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Newsletter Archives
December 2011
Fresh Start
November 2011
Organizing for a Flight
October 2011
Closet Organizing
September 2011
Organizing for Retirement
August 2011
Warning Signs of Disorganization
July 2011
Essential Organizing Tools
June 2011
Where Do I Start?
May 2011
Reclaim the Garage
April 2011
In Case of Emergency
March 2011
Organizing for Dementia
February 2011
Organizing for Guests
January 2011
Paper Overwhelm
December 2010
Top Ten Causes of Disorganization Revisited
November 2010
Just in Case…Organizing for Death
October 2010
Kitchen Organizing
September 2010
Photo Organizing
August 2010
It’s the Small Things
July 2010
Procrastination
June 2010
Expert Organizing Tips
May 2010
Tips from my Clients
April 2010
Tips for Setting Up a Garage Sale
March 2010
Unusual Ways to Organize
February 2010
Staging your Home for Sale
January 2010
Favorite Places to Buy Organizing Products
December 2009
Wrapping It Up
November 2009
Prepare the Pantry
October 2009
Costumes & Decorations
September 2009
Enough
August 2009
Help for the Home Office
July 2009
Getting Crafty
June 2009
A Better Bedroom
May 2009
Eco Organizing
April 2009
Getting Ready to Garden
March 2009
The Path To Clutter
February 2009
Easing Into Downsizing
January 2009
Organizing For Renovation
December 2008
Organizing For Next Year
November 2008
More Of My Favorite Organizing Tools
October 2008
Making Life Easier
September 2008
Clearing The Closet
August 2008
How To Let Go Of Stuff
July 2008
Managing Medical Records
June 2008
Road Trip Organizing
May 2008
Collections Instead of Clutter
April 2008
Getting Ready for Tax Time
March 2008
Where to Begin
February 2008
When You Want to Help
January 2008
Top Ten Causes of Disorganization
December 2007
Organize for Air Travel
November 2007
Organize for Small Spaces
October 2007
When Life Happens, Reorganize
September 2007
Bathroom Organizing
August 2007
Paper Organizing
July 2007
Uncluttered Kids' Rooms
June 2007
Top Ten Organizing Tools
May 2007
Grapple The Garage
April 2007
Managing Your Time
March 2007
Spring Organizing
February 2007
Help for Caregivers of Aging Parents
January 2007
National Get Organized Month
December 2006
Year End Organizing
November 2006
Give Thanks for Being Organized
October 2006
Holiday Kitchen Organization
September 2006
In Case of a Weather Emergency - Organize!
August 2006
Back to School Organizing
July 2006
Declare your Independence from Summer Clutter
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ORGANIZING TIPS OF THE MONTH: February 2011
Organizing for Guests
Company is coming. Time to clear out your catch-all room, fluff the pillows, and put out the welcome mat. You will anticipate visitors’ arrival with eagerness rather than dread
- Welcome guests: Clear the entry area. Show visitors you are glad they are here by putting away shoes, bags, and clutter that is near the door. A vase of fresh flowers on a table near the entrance is a nice touch.
- Pretend you are the guest: Offer a place to set a suitcase so it can be accessed comfortably. Clear some hanging space in a nearby closet. Provide hangers.
- Let there be light: Make sure there is adequate lighting. Check the room at night to see if there is a comfortable amount of reading light available.
- Offer a bathroom that pampers: Fresh and clean are the goals here. Put out sets of clean towels and a new bar of soap. In case the guests have forgotten something, set out a new toothbrush, toothpaste, and a small bottle of shampoo. Put away the toys and personal items--make the bath hotel-fresh.
- Plug in a nightlight: It can be disconcerting for guests to try to make their way through an unfamiliar house in the dark. Make a nightlight available for safety’s sake.
- Do the sniff test: Air out rooms that smell stale. Do not put potpourri or scented candles in sleeping areas in case your visitors are sensitive to fragrances.
- Find out food preferences: Show guests they are welcome by offering their favorite breakfast items. Also ask about any allergies or dietary restrictions so you can tailor your menu or restaurant choices.
- Clear a space just for your guest: Even if your guest area only consists of a fold out sofa, make it the guest’s own. Keep the area clear of family personal items and papers while the visitor is in your home.
- Be sensitive to pet peeves: Your pets are like family members, but be sensitive to others’ feelings about pets. Guests may have allergies or be uneasy around animals. Help your pets keep their distance from visitors until all find a comfortable relationship.
- Offer some options for sightseeing: Make the most of your time together. If the visit includes free time, have a list of fun things to do to make planning easier.
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