little hands getting in the way, but these memories will last a lifetime to the little ones in your life! Make sure you snap a few pictures, as these photos will be greatly treasured in years to come.� � �

There is nothing like a batch of homemade cookies baking in the oven to invoke the holiday spirit!� If you are involved in a cookie exchange you have a whole lot of one type of cookie to make. � Resist the temptation to not want help during the baking and decorating process.� I know it would be a lot easier to bake without little hands getting in the way, but these memories will last a lifetime to the little ones in your life! Make sure you snap a few pictures, as these photos will be greatly treasured in years to come.� � � This is also a great time to make a few sweet breads and muffins.� These make great gifts, or you can put them into the freezer now and take out Christmas Eve and you’ll have delicious baked goods Christmas morning.� You can make easy delicious spreads to go with your homemade breads such as mixing together preserves or apple butter with softened cream cheese.� � � On a “Clutter Busting” note:� make sure you check your cabinets before heading to the grocery store for your baking ingredients.�

It can be very inexpensive to make a gorgeous baked goods gift presentation! Go to your local Dollar Store and pick up trays, baskets, and tins and fill with your homemade creations.� Also, I am the first to admit that I reuse tins, baskets and trays that were given to me in the past! � � Have fun handing out your Holiday baked goods and make sure to include your children.� Don’t forget those elderly relatives and neighbors who no longer have the ability to do their own holiday baking.�

Look at this time not as a chore and have fun creating traditions with your children, nieces and nephews!� In a blink of an eye the little ones in your life will be grown up and we will ache for these precious years!� It is not the gifts that will be remembered rather the time spent creating memories!

Looking ahead to next year:�

I normally make tons of sweet breads throughout the year and place them in the freezer for gifts.� Zucchini, pumpkin, apple, banana (and many more) breads actually taste better after they have been frozen.� In addition, I make pear butter and pear jelly and keep jars in my basement to give as gifts.� A basket of sweet bread, preserves, and cookies is a gift you can be proud of, yet it does not break the budget.

Happy Baking!

Betsy

Before the packages are opened and your home is overwhelmed with new things, take this challenge to clear out the clutter now. A super simple system to let go and purge. Also, the three most important reasons to do this now…

Week #2:� PRE-CHRISTMAS PURGE

We are on our Holiday home stretch.� This week continue to work on your Christmas list, get your house decorated and mail out your holiday cards.� Your list hopefully is dwindling, but if it is not-� stop the madness if you are holding onto grand plans of finishing projects that will really stress you out in the weeks to come.� It is so not worth it!� Stop trying to impress others at Christmas!� Give from your heart and give what you can really afford…not what you want others to THINK you can afford.� If you are finished with your list, beware of the ever-present temptation to buy more.

We are on our Holiday home stretch.� This week continue to work on your Christmas list, get your house decorated and mail out your holiday cards.� Your list hopefully is dwindling, but if it is not-� stop the madness if you are holding onto grand plans of finishing projects that will really stress you out in the weeks to come.� It is so not worth it!� Stop trying to impress others at Christmas!� Give from your heart and give what you can really afford…not what you want others to THINK you can afford.� If you are finished with your list, beware of the ever-present temptation to buy more.I have a very worthwhile project for you to tackle this week.� Donate your unused clothes and toys before the Holidays!� The three most important reasons to do this are

1. Get rid of the clutter before more clutter comes into your home.

2.� Get a good idea of what you and your children really need before the January clearance mega sales begin and

3. TAX deduction!!!�

Here are the steps in knowing what to keep, what to toss, and what to donate:
Keep:� Those items that you truly love

Donate/Give away/sell: The items that are good, but not right for you

Toss:� Items that are truly not good for anyone

I have found a super simple way of sorting through my items.� When I pick up an item, I think to myself, “Would I buy this today?”� Don’t think about how it made you feel when you purchased it.� Look past whether someone gave it to you.� Forget how much (or how little) you paid for it. If the item would not interest you TODAY for purchase, it is time for it to go!� Stop wasting your hangers and closet space on clothes that you don’t plan on wearing!�

Don’t make the very common mistake of dumping unwanted things into a large bag and tossing it into a dumpster at the Goodwill! You are just throwing money away!� Donating to the Goodwill and other charitable organizations (make SURE that the organization has a tax-exempt status with the IRS) is one of the BEST things you can do for yourself.� Not only do you clean out your clutter, BUT you get the money you deserve for your items as a tax deduction!� � You can get fair market value for your items.� Fair market value is defined as “the price at which property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither having to buy or sell, and both having reasonable knowledge of all the relevant facts.”� A good rule of thumb for fair market value of an item is 25% of what the purchase price was, but it is always advisable to check with your tax professional/� It is a good idea to take a picture of the contents of the bag (Just do this as one big group shot).� Make sure that the organization gives you a receipt!� As always, please contact your Accountant for any specific questions regarding your donations.

Have fun this week cleaning out your clutter!!!

Betsy�

Thanksgiving is over and now it is time to focus on the upcoming holidays.� Follow along on these missions as Betsy shows you how a little bit of organization can really help with the holiday stress.�

Week #1:� START WHERE YOU STAND

Are you feeling overwhelmed already? You are not alone!� The best way to combat stress is to gain a bit of the control back. First, get yourself a December Calendar (if you don’t already have one) and start planning your Holiday festivities. If you are looking for a free online calendar perfect to organize your entire family throughout the year, I highly recommend Google Calendar:� google.calendar.com.� Does your church have a banquet? Is there going to be a party at the school, daycare, or office? Put these on your calendar now so you don’t double book yourself!� Also, do a little research in your area for fun things for the family. �

Possibly consider planning a Christmas cookie exchange party. They are so much fun, and a terrific way to get a variety of cookies without a whole lot of work! Plan the date now, and let people know that you’ll be having it!� Another fun party is a tree trimming party.� Invite a few friends and/or relatives to watch or help you decorate your tree.� Take a task that may be daunting and make a party out of it!

Your second mission for the week is to get your gift list in order.� Make sure to include everyone on this list.� Often times it is the little purchases that can really add up in the end.� Make sure to make a budget and stick to it!� Once this list is done, tuck it away in your wallet and make sure to refer to it while shopping, and take special care to keep it updated so you don’t overbuy.

How to start organize a cookie exchange:

Would you like to do a cookie exchange but don’t know how?� Here’s how mine works.� Every year it is hosted at my Mom’s house, usually 1 week before Christmas. We make at least two big pots of soup, my Mom makes homemade bread, and of course we have cookies. Ours is with kids, but I have heard of adult-only parties which would be fun, too.� I usually invite around 12 people and it is very important that I am sure of the RSVP number so everyone knows how many dozens they must make. Each person brings a dozen cookies for each person, and each dozen is separately packaged on a plate w/plastic wrap or in a tin.� It really does not matter how it is wrapped; just so that there is 1 dozen of each cookie for everyone to take home. We bring an extra dozen un-wrapped and we pile them on a big platter and enjoy them during the party!� Usually when people RSVP I ask what type of cookie they are going to make so we have a variety of cookies!

When I come home from the party I open up all the packages and make little platters or tins for the neighbors. Juliet delivers the cookies and they are always gladly welcomed! It is so nice to have a variety of cookies when people visit and we have cookies for Christmas Eve and Day. It’s nice to have a Martha Stewart looking spread when I actually only made 1 type.

CLEVER GIFT-GIVING

Although I was not born especially talented in the crafty department, I do like to add a special clever touch to the gifts that I give.� A great way to turn several inexpensive items into a creation all your own is to make a gift basket.� You can personalize the basket to the recipient with all sorts of special touches.� Have a special mom friend who is overwhelmed by life?� How about a Mommy SOS Kit: tea bags, chocolate, relaxing CD, bath beads, journal or chick lit fiction, wine, etc.

Some other ideas: � �

• Chocolate Lover’s Gift Baskets
• Crafters Basket
• Gardener’s basket
• Pasta Lover’s Basket
• Pizza Lover’s Basket�
• Tea Lover’s Basket� �
• New Baby’s Basket�
• Book Lover’s Basket
• Baker’s Basket
• Barbecue Lover’s Gift Basket
• Candle Lover’s Basket
• Coffee Lover’s Basket �
• Couch Potato Basket
• Dinner and Movie Basket
• New Parents’ Basket
• Fiesta Basket�
• Health Food Basket
• Office/Work themed Baskets
• Spa Gift Baskets
• Naturalist’s Basket
• Vegetarian Basket

Finally, here are my thoughts on re-gifting.� I spend a lot of time working in people’s attics and basements, closets and drawers, and I can honestly say that I have seen PLENTY of gifts that were unwanted, unneeded, and have remained unused. Many of these gifts are still in the original packages. I understand the perplexing conundrum as to what to do with these gifts that you don’t want, and so I am giving you permission to let them go!� It is not serving any purpose being tucked away indefinitely; it is quite simply a waste.� Want a creative way to re-gift?� A group of my friends and I are doing a re-gift exchange; the gift brought to the exchange must have been a previous gift.

Have any other suggestions?� Post them below!

Have Fun!
Betsy
�

In a blink of an eye our challenge is about to end. If you are opening up this page eager for the next assignment because everything is completed from week’s prior, you are better off than most (or me for that matter)! Let’s face it, we’re all super busy parents and it is hard to set aside time during the day to take care of these tasks, which may not seem like an immediate priority. Please keep in mind; I don’t set out making these challenges to make your life more difficult, rather so it is EASIER! So, if you are anxiously waiting to see where I am going to send you off this week with your bucket of hot soapy water and a micro-fiber cloth…please bear with me while I address the needs of the others.

I would like all those who had the desire to complete these challenges, but either started late or never, to step forward. I am going to ask you first to stop burying your head in self-imposed guilt. Nobody is perfect! We are all trying to squeeze way too many things into way too little of time. Do a little soul searching about why you did not make cleaning and de-cluttering a priority. Perhaps you have serious clutter issues that you need to deal with before worrying about the dust under the clutter. Please also keep in mind that clutter does not just come in the form of material things. We can clutter up our schedules as well. Perhaps you did not make it a priority, but now wish you had. �

If you have read my previous challenges you will notice that the principles are the same each week. You take your main goal, break it up into smaller tasks, and create a timetable to complete each task. With projects like these, it is never too late to start. ANYTHING you do… is better than doing nothing. Go back to week one and start all over again.

And now the time has arrived for me to share our last challenge. If you have been following along, you probably know that now it is time to deal with the outdoor spaces. Take a few moments (in between cooking) and spruce up your doors.� Perhaps put on a wreath, or place a new doormat in front of the door.
�
So, we come to the close of these autumn overhaul missions. You’ll begin to notice the areas of our first zones start to deteriorate. In the spring we’ll tackle these areas again in preparation for the summer season.
It is a great lesson for children (and parents) that it is not what you have, but rather what you do with what you have that is important.� Less IS more, and often the simplest moments are the greatest memories.� The first step in appreciating all that life has to offer; is by taking care of and appreciating all that you already have.� �

Have a wonderful week full of family, blessings, thanksgiving, and turkey!

-Betsy

This week we will be focusing on the often seriously neglected areas: Zone #6 – the garage and the basement. Read on for detailed instructions to clean and organize this space in plenty time before Thanksgiving.

We are working on our sixth zone this week. For me that is my garage and basement. If you have decided to define zones differently in your home, just adjust these challenges to best suit your needs. I understand that for many of us these two areas are major clutter magnets! My answer is very simple… do what you can. Our autumn overhaul cleaning missions are nearly at an end and the holidays are upon us!� After the New Year when the world quiets down a bit, you can focus more in depth with some of the area’s most in need. Keep in mind, these areas did not get overwhelmed with stuff in a week…so it is very unrealistic that you can correct the problem in a week!

Below is a sample of my list: (Please keep in mind to break up your job into tasks however it suits you best)

Purge in Garage
Purge in Basement
Pest Control
Organization
Clean cabinets and shelves
Clean Doors
Thoroughly sweep and mop (or hose) the floors
Clean or replace doormats
Clean windows & windowsills (if applicable)

Break the large list into daily checklists.� I find it easiest for me to spend between 15-30 minutes each day on these challenges.� In your own circumstances, you may have to break it up differently.� Keep in mind, the true goal in this overhaul is to simply get things clean and organized before Thanksgiving.� It doesn’t matter if you do it 15 minutes each day, or take one day a week and devote a couple hours to the project.�

Monday:
Grab a bag and purge! Set the timer for 15-30 minutes and purge what you can in the garage. If this is a project that requires more than the time permits, just write this down for a project to do when you have a chance. Don’t let yourself get stuck!

Tuesday:
Grab a bag and purge! Set the timer for 15-30 minutes and purge what you can in the basement. Once again, if this is a project that requires more than the time permits, just write this down for a project to do when you have a chance. Don’t let yourself get stuck!

Wednesday:
Organize your stuff!! Do what you can by grouping like items together. There are some amazing organization products available for the garage!

Thursday:
Do some pest control today if you don’t have a service come to your home. Clean your shelves, doors and windows.

Friday:
Thoroughly sweep the floors (hose where necessary)

Saturday:
Buy a new doormat and make the entrance into your home inviting!

Sunday:
Free Day (or catch up)

For larger tasks, skip it for now (or do what you can without making a larger mess for yourself) and make a to-do list. At the end of our 8 weeks (or during, when you have the time) you can go back to the list to see what needs to still be addressed. I don’t want you to get stuck and lose your momentum.

Happy Cleaning!!
Betsy