Blog

Defy the Mayans! Get ready for next year's taxes today!

EfficientSpaces — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:25:17 +0000

With this year's taxes done, (whew!), it's the best time to review what went right (and wrong) so you can make next April much easier. For instance... Plan ahead using lessons from this year. Many people file taxes with a guess method as to what amount of money they donated to charity, what number of deductions to claim on their workplace W-4 form, and where they put important receipts. Some planning now will save time and frustration later. Keep documents safe and organized. Documents related to taxes are loaded with personal information so it’s important to use, sort, store and dispose of them properly.

Can't hire a house cleaner? Try these tips instead!

EfficientSpaces — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 04:52:13 +0000

To make sure your spring cleaning efforts last, try these helpful everyday tips:

Label foods before they go in the freezer. With a name and date, it’s easier to find leftovers before they become mystery meat.
If you have a multi-bathroom house, consider duplicates of commonly used items, such as glass cleaner, paper towels or Norwex cloths.
In a multi-level house it helps to have a vacuum on each level. A stair basket is also a useful way to collect the “stuff” that needs to go to the next level. (Make sure it gets emptied regularly by everyone in the family as they go up or down the stairs!)
Keep a hamper in every bedroom or bathroom, so kids (and spouses) have no excuse for leaving dirty clothes scattered on the floor.
Make it a mission to toss junk mail immediately so it doesn’t accumulate. Cancel subscriptions to unread/unwanted magazines.
Keep a squeegee in your bathtub if you have a glass door. It might take an extra minute to wipe down the door after every shower, but you’ll save on cleaning time and frequency and will enjoy an overall better view daily.
Let kids help on a regular basis. Just make it fun. Even young children can use a wet sock rag or microfiber cloth to dust furniture.
Everyday grit that gets tracked in does its damage to wood floors over time. To combat that, keep mats on both the inside and outside of all entry doors. Keep a broom handy for daily sweeping (another chore that’s perfect for kids to take on!)
Going on vacation? Resist the urge to leave behind the mess you make when getting ready. Instead, take a few minutes to tidy up, make sure the sinks are empty, dishes are washed, trash is emptied, and maybe even vacuum the carpets and rugs (yeah, I know, good one.) Trust me, though you'll be thankful when you get home from your restful vacation and are welcomed to a house that's clean and inviting. The chores can come later...

Spring cleaning doesn't have to be a chore!

EfficientSpaces — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 03:51:42 +0000

As the temperatures warm up, it's finally time to open the windows to air out the house. It's also the season to remove some of the old grime that's accumulated during the colder months. How to do it with ease? Follow these tips!

7 Rules for Dealing with Disorganization

EfficientSpaces — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:32:07 +0000

Getting organized” is among the top resolutions of 2012. It is every year actually. Like the other top resolutions involving health or wealth, the goal of reducing clutter falls under the “Best of Intentions” category. We all mean well in January but by summer our interest is waning. And once the holiday season arrives in the winter… well, we’ll get back to that diet/exercise plan/cluttered basement … next year. I came upon this tongue-in-cheek look at going to the gym, and decided that humor does have a way of bringing home a few points. It got me thinking that maybe there are a few truths about clutter and organizing that also need to be aired.

Brr! It's COLD outside! Time to get your winter gear organized!

EfficientSpaces — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:54:49 +0000

Has the seasonal change from cool to frigid got you tripping over boots, fretting over lost mittens or searching for dry snowpants? A change in your organization may be all that's in order. Try these tips to make get your winter gear in order.

The Perks -- and Problems -- with Giving Gift Cards This Christmas

EfficientSpaces — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 03:38:24 +0000

There are new statistics every year that tell about a surprising number of gift cards going unused, and as a professional organizer, I can attest to that. I’ve seen gift cards either lost or forgotten among untouched clutter in a client’s house or collected and saved for a “someday” item that is never purchased. Simply said, there are some recipients and situations for whom a gift card doesn't offer tidings of comfort or joy. Consider these points before you buy...

Have You Shopped Til You Dropped? Wrap It Up Easily with These Tips!

EfficientSpaces — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 03:18:40 +0000

Whether you shopped til you dropped on Black Friday or cashed in on deals on Cyber Monday, by Tuesday you may be wondering just how to tackle the wrapping and organizing of all of those acquired gifts. Never fear, with some planning, organizing and a "green" mindset, you can (literally) wrap up all your gift-buying frenzy with a decorative bow.

If Rachael Ray Can Do It, So Can I! (Confessions of a Packed Pantry Re-do.)

EfficientSpaces — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:24:59 +0000

I once watched Rachael Ray as she took the TV cameras "behind the scenes" to her home. She laughed that the camera crew was shocked to see her tiny NYC apartment complete with a closet-sized galley kitchen. She defended her home saying she loves her neighborhood and cozy digs, but admitted her TV kitchen was much fancier. Talk about a reality check. I feel for Rachael. I'm in a similar boat. Though I love my neighborhood, large yard and pretty trees, I am living in a 1976 home that has its share of challenges, especially in the kitchen. I am thankful to have newer appliances, sink and countertops. But the cupboards are another story. They're dark, deep and poorly arranged. The plan is to eventually gut the kitchen and start over, but until then, I need to learn how to make do with what I've got.

Announcing a first-ever Efficient Spaces "Kitchen Comforts" Special!

EfficientSpaces — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:42:11 +0000

You asked for it... and now it's here! In celebration of 1) my upcoming birthday and 2) the season of Thanksgiving, I am offering a limited-time special service to my Facebook Fans, Twitter Followers and Blog Readers. Read on to learn more about this unique offer!

Help! Halloween & Other Holidays are Happening...

EfficientSpaces — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:58:12 +0000

Relax. Take a deep breath. Smell the crisp fall air, crunch some leaves underfoot, enjoy some comfort foods, then.... PANIC! There's so much to do during the final weeks of the year (as we count down the days til Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Christmas and New Year's), it's often a whirlwind of activity, stress and non-stop To Do's. Never fear... with some proper planning and sensible goals, you too can find time to relax, take a deep breath, crunch some leaves... and enjoy the change of seasons!