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Tuesday, May 06 2014

Have you taken a look around lately?  All of us have things scattered around the house that can be re-purposed.  There is something in almost every room of the home, in fact.

Today, I want to share with you 10 ideas for items you already have in your home that you can "re-purpose on purpose": 

1.  A CD tower in the bathroom can be used to hold toilet paper, toiletries or small towels.  You can even turn it on its side with the openings upright and hang it on the wall for additional storage.

2.  A tennis ball canister or Pringles canister that has been cut on the bottom can be used to hold paper baking liners for cupcakes and muffins or to hold paper cups.  Hang it on the wall to save space.  It can be used for so many other things too!  

3.  A hard glass case is useful to store your ear buds or other small items in your luggage or handbag.

4.  A muffin pan is a great way to store small items in your drawer in the bathroom or bedroom such as children's hair clips or jewelry.

5.  An upright magazine holder can be used for gift bag storage or sheets of wrapping paper.

6.  A long towel holder with knobs can be mounted on the back of a door or on a wall to organize your jewelry.

7.  Use a business card case to transport your favorite sweetener packets.

8.  Re-use a tissue box to store plastic grocery bags. 

9.  A small shower caddy can be hung on a doorknob in your laundry room to hold detergent, dryer sheets, clothes pins, etc.

10. Use an acrylic napkin holder to organize your bills to be paid, putting them in chronological order to avoid late payment.

Which of these items will you repurpose?  What other ideas do you have for re-purposing your items?  Take a look around and get creative!

If you are simply overwhelmed with the thought of getting organized and don't know where to begin, contact me at A Better Space.  I will be more than happy to help.  Let's "re-purpose on purpose" together!  

    

 

Posted by: Audrey Cupo AT 09:12 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, April 28 2014

They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks.  I beg to differ.  No matter how young or old you are, you can learn how to be organized.  Yes, even a toddler can do it!

Since I work with so many moms, I get this question all the time.  "What chores and responsibilities can my children be expected to do?"  Let's focus today on the youngest organizers, the toddlers.

Young children want to help.  They are eager to be independent and feel that sense of accomplishment.

Here are a few simple suggestions:

1.  They can hang up their own coat.  Put a 3M removable hook on the back of the coat closet door or near a cubby in the mud room which is low enough for them to reach but not have the coat drag on the floor. They can hand up their own coat this way.  The hooks can be raised as they get taller.  

2.  They can wipe down the bathroom countertop.  Get them a small step stool.  When they are brushing their teeth, combing their hair or washing their hands, have them use a damp wash cloth to wipe up any spilled and splashed water from the counter top.

3.  They can make their bed. By age 2-1/2, you child should be able to pull up the sheet and comforter if the side of the bed is not up against a wall.  (It might not be perfect but it's good enough!) 

4.  They can put dirty clothes in a hamper.  Get them a fun hamper that is open at the top.  They can easily put their dirty clothes in every time they change their clothes.  Just ask them to do so to remind them.   

5.  They can put their toys away.  After playing with toys, toddlers should be able return their toys to their proper storage bin or shelf.  Make sure they are in reach and use picture labels to guide them.  Clip art is a great tool for finding the right picture.  Teach them that they need to clean up before moving on to another activity.

By age two or three, although most of these chores will need some type of supervision, you will be teaching them the basics from which they will eventually be able to carry out these tasks, and others, on their own.  You are giving them a good foundation to get started on the road to organization!

If you need some more tools to get yourself and your family organized, please don't hesitate to contact me. Remember, no matter how young or old you are, you can always learn how to get and stay organized.  I can show you how! 

Posted by: Audrey Cupo AT 09:00 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, April 21 2014

I love using inexpensive solutions to help my clients get organized.  A great tool that I use quite often is a simple basket or plastic shoe box.  They can be used in so many different ways.  Have you considered these ideas?

BEDROOM

1.  Group jewelry in a drawer or on your dresser.

2.  Hold coins found in your pocket.

3.  On your bedside table to hold hand creams, lip balm, etc. 

BATHROOM

1.  Contain eyeglass cleaning accessories or contacts and solution. 

2.  Gather Hair bands or barrettes.

3.  Use to hold make-up and accessories.

4.  Group together nail polish and nail care accessories. 

5.  Hold razors and shaving accessories.

CLOSET -

1.  Compartmentalize hats and gloves for each family member.

2.  Containerize first aid products.

3.  Keep shampoos, body wash and other personal hygiene products in one spot.  

4.  Gather extra toothbrushes, dental floss and toothpaste you get from your dentist.

5.  Use one to store travel size products for quick packing.  

KITCHEN

1.  Hold packets of sauce mixes together.

2.  Group spices together.

3.  Keep your measuring spoons together in your kitchen drawer or cabinet. 

4.  Gather twist ties in one place.

5.  Use to store small sharp knives in a drawer.  

HOME OFFICE

1.  Contain paper clips and binder clips.  

2.  Keep erasers and correction fluid together.

3.  Gather pens, pencils or markers. 

There are so many uses for inexpensive baskets and containers!  Use your imagination and start getting organized.

If you are just too overwhelmed and don't know where to begin, contact me and schedule your free phone consultation.  I can get you started on the road to A Better Space!

Posted by: Audrey Cupo AT 11:58 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, April 14 2014

Do you multi-task?  Is it really possible?  This subject is constantly debated.  Some say yes, it is possible.  Some say no.

The truth is, when we think we are multi-tasking, in most instances, we are not.  Yes, we might be doing several things at one time, that is true.  However, we are not saving any time doing so.  We are working on pieces, we are not completely focused on a task and, most importantly, there is no time being saved by doing two, or even three things at a time.  It's all about focus.  If we take the time to focus on one task at at a time, we will get it done more quickly and more efficiently.  That is a fact!  

Now, can we use items in our home for various purposes?  Sure we can!  That's what I call multi-tasking!  Here are some examples:

1.  ICE CUBE TRAY -

     * Gather desk supplies such as thumb tacks and paper clips.

     * Organize sewing items such as buttons, beads and hooks.  

     * Use one in your dresser drawer to organize small earrings or pins.

2.  SHOE ORGANIZER WITH POCKETS 

     * Store art supplies.  A plastic hanging shoe organizer can hold, paints, pens, brushes, glue sticks and stickers.

     * Use one on the back of the bathroom closet door to store small soaps, razors, sample bottles of lotions or nail polish.

     * Place one in your clothes closet to separate pantyhose or pairs of knee high socks.

3.  LAUNDRY BASKET -

     * Protect delicate plants during a rain storm or hail storm by turning the basket upside down on top of them and burying the           edges in the dirt.  

     * Gather garden supplies, including a garden hose.  Coil the hose and stash your sprinkers, nozzles and other attachments in           the middle of the coil.  

     * Take one to the beach filled with beach toys for the kids.  Flip it over to use as a table at lunch time.  

Can you think of other ways to multi-task, besides running around doing two or three things at a time?  Use your imagination and take another look at what you already have in your home that you can use for other purposes.  Be creative!  

Share your ideas!  I would love to hear from you!  

If you are simply overwhelmed with the idea of getting organized, I can help.  I can show you creative ways to use what you already have and repurpose them to help you get and stay organized once and for all!

I am just a phone call (or email) away!  I would love to hear from you!

Happy Organizing! 

   

Posted by: Audrey Cupo AT 09:43 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, March 24 2014

Many people are baffled and confused and cannot imagine what they need to do to be organized.   Today, I want to help you start to think about some guidelines to follow when you are attempting to get and stay organized.

1.  KNOW THY SELF.  Those that are organized tend to know themselves very well.  They are in tune with how to access information and products to create storage systems that reflect their preferences. They know how to simplify tasks to maintain order.  They know how they prefer to work and live. They are clear about what they need and don't need.  They know what they want in life and their priorities.  Time and time again, I have worked with my clients to help them identify these aspects which are the foundation for getting and staying organized.  

2.  YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT.  There is a misconception out there that if you are organized, you are perfect in every aspect of your life.  I am here to tell you that is not true!  No one is organized in every aspect of their life, every day of their life.  We all fall off the organized wagon from time to time (even me!). The difference is, organized people accept this as part of the process and simply get back on the horse and start again.  If you are organized to begin with, it is easier to get back on track.  

3.  A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING, AND EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE.  I credit my paternal grandmother for teaching me this adage.   When you have a place to store your items, they have a home.  If something doesn't have a place to be stored, you cannot put it away.   Every coat or jacket needs a hanger to hang it on.  If you don't have a hamper, your dirty clothes will land on the floor.  Store items where you tend to use them most often and it will be easy to put them away and retrieve them when you need them.

4.  CREATE ROUTINES.   Organized people have routines throughout the day.  Clear your desk at the end of your workday.  Create a to-do list for the following day.  Lay out your clothes for the next morning.  Routines create stability for actions that need to be attended to regularly.  

5.  FINISH THE TASK.  Those that are organized know that the laundry is not done until the clothes have been folded and put away.  Dinner is not done until the table has been cleared and the dishes have been loaded into the dishwasher or washed by hand.  Wrapping a present is not done until the supplies - scissors, tape, wrapping paper - have been put away.  You are not finished until the task has been done to completion.  

6.  ANYONE CAN BE ORGANIZED IF THEY WANT TO.  Being organized is a skill set.  Anyone can learn tools to get and stay organized.  Although it can come more easily to some, it does not mean it is not achievable.  Being organized takes practice and maintenance.  

If you are overwhelmed by your clutter and want to learn what it takes to get and stay organized, don't hesitate to contact me.  I can show you, no matter where you are in life, how you can acquire the tools you need.

In the meantime, happy organizing! 

   

Posted by: Audrey Cupo AT 12:02 pm   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, March 03 2014

No, not me, but many of you are "moving on".  You are getting ready to move out of your current house, condo or apartment and into a new home.  

Sometimes we are happy about the move, sometimes not.  We might be leaving behind great neighbors, a home we grew up in or the first home we bought when we moved out of our parents home.  Sometimes we have raised our children in the home but it no longer serves our needs  Sometimes we are moving because we need to relocate to another city or state for a new job or it's time to downsize (or upsize).  There are so many different reasons that we decide to move.   

And talk about stress!  Moving is one of the more stressful things we do in our lives.  There is so much to do!  There is so much to prepare, but not to worry.  If you create a plan, you will be able to more easily transition from one home into another.  

Here are some steps you can take to make sure that you have a "smooth move".  

1. This is a great time to declutter.  It's amazing how the thought of moving all that stuff gets us to re-evaluate our possessions and begin to focus on how we can declutter so that we do not have to take it all with us.   This is so important to do.  Do you really want to spend the time now throwing all of your stuff into boxes, paying the moving company to move it and then have to weed through it when you get to your new home?  Do yourself a big favor and do it before you move so that you can be sure that what you are taking with you is what you really want to keep.  

2. Select the right type of box for your item.  Moving various things involves using various types of boxes.  Although moving companies have great heavy duty boxes and wardrobe boxes, you can also collect boxes from local liquor stores or supermarkets.  These smaller boxes work well.  The divider inserts in the liquor boxes are great for transporting alcohol or other glass bottles you might have in your kitchen.  (If you are moving across state lines, be sure to check the regulations for transporting alcohol.)  Produce boxes from the supermarket tend to be heavy duty and have handles on each side to make it easy to carry.  Check into purchasing used boxes to save money. There is a store near me in Doylestown, PA called Box-It that is great for this purpose.  

3. Divide and conquer.  When packing boxes, consider dividing them up into categories.  Besides the items you are packing and taking with you, you might have charitable donations, giveaways, items to sell or trash.  Try to use different types of containers/boxes/bags for these various categories.  Do not use a trash bag to pack up items to move.  You might very easily throw the bag away, thinking it is trash when it's not.   

4.  Label, label, label.  You cannot be too careful.  Clearly label all sides of a box with not only the contents, but which room the box should be moved into when you arrive at your new home.  This will make it easy for the movers to put the box in the right room, saving you from having to physically move a box from one room to another.  

5.  Color coding.  Whenever I have moved, I not only labeled the boxes but labeled the bedroom doors and other areas of the home using "color coding" on the boxes to match.  Inexpensive round sticky labels work well.  I found this to be a great tool for the movers.  It avoided them having to ask what goes where.  They were able to do it on their own, saving them time and, therefore, saving me money.   

6.  A room at a time.  When packing, set a goal.  For example, pack the living room on Monday, the kitchen on Tuesday, the garage on Wednesday, etc.  Focusing on one room at a time will reduce the feeling of overwhelm.  

If you are thinking about moving some time this year, now is the time to start preparing.  If you are feeling overwhelmed with the thought of decluttering and organizing the move, feel free to contact me. I am here to help make sure you have a "smooth move".

In the meantime, have a great week! 

Posted by: Audrey Cupo AT 11:34 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Wednesday, February 19 2014
COUCH POTATO ORGANIZING

When you think about getting organized, do you resemble Homer Simpson sitting on a couch watching television?  Do you think to yourself "That is too much work.  I don't even know where to begin.  Never mind.  I'll deal with it another day."?

Well, the good news is, you don't have to be like Homer Simpson.  You can get organized!  It's as easy as 1-2-3.

Here are three simple organizing ideas for things you can accomplish on a day when you decide to stay home and curl up on the couch.  You don't need to feel like a couch potato - you can feel productive instead!  

1.  Sort through your magazines and catalogs.  Curl up on that comfy couch, gather up your large stack of magazines and catalogs and take an hour to read them.  Then, recycle.  If you decide to hold on to a few articles, rip them out of the magazine and either scan them into your computer or put them into a designated place for safe keeping.  (A binder, hanging folder or accordion file are some suggestions.)  Choose the items you wish to purchase NOW from the catalogs and mark the pages with a post-it note.  If you do not intend to make your purchase now, recycle the catalog.  I promise another issue is on its way to you as we speak!  Say goodbye to your Oprah magazine from 2010!  

2.  Sort through photographs.  Again, curl up on that couch.  This time, grab your box (or boxes) of photographs and sort them on your coffee table by date or occasion.  Use an acid free photo box and create categories for your pictures and toss them in.  Enjoy going down memory lane while getting organized at the same time!  

3.  Review your email.  Get on the couch this time and bring your laptop computer with you.  Take some time to catch up on your email.  If you have been storing your email in your "In Box" only, take this time to create categories for those you wish to save.  (Just be selective about what you are keeping or this can become clutter too.)  Take a selected amount of time to read and reduce the amount of email in your "in box" and get rid of those you no longer need or want.  You will feel so much better the next time you visit your email account and see that it is down to a reasonable number.  

Now, if you are ready to get off that couch and get some other organizing projects completed but are feeling overwhelmed and need some assistance to stay motivated, focused and clear on how to get the job done, get in touch with me at A Better Space.  I am here to help.  

Happy Organizing!    

Posted by: Audrey Cupo AT 10:48 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Friday, February 07 2014

Now, you might be thinking "Yes, I am Wonder Woman"!  I do it all!  Can you really?  Are you really a super hero?  Honestly, no offense, but I highly doubt it.  

We only have so many hours in a day and we have so many things we want to accomplish in a day.  I need to ask you, "Are you running yourself ragged"?.  If so, is being "Wonder Woman" really such a great thing?

In my opinion, a "Wonder Woman" is the Queen of delegation.  She is the type of woman who has a lot to accomplish but also recognizes that she can't do it alone.  She knows that she needs to delegate to others.  Whether it's at home, at the office or running errands, delegation is the best tool in the organizing tool box to get it all done.  

How do we delegate?  This might be difficult for some who have never done it before.  It involves trust and imperfection.  It's okay to pass off some responsibility to others!  It's okay that it will not get done perfectly.  The important thing is that whatever it is will be one less thing you need to worry about.  That is smart time management, needless to say, a great stress reducer.

You might want to start by making a list of things you want to accomplish that you either don't have time to do or don't like to do.  

Next, you want to compile a list of people to delegate certain tasks to.  They can be your spouse, your kids, other family members, friends or someone you pay to get the job done.  

Then, you match up the task with the appropriate person.  Understand that even though it might not be done exactly the way you would do it, it can still get done.  You might surprise yourself and find that the person you delegate the task to does an even better job than you would have done.  That's okay!  You don't need to be insulted; be grateful!  Everyone is good at something and some are better at certain things than others.  You have your strengths; they have theirs.

If you need assistance, having to hire someone to help you out is nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about.

For example, as a professional organizer who specializes in residential organizing, I am an expert when it comes to eliminating clutter and getting others organized.  I save people time and reduce their stress by providing solutions.  This is a form of delegation.

The important thing here is to evaluate all that you have to do and find a way to get it done efficiently without having to do it all yourself.  That's how you truly become "Wonder Woman"!

If you need to reach out for some assistance when it comes to your clutter, time management, paper management or any other type of residential organizing, contact A Better Space.  I am here to help.

In the meantime, have a "WONDERful Day"!

 

  

Posted by: Audrey Cupo AT 11:00 am   |  Permalink   |  7 Comments  |  Email
Friday, January 24 2014

Sounds crazy, right?  Why would you want to "maximize" to minimize.  Is that an oxymoron? Not when it comes to organizing!

When getting organized, the focus is on eliminating clutter and organizing items or thoughts in a way where we maximize the potential of what we have.  Whether it relates to the items themselves, the space they occupy or what's going on in our heads, we want to focus on maximizing in order to minimize.  

Any space can be maximized to create an environment that is more "user friendly".  We want to create a place where everything is easy to find and easy to put back.  We want to create a space that makes sense, based on how we function.  That doesn't mean we need to make it bigger by adding on an addition.  It means we use the space we have to its best potential.  

Everyone functions differently, but there are some general rules that can apply to everyone.  

For example, when it comes to "maximizing" the hanging space in your closet, it is best to choose the correct type of hanger.  Using matching hangers for an entire closet is best.  This might sound petty, but it is more than just aesthetically pleasing to the eye.  

It makes it easier to locate your clothing when all of your clothes are hanging at the same height. Using the correct hanger will protect your clothes from damage and keep your clothes from sliding off the hanger, onto the floor.  Hanging like-things together will help also. Some people hang their clothes by color, some by type.  That is a personal choice and both can work well.  

When it comes to "maximizing" in order to minimize, you are focusing on the use of the space itself and the contents within it.  How we store items (or even information) is so important in how we function on a day-to-day basis.  

I suggest that you start paying attention to the space in your home, your office and your head to figure out where you can possibly maximize their potential in order to minimize your clutter.

If you need assistance in figuring it all out, I can help.  You can utilize my knack for minimizing the clutter and maximizing the space, no matter where it is and making sure that the system you put into place will work for you.

In the meantime, happy organizing!

 

 

Posted by: Audrey Cupo AT 08:39 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Tuesday, January 07 2014

Most recently, over the holiday season, Target Stores reported that their security had been breached and it affected over 40 million people.  

Between November 27 and December 15, 2013, the unauthorized access took place in the U.S. Target Stores.  

Identity theft is a serious crime that occurs when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes.  It can cost you time and money, destroy your credit and ruin your good name.

There are steps you can take to deter theives bu safeguarding your information:

Shred It- Anything that contains your personal information, especially financial documents, should be shredded when discarding them.

Keep Your Personal Information In A Secure Place - Use a fireproof/water proof security lock box or safe to protect your information from theft.  If you have roommates, employ outside help  or have work done in your home, this is especially important.  This includes passports, social security cards, passwords and bank/credit card information.

Don't Use Obvious Passwords - When online, don' use your birthdate, your mother's maiden name or the last four digits of your social security number as a password.  These are too obvious to identity thieves.    

Don't Give Out Personal Information - When on the phone, on the internet or corresponding by mail, do not give out personal information to anyone you do not know.  Know who you are dealing with.

Protect Your Social Security Number -  Don't carry your social security card in your wallet or write your social security number on a check.  Give it out only if necessary.  Ask to use another form of identification instead if possible.

Check Your Credit Report - They contain information about you, including what accounts you have and your bill paying history.  You are entitled to a free report each year from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, if you ask for it.  I suggest spreading the requests out throughout the year, instead of asking for all three reports at the same time.  Visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com  to order your free credit reports each year. 

It is important that you check your bank statements, credit card statements and billing statements each and every time you receive them to identify any charges you did not make so you can rectify them quickly.

Be careful!  Identify theft is on the rise and you need more diligent than ever when it comes to protecting yourself.

Wishing you a happy, healthy and safe New Year!      

Posted by: Audrey Cupo AT 09:45 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email

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