Wednesday
ID Theft - Don’t Let It Spoil Your Holidays!
View this video for a hilarious response to identity theft. Then read the article. Seriously!
http://tinyurl.com/cgdy24j
Yes, it does happen. Especially at this time of year you can’t be too careful. People fall for email scams and more often, their private information is compromised.
Much as my clients protest, I insist you buy a good shredder. Situate it right next to your desk, plugged in and use it whenever you open the mail. Shred, shred, shred.
Never give out credit card or bank account information to anyone in an email (or phone call unless you initiated the call).
Items you must shred:
• Address labels
• Preapproved credit card offers
• Any paper with a signature, social security numbers, account numbers, email, etc.
• Documents with driver’s license, maiden name, passwords, pin numbers or other ID information
• Utility bills (phone, internet, gas, electric, cable, etc.)
• Financial offers, checks or new account solicitations
• Bank statements, loan information, ATM receipts, old/void checks, receipts, deposit slips
• Credit reports
• Credit card statements or receipts, bills, carbon copies
• Pay stubs, resumes or employment records, personnel information
• Legal or insurance documents, leases
• Investment or property transactions
• Medical and dental records including x-rays which require special handling
• Birth certificate copies
• Expired passports or visas, military IDs, other IDs
• Resumes, transcripts, school records
• Tax forms, returns
• Travel itineraries, airline tickets, luggage tags
• For laminated items, cut up with scissors and place half in two different garbage bags
• Digital data and media are especially important. There are secure companies that can shred these.
• Erase all hard drives before getting rid of computers
If you need help, call on me. I welcome your emails and calls!
Happy Holidays! And don’t fall for any scams!
Anna
End of Year Review
Even though we're all busy
with holiday festivities, year end is the best time to consider and consolidate
our organizing systems – so we can finally relax with a cup of tea and a good
book.
Here is a shortlist of some important year-end items:
Tax Planning
December offers the last
chance to reduce your tax bill. None of us like tax preparation. If there are
receipts, bills and papers scattered throughout your home and office, tax
preparation become an arduous project. Efficient capture systems make tax
season less onerous. If you didn't create a tax file at the beginning of the
year, start one now to corral tax-related papers.
Medical Review
Check medical expenses to
see whether you can take the medical deduction. If you are close to the amount
needed, you may elect to do annual tests now to reach that amount. Review
your flex spending plan. Some plans end on Dec 31 however others extend the period
until March 15. Check whether yours says "use it or lose it" by year
end.
Financial Audit
After Hurricane Sandy, it
should be obvious that home insurance and health insurance are essential.
Review your insurances to ensure yours is in place for your current needs. You
may want to do a photo inventory of your possessions to store
offsite. Review your portfolio allocations. Some IRAs require minimum
distributions by December 31 or you may face penalties.
Disaster Plan
Hurricane Sandy reminds us
that stuff happens, even in the city. Let us help you create a Go bag and
gather essential supplies so you are prepared for emergencies like extreme
weather, power outages, terrorist events, fire, illness and injury.
A family disaster plan gives you confidence that your family members know
what to do and where to meet up if disaster strikes. We can help if you are
facing caretaking challenges as well.
Digital Calendar
I recommend a digital
calendar. Before January 1st, extend your repeated items into the next year. If
you go to the gym on weekday mornings, schedule it in as a recurring event,
reserving that time slot on your calendar. Enter important dates, birthdays
and events. It's essential to program in travel from one location to
another and transition times for different activities. Plan email for a
few times a day, and no more. The beauty of a digital calendar is you can
Block in your day and see exactly how it looks. Conflicts stand out so you
don't plan more than is possible in 24 hours. It helps you to be realistic
about time and make good choices. Another benefit is redundancy. No worry
if you lose your phone. It's synched to your computer, so you're back in business
without missing a beat. If you need time management help, call us.
Paper Planner
If you prefer a paper
planner, buy one now for the best selection. Stores run out quickly as they
don't stock too many. You can customize a binder type calendar for your
particular needs. Use only one paper calendar and keep it close. It should
be as essential to your life as your cell phone or wallet. The trick is to
use it daily. More than one calendar is a sure recipe for errors.
Tech Upgrades
Take advantage of holiday
sales to purchase upgrades for your business which you can use as business
expenses. With up-to-date technology work is more efficient. Now is a
good time to do a digital cleanup. Your computer will be happier and run more
efficiently. We can help you with digital organization and a tech plan.
Office Sweep
Revamp your home office,
whether it's a spot to do bills or a fully functional home office for business.
We help with space planning and set up. Being organized makes work so much
more fun when you are not drowning in paper and searching for supplies. We can
transform your desk into a place where you want to work. If you run a business,
now is the time to purchase a shredder, ergonomic chair or supplies you need to
work efficiently. Don't agonize, organize – for a happier, more productive year
and a more successful business. Cha-ching!
Vision & Plan
Finish old projects, clear
clutter and make way for the new year. Write a plan for 2013, not a to-do list
but a list of goals. What do you want to accomplish in 2013? What do you need
to let go of to simplify your life? Organizing is not a project – it's a
process where we set up systems that work for your lifestyle and how to
maintain them. Let go of perfectionism. Magazine photos are created by
stylists and photographers. Apply the principles and ideas but understand those
pictures are not replicas of real life. Still, it's fun to look at them so
gather those books and magazines together in one spot, and dream. Simplicity is
the goal, not perfection. Let us help you get to a more organized life.
Winter Specials
Ask about our winter deals
to sweeten clutter clearing and organizing in December and January. And
remember, you get a free hour at your next session any time you refer a friend
who books a four-hour session.
There's no better time to
get organized. Call us now if you need help.
Tuesday
After Hurricane Sandy
I hope everyone is ok after
this devastating storm.
If you haven't been able to
communicate with family and friends, there is a Red Cross website where you can
list yourself as safe and well.
We all think it can't
happen here. I was a bit skeptical too. After all, NY usually doesn't have
these severe natural disasters. Well, never say never!
Some were affected more
than others. According to a friend on First Avenue, there was a river on her
street from East River surges. Some of the the streets in
Chelsea were flooded too as the Hudson River breached. With the subway system
dark, no buses running and few cars on the road, NY was eerily quiet. Many
trees were down and power lines were affected. Power was out in many
neighborhoods.
I was luckily not one of
those whose power was cut off but I now advise all my clients to put together a
Go Bag.
https://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=be_ready_cross_ready
http://72hours.org/go_bag.html
Once storm repair is over,
call me if you need help creating a Go Bag or Family Disaster Plan.
Be safe and be well!
Friday
End of Summer Organizing
“I’m fascinated by the mystery surrounding ‘getting organized.’ ” ~ David Allen
End of summer last licks
I’m probably the only one you know who is happy to see the end of summer, and I’ve been using the last few days of this month to work on my own organization.
Yes, Organizers also need to organize. Clutter comes into our lives daily. I anticipate the brisk cool days of Fall when we can put away the summer gear and focus on our indoor spaces.
As we get ready to spend more time indoors, ask yourself: Is my home a soothing haven or a stressful mess? Which gets me thinking ... what does it actually mean to be truly organized? Organization is simply having what you need, when you need it. Too much stuff gets in the way of that; even too much of a good thing can be overwhelming.
Here are some ideas about organization:
Organization is not products
Often new clients ask me what to buy for the first session. They are surprised when I say nothing. Organizing products are great but most of the time, they end up as clutter because one has purchased something that looks great in the store but doesn’t function for our needs. Most of us already have all the stuff we need, or we can repurpose what we do have. It’s critical to sort and purge first; then determine the space, and only then think about what storage products to buy.
Disorganization is not deciding
Organizers say clutter is postponed decisions ...which is why it takes time to get organized. A room filled with stuff without a home might mean 5000 decisions. Should I keep it? Do I love it? Is it functional? Does it contribute to my life? How many do I have? How many do I need? Where should it live? What would happen if I give it up? Who do I give it to? Stuff seems to take over our time. Yet humans are collectors so we need to make good decisions.
Paper multiplication is a dilemma
Paper seems to multiply. If a room full objects is 5000 decisions, a box of paper can be 5000 decisions. That’s why it’s important to minimize paper. Convert to online bill paying. Contain necessary paper in an effective file system. Toss obsolete newspapers. Shred financial offers and get off the mailing lists. Minimize mail through one of the unsubscribe services. Make decisions a few minutes daily before you have that backlog which takes over your space.
Organization is having a place
You’ve heard the wise adage ... “a place for everything and everything in its place.” Where is the place your mail resides until you can read and process it? What about your current action papers? Do they have a home or are they scattered about? Your extra paper towels, office supplies, photos, shampoos, boxes of tea, sweaters ... Does every item have a proper place so you can find it when you need it? Or do you waste precious time looking, get stressed or spend money to buy items you know you already own, leading to more clutter?
What you keep adds meaning
Figure out what adds meaning to your life and eliminate the rest. Here’s where an Organizer can help. We guide you to make the right decisions. We help you set up systems that work. We keep you accountable to the process until it gets done.
Freebies & Specials
Is there an end of summer organizing project you want to accomplish? Call for a Complimentary Phone Consultation to discuss your projects. Our rates go up in January. Take advantage of the last quarter of the year to get organized once and for all.
Have an organized day,
Anna
“I’m fascinated by the mystery surrounding ‘getting organized.’ ” ~ David Allen
End of summer last licks
I’m probably the only one you know who is happy to see the end of summer, and I’ve been using the last few days of this month to work on my own organization.
Yes, Organizers also need to organize. Clutter comes into our lives daily. I anticipate the brisk cool days of Fall when we can put away the summer gear and focus on our indoor spaces.
As we get ready to spend more time indoors, ask yourself: Is my home a soothing haven or a stressful mess? Which gets me thinking ... what does it actually mean to be truly organized? Organization is simply having what you need, when you need it. Too much stuff gets in the way of that; even too much of a good thing can be overwhelming.
Here are some ideas about organization:
Organization is not products
Often new clients ask me what to buy for the first session. They are surprised when I say nothing. Organizing products are great but most of the time, they end up as clutter because one has purchased something that looks great in the store but doesn’t function for our needs. Most of us already have all the stuff we need, or we can repurpose what we do have. It’s critical to sort and purge first; then determine the space, and only then think about what storage products to buy.
Disorganization is not deciding
Organizers say clutter is postponed decisions ...which is why it takes time to get organized. A room filled with stuff without a home might mean 5000 decisions. Should I keep it? Do I love it? Is it functional? Does it contribute to my life? How many do I have? How many do I need? Where should it live? What would happen if I give it up? Who do I give it to? Stuff seems to take over our time. Yet humans are collectors so we need to make good decisions.
Paper multiplication is a dilemma
Paper seems to multiply. If a room full objects is 5000 decisions, a box of paper can be 5000 decisions. That’s why it’s important to minimize paper. Convert to online bill paying. Contain necessary paper in an effective file system. Toss obsolete newspapers. Shred financial offers and get off the mailing lists. Minimize mail through one of the unsubscribe services. Make decisions a few minutes daily before you have that backlog which takes over your space.
Organization is having a place
You’ve heard the wise adage ... “a place for everything and everything in its place.” Where is the place your mail resides until you can read and process it? What about your current action papers? Do they have a home or are they scattered about? Your extra paper towels, office supplies, photos, shampoos, boxes of tea, sweaters ... Does every item have a proper place so you can find it when you need it? Or do you waste precious time looking, get stressed or spend money to buy items you know you already own, leading to more clutter?
What you keep adds meaning
Figure out what adds meaning to your life and eliminate the rest. Here’s where an Organizer can help. We guide you to make the right decisions. We help you set up systems that work. We keep you accountable to the process until it gets done.
Freebies & Specials
Is there an end of summer organizing project you want to accomplish? Call for a Complimentary Phone Consultation to discuss your projects. Our rates go up in January. Take advantage of the last quarter of the year to get organized once and for all.
Have an organized day,
Anna
Thursday
Clear Your Clutter; Change Your Life!
Anna Lieber, Professional Organizer Presents a Talk for Elders
Hamilton Senior Center
141 West 73rd Street
between Amsterdam & Columbus
Thursday, August 16, 2012
12:45 pm
• Save time and money.
• Never lose keys or glasses again, or anything else.
• Reduce housework and cleaning.
• Organize bills and important
papers.
• Clear your mind while you control
the chaos.
Clear the way to a better life with
easy tips and ideas from a Professional Organizer who helps her clients stay
clutter free.
Be there for an exciting time and FREE prizes!
Tuesday
Living Large in Small Spaces
“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.” ~ Socrates
Shoebox Living
Mayor Bloomberg is waiving current guidelines to create apartments in Kips Bay measuring 275-300 square feet. That’s half a subway car. I’m not sure people who work in cubicles all day want to live in one.
At 23, I moved from the East Village to what is now Soho. It was Little Italy then. No art galleries or shops. No markets or laundries. There was a bocce ball court at the end of my street.
My first apartment there was a shoebox: teeny-weeny tiny. Soon I charmed the landlord into giving me a bigger apartment with a sleeping loft and it’s own private entrance in an inner courtyard (very European). Still a studio but with four times the space, it seemed capacious.
Small vs. Big
We all want more space and more storage. But we live in New York – no attics, no basements, no barns, no garages, no sheds. No guest rooms, just sofabeds and no offices, just nooks. Storage is costly. What to do with all that stuff?
Keep or Toss?
Many of us have too much. It a problem of affluence. It’s especially true of Boomers and Seniors. Gen Xers and Millennials have a lot to teach us. They don’t save or collect. They shop carefully and say no often. They’re just not into consumption. Gen Y with fewer jobs and higher student loan debt, grew up wired, 100% computer savvy. They prize green living and simplicity over luxury and status.
“Millennials in particular seem to be embracing the concept of ‘traveling light’ as a way of life. Whether by necessity or choice, minimalism appears to be the new ‘chic’.”
http://millennialmarketing.com/2010/05/millennials-becoming-minimalists/
Small & Beautiful
I’m not advocating living in a teeny-tiny spaces or chucking everything but it’s interesting to see how some live in just 300 square-feet called home. How do they do it? Check out these YouTube videos for a glimpse of how a few creative people live large in small spaces. No clutter. Great ideas. Built ins and double duty furniture. Now, don’t we all feel abundant and spacious?
(If the links aren’t live, just paste the address into your browser)
Amazing NYC Apartment - Transformer Style..Storage in Disguise!
http://tinyurl.com/ce5w8us
Small Space, Big Style #02 (4/4)
http://tinyurl.com/7f2y58r
Amazing Unfolding Origami Apartment video - OffBeat Spaces
http://tinyurl.com/7lkdcf9
Ask About Redesign
Freebies & Specials
Do you need more space and less clutter? Call for a Complimentary Phone Consultation to discuss your projects and find out about our Summer Specials.
Shoebox Living
Mayor Bloomberg is waiving current guidelines to create apartments in Kips Bay measuring 275-300 square feet. That’s half a subway car. I’m not sure people who work in cubicles all day want to live in one.
At 23, I moved from the East Village to what is now Soho. It was Little Italy then. No art galleries or shops. No markets or laundries. There was a bocce ball court at the end of my street.
My first apartment there was a shoebox: teeny-weeny tiny. Soon I charmed the landlord into giving me a bigger apartment with a sleeping loft and it’s own private entrance in an inner courtyard (very European). Still a studio but with four times the space, it seemed capacious.
Small vs. Big
We all want more space and more storage. But we live in New York – no attics, no basements, no barns, no garages, no sheds. No guest rooms, just sofabeds and no offices, just nooks. Storage is costly. What to do with all that stuff?
Keep or Toss?
Many of us have too much. It a problem of affluence. It’s especially true of Boomers and Seniors. Gen Xers and Millennials have a lot to teach us. They don’t save or collect. They shop carefully and say no often. They’re just not into consumption. Gen Y with fewer jobs and higher student loan debt, grew up wired, 100% computer savvy. They prize green living and simplicity over luxury and status.
“Millennials in particular seem to be embracing the concept of ‘traveling light’ as a way of life. Whether by necessity or choice, minimalism appears to be the new ‘chic’.”
http://millennialmarketing.com/2010/05/millennials-becoming-minimalists/
Small & Beautiful
I’m not advocating living in a teeny-tiny spaces or chucking everything but it’s interesting to see how some live in just 300 square-feet called home. How do they do it? Check out these YouTube videos for a glimpse of how a few creative people live large in small spaces. No clutter. Great ideas. Built ins and double duty furniture. Now, don’t we all feel abundant and spacious?
(If the links aren’t live, just paste the address into your browser)
Amazing NYC Apartment - Transformer Style..Storage in Disguise!
http://tinyurl.com/ce5w8us
Small Space, Big Style #02 (4/4)
http://tinyurl.com/7f2y58r
Amazing Unfolding Origami Apartment video - OffBeat Spaces
http://tinyurl.com/7lkdcf9
Ask About Redesign
We use your furnishings and rearrange the space for best layout, flow and function, customized to support your life. We reuse your accessories or add a few items to make the apartment beautiful. It's a cost-effective way to transform your space in one day.
Freebies & Specials
Do you need more space and less clutter? Call for a Complimentary Phone Consultation to discuss your projects and find out about our Summer Specials.
Wednesday
Electronics Cemetary
“Whenever I go into a home or office, inevitably I find an electronics graveyard: obsolete or broken appliances, phones, computers, televisions, even unopened software still in boxes. Face it. We’re all guilty of this.” ~ Anna Lieber
Recycle
Recycle obsolete, broken, unwanted electronics at Best Buy. No matter where you bought it, you can drop off three items including TVs, DVD players, computer monitors, audio and video cables, cell phones, and more. No console TVs or large appliances. Go to this web address to check everything they accept and find locations.
http://tinyurl.com/7rc9csh
Release
Donate working items to your favorite charity, thrift shop or shelter. They often welcome your items even if obsolete. It may take some research and travel as most do not pick up small items but you’ll feel good that you’ve found a second life for these objects, a good home, and you are contributing to others. Selling on Craigslist and listing items on Freecycle sometimes works. Be prepared to wait, wait, wait. If you need the space now, better to release it quickly.
Rubbish
To some, this may sound appalling but as a last resort, trash it. If an item is broken, obsolete or useless to you, it may be to others, too. Do you want to trip over it, dust it and allow it take up valuable real estate? The trash doesn’t always mean the landfill. Some trash gets recycled as it is picked over for the gold: bottles to redeem, metals to scrap for cash, items to repair, and books to sell.
Reward
If you need help to declutter your home or office, or any space filled with hoards of items, contact me. I welcome your emails and calls. I offer a Complimentary Phone Consultation to discuss your project. When you refer a friend who schedules a four-hour session, you earn a Free Hour added to your next four-hour organizing session. I look forward to hearing from you.
Recycle
Recycle obsolete, broken, unwanted electronics at Best Buy. No matter where you bought it, you can drop off three items including TVs, DVD players, computer monitors, audio and video cables, cell phones, and more. No console TVs or large appliances. Go to this web address to check everything they accept and find locations.
http://tinyurl.com/7rc9csh
Release
Donate working items to your favorite charity, thrift shop or shelter. They often welcome your items even if obsolete. It may take some research and travel as most do not pick up small items but you’ll feel good that you’ve found a second life for these objects, a good home, and you are contributing to others. Selling on Craigslist and listing items on Freecycle sometimes works. Be prepared to wait, wait, wait. If you need the space now, better to release it quickly.
Rubbish
To some, this may sound appalling but as a last resort, trash it. If an item is broken, obsolete or useless to you, it may be to others, too. Do you want to trip over it, dust it and allow it take up valuable real estate? The trash doesn’t always mean the landfill. Some trash gets recycled as it is picked over for the gold: bottles to redeem, metals to scrap for cash, items to repair, and books to sell.
Reward
If you need help to declutter your home or office, or any space filled with hoards of items, contact me. I welcome your emails and calls. I offer a Complimentary Phone Consultation to discuss your project. When you refer a friend who schedules a four-hour session, you earn a Free Hour added to your next four-hour organizing session. I look forward to hearing from you.
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