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Hurricane Season is nearly upon us

6/14/2022

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Being Prepared is Essential
 
Have a plan in case you need to evacuate:
1. Know where you will go, how you will get there and where you will stay 2. Plan in advance if you require help leaving the premises  
3. Have a Plan if need to Shelter in Place Safely
4. You may be without power, water, gas, phone or internet for a while, keep these items handy:
 ~An emergency food and water supply.
~An emergency medicine supply.
~Emergency power sources such as flashlights & phone chargers (don't forget extra batteries).
~Safety and personal items.
~Important documents, including medical documents, wills, passports, and personal identification**see below
~A fire extinguisher.  
 
** We recommend Keeping a Resource Binder:

A quick sheet for who to call in an emergency:
1. Flood relief Phone #
2. Natural Disaster or Death Hotline Obviously 911-but they do get busy so having other numbers available is critical      
3. Bank & Credit card Information
4. Legal & Accountant Information
5. Medical Documents and Medicines!
6. Wills, Passports, Identification & Insurance Cards  
                                         
                                                       Stay Safe!

Download our Red Cross approved Disaster Supply Checklist Here
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Get Ready for Summer Camp!

5/31/2022

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This summer, my family will be entering entirely new territory—Boy Scout and Girl Scouts’ sleep away camp! You could say the excitement and nerves are taking over my home for my 11 and 14-year-old. 

The Girl Scouts sent over a packing list which was tremendously helpful for a new sleep away camp mom. Fortunately, we were also able to ask a friend who went last year, what were the top items we should be bringing? 
​

So for the past month, I have researched and ordered large roll away duffel bags for each of the kids. The cheapest bags I could find were the big plastic footlockers. But in my mind, all I kept thinking about was where I was going to store these huge pieces, so instead, we bought the “body bags” as my kids like to call it.
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We went down the list and determined what essentials needed to be bought in advance online and what could be purchased at the store. In my case, I have one child going one week and another leaving the following week. Many of the items such as the headlamp, bunk sheets, alarm clock, and fan, I bought in neutral colors, making it easy for them to share. 

From my experience, and from what I hear from other parents, at any sleep-away camp or sleepover adventure, you’ll want to follow these tips!

  • Write an extensive list of what your child needs, and highlight or circle the items that should be purchased ahead of time or ordered online. 

Now that you’ve established what you need, buy it! Once the items have arrived at your home, have your kids try on anything that you may need to return: water shoes, hats, bathing suits.

  • Start labeling! Since your kids will be in a cabin tent with other children, everything needs to be labeled. Start sooner rather than later.

You might like using oil-based markers for the larger items. You could use Sharpies to label the items as well, but they tend to wash out after multiple uses. I like to place duct tape on water bottles and lunch boxes, and then I add Sharpie to make it clear who it belongs to. You can find vinyl fabric labels from Avery on Amazon or Mabel's Labels—which work perfectly for camp.  
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  • Now it’s time to pack! Put essential items such as sheets in a backpack, that way, you will have it on hand if the duffle bags are put on a cart.

All personal hygiene and bathroom products can go in the shower caddies inside the duffel bag or simply place it in the trunk. That way it’s already good to go once your child arrives at camp.

  • When packing for camp, you have a few options. The first is rolling up a complete outfit into a Ziploc bag, including socks & underwear. You can also pack outfits in a packing cube. Most packing cubes can hold about six outfits, so this is a great tool to condense your kid’s luggage. 
In my case, I am going to bag each outfit in a Ziploc bag, with a separate bag for towels and washcloths. Extra socks and underwear and bathing suits and any extra clothes will be packed away in their own cubes. This way, all my daughter has to do is pull a black bag out, put the clothes on, and when she’s done wearing it, she can put it back in a zip lock bag or throw it in her dirty laundry bag!
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  • Double-check the list to ensure you didn’t miss anything. Gather any medicine that is needed and be sure to keep it in original containers. Hand it to the camp counselors with instructions as soon as you drop your child off. 
 
  • Make the trip to camp fun and exciting, not sad! Before you leave, make sure to sign up for any communications the camp offers so you’ll be in the know during the duration of their stay. 

I also think it’s a fantastic idea to leave your kids with addressed envelopes so they can mail you a letter home. And most importantly, enjoy the break and know that your kids are having the time of their lives! 

  • Once the kiddos come home, wash everything, and put it right away. Enjoy the last days of summer together! 

Want to get the house in shape while the kids are at camp? Now’s the perfect time to book a maintenance check! Even a well-organized home will build up clutter and mess over time. Let’s chat about how you can straighten up the spaces you already love. ​
Free Summer Camp checklist
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School is Out & Summer Organizing is your Best Friend

5/31/2022

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Can you believe it’s June? School is almost out, graduations have taken place and summer vacation and camps are starting.  I find parents fall into two groups. The ones that are running for the wine and beer, dreading the next three months and the ones that are excited to be spending the next few months with the kids.
I fall into the later. I love making memories. Trips to the pool, beach and museums. Time for projects. What I don’t enjoy though is the sibling rivalry and the ‘’I'm bored" comments.

To counter that, we spend time together planning out our ‘summer bucket list’ as soon as school is out.   I ask each one what they’d love to do this summer. We put together a fun list of summer to dos. Our list usually contains a trip to the movies (or two), bowling, trips to the beach, kayaking, paddle boarding and at least one museum. We even include things like riding our bikes and blowing bubbles.


Check out this pin if you need some inspiration.

Saving memories from the school year
I am so amazed by all the work the kids complete throughout the school year. Now is the perfect time to go through the pile of work and create a system that works, especially if you find your pile is pretty high right now!

The kids and I go through all the school workbooks, notebooks folders and worksheets that come home and we pull out any written stories or favorite comments and then recycle the rest.  We take the saved sheets, report cards, certificates and memories and place them in a file folder and label the grade on it. We then store in a file box or small container.

It’s important to get your children involved, especially when it comes to which school art projects and papers to keep. They may not like the ones you do. Let them pick out their favorite artwork. It’s fun to frame the top pick and even frame and give away some of them to family members. Store the rest with the other items from the year. Switch out the artwork as often as you like. If this seems too daunting, I love this system. It enables you to keep your kids' precious artwork and school memorabilia from toddler to 12th grade organized (no more crazy piles!)

Keeping organized over the summer break
Keep a loose routine so the chaos doesn’t take over your home.  Have summer reading and chores done in the morning before camp or any play happens.  Keeping organized will help you make the most of the long summer days. And remember, take time to enjoy the birds chirping, the sun setting late, the kids creative playing and summer barbecues. 

Schedule your Free Consult Today
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Pool & Beach Essentials!

5/31/2022

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In-between running to and from clients, I have been snatching a minute here and there to enjoy the beautiful weather we’ve been having. I love this time of year before the humidity arrives.

I also love summer – trips to the beach and lazy days at the pool. With two kids though, it’s not quite as easy as it once was, so being organized is key. Whether you’re hitting the pool or beach, there are some items that you can have packed ready for either venue:
  • Sweat and waterproof sunscreen
  • SPF lip balm
  • Hats, sunglasses, rash tops
  • Spare rash tops, especially for babies when they get wet. Mine likes to take his off and then it’s too sandy to put back on so will get a clean one out of the bag.
  • Cooler- for drinks and snacks (think about getting one with wheels)
  • Kid friendly snacks & scissors to save your teeth from opening those bags
  • Towels (bring two for each person if you are going on a day trip - one for the journey home in the car)
  • Goggles – fun for pool games and essential for the seas as salt water burns little ones’ eyes
  • Hair ties, brush and even a detangler (wet, knotty hair anyone?!)
  • Money is always good to have for those ‘just-in-case moments’
  • Spare diapers, swim diapers and fold up portable potty if needed
  • Baby wipes
  • A bag for trash. I find that a grocery bag is great for all the trash that is accumulated
  • Bag for the wet clothes, as well as other wet items.
 
While at the pool, all you need in addition to the above is a few pool toys (floats, sunken ‘treasure’), the beach requires a few more items especially if a baby is involved.
 
My top, top essentials are:
  • Blanket or fitted sheet
  • Beach chair/s, unless you are happy to sit on your towel on the sand
  • Some sort of shade – a beach tent or umbrellas. I love this SportBrella
  • Beach toys
  • Baby pool – excellent for containing a baby (especially a crawling one) and for babies to play with their toys in
  • Bug spray

I take either a spray bottle, watering can, or a bucket to wash off sandy hands and feet. I love capturing the fun, so I take along a water proof camera. As there is a little more ‘stuff’ required for the beach, I swear by using a beach cart such as the Wonder Wheeler.  

I also have a ‘car-stash’ of summer essentials:
  • Change of clothes for each child (Have you gone to the park and there is splash pad and the kids are wet and you don’t have a change of clothes?)
  • Swimming suit
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Towel
  • Baby wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Snacks
  • First aid kit (somehow my daughter always needs a band-aid on the beach!)
Happy Summer Days!!
Download our free Grab & Go Bags checklist hereButton Text
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Creating Goals with your Children for Summer Break

5/25/2022

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We all dream about the day we can turn our lives into an endless vacation. But scientists have actually proven that as much as this fantasy lives in our mind, we probably wouldn’t enjoy it too much if it became a reality.

Why?
​
Because having the freedom to do nothing all day doesn’t bring us joy. Purpose does—a reason to get up in the morning, a goal we’re working towards, challenging ourselves to become better than we are today. That’s what drives us.
This summer, it might be easy to let the kiddos run wild after a long school year. But after a little while, the joy of summer break will wear off, and you’ll hear nothing but, “mom, mOoOom, momma, mommy!!,” all summer long.

Maintain order, have fun, and help your kids create goals this summer with these tips!

​
  • Keep a schedule and stick to it! Sure, maybe the kids don’t have to wake up at the same time as during the school year, but their schedule should stay relatively the same. There’s nothing harder than getting them back in the groove come August and no-one wants to do all their summer reading the last week of summer vacation-a schedule will avoid that conflict.
 
  • Start a book challenge by taking the gang to the library. Using charts and stickers, track how many books your kids read. At the end of the summer, enjoy a pizza or ice cream party to celebrate.
 
  • Work together to create physical goals that will keep the kids active. From learning to ride a bike to practicing shooting hoops, it’s so important to get the kids off the couch by engaging them in activities that get their blood pumping.
 
  • As a family, pick a charity or organization you’ll donate your time to each week. Watch as your kids grow once they see the impact they can make on the world around them.
 
  • Create a family goal list of places you want to go, things you want to see, and experiences you want to enjoy together!

Creating goals with your kids over the summer is an easy way to keep them engaged, out of trouble, and full of purpose—100% ready to take on the new school year.

If you have a goal of getting your house in tip-top shape before the new school year, I’d love to chat!

Whether you’re in need of maintenance services, organizing sessions, or seasonal clothing changes, let’s work together. 
Click here for more information & to schedule your free Consult!
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Creating Goals with your Children for Summer Break

5/18/2022

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We all dream about the day we can turn our lives into an endless vacation. But scientists have actually proven that as much as this fantasy lives in our mind, we probably wouldn’t enjoy it too much if it became a reality.

Why?
​
Because having the freedom to do nothing all day doesn’t bring us joy. Purpose does—a reason to get up in the morning, a goal we’re working towards, challenging ourselves to become better than we are today. That’s what drives us.
This summer, it might be easy to let the kiddos run wild after a long school year. But after a little while, the joy of summer break will wear off, and you’ll hear nothing but, “mom, mOoOom, momma, mommy!!,” all summer long.

Maintain order, have fun, and help your kids create goals this summer with these tips!
​
  • Keep a schedule and stick to it! Sure, maybe the kids don’t have to wake up at the same time as during the school year, but their schedule should stay relatively the same. There’s nothing harder than getting them back in the groove come August and no-one wants to do all their summer reading the last week of summer vacation-a schedule will avoid that conflict.
 
  • Start a book challenge by taking the gang to the library. Using charts and stickers, track how many books your kids read. At the end of the summer, enjoy a pizza or ice cream party to celebrate.
 
  • Work together to create physical goals that will keep the kids active. From learning to ride a bike to practicing shooting hoops, it’s so important to get the kids off the couch by engaging them in activities that get their blood pumping.
 
  • As a family, pick a charity or organization you’ll donate your time to each week. Watch as your kids grow once they see the impact they can make on the world around them.
 
  • Create a family goal list of places you want to go, things you want to see, and experiences you want to enjoy together!

Creating goals with your kids over the summer is an easy way to keep them engaged, out of trouble, and full of purpose—100% ready to take on the new school year.

If you have a goal of getting your house in tip-top shape before the new school year, I’d love to chat!

Whether you’re in need of maintenance services, organizing sessions, or seasonal clothing changes, let’s work together. 
Click here for more information & to schedule your free Consult!
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High School Graduation Gift Guide

4/29/2022

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​Congratulations! Someone close to you has Graduated High School and is College Bound!
 
The go-to gift is always Money or Gift Cards, of course,
but what about including something exceptionally useful with your financial gift?

We, as professional organizers, are always looking for the practical and simple gifts.
Here are a few we have found to be incredibly useful (and love to recommend) for the college bound student:
 
Label Maker: Best Gift Ever! You will be shocked at how useful it will be.

https://www.amazon.com/DYMO-LetraTag-Handheld-Labeling-1955663/dp/B01BD6DRI6/ref=sr_1_5?crid=P56R0T4C5SQ7&keywords=label%2Bmaker&qid=1650989364&rnid=1248943011&s=office-products&sprefix=label%2Bmaker%2Caps%2C83&sr=1-5&th=1
 
Tool Kit: Have they ever even used a hammer or screwdriver? Include some DIY lessons
https://www.amazon.com/Best-Choice-40-Piece-Purpose-Household/dp/B073TRFB7B/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=college+dorm+tool+kit&qid=1650989463&refinements=p_72%3A1248909011&rnid=1248907011&s=hi&sr=1-7
 
First Aid Kit: Boo-Boo’s still happen to College Students!
https://www.amazon.com/First-Aid-Only-Piece-All-Purpose/dp/B000069EYA/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=first+aid+kit+for+dorm&qid=1650989503&sr=8-6
 
Laundry Necessities: Detergent/Dryer sheets/Stain Stick and a great hamper
https://www.amazon.com/StorageManiac-Foldable-Laundry-Reinforced-Handles/dp/B00FZHAIAK/ref=sr_1_7?crid=1KS7XUV19UK78&keywords=collapsible+hamper+for+dorm&qid=1650989810&sprefix=collapsible+hamper+for+dorm%2Caps%2C66&sr=8-7
 
Command Hooks etc.: Don’t want to end up paying any fines at end of semester-protect those walls
https://www.amazon.com/Command-Clear-Variety-17232-ES-Hangs/dp/B07712B9JG/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3B475N76I3NAH&keywords=command+hooks+and+strips+variety+pack&qid=1650989904&sprefix=command+hooks+and+strips+var%2Caps%2C67&sr=8-4
 
Organizing Calendar: The overlooked necessity!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B091M58GB5/ref=crt_ewc_title_dp_1?ie=UTF8&smid=A2FE12E3V6UBSH&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RYP1SRV/ref=crt_ewc_title_dp_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3B004UD81OKDR
 
Congratulations to All and Here’s to a Safe & Simplified Summer!


I would like to learn More about your services
Download our Free College Dorm Checklist
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Maintenance Programs You Never Knew You Needed

4/20/2022

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You have a personal trainer, lawn service, cleaning service -
time to add peace of mind!

Congratulations!  You have an organized closet, kitchen, office and garage and use them all on a daily basis. A month has gone by since you worked with a professional organizer, and  OOPS! the chaos of daily life has taken over and all systems have flown out the window. Having professionals on a weekly/monthly basis is an investment in your personal spaces, as well as, peace of mind.  

Weekly or monthly appointments help reset our busy lifestyles!  Having an organizer come frequently keeps the systems in place and helps find new and creative solutions to other areas. 
One weekly client initially hired us to Organize her basement after everything from a garage renovation had to be placed there.  We first created sections, purchased basement storage shelving and lots of labels.  We decluttered and donated several car loads of "stuff" and created functional spaces in an unfinished basement. Once the basement was completed---
She realized I could help her create Organizing systems and function throughout her house! 
As of last week, we had tackled every room and had moved onto to any piece of furniture that had drawers and created purpose and function for each drawer! 

Each week the client has her counters, surfaces, drawers or closets organized! 

Sometimes, especially with seasons changing, tweaks to clothes need to be done, very soon, we will be switching clothes around for the whole family.  There are times that there is not a designated space we are working on.  We may walk into a room, see surface clutter, return it to it's rightful homes or create a home for the items.  We may walk from a pile of mail to box of pet supplies that need to be stored away and organized.  This busy mom has peace of mind, she knows where everything is now.  She doesn’t buy more stuff that she doesn't need.  She can tell when an autoship of cleaning supplies needs to be paused.  The kiddos know where all the toys should be and even help put them away.  The cleaning lady is now able to clean more efficiently without having to declutter first . 

A Professional/Personal Organizer is there to listen, set up systems and offer support for decision making. 
​

A weekly/monthly maintenance program is there to keep you on track or find new & helpful insights.
I'm Ready to Schedule My free Consult!
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Three reasons to reconsider hiring a professional organizer

4/20/2022

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​Have you considered hiring a professional organizer but for one reason or another you have decided against it? You are not alone!  Many people think that hiring someone to get or keep them organized is foolish and unnecessary.  The reality couldn’t be further from the truth.  Professional organizers are here to help you get your home in order, in a way that works best for your lifestyle. 

Many people outsource their house cleaning and lawn maintenance so why are people so reluctant to hire an organizer? 

 I will do it myself! 
This is the most common reason people are reluctant to hire a professional organizer.  Yes, you can just do it yourself, but…will you?  How long have you been talking about organizing your kitchen, office, basement, attic, garage, or closets?  How many times have you started the project then stopped because you got overwhelmed or frustrated? How many times have you succeeded but 2 months later the clutter was back?
A Professional organizer can help you through the organization process.  The first thing we do is to talk to you about what you want.  Our team listens to you and together, we make an action plan.  We guide you through the process from start to finish, help you decide what stays and what goes, and provide you with support and guidance for maintaining organization. 
With a professional by your side, your organizing project will get finished in a timely manner leaving your space & mind feeling rejuvenated and refreshed! 
 They’ll make me get rid of everything! 
Professional organizers are not heartless people who believe that purging is the only way to get you back on track.  Part of our job is to listen to you and offer support and guidance. This will help you make the best decisions based on how you live, and want to live, your life.  The final decision on whether to keep, donate, or toss items is always up to you.  
When you make the choice to donate, we offer suggestions on the best options for donating useable goods to local organizations who need what you no longer want.  When something cannot be reused, we help you to use environmentally conscious practices for recycling and disposal.     
  ​​I’m going to have to spend so much money! 
Hiring a Professional organizer is an investment - an investment in your home, your quality of life, and your time.  When you become organized, you’ll find that you are less stressed and have more time in your day because you have an easier time locating the items you need, when you need them. 
Once we begin the organization process, and we use what you already have to organize your belongings, you’ll discover that you have more closet, cabinet, and shelf space than you knew!  If you should need to purchase items such as bins or containers, we will make recommendations based on what will work best for you and your space. 
Can't Wait! Schedule your free phone consult here
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Spring Cleaning Part 2: The Garage

4/20/2022

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When those warm spring days occur are you digging out the kids bikes, garden tools or the grill?   

My own garage is a small space, not big enough for a car, but big enough to hold our holiday decorations, 3 Kayaks, gardening equipment, snowblower and lawn mower! Even the kids bikes and sporting equipment!  How do we do it? Very strategically!  We built shelving and use all  the vertical space!  We hang anything that can be hung on the wall! 

Getting ready for summer:
Take advantage of a warm weekend and organize for summer!  The snowblower gets the gas drained and moved to the back of the garage.  The sleds and other winter items get moved to the back.  Then I bring anything for summer forward for easy access!
Now it's time to ask the hard questions.  For instance, do the bikes still fit the kids? Do they need a tune up?
​I set up the bike station so that the kids have easy access to their favorite summer wheels, helmets etc.  I move the garden items down from the top shelf and set up an easily accessible garden station.

This spring, follow my four easy steps and get your garage, shed or storage area ready for the summer:

1) Purpose. Determine what the purpose of the space is.  Do you need to fit a car in?  Do you need a work station for car, building, or gardening stuff? Is it a holding space for all the water activities? Is it a holding space for bikes and all the parts? Will it hold camping gear? Is it a kid storage space too?

2. Layout. Once you figure out the space the next step is to determine the layout.  Poisons, gas, oil, chemicals need to be kept out of reach of kids. Do you have a high space for those items?  Think vertical spaces, there are lots of products that will keep garage items off the ground.

3. Sort. Do you need to keep the broken lawn equipment? NO! How many soccer balls do you really need?  Make categories of like items, then determine how much space you have. Do you have room for them all? Are you keeping items that you don’t really use?

4.  Organize. This is the fun part!  Create a tool area, garden area, storage area, outside activities and bike area – or whatever area you need, be it camping, or sports area,

Products to make it easy to be organized.
Here are few of my favorite Garage Products:

  • 5 Bike Bicycle Floor Parking Rack Storage Stand by Cycling Deal
  • Delta Cycle Michelangelo Two-Bike Gravity Stand Storage Rack
  • SUP Rack | 3 Paddleboard Wall Storage | StoreYourBoard
  • Sports Organizer-Hang bats, store balls, store outdoor shoes, keep all handy in one spot 
  • Topeakmart 3 pack Heavy Duty 5 Tier Commercial Industrial Racking Garage Shelving Unit Adjustable Display Stand
I also love this company for garage storage solutions. You can do it yourself and pick and choose the pieces you want https://organizedliving.com/freedomrail-garage
Click Here for Your Free Garage Consult
Download Our Garage Organizing Checklist Here
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    Annie Kilbride is the CEO of Life Simplified, LLC a professional organizing business. 

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