The Solutions Organizing Simple
eNewsletter

Sometimes, in the hectic pace of day to day life we forget a very simple concept: "the only one who can change your life is YOU, so live the life you desire and deserve."  Take a moment to really think about what those words mean to you, are you living your life or is someone or something living your life for you?
 

How to Merge Two Households

Merging two households can be a major challenge, especially if you are a senior with decades of accumulated “stuff”.  Making lists and agreements doesn’t sound very romantic but they actually help keep the romance; instead of arguing over his favorite lamp or her knick knacks, lists and agreements will help you live in peace - maybe even until the “death do you part”.

Have family members choose from the things you would like them to have then schedule a date for just the two of you to start sorting the rest of your possessions.  Ask friends or professionals for help rather than your families as friends or professionals don’t have an emotional attachment to your stuff and the process of sorting and purging is much smoother. Choose the items both of you like and need. Keep in mind the older we get, the less we need. Avoid keeping duplicates; you only need one living room set, one kitchen table and one toaster. Start with big items such as: furniture, big appliances, cars, TV’s, computers, keep the best and donate, sell or recycle the rest.

One of the smartest decisions I personally made is to downsize, sell my belongings and have a great vacation with my family. No one in my family ever mentions my china or crystal but we often talk about our vacation together. When you finish sorting and purging your stuff, don’t forget to celebrate your new beginnings and the freedom from having everything.  Make this chapter of your life exciting and enjoyable. If you like to travel, book a romantic cruise for just the two of you, learn to paint, take computer classes or writing, in another words, do whatever your heart desires. Making a commitment to another person can be the best thing for you, but love and commitment involves dedication, compromising, and patience. Sometimes it’s advisable to see a counselor to iron out potential issues that could jeopardize an otherwise great relationship. If you have been living alone for a few years and have adjusted to living alone, you have to make a conscious decision to share your space, belongings and family.

Here are a few tips that might help you with your new life:

• Set up a joint bank account in addition to your personal accounts; use it to share household expenses.
• Consider selling your individual houses and purchasing a new home together.
• Decide where to vacation, how to celebrate holidays, birthdays etc.
• Decide how often and who to entertain.
• How often and where to see grandkids.
• Which organizations to belong to and what charities to support.

A word of caution; you are never going to be able to please everyone in your circles of families and friends. Be kind and considerate of others but commit and take care of each other, everybody else does.
 

 S.O.S Monthly Maintenance Program for 2011

Would this be the perfect time to start getting control over your home and your life? The clients who signed up for S.O.S Monthly Maintenance Program are amazed at the results they got from just two hours per month hands on organizing with our team and a little bit of homework between the scheduled times. Some of them signed for four hours to speed up the process, either way they benefit from working at their own pace and time. You too can stay on track with your organizing projects; get weekly practical organizing and cleaning tips from Ranka and her team. S.O.S Support Package includes a comprehensive written plan, one lead organizer and one assistant, removal of your small donations, hands on organizing and cleaning. We provide moving and junk removal services at extra cost.

Sign up today and receive the S.O.S Starter Cleaning Kit free & Ranka’s new book S.O.S Guide to Organize and Clean Your Home, value of $30.00

Two hours per month = $180.00 + HST
Four hours per month = $320.00 + HST

Master Card & Visa Accepted

This program has been very popular and to join you have to choose your date and book in advance. To keep your space a deposit is required.

Prepay for six months and receive additional savings. For more information call Ranka at 604.538.3240 or email.

Testimonial I’m always looking forward to my monthly visit with Ranka and her assistant. She continually brings new tips and tricks to get me motivated and to keep me on track. The homework she assigns is well planned and requires my commitment once or twice per week 30 min each time. I choose my own time and the rooms I would like to organize. There is no pressure to finish and the price is right for me. I would recommend this program to anyone who struggles with clutter in their home or office.~Susan, White Rock, BC

For more information on S.O.S services, books, articles, workshops and our own natural, non-toxic cleaning products visit our website.

Recommended Reading
Overcoming Compulsive Hoarding by Fugen Neziroglu
Buried in Treasures by Randy O Frost
Or my book “S.O.S Guide to Organize and Clean Your Home”

Submit Your Tips

If you have a proven, green, organizing or cleaning tip, we’d love to hear from you.  Click here to email us your tip today with your name, city and province.

Your tip may be printed in one of our future newsletters or published in one of our future books with your name, city and province. By submitting your tip you agree to allow us to reprint your tip(s) in our publications. Be sure to read our newsletter to find out if your tip was chosen. Feel free to forward our newsletters to your family and friends.

If you have good quality furniture and accessories to Sell:
Champagne Taste Home Consignment
1101 Royal Avenue
New Westminster
604.524.6068/info@champagnetaste.ca

If you have good quality items to Donate:
Developmental Disability Association 604.273.4332

To learn how to Reduce*Reuse*Recycle
GVRD Information
604.432.6200

Kudos

In my business I meet a lot of people and sometimes someone will stand out as having done that little bit extra and we like to recognize those people here.  This week we are profiling Jazz Mattu of White Rock Wellness Centre & Store.  For almost 20 years they have been assisting people to reach their health goals by helping them feel better, live longer and enjoy life.

"We believe that optimal health is a balanced integration of mind, body and spirit and that human beings have the innate power to heal themselves and to assist in the healing of others. 

Our staff, therapists and practitioners work as a part of a team with our clients so that we can provide education, empowerment, knowledge and support to help each individual towards a balanced path to true wellness.

We are located in the landmark "Whale Wall" building in uptown beautiful White Rock, BC.  As one of Greater Vancouver's largest growing wellness centres we offer a multi disciplinary approach in over 30 natural holistic healthcare services.

At the White Rock Wellness Centre & Store we are dedicated to providing professional, safe, effective and innovative complementary and alternative medicine healthcare.  We are committed to exceeding our customers' and clients' expectations for knowledge, service, excellence and premium quality wellness products.

Visit our website for more information www.whiterockwellness.com then call 604.541.6110 or email to book your appointment today."


Wired Neighbour is an online community hub focused on neighbourhood interaction and providing a marketing field for local businesses. It serves multiple purposes - from playing the role of a local media center by providing news and current information for the community of Cloverdale, to supplying tools for businesses and professionals which help them achieve more visibility and improve contact with potential customers. This website is not just another marketing and branding company because Wired Neighbour helps the neighbourhood grow together and is committed to serving local charities and organizations. Unlike with other medias, Wired Neighbour allows for the community's concerns, breaking news and alerts to be made known almost instantaneously. Wired Neighbour is a reliable one stop for everything for the residents of Cloverdale, allowing the community to stay up-to-date, connected and involved.  Visit wiredneighbour.com today.


Have a wonderful week!

Ranka Burzan
Professional Organizer, Speaker & Author

604.538.3240
info@SolutionsOrganizing.com

www.SolutionsOrganizing.com