<![CDATA['Leen On Me Organizing, LLC - Blog]]>Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:48:37 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Top-Notch Tips for Downsizing Seniors]]>Tue, 16 Jun 2020 20:15:43 GMThttp://www.leenonmeorganizing.com/blog/top-notch-tips-for-downsizing-seniors-by-andrea-needhamPicture


by Andrea Needham


​Real estate is quite expensive, and navigating the market can be complicated.
Seniors hoping to downsize should be well-informed on strategies for choosing
a good real estate agent, finding reliable movers, and thoroughly 
decluttering their homes.  With the right information, downsizing can be
​a rewarding process, and these resources will guide you to a new home
​that fits your lifestyle. ​
Choosing the Right Local Property and Relocating

5 Senior Housing Options — Make the Right Choice
Features of Disability Accessible Apartments
How Much Does a Senior Home Cost?
When Is It Time to Downsize Your Home? Maybe Earlier Than You Think
A Home Decluttering Checklist

Tips for Selling Your Home

Selling Your Home? How to Find the Best Listing Agent
How to Effectively Market Your House
How to Stage a Home on a Budget
12 Upkeep Ideas to Add Curb Appeal
Everything to Know About Selling a Home During Coronavirus

The Nuts and Bolts of Downsizing
6 Benefits of Using a Senior Move Manager
How Much Does It Cost to Move? ($1,158 on Average)
Packing Supplies and Materials You’ll Need to Pack and Move Your House
How to Organize Your Moving Truck Efficiently
​
Regardless of where you live, you may face unique challenges while downsizing. That’s why being prepared in advance is the key to finding the right place to live. With these valuable tips, you’ll be able to make practical choices and land your ideal home!

]]><![CDATA[The Organized Traveler]]>Wed, 11 Apr 2018 00:20:35 GMThttp://www.leenonmeorganizing.com/blog/the-organized-travelerIt's no fun to feel out of control on your leisure or business trip.  Take a few steps before you travel to get organized and ready for just about anything!

1. Create a checklist - It doesn't have to be fancy. You can even use an app on your phone.  The important thing is to list what you need to bring and what you need to do before you leave. We have all seen Home Alone!  You may not leave a child at home but you just may forget to make those kennel plans for Fido in time.  
If you are traveling internationally start your list a good 8 weeks out.  You want to be sure everyone's passports are in order.  
Two days out I start to corral items from my daily routine so I don't forget the essentials that we take for granted.

2. Check the weather - When you are flying or taking a road trip, it is alway good to know what type of weather you're headed to.  Do you need a poncho or parka?  Be prepared! If it's not looking good, you may want to change some plans in advance so you can make the best of your vacation.  A museum may be a better option then the outdoor hike.

3. Pack light - We always want to take more than we need.  Don't get caught paying high airport fees due to overpacking.  Try the capsule wardrobe system to cut down on clothing items.  You can always buy when you arrive if you absolutely must.  
​Check out packing systems made of lightweight material too.
 
4. Arrive on time - Be sure to double check flight and check-in times.  I would rather sit for a few extra minutes and have time to relax and read a bit, than miss my flight.  Enough said!

​5. Know your surroundings - I always like to check out the area I will be visiting ahead of time. (And points of interest along the way.) You don't want to miss something you might really enjoy.  Who knows when you may pass by 
The Big Muskie Bucket again!    It's also good to know the area for safety too!

Check out some of my GO TO items for travel from The Container Store!
]]><![CDATA[Let's GO! {GetOrganized}]]>Thu, 11 Jan 2018 13:20:33 GMThttp://www.leenonmeorganizing.com/blog/lets-go-getorganizedJanuary is a month of resolutions.  Always in the top 3 are weight loss, exercise and organization! 
]]><![CDATA[I can't Contain myself!]]>Tue, 11 Jul 2017 16:06:15 GMThttp://www.leenonmeorganizing.com/blog/i-cant-contain-myselfPicture


It's official!    
The Container Store Cleveland has been open for a month now and Greater Cleveland peeps can't contain themselves!!

So proud to be one of two professional organizers chosen as an Independent Representative for their Contained Home program.  It has been fabulous learning from experts in the organizing products industry.  It seems like every time I enter the store I find a new organizing solution!

What does this mean for you?  
My brain is being filled with a gazillion new ideas and solutions to use when we work together!  I can't wait to share everything with you.   You might even say, 'I can't contain myself'!!!
]]><![CDATA[Does your New Year involve some resolutions?]]>Thu, 05 Jan 2017 23:09:13 GMThttp://www.leenonmeorganizing.com/blog/does-your-new-year-involve-some-resolutionsIf getting organized tops your list, you picked a good time, January is GO Month (Get Organized)!
Know where you want to begin and break it down into small, manageable chunks. You don't want to lose steam before you even start!  For example, lets say you start with the bedroom. That might be too big a canvas for you, so you want to be more specific.  Start with a dresser or closet and if that still seems overwhelming, start with a single drawer or just the floor of the closet.  
Here are a few tips to get you started with your organizing project.
  • Schedule your project
  • Enlist the help of a friend or professional
  • Start small and make your project manageable
  • Pick an area that will give you the biggest impact
  • Play upbeat music and make it fun
  • Make a recycle/give away pile & remove ASAP
  • Make a home for everything & store it where you use it
  • Create a daily/weekly/monthly organizing routine
Don't look at getting organized as a chore but as a gift you give yourself!

Check this video out!]]><![CDATA[Hail! Hail! The gangs all here!]]>Sat, 03 Dec 2016 00:21:39 GMThttp://www.leenonmeorganizing.com/blog/hail-hail-the-gangs-all-herePicture


It has been six years since my whole family has been
home for the holidays!  For this household, 'holidays' means Christmas, New Years and three Birthday celebrations!   With an active duty Marine in the family we take what time we can get and enjoy the heck out of it! 

Oh the excitement! (or is that stress I am feeling?)
But I am an organizer so I have a plan.  Several actually!


  • I will not over plan events.  More may actually turn into less if everyone gets cranky so I will be content with anything we do together.

  • When entertaining, I will accept help from anyone who offers and not feel like I need to do it all myself! 
​
  • I will not fuss over the tree that my daughter will pick.  Although I may still have to rearrange the ornaments when she leaves the room.  It is actually very therapeutic for me!
 
  • I will take a million pictures so I can remember every moment.  In January I will delete all the bad ones and organize the rest.
 
  • My Christmas cards may actually end up being New Years cards and that’s OK!

I could go on and on, but you get the picture. 
​Plan what you can so you can plan to have fun.  
But most important, enjoy the time you have with the people you love!
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]]><![CDATA[Simplify the Season]]>Fri, 28 Oct 2016 00:21:52 GMThttp://www.leenonmeorganizing.com/blog/simplify-the-season

Halloween is just a few days away and before you know it we will be ringing in the New Year!   

This year have a plan to not only survive the holidays but actually enjoy them.   

Take a listen to my recent conversation with Natalie on Fox 8's New Day Cleveland.  We discuss 3 simple ideas to keep you organized this holiday season.

Watch it Now!
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]]><![CDATA['Back to School' With Ease]]>Tue, 06 Sep 2016 00:34:06 GMThttp://www.leenonmeorganizing.com/blog/back-to-school-with-easePicture
If you're struggling with your back to school routine check out this short video from my recent visit to
New Day Cleveland on Fox 8.

Back to School With Ease
​
  • Establish a morning and after school routine that keeps everyone organized and on time.
  • Set up a homework station with everything the kids need.
  • Encourage the kids to go through their backpacks everyday and remove papers needing attention.
  • Purge old home work papers and artwork on a regular basis.  Only keep what you absolutely love!
                                   Enjoy your children!!!
]]><![CDATA[BOO!]]>Wed, 29 Oct 2014 14:08:34 GMThttp://www.leenonmeorganizing.com/blog/booPicture
Everyone loves a little Halloween scare! Right? 

Not so much.  My pooches big and small are not fans of the frightful night.  Dogs can get anxious with the sounds of the night and disguises people are wearing.   It is best to keep your pets confined on the spooktacular night.  Chocolate can be lethal to your dog so do be mindful with your trick or treat bag around Old Yeller!

If you are fortunate to have that great neighborhood for trick or treating , here are some things to remind your Tweens & Teens as they head out. 
* Carry a flash light.
* Travel in packs or the buddy system is always a great idea.
* Choose streets with sidewalks and stay away from busy roads.
* Masks hinder your sight so opt for face makeup and where light colors if possible.
Having parties has become a great alternative to traditional trick or treating.  Kids can still enjoy candy, crafts, games and fun in the safety of a supervised area.  Check out Pinterest for great party ideas.  

When all is said and done be sure to launder the kids costumes before packing away.  You may not see it but they are sure to have food on them that will only stain with time.  After 20 years my children still pull from our 'dress up' container that holds a mix of hand made and store bought costumes and accessories.  

Happy Haunting!
]]><![CDATA[Does the change of season mean a change in your closet?]]>Tue, 23 Sep 2014 23:13:53 GMThttp://www.leenonmeorganizing.com/blog/does-the-change-of-season-mean-a-change-in-your-closetPicture
It should! No matter the size of your closet, Autumn is a good time to make a change.
In with the new season and out with the old. As you peruse your closet for this seasons clothes keep these questions in mind. Use your answers as a guide to letting go of clutter in your closet.
  • Do I still feel fabulous in this outfit?
  • Is this style still current and does it flatter my figure?
  • Did I wear it two or more times last year?
  • Does it look worn or stained?
  • Do I have a similar piece?
If you don't have to remove and store your summer clothes and shoes be sure you at least give them a once over for any cleaning needs. (And for general freshness in your closet!) You don't want stains to have time to set in over the winter. Bring your fall/winter clothes to the front for easy access too.

Here are a few things to remember if you need to store last seasons clothes to make room for your fall/winter wardrobe. 
  • Stains and body oils on your clothes will attract moths. You can avoid this problem by laundering or dry-cleaning your clothes before storing.
  • Never leave your clothes in the plastic dry cleaning bag that can trap moisture and do damage. Use an old sheet or cotton garment bag for avoiding dust.
  • I opt for folding rather than hanging items for long periods of time.  If you do hang, avoid thin metal hangers. Heavier items should be hung on wood coat hangers or even heavier plastic hangers.
  • Use cedar products to keep moths at bay as a less toxic alternative to moth balls. Both should be used in sealed containers and not rest directly on clothing.
"The space you have is the space you have!"   You must be the judge of what you keep or let go based on how best you can utilize your own closet space. 



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