How Much is Your Stuff Worth?

Donation valuation resources
http://www.itsdeductible.com - software for evaluating the worth of your donations

Other resources:
http://www.satruck.com/ValueGuide.asp
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/itax/Edit/News/stories/news_20000107a.asp
http://www.sfgoodwill.org/channel2.htm?page=donate&mode=value&level=1
http://www.irs.gov/publications/p526/ar02.html#d0e1984

Computer Recycling Atlanta: Reboot

Reboot.
Contact Gary Blanks, phone number 770-846-2094 and email garyblanks@bellsouth.net. They will pick up the items you will receive a tax donation form. The computers are worked on and redistributed to the handicapped. Any parts that are not used are recycled.

Organizing a Nursery: Top 10 Things Every Nursery Can Use to be Organized

1. A calendar for marking milestones – First laugh, first tooth, etc.
2. A vinyl pocket shoebag to hold ointments and other items at easy reach near the changing table.
3. Garbage can
4. Laundry basket
5. Enough drawer & closet space for clean clothing
6. Small plastic bins. They keep lots of small things organized together and they stack to maximize space.
7. A place to display treasures
8. A place for books
9. Super – sticky post-its for marking what is in every drawer
10. A babysitter information document or notebook including:
a. your address
b. phone number
c. emergency numbers
d. poison control number
e. allergies
f. bedtime and bath procedures
g. meal preferences
h. permission to give medical treatment.

By Allison Carter
The Professional Organizer
Speaker - Organizer - Professional Organizer Training
http://www.theprofessionalorganizer.com

Organizing Teens: Top 10 Things Every Teen Needs to be Organized

1. A good calendar to keep track of events.
2. A label maker. Label every cord, file, and bin so you know what’s it in.
3. Files that sit out on your desk or dresser to hold action items such as To Do, To School, Activities/Schedules, Graded work, etc.
4. CD binders or shelves - for music, games, software, etc.
5. Garbage can
6. Laundry basket
7. Enough drawer & closet space for clean clothing
8. Small plastic bins. They keep lots of small things organized together and they stack to maximize space.
9. A place to display treasures
10. A place for books

Organizing: Top 10 Things Every Office Needs to Get Organized

1. A good wall calendar to keep track of events.
2. A label maker. Label every cord, file, and bin so you know what’s it in.
3. Tickler Files: files that sit out on your table, desk, or counter to hold action items such as To Do, To Pay, To Go, To File, To Enter, etc.
4. A business card notebook, file box, or scanner.
5. Garbage cans
6. A shredder
7. Supply cabinet
8. Off site records storage area. Don’t keep it nearby if you don’t use it monthly.
9. Small plastic bins. They keep lots of small things organized together and they stack to maximize space.
10. CD sharpie’s to label them immediately.

By Allison Carter
The Professional Organizer
Organizer - Speaker - Mentor for Professional Organizers
http://www.TheProfessionalOrganizer.com

Organzing: Top 10 Things Every Family Needs to Get Organized

1. A family Calendar that everyone can see and add to.
2. A label maker
3. Tickler Files: files that sit out on your table, desk, or counter to hold action items such as TO DO, TO PAY, TO GO, TO FILE, PHONE LISTS, COUPONS/GIFT CERTIFICATES, etc.
4. White board or chalk board for leaving messages for one another
5. Laundry baskets in every bedroom and bathroom
6. Garbage cans in every room
7. A shredder
8. A Gift wrap storage center. In drawers, on shelves or hanging. It doesn’t matter. Just keep it all together and easy to maintain.
9. Greeting card & stationary center. It can be a box or a drawer. This will end the problem of buying cards and losing track of them before it’s time to use them.
10. Small plastic bins. They keep lots of small things organized together and they stack to maximize space.

By Allison Carter
The Professional Organizer
Speaker - Organizer - Professional Organizer Training
http://www.theprofessionalorganizer.com

Organizing Songs

A good tune can help the time fly as you organize.
Not everyone thinks organnizing is as fun as I do so I always recommed using colors, music, and company to help the time go by in a more enjoyable way.

Put the FUN in Functional. Pick a song that makes you want to toss, purge, sort and think.
Try
na,na,na,na, hey hey, goodbye (kiss him goodbye)

Who let the Dogs Out - always a pumper

Fun to sing, but I can't find a recording of it:
Cleaning Song from ChaoticHome.com
"Cleanthesinkandscrubthefloorbecausetheylookatrocious"
Sung to Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

Fun to watch:
Watch Rocko's Modern Life "Spring Cleaning" video/song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym8Qwtg5zn8

What's your favorite organizing song????
Post it on our blog or just email us: info@TheProfessionalOrganizer.com

100 Less Things

Who is up for a clutter challenge?
It is officially 100 days until 2007.
If you haven't done all the decluttering you "planned" to do this year, you canstill get started now. It's not too late.
Every day from now through December 31, give away or discard at least one item from your home.
If paper is your issue, toss at least one old paper every day.
Who is with me?

For me, I'm going to attack the toys. They seem to multiply every time I turn around. I think they figured out how to breed. Now will be a great time because we have birthdays and holidays right around the corner in my house.

What are you going to declutter?
Post your responses. Make a list. See what fun it can be to purge, purge purge.

You have 100 days
Ready...
Set...
GO!

Let us know how you're doing!