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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?
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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!
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  • 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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Spring Cleaning Part 1- Closets

4/20/2022

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This time of year, I love changing around my closet: Dare I say it? Putting away my winter clothes to make room for my spring and summer outfits.
Now is the time to really focus on the closet:* What did you not wear this past season?  
*Do you love the items?* Do they fit and are they in style?   

There are so many charities in need of clothing this is the time to donate!  Your closet is your prime real estate. Only items you use every day or on a monthly basis should be front and center. 
The ”on an occasion” items need to be in the back of the closet or in a container. 

These are the perfect items for an under the bed storage container. 
This applies to shoes and handbags.  
The clothes in "that size above" or "below"  should not be dominating your space, keep the key pieces and donate the rest.  Remember if you don’t love it donate it!  
There is No just in case! 

If you can’t store off season clothes under the bed, attic or storage closet, see if you have room in another bedroom closet.

Here are 3 top clothes storage options for under the bed: 

SmartCube Underbed Storage Bag 3 Large Under-the-Bed Storage Bins with Reinforced Handles Foldable Under-Bed Storage Bags and Containers by NestNeatly
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094Y16J1M/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&aaxitk=48724884d2cd08638a1bb3c249f68842&hsa_cr_id=8325383710401&pd_rd_plhdr=t&pd_rd_r=58fec7de-ee96-4177-8977-f1ca0c8aae36&pd_rd_w=L9gQ5&pd_rd_wg=6hJ28&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_mcd_asin_0_img

https://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Storage-Containers-Supplies-Capacity/dp/B015L2PLLO/ref=sr_1_61?crid=12LD1CEEZT79I&keywords=under+the+bed+organizer&qid=1649020185&sprefix=under+the+bed+organizer%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-61
There are also numerous options for donation:
Thred up-will send you a bag and you mail back or you can even consign! https://www.thredup.com/cleanout
The Reel Reel https://www.therealreal.com/
Green Drop https://www.gogreendrop.com/
Locally - check churches especially those with thrift shops 
Grands stepping up https://grandssteppingupinfo.com/ways-to-give
Clothes Mentor https://clothesmentor.com/
Junior League Thrift https://jlphiladelphia.org/thrift-shop/ (check your local)
Liberty Thrift https://libertythriftstores.com/donate/ (check local thrift shops)


We can help get and keep you organized - schedule your free consultation today!
I'm Ready
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Great Deals Causes Clutter

1/10/2022

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What happens when you love to shop BUT hate to organize?  Or don’t have the time or the energy to deal with what you buy?

All those “great deals” becomes clutter when we bring it into the home and don’t have a place to put it right away or purge something else to make room for it.  What happens most of the time the items stay hidden in a bag we let it pile up and up!   Then there is t a problem.

Too much stuff, with no place to put it, leads to clutter and chaos which does not allow a stress free organized home we desire.

Before you buy something, ask yourself these questions:
1. Do I have a place for it?
2. Do I love it?
3. Am I willing to toss something to make room for this item?
4. Will I really use this item and if so will it be within the next 2 months?


Remember even if a deal is too good to pass up but you don’t need it, you still need to put it somewhere.

Also the floor does not count unless its furniture, so no bags piled up on the floor.

Asking yourself the above questions you’ll learn over time that the best way to stop clutter is before it even enters yours.

Are you still struggling with the clutter schedule  an Organizing Session 
Book Now
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Happy Holidays! Bonus Holiday Organizing Tips

12/22/2021

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From My family to yours, Happy Holiday!

Enjoy the memories not the stuff.  This past year has been so rewarding helping so many people organize, downsize and move.  Seeing the joy in my clients after completion of a job is so rewarding.
 
No matter when you decide to put the decorations away and rein the clutter in, tweak your organizing systems to work with your family, learn to time mange and simplify your life.
Post-Holiday Wrap Up
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Meet The Life Simplified Team

11/3/2021

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I am proud to introduce you to the women who share my vision and values and make Life Simplified the cure for the disorganized home.

Let us know how we can help organize your home and simplify your life!
​
Team work makes the Dream!

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Meet The Life Simplified Team
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Annie Kilbride: 
Annie’s passion for getting organized is apparent from the first time you meet her.  Helping others get or stay organized is the fuel that keeps her going.  It all began after Annie used her organizing skills as a coping mechanism in nursing school, when faced with the overwhelming paperwork required.  Then 8 years ago she helped a friend organize a difficult space, her friend insisted Annie should pursue professional organizing and Life Simplified was born shortly thereafter. Annie is married to her amazing husband Steven of 16 years.  Her husband even helps with some of her larger jobs especially ones that require heavy lifting.  Annie is the mother of 2 amazing kids Caleb, and Emma.  When Annie’s not working, she can be found kayaking, reading a good book, or just spending time with her family.  Annie is a member of National Association Professional Organizers and SBO Partner Program.



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Beth Rakoff:  Beth likes to organize stuff!  This all started when she was a child, she would organize things in her room or her parents home, even rearrange their parents furniture. Beth was born and raised in Downingtown Pa. She has 2 daughters, Mikayla and Avalyn.  Beth enjoys running, biking and spending time on the Chesapeake Bay.    Beth has  been working for Life Simplified since 2017.   She says that it has been very rewarding job. Each job is unique in its own way. Beth loves being able to get to know our clients and share ideas with them. In doing this, we can make, not only their personal belongings organized, but simplify  their life! 

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​Zorana:  Is Married and mom to 2 amazing boys.  She said to help Beth and I on one project and now helps regularly on larger projects.  Zorana is a work horse!  She is dedicated and hard worker!
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​Phyllis Piccirillo: 
Behind the scenes extraordinaire!  Phyllis is Life Simplified book keeper and Annie assistant!  Besides helping Life Simplified She is amazing wife and mother and soon to be grandmom!

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Happy Halloween

10/11/2021

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Fall is bittersweet for me!  I love the changing of leaves, firepits on weekends, making memories with hayrides, and pumpkin picking!  The cooler temperatures but an end to my passion for kayaking even though I try to paddle in the cooler weather.
 
This year with production and shipping delays, I had to start buying Halloween decorations in September and early October.  I wanted to do simple fall decorations inside and a few decorations outside, but my 14-year-old son wants to do a Haunted House with pop up tents that will require lots of planning and searching for free or discounted FB groups for extra decorations.  This extra decorating doesn’t include the extensive graveyard my husband likes to do in the front yard.  This extra shopping requires lists and planning!  As an Organizer I thought I was on top of the all the purchases, but this weekend I realized I over purchased some decorations.
All this rambling is to show that no person is perfect, not even a professional organizer.  All the planning, and lists creating mistakes can still happen!

Quick Tips for Fall Management:

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    Annie Kilbride is the CEO of Life Simplified, LLC a professional organizing business. 

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