It’s official.  Time to start thinking holiday…everything you need to know to reduce clutter and make the holidays more manageable this year!

Getting Organized – The Pre-Holiday Purge

By Carrie Kauffman, Professional Organizer

 

The holidays are right around the corner and we all know what that means…more STUFF…more toys, more books, more crafts and less room in your playroom, family room, bedroom!

Tell me…has this ever happened to you?  You’re feeling great because you are way ahead of the holiday shopping game, buying gifts for your kids, family members throughout the year and you’ve hidden gifts away for safe keeping.

BUT THEN…you forget you have them.

And when you finally discover them…the holidays are over and the kids have outgrown them?  I’ve seen this with clients in the past

I want to share some tips to control clutter and make the holidays easier.  They work, not only for me, but also my clients.

OUTGOING…All The Kid Stuff – Toys, Books & Crafts

My twins were born in May. When they were very young, I started doing a big toy/book/craft purge twice a year – one right before their birthday and the other right before Christmas. I’ve found, with this system in place, it’s easier to stay on top of the kid clutter throughout the year!

REMEMBER – Clutter can be just as overwhelming for kids as it is for adults.

Kids get SO MANY new toys, crafts, books over the holidays from parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.

I find that books and creative materials are something that people do not declutter enough!  Broken crayons in drawers and half complete coloring books…time to toss or donate!

The following tips should be considered for your kids’ toys, books AND crafts.

1.) Keep an eye on what is holding their interest and what’s collecting dust.  Toss or donate items that are no longer used.

2.) Toss or donate items that are a.) no longer age appropriate or b.) are missing pieces, damaged

3.) Are there items you want to keep for nieces, nephews, younger siblings?  Wipe them down and store away until ready to use.

4.) Evaluate your toy/book/craft storage.  Would a new piece for the playroom help tame the remaining items?

 

DONATING…My Go-To Resources and Locations

Pre-holiday is a great time to donate toys, books, crafts.

PRESCHOOLS

Local preschools are frequently in need of gently used toys or books.  Research your local preschools and call in advance.

ONLINE YARD SALES AND COMMUNITY SITES

Free Cycle is great because it’s local and available in most states.  Also, check out Facebook for local community groups and marketplaces.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

In Philadelphia, I love Cradles to Crayons.  This is an organization that donates clothes, books and games to local families in need.  Investigate similar non-profit organizations in your area.

THRIFT SHOPS

Local thrift shops are a great resource and many have a community-based mission. Nana’s Attic in Broomall (Lawrence Park Shopping Center), benefits Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County. Also Junior League of Ardmore will take toys, games, books etc.

 

INCOMING…Holiday Gift Giving

Repeat After Me…I have control over holiday gift giving!

Yes!  You can control it.

When writing their holiday wish lists, kids will ask for the moon and stars – new iPhone, computer, trips…the sky is the limit (and money is no object), in their minds!  When thinking about holiday gift giving AND offering advice to family members on what your child needs/wants, I LOVE these guidelines that have been circulating on social media:

1.) Something they want

This can be one toy that they have been eyeing up at a local toy store or online.  My kids love Pucci Manuli in Ardmore, PA . It is a wonderland for kids and those who are young at heart! Carrie Kohs has curated a unique collection of toys with the highest level of craftsmanship. AND they offer free gift wrapping and personal shopping, which makes ME happy!

2.) Something they need

This can be anything from new toothbrushes to new hair ties or even socks. The items that need to be replaced most frequently.

3.) Something to wear

My daughter loves boots and shoes. So that’s my go-to, for her.  But I always abide by the “one in, one out” rule to minimize clutter. My son loves the Eagles. For him (and my husband) new game day shirts are on my list.

4.) Something to read

Research and support local children’s authors, home to your area. Pick up their latest release. These books are great for your family library. A great resource, in my area, is Ellen Trachtenburg and Narberth Book Shop in Narberth, Pa.  It is one of my favorite locations for new books. I could spend hours getting lost in all the wonderful selections. You’ll find something for everyone and you’ll give back to the local community by shopping local.  If you’re not in the Philadelphia suburbs, seek out your own locally owned book store.

5.) Something to do as a family

Experiential gifts are always a great idea and CLUTTER-FREE.  This fall, our family went to Cherry Crest Adventure Farm and my kids LOVED it. They begged to go back each week so, this year, I will purchase a family pass for us to enjoy year long.

 

The holidays can be stressful.  But reducing clutter can reduce stress!  I hope these tips make your holiday more manageable and joyful!

Happy Holidays!  And Happy Purging!

 

About Carrie Kauffman

Carrie Kauffman is an award winning professional organizer, member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals, Greater Philadelphia Chapter (NAPO-GPC) and owner of Carrie’s Essential Services, LLC. Carrie Kauffman provides organizing services, in homes & offices, on the Main Line and surrounding communities. Carrie’s Essential Services specializes in moving & packing, preparing homes for sale, office setup including filing systems as well as general organizing & de-cluttering.

 

 

 

 

According to the 2016-2017 Pet Ownership Survey, 68% of all U.S. households own a pet.  That’s one more family member to get organized!!  I recently had the pleasure of collaborating with one of my favorite animal lovers…local veterinarian, Dr. Heather DiGiacomo, VMD, owner of Newtown Square Veterinary Hospital.    Check out our blog for everything you need to know about organizing for pets – from bringing home your new furry friend to organizing all of their belongings to how animal shelters can be your new best friend when it comes to decluttering your home!

Let’s talk about our furry family members and friends.  Adding a pet to your family is no small undertaking!  There’s plenty of planning involved and the more organized you are…the better!  I’m teaming up with my favorite local veterinarian, Dr. Heather DiGiacomo, VMD, owner of Newtown Square Veterinary Hospital to give you the best information on getting and staying organized as a pet parent.

Pets have plenty of stuff that can cause clutter in our homes.  Whether you are about to become a pet parent or you’ve had pets for years…being organized is helpful to everyone who cares for your pet.  From food to toys to leashes to medication…let’s tackle the pet clutter!  But first…some helpful planning tips for new pet parents…

Preparing Your Home & Family For Your New Pet

Before any pet comes into your home, it’s equally important to 1.) educate your family on life with a pet and 2.) set your new pet up for success by creating a welcoming home environment. Things to consider:

1.) Your Pet’s Safety & Family Responsibilities

Educate yourself and your family on who will care for your pet and how to keep your pet safe.  This includes:

• Common household items that could be harmful to your pet, including human foods, house plants, and neighborhood fauna!
• Talk as a family about the responsibilities that each family member will have when the dog arrives.
• If you have small children educate them on life with puppies, ie: common behavior, best practices and general safety rules

2.) Your Pet’s Space & Essential Gear

• Make sure that the house is clutter free, especially of small toys and shoes. Puppies like to chew and these items are common targets!
• MUST HAVE PET GEAR:
  • Collar, Leash, Harness
  • Food bowls/dispenser
  • Floor tray to protect floor
  • Chew and other toys
  • Storage bins for food and toys
  • Bed
  • Crate, Tank, etc…
  • Travel carrier

3.) Your Pet’s Health & Daily Care – Professionals You’ll Need

• VETERINARIAN

Investigate local veterinary clinics; see what services they offer.  Do a site       visit.  Get personal recommendations from friends, family members, community experts; check them against online reviews.

What to Look For:

• Physician credentials, training
• Practice mission & patient approach
• Office Cleanliness
• Staff Friendliness
• Is it a Fear Free Clinic?
• Is it a Cat Friendly Clinic?
• PET BOARDING/GROOMING/SITTING/TRAINING

Pets can require a whole team of professionals to keep them healthy, fit,         entertained, stimulated,   well-trained and well-groomed.  Similar to             finding a vet for your pet, you want to do your research when selecting a         pet professional for boarding, grooming, training and pet sitting/daycare.  You must plan a site visit to the facility that will be caring for your vet.     Reputable facilities will offer site tours, no questions asked.  Get personal        recommendations from friends, family members, community experts;   check them against online reviews.

What To Look For:

• Board certifications and credentials
• Is the facility insured and bonded?
• Facility Safety
• Facility Cleanliness
• Staff Friendliness
• PET INSURANCE

We are very strong advocates for pet insurance at Newtown Square     Veterinary Hospital! Many people dramatically underestimate the costs   associated with veterinary care. We find that our patients who are insured     really do get the best care; the client is able to do what’s best for the pet,            without taking economics into the equation. The ideal scenario is to enroll your pet when they are young and healthy, before any pre-existing

conditions are diagnosed. Not all pet insurance companies are created             equal, and not all offer the same types of coverage. Ask your veterinarian             which plans they think are best!

Preparing yourself and your home will make this new chapter in your life an easy transition.

Getting Organized…For Pet Owners

Food Organization 

• Pet foods, particularly kibble, should be stored in airtight, sealed Tupperware containers.
  • These containers should be emptied and regularly washed thoroughly with hot water and dish soap. This can help prevent grain storage mites, which are a common allergen for many pets. It can also help keep mold at bay.
• Veterinary prescription diets should be kept in their original packaging, as these food bags are carefully engineered to keep the active ingredients fresh, and preserve the integrity of the food.
• Food should be stored in a climate controlled area such as a pantry.
• When storing pet food, the same principles apply as to storing human food! Avoid rooms/areas that are damp, hot, humid or likely to have pests such as mice or ants. Basements and garages are not ideal locations for pet food storage.

Pet Medication Organization

• Pet medications should be stored in a cool, dry place free of direct light and humidity.
• Many medications are light sensitive and should be kept in their original packaging to prevent them from being inactivated by light.
• Pet medications should be stored separately from human medications to avoid any mix-ups!
  • A clearly marked bin or drawer for your pet’s medication is key especially if you have multiple pets taking medicine. This can be as simple as a shoe box for each pet or a drawer divider for each animal.
• Check medications regularly and dispose of any expired medications, as these may be ineffective for your pet.
• Expired medications should be emptied from their containers, and can be ground up and mixed with unpalatable substances such as used kitty litter or coffee grounds. These can then be disposed of in regular household trash. Alternatively, many townships and police stations offer prescription drug “take back” days. A link to these events can be found on the FDA website.

Getting Organized…Where To Donate

Animal Shelters

You may be aware that animal shelters rely on donations from their local community to operate and to provide care to the animals in their care. But did you know that animal shelters are great places to also donate your unwanted household items as well?

Here’s a list of pet items as well as common household items that they can always use:

1) Linens, Towels and Blankets

Your retired linens, towels and blankets gain new life.  At the animal shelter, they are used for bathing, comfort items in crates.

2.) Old detergent and bleach

Animal shelter staff and volunteers need detergent and bleach to keep linens clean for the animals.

3.) Cat food and dog food

If your furry friend no longer eats a certain brand or you have left over food, animal shelters will be happy take it.  This includes open bags of pet food including treats. Common everyday foods, such as peanut butter, canned tuna or canned chicken is a special treat for animals.

4.) Unused pet carriers or dog crates and other gear

Maybe your pet has outgrown it or no longer uses it, the animal shelter will always have a pet that needs a new place to sleep or other common pet items. They are happy to take:

• Food bowls
• Leashes and collars
• Cat litter
• Newspapers
• Trash bags
• Dish sponges
• Dog waste bags
• Tennis balls
• Chew toys

5.) Unused Pet Medication

Medications that are not expired but that your pet no longer needs should be donated back to your veterinarian or to a local animal shelter. Many veterinary hospitals keep donated medications to give to clients in need.

Adding a pet to your family is one of the best decisions that you can make…as long as you are prepared for all that pet ownership entails!  While this certainly doesn’t cover EVERYTHING you need to know about getting and staying organized as a pet parent, this is good start! Don’t forget!  If you are every struggling with a home organizing project, pet or otherwise, please join our Facebook community, Getting Organized On The Main Line for advice, support and great ideas!

 

About Carrie Kauffman

Carrie Kauffman is an award winning professional organizer, member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals, Greater Philadelphia Chapter (NAPO-GPC) and owner of Carrie’s Essential Services, LLC. Carrie Kauffman provides organizing services, in homes & offices, on the Main Line and surrounding communities. Carrie’s Essential Services specializes in moving & packing, preparing homes for sale, office setup including filing systems as well as general organizing & de-cluttering.

 

About Dr. Heather DiGiacomo

Dr. DiGiacomo has over a decade of experience in small animal medicine and surgery. Having worked at several of the most prestigious practices on the Main Line, Dr. D has extensive experience in veterinary gastroenterology, dermatology, radiology, internal medicine, pediatric medicine, soft tissue surgery and palliative care (among many other subspecialities). Dr. DiGiacomo is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IAVPM).

 

Newtown Square Veterinary Hospital is a progressive, privately owned, boutique-style, full service veterinary hospital created by Dr. Heather DiGiacomo, VMD, a lifelong resident of the Main Line and an experienced small animal veterinarian.  As many veterinary hospitals are sold to corporations, and appointments become rushed and impersonal, Dr. DiGiacomo has designed an innovative veterinary model where client and patient relationships are cultivated and nurtured.