Get Organized Now! Newsletter by Maria Gracia http://www.getorganizednow.com Issue: May 25-31, 2008 Number of Subscribers: 181,999 ============================================ Hello {!firstname_fix} ============================================ ** You already have the power to transform your life. Discover how to easily release it. ** Imagine being able to... * Hit your ideal weight and stay there forever without feeling miserable * Exercise and LOVE it * Be free of depression no matter how severe or how long you've suffered * Get rid of your panic attacks and stop obsessive behaviors * Quit bad habits for good - and not miss them one little bit * Live every single day with passion and purpose no matter what your age Until now, there has been no way to eliminate the mental patterns that stop you from doing the things you want to do. But now there is, and you deserve to live your dream life. Visit: http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?af=373018 ============================================ Clever Storage Ideas for Small Living Quarters Do you find that you are in need of storage but there just doesn't seem to be any in your small space? No matter how small the space, there are always ways to find more storage. Storage in a small space requires creative thinking that's a little outside of the box, as well as rethinking exactly what we keep and why we keep it. Join us as we discover creative ways to live comfortably in a small space. 1. Declutter: Make sure that every item that you keep in your home meets two criteria--1. You love it, and 2. you use it. When we get our first place, or get married, generous family members and friends gift us with wonderful appliances and goodies to get us started in that first place. Unfortunately, often we get duplicates of appliances and cookware and such that sit in a cupboard or drawer gathering dust and taking up precious space. It's time to pick out those that we actually use, and donate the rest so that they can be used. Many of us also have much more cookware, dishes, cutlery and glassware than we really use. Pare these down and donate. 2. Time to Organize: Once you have pared down your appliances, cookware, cutlery, etc., it's time to start on your dry and canned goods. Make sure that nothing you have has gone past the expiration date. If it has, toss it in the trash. Those that you bought while under the influence of a dazzling store display that you'll never use can be donated to a local food pantry. Many times the original packaging on dry goods takes up far more space than it needs. Switch to re-usable plastic storage containers. These can be stacked more efficiently in cabinets. 3. Rethink Storage: Don't worry about using your cabinets `the right way' to store your kitchen goods. The right way is the way that works best for you. You can set up `centers' to store items that are traditionally used together. For instance, store all of your baking goods; flour, sugar, spices, shortening, etc., together in a `baking center'. Store all of your dishes and glassware together in a place that makes unloading the dishwasher easier. Store your pots and pans in a cabinet next to the stove. That way they are close to where they are used. Using your cabinets for storage in this way makes it so much easier to utilize your kitchen. 4. Creative Counterspace: As much as we would all love to have acres of counter space, the reality is the opposite. We need to maximize the space we have. If you are a coffee drinker, chances are that you have a coffee maker taking up precious counter space. You can install an under-cabinet coffee maker. You'll have your coffee and your counter space too! If you have room, a moveable kitchen island with a butcher block top will add counter space and storage. 5. Think Up: Many times we ignore, or just plain don't see space that can be used for storage. We tend to think in terms of furniture for storage and often don't have the floor space to support that. Our walls are prime real estate for storage! Using graph paper you can sketch out your wall space and plan shelving. You can install shelving and use baskets for storage. The baskets enable you to have a clean and orderly look, while utilizing prime storage space. ----- P.S. Get organized once and for all! You can be Finally Organized, Finally Free. Get 2,175 organizing tips, ideas and techniques to help you organize your home, your time and your life! Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/foffhome.html P.P.S. You can be Finally Organized, Finally Free at the office too! Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/foffoffice.html ----- 6. Think Double Duty: We all know that in small living quarters, space is a precious commodity. Many times we overlook storage possibilities. Do you have a coffee table that is basically four legs and a top? Switching to one that has drawers and a cabinet, or even a bottom shelf for lidded baskets can provide storage space. Ottomans can be used in place of a coffee table. Ottomans provide storage, perform the coffee table function, and also serve as extra seating when entertaining. 7. Mount Up: Are you one of the many who have a flat screen television but you aren't sure where to put it? With just a bit of planning you can use a mounting bracket to hang your television on the wall. You can install shelving around the television to hold components and to store other items. With just a little creativity and planning, you can create a unique and functional focal point in your room and eliminate the need for bulky furniture. 8. Hooked on Hooks: Hooks are very functional for storage and can be used in any room in your space. You can use them in the kitchen either by themselves or in combination with a peg board to hold everything from utensils to cookware. They can be used in the bathroom for hanging towels or robes and pajamas. You can use hooks in the entryway to hang jackets, umbrellas and hats. There are many uses for hooks. 9. Bathroom Storage: In the bathroom where storage space may well be non-existent, use items that aren't necessarily designated for use in the bathroom! One example is a plastic or mesh/canvas hanging shoe organizer. You can hang one of these in the shower to hold shampoos, body wash, shaving supplies and so on. They offer a lot of storage in a minimum amount of space. Use an over-the-commode organizer for storage of towels and bathroom supplies. These take advantage of wasted wall space over the commode, and provide needed storage. 10. No Linen Closet? No problem!: Almost everyone uses a traditional mattress and box spring for sleeping. Under that bed is some great storage space. You can purchase risers to put under the wheels of your frame and add five to six inches of height under the bed. Use under-bed storage containers on wheels to hold linens, towels, and out of season clothing. Bulky comforters can be placed in vacuum bags to reduce the bulk and put in a storage container under the bed also. ============================================ New Stuff and Site Updates Everything below is accessible by visiting: http://www.getorganizednow.com Please note that we update our site on a weekly basis, so the new stuff and site updates below may only be available for one week. ** Get Organized Now! Blog: Department 2 Read my personal comments, stories tips and observations about getting and staying organized in today's hectic world. You don't want to miss it. Newest entries: * 05/17 - Yum! Fresh Herbs! * 05/10 - Happy Mother's Day * 05/08 - Children Don't Hear Fire Alarms * 05/08 - Latest Read: Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas * 04/29 - It's worth it to ask * 04/22 - Buckle Up - It's So Important * 04/22 - TV TurnOff Week * 04/15 - Send Them An E-Vite * 04/13 - Advice on Philadelphia Hotels? * 04/07 - Would You Like Paper or Plastic? http://getorganizednow.typepad.com/get_organized_now_weblog/ ** Featured Article: Department 3 Ninety-nine percent of the people in this world have a junk drawer. So, I'm certainly not going to tell you not to have one. However, I am going to recommend that you organize it a bit so that instead of a junk drawer, it can be called your HELP drawer. Here are just a few simple steps to make this transition. http://www.getorganizednow.com/#article1 ** May Web Poll Our featured multiple choice question is, 'Do you have hobbies or pastimes that you enjoy?' Go to the following link and cast your vote. It only takes a minute, and your opinion can be heard. Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/#webpoll ** May Monthly Checklist: Department 1 Dance happily into the month of May, organized and fancy- free. Today is a great day to start with our NEW May Monthly Checklist. Go to the link below and look for the colorful flowers. http://www.getorganizednow.com/#checklist * * * * * * * * * * * * * * AOL Users Link ============================================ Goodies to help you get organized! Tired of being disorganized? You can be Finally Organized, Finally Free BOTH at home AND at the office. Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/newbook.html JUST RELEASED! My Oh-So-Organized Filing System. You won't believe how organized your papers are going to be. You'll have a filing label for every category you can imagine, ready to peel and stick on your file folders. It's basically an awesome home filing system in a box! Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/filing.html The 2007 holiday season is behind us, but it's the perfect time to start getting organized for holiday season 2008! The earlier, the better. Plus, find out how you can get a copy of Maria's latest e-book, 101 Holiday Tips and Ideas. Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/holidayp.html Are you looking for the perfect organizer that can help you keep track of your schedule, birthdays, to do's, home inventory, groceries, and more? If so, visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/ezorganizer.html Discover how to start, manage and grow your very own professional organizing business. Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/ultimateguide.html Have a business? Thinking of starting one? Visit our Give to Get site and get your complimentary idea-kit. Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/marketingsolution.html Give your aching shoulder a break. TuffBaggs are super tough, but light as feather. Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/tuffbaggs.html Pay your bills on time, and have an organized place to put your statements afterwards? Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/ezbill.html Access details for all of our products by visiting: http://www.getorganizednow.com/orderdet.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * AOL Users Link ============================================ An Organizing Tip From One Of Our Readers I used to have a problem with procrastinating on big projects, until I discovered the power of one-minute. If I have a big report I need to write, or a long book that I want to read, I simply work on my goal for at least one minute everyday. I almost always achieve my one-minute goal, and usually feel so good that I end up working much longer. I also feel more confident and successful because everyday I know that I'm moving closer to finishing my big report or reading my long book. I hope you will take advantage of the power of one minute too! Bryant Tunbutr Chino, CA * * * * * Submit your favorite organizing tip! Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/readertip.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * AOL Users Link ============================================ A Few Words From Our Sponsors . . . ===== ** Finally! An Affordable and Easy to Use Filing System for Your Home ** Are you drowning in the paper flood that pours into your home every day? You know...the endless stream of bills, warranties, receipts, important documents, user manuals, bank statements, letters, promotions, insurance papers, employment and medical information, school papers. Need I go on? How you deal with that paper determines whether you live in an atmosphere of calm and control or clutter and chaos. Along with chaos comes frustration, tension and conflict--all because of the never-ending paper flood. But have no fear. Now you can easily gain total control of your vital paper information -- instantly, easily and happily-- with My Oh-So-Organized Filing System (just released and hot off the press!) Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/filing.html P.S. Find out how you can get a BONUS Tickler file system-- complimentary! ===== ** Now You Can Fill Your Freezer With Delicious Home- Cooked Meals. Save Money - Save Time - Eat Well And Still Lose Weight ** Cook just once a week (or once a month!) and eat what you love. Your family members will enjoy the convenience of homemade 'TV Dinners' in the freezer, and you'll love how yummy and healthy they are. Plus, imagine all the extra time you'll gain when you don't have to cook every single night! Visit: http://getorgnow1.greatdog.hop.clickbank.net/ ===== ** Organize and Protect Your Entire Photo Collection in as Little as 10 Days...Without Losing Your Mind ** Have you got years and years' worth of photos that have never even made it out of the film developers' envelopes? Worse yet, have you got rolls and rolls of film that haven't even been developed? Perhaps you're up to your eyeballs in boxes and stashes of photos that are a jumbled mess? You're not alone . . . and there is help. Visit: http://getorgnow1.photohelp.hop.clickbank.net/ ============================================ An Organizing Tip From One Of Our Readers When I actually have the time to sit down and watch a favorite 30 or 60 minute show on television, I always get up during the commercials. I use this time to do little household cleaning projects, such as switch the laundry from washer to dryer, grab a load of laundry to fold, pass the vacuum, dust the coffee table and load the dishwasher. The average commercial break is two and a half minutes, and it is amazing how much you can accomplish during one show! Stacy Scott Denham Springs, Louisiana * * * * * Submit your favorite organizing tip! Visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/readertip.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * AOL Users Link ============================================ On the Calendar * Monday, May 26th: Memorial Day (US): a federal holiday that commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it was expanded to include those who died in any war or military action. http://en.wikipedia.org/ ============================================ In Closing For every minute spent in organizing, an hour is earned. --Benjamin Franklin And remember . . . there's no better time to get organized, than to Get Organized Now! Warmly, Maria Gracia Get Organized Now! http://www.getorganizednow.com ============================================ (c) Copyright 2008 by Maria Gracia, Get Organized Now! * Copyright, contact and reprint information: http://www.getorganizednow.com/contact.html * You signed up to receive our Idea-Kit and/or our Newsletter at our Get Organized Now! Web site. We never add names unless you have voluntarily opted in. * We never rent, trade or sell our email list to anyone. You'll never get an unsolicited email from a stranger as a result of joining this list. * To subscribe, visit: http://www.getorganizednow.com/free-ezine.html * To unsubscribe, click the link at the bottom of this e-mail. You are subscribed to our list as: {!name} {!email} ============================================