Coping with and Surviving the Coronavirus Quarantine
The Stewart family is doing our part to keep everyone safe! I have 4 college students and 1 high school student that have been quarantining here for the past two weeks (2 of the 5 are mine!). I was a bit nervous about this, but I must say, it’s going really well!
While organizing during this time may not be top priority, we know that chaos causes stress. Here are a few of our tips that might help ease you and your family’s stress during this time.
Hi Friends,
I’m hoping you all are doing well and staying safely quarantined. My heart is with those of you away from home and helping our community. I know many of you have it tough right now! Thank you!
The Stewart family is doing our part to keep everyone safe! I have 4 college students and 1 high school student that have been quarantining here for the past two weeks (2 of the 5 are mine!). I was a bit nervous about this, but I must say, it’s going really well! We have fallen into nice routines and everyone has been so respectful and helpful. They are learning all kinds of new skills as my husband is getting all of his “to-do“ list done with their help.
We are calling this Camp Corona-The Stewart Version!
While organizing during this time may not be top priority, we know that chaos causes stress. Here are a few of our tips that might help ease you and your family’s stress during this time.
• Set a routine. Consistency and routines help ease stress. The events may not happen at the exact time, but your goal should be to keep them in the same order. Predictability is comforting to children (and adults!) and may help us get some things done!
• Set up a workplace and homework place. This should be a quiet space with ONLY the tools that you need for work or homework. I moved my home office to my bedroom so that my office could be set up as a virtual classroom (If you are watching my live video’s on Monday’s at 10am, you already know this!). So far, it’s working!
• Create a cleaning schedule. Having everyone home 24/7 and not having housekeepers come (if you have them) during this quarantine time may have you drowning in “to-do’s” which can be exhausting. First, breathe, the neighbors aren’t stopping by anytime soon. Second, creating a list of chores and who is responsible for them may help alleviate some of the stress. If you have small children that means you (and any other adults) are getting the burden of all of the chores. As a former stay at home mom, I remember that stress clearly and want you to know you are not alone. So many parents are feeling the same way. Having a cleaning schedule for yourself may be key to keeping some order to your home and some of the stress at bay. An example of the one I created for the crew staying at my house is attached to this email. If you need help creating one, call me and let me help you!
• Rotate the toys. Your children do not need access to ALL of the toys right now. By rotating them weekly, it allows you to bring out something new and exciting when they get bored. If there is a toy that makes you absolutely crazy, it may be time to secretly put that in the donate box. (If they see it, it will instantly become their FAVORITE!)
Also, try new methods of entertainment for your kids. Have a friend or family member that’s not with you virtually read a book to your children so you can get the dishwasher loaded. Get creative!
• Get outside. If you can, go play in the yard. Not only is the fresh air and sunshine great at brightening your mood, they aren’t inside destroying your freshly cleaned house (lol).
• Be flexible. The best plans may work on paper and not in real life. THAT’S OK! Hold your theoretical ideas of what your day will look like loosely and find freedom in flexibility. There is grace for yourself and others when things don’t go as planned.
We hope these tips help keep your chaos under control. If you’re feeling like there’s more chaos than you can manage on your own, 30-minute virtual organizing sessions are available for $25 if that would help you.
Call us: 225-205-6400 Let us know if we can help you in any way!
Thank you
I truly appreciate all of my clients who have understood about rescheduling their appointments. Thank you so much for being flexible. My business is small, and we will certainly be affected during this time. By rescheduling, you are helping us keep our doors open and recover from this loss. THANK YOU!
LensArt Photography by Tobi Gomez • The Front Porch Project BR
Did you Know?
• Coffee with Martha-Carol is live on Facebook! Join us on Monday’s at 10am to answer your organizing questions or just to take a break from the people in your home!
• Virtual organizing sessions are now available. 30-minute sessions for $25. These will come with a written plan for your space including product recommendations. Call Now! 225-205-6400
• We were on WAFB this week. Watch Here!
• The Purple Cow Decluttering Challenge 2020 is still going strong on Facebook. We are in the kitchen this week! Here’s the link
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College Dorm Evacuation Tips and Solutions
“Mom, I have 24 hours to move out my dorm. They are closing school and moving classes online. What do I do?”
Did you get this call this week? My sister did and panic set in because my niece is in school 16 hours away. Quick decisions had to be made.
I know many of you are facing the same issues so thought I would share our solutions.
“Mom, I have 24 hours to move out my dorm. They are closing school and moving classes online. What do I do?”
Did you get this call this week? My sister did and panic set in because my niece is in school 16 hours away. Quick decisions had to be made.
Does she drive home with all of her things? Does she fly home and only bring the necessities? How long will she be home before she needs to head back? Weeks, months? There is so much unknown!
I know many of you are facing the same issues so thought I would share our solutions.
My sister decided to store my niece’s non-essential items in her college town. (In my barn!). We got lucky because my niece is at LSU and all of our family lives here giving her lots of options. I know many of you do not have a barn option so you may need to get a small storage unit, or a borrowed a garage, attic or basement.
The storage unit might seem extreme, but you can rent these by the month. They typically cost around $100 a month for a climate-controlled unit.
For storing and transporting items, I recommend 56-66 quart bins. If your child is packing and moving on their own, they might want to choose smaller bins that they can easily carry, but they will need more since less will be stored in them. Plastic is a better option than cardboard because cardboard attracts bugs. If you use portable plastic drawers in the dorm, wrap them in plastic wrap (available near packing supplies in stores.) or use painters’ tape to make sure they stay closed during transport.
Here is our advice on how to pack those bins:
Pack items that will not be used at home separately from the essentials they will need. Essentials mean clothes, makeup, hair items, shoes and any perishables. (If your child is flying home, have them give perishables to a friend.) Text books, notebooks and the outrageously expensive calculator need to be easily accessed when classes begin again.
Separate what you put into the bins by use:
Linens (Bedding, curtains, towels.)
Kitchen items(coffee pots, dishes, utensils, pots, pans, plastic ware.)
Accessories and decor
Clothes and personal items that they will bring home.
If your child isn’t returning to the dorm, they might consider selling or giving the dorm items to someone that will need it. (Dorm fridge, twin xl bedding, etc.). We have been passing dorm items down from one cousin to the next. My son is next on the list and we are so appreciative to already have these items!
Please let us know if you have any questions or if we can help you in any way during this difficult time. Your student will be stressed and possibly anxious. We hope this helps give you some guidance and a little peace in the chaos.
We can be reached at info@chaosorganizing.com
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Out With the Old, In With the New! A Guide to Spring Cleaning
Lent coincides with the Spring season which makes it the best time to embrace decluttering while Spring cleaning! If you don’t celebrate lent, no worries, just join us on a 6 week journey of Spring decluttering! In fact, plan a party or a crawfish boil in 6 weeks because a party ALWAYS motivates me to get things done! A black trash bag can hold 40 lbs so let’s see how much “stuff” you can lose in 40 days!
Mardi Gras season is sadly coming to an end. Out with the parades and King Cake and in with the Lenten season. Lent is 40 days, not counting Sundays (6 weeks), beginning with Ash Wednesday and ending with Easter Sunday. Participating Christians are fasting, as well as living in moderation and repentance.
For me personally, it’s a time of sincere reflection where I truly look at the things in my life that need change, ask for God’s guidance, and take the steps necessary to make that change. Some years, my lenten commitment has been been prioritizing my time. Other years, it’s been as simple as adding exercise to my routine or even checking the mail everyday. It’s setting a personal goal and sticking to it for 6 weeks!!
Lent coincides with the Spring season which makes it the best time to embrace decluttering while Spring cleaning! If you don’t celebrate lent, no worries, just join us on a 6 week journey of Spring decluttering! In fact, plan a party or a crawfish boil in 6 weeks because a party ALWAYS motivates me to get things done! A black trash bag can hold 40 lbs so let’s see how much “stuff” you can lose in 40 days!
Week 1: Closets.
Each day spend 30 minutes gathering items to toss or donate out of each one of the closets in your home. This includes the storage room off of the garage too. How many bags can you fill? Lastly, vacuum the floor and wipe clean any lighting or shelving.
Week 2: Kitchens and Outdoor Kitchens.
Start at the top cabinets and work your way down to the bottom.
Top cabinets - wipe items you're keeping, toss or donate items not used often or ever, and wipe spills and fingerprints off the doors and shelves.
Counters - clear them and then clean them.
Refrigerator - toss old, expired items, wipe shelves. Do you need to change the water filter?
Bottom cabinets - wipe items you are keeping, toss or donate other items. Wipe shelves and doors.
Appliances - Clean. Donate the ones you aren’t using.
Week 3: Office/Desk.
3 piles: Toss, file, action
Toss all junk mail. All of it. No, you won’t go back and read that article from 2015 about the hummingbirds. Let it go! It’s online if you really want to read it. (Take a picture of the recipes you want to try and store in a file on your phone or computer.)
File: Just do it. No whining allowed. We all hate it, but no one else will do it so just fix a glass of wine and get to it!
Action: Make a list. Get it done this week. All of it. No, you don’t get a sticker. But email me and I’ll tell you that you’re a rockstar!
Week 4: Living Room and Entry Way.
Time to change the throw pillows to the spring colors! Seriously, who does this? (Ok, Lisa, my partner in Houston does this. Maybe she will come do this for us all! I’m concocting a plan for Lisa to help us under achievers without seasonal throw pillows!)
Books: I love books! I’m a former teacher so, of course I love books! Unless you have a library at your house, let them go! You can get them from your local library if you are dying to read them. Only keep what fits on your bookcase.
Throw blankets: I have 30. Ok, maybe exaggerating a tiny bit, but these teens end up using them for sleepovers all the time. Donate the ones you don’t use to an animal shelter. They love them! I store the rest in a blanket chest or linen closet.
Sofa: Flip the cushions, checking underneath for the winning lottery ticket. When you find one, call me and let’s celebrate! If not, just vacuum on top and underneath the cushions.
Fireplace: If Spring has sprung in your area as it has in ours, it’s time to clean out the fireplace and toss the ashes. Be sure to follow the guidelines found here. I’ve seen a house catch on fire because of hot ashes, so be extremely careful!
Your entry ways set the tone for entering your home. What is this space saying about your life and do you want to change that tone? When my children were younger, this space was a hot mess because of all the activities! Now’s the time to put away the items that don’t belong there. Straighten the ones that do.
Everything else: Y'all know everything else lands in this room. Send it to its home. Bye!
Finish this room by cleaning any lights or fans and vacuuming the rug and under all the furniture.
Week 5: Bedrooms.
I’m about to get all serious on you now. Bedrooms need to be a place of rest! Look around your bedroom. Does it feel like a climate controlled storage unit or a peaceful place to rest your head after an exhausting day?
All flat surfaces need to be cleared. Sweet family photos (Limited!), maybe a lotion next to your bed, possibly a jewelry holder and maybe the current book you are reading or studying. That’s it. You need nothing else on any surface in this space! It distracts from your peace and rest!
Whats under your bed? My wedding box of stuff from 24 years ago was under mine. What the heck am I waiting for? Do my kids really care who came to my wedding? I know who was there. We have photos and videos (In color! HA!), the rest of the “stuff”…..bye! (You know you're hanging onto those wedding receipts….let them go!)
Bedding: Wash the pillows, then the bedding! Dry clean if necessary. (Clean the ceiling fan right before this.)
Hang or fold the clothes on that chair. We all have one, you aren’t alone. If they are clean enough to wear again. they are clean enough to be hung or folded and be put away. If you are Cajun, save your clothes. Now, cher!
Week 6: Bathrooms.
Wet places need a good cleaning. Clear the counter of the clutter. Any items needing to be on the counter deserve a pretty tray. This also helps keep a neat appearance on the counter.
Toss out old products. (Hair care, nail polish, body lotions, and soaps that you didn’t like the smell…) Don’t donate. No one wants old, expired stuff. Sorry, but just being honest. Contain like items and clean the shelves/drawers while you are there. Containing items helps the floor of the cabinets to stay clean.
Is the extra toilet paper cabinet all filled up? Don’t have one? I found a narrow basket at HomeGoods that works perfect. Time to clean that toilet too. Your loved one will appreciate this clean space if they catch the flu. Nothing worse than a dirty potty.
Where do you keep the bathroom cleaning products? I keep mine right in the bathroom! Easy to use when you just have a few minutes.
Check your towels and washcloths. Make a list of anything needed.
This is also a great time to get new toothbrushes and clean the hairbrushes.
Well, that gets you through the main areas of a house.
Here are a few odd things to add:
Check your filters and smoke alarms if you haven’t in awhile. Most are to be changed once a month.
Wipe down your doors, windows (Inside and outside) and walls. My back door gets really dirty with fingerprints since it’s white.
Check all ceiling fans. Gently wipe and clean.
Clean the outdoor furniture and cushions.
Make sure the pool is ready to go! Only a few more months!
Power wash house and patio as well as all porches.
And it’s time to clean out the garage too!
Now, folks. It’s time for a good ol’ Southern BBQ or Crawfish boil outside in that nice clean space!
If Spring cleaning seems too daunting on your own and you need some support, our team of organizers are happy to help!
Give us a call at 225-205-6400
Bonus Tip: Click the link at the bottom of the page to our Facebook and Instagram Pages to find out where to donate left over Mardi Gras Beads and join our new Lent Challenge!
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Letting Go is Hard to Do
Letting things go is HARD!
For many of my clients, the emotional attachment to THINGS is really strong. While my clients differ in the WHAT, the emotions behind it are usually similar.
So here are some simple strategies to let things go!
I started out with a blog calendar and then I had that client that made me want to write because her struggle is a struggle with so many, even me.
Letting things go is HARD!
For many of my clients, the emotional attachment to THINGS is really strong. While my clients differ in the WHAT, the emotions behind it are usually similar.
So here are some simple strategies to let things go!
1. Purge regularly. I suggest once a week for 15 minutes. Whether it be clothes, paper, collections...it doesn’t matter. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Start with areas that you have less attachment to and work towards the areas that are the most difficult. Adding your declutter session to your calendar will help you do it regularly, making it easier every time.
2. Write down your goals. List 3 things that are leading you to declutter. This will help you because you can look at the items and decide is this "Helpful or hurtful" to my goals. My 3 things are: Less stress, more time to do what I love and, surround myself with things that I LOVE and make me smile. For me that joy comes from the people inside my house, so my house is really clutter free compared to average. My love language is time.
3. Designate a space for items. When the items outgrow that space, it’s time to purge. This goes for anything....magazines, stuffed animals, Legos, jeans, books....whatever you’re hanging onto.
4. Get rid of the guilt of unfinished business. Barbara Hemphill states, "Clutter is the result of postponed decisions." Many people hang on to things because they want to "give it to someone" "read it" "use it" and yet years go by and the item, book, article gets buried amongst other things. You haven’t missed it yet, let go of the item and the guilt that goes along with it. By donating it, you are blessing others! If it was truly important, you would make the time.
5. Focus on small spaces. Do not overwhelm yourself with an entire room or closet. Start with a drawer, a folder, a shelf. And again, set a timer. 15-20 minutes.
6. Go with your gut. This is where having an organizer, friend, or anyone that can keep you accountable helps. If you don’t love it or use it, LET IT GO. I know personally how hard that is! My great-grandparents lived with me and I loved them like parents. Anything that was theirs is like a treasure to me....even if it’s ugly. Lol
So, I had to remember my goals and let some things so. Things that stayed in a cabinet or attic that I was only keeping because it was theirs needed to bless someone else. That was hard, but I don’t miss or even think about those items anymore.
Letting go is something you can definitely do if you are ready.
If you need someone to help you through the process and make you accountable, please give us a call.
225-205-6400
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The Effects of Clutter on Our Children
Numerous studies have confirmed my theory that clutter and chaos can have negative impacts on children’s lives. Excessive visual, olfactory and tactile stimulation may cause our senses to work overtime. If our senses are already working overtime just by being in a room, then how is a child supposed to focus on what’s important?
Look around your home, what message are you sending to your children?
Do you ever walk into your home and feel overwhelmed, overstimulated, and possibly anxious? In a 2016 study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology scientists declared environments can have a negative effect on a person’s wellbeing.
That made me wonder, what effect is all of our "stuff" having on our children?
Back in my teaching days, I planned my classroom centers with specific goals in mind. Certain areas were stimulating, bright and full of manipulatives and activity (ex. a math center), but I also planned areas with empty walls, calming colors and no clutter (ex. The reading center). It was interesting to me how children sought out the calming space, sometimes more than the active space. I also noticed the difference in the behavior of the children in these areas. Children in the bright areas were active, chatty, engaged. This area also had more emotional outbursts, aggressive behavior and chaos. Children in the reading center, which was less chaotic, were found to be quieter and calmer. There were fewer outbursts of emotions and less negative behaviors in these areas. This wasn’t a true scientific experiment, yet I saw first-hand that clutter and stimulation effect children’s behavior, sometimes in a negative way.
What does your child’s homework space look like?
Numerous studies have confirmed my theory that clutter and chaos can have negative impacts on children’s lives. Excessive visual, olfactory and tactile stimulation may cause our senses to work overtime. If our senses are already working overtime just by being in a room, then how is a child supposed to focus on what’s important?
Look around your home, what message are you sending to your children?
This sentence makes one thing come to mind, the cardboard box. Why? Because how many times do we buy things for our children only to watch them be more fascinated with the cardboard box? What makes us buy these "things" is great advertising that makes us believe our kids will be better, smarter and have much more fun with "____" item when in truth, the best gift you can give them is your time and a cardboard box. Ok, maybe a few markers or crayons too. Let the fun begin.
They don’t need more THINGS. They just need YOU.
Which brings me back to the message we send our children. If you are constantly needing new things, new stimuli, new stuff to feel happy, then your children could possibly be observing and learning that behavior, instead of learning that happiness comes from within. They too may be feeling overstimulated and anxious from all of the "stuff" you love to buy them.
Help your family win their day by having a clutter free home where they can play, focus and feel stress free.
Don’t know where to start? Call us for a consultation where we can help you formulate a plan! 225-205-6400
We at Chaos Organizing wish you a happy, clutter free Valentine’s Day!
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