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Our newsletters are published quarterly in April, August and December.
We are happy to provide the past few newsletters below, just in case you wish to
preview an issue, or if for some reason you did not receive your current issue.
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Back
Welcome to the Fall edition of the Pea Organizing Services Newsletter! I hope that you will find tips to help you organize your time, your life and your living space. If you have an organizing question that is not answered in this newsletter, please feel free to contact me. Thanks for subscribing and have a peaceful, organized Fall
- Kristin White del Rosso, Pea Organizing Services.
Organizing Your Garage This Fall
Take advantage of autumn's fresh air and bright sunshine to organize the often-overlooked garage. Many garages serve as the last refuge to keep items that no one is willing to throw out. It is also a collection point for occasionally used items, seasonal things, and items that are unusual sizes and shapes, such as sporting equipment. Attack the pile head-on by grouping items that are used together, such as holiday decorations, beach toys, or sports equipment. Be sure to really purge your items as you are doing this.
Storage systems are available to help utilize wall and even ceiling space. One way to start is with the tried- and-true peg board to get tools off the workbench. Identifying other ways to maximize space and make it easy to find stored items is a good second step. Good organization is impossible without the basic tools to store and easily retrieve items.
Safety is a very important aspect when organizing garages. Make sure the containers you choose are easy to reach and labeled or clear so you know instantly the contents of each one. Set aside a separate safe place for flammable or poisonous items out of reach of children or pets and away from hot water heaters and other appliances.
If you have questions or need help organizing your garage, contact Pea Organizing Services. Garage Detail (www.garagedetail.com) is a good source for installing garage shelving and organizing equipment.
Daytrips with Children
Planning is the key to less stressful outings with children of all ages. Start the night before by making a list of what you will need. Include snacks and wipes for clean up. Put all non-perishables together, find shoes, lay out towels and swimsuits, water bottles, sports equipment, etc.
Even when kids are beyond the diaper bag phase, a backpack can keep basics collected, such as rain ponchos, sunscreen, hand sanitizer and other essentials. Such must-haves should remain in the bag so it is always ready to go.
Be sure to tuck a plastic grocery bag or two into your backpack for garbage or other items. If you are meeting up with others, write down cell phone numbers and directions ahead of time in case you get lost or delayed. A little advance planning can pay off dramatically as you organize your morning exit to avoid last minute disasters and frayed nerves.
Getting Children Ready for School
You can begin preparing your children for the new school year by establishing daily patterns ahead of time. About one week before school starts, adjust wake up and bed times to coincide with school schedules.
If your child will be starting a new school, visit the campus and become familiar with the layout. Find out where the bus stops and carpool drops are. Practice "getting ready" and getting to the school. Time yourself and your child so you know how long you will need. Remember to always "pad" your time by adding a few extra minutes for traffic and unforeseen circumstances.
Work with your child to plan each day the night before. Pick out clothes, have meals planned and class work ready for the next day. Create a convenient calendar board center you can all use to keep track of important school events, school lunch calendars, etc.
Together with your child, assign a home for everything in his or her room and designate a space specifically for homework.
Quotes to Ponder
"For every minute spent in organizing, an hour is earned." Benjamin Franklin
"Anything worth doing is worth doing frantically." - New proverb
Signs of Chronic Disorganization: Part Two in Our Series on Chronic Disorganization
Chronic Disorganization has been the subject of many scientific studies. According to the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD), individuals who struggle with serious disorganization have several common characteristics. 1) Chronically disorganized people have a lot of "stuff," far more than they can use or need. 2) The "stuff" accumulates because chronically disorganized people have difficulty letting go of their possessions. 3) Disorganized people tend to be interested in many things, and some of the clutter is a result of many half-finished projects. 4) Individuals with Chronic Disorganization tend to be easily distracted, may have poor time management skills, and need to see projects in process to remember to take action.
Causes for Chronic Disorganization, while not yet completely understood, range from people who were never taught good organizing skills to those who grew up with disorganized parents and learned poor skills by example, to individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury and other physical causes.
If you think you may be struggling with chronic disorganization, consider contacting a counselor and a professional organizer who deals with these issues.
Recommended Reading
"Conquering Chronic Disorganization" by Judith Kolberg
Author Judith Kolberg helps readers adapt simple methods to attack both clutter and long-standing Chronic Disorganization behavior. She uses metaphors and real life stories to motivate and illustrate. Kolberg recognizes that because people think differently they also organize differently, and provides strategies to work with different personalities and thought patterns.
Important Dates and Events
July - September: Every Saturday at 10am on UNCTV: Watch Simple Living with Wanda Urbanska
August 14: National Garage Sale Day
August 15 - 21: Reduce the Clutter Week
ADD/ADHD Information
Find my listing and those of other ADHD service providers in the National ADHD Directory. The Directory is hosted by the national non-profit organization ADD Resources. Their website, in addition to the Directory, has numerous articles written by national ADHD authorities as well as adults with ADHD. They also offer membership which include the 138-page ADDult Reader; an 8-page quarterly newsletter, ADDult ADDvice; and access to their lending library with over 450 ADHD titles in books, audiotapes and videotapes.
POS News and Notes
Kristin White del Rosso, President of Charlotte-based Pea Organizing Services Inc. was named Professional Organizer of the Month by My Organized Life, Inc., a leading organizing network. Articles authored by del Rosso include "Stress-Free Traveling with Pets" (see Quick Links below) and "Freedom from Stress: Achieving Balance With Your Stuff" which appears at www.myorganizedlife.com.
Kristin White del Rosso, President of Charlotte-based Pea Organizing Services Inc. was featured in a story broadcast on WBTV News chronicling the growth of the Professional Organizing industry and the role that professional organizers play in helping people suffering from chronic disorganization. The story included the transformation of one woman's home office, which she kept shut and unused for three years. After working with Pea Organizing Services to develop an organizing plan and a system to maintain it, the woman now uses the office every day and describes it as her "favorite room."
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