Filed under: Disaster Preparedness
What an interesting time it’s been for folks on the East Coast these last couple of weeks! First, an unusually large earthquake that shook much of the northern region, and then large, drenching hurricane that has left its mark on communities throughout the area. Our hearts go out to those who have experienced any kind of loss during these events.
These types of events remind us that disaster can strike at anytime, anywhere, even through unexpected means. While Mother Nature is often the cause widespread chaos, individuals can be affected fires, thefts, accidents, serious health issues, and many other incidents, so there is no way to predict just when or where a disaster will strike.
To call attention to the need for citizens to be prepared for emergencies and natural disasters, the U.S. government has named September “National Preparedness Month.” And they’ve even devoted an entire Website dedicated to the topic, complete with free forms and checklists that can help you organize essential information. Visit www.Ready.gov to learn how to “get a kit, make a plan, and be informed.”
The following are tips to help you put together a disaster preparedness plan for your family:
Learn how to prepare yourself and your family so you can survive and recover from a disaster. Check out www.Ready.gov for advice, or try reading “Organize for Disaster: Prepare Your Family and Your Home for Any Natural or Unnatural Disaster“. It advocates preparing for disaster as part of everyday life rather than as an urgent event and is an an excellent ready-reference for your home.
Plan for an emergency. Develop a family emergency plan so that every member of your family knows what to do and where to meet in an emergency. This plan should include a meeting place, out-of-town contacts, and personal information that will help you get found if lost or separated. To help you out, Ready.gov provides free, printable forms. While you never want to be forced to put this plan into action, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your family knows what to do.
Assemble a disaster kit. Include food, water, blankets, flashlights, a first-aid kit, a battery-operated radio, and extra batteries. Also think about storing a supply of extra prescription medication, clothes, money, and tools. Click here to see a complete checklist for your kit.
Consider your pet. Many people think of their pets as members of their family and rightfully so! Keep a back-up supply of pet food and water in your safe place just for your pet. And heartbreaking as it is, sometimes you have no choice but to evacuate without your pet, leaving it in the care of a shelter or family member. Our Pet.doc™ will help you record important information so you can ensure your pet will be properly cared for while you’re apart. Simply fill in the forms provided in the Pet.doc™ and you’ll have everything from basic license numbers and immunization records to detailed medical histories and training notes in one, easy to find spot.
Think about your health. We all have important health records that we don’t want to lose, and for those with chronic conditions, it’s even more important to have the information readily available. Not only do you need this accessible in a medical emergency, but during a destructive event like a fire, tornado, hurricane, or flood, you could lose everything on paper. As an alternative to paper medical records, we recommend the Jakoter Medic Tag – a unique preprogrammed flash drive that allows you to keep all of you emergency information and pertinent health information close at hand. Hang it from your key chain so that you are never without life-saving information about your health.
Record information about your valuables. Unfortunately when something unexpected happens like a fire, flood or burglary, you can be left without the documentation you need to get properly reimbursed for the most valued and valuable things you own. With Valuables.doc, you can catalog all of your items of value, record their purchase prices and replacement value and have the proper documentation in case you need to make an insurance claim.
Be an informed citizen! Know what natural disasters are most likely to affect you and how to keep yourself safe. Listen to emergency management officials when danger is eminent and follow their instructions carefully. Sometimes you have only minutes to act, and by being prepared and knowledgeable about what could happen, you’ll be able to protect yourself and your family.
September 1, 2011
Try Organized A to Z.com's Organize for Disaster book to prepare your family and your home for any natural or unnatural disaster
Everyone should be prepared for an emergency. Whether it’s the loss of power and electricity (which could last for days) or a hurricane, earthquake or other natural disaster…. Or a terrorist attack…
We’ve had numerous “disasters” in the last few years….the World Trade Center attack (9/11/2001), Indian Ocean Tsunami (2004), Hurricane Katrina (2005), Haiti Earthquake (2010)…
Being prepared is not an “option” anymore. Even if just the electricity went out…and you happen to have an “all electric” home….would you be able to survive? Do you have enough food to last you for a few days? What happens if all the stores are closed?
These are just some things to think about…..
There are numerous websites and articles that tell you to be prepared to survive for at least three (3) days if an emergency occurs. The “72 Hour Kit” as some people call it.
Besides the basic kit, you also need to have an emergency plan in place. Below is a basic list that will give you some ideas to get you started (there are numerous variations of this kit).
Basic Kit:
- Water – one (1) gallon per person , per day for at least three (3) days
- Food – 3 days supply of non-perishable food. Some ideas are: soup mix, granola bars, trail mix, crackers, peanut butter, beef jerky, fruit cups….
- Plastic / paper – plates, cups, napkins…
- Radio – battery powered
- Flashlight – with extra batteries
- First aid kit – basic kit
- Whistle
- Can opener
- Garbage bags & plastic bags (various sizes)
- Sleeping Bag
- Blankets
- Clothes – for three (3) days
- Shoes
- Coats & rain gear & cold weather gear
- Personal hygiene products such as: shampoo, lotion, razors, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine products, sunscreen…..=
- Wet wipes
- Toilet Paper
- Sewing Kit
- Paper & pencils
- Matches / lighter (in water proof container)
- Cash
- Basic tools (wrench, pliers, scissors….)
- Maps
- Water purification tablets (or Chlorine Bleach)
- Hand Sanitizer
- String / rope / cord
- Cooking appliances (portable stove with fuel….)
Some things (like medications…) cannot pack ahead of time…so have a checklist prepared for those items.
Checklist for supplies that need to be packed last minute:
- Prescription medication
- Infant formula
- Pet food
- Family documents (passport, birth certificates, identification cards, bank info, insurance info….)
- Watch
- Games for kids
Start thinking about how you and your family would handle an emergency….and start planning for it today…before that emergency strikes.
Thanks to Organized A to Z.com partner Karin E. Fried, CPC, for contributing this article. Karen is owner of Organizational Consulting Services and you can visit her Web site at www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
September 8, 2010
Try MyVitalFiles to keep important paperwork organized and easily accessible.
As of 2005, South Florida was impacted by 8 hurricanes in 13 months. New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana and Mississippi were literally wiped out by a hurricane. Earthquakes decimated other parts of the world while brush fires threatened homes in California. Emergencies can also include flood, fire, tornado, burglary and other unforeseen events.
As with most aspects of life, emergencies can be handled efficiently and effectively when done in an organized manner. Organizing instills confidence and peace of mind.
Checklists and supplies arranged in advanced are key to emergency preparation. Supply preparation is heavily covered by the media prior to a hurricane. The focus of this article is for your valuable papers.
Motivation
Is it worth taking the time to make plans and preparations in case everything you owned was destroyed? No doubt that the victims of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and Mississippi (or any of us for that matter) ever imagined being in the predicament in which they found themselves. Being caught unprepared only adds to the long term effect of a crisis.
Insurance statistics show that policyholders who are prepared with an inventory of their belongings recover up to 25% more when their claims are settled, than those not prepared. The claims process may go faster, more smoothly and with less stress. (As a familiar commercial indicates, these benefits are “priceless”).
Check with your insurance agent to determine if you have purchased replacement cost coverage on your home and personal property. Some homeowners’ insurance policies provide coverage for only actual cash value “ACV”. Your loss will be adjusted on an “ACV-actual cash value” basis, which means the insurance company will depreciate your damaged items, including your house, depending on their age.
The policy limit for “personal property/contents” coverage is customarily one-half (1/2) the value of your home (structure) coverage. The full value of contents coverage is not paid automatically. The insurance company will investigate to determine if the dollar amount of contents you claim is reasonable and provable. You must be prepared to prove to your insurance carrier that you in fact did own certain property if challenged.
Documents and Documentation
It is recommended that you prepare a written inventory of your contents (room by room) and take photographs or videotape to back up the list. Receipts should be maintained for your major belongings to help speed the claim process.
The front page or “declaration sheet” of your insurance policies, home, flood, health, auto and life, with policy numbers and your agent’s contact information is critical to have available.
Other valuable documents and items you could need include: the deed to your home, birth certificates, stock certificates, credit card and bank account numbers, passports, jewelry invoices and of course insurance policies (with policy numbers and company or agency contact information).
If circumstances require evacuation, additionally you may want to bring items such as jewelry, PDA, passwords for online accounts, computer back ups, photographs (especially current ones of your family for identification purposes in case you get separated), personal address book and important memorabilia along with you.
If you are forced to relocate, resumes, college transcripts and degrees may be needed. Military records and discharge papers will be useful if applying for military and veteran’s benefits.
Immunization records and health records regarding health conditions will be needed for your children to enroll in a new school.
Marriage licenses and divorce certificates may be needed to set up bank accounts or establish residency.
Copies of mortgage documents may be necessary as well.
Instead of carrying bank statements with you, a copy of your credit report contains all your account numbers, names and addresses for all your credit cards and other lenders. You can obtain a free credit report annually at www.annualcreditreport.com.
Copies of wills and trusts, power of attorneys and medical directives, in addition to the above documents are safest if kept in a bank vault.
Did you know that even if you lose your home, you are still expected to keep up the payments?
Safe Keeping
If you keep any of the aforementioned in a safe deposit box (at a bank), no worries. Next best is a waterproof, fire proof safe in your home. However, safes are rated as to what temperature they can withstand from fire and can melt. You will need to remove the contents of the safe to take with you in case of evacuation.
Inventory the above items on your check list (including location by room) so you can round them up quickly. Even better, all these items, including the inventory list should be kept together in one place, in a zip lock (water proof) bag for easy retrieval, in case of the need to evacuate your home in a hurry. Keep extra copies of each paper in your filing system for easy reference throughout the year.
Since all of this documentation could be too cumbersome to carry along, in case of an emergency, keeping them in a bank vault, or sending them to a relative in another part of the country are viable alternatives. It is suggested they can be saved in advance on a scanner then burned onto a CD or DVD for portability.
This article is intended to bring your awareness to detailed information and to help you START the organizing process. Further research or action may be required on your part in order to complete the details necessary to accomplish them. This includes discussion with your insurance agent and Time-Savers Professional Organizing Services to get your business or house ready.
The point is, to quote another familiar commercial, “Just do it!”
Thanks to Organized A to Z.com partner Diane Hatcher for contributing this article. Diane, CPO®, is a Certified Professional Organizer and owner of Time-Savers Professional Organizing Services, Inc. in S. Florida. Contact her via www.timesaversusa.com or 954.252.7511.
September 1, 2010
An “active to extremely active” hurricane season is expected for the Atlantic Basin this year, according to the seasonal outlook issued today by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center – a division of the National Weather Service. As with every hurricane season, this outlook underscores the importance of having a hurricane preparedness plan in place.
“Organize for Disaster” includes first hand accounts from people who have survived disasters and expert advice from emergency officials, making it a ‘good-read’ as well as an excellent ready-reference.
It also provides simple instructions for doing a family communication/evacuation and escape plan, shopping lists for purchasing disaster provisions; storage ideas; checklists, tips and helpful forms –everything a busy family needs to be disaster prepared.
May 31, 2010
Contributed by Organized A to Z Partner Heidi DeCoux
This is the 6th year that National Preparedness Month (NPM) is a nationwide effort sponsored by the Ready Campaign, with the support of Coalition Members across the US.
Are you prepared? Here are two simple steps a couple of helpful tips that will make you more prepared in the case of two different types of emergencies. These 2 simple steps don’t take long to do and can save you a ton of time, money and frustration! These steps are especially important to take if you travel.
Emergency #1 – Stolen Wallet
Take a few minutes and make a photocopy of everything in your wallet including the front and back of your credit cards and membership cards. Place the copied pages in a manila envelope and mark the envelope “Contents of Wallet” and date it. Place the envelope in your safe deposit box. Mark your calendar for 3 to 6 months’ from now to update your “Contents of Wallet” envelope. Now, if your wallet is lost or stolen you will now know exactly what you lost and whom you need to contact.
Emergency #2 – Flood, Fire or Break In
The best way to prepare for one of these emergencies is to have a safe that is both water and fireproof. You could opt to keep your items in a safe deposit box at the bank, it’s just a bit less accessible than one that is in your home. Last year there were some flood victims in SE MN who had to work hard to prove they own the property that was destroyed. They lost their mortgage, titles and deeds in the flood. Having your important difficult to replace documents in a safe along with an up to date household inventory (and appraisals or receipts of valuables) can save you quite a bit of time, money and headache if you have a flood, fire or break in.
Take a Household Inventory
Spend a few hours walking around your house with a digital camera and take a photo of all of your belongings. Burn the photos onto a CD or DVD. Make at least three copies. One copy goes in your safe deposit box, one should go to your insurance agent and one to the executor of your Will. If you have appraisals or receipts for any of your valuables, put those in your safe along with your CD or DVD of photos.
Protect Your Family Photos
In the case of a fire or flood you should be focused on getting your family out of the house not your photo albums, however, loosing years and years of precious photos could be devastating. A simple solution is to have your photo’s scanned and put on DVD’s. Keep one set of DVD’s in your safe, give a set to the executor of your Will and you could give some copies to family members, such as your parents, grown children and siblings.
Another Hot Tip:
Put your cell phone on ICE! Add a contact to your cell phone and name it: In Case of Emergency. Then list whom you would want to be contacted in the case you ended up in the hospital. Hospitals are now checking cell phones for emergency contacts.
By implementing these simple home organization and emergency planning tips you could end up saving yourself a lot of time, energy, money and frustration. For more helpful tips visit the Ready Campaigns government website at www.ready.gov/america/index.html.
Heidi DeCoux is the publisher of the Life Made Simple E-zine and is a speaker, author, and professional organizer in Minneapolis specializing in home organization. Heidi energizes her readers’ lives by simplifying their homes and schedules. For more info, free tips, and to receive her FREE report, The Fast & Easy Way to Get Organized and Stay Organized Forever, visit http://www.HeidiDeCoux.com and discover how to find what you want fast, end the frustration of endless searching for things, so you can spend more time having fun!
September 28, 2009
Jakoter Health Tag
When it comes to organizing your ever-lasting accumulation of medical documents do you wonder what should I keep, what can I throw or do I need to shred it? Medical information organizing is essential for being prepared for emergencies, as well as for doctor appointments and keeping track of medications and such.
Jakoter Health Organizers, www.jakoterhealthorganizers.com is the solution to getting all your medical information in one central location. These organizers will keep medical information organized, so when needed the information will be ready and available for all doctor appointments, surgeries, tests and those unexpected emergencies. And when you think about it…having your medical information organized and available for the emergency personnel could save yours or your loved ones life!
Jakoter Health Organizer
As well, they help caregivers and parents alike; keep track of medications, how the medications worked and/or if there was a reaction, appointments of all doctors (when, where, who, why, findings and follow up), bills & receipts, blood work, calendar charts, directions, doctor letters, immunizations, major events, and test results. They also include sections for notes, questions/answers, resources, baby milestones and two blank sections to use for whatever you need.
Jakoter Health Organizers offer Medical Information Organizing in many venues to fit your needs. We offer:
*Personal organizing to help you with your own personal medical information with the help of a Jakoter Health Consultant (JHC).
*Classes offered in small groups with hands-on organizing during a follow-up workshop.
*Webinars for those who prefer to learn virtually on how to organize their information. Also, available are webinars for those who would like to learn how to become a Jakoter Health Consultant or would like to teach others how to become a Jakoter Health Consultant.
Jakoter Medic Tag
*Speaking presentations are given to large groups on several different subjects, such as “The Ease and Power of the Health Tag”. Please contact us for more subjects offered.
*Companies who sell products for retail or online, we have great products for you to add to your line of retail and an opportunity for you to make a great profit.
Employers add a great benefit to your health insurance package by adding health organizing products for your employees. Give them the option to purchase at a discounted price or add the products in as a free benefit. Please contact us for details.
If you interested these products or as a small business owner are looking for something new to offer your clients and you would like more information about Jakoter Health Organizers, please contact me at Delight@jakoter.com or 952-297-2827. I am confident you will be as thrilled about these products as I was the first time I heard about them.
September 23, 2009
Crucial project…
Focus on the estate…estate planning
Regardless of the unexpected, unpleasant episode that sets ones life in a tail spin, the effect upon the family is always the same. It is devastation and chaos. Therefore it is necessary to always be PREPARED for the unexpected. ESTATE PLANNING is not for just the wealthy, nor is it to be addressed after death.
Rather it is a life changing subject to be discussed with all family members while you are alive and well.
After having lost my father 4 years ago, my family and I have been involved in a web of endless, inconclusive legal matters concerning our father’s estate. After nine months of attempting to uncover the truths about the will, and speaking with five different lawyers we have unanimously agreed to retain a lawyer to represent my mom.
Essentially this event has paralleled a divorce, without the most important member present to represent himself.
What we have come to understand is that estate law is, as most law in our country, not only a foreign language to most but also not emphasized enough to families as a part of planning matters.
There are many featured articles in newspapers and magazines concerning the lawsuits that prevail from misunderstood wills and endless, costly disputes over generations of wealth. With a multitude of complex tax ramifications and forthcoming revisions it is crucial to protect whatever assets the family has worked hard to achieve. It is a pity to have monies be swept into the government channels.
Therefore, do not believe that estate planning is only for those with wealth. Act now , preparation for your protection is about the here and now, NOT the thereafter.
Contributed by Lisa Jacobs:
Lisa Jacobs is passionate about home organizing, fashion, and interior design make overs. IMAGINE IT DONE is the result of that passion. Lisa brings her deep aesthetic sensibilities and good taste to every consulting challenge. Her vast creative and management experience in the US and Europe allows IMAGINE IT DONE to deliver a full spectrum of services. She began her career in New York City working for the chief creative director, Nick Lamicella, of the ad agency Norman Craig&Kummel Inc. Her strengths and reputation eventually brought her to Paris, where she served as assistant to the creative director of Havas World Communications, again overseeing print production and managing talent for Garnier, Chanel and Bourjois. A master of organization and time management, Lisa has redecorated homes from Manhattan to the Hamptons. Lisa is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers. Visit her site at www.imagineitdone.net.
September 21, 2009
With numerous hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires threatening our homes and businesses throughout the country, it is appropriate that NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) has signed on as a national coalition member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s National Preparedness Month. One never knows when a disaster may strike, so it is important to be prepared.
According to Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign website, the following systems should be in place to help protect you in an emergency:
• Emergency Evacuation Plan
• Emergency Supply Kit
See Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign website for additional information for making your plan and creating/getting a supply kit. In addition, a home inventory and a portable fire-safe box containing vital documents is essential.
Home Inventory
Conduct a home inventory to have a record of the items you own for insurance purposes. Document throughout your home items of value:
• make a list
• take pictures and/or video
• record serial numbers, manufacturer’s names, and model numbers
Portable Fire-Safe Box
Collect vital documents and make copies
- Vital documents may include, but are not limited to:
- Birth certificates
- Passports
- Driver’s license
- Wills
- Medical history
- Deed of trust
- Automobile titles, other titles showing ownership
- Home inventory
- Bank accounts credit card numbers
- Marriage license
- Social Security card
- Home and Auto insurance information
- Store the originals in a safety deposit box at your bank
- Store the copies in a portable fireproof box
- Store the box in an area that is easily accessible in case of emergency
If disaster strikes, at least you will be prepared with important and necessary information at your fingertips so you may focus your attention on keeping your family safe. A professional organizer can help you create your home inventory and gather vital documents for safe storage.
Kelly Butcher, a professional organizer and owner of Simplification Services since 2007, has a passion for helping others organize their homes and offices. Her goal is to simplify her client’s lives by creating customized, manageable systems to fit their particular needs. She teaches them the skill of organizing throughout the process and loves to hear about the projects they complete on their own. Kelly is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, the Austin Chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers, and is currently serving her second term as Secretary for NAPO-Austin. Visit her site at www.SimplificationServices.com.
September 17, 2009
Contributed by Kathryn McMillan of Clutter Conversions, LLC, www.clutterconversions.com
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated September as National Preparedness Month, are you prepared? You may think, “It can never happen to me” but if it does happen are there enough supplies to last me and my family through the ordeal? Are you sure?? If you get prepared, you will be sure!! How do you get prepared for the unknown? Here are some simple steps and products to get you started but you do have to take into consideration which part of the country you live in and what has happened in the past.
Step1: Get A Kit of emergency supplies. Basic Kit:
- Water (one gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable Food (at least a 3 day supply)
- Battery powered or hand cranked radio or NOAA weather radio w/tone alert and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Whistle to signal for help
- Filter Mask or cotton t-shirt to help filter air
- Moist Towlettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation
- Wrench or Pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual Can Opener
- Plastic sheeting and Duct Tape
- Important Family Documents
- Items for unique family needs (medicines, baby formula, diapers, etc,)
Think about 2 kits: A big one for your home and smaller version for your vehicle
Step 2: Make a Plan:
Develop a family emergency plan and practice it. Who is going to do what and where when disaster strikes. If you have family or friends that live far away from you, consider using them as the contact person everyone needs to contact because it can be easier to contact them than within your own area.
Step 3: Be Informed about what might happen:
Make yourself aware of what can happen in the event of a natural or man made emergency.
Businesses need to be prepared also. If you own a business, you need to have an emergency plan for your employees. Prepare a written plan, give them each a copy and personally go over it with them explaining to them that in the event of an emergency, who is in charge (chain of command), how do they communicate with you and what is their expectations in helping to get the business up and running again. People often want to get back to work because getting back into the routine of work provides them some distraction from outside stressors and gives them the comfort of a paycheck to fix any problems they may have.
You can find tons of useful articles, tips and products at www.ready.gov, www.thereadystore.com and www.redcrossstore.org.
Recommended products:
- Family Life Organizer and Planner 2009
- Organize for Disaster: Prepare Your Family and Your Home for Any Natural or Unnatural Disaster
- Jakoter Medic Tag: Programable Flash Drive/Key Chain
- Locket Personal Management Info System – a system that gives you control of your most private documents that is storable, compact and portable, all on a 1GB thumb drive.
Clutter Conversions, LLC © 2009
September 11, 2009
Creating an Organized Home For Your Prized Possessions
“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery
When conducting an organizing presentation or teleclass, I often mention the idea of creating a Memory Box for each family member. Many participants share that the Memory Box tip is their favorite, and one they cannot wait to act on.
A Memory Box is a container in which each family member can store his or her most treasured possessions. The size should be big enough to fit the prized possessions, but small enough to grab and carry out of the house, in case of an emergency. The actual container can be a no-nonsense functional type, like a plastic bin, or it can be a lovely decorated stylish box, bin, or basket. My personal Memory Box is an old trunk that has handles on the side to carry it in the event of an emergency evacuation.
The location for storing the Memory Box is also a personal decision. Often, because of the confidential or personal nature of the items in the box, it makes the most sense to store each person’s Memory Box in his or her room, at the top or bottom of a closet, under the bed, etc. But some choose to store all of the Memory Boxes for the family in a basement or attic, so that they do not take up precious space in the living areas of the home, and can be grabbed easily in one fell swoop if need be.
I would not recommend storing vital documents such as your will, birth certificate, etc. in the Memory Box. Those items should either be stored in a safe deposit box at the bank, or at home in a fire resistant box (remember, there is no such thing as a fireproof box for the home!). Some people store their vital documents in a regular file folder in their filing cabinet, and keep copies (or the originals) in a separate location. In the event that an emergency causes a very quick evacuation, the people and pets go out first, followed by the vital documents, and then the Memory Boxes.
What goes in a Memory Box? Well, that is up to you, of course. But here are some ideas.
- Start a Memory Box for your children’s prized artwork, sentimental childhood possessions, schoolwork, etc. They can decide, with you, what goes in it. You can have a master Memory Box, and one for the current school year. At the end of the school year, your child, with your help, can revisit the year, purging any items that are not vital enough to go in the master Memory Box.
- If you have a few sentimental favorite articles of clothing that you just can’t part with, but don’t wear, store them in your Memory Box.
- Want to revisit your love life? Store old love letters, poems, your corsage or boutineer from your high school prom, a playbill from the first date with your spouse, etc.
- If you plan to store documents or photographs in your Memory Box, consider getting an archival quality document or photo box to insert the paper and photos in, and then store the document or photo box inside the larger Memory Box. This will ensure paper and photos do not get destroyed over time.
- If an item is much too large to fit into the Memory Box, and you can bear to part with it, take a photo of the item, and store the photo with a description of the item in the box. This works well for items that you are merely keeping out of obligation. For example, that hideous painting your aunt made for you that you will never hang up! Take a photo, write a note saying, “Aunt Gertrude meant well” and donate the painting to someone who will appreciate its unrecognized beauty.
People are often surprised to hear that I have a Memory Box. You, a professional organizer? Yes! Organizing is about decluttering your life of the stuff that does not serve your goals, and letting the cream rise to the top. It is about giving your favorite possessions a place of value in your home and life. My personal Memory Box includes select sentimental items, including my handwritten journals, my baton (yes, I was a baton twirler – don’t laugh!), my middle school graduation dress (loved it!), love letters from my husband from before we were married, letters and cards from friends and family members that are precious to me, and poems that I wrote growing up.
One workshop participant shared that her new Memory Box will contain her kid’s baby books, drawings from elementary school, some treasured photos, and other memories from her kids’ childhood. She says that her kids love looking through the stuff, and it would be great to have it all in one place. Before she attended my workshop, the items were scattered around the house, and now they will be stored conveniently together, in a place of distinction.
So, what’s in your Memory Box?
Copyright 2009. Lisa Montanaro, “The Solutions Expert,” is Principal of LM Organizing Solutions, LLC, a professional services firm created in 2002 that offers professional organizing, business and life coaching, and motivational speaking to individuals and organizations. Lisa publishes the monthly “DECIDE™ to be Organized” e-zine for the general public, and “Next Level Business Success” e-zine for professional organizers and entrepreneurs. Subscribe today at www.LMOrganizingSolutions.com. Lisa also publishes the DECIDE™ to be Organized blog at www.DecideToBeOrganized.com. Through LMOS, Lisa helps people deal with the issues that block personal and professional change and growth. To explore how LMOS can improve your home or work environment, or help take your business to the next level, contact Lisa at (845) 988-0183 or by e-mail at Lisa@LMOrganizingSolutions.com.
September 8, 2009
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