Be a DIVA MOM!! 08/22/2011
 
First Day of School!! Be a DIVA Mom!
1. Set up an inbox for each family member. Have kids put permission slips, forms and notices in your inbox when they come home. Train them to look in their in-boxes by putting loose change, dollar bills or love notes in them. 
2. Purchase a small day planner for each child for writing down assignments and due dates.
3. Encourage kids to select their outfits for the next day and pack their backpacks before going to bed.

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Twelve Steps to Breaking Bad Habits
1.  Write down the habit you want to change.
2.  Write your goal in finished form.
3.  Make your results measurable.
4.  List all the problems you create with your habit.
5.  To build motivation for changing, list all the benefits of breaking the habit.
6.  Exaggerate the results; for example, if you have previously been disorganized, become super organized for three weeks until you have established the new pattern.
7.  Allow no slippage.
8.  Enlist the support of others.
9.  Use positive affirmations.
10.  Reward yourself.
11.  Visually rehearse your new behavior; see yourself the way you want to be.
12.  Be positive; don't let past failures interfere with your progress today. 
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The GarageAre you avoiding your garage? It’s probably about a thousand degrees and it might even smell funny. I suggest that you spend the next few weeks thinking about your garage. As cooler weather sets in, it will be a perfect time to tackle this project! Ask these questions: What specifically is in there? Have these items been in there for years and might be perfect for a garage sale or for donation?  What is in your garage that has been outgrown or forgotten that could be recycled or donated? (How old is that ski rope? Do you even own a boat?)

Your garage is a space to protect you and your car and SOME of your belongings from extreme temperatures. You can really appreciate that right now, if you have a dark colored car!  When it’s raining, your garage can provide a place to keep you dry while you haul in kids and groceries. During the short time of year when we get cold weather, we are grateful for the buffer from the wind.

A clean, tidy garage is an extremely functional use of space. It can house a work bench for all those weekend projects, sports equipment for the kids, yard and pool equipment, decorations for the holidays and most importantly, your vehicles. Besides our homes, our vehicles are often some of the most expensive purchases we make! Let’s start treating these babies with some respect!

A garage is often used as a storage space, but rarely used appropriately. Your garage is a perfect place to store items that are used seasonally. The idea is to store them UP and out of the way of everyday living and proper use of this space.

D’Clutter Diva offers many organizational services, just one of which is reclaiming your garage space! We can remove the items in your garage, help you sort through them using the 3-R’s (Reduce - Re-use - Recycle), assist you in purchasing the best garage storage system for your needs, (or make use of what you already own) and functionally organize all of your kept items in a neat and easy to find manner by using bins, shelves, and mulit-functioning storage units, as needed.

If you fear your garage, call us! We can reclaim your space and you can live like a  Diva!

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The Right Storage Paraphernalia 
  • Use see through containers whenever possible
  • Label every container so that you know what is in it without having to open it
  • Use drawer dividers, baskets and shelves to subdivide larger spaces
  • Make Use of hanging space with hooks and racks
  • Make use of low space with under-bed boxes
  • Choose modular components that can adjust as your needs change
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BEFORE YOU START 08/04/2011
 

Before You Start
  • Know what you want from your storage before beginning
  • Do you want to maximize space? 
  • Do you want to see everything you own?
  • Do you want to cut down on cleaning efforts?
  • Make sure that each decision meets these goals
  • Collect up everything that needs a 'home' before starting your organizing
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Asking The Hard Questions
  • When was the last time you used it?
  • When will you (realistically) need it again?
  • Why would you need it again?
  • Who might ask for it?
  • What would you need it for?
  • Is it easily replaceable?
  • What's the worst thing that would happen if you didn't have it?
  • Is it beautiful, useful or loved?
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ATTACK PLAN 08/04/2011
 

Attack Plan
  • Start with the area of your life that causes you the greatest stress
  • Create a list of areas you want to work on in order of priority
  • Include a deadline for completing each project
  • Try to tackle one small area at a time - drawer, cabinet, shelf etc.
  • Set aside some time each week to work on a different area
  • Move systematically throughout your home or office
  • Completely finish one area before beginning another
  • Find the organizing style and pace that suites you
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    By: Estina Courty

    As a professional Organizer I see many different environments that require different attack methods. Here are some of my favorite advice, tips and tricks! 

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