How to Recycle- Office Technology

UPDATE: Check your local Staples for their recycling policies. My brother tried to take a DELL computer more recently and they were going to charge him. Too bad! :(

My household was beginning to have quite the collection of old computers/monitors and we weren't entirely sure what to do with them.

My brother found out that Staples recycles certain technological items including monitors and computers. He was able to drop our old computers (after removing the RAM) and monitors off at a local store. They recycle DELL products for free and other brands have a $10 fee.

It is so nice to have them out of the house but know that they are being disposed of properly.

Check out staples.com and type "recycling programs" in the search bar for more information on how and what they recycle.

Thank you Staples! You really made that easy!!

Enjoy ridding your house of clutter by recycling!

Storing Spices

Look for this great product: Kamenstein 12 Tin Magnetic Spice Rack

I found it at Costco and was able to recommend it to one of my clients to help her store some of her spices.

These 12 tins magnetically stick to an easel that you can set on top of your counter or attach to the wall.

TIP: My clients refrigerator was right next to her stove- top so I suggested that she just attach the magnetic tins directly to the side of the fridge!

Loose or frequently used spices right at your fingertips!
Don't know how to even start organizing your spices?

Let me help!

spacecadetorganization@gmail.com

Storing School Papers, Projects, and Keepsakes

School is out!...

Now what do you do with all of the important papers, projects, and keepsakes?

Pictures are fun to display for a while, but it's time to make room for next years' masterpieces.

Below are some pictures of the "Life" Box I put together after I graduated from high-school to organize the paperwork from my school years.

It contains pictures from preschool, journals from middle school, and chemistry homework!

TIP: If your child is still in school, you can start them a box now and just add to it each year. As it starts to fill and time goes on, you can sort through the box and keep only the most important and meaningful projects.

I organized mine by school year with different subcategories.

Overwhelmed by all the papers to sort through to make your own box?

Let me help!

spacecadetorganization@gmail.com

Looking through Organizing Idea Book by John Loecke. I recommend it!

He wrote:

"The important thing to remember is that getting organized isn't about changing the way you live, but rather it's about accommodating your lifestyle." [emphasis added]

Let me help you organize the way that you already live!

spacecadetorganization@gmail.com

How are your kitchen cabinets?

Are you scared to open your kitchen cabinets for fear items will come falling out?

BEFORE

How would you like to be able to open your cabinets with peace of mind and even let your children help you put dishes away in an organized fashion?

AFTER :)
Let me help you regain order and peace of mind like I did for this client.

Shelli wrote:

"You did a phenomenal job organizing our kitchen and our life. Especially since the kitchen is the center of the home and somehow where everything happens as well as finds it's way there.

We are eating at home more and you will be so proud of us we are sticking to the plan. Also, I am less likely to hold onto items. You greatly inspired me to get my bathroom sinks and drawers done."

For rates and information on how I can help you organize your "world", send me an e-mail: spacecadetorganization@gmail.com

A place for "Odds and Ends"

Do you ever find some little thing on the floor (maybe a screw or piece from a toy) that looks important but you can't remember what it goes with or don't have time to find the item?

Before you throw it away, place these odds and ends in a container and place the container in a kitchen drawer or other central location. When you do find or remember the item the "odd/end" goes with, you won't have to then search for the little screw that you saw a few days ago, you'll know right where it is!

Every few months, go through your "odds and ends container" and throw away the items that have not been reunited to anything.

This one tip could save you time and regrets!

Do you have an office closet that looks like this?

BEFORE

BEFORE

Do you want your office closet to look like this?

AFTER:)

AFTER :)

Read about my client's experience getting this office closet organized:

"I got a knot in my stomach every time I looked in our office closet. I had tried organizing it several times but with limited success as after a few months it inevitably descended to chaos. However, since our office needed to be functional because my husband works from home, I knew we needed professional help. Ellen came over and walked with me through the whole process. She helped me make sense of everything, get rid of what wasn't needed and put a system in place that worked. Three months later, I can look for something in the dark in that closet and pull it right out. The system works so well that the level of organization has remained even when new items have been added. The best feeling though is that I can walk into our closet with confidence instead of dread. I am deeply grateful to Ellen for her amazing skills, patience and perseverance!" ~Sherrie

I was able to help Sherrie with her office closet in 1 day (preceded by her free one hour consultation ahead of time).

• I used what she already owned to get her organized and just gave her suggestions for items she could buy and utilize for even better organization!

• TIP: (Notice the faint drawing on the top shelf of the "after" picture of the closet.) I suggested to Sherrie to buy a plastic 3 drawer container to hold pencils, pens, and other office supplies instead of using just a box to store such items. This
  uses up the vertical wall space of the closet as well as

  makes storing and reaching for what you need easier.