http://www.balancesf.com/ee/index.php en frans@tierratechnology.com Copyright 2010 2010-08-01T20:02:01+00:00 /site/moving_-_a_clutter_clearing_opportunity/ /site/moving_-_a_clutter_clearing_opportunity/#When:20:02:01Z Moving to a new home is a rich opportunity to make choices about your stuff. Ask yourself "does this item serve me". If the answer is no, let it go!I am finishing up a job with a client who called me knowing she had a move planned. The move was a downsize to a smaller home after living decades in the current space. It was at last time to go through her life possessions and get organized. First, we discussed her vision, focusing on the future. How do you want your life to be? What will you be doing? What are your priorities? Once clear, we kept that in mind over these last few months as we went through each room. For each and every item, we asked:"does this item serve you?       Is it useful?             Does it bring you joy?                   Is it beautiful to you?                         Do you LOVE LOVE LOVE it? A half-hearted "well, I like it" just isn't good enough. After a while it became very easy for my client to make the choices and let go when the anwer was NO. And, she kept on letting go on the unpack, when she was in her new beautiful smaller space. You see, organizing is about you, about being good to yourself. Let me reiterate. Please, get arrogant about YOU when you organize.  You are a unique, special individual unlike no one else walking on this planet today, so you simply don't have the time or the space to have things around you that aren't perfect LOVE LOVE LOVE items that serve you. When you pack to move, it costs you money to buy the boxes, move the stuff, pay the movers. Even if you are doing it yourself, it cost you time and energy not to mention the cost to the planet to transport things that don't serve you. No worries, however, because if you do not have the luxury of time to go through things slowly before packing, there is another opportunity to do so on the unpack. I tell my clients: when you unpack, think of each box as a new present to open. Are you happy to "get" that "gift" you just unwrapped? Again, will you use it and/or enjoy it? DOES IT SERVE YOU? If no, "return it". That is, put it back in another box, take it to a donation center or give it away to friends or family. Get it back out into the planet to serve someone else. Stuff that serves you is either useful, joyful, or beautiful to you. Anything less, and it's a waste of your precious time. Call me if you have trouble. Your worth it. Life, show in home 2010-08-01T20:02:01+00:00 /site/i_am_published/ /site/i_am_published/#When:23:27:00Z I have co-authored a book where experts share secrets to getting organized; my chapter reveals a fresh "green" perpsective to jumpstart you to organize at last!Get Organized TODAY is a key tool in building a successful life; to bring ease and flow to your day-to-day living when clutter has got you down. More professional and personal organization and preparedness expertise is yours with these insights from Nancy and her organizing peers. With Get Organized Today, you will better manage your life and be ready to handle any situation with ease. To support you on your mission to live an organized and balanced life. Free Teleseminar Series to learn more! This book includes expert strategies to: Capture the Vision to Create a Space You'll Love Create a Productive Environment in Five Steps Overcome Chronic Disorganization Build the Perfect Closet Create a Home Office that Works for You Conquer Paper Piles Organize for Disaster and Be Prepared! and more... Including Nancy's Chapter ->  Get Organized for the Planet, that outlines 10 incredibly easy ways to turn your matter (clutter) into energy (where everything is in its place waiting to serve you) in an Eco-Friendly way! Cost:  $24.00 Business, Green, Home, Life, Office, show in home 2010-07-23T23:27:00+00:00 /site/create_less_trash_and_serve_the_planet/ /site/create_less_trash_and_serve_the_planet/#When:23:01:57Z Each year Americans produce 4.6 lbs of garbage/person daily. Discover 4 easy ways to cut back on your weekly waste to help sustain our beautiful planet!Planet Tip – Create Less Trash It has been measured that each year Americans produce 4.6 pounds of garbage per person every day. Let’s take a simple step to help sustain the planet by creating less Trash! Here's a few easy ways to cut back on your weekly waste, sourced from Real Simple Magazine: Banish plastic packaging - On your next shopping trip, steer clear of plastic containers. Look for comparable items packed in paper cartons or sold in bulk. Stock up on sponges and handkerchiefs. Forgo the rolls (and rolls) of paper towels you use and try reusable sponges or washcloths to clean up spills. Or put in use some old fashioned handkerchiefs in lieu of using those big boxes of tissues everywhere, cluttering up your garbage cans. Feed the Earth. Compost food scraps instead of throwing them away with your regular trash. They'll break down and help create fertile soil for the garden or houseplants. Indeed, the Secret to some of the most productive gardens is the use of compost. You will find "how to build a compost bin" instructions all over the web. Here's my favorite: http://simplemom.net/how-to-make-a-compost-bin/ Concentrate. Choose concentrated versions of household basics, such as laundry detergent. You will use less of the product and won’t have to throw away big containers as regularly. Especially if you have soft water, which means you can use about half the recommended detergent per load! Green, Home, show in home 2010-07-20T23:01:57+00:00 /site/the_wisdom_of_feng_shui_for_getting_organized/ /site/the_wisdom_of_feng_shui_for_getting_organized/#When:23:44:30Z For harmony and free flowing positive energy in your space, start with eliminating the clutter!"Qi" is a central concept of Feng Shui (also written Chi or Ch'i, pronounced "key). It is best defined as "life energy," "life breath," or "active energy that flows through all things". Everything is constantly in motion, everything has its own energy field and is connected in some way. All energy fields directly influence each other. Whether strengthening or weakening, everything flows. It is easier to follow the stream of Qi and to know what it favours, than to swim against the current. Clutter swims against the current; that is, it impedes the natural flow of positive Qi. It weakens... In other words, according to Feng Shui teachings, a messy home or office indicates a disjointed life. If a stack of old newspapers or a pile of paperwork hinders the flow of Qi over a long period of time, Sha Qi will impose its negative influence on other areas, making you tired and even depressed. A congested entrance indicates a lack of openness toward new things. A mess under the bed may well keep you from getting a good night's sleep. Such "blockages" also occur when you postpone paying invoices or making an unpleasant phone call. Check your pockets or wallet: If you find ticket stubs, sweet wrappers or old receipts, throw them away, to ensure the free flow of money! For harmony and free flowing positive energy in your space, start with eliminating your clutter! Like I always say, when you get organized you are turning matter into energy. And, as ever, if you need help, call me! Business, Home, Life, show in home 2010-04-19T23:44:30+00:00 /site/are_your_meetings_organized/ /site/are_your_meetings_organized/#When:02:41:35Z Follow 3 simple steps to lead well-organized meetings that are effective and successful.There can be clutter and disorganization in your closets, on your desk and in your file cabinets. There can also be clutter in your head, with to do lists and action items, and even in conversations. "Conversation clutter" is especially a time-waster when it happens in meetings, where multiple peoples are affected. I read a great article written by a fabulous Coach (not to mention a good friend of mine), Nikki Anderson.  It resonated with me as a very simple process to follow in order to lead an effective ORGANIZED meeting. According to Nikki, there are three simple yet important steps to conducting effective meetings: 1st - Create an Agenda, to be clear on WHAT you are there to talk about.  I would add that it's ideal that the agenda is distributed prior to the meeting so that everyone is prepared and/or has a chance to add feedback. 2nd - Have a Desired Outcome, to clear on WHY you're talking about these issues.  My .02 is to state this outcome clearly at the beginning of the meeting and get everyone's agreement.  Write it down on a flip chart if there is more then 2 or 3 people in the meeting, and add other peoples ideas if there is feedback. 3RD - Set Next Steps, to clarify HOW each person is going to implement the outcomes, including WHEN they are responsible for a deliverable. And, if you are in the meeting, to save yourself from head/action item clutter, write down your next steps and due dates. As Nikki affirms, these straightforward steps will ensure your 'good ideas' are part of a productive, satisfying meeting with successful results. Check out Nikki's blog for more great articles. Business, show in home 2010-04-16T02:41:35+00:00 /site/to_manage_incoming_paper_the_key_is_rafted/ /site/to_manage_incoming_paper_the_key_is_rafted/#When:20:08:25Z Each piece of incoming paper fits into one of a short list of categories, indentified by the acronym RAFTeD. Setup a system based on this and get control over the incoming!It's madness, what comes into your space every day; mail, paper, reciepts, business cards, flyers, schoolwork, magazines and more. Yet, it's really very simple. Look at it this way: every piece of email and incoming paper fits into one of a short list of categories, indentified by a simple acronym. To manage incoming paper, you just setup a system to sort based on these categories as, soon as new paper enters your space. For personal, it’s RAFT.  For a household or business, it’s RAFT'eD, as follows: R = Read A = Action.  Where the next step is to take some action, such as pay a bill, make a phone call, consider invitation/RSVP, send an email, etc. F = File.   A business or home file system should be accessible, so easy to do that you file most things immediately or almost immediately. T = Toss, as in recycle or shred. When it comes to paper, virtually all of it will either get shredded (anything with an account number) or recycled. Note that windowed envelopes, sticky notes and even some staples are ok in San Francisco and in most cities that recycle.  and, for a business or household, D = Delegate - Distribute to appropriate household or staff member.  Note, just as you have mail boxes in an office for each employee, have an in basket or incoming mail file folder at home for each adult family member. As you proceed, here are a few key points: ->  A Green Tip: Paper that is not confidential and unprinted on one side can be reused in your printer for scrap printing.  ->  Remember that 80% or more of your incoming mail typically will go to “T” ->  Open mail every day. Sometimes you will skip a day, but if you do it every day it will soon become a habit, it will get easier and faster and it won't pile up. ->  Get angry and arrogant about paper. Stand by the recycle bin and toss freely. Most of what comes in is someone trying to sell you something anyway! Don't take the business card or flyer if it doesn't serve you. Don't keep paper that isn't about YOUR goals and desires TODAY. Let it go.. you are too important in your busy life to waste time sorting and acting on things that don't serve you. Ok... Manage well. Toss Freely. And, as ever, call me if you need some help! Business, Life, Office, show in home 2010-03-22T20:08:25+00:00 /site/clutter_from_the_middle_english_word_clotter_means_to_coagulate/ /site/clutter_from_the_middle_english_word_clotter_means_to_coagulate/#When:01:18:03Z Whether it's the toxic stuff in your space or in your body, clutter, may be "coagulating" you & your space. Time for a Spring cleanse!From the dictionary:clutter  -  1556, var. of clotern "to form clots, to heap on".  From the Middle English word “clotter” which means to coagulate. Whether it's the toxic stuff cluttering your space or the toxic stuff you put in your body, clutter, inside and out, may be "coagulating" both you and your space. Time for fresh new habits around what you keep in your space and how you nourish your body.  Winter is ending. Spring is coming.  Time for a cleanse with Teresa and Nancy to get some great ideas and a foundation to begin to get rid of all the excess clutter in your life! BALANCE Tuesday workshop events are relatively intimate – from 10 to 25 attendees – so you will have the opportunity to get direct feedback on your specific issues and goals. The workshop locations are chosen with an emphasis on comfort and style.  No cold, dark, echo’ing rooms!  Each attendee will receive a gift bag. Snacks and H20 served. More about the event! Life, show in home 2010-03-18T01:18:03+00:00 /site/find_a_donation_source_to_love_and_getting_rid_of_clutter_will_be_easier/ /site/find_a_donation_source_to_love_and_getting_rid_of_clutter_will_be_easier/#When:00:26:13Z If the donation center you choose is meaningful to you and in your life route, it's easy to let go of your clutter.Most of us are familiar with the concept of donating our possessions to a donation center. Often, however, I still see bags of clothing and such that end up sitting stagnant in a corner as clutter. Make it easy to get these items out of your space and into a new space by findng a donation source that is meaningful to you and easy to get to in your "life route".  Add these three simple steps to your life: 1.  Keep a donation box or bag in every bedroom of the house and in utility spaces, so adults and children in the household get into the habit of filling it up when clothing or possessions are ready for a new home. (That’s a great way to start good habits if you have children!) 2. Choose a donation source whose mission you value, so that it motivates you and your loved ones to donate often. If you are a pet lover, find a pet organization that takes donations. 3. Finally, if possible, find a source that is in the neighborhood, maintains hours that work with your busy schedule and is in an easy-to-get-to location. Ideally, a place somewhere on your normal work or errand route or near a place you go often. That way, it’s easy to get these items out of your space and into the hands of someone else who can appreciate them. The Salvation Army (http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/) and Goodwill (http://www.goodwill.org/) are great national sources, but don’t forget to explore local organizations as well. My favorite source in San Francisco is Community Thrift, where you can choose the charity (from a long list of local and national charities) who gets a percentage of the proceeds of your donation items once they are sold at the store. I call it the double give! The Community Thrift Store623 Valencia StSan Francisco, CA 94110Community Thrift is a non-profit thrift store in San Francisco that relies entirely upon donations to stock it's shelves, and they even have a super easy drop-off window though check out their site for directions to it and to learn more:  www.communitythriftsf.org Home, Life, show in home 2010-03-11T00:26:13+00:00 /site/is_your_kitchen_organized_to_work_for_you/ /site/is_your_kitchen_organized_to_work_for_you/#When:06:46:38Z Some basic truths about kitchens will help you put yours in order; where every item you want is in the right place, accessible and waiting to serve you.These basic truths about kitchens will help you put yours in an order that serves you. Where every item you want is in the right place, appropriately accessible and waiting to serve you.  The way to start is to understand the core activities performed in the kitchen and then "zone" your space accordingly. The typical activity zones are: Food Preparation Cooking Dishwashing and Dish Storage Food Storage Utility Household Information Center Food Preparation ZoneIn this zone you are chopping, mixing, cutting, seasoning, and so on. The longest available counter is best for this zone, ideally between the sink and stove or the sink and refrigerator. In the cabinets above and below this counter area, store cutting boards, knives, mixing bowls, measuring cups, spoons, appliances, seasonings, and other food preparation items. Cooking ZoneClearly, the cooking zone is best located near your stove and cook top, and near this location you store pots, pans, pot holders, bake ware and cooking utensils. Dishwashing and Dish Storage ZoneTo make clean-up and storage of everyday eating and drinking items easier, you want this zone near the sink and dishwasher or dish drainer. It will include everyday dishes, glassware, flatware, dish towels and detergent. Utility ZoneThis zone houses the heavy-duty cleaning and maintenance supplies for the kitchen and is usually under the sink. For outsized mops and brooms, you can store them in a closet or on hooks nearby. Food Storage ZoneThis is where food is kept, including the refrigerator and pantry space. In kitchens with no pantry, consider storing the food in the cabinets nearest the refrigerator. Household Information CenterFinally, every kitchen has some level of paperwork or where all the mail gets dumped. This area can include everything from notepaper and cookbooks to a computer and household files. Determine what reasonably gets done in the kitchen (set boundaries) and make the right space for it. Managing household paperwork is a “big” organizing challenge, so stayed tuned to balancesf/blog for more on household paper organizing. Once you have arranged your kitchen with zones, you will find you spend less time traveling within your kitchen to get things. What you need will be close by and convenient. Kitchen tasks will be simplified and clean-up will be easier. You’ll save time and stay organized. Bon Appetit! Home, show in home 2010-03-03T06:46:38+00:00 /site/for_the_planet_turn_your_trash_into_usable_stuff/ /site/for_the_planet_turn_your_trash_into_usable_stuff/#When:23:49:28Z Super cool website lets you turn your “trash” into useable stuff. Start a “brigade” and recycle your trash. For our children and their children and so on!!You often hear the story about the young guy who gets famous with some techno business idea and you may think, darn I wish it were me. This story is so super fine and cool, you won't be green with envy, but it is green! Terracycle was founded in 2001 by a 19 year old Princeton Univ. freshman named Tom Szaky whose dream was to find a more responsible way of doing business that was not just good for the bottom line, but good for the planet and for people. www.terracycle.net Terracycle is an extraordinary operation that turns your “trash” into useable stuff. Send them your juice bags, for example, and they will turn them into colorful purses and pencil cases and resell them at Target or Walgreens. They’ll even donate money to your charity of choice for each item you send them. To participate in the Candy Wrapper Brigade, for example, all you do is sign up online and you will receive prepaid postage labels and collection materials from Terracycle. Once you collect enough candy wrappers to fill a collection bag, you affix the prepaid postage label and drop it off to UPS. The program is designed for schools, universities and other non-profit organizations that get money back for each item collected. As of this writing, Terracycle has over 8.6 million people collecting trash, are making 181 products and have donated $562,000 to charities. Go Tom. Get Green.  ...and the planet lives on. Green, Home 2010-02-22T23:49:28+00:00