LEAN AND GREEN TIP

Looking for a quick update for lighting fixtures without buying new? If the lights still work, it is amazing the transformation you can make with a can of spray paint.

Instead of replacing the dated shiny brass light on my back porch, I bought a can of exterior spray paint made to adhere to metal. I chose Krylon’s H20 Latex in black – but there are MANY choices – even hammered finishes.

You might be wondering, as I did, if using spray paint at all can be considered a “green” choice. Here’s an article that convinced me that my project met the criteria for being both lean (reusing rather than buying something new) and green (environmentally-friendly).

  Krylon’s H20 Latex™, the first 100 percent acrylic latex spray paint, contributes 55 percent less to smog pollution than most solvent-based spray paints. It can be safely sprayed indoors with ventilation.

The Smart Traveler

With airlines charging fees for checked baggage, it pays to keep what you pack for your trip to a minimum. One way to save space is to keep in mind that most hotels today offer amenities to help lighten your load. Here are a few things you likely won’t have to tuck in your suitcase:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body lotion
• Soap or body wash
• Hairdryer
• Alarm clock
• Pool towels
• Iron and ironing board

Some hotels also offer also offer robes, slippers, shower caps, sewing kits and shoe shine necessities.  Check with your hotel’s website before you leave to see what items they offer for their guests and you’ll likely save space, money – and have room for an extra pair of cute shoes.  : )

MIDWEEK MOTIVATION

You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

A.A. Milne (Christopher Robin to Pooh)

LEAN & GREEN

 

Just because you are getting rid of the clutter in your home, doesn’t mean you have to clutter up the environment. So be sure to stop by on Tuesdays for tips that offer a TRIPLE THREAT.

Save money. Save the environment. And put the clamp on clutter.

LEAN AND GREEN TIP #1

Instead of sending your old plastic ice cube trays to the landfill, recycle them as sorters for jewelry or small craft items.

Ice cube trays are just the right height to slip into a shallow drawer – and much less expensive than the dividers made specifically for this purpose.

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Monday’s Clutter Communiqué

 

Wondering what to do with your old computer equipment?

Recycle here: http://tinyurl.com/cuemss

UPDATE for my Omaha Clutter Buddies: Angels on Wheels, a ministry to the homeless in Omaha, also collects old computers & equipment. Contact them at donate@angelsonwheels.org.

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“RE-SEASON” YOUR CLOSET

How is it that we (women) often find ourselves with a closet full of clothes and NOTHING to wear?

A word advice. Don’t ask your husband or boyfriend this question. Men have trouble understanding a woman’s secret desire to put those little size rings in their closets like they have in department stores. Maybe something like – 8, 10, 12, “none of your business.” It would make it so much simpler to find those clothes we MIGHT fit into one of these days.

As your clutter coach, I have a better idea. First, spend an hour or two today replacing the winter clothes in your closet with spring duds. While you are at it, remove all clothes that…

• don’t fit or are not flattering;
• you don’t like or are uncomfortable;
• are stretched out, shrunken, faded or stained;
• you haven’t worn for a year; and
• need to repaired or dry cleaned.*

If you do this with detachment, you will have a closet full of clothes that you can wear. On the other hand, if your closet is empty – you have an excuse to go shopping.

I so love a happy ending. : )

*Put these items aside to make necessary repairs or drop off at the dry cleaners.

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TRUE CONFESSION FRIDAY

One of the first things we learn as a professional organizer is the importance of making lists. Unfortunately, I am soooo not a ‘list” type of girl. I had convinced myself that making lists takes away the “spontaneity” of life. The zest. The fun.

It’s also not fun to find that you’ve forgotten to buy eggs for the third time at the grocery store. Or toilet paper.

Just as our homes can easily become cluttered, so can our minds. And as we age, there’s much less room for clutter. We have enough trouble remembering our family members cell phone numbers.

So… I’ve made myself become a list person.  And one of my first lists was a magnetized pad on the refrigerator to jot down needed grocery items.

I love this list for many reasons. It’s cute. it’s funny. And it works.

My favorite list, however, is my ‘NOT to-do list.” More about that in an upcoming post.

Do you use lists? If so, what’s your favorite?

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COOL TOOL

 

Great tool to organize your junk drawer – http://tinyurl.com/dd8ndx.

MIDWEEK MOTIVATION

 

 

“Forget past mistakes. Forget failures. Forget about everything except what you’re going to do now – and do it.“

William Durant

CUT DOWN ON PAPER PILE-UP

An interesting statistic from the Consumer Research institute…

Americans throw away 44% of junk mail unopened yet still spend 8 months per lifetime opening bulk mail.

Surely you can find better things do do with those eight months, right?

So — put a trash can and shredder near the door to eliminate junk mail before it comes into the house.

Even better – cut down on how much junk mail you receive by contacting Direct Mail Marketing Association Consumer Choice.

 

Technorati Tags: clutter,paper clutter,junk mail,clutter coach,cyndy salzmann,home organization