And remember... if you are planning to change your email address, we don't want to lose you!
Simply UNSUBSCRIBE your current email address, and RE-SUBSCRIBE with your new email address. You can do both using the link below:
http://ezezine.com/home/786/
In This Issue:
- Readers Ask: How To Create Multi-Functional Rooms?
- How Many Are FREEcycling Today?
- Upcoming HGTV Appearances
Readers Ask
Each month, readers write asking organizational questions. I will begin addressing some of these questions in my newsletter.
A subscriber in Thomas County, GA writes:
My big problem is lack of space. We have downsized to a cottate (under 1500 square feet). Our second bedroom has to double as a guest room and home office - computer, work desk, books, files. Thank you for any ideas and inspirations.
Judy from Cape May, NJ writes:
At the moment I have been trying to set up a PC room and craft room in a small bedroom.. I have watched Organizing shows on HGTV and have gotten some great ideas, which are being put to use. I just know your newsletters will keep me on track.
Judy
To both subscribers... I would tell you to begin thinking DUAL-PURPOSE when creating these spaces. Look for furniture and products that either serve two uses or convert from one thing to another. Let's face it... most people don't have overnight guests every week. A futon or pull-out loveseat is a terrific piece of dual-purpose furniture that can accommodate guests when necessary but doesn't take up a lot of space at other times.
Also, if the room is small, choose a small desk so it doesn't seem out of proportion to the room size. Choose a desk with at least one file drawer and cull out old files to conserve file drawer space. If you still need more file space, a rolling file cart is a good option for space savings and portability. Better yet, choose a storage ottoman which will hold files and also double as extra seating.
When combining a craft room with a computer room, you'll want as much work surface as possible, but perhaps not 24/7. Consider a folding table on wheels as a work surface that you can fold down and roll off to the side or into a closet when you're not using it. Also, a table that attaches to the wall and flips up when you need it is great for extra flat space for craft projects.
Don't forget to maximize your space by using the walls. Add sturdy shelves over your desk or on otherwise unused wall space, for books, fabrics, small craft items, beads, and other small items. Consider using an office armoire, which will close up and hide your computer when you're not using it. By carefully choosing as many dual-purpose pieces as possible, you can successfully create a nice, multi-functional room that you love.
How Many Are FREEcycling Today?
Decluttering your life is a wonderful way to rid yourself of the things that no longer give you value and a great way to help someone in need at the same time. All over the world, people are helping others and decluttering their lives by giving away the things they no longer need, through FREEcycle.org. This means that fewer items are going into the trash and filling up the landfills of our planet.
It's so simple to join! You just sign up through the web site, and you'll begin getting the emails that people in your local FREEcycle group send out either seeking free items, or offering free items. It's as simple as that! Just go to www.FREEcycle.org to sign up!
Number of cities FREEcycling last month: 1957
Number of cities FREEcycling this month: 2335
Number of people FREEcycling last month: 721,156
Number of people FREEcycling this month: 925,995
Check it out and let me know what you think of the idea. If you've received something or given something away through this wonderful concept, tell me about that too!
Upcoming HGTV Appearances
Be sure to catch Monica on these upcoming episodes of HGTV's popular show, Mission:Organization!
Episode #513 Multipurpose Activity Room
We transform a cluttered, chaotic craft and project room into a beautiful, peaceful and organized place to create!
March 15 and 16
http://tinyurl.com/3nfc8
Episode #609 Home Office Cleanup
We transform a dark, cavernous loft room into a gorgeous guest room, entertaining area and home office!
April 21, 22 and 23
http://tinyurl.com/3ko3b
Monica Ricci is an Organizing Specialist, and the founder of Catalyst Organizing Solutions, an Atlanta based company. You can see Monica on the popular HGTV show,
MISSION:Organization.
She is the immediate past president of the GA Chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers and was recently named to the Editorial Advisory Board of Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine. To schedule Monica to speak to your conference, team, department, or association, or for an on-site organizational evaluation, contact her at 770-569-2642 or Monica@CatalystOrganizing.com
(c)2005 Catalyst Organizing. All Rights Reserved.
