Hi Everyone!
We previously discussed the clutter in your kitchen during “Get Organized Month” in January. We talked about the cabinets and drawers and how to get them organized. Now let’s walk over to your pantry and open the door – watch out! You might get hit by a falling box of “what on earth is in that box anyway?”
Starting at the top shelf, remove all the items and put them on your kitchen counter. You may need to use a step-ladder for this. If so, get someone to take the items from you and place them on the counter. Probably the items you have stored up there are things you only use occasionally. Check these items over to be sure that you want them all. If you have small items, along with larger items on that shelf, find a box, crate, or bin to put the small items into and label the box with the contents. It would be better if the holding item is clear so that you can see what is inside. Now return these to the top shelf. Again, ask someone for help with this if you are on a step-ladder. If you have found items on that shelf that you would like to use more, remove it so you can place it on a shelf that makes it easier for you to get it. You can now stop for the day, or continue on to the next shelf.
The items on the next shelf down can be corralled so those like items are all together. Let’s say it’s the shelf you put all the cereal boxes on, plus other items like flour, sugar, etc. Do you absolutely want all those items on that shelf? If yes, group them so that they are clearly visible, i.e. keep the cereal boxes to the left and the baking items to the right. If you have other items on this shelf that have nothing to do with cereal or baking, remove them and put them on your counter. Continue to the next shelf.
On this shelf you have lots of canned goods. The problem is, you haven’t a clue what you actually have. The easiest way to handle this is to take them all out, put them on your counter (if you have room, otherwise you’ll have to use the floor – oh no!), and start sorting. Put all your soup cans together, all the vegetables together, put the tomato products together, and so on. Put them back on the shelf as a group so you can see exactly what you have.
Let me give you some words of caution about the canned goods. Check the top of the cans for their expiration dates. This is very important with the tomato products. In helping people clear out their pantries, we have found canned goods that were five years old. A few months past their expiration dates is really not a big deal, but when you are talking years, it is. Even though the cans have improved and are now lined for your safety, the product can create gases and force the cans to explode. Or worse, become tainted and will make you ill. If the tops or bottoms of the cans are bulging, open them immediately (carefully), and throw out the contents. Always put new canned items behind the ones you already have. Never buy multiple quantities of canned goods unless you have a family to feed. In the beginning years of my working life, I worked for Libby Foods, and for Dial Amour Foods. It was through these companies that made me be aware of the shelf life of cans and other food products.
The next shelf might hold bottles of olive oil, vinegars, sauces, etc. It is best to keep the bottled items on a lower shelf in case someone bumps the shelves, or there is an earthquake or other disaster. In fact, putting all the bottles into a bin will be safer and also easier for you to group items. The expiration dates on these items are not as critical as they were for the canned items. But, I would still pay attention to them. You really do not want to use rancid olive oil for cooking or baking! It might be best to put opened bottles of oils in the refrigerator.
Other items that you might have in your pantry would be crackers, coffee, plastic containers for leftovers, and snacks. Coffee and tea items could go into another cupboard in the kitchen if you are using these items fairly often. Boxed items, like crackers, can be put on the shelf with the cereal, if you have room, otherwise try a shelf in the kitchen. The other items can go where you want to be able to reach them easily. Even the plastic containers can go into the kitchen, provided there is room.
The overall idea to making your pantry less cluttered and easily accessible is to group all like items together so that you can clearly see what you have, and what you need.
Questions? You know where to find me!
‘Til next time . . . Coach Sheila of clutter STOP® Sheila@clutterstop.com, www.clutterstop.com, 520-822-4036
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Hoarding Issue and Grief
At a meeting of my professional group last week, we had a speaker who is a therapist dealing with grief. In the course of his dealings, he discovered that many cases of grief lead to hoarding. Since hoarding has become a topic for many TV and radio shows, I decided to offer you what I learned from this therapist, and in my own dealings with clients who hoard.
In the words of the therapist, grief makes you “crazy.” And, he said that grief is the “tax you pay for loving someone.” So, I guess, it stands to reason that the longer you have loved someone, the more “tax” you have to pay. I never quite thought of it like that, but it does make sense on a purely non-emotional basis. Having gone through several bouts of grief, I totally get the “crazy” part because that is exactly how I felt. It was as though someone had drugged me and I was constantly fighting to find a way out of it.
Grief also brings with it, “diminished capacity,” and that is where hoarding comes in. Since you have this diminished capacity while you navigate the waters of grieving, the things that you usually do are not done – cooking, cleaning, paying bills, keeping appointments, making appointments, and keeping up with your work at home or the office. There is a fog that surrounds you as you try to make sense of the normal everyday comings and goings of people around you. Do they not understand that someone just died?
The things we need in order to clear clutter and keep it at bay are no longer at our disposal. Focusing, concentrating and remembering are things of the past and not available to us in our current state of grief. The therapist stated that even asking for help is an “advanced process,” a process we aren’t quite ready for.
The therapist suggested that we create a “new normal.” That means that we might have to wait a year before we are ready to truly tackle all that has accumulated around us. For people prone to hoarding, this waiting makes the issue more difficult. How do you get rid of belongings when you don’t understand the value of the item; or you have a deep sentimental tie to it; or you are just plain afraid to let go of something. Sometimes donating items of the deceased is like getting rid of all memories of the person, (or relationship), who died.
On the other hand, getting rid of items immediately may be a way for someone to not face what actually has happened. If you don’t see their jacket, or their shoes, or their prized dining room table, then the death really didn’t happen. I experienced this within my own family. My sister had passed away after a very brief but ugly illness. Her son wanted everything gone – right now – because he didn’t want to look at it. At the time I didn’t understand what he was doing. I only knew that I was being pressured to rid her home of all belongings through any means possible. The problem was that I was walking through this fog at the same time! There were unpaid bills to deal with, Social Security to deal with, insurance companies to deal with, estate sales people to talk to, etc. It was extremely hard.
So when I work with hoarders now, I know that a trauma of some kind has become their constant companion. It could have been the death of a loved one, the end of a long-time relationship, or the putting up of barriers (literally) because they have been physically or emotionally (or both) scarred. When you see this condition in a friend, a neighbor, or a relative, tread lightly. You never know what is behind all of it. I only know it is NOT because they are lazy and don’t care about their surroundings. It is not easy to help them out of the situation, and a good therapist with a background in helping hoarders can make a big difference.
This is an emotional topic for many people. But the person who is hoarding is the one who is hurting the most. They need therapy and possibly medication to see them through. And, lots and lots of patience.
“Til next time . . . Coach Sheila of clutter STOP® Sheila@clutterstop.com, www.clutterstop.com.
In the words of the therapist, grief makes you “crazy.” And, he said that grief is the “tax you pay for loving someone.” So, I guess, it stands to reason that the longer you have loved someone, the more “tax” you have to pay. I never quite thought of it like that, but it does make sense on a purely non-emotional basis. Having gone through several bouts of grief, I totally get the “crazy” part because that is exactly how I felt. It was as though someone had drugged me and I was constantly fighting to find a way out of it.
Grief also brings with it, “diminished capacity,” and that is where hoarding comes in. Since you have this diminished capacity while you navigate the waters of grieving, the things that you usually do are not done – cooking, cleaning, paying bills, keeping appointments, making appointments, and keeping up with your work at home or the office. There is a fog that surrounds you as you try to make sense of the normal everyday comings and goings of people around you. Do they not understand that someone just died?
The things we need in order to clear clutter and keep it at bay are no longer at our disposal. Focusing, concentrating and remembering are things of the past and not available to us in our current state of grief. The therapist stated that even asking for help is an “advanced process,” a process we aren’t quite ready for.
The therapist suggested that we create a “new normal.” That means that we might have to wait a year before we are ready to truly tackle all that has accumulated around us. For people prone to hoarding, this waiting makes the issue more difficult. How do you get rid of belongings when you don’t understand the value of the item; or you have a deep sentimental tie to it; or you are just plain afraid to let go of something. Sometimes donating items of the deceased is like getting rid of all memories of the person, (or relationship), who died.
On the other hand, getting rid of items immediately may be a way for someone to not face what actually has happened. If you don’t see their jacket, or their shoes, or their prized dining room table, then the death really didn’t happen. I experienced this within my own family. My sister had passed away after a very brief but ugly illness. Her son wanted everything gone – right now – because he didn’t want to look at it. At the time I didn’t understand what he was doing. I only knew that I was being pressured to rid her home of all belongings through any means possible. The problem was that I was walking through this fog at the same time! There were unpaid bills to deal with, Social Security to deal with, insurance companies to deal with, estate sales people to talk to, etc. It was extremely hard.
So when I work with hoarders now, I know that a trauma of some kind has become their constant companion. It could have been the death of a loved one, the end of a long-time relationship, or the putting up of barriers (literally) because they have been physically or emotionally (or both) scarred. When you see this condition in a friend, a neighbor, or a relative, tread lightly. You never know what is behind all of it. I only know it is NOT because they are lazy and don’t care about their surroundings. It is not easy to help them out of the situation, and a good therapist with a background in helping hoarders can make a big difference.
This is an emotional topic for many people. But the person who is hoarding is the one who is hurting the most. They need therapy and possibly medication to see them through. And, lots and lots of patience.
“Til next time . . . Coach Sheila of clutter STOP® Sheila@clutterstop.com, www.clutterstop.com.
Monday, March 7, 2011
The Garage Clutter
Hi Everyone!
Have you had it with your garage? Has it become just a storage room for everything you and your family no longer want? Or, maybe a storage room for a dead relative's furniture that you just can't part with? Are you storing the children's toys in there, but they are now 30 years old?
Did I step on any toes? Did sweat pop out on your forehead? Did you inwardly groan? Take heart, all is not lost. We all have a tendency to put things in the garage that we aren't using at the moment. The problem comes when that "moment of use" never happens. And then one pile leads to another, and then another, and . . .
Yikes! Let's stop all of this. It's not a pretty job, but as the saying goes, "Someone has to do it!" Roll up your sleeves, put on some work gloves and let's get to work.
1. If you do not have shelving units in the garage, buy some at Home Depot or Lowes. They carry plastic resin shelving units (brand name is Workforce) that hold about 250 lbs. per shelf, are 36" wide, 24" deep, and 72" tall. They have a smaller size that is 12" deep, but these will not accommodate large plastic bins, which are ideal for shelving units.
2. Buy clear plastic bins with tight fitting lids. How many will depend on how much you want to store, and you can always return those not used.
3. If you cannot see anything in the garage because of the clutter, pull it all out onto the driveway.
4. Put up the shelving units if none are in the garage, or if you want to supplement shelves you already have.
5. Grab a bin and fill it with all like items that are now in your driveway. (Not talking about furniture, bikes, lawnmowers, etc.) Be sure that you TOSS or GIVE AWAY items you no longer need. If the kids are 30+ there is no need to keep their toys! If you just can't part with them, give the toys to the kids and let them decide what to do.
6. If you fill up one bin and still have things you want to store, grab another. Mark what is inside the bins by using an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper on which you write in a black marker what is inside. Put the piece of paper on the INSIDE of the bin - that way you won't have a label falling off. I prefer that a piece of paper is put on all 4 sides of the bin, including the bottom. That way you never have to guess and you never have to tug at a bin in order to turn it around to see the label.
7. Furniture from dead relatives is a real problem, and a common one. If you cannot use the furniture in your own home, and your children do not want it, please think about the people who can use the furniture and have no money to buy any. Mothers with children who are coming out of half-way homes and going into their own apartments for the first time are one group that definitely needs furniture. People whose homes have been burned to the ground can use the furniture. Think about it - there are many, many people who would bless you for your donation. If the furniture is antique, call an antique dealer and see what it's worth. Let them take it on consignment. Or, if you have quite a bit, find out about having an "estate sale."
8. Items that typically live in a garage are:
- Holiday Decorations (use a bin for each holiday and put on shelves)
- Car Supplies (put these in an open container for easy access - on a shelf)
- Tools (put in a tool bin)
- Nut, bolts, screws, etc. (store in drawer containers, or in glass jars with the lids
nailed to the shelf)
- Lawn care equipment (put rakes, hoes, weedwacker, etc., in tall garbage can to contain
them)
- Lawn mower (near the door)
- Bikes (put on hooks on walls or ceiling)
- AND THE CARS!!!
Hope you are able to get your garage in order before the hot weather hits. If you need physical help with this, just call me at 520-822-4036.
'Til next time . . . Coach Sheila of clutter STOP
Have you had it with your garage? Has it become just a storage room for everything you and your family no longer want? Or, maybe a storage room for a dead relative's furniture that you just can't part with? Are you storing the children's toys in there, but they are now 30 years old?
Did I step on any toes? Did sweat pop out on your forehead? Did you inwardly groan? Take heart, all is not lost. We all have a tendency to put things in the garage that we aren't using at the moment. The problem comes when that "moment of use" never happens. And then one pile leads to another, and then another, and . . .
Yikes! Let's stop all of this. It's not a pretty job, but as the saying goes, "Someone has to do it!" Roll up your sleeves, put on some work gloves and let's get to work.
1. If you do not have shelving units in the garage, buy some at Home Depot or Lowes. They carry plastic resin shelving units (brand name is Workforce) that hold about 250 lbs. per shelf, are 36" wide, 24" deep, and 72" tall. They have a smaller size that is 12" deep, but these will not accommodate large plastic bins, which are ideal for shelving units.
2. Buy clear plastic bins with tight fitting lids. How many will depend on how much you want to store, and you can always return those not used.
3. If you cannot see anything in the garage because of the clutter, pull it all out onto the driveway.
4. Put up the shelving units if none are in the garage, or if you want to supplement shelves you already have.
5. Grab a bin and fill it with all like items that are now in your driveway. (Not talking about furniture, bikes, lawnmowers, etc.) Be sure that you TOSS or GIVE AWAY items you no longer need. If the kids are 30+ there is no need to keep their toys! If you just can't part with them, give the toys to the kids and let them decide what to do.
6. If you fill up one bin and still have things you want to store, grab another. Mark what is inside the bins by using an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper on which you write in a black marker what is inside. Put the piece of paper on the INSIDE of the bin - that way you won't have a label falling off. I prefer that a piece of paper is put on all 4 sides of the bin, including the bottom. That way you never have to guess and you never have to tug at a bin in order to turn it around to see the label.
7. Furniture from dead relatives is a real problem, and a common one. If you cannot use the furniture in your own home, and your children do not want it, please think about the people who can use the furniture and have no money to buy any. Mothers with children who are coming out of half-way homes and going into their own apartments for the first time are one group that definitely needs furniture. People whose homes have been burned to the ground can use the furniture. Think about it - there are many, many people who would bless you for your donation. If the furniture is antique, call an antique dealer and see what it's worth. Let them take it on consignment. Or, if you have quite a bit, find out about having an "estate sale."
8. Items that typically live in a garage are:
- Holiday Decorations (use a bin for each holiday and put on shelves)
- Car Supplies (put these in an open container for easy access - on a shelf)
- Tools (put in a tool bin)
- Nut, bolts, screws, etc. (store in drawer containers, or in glass jars with the lids
nailed to the shelf)
- Lawn care equipment (put rakes, hoes, weedwacker, etc., in tall garbage can to contain
them)
- Lawn mower (near the door)
- Bikes (put on hooks on walls or ceiling)
- AND THE CARS!!!
Hope you are able to get your garage in order before the hot weather hits. If you need physical help with this, just call me at 520-822-4036.
'Til next time . . . Coach Sheila of clutter STOP
Monday, February 28, 2011
Spring Into Spring-Organizing
Winter is almost gone, so now is the time to start streamlining, and enjoying, your environment. Lightening your rooms of clutter will help to remove the dreary days of winter by providing you with open and airy spaces.
> Take a good look around. What is sitting on shelves, hiding in cupboards and languishing in garages or storage facilities? How many people do you know that would truly treasure any of these items if you gave them away as gifts? How happy will a grandchild be when you "gift" him with one of your long favored treasures for their birthday, or Christmas? Gifting this way for Seniors is a blessing, for both the giver and the receiver. Seniors have lived with these treasures for many years and it hurts to just give them away to a stranger. Beautifully wrapping it and giving it to a loved one who will also cherish it is much more satisfying. This is especially true for jewelry or the small train sets that people love to play with.
>Do you really need all the overstuffed furniture that you have - or even the furniture that others have given you because "no one else wanted it?" If you truly do not know anyone who would like what you've always treasured, then call any of the shelters in your area, or the thrift shops, to pick up the items. There are so many people who need these things - so share what you're able. Think about how much easier your movements will be from one room to the next without all that bulky furniture around. If it's really expensive furniture, call a company that does estate sales.
> Look through your collection of dinnerware. Pull them all out on the counter. Do you really need three full sets of china? And four sets of stoneware, melmac, chipped plates of assorted patterns, in addition to the thirty coffee mugs or tea cups or glasses that just collect dust? What a great gift a full set of china would make for the new bride in the family, and you don't have to spend a dime! While you’re at it, look through all your silverware pieces.
Enjoy your Spring! For help with your organizing, or to get Coaching help, contact Sheila at 520-822-4036, Sheila@clutterstop.com, or www.clutterstop.com.
'Til Next Time . . . Coach Sheila of clutter STOP
> Take a good look around. What is sitting on shelves, hiding in cupboards and languishing in garages or storage facilities? How many people do you know that would truly treasure any of these items if you gave them away as gifts? How happy will a grandchild be when you "gift" him with one of your long favored treasures for their birthday, or Christmas? Gifting this way for Seniors is a blessing, for both the giver and the receiver. Seniors have lived with these treasures for many years and it hurts to just give them away to a stranger. Beautifully wrapping it and giving it to a loved one who will also cherish it is much more satisfying. This is especially true for jewelry or the small train sets that people love to play with.
>Do you really need all the overstuffed furniture that you have - or even the furniture that others have given you because "no one else wanted it?" If you truly do not know anyone who would like what you've always treasured, then call any of the shelters in your area, or the thrift shops, to pick up the items. There are so many people who need these things - so share what you're able. Think about how much easier your movements will be from one room to the next without all that bulky furniture around. If it's really expensive furniture, call a company that does estate sales.
> Look through your collection of dinnerware. Pull them all out on the counter. Do you really need three full sets of china? And four sets of stoneware, melmac, chipped plates of assorted patterns, in addition to the thirty coffee mugs or tea cups or glasses that just collect dust? What a great gift a full set of china would make for the new bride in the family, and you don't have to spend a dime! While you’re at it, look through all your silverware pieces.
Enjoy your Spring! For help with your organizing, or to get Coaching help, contact Sheila at 520-822-4036, Sheila@clutterstop.com, or www.clutterstop.com.
'Til Next Time . . . Coach Sheila of clutter STOP
Monday, February 21, 2011
Time & Technology
Hi Everyone!
My Pastor gave some very eye-opening statistics to the congregation this past Sunday. I was so amazed that I decided to write about it – and what better place than here!
According to what he had researched and found regarding technology, look at these statistics:
• 78% of 12 to 13 year olds go to bed with their cell phones so that they don’t miss any calls!
• 86% of 14 to 15 year olds go to bed with their cell phones! And,
• 21% of 18 to 30 year olds can’t go through the night without checking Facebook!
First of all, this made me feel very old. But, secondly, look at what is happening to these young people! Technology is great, and it has brought major improvements to our lives in the way of medicine and communications. Unfortunately, it may lead to a time when our children will forget about reading a book, or learning how to spell, or going out to meet people for food and conversation. Why do all that when you can just sit down, or even walk, and keep in touch with whom you want?
Just prior to hearing these statistics, I was reading the March 2011 edition of Reader’s Digest. The writer, Susan Maushart, (who’s article was excerpted from The Winter of Our Disconnect), who had her family disconnect from all technology for six months. She started with the electricity for a 2-week period of time and then banned TV, cell phones, IPods, etc. for 6 months. If they needed computers for school they had to go to the library. They did not receive, nor send any emails, tweets, or whatever for 6 months! Instead they learned how to communicate with each other, and spent time around the piano singing, or playing other instruments.
While that type of withdrawal would leave even ME feeling deprived, it all made sense. What did we do before all of these wonders? We actually walked to a phone (usually just one), and called someone. We walked to a friend’s house, or drove if we had a car. We spent time chatting with others, in person! What a concept.
Considering the statistics on the kids, I still stick to my old rules – do not spend all day in front of, or on, all of these devices. How many of the “friends” that you have, have you ever seen? It really is a great tool for reaching out, but I think we have gone way beyond just reaching out. People are having contests to see how many “friends” they can get by the end of the month. Really? Is this what life and love are all about – chats in a chatroom? No more walking hand-in-hand somewhere? No more feeling the fresh air on your face? No more waiting in anticipation for a friend (a real friend, not a make-believe friend), to tell you some really personal great news? No more real birthday presents? How very sad.
Even at networking events, seminars, and workshops, you can see people on their cell phones or texting. Are they, or you, really that important that you HAVE to take or make that call? And if so, why are you at that event? I can understand a medical doctor who is at an event, or seminar, and has to rush out because a patient needs him/her. What about the rest of us?
So, again, take time off of the devices dangling from your ear, inside your pocket, attached to your belt, or clipped to your purse. And read your emails at home or in your office and not while you’re supposedly having a conversation with someone!
‘Til next time . . . Coach Sheila of clutter STOP® Sheila@clutterstop.com
My Pastor gave some very eye-opening statistics to the congregation this past Sunday. I was so amazed that I decided to write about it – and what better place than here!
According to what he had researched and found regarding technology, look at these statistics:
• 78% of 12 to 13 year olds go to bed with their cell phones so that they don’t miss any calls!
• 86% of 14 to 15 year olds go to bed with their cell phones! And,
• 21% of 18 to 30 year olds can’t go through the night without checking Facebook!
First of all, this made me feel very old. But, secondly, look at what is happening to these young people! Technology is great, and it has brought major improvements to our lives in the way of medicine and communications. Unfortunately, it may lead to a time when our children will forget about reading a book, or learning how to spell, or going out to meet people for food and conversation. Why do all that when you can just sit down, or even walk, and keep in touch with whom you want?
Just prior to hearing these statistics, I was reading the March 2011 edition of Reader’s Digest. The writer, Susan Maushart, (who’s article was excerpted from The Winter of Our Disconnect), who had her family disconnect from all technology for six months. She started with the electricity for a 2-week period of time and then banned TV, cell phones, IPods, etc. for 6 months. If they needed computers for school they had to go to the library. They did not receive, nor send any emails, tweets, or whatever for 6 months! Instead they learned how to communicate with each other, and spent time around the piano singing, or playing other instruments.
While that type of withdrawal would leave even ME feeling deprived, it all made sense. What did we do before all of these wonders? We actually walked to a phone (usually just one), and called someone. We walked to a friend’s house, or drove if we had a car. We spent time chatting with others, in person! What a concept.
Considering the statistics on the kids, I still stick to my old rules – do not spend all day in front of, or on, all of these devices. How many of the “friends” that you have, have you ever seen? It really is a great tool for reaching out, but I think we have gone way beyond just reaching out. People are having contests to see how many “friends” they can get by the end of the month. Really? Is this what life and love are all about – chats in a chatroom? No more walking hand-in-hand somewhere? No more feeling the fresh air on your face? No more waiting in anticipation for a friend (a real friend, not a make-believe friend), to tell you some really personal great news? No more real birthday presents? How very sad.
Even at networking events, seminars, and workshops, you can see people on their cell phones or texting. Are they, or you, really that important that you HAVE to take or make that call? And if so, why are you at that event? I can understand a medical doctor who is at an event, or seminar, and has to rush out because a patient needs him/her. What about the rest of us?
So, again, take time off of the devices dangling from your ear, inside your pocket, attached to your belt, or clipped to your purse. And read your emails at home or in your office and not while you’re supposedly having a conversation with someone!
‘Til next time . . . Coach Sheila of clutter STOP® Sheila@clutterstop.com
Monday, February 14, 2011
Work, Networking, & Your Wardrobe
Hi Everyone!
As a colleague and I were talking during lunch the other day she was lamenting the current crop of individuals looking for work. She has to hire someone and is amazed at the type of clothing people are wearing to an interview. Since I was a Human Resources Director in my former life, I decided to write about this, and also to extend it to activities we do outside of work.
There are certain environments that exist in all companies, large and small. When you are looking for work, it is your responsibility to find out what the atmosphere is in the company you are seeking employment with. Everyone I know today is on the computer, or is texting, or using their blackberry or I Pad, or whatever other new device is out there. It is easier than ever to go on-line to find out about the company you will be interviewing with.
If you are going to a fast-food restaurant to find a job, then wear clean pressed pants/slacks or skirt, and a clean pressed top. It isn’t necessary for you to wear a tie and jacket, but it couldn’t hurt. Whatever you do, avoid blue jeans and flip-flops. Forget the garish nail polish and an over-made face. Be sure your hair is clean and not in your face. If necessary, pull it back in a hair band (for guys who have longer hair). You probably won’t get rejected because you’re wearing an earring, a stud on your tongue or face, or both, but you won’t be the first person picked either. Tattoos can also be a turn-off, but there isn’t much you can do about them except wear long-sleeved shirts or blouses. The idea in all of this is to look as clean as possible. After all, you ARE looking for a job in a restaurant where cleanliness is extremely important.
Interviewing for a law firm? Check them out first. Is this a firm that is extremely conservative and everyone looks like cloned copies of everyone else? You better go in looking the same or your chances of getting the job will be slim, even with good credentials. Remember, there is a glut of people out of work right now and employers have their pick of the litter, so to speak.
If the company you are seeking employment with is a casual advertising firm, but you are extremely conservative in your dress, you had better learn to dress like everyone else or you are going to be given the cold shoulder by your fellow workers. And you might not get hired just because of the way you look. They might think you’re too “uptight” to work in their casual environment. You can still be conservative in a more relaxed way. Just look at what everyone is wearing that works at the company you want to work in. You can visit the place by sitting in the parking lot just before work hours, or right at the end of the day, and see what the employees are wearing.
If you really are at a loss about what to wear, confide in someone you trust who can teach you how. Or, if you can afford it, find a stylist who can show you. What to wear on the job is one issue. The other issue is, what do you wear as an entrepreneur and you have no guideline from others? One visit to a networking group will let you know! For instance:
You own a landscaping company and you, and everyone else, is wearing blue jeans. Dressing for the job is one thing, but why go to a networking group in grimy jeans, shirt and flip flops? Really, how many people will be moved to shake your hand? You would be perfectly presentable to go in clean jeans and a shirt with your company’s name on it. If the weather is cool, wear a casual jacket.
You own, or represent a beauty salon and cater to upscale clientele. You dress casually on the job, and even wear gym shoes for comfort. You go to a networking event without changing, with too much makeup on, hair going every-which-way, nail polish chipped, and you wonder why you’re standing off by yourself and can’t get new clients?
I could go on with different occupations, but I think you get the point. Networking is like being on the job. You have to look the part of the professional you are, who knows and understands their business. Sexy, short, tight clothing is not appropriate. Even if you are in a women’s networking group, you have to be professional looking. And it is not appropriate for men to wear shirts unbuttoned almost to their navel with their chest hairs sticking out. If you’re on the make, go to a bar. Some of us wonder if any of you would come dressed in your pajamas because it’s “just” a networking event. It’s time to look at your wardrobe and decide how to look as business-like and as professional as you can. Everybody is taking notice!
“Til next time . . . Coach Sheila of clutter STOP®
As a colleague and I were talking during lunch the other day she was lamenting the current crop of individuals looking for work. She has to hire someone and is amazed at the type of clothing people are wearing to an interview. Since I was a Human Resources Director in my former life, I decided to write about this, and also to extend it to activities we do outside of work.
There are certain environments that exist in all companies, large and small. When you are looking for work, it is your responsibility to find out what the atmosphere is in the company you are seeking employment with. Everyone I know today is on the computer, or is texting, or using their blackberry or I Pad, or whatever other new device is out there. It is easier than ever to go on-line to find out about the company you will be interviewing with.
If you are going to a fast-food restaurant to find a job, then wear clean pressed pants/slacks or skirt, and a clean pressed top. It isn’t necessary for you to wear a tie and jacket, but it couldn’t hurt. Whatever you do, avoid blue jeans and flip-flops. Forget the garish nail polish and an over-made face. Be sure your hair is clean and not in your face. If necessary, pull it back in a hair band (for guys who have longer hair). You probably won’t get rejected because you’re wearing an earring, a stud on your tongue or face, or both, but you won’t be the first person picked either. Tattoos can also be a turn-off, but there isn’t much you can do about them except wear long-sleeved shirts or blouses. The idea in all of this is to look as clean as possible. After all, you ARE looking for a job in a restaurant where cleanliness is extremely important.
Interviewing for a law firm? Check them out first. Is this a firm that is extremely conservative and everyone looks like cloned copies of everyone else? You better go in looking the same or your chances of getting the job will be slim, even with good credentials. Remember, there is a glut of people out of work right now and employers have their pick of the litter, so to speak.
If the company you are seeking employment with is a casual advertising firm, but you are extremely conservative in your dress, you had better learn to dress like everyone else or you are going to be given the cold shoulder by your fellow workers. And you might not get hired just because of the way you look. They might think you’re too “uptight” to work in their casual environment. You can still be conservative in a more relaxed way. Just look at what everyone is wearing that works at the company you want to work in. You can visit the place by sitting in the parking lot just before work hours, or right at the end of the day, and see what the employees are wearing.
If you really are at a loss about what to wear, confide in someone you trust who can teach you how. Or, if you can afford it, find a stylist who can show you. What to wear on the job is one issue. The other issue is, what do you wear as an entrepreneur and you have no guideline from others? One visit to a networking group will let you know! For instance:
You own a landscaping company and you, and everyone else, is wearing blue jeans. Dressing for the job is one thing, but why go to a networking group in grimy jeans, shirt and flip flops? Really, how many people will be moved to shake your hand? You would be perfectly presentable to go in clean jeans and a shirt with your company’s name on it. If the weather is cool, wear a casual jacket.
You own, or represent a beauty salon and cater to upscale clientele. You dress casually on the job, and even wear gym shoes for comfort. You go to a networking event without changing, with too much makeup on, hair going every-which-way, nail polish chipped, and you wonder why you’re standing off by yourself and can’t get new clients?
I could go on with different occupations, but I think you get the point. Networking is like being on the job. You have to look the part of the professional you are, who knows and understands their business. Sexy, short, tight clothing is not appropriate. Even if you are in a women’s networking group, you have to be professional looking. And it is not appropriate for men to wear shirts unbuttoned almost to their navel with their chest hairs sticking out. If you’re on the make, go to a bar. Some of us wonder if any of you would come dressed in your pajamas because it’s “just” a networking event. It’s time to look at your wardrobe and decide how to look as business-like and as professional as you can. Everybody is taking notice!
“Til next time . . . Coach Sheila of clutter STOP®
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Organizing Your Closet
Hi Everyone:
Are you able to walk into your closet to retrieve clothing, or is it too cluttered to get into? Or, can you reach into your wall closet and get what you need without struggling to push other clothes aside? Do you jam shoes, purses and other miscellaneous items on the floor, beneath your hanging clothes? Are the shelves above your clothing filled with items of clothing that you've flung up there in your haste because it didn't fit, or it was the wrong color, or it had a stain? And do you shove things on that shelf that you can't figure out where else they go?
Take heart! You can handle all of this. My recommendation, however, is to do this slowly. Whatever you do, DO NOT take everything out of the closet and dump it on the bed! It won't take long before you tire of this and then you will have to shove the clothes on the floor to get to bed. Do this about 2 hours at a time. DO NOT do it all at once because you will absolutely hate doing it and never try it again, totally defeating your purpose.
Unfortunately, the very first thing you need to do is to remove everything from the floor of the closet, and the shelves whether it's a walk-in or a wall closet. Put these items into bins, boxes or bags and put them out of your way. The next step is to go through your clothing and remove everything that is either too small to wear right now, or too big and needs to be given away. (Keeping too-big clothing invites weight gain.) Put these clothes into bins, boxes or bags.
Now you should just be seeing your actual closet. Starting with black, find all your clothing that is black and put them all together. Then go on to gray and do the same. Continue on with all the colors you have. If you have mixed colors in one item, find all of those and group them together. If you have double rods in the closet it might be easier to place all shirts (or blouses), on top and all slacks beneath, keeping the colors together. When you are through with this exercise you should be able to see all of your clothing and what color is predominate.
You may find that you have many items that are black, but only a few pieces of brown, or white, or red. Go back through the items that you have a majority of and see if you really wear everything that you have. If you're not sure, hang all of the items backwards on the rod. When you wear one and wash/dryclean it, place it correctly forward on the rod. You will soon see what clothes you wear and which ones you don't. Maybe it's time to let some items go to donation so that others can enjoy them.
Hopefully by now your closet should be near perfection! You can go in, find something easily, and take it out without struggling to push other items aside. Now, it is time to tackle the items that you removed from the floor. Follow the same logic - group shoes and purses color. Are you using all of them? Don't remember? Put all of your purses upside down on the shelf above your clothing. When you use one of them and return it, put it on the shelf right side up. Put your shoes on the floor underneath your clothing and also group by color. You can put them all in the way you really don't like them - toes pointing out toward you, maybe - and then place them in with the heels pointing toward you after you've worn them. You can also place your shoes on the shelf the same way, or on a shoe rack. If you keep your shoes in their boxes, put some type of mark on the end of the box. When you wear a pair and return it, turn the box around so that you no longer see the mark.
This exercise can take you several days to accomplish. As long as you are determined to do it, you will succeed. Having something to drink close by also helps (your choice!). If you absolutely cannot tolerate dealing with any of this, you can always call me.
'Til next time . . . Coach Sheila of clutter STOP
Are you able to walk into your closet to retrieve clothing, or is it too cluttered to get into? Or, can you reach into your wall closet and get what you need without struggling to push other clothes aside? Do you jam shoes, purses and other miscellaneous items on the floor, beneath your hanging clothes? Are the shelves above your clothing filled with items of clothing that you've flung up there in your haste because it didn't fit, or it was the wrong color, or it had a stain? And do you shove things on that shelf that you can't figure out where else they go?
Take heart! You can handle all of this. My recommendation, however, is to do this slowly. Whatever you do, DO NOT take everything out of the closet and dump it on the bed! It won't take long before you tire of this and then you will have to shove the clothes on the floor to get to bed. Do this about 2 hours at a time. DO NOT do it all at once because you will absolutely hate doing it and never try it again, totally defeating your purpose.
Unfortunately, the very first thing you need to do is to remove everything from the floor of the closet, and the shelves whether it's a walk-in or a wall closet. Put these items into bins, boxes or bags and put them out of your way. The next step is to go through your clothing and remove everything that is either too small to wear right now, or too big and needs to be given away. (Keeping too-big clothing invites weight gain.) Put these clothes into bins, boxes or bags.
Now you should just be seeing your actual closet. Starting with black, find all your clothing that is black and put them all together. Then go on to gray and do the same. Continue on with all the colors you have. If you have mixed colors in one item, find all of those and group them together. If you have double rods in the closet it might be easier to place all shirts (or blouses), on top and all slacks beneath, keeping the colors together. When you are through with this exercise you should be able to see all of your clothing and what color is predominate.
You may find that you have many items that are black, but only a few pieces of brown, or white, or red. Go back through the items that you have a majority of and see if you really wear everything that you have. If you're not sure, hang all of the items backwards on the rod. When you wear one and wash/dryclean it, place it correctly forward on the rod. You will soon see what clothes you wear and which ones you don't. Maybe it's time to let some items go to donation so that others can enjoy them.
Hopefully by now your closet should be near perfection! You can go in, find something easily, and take it out without struggling to push other items aside. Now, it is time to tackle the items that you removed from the floor. Follow the same logic - group shoes and purses color. Are you using all of them? Don't remember? Put all of your purses upside down on the shelf above your clothing. When you use one of them and return it, put it on the shelf right side up. Put your shoes on the floor underneath your clothing and also group by color. You can put them all in the way you really don't like them - toes pointing out toward you, maybe - and then place them in with the heels pointing toward you after you've worn them. You can also place your shoes on the shelf the same way, or on a shoe rack. If you keep your shoes in their boxes, put some type of mark on the end of the box. When you wear a pair and return it, turn the box around so that you no longer see the mark.
This exercise can take you several days to accomplish. As long as you are determined to do it, you will succeed. Having something to drink close by also helps (your choice!). If you absolutely cannot tolerate dealing with any of this, you can always call me.
'Til next time . . . Coach Sheila of clutter STOP
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