Category Archives: Residential

Procrastinating? 4 Steps to Stop!

07 Tuesday Jun 2016

Posted by in Business, Office, Organizing, Personal, Planning, Residential, Stress, Time

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Procrastination - Thief of Time

We ALL procrastinate now and then, and it’s nothing more than the time gap between when we decide to do something and when we actually take action.  A big part of procrastination is not knowing where to start or how to organize what you need to do.

Here are some common procrastination problems and solutions:

  # 1 – You Just Don’t Want To  (Let’s face it, some things just aren’t fun.)

Solution:  Establish a reward for yourself.    Schedule a beginning and ending time for what needs to be done,  and then take yourself out for an ice cream or another other treat.    Call a friend and schedule to have coffee or do something fun with them.  Let them know that THEY are your motivation to make sure that YOU are successful!

# 2 – You Don’t Know Where to Start (Example:  Preparing to move a student or yourself home at the end of a year at college)

Solution:  Google It!   Almost any problem you meet, someone else has already faced!  Save time and Google your way to solutions.  There are pages of websites about students moving back home.

# 3 – You’re Overwhelmed (Example:  Moving, again)

Solution:  Break down the problem into “do-able” tasks and make a list:

1.   A date to pick up boxes and newspapers or other items needed for packing.
2.   A list of items that be packed away first (winter clothes, etc.)
3.   A list of items which should be packed last.
4.   Which utilities must be notified?

# 4 – Lack of Motivation (Example:  Cleaning Closets)

Solution:  Find a friend who is also struggling to get motivated.

If you have work to do at home, plan a time to phone and catch up while you’re both sorting drawers, closets and doing general cleaning.

If you live nearby, maybe you can share the burden by helping each other. Windows will go a lot faster if you have a friend with you!

Listen to music, podcasts or an audio books while you clean or sort belongings

If you’re interested in making more out of your time, check out this earlier post on “Time Robbers”.

The Instant Stress Reducer

09 Saturday Apr 2016

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ZZ - Blog - Stress & Lists - STRESS GAUGE

We’re all overwhelmed with this fast-paced “Do-It-All and Do-It-Now Lifestyle”.  Call it “stress”, “anxiety” or “pressure”, most of us are feeling it.  We struggle to fall asleep and then to wake up.  We wrestle and worry about what has to be done tomorrow and what we may have forgotten to do yesterday.  As a result, we suffer from tension headaches, high blood pressure and poor diets.

The real problem is that we haven’t identified the necessary from the optional. When when we pinpoint the critical needs and responsibilities, we’re able to focus on problem-solving.  Once the critical has been identified, it needs to be written down! Because when we identify and list our priorities we permit ourselves to push the “non-essentials” to another time.  In turn, we may find ourselves feeling less overwhelmed and more in control.

When we make a list, we are able to comprehend the priorities, everything becomes more manageable. 

People who want to appear clever rely on memory.  People who want to get things done make lists.

 

7 REASONS WHY LISTS WORK & HOW THEY BENEFIT YOU:      

  1.  Stress – Lists reduce stress levels as they help us to feel in control.  We organize what is otherwise overwhelming and bring order to chaos.

2)  Our Brains – They’re good for the brain as it gives us clarity.  We’re now able to focus our minds and process the information we are receiving.

3)  Accomplishment – We get a feeling of accomplishment and this positive feeling of completion encourages us to start another task.

4)  Reminders – Lists tell us what we have done and what we have left to do.

5)  Options – They give us opportunities to ask ourselves: “Are there things on my list I can “outsource” to others?”  “Do I have to do all of this myself?”

6)  Moods – If we write down what needs to be done we’re able to tackle different tasks at different times based upon how tired we are physically, mentally and/or emotionally.

7)  Problem Solving – When we create lists, we automatically consider how we can tackle big tasks by breaking them down into manageable parts.

ZZ - Blog - Stress & Lists - Keep Calm & Make a List

An Olympic-Sized Clean Up

23 Sunday Feb 2014

Posted by in Clutter, Personal, Residential

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Olympic - 2Can you imagine how many people and how much time it’s going to take to clean up Sochi after 100,000 were there?

Just cleaning a teenager’s room could be considered an Olympic event, especially if doing closets and under the bed!

Our living areas can become a jumbled mess and we find ourselves stepping over objects or looking for space to put down a drink We step into the kitchen and need to clear a spot to just to begin preparing a meal.

Are you overwhelmed when walking into a room? Do you need to “train before you jump in?

Do you wonder “How did this happen?

Do we, as Americans, “over own”? Based on the Pareto Principle, we only use or wear, about 20% of what we own. So why do we keep all this STUFF?

Here are several justifications we use… 

Reason: “I may not use it, but I paid a lot for it.”  Neiman Marcus

The Challenge: Then why are you keeping the evidence? If you keep it another year, will you have paid less for it?

Reason: “It’s valuable.”

Challenge: Its value is based on what somebody else is willing to pay for it. If you keep a lamp in the attic, it has no value. If you sell the lamp, it has/had value (not to mention you have more space).

Reason: “It was a gift.”

Challenge: The person who gave it to you didn’t mean for it be a burden, it’s o.k. to let go; it doesn’t mean you don’t love the person. (If it makes you feel better, take a photo of it before you “let it go”.)

Reason: “I don’t have time to deal with it.”

Challenge: But you can have your time burdened with facing it everyday? Even if it’s not right in front of you, you still KNOW it’s there and that if you put one more item in that closet or attic you may trigger an avalanche.  (The burden is still there.)reduce, simplify, donate, etc

Here are 6 ways to “Reduce Ownership”

Give-away – it’s a much better feeling to pass on treasures to loved ones
Donate – a box of items here and there is sometimes easier than trying to do it all at once (this is my preferred method)
On-Line – eBay, Craig’s List, Facebook or community boards
On-Site – garage sales and auctioneers
Recycle – Google to find the site closest to you
Toss – call your local city office to see what, where and when to take items or you may want call a refuse company to bring a container to your home
 
Need a little help or encouragement?  Feel free to phone or email!

Name Your Space!

16 Sunday Feb 2014

Posted by in Clutter, Residential

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Pack Rat? Neat Freak? Mr. Clean? Or Perfectionist? 

Are you able to relax in your living space? Do you have ample room to spread out for puzzles, board games or entertaining? Or is your living space a little jumbled and in a muddle?  

Clutter in your physical surroundingsCan you sit down and enjoy your surroundings or are you still semi-consciously seeing the toys strewn and the magazines & newspapers all over? 

Worse yet, do you panic when the doorbell rings and you haven’t had time to “prepare”?

Here are 8 QUICK TIPS to a neater space. Plus, you end up with a clearer MIND and you cut your cleaning time later in the week!   

  1. Have a “home” for everything you own and let everyone know where it is!
  2. Put all your like items together & decorate a box so it feels good to put something away.
  3. Use a basket at the top/bottom of the stairs so the next person by takes the items with them.
  4. Use attractive baskets for hat, mittens, backpacks, etc.  or small dishes for keys at the door etc.
  5. When a friend phones to chat, open a cabinet and find a few things to toss out, we all have a few too many plastic containers or pens that don’t work.
  6. During an evening of television grab a drawer during the commercials and you’ll be surprised how much you can get done.
  7. When it’s time to empty the dishwasher or fold a load of clothes, time yourself!  When you realize how quickly you can get it done, less chance you’ll procrastinate next time.
  8. Finally – If it takes less than 2 minutes, do it immediately, don’t put it off!

 Pour that glass of wine and toast to a tidier room and a tidier mind!toast

3 Strategies for a Successful Non-New Year’s Resolution

09 Thursday Jan 2014

Posted by in Office, Organizing, Personal, Planning, Residential, Time, Work Space

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NY Resolution

Have you made a New Year’s Resolution yet?  Well, if you haven’t, I recommend you don’t!   Instead, consider beginning with a few goals that are realistic and attainable.

Aim for success in the “first quarter” and you’ll feel better moving on through the year and setting more goals. Wondering what the difference between a goal and a resolution is?  

Resolutions – are often abstract, they may have a vision but rarely include the details.

 Goals are specific, measurable and have a timeline associated with them.

Don’t Make a Resolution, Create a Goal!

3 Strategies to Help You Succeed 

1) BE kind to yourself – Don’t try taking on too much at once – set yourself up for success!

2) DEfine your goals – write them out  in detail and what “success” will look like to you! 

3) REmind yourself – put them on the bathroom mirror, above the kitchen sink or in your smartphone (they can pop up during the day as encouragement)

“Good habits are as addictive as bad habits, and a lot more rewarding.”       – Harvey Mackay

Choosing Your Goals

Business – Is it completing a business plan, installing a new filing system, or going paperless? 

Home – Is it painting a room, getting the garage organized or cleaning out specific closets?

Good Habits – If it’s a habit, commit to the practice, not perfection. Start with small changes and permit yourself time to build the habit slowly.  You can always increase your goal as continue. 

Need some encouragement or ideas? I’m just an email away and would love to help you define and execute your goals!

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Gifts from the Heart, Not the Wallet

09 Monday Dec 2013

Posted by in Money, Residential

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In the first week of October I wrote a blog about preparing for the holidays to reduce stress. Well, here we are! (https://pandoconcepts.com/2013/10/11/christmas-chaos-not/)

Are you “where you want to be” or are you stressed?

Spoiler alert! Christmas is December 25th. The date doesn’t change every year like Easter! This is why either having a “plan of attack” or starting early might have been a good thing to consider a few months ago.

(But it’s not too late! there are still 16 days to go, especially since all days are “shopping days”.)

My first wish for you is that you’ve got your Christmas responsibilities under control and can now start to enjoy the twinkling lights and spirit of the season. If you’re in the stores, I hope you have the pleasure of running into old friends and take time to chat and catch up. If you’re rushing through the season, you’re missing out on the best part – all the people!

Here are a few gifts that will cost little, but mean the world to the receiver! (You don’t have to cook like Emeril Lagasse, these are simple, but thoughtful, ideas.)

2013 - 12 - 7 - Xmas BasketHomemade Bread – in a simple, pretty tea towel – a simple gift all wrapped up in a bright tea towel with a ribbon around it will warm anyone’s heart. (Or bake a variety of items and create your own basket!)

Drinks – Irish Cream, Cordials, and Eggnog – I have a wonderful recipe for Irish Cream which has been a hit for years. I use beautiful bottles (which can be purchased from any craft store or Pier 1) and attach Christmas ornaments, a bow and voila! It looks as good as it tastes. (Maybe next year I’ll try making a cordial myself.)

2013 - 12 - 7 - Jar GiftsGifts in a Jar – Google this text and you’ll find hundreds of ideas! Over the years I’ve made everything from hot cocoa, flavored coffees, dips, Chex Mix, cookies, and soups – I finally even made Pies-In-A-Jar! You can personalize the tags, use a pretty Christmas fabric, and add candy canes or chocolate-covered plastic spoons!

Chocolate-Covered Anything – If you’re not really a baker, than grab a bag of pretzels, popcorn or even strawberries and dip away! Slip into a Ross’s, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, etc. and find dozens of beautiful and inexpensive containers to put them in.

2013 - 12 - 7 - Domino BroochCrafts – It doesn’t have to be edible! Over the years I’ve made bath salts, cards, decorated candles, made holiday brooches from game pieces and even went through a home-made soap-making stage! (A little dodgy to do on your own due to the chemicals – I recommend enjoying this with a friend.)2013 - 12 - Dominoes

My second wish is that as you’re making these, your heart overflows as you reflect on the recipients and the true spirit of the season. It’s “double joy” when you enjoy making them as much as giving them. (Include family in the preparations and the blessings triple!)

Follow this link to my Pinterest for more ideas from many talented people – http://www.pinterest.com/pandoconcepts/boards/

Candle

10 Christmas Gifts That Don’t Clutter

01 Sunday Dec 2013

Posted by in Clutter, Money, Personal, Residential

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It’s that time of year and we’re all being inundated with gifts (and sometimes we are the “inundaters” of gifts) that we won’t know what to do with when the tree comes down.  In the spirit of the season here are some ideas for gifts that almost anyone would be thrilled to receive and won’t take up any space after the holidays.

  1. Movie Tickets – Have a family you’re close to and don’t know what to do?  How about getting tickets for a whole family?  Tape them to a box of Orville Redenbacher’s and wrap in Christmas paper.  This is a real luxury for a family these days and they’ll think of you when they use them! 
  1. Food – There are so many possibilities, ranging from home-made to Harry and David’s Fruit of the Month Club.  The traditional fruit basket is always a hit and edible arrangements are as much a treat as an eye-catcher.  (Let’s ditch the fruit cake this year!) 
  1. Local Theatre – Do you have a friend you can never get together with?  Purchase tickets to an upcoming show and make a date to go together, you’ll make a wonderful memory for both of you and be much more inclined to “save the date”! 
  1. Massages & Facials – Here’s an indulgence that anyone would enjoy – a gift massage is even more relaxing than one that is purchased.  This is heaven to an over-whelmed parent! 
  1. Lessons – New experiences make great memories!  There are so many to choose from whether it is yoga, dancing, golf, ceramics, knitting, horseback riding or swimming.  If you really want to make this special, join your friend or be there to take some photos of them when the day arrives.  
  1. Manicures & Pedicures – another indulgence, but this one can be enjoyed for weeks!  
  1. Books – Does this sound boring? Not to a bookworm!  Receiving a gift card for a Kindle or Nook can be “just what the doctor ordered” to get through the months of January and February!  For a college student a gift card to their college library can take a lot of stress off facing the upcoming semester. 
  1. Gift Cards –retail gift cards are becoming the mainstay of America’s Christmas.  They may be the answer to everything, but take a moment to make it special in the way you give it.  If you have your children make a Christmas card to put this in, you’ll warm their hearts even before they see the gift.  
  1. Experiences – Are there any big events coming up in the next year that someone you know might enjoy?  A few years ago the U.S. Open came to Pittsburgh (Oakmont Country Club) and so I surprised my husband with tickets and another year with tickets to the Preakness.  I made up an official “invitation” to the event using parchment paper and wrapping a ribbon around it and voila!  What events would your friends of family enjoy? 
  1. For the Person Who Has Everything – Give a Gift of Charity in Their Name

The Gift of Remembrance – For the person who has everything, why not give generously in their name? There are so many wonderful opportunities whether it’s their favorite charity or a memorial in the name of their loved ones.

The Gift of Food & Life – Another way to give in another person’s name.   Options include Oxfam, World Vision, Feeding America and so many other great organizations (not to mention there is always your local Food Pantry).

The Gift of Education – School isn’t free or available everywhere.  (We just happen to be abundantly blessed.)  Why not sponsor a child’s schooling for the next year and have a friend receive information and letters of thanks from their child?  I especially recommend a child from Won By One to Jamaica as I’ve worked with this wonderful mission myself for the past 12 years.  (http://www.wonbyonetojamaica.com/school-sponsorship)WB1 - chalkboard

For as little as $25 per month you can open the door to opportunities for a young mind.

Remember almost any gift becomes twice as nice if you include a handwritten note!

Take a moment to thank a friend or family member for a kind word or deed from that year that meant something to you.  Recounting a special memory or a time of laughter with them will make them feel special and touch a chord in their heart (especially more than that Chia pet).

The Home Command Center

17 Sunday Nov 2013

Posted by in Organizing, Planning, Residential

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Home Command Ctr - Mid-Level

What is a Home Command Center?  This is the hub of a home, the place where adults and kids can find the answer to the everyday questions.  “What time is practice?  What’s for dinner?  What time are we leaving on Friday? Where’s your homework? Did you do your chores?”)

How do you start one for your family? 

First, choose the right space – look carefully at the most-used family entrance or possibly an area in the kitchen (since it’s usually the busiest room in the house). Your Home Command Center should be the first place everyone sees when they leave in the morning and the first place they see when they walk back in the door.

Second – Start simple with an open wall area and hang a corkboard, chalkboard and or a whiteboard.  Include the family calendar, school lunch menu, emergency numbers and important contacts for quick reference.  This is also a great place to have a household chores checklist and leave space for family members to leave notes and reminders.

Start small and let this area grow with your family, you may expand it later to include folders, key hooks, an area for book bags, backpacks or eventually a home computer and have your house go digital.

If you can, include the whole family.

Make a game of taking young children to the calendar and talking about what’s coming up.  Put stickers, play dates and fun events on the calendar so they get in the habit of wanting to look at it.  As they get bigger you can include chores and make a checklist with stickers so that they can mark them off and feel a sense of accomplishment when they’re all done! 

Make a habit of talking about these things each night and what you need to add or take away from the board or calendar.  (This should reduce the times you at 9 pm that Johnny needs 3 dozen cookies for home room in the morning.)

Home Command Ctr - Simple

Older Children

This is the family center, not just a one-way communique from parent to child.  Encourage kids to leave messages for you and have them write on the calendar if there are changes in practice times, school events, or parties.

This is a place for communication to begin and expectations (chores, homework) to be defined.  Make it a positive and surprise them with a “get out of chores free” card or a treat; they’ll look forward to checking the board even when you aren’t there. 

A simple calendar and a single place for communication can save time, energy and avoid a lot of frustration.

The Home Command Center is where information is kept in one location for the benefit of ALL.

 Need help building your own Home Command Center?  Feel free to email or phone me.

P.S. – Later I’ll share tips and templates for gathering and keeping critical information you may want to include in your Home Command Center.

Christmas Chaos!

11 Friday Oct 2013

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I’m bringing back the old Christmas of simplicity and heart-warming visits with friends all through a little thinking and planning ahead.

I’m the early Christmas shopper, but not the one who starts in January (I hate holding on to things for that long – it reminds me of clutter even if it isn’t).  I usually have a list of people and ideas completed by mid August, wrapped by Thanksgiving and enjoy visits with friends in early December.

August – I’ve kept a spreadsheet since 2001 which lists every person, every gift and the amounts.  This lets me see what I’ve done, get ideas for new friends, and make sure I don’t duplicate from the previous year!  I always have a dollar amount in mind as I do this and I keep the list with me at all times.   (Actually, I have it as an Excel spreadsheet saved to Google Drive so I can look at it anytime on my phone).

September & October – I don’t like taking time to shop so if I have to be in a store, I might as well take a look around and see if anything is available that ‘fits’ my list. (I have my list, but like to stay flexible in the event I find an even better idea for someone special.) It’s just a matter of doing two things at once.  My theory is that if I’ve prepared the list well in August and keep my eyes open in September and October I can catch some sales and spread the cost out over a few months too! January is so much better when there’s nothing on the credit card from December!

November – after I’ve purchased the gifts I put post-it notes on them with the name of the recipient and they go in the spare bedroom; this way I don’t walk in and feel overwhelmed because I can easily see organized piles with bright tags on each item!   At this point I can enjoy wrapping a few items here and there while watching one of my favorite programs – Duck Dynasty or Big Bang Theory. By the way, this is also a great time to address Christmas cards so you can just drop them in the mail in December – no pressure!

December – I don’t like crowds so the thought of being elbow to elbow with hundreds of harried people makes me feel anxious. Instead of putting myself through that, I’ve wrapped and tagged the gifts over Thanksgiving and they’re stacked in chronological order for delivery.

As December 1st has rolled in I’ve called some friends and have a few short visits on the calendar.  Whether it’s shortbread, Irish soda bread, candies, or jar gifts, I make a little batch each week when it’s convenient.  Since I’m not in a rush I can enjoy thinking of the people who will receive the home-made tokens.  When it’s time to hit the road, I just match my “kitchen gift” to the small item in a gift bag upstairs and I’m ready to go.

I want to look back on my life and remember the moments, not the Christmas chaos that rolls from one year into the other.  I want to cherish the people, admire the tree, take a treat for the dog, share some home-made Irish Cream and have a few laughs.

Just to get you started, here’s a Christmas List template for you to download. – Christmas List

P.S. – If you’re a spreadsheet person like me, you can keep a status column on your Christmas list and sort it regularly to stay on top of everything.  I sort by “purchase, wrap, bake, and completed”.    If you’re interested in having a customized template in Excel, feel free to email me!

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Forgetting something?

07 Saturday Sep 2013

Posted by in Organizing, Planning, Residential, Time

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Calendars can have many purposes in addition to using them as reminders for anniversaries/birthdays or appointments, practices and lessons.

 Calendars are equally important for tracking home and car maintenance!

 When was the last time you tested the items that protect your home and family such as smoke sensors, fire extinguishers or carbon monoxide detectors?  How often do you change the filters in your furnace (which also saves you money)?

How many of us have discovered (after the fact) that our vehicle registration or inspection had lapsed?  It’s great to include oil changes and repairs so you have a record if you go to sell your car in the future.

If you use an on-line calendar, you can easily add these items with reminders to all your other events.

If you’re a pencil and paper kind of person, feel free to download these calendars.

Calendar Downloads – September 2013 October 2013 November 2013 December 2013

If you can’t fit everything on one calendar, have one calendar for events and appointments and another calendar for home and car maintenance.  Staple them together or put them in a file to check each month.

If you would like to receive my Blogs, click the “Follow” box on the left side of the screen above the calendar.  I always enjoy tips and feedback!