by Ellen Kazanoff | Jan 26, 2012
When you walk into your kitchen, what do you see? If you’re like most of my clients, your kitchen counters are littered with clutter, and not all of it even “lives” in the kitchen! While going through the sorting process with clients, I have come across underwear, sports equipment, tax returns, jewelry and much more. I’m certain most of these items were, at one time, just passing through the kitchen, but somehow, got lost amongst the clutter.
If you’re aching for your kitchen to have that sleek and minimalistic look that you see in magazines and television shows, follow these simple guide lines. First, get rid of the clutter, starting with anything that isn’t used in the kitchen. Collect these items, storing them, temporarily, in a large plastic bag or basket. It should already look better. When you’ve completed this task, return the items you’ve collected to their appropriate drawers, closets and shelves, but only if you are sure you still want to keep them.
Next, take inventory of what remains on the counters. If it isn’t used daily, like your coffee pot, or at least two to three times a week, like your slow cooker, it doesn’t belong on top of your counters. You will need to find another home for those items that didn’t make the cut. If you have room for some of the smaller ones in your cabinets, you can store them there. The larger items, especially some of the holiday decorations and nicknacks, will need to be stored out of the way, in a basement, garage or hall closet.
Take another look at your countertops. I’m guessing they look 100% better. But that’s not the end of the story. Next week, I’ll have some tips about controlling the flow of paper that often overruns the kitchen. I have lots of good ideas to help you get that clean, uncluttered kitchen look!
Good News for Spouses/Partners of Pack Rats!
Are you ready to downsize/rightsize, perhaps move from the house you have lived in for the past 10 years to a home that is more manageable to care for and less costly to maintain? And are you having a hard time getting your spouse /partner to go along with your plans? You are not alone! Have you even thought of giving up your dream, throwing in the towel, and resigning yourself to living in your present home until they have to carry you out? Well, I can help!
Beginning on Tuesday, February 7, 2012, and continuing for three additional Tuesday evenings (February 21, March 6, and March 20), at 8 PM eastern time, individuals who have “walked in your shoes” will meet, via a conference call, to discuss ways of dealing with the pack rat personality. The format will consist of a 15 minute educational piece that I will be presenting to the group, followed by 45 minutes of sharing and problem solving. Some of the topics may include, “why people save”, “how to talk to a pack rat”, and “how to get your downsizing project started”.
And the best news is that you will be able to take advantage of my expertise and years in the business at a fraction of the cost of a one-on-one organizing or coaching session!
I’m very excited to be able to offer this experience to those individuals who have all but given up on the possibility of moving to a new home, and the opportunity to “rightsize” their lives. If you have any questions, please contact me by email at ellen@cleanslatesolutions.com or by phone at 908-403-6217.
The cost of the four one-hour conference calls is $85, payable on line at: www.cleanslatesolutions.com/payments/. That’s less than $25 per call! If you are interested, please contact me as soon as possible; reservations will be accepted, on a first-come first-serve basis, through January 31st. If you know someone who is living with a pack rat, and would benefit from this very unique group experience, please feel free to pass on this information.
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