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  • Clutter Free in 2012

    Date Posted: Jan 14, 2012

    Once you've cleared out the clutter how do you keep your home clutter free?  Read on for some tips.

  • Should you get the Extended Warranty?

    Date Posted: Dec 06, 2011

    Often you are asked if you want to purchase an extended warranty on a new product.  Sometimes you are given this opportunity months after your purchase.  What should you do?  Read on....

  • Worried about so much to do?

    Date Posted: Nov 14, 2011

    We're heading into the busy season!  Thanksgiving dishes are barely off the table before we're struggling with decorating the house and buying gifts, while still facing routine tasks.  Read on for tips on managing it all....

  • Charging Stations

    Date Posted: Oct 15, 2011

    Cell phones, iPads and more....  Do you need a designated place for charging them?

  • Closet Clean Out

    Date Posted: Sep 20, 2011

    Fall is in the air so this is a good time to ready your closet for cool season clothes.

  • Need Motivation to DeClutter? Consider...

    Date Posted: Aug 01, 2011

    Sometimes, all we need is a nudge to get us motivated to tackle a cluttered area.  Read on....

  • Summer Organizing Fun for Children

    Date Posted: Jul 13, 2011

    It is ho hot these days in Athens that you may be looking for something to do with your children indoors.  Why not help your children get organized and have fun at the same time!

  • 10 Tips for Air Travel this Summer

    Date Posted: Jun 03, 2011

    If you are planning a trip by air this summer, read on for tips .....

  • What happened to the home office?

    Date Posted: May 16, 2011

    The laptop, iPad, WiFi, and other innovations are changing the way we use a home office.  Read on for tips on organizing your new office.

  • Organizing Computer Files

    Date Posted: Apr 15, 2011

    If you're having a hard time finding files on your computer, click on the title for organizing tips.

  • Focus on the Outcome

    Date Posted: Mar 04, 2011

    It is simpler to put a piece of paper down "for the time being" rather than filing it. Putting things where they belong as you go takes a minute or two, while organizing later is often overwhelming..

  • Organizing Can be a Family Affair

    Date Posted: Feb 15, 2011

    You may be an organized person, but still have trouble keeping it together around the house because of other family members.  So, what can you do?  Read on.....

  • Resolve to Keep on Top of Paper you Receive

    Date Posted: Jan 21, 2011

    Dealing with all the mail and other paper that comes into our homes seems to be a typical problem.  Read on for tips on improving your system.....

  • Giving to Charities

    Date Posted: Dec 11, 2010

    In this season of giving, you've probably thought of supporting a favorite charity.  Unfortunately the barrage of solicitations from seemingly worthy causes can numb even the most generous heart.  For thoughts on end-of-the-year giving, read on....

  • Managing Digital Photos

    Date Posted: Nov 13, 2010

    The holidays are upon us and we'll probably be taking digital photos.  If you are having trouble managing them all, read on for tips on how to organize your digital photos.

  • Where to Dispose of Unwanted Items

    Date Posted: Oct 04, 2010

    Now that the weather has cooled, why not get around to disposing of things that you no longer use or want?   Read on for places to dispose of things, including recycling of electronics and other items.

  • Family Management Center

    Date Posted: Sep 11, 2010

    Do you find yourself forgetting bills, school papers to return, invitations to RSVP?  Having a management center can solve the problem.

  • Laundry Problems?

    Date Posted: Aug 16, 2010

    Having trouble keeping up with the laundry?  Develop a system that fits your lifestyle.  Click on title for ideas to help you.

  • Need Motivation to De-Clutter?

    Date Posted: Jul 02, 2010

    A client of mine gave me this tip.  Read on by clicking on the title.

  • Off to the pool or beach!

    Date Posted: May 27, 2010

    It's time for the pools to open and perhaps you have a trip to the beach planned. Click on the title for tips on how to be ready to go!

  • Build a RAFT for managing incoming papers

    Date Posted: Apr 26, 2010

    If you have overlooked a bill that was due, lost a notice that your child brought home, or faced a similar situation, perhaps you need a system to handle incoming papers – a RAFT.   Click on title for more information.

  • Psychologist or Professional Organizer

    Date Posted: Apr 08, 2010

    For those few individuals for whom hoarding makes a normal life impossible, psychological counseling may be warranted.   Yet, as a recent news story makes clear, the psychologist’s counseling follows a path that’s familiar to home organizers.  Also, television shows focusing on hoarding often use both psychologists and professional organizers.

  • New Credit Card Legislation

    Date Posted: Mar 11, 2010

    This month, March 2010, the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act becomes law.  It gives consumers more protection, but there are loopholes.  Click on the title to read more....

  • Want to gain control of your spending?

    Date Posted: Feb 15, 2010

    This time of year most people are playing a numbers game – 1040, W-2, 1099, line 37 and so on. Yes, tax time does tend to focus on the mind!
    While you’re looking at last year’s income and where it went, you might
    also think of this year’s money and where it’s going.  Spending money’s not difficult, but keeping track of that spending can be. Using credit cards gives you a record of your spending, but also makes it easier to spend. And, the break between purchase and payment means that its easy to loose track of what you’ve spent. As a result, you end up spending more than you’d intended. The antidote? Try an all cash diet. Seriously! Pay cash for all your purchases for a month. It will give new meaning to the term “cash flow,” and, as many studies have shown, you’ll probably find that you’re spending less.

  • What's to be gained from magazine articles on organizing?

    Date Posted: Jan 15, 2010

    At this time of year, magazines often feature articles on organizing, because getting organized is a top New Year's resolution.  How seriously should you take these offerings?  Click on the title of this month's tips to find out.

  • Forget the New Year’s Resolutions -- Set Goals instead

    Date Posted: Dec 10, 2009

    How many times have you made New Year’s Resolutions and then given up on them?  This year, try making one or more concrete goals instead of resolutions.  For guidance on doing this, click on the title.

  • Six steps to Fianancial Freedom

    Date Posted: Nov 02, 2009

    Do you feel financially stressed? Many of us do from time to time. Click on the title of these tips for 6 steps to financial freedom.

  • Register Your Cell Phone Number with the FTC

    Date Posted: Oct 14, 2009

    Cell phone numbers are going public.  To prevent telemarketing calls to your cell phone number, register your cell phone number with the FTC Do Not Call Registry NOW!  Click on title of these tips to get the phone number to call or website to contact.

  • What's worth buying and what's worth keeping?

    Date Posted: Sep 09, 2009

    Chick Fil-A gave free sandwiches to anyone wearing a shirt with a team logo this past weekend. This was an effective sales strategy as the lines were very long. Was it worth it? If you like the sandwiches and you had the time to stand in line, Yes it was worth it. But what about other sales promotions?

  • What to do with school papers

    Date Posted: Aug 01, 2009

    Many parents say they are inundated with piles of school papers around the house once school begins.  Where should you store them?  Which ones should you keep as memorabilia?  Click title for more....

  • Eliminate Complicated Filing of Monthly Bills

    Date Posted: Jun 08, 2009

    Whether you pay your bills online or with a check, here’s a simple system to keep track of what you’ve paid. Read on…..

  • Online Billing: Pros and Cons

    Date Posted: May 28, 2009


    "Go Paperless!"  Is this a good idea or not?  Read on....

  • 10 Ways to Gain Time

    Date Posted: Mar 09, 2009

    Here are 10 ways you can save time by stopping certain behaviors.

  • Your Credit Score

    Date Posted: Jan 08, 2009

    To improve your credit score:

    • pay more than the minimum on your credit card bills
    • pay all bills on time
    • never go over your credit limit

  • About Your 2009 Taxes

    Date Posted: Apr 07, 2009

    Two tips to make filing your income taxes easier next year.  Click on the title for details.

  • Mail Box Theft

    Date Posted: Jul 06, 2009

    A thief stole checks from a mail box in my neighborhood in Athens recently.  The thief apparently washed ink off the check and rewrote the check for over $500 at a WalMart in Louisiana.  WalMart accepted the check and is not happy to know that it was fraudulent.

  • Charitable Giving

    Date Posted: Mar 10, 2009

    With the recent Angel Food Ministries news, many consumers are reluctant to give to non-profit agencies.   Most non-profits help fulfill many society’s needs and make our communities better places in which to live.  To be a careful giver choose the non-profit organizations you want to support and then make sure your contributions are being used for a purpose you want to support.  The best way to donate to your favorite charities is to decide how much you want to give, build that into your family budget and then send a check to the charity.  Don’t wait until they contact you, because solicitations cost money and all of your money will go to fulfilling the charity’s purpose if you just mail a check.

  • Don't Be a Victim of Fraud

    Date Posted: Feb 16, 2009

    Consumers have lost much of their savings in investment schemes and housing mortgage fraud in the past couple of years.  Everyone should be alert at recognizing scams. 

    The Federal Trade Commission and the National Consumer's League, along with the National Fraud Center have websites that are good resources. If you are concerned about a charity, go to Charity Navigator for information.

  • Worried About the Economy? Prepare a Room for Rent

    Date Posted: Dec 10, 2008

    3)  Desperate situations call for drastic solutions.  Perhaps you can rent out a room to generate income or house a family member who has lost a job.  AHO has helped two clients in these situations.  One client needed to convert a home office into an office/bedroom so that she could rent the bedroom.  In the other case, a room was cleared for a grandmother.  Check out the long version for details.  Click on "view all tips" for solutions #1 and 2.

  • Clutter Free Gift Giving

    Date Posted: Dec 01, 2008



    Several clients have told me that they want to give gifts that don't create clutter.  Click on the title of these tips for ideas.  Happy shopping and Merry Christmas!

  • Worried About the Economy ? 3 Things You Can Do Now !

    Date Posted: Nov 14, 2008

    2) Organize room by room in your home and take inventory of what you own.  You may find things you didn't know you had and find that you don't need to buy new things.  Plus you may find items that you can sell and make money or donate and have a tax deduction.  See the longer version for more information on how to begin.

    3) If your situation is dire (e.g. loss of job), re-think and re-organize so you can rent out a room to generate income.  Alternatively, you could house a family member who has lost his/her own home.  Watch for the December tips for information about making this tough decision.

  • Worried About the Economy? --- 3 Things You Can Do Now!

    Date Posted: Oct 22, 2008


    1)  Get rid of that self-storage unit--save $500 to over $2,000 a year. Click on the title of this tip to get more information.


  • Getting Rid of Paper and Electronics

    Date Posted: Sep 13, 2008

    If you have paper with sensitive information, such as your name along with social security number or financial account numbers, you should strongly consider shredding them.  Saturday, September 20, 2008, the Athens Clarke County is sponsoring a shredding event from 9-11 AM.  See the following link for details:
    http://www.acc-recycle.org/events.htm.

    Recycle your old computers, printers, TVs, cell phones and other sorts of electronics in an appropriate manner. You can even get cash for many of these.  Check out the longer version of these TIPS to find out more.

  • Tips on Making Product Complaints

    Date Posted: Aug 08, 2008

    When you buy a major product, such as an appliance, write key information on the product instruction booklet:

    • date of purchase or installation
    • how you paid for the product (e.g. credit card)
    • model and serial numbers.
    You will have what you need in one place when you have to call for a part or to complain about a problem. Just remember where you decided to store your manuals so that you can find it quickly. Check out the longer version of these tips for successful complaint strategies.

  • Back-to-School Organizing

    Date Posted: Jul 24, 2008

    Establishing designated places for school supplies, toys, laundry, clothes and accessories will help your child start the year off right. Having a place for everything is the crucial element in organizing and will save time later because your child won't have to spend time looking for things.

  • Pack Like a Pro

    Date Posted: Jun 18, 2008

    I've schlepped bags walking around London until my shoulders and back ached. In Xalapa, I've wanted to hire someone to help me tote a large bag up hills. NO MORE! Now I travel with only one bag and a carry-on. With increased baggage restrictions and costs imposed by airlines, it's more important to pack light. Taking too much is the top mistake most people make(www.onebag.com & www.lifescript). One tip is to lay out what you want to take and put half of it back. Read on for more tips.

  • Do it Yourself or Hire Someone?

    Date Posted: May 28, 2008

    Before deciding to do a job yourself, ask the following questions: Will you be happy with the job that you do? Can you do the job safely? Will hiring someone really save you money? How valuable is your time? Should you be doing something else with your time?

  • Improve Your Home Environment

    Date Posted: Jan 02, 2009

    Welcome to 2009!  While the economy isn't predicted to improve soon, you can improve your home environment NOW.  Click on the title of these tips to get ideas.

  • What ever happened to spring cleaning?

    Date Posted: Mar 12, 2008

    Do you do spring cleaning? Do you even want to do it? You can use the contact page on this website to let AHO know your opinions on spring cleaning. Many of the current magazines have articles on spring cleaning, but perhaps spring cleaning just isn't what people do these days.

  • Shop in Your House

    Date Posted: Feb 11, 2008

    The recent downturn in the U.S. economy means that families may want to tighten their budgets. There can be a sliver lining to this situation if you shop in your own home. Many families feel they have too much clutter in our homes. So the next time you need something, look around your house and you may find that you already own what you need. Take time to clean out a closet or other storage area and you may find things you forgot you had.

  • Get Inspired

    Date Posted: Jan 15, 2008

    Get inspired about organizing by reading articles on topics that appeal to you. The January/February 2008 issue of Athens Magazine has an article on organizing that gives readers many tips. The article features Athens Home Organizer and other professional organizers in the Athens area.

  • Just 15 minutes

    Date Posted: Jan 14, 2008

    Don't let lack of time stop you from organizing. There are many things you can organize with a small amount of time. Spending 15 minutes most days can yield rewarding results. Organize a drawer while you are cooking, watching TV, getting ready for bed. Organize your cell phone, palm, or purse while waiting in an office for an appointment.

  • Facts About Gift Cards

    Date Posted: Dec 11, 2007

    Gift cards are often the perfect gift; however, be aware that a gift card may have an expiration date. Some cards even have an administrative or maintenance fee which results in periodic reduction in card value. Also, if you use the card and the remaining balance is below a certain amount (for example, $2) the card may be void for future use.

  • Budget Valentine Ideas for your Spouse

    Date Posted: Feb 11, 2009

    Valentine's Day is Saturday and if you are thinking about what you can do for your spouse, check out the AHO tips for ideas.

  • Want to See Your Credit Report?

    Date Posted: Apr 15, 2008

    Everyone is entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three credit reporting agencies. For yours, go to annualcreditreport.com. Do not go to any other site -- they are imposters, and that includes the ones advertised on television.

  • Organizing Christmas Decorations

    Date Posted: Dec 12, 2007

    Before you store this year's ornaments, think about how you used them. If you decorate a little at a time instead of all in one day, it will save you time to organize decorations by category. For example, if you put everything you need for your fireplace mantle in one container, you can decorate that easily in one evening. You won't have to get everything out to do it. Choose containers that fit your needs; consider what you need to store and where you will store it. Label your containers so that what you need will be easy to retrieve when you decorate for the holidays next year.


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