Guest Post - What Should You Do with Personal Documents?

Piles of personalized mail and paperwork cover our desks, kitchen tables, family rooms and home offices. Short of building bigger piles, is there a way to manage all this? Yes! You simply need to establish a workable solution and strictly follow the process. 

The accompanying infographic, Organizing Your Personal Documents, presents an easy, common-sense method of handling your personal paperwork. It helps you categorize your personal documents by type and action. Some documents should be kept, some shredded and others filed away securely. There are suggestions for creating a filing system, including what types of paperwork to file and how to file, label and store your documents. 

Why does this matter? Well, some paperwork you just do not need to keep while others you must keep safe and easily accessible. For example, don’t clutter your home with old bills, expired coupons and the like. But you may need to present your tax returns, social security card, auto title and more on various occasions, such as for a tax audit, new job and car sale, and these must be saved.  

Handling your paperwork as you receive it not only helps to keep your home free from excess papers, it also ensures that you hang onto your important personal documents, keep them in a designated place and have them ready to use when you need them. Keep the infographic handy — and file it under O for Organization!

Courtesy of One Source Process

Guest Post - 10 Tips For Staying Organized While Moving: How You Can Simplify The Process!

Planning a big move? Whether you’re moving across the country with the help of a team of full-service movers, or you’re just making a local move to a new apartment or home, we know the process of staying organized while you move can be intimidating. There’s just so much to do!

Well, we’re here to help. We’ve put together a list of the best tips you can use to keep yourself organized while you’re moving. Take a look at them now, and think about how you can use these tips to simplify your moving process – and stay organized!

1. Plan Your Packing Strategy Ahead Of Time, And Start With “Non-Essential” Rooms

If you’re rushing around and trying to pack up last-minute, you’re going to be stressed, frustrated, and disorganized. A move is not usually something that sneaks up on you – generally, you’ll have at least a few weeks to prepare.

So use this to your advantage. Plan your moving and packing strategy ahead of time – and start packing up a little bit of your stuff each day. We recommend that you start with rooms that contain things that are “non-essential.”

For example, you could pack up things that are in your attic or basement, pack up most of the toys in your child’s playrooms, pack up books from your library or living room, pack up the guest linens and other items from your guest room, pack up seasonal clothing from your closet – you get the picture. Typically, the rooms that should be packed up last before your move are the kitchen and bedrooms – you can do these in the last few days before your move.

By taking things slowly and packing up gradually, you’ll have an easier time staying organized – and you won’t feel nearly as rushed, because you’ll have less to do as your moving date approaches.

2. Label All Of Your Boxes Clearly And Create A Packing List For Each One

This is essential for re-organizing your stuff properly once you’ve made your move. You should clearly label each box using tape and a marker, or a label maker. “LIVING ROOM BOOKS,” “GUEST ROOM LINENS,” “DISHES” – you get the picture. Labeling boxes ensures that you can move them to the right rooms once you’ve made your move.

But we recommend going above and beyond just labeling your boxes. You should also create a packing list for each one – this is relatively easy to do. Just keep a pad and paper or your smartphone’s Notes app open while you pack up each box, and note what is going into each box.

Not only does this ensure you know exactly what you’ve packed, it ensures that you know exactly where it is when it’s time to unpack in your new home. 

3. Pare Down Your Belongings While You Move With The “4 Pile” Method 

Moving is the best time to pare down your belongings, and get rid of stuff you don’t really need. As you pack, we recommend you go through your stuff, and sort them with the “4 pile” method.

• Move – These are items that you want to keep and take with you, and will be packed and brought to your new home

• Sell – These are items that are valuable, but that you may not need, or may not be worth taking with you. For example, it may be better to sell your couch and buy a new one if you’re moving across the country, due to the cost of shipping such a large piece of furniture

• Donate – These are items that are valuable, but that you may not be using – tools or equipment for a hobby you’re not interested in, gently-worn clothing, etc. You can donate them to local charities and stores.

• Junk – These are items that are useless and valueless, such as damaged clothing, broken electronics, etc. They’re good for only one thing – throwing away (or recycling). 

4. Pack A “Moving Day Essentials” Box With The Things You’ll Need On Move-In Day 

This is a great tip when you’re finishing up your move. This box should contain the essential things that you may need to use when you move, such as:

• Medications

• Toiletries

• Extra sets of clothing

• ID/credit cards

• Important personal documents

• Baby necessities

• Paper towels and trash bags

• Toilet paper

• Toolkits

• Pet essentials 

Basically, anything you think you will need access to on moving day should be put in this box – that way, you don’t have to rummage through other boxes just to find what you need. 

5. Make A Change Of Address Checklist To Use After You Move

When you move, you’ll need to file a change of address with the USPS. You should also make a change of address checklist to ensure that all of your personal information is updated with relevant companies – like banking and insurance companies. This list should include:

• Employer

• State & local tax agencies

• Utility companies

• Cell phone companies

• Home/renters insurance

• Auto insurance

• Banking/credit card companies

• Loan providers

• Other financial agencies (investment accounts, IRAs, 401(k)s, pensions, etc.)

• Magazines and subscription services

• Clubs and organizations

• Doctors, dentists, vets and other service providers

• Online shopping websites like Amazon

If you change your address with every relevant company and organization as soon as you move, you’ll minimize the risk of missing an important piece of mail.

6. Get Your Old (And New) Utilities Squared Away Before Moving Day 

Make sure that you’ve contacted your utility companies including water, gas, electricity, and cable/internet before your move. Cancel your service on your moving date at your old home – and make sure that you’ve set up service at your new place of residence before you move.

Being proactive about this ensures you avoid any double billing or paying extra for services you don’t need – and also ensures that your new home is fully hooked up with gas, water and power when you move in.

7. Make Sure You Have All The Packing Supplies You Need 

When you start packing up your home, make sure you’ve got all the packing supplies you need, including:

• Sturdy cardboard or plastic boxes of various sizes

• Packing tape

• Markers

• Scissors

• Packing material like bubble wrap or foam pellets

• Plastic wrap

• Moving blankets for furniture and electronics

If you’re short on supplies, you can always purchase more from retailers like U-Haul, Home Depot and others. You can also often find used, discounted boxes and moving supplies on websites like Craigslist if you’re on a budget. 

8. Keep All Of Your Moving Paperwork In One Place 

The process of moving can create quite a bit of paperwork – from moving estimates to correspondence with utility companies, home inventory sheets, moving checklists, information about your new home, receipts… you get the picture.

To keep these documents organized, we recommend keeping them in a single binder or folder that you’ll keep with you during – and after – your move. Keeping all of your documentation will ensure that the process goes smoothly, particularly if there is a dispute or problem with your moving company.

9. Have A Realistic Unpacking Timeframe (And Stick To It!) 

Once you move, create an unpacking timeframe and start working immediately, but at your own pace. Maybe you think you can handle unpacking just 1-2 rooms per day, or you’re looking to get your entire place unpacked in just a week – that’s up to you. 

Setting a time limit that’s reasonable will help you stay focused and motivated. Don’t be unrealistic, though – you’re probably not going to get through unpacking a 3-bedroom home in just a few days! Give yourself some leeway, and be realistic about the pace at which you can work.

10. Focus On Organizing Your Stuff While You Unpack – Create An Organizing Plan! 

You should do your best to keep your stuff organized and store it properly while you unpack – don’t just unload it wherever it fits. You should create an organizing plan while you’re unpacking.

This will let you identify areas of your new home where you may need additional storage, and then you can make a list of all the things you’ll need to organize your stuff properly. 

Stay Organized With These 10 Simple Tips For Moving! 

Even in the best of times, moving is still time-consuming and stressful. But with these simple tips, you can make things easier on yourself – and simplify the process of packing, moving and unpacking. Take another look at them now, and think about which tips you can use during your move.

Author Bio: Tom Masters is a moving specialist working with A-1 Auto Transport. They specialize in moving people within a state in the USA from state to state and internationally.

Guest Post - 15 Ways to Maximize Small Spaces Based on the Lagom lifestyle

www.turbotenant.com

With the new year right around the corner, it’s a great time to consider de-cluttering, organizing and re-evaluating the belongings in your home. This exercise will free up space, ease your mind and help you focus on what you really use and enjoy in your home. 

However, de-cluttering to some may seem easier said then done, especially if you have a smaller home or apartment. Fortunately, using the Lagom lifestyle concept as a guide can help you make decisions on what stays and what goes. The Swedish word ‘Lagom’ means just the right amount - not too much, and not too little and is all about creating a better, happier and more balanced life. 

While there is no one way to live this lifestyle, the goal instead is to find a balance. If you are interested in beginning this transition, TurboTenant rounded up some general tips and 15 easy ways for organizing small spaces using the Lagom method. Most of these can be done on a daily basis and are a different way of looking at your space to find balance. 

1. Everything Should Have a Designated Space 

If you can’t find a permanent home for all of your belongings, that’s probably a good sign that you should get rid of it 

2. Purge Often and Refuse Gifts

Every month, you should go through your home and evaluate each room and the objects it contains. If you haven’t touched it since the last time you did your sweep, it’s time for it to go.

3. Pick Up Every Day

In order to avoid becoming overwhelmed, it’s important to pick up after yourself every single day.

4. Store Your Appliances on a Bar Cart 

If you are living in a small home you most likely lack many outlets. Take turns bringing out and using your appliances but keep their permanent home on a bar cart to save on storage. 

5. Add a Towel Rack to the Side of the Fridge 

Repurpose free space on your fridge by installing a towel rack and small shelves.

6. Reuse Six-Pack Container for Sauces

With a small fridge, you don’t have room for cramming your fridge door with sauces and condiments. Reuse beverage six-pack containers to store the sauces more securely and take up less space. 

7. Try Striped Wall Decor to Trick the Eye

Adding vertical striped wallpaper can make a room appear taller, while horizontal stripes can make it seem wider.

8. Use a Blanket Hanger 

Reuse a lady as a way to display your throw blankets and add a stylish decor piece to your home. 

9. Invest in Multi-Use Furniture

Although some pieces may be pricier, invest in storage or other multi-use furniture pieces to salvage space in your home. 

10. Use Hanging Totes as Laundry Baskets 

Hang laundry totes on your closet door to keep items off the floor.

11. Install a Shoe Hanger on the Back of a Door 

Hide your shoes behind a door to save on space and organize simultaneously.

12. Add a Bookshelf to Your Headboard 

Installing a bookshelf above your headboard is an easy way to add a homey touch to your bedroom, as well as ensure your book collection is kept off the floor.

13. Add a Pegboard to the Back of a Door 

Install a pegboard on the back of the bathroom door, and add hooks and small shelves for storage. 

14. Install a Sliding Medicine Cabinet 

Put up a medicine cabinet in place of, or in addition to, the typical wall mirror and add a sliding mirror component to access supplies and see your reflection. 

15. Hang Products on Your Shower Rod 

The curtain rod can hold more than just the shower curtain, so make full use of its potential by adding metal clips between the rings where you can hang your bath products and save space on the shower floor.

By using the appliances, space, and furniture in your home a different way you too can find balance and maximize the smaller space in your home for the better.

Author Bio: Stacy is a San Diego based writer who covers organization, DIY and home decor. When not writing she loves cooking and traveling. 

Organizing for the Holidays

So you’re having a holiday at your house this year. You are excited to host but between your children’s schedules, work, taking care of an elderly parent and general life commitments how are you going to purchase the food and drinks, create the meal, set the table(s), and look happy and relaxed when your guests arrive? Let’s face it, it’s challenging enough to cook dinner on a weeknight, how are you going to pull off a holiday with relatives and friends? 

Here are some tips from H2H to help you through:

Lists, lists, lists – whether on your phone or paper start your lists as soon as possible.

• List 1: The Guests. How many will be joining you? Knowing the number of guests will help you figure out how much food you will need to purchase, and how many tables and chairs you will need. 

• List 2: The Menu. Put together the foods you think will make everyone the most happy. Don’t be shy about asking people to bring food or drinks. Maybe they have an amazing family sweet potato recipe or pecan pie recipe. Not having to worry about making all the food yourself is extremely helpful. If you don’t have time to cook yourself, (or just dislike cooking) ask your friends for local recommendations on where to buy tasty prepared foods especially if some of your guests have dietary restrictions. Parenting groups on Facebook is also a good resource for recommendations.

• List 3: Food shopping. Once you have determined what you will be cooking, make your shopping lists. We usually make 2 lists. One for things you can purchase in advance such as canned goods, condiments, and baking products; and one for things that you need to purchase closer to the holiday such as produce, meats and dairy. Try to get what you can into your home sooner than later. This will help alleviate long lines at the food market as you get closer to the holiday.

• Check your menu. What can be made in advance? Some foods such as certain breads and casseroles can be made and frozen in advance. 

• Set the table(s). The weekend before (or sooner) arrange your room(s). Set your tables in advance. Take out your linens, napkins, place-mats, whatever you are using. Items like decorations and centerpieces are not used frequently they should be stored in remote areas of your space like the attic or basement. If you have certain centerpieces you only use for entertaining, don’t think of them as centerpieces but as the category “entertaining.”

• Guest Rooms. If you have any guest rooms or bonus areas in your home, take the time to get them ready. During the year these spaces tend to become “make it go away” areas. Even if you don’t have family or friends spending the night, chances are someone will want to lie down at some point. Taking the time to organize now will save you from throwing everything in the closet and drawers. Eventually, the holiday season will end and you want to be able to find everything.

Is everything clean? Do you need to replace anything? If you are using china or crystal  does it need to be washed? If you are using paper products what do you need to purchase? Do you need extra chairs? Do you use different utensils or serving dishes at the holidays? Do you need to buy new candles? By setting up in advance it gives you time to make sure everything is in good shape and now you can focus on the delicious food and drinks.

• Make a quick trip to the liquor store. Don’t wait till the last minute. Hit up the liquor store the weekend before your event. You don’t want to be searching for the perfect wine to pair with turkey the day before Thanksgiving when you should be home cooking!

• Take out anything frozen. A day or two before remember to take out anything you froze to de-thaw in time.

• Food prep the night before. Is there any food you can clean, chop, dice, the night before? If so, do it. This will be a huge time saver as you are cooking the next day.

• Start your cooking. After a good night’s sleep get up early to start your cooking. Try to do one recipe at a time. Cooking too many things at once is a recipe for disaster. Keep your menu list nearby. Check it off after each dish is made. Ask family members to help, remember holidays are a family affair.

• Make a list of when to put things in the oven to heat up. Keep a list by the oven of what temperature to have your oven on and what time to put things in. How many times have you finished a holiday only to remember you forgot something? 

• Relax and smile. -All the food is ready, the drinks are out, the table is set. Light the candles and enjoy your family and friends!

At H2H we can help you organize your home and get you holiday ready. Contact us Today!