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Cleaning Out Closets | Tidy Thursday

by April Welch, The Mental Clutter Coach

Cleaning out closets may be the last thing on your holiday to-do list, but trust me, it could be worth it.

Cleaning Out Closets :: for donations

I know I don't have to tell you what a benefit those old coats could be to a local shelter or even a family down the road. Although, the coat closet isn't the only place you can find unused items.

• Linen closet, donate unused towels & sheets

• Kid's closets, donate outgrown clothes through the school {the counselor always knows which kids need it the most & can handle it discreetly}

• Pantry closet, donate items close to their expiration date along with those coats to the shelter

 

Cleaning Out Closets :: for cash

The big buzz is always how you can sell your clutter for cash. Just remember, it's time consuming and can cause more stress than you're prepared for this time of year. If you're so inclined ...

• Craigslist - keep track of what you're selling, how much you're asking and once it's sold so you can remove the listing
• Amazon - be ready to ship as soon as you have the order request
• In Home Swapmeet - gather a few friends who have items to sell as well and host a holiday swapmeet in your home {the kids could even bake cookies to sell}

 

Cleaning Out Closets :: for guests

Clearing some space out of those extra closets so your holiday guests can make themselves comfortable is often overlooked {or avoided}. Making room for them is a gesture that says you made time for their arrival, it doesn't have to be the whole closet - just some room to hang a few things or unpack their suitcase if they're in for an extended stay.

• Clear 10 hangers worth of space on a rod
• Clear a dresser drawer
• Clear a shelf or two

 

Cleaning Out Closets :: for your sanity

Honestly, there is nothing like opening a closet door and being unable to close it without a little shove and push. The simple stress of knowing "if I open that closet door it's gonna take me 15 minutes just to get it shut again" can keep even the best of us from tackling a closet cleanout.

The upside? Most closets are small enough you can tackle them in an afternoon. Turn up some holiday music, grab a garbage bag and a few laundry baskets and dive right in! Plus, once you're done you can revel in that feeling of accomplishment! One closet down ... a few more to go!

 

Join me on the VolunteerSpot Facebook Page and share what your thoughts are

 

What's your strategy for cleaning out closets this holiday season?

Keepin it Tidy,

april

 

April is a Mental Clutter Expert | Mom of 2 boys | Wife to 1 Fireman | Horrible Cook | Loyal Friend | National Public Speaker who gives you permission to be imperfect.

Volunteering in America | Data Trends and Inspiring Projections

Exclusive Interview with Executive at AmeriCorps

As we celebrate World Volunteer Day today, Dec. 5th, we want to recognize the vast numbers of people across the globe who volunteer their time and talents in service to others.  This day, we are taking the opportunity to reflect on what we’re accomplishing at home – how men and women in the U.S. are making a difference in their communities. In 2010, volunteers devoted nearly 8.1 billion hours in the United States -- giving time, expertise and “sweat hours” valued at nearly $173 billion! 

Volunteers are working to tackle some of the nation’s toughest challenges:  tutoring students, preparing and distributing food, providing disaster relief, and helping veterans and families of active military. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), is the federal agency for volunteering and service and they have released new data on volunteerism.  Volunteering in America is the most in-depth report on national service – spotlighting: who volunteers, which cities have the highest rates of volunteerism, and how Americans are serving their community.

VolunteerSpot recently had the opportunity to chat with Robert Velasco, II, who was designated Acting CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) by President Obama on May 27, 2011. CNCS is the federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in results-driven service through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs, and leads President Obama’s national call to service initiative, United We Serve.  
 

• When it comes to service, we learned 62.8 million adults from all walks of life, from a variety of organizations and public and private businesses volunteered to address community needs.  We learned service also took place informally when people worked with neighbors to address or fix a community issue. In 2010, 8.1 percent of Americans, or 19 million individuals volunteered informally.

• When it comes to ratios, we learned women play a critical role in using service to solve pressing problems in their communities.  Women continue to lead men in total number of volunteers (36 million to 27 million) and percentage who volunteer (29% to 23); women dedicated nearly 4.7 billion hours to helping their communities in 2010.  We would encourage everyone to go to Serve.gov to volunteer in their area. Regardless of how much time you have, or what your interests may be, there’s a service opportunity that’s right for you.
  
  
• We it comes to parent volunteering, we learned busy moms and dads who volunteer aren't just improving their neighborhoods, but they also are strong role models for their children. Exposure to volunteerism at an early age instills compassion, empathy and the initiative to be part of the solution.  Parents are vital to volunteering in the United States, with more than a third of parents volunteering last year. That’s roughly seven percentage points above the national average.
  
  
• When it comes to the specifics, we learned the leading service activities for women are fundraising (29%), food collection and distribution (27%), and tutoring and teaching (20%) - according to this year’s “Volunteering in America” report authored by the Corporation for National and Community Service.  Men topped women in general volunteer labor activities (25%) and represented lower numbers in fundraising (23%) and food collection and distribution (18.6%).

• When it comes to paying it forward, we learned, people stick with volunteering when they can see first-hand how their service is making a real difference on an issue they care about. Women most often volunteer through a religious institution (35%), in education (28%), with a social service organization (14%) or at a hospital (10%). Parents are – perhaps unsurprisingly – most likely to volunteer at an educational institution (44%) than elsewhere in their community. 

Although the number of volunteers declined slightly from 2009 to 2010, the number of hours per volunteer actually increased– showing a strengthening commitment among those already engaged in service. Many people mistakenly think of service as selfless, but it’s often as valuable for the participant as it is for the direct beneficiary. Once people find the project, group or issue they can relate to, service becomes an enriching and fulfilling part of their life.

We invite you to CNCS on Facebook and Twitter, or learn how you can volunteer in your community at www.serve.gov!  And for even more information about Volunteering in America 2011, visit: www.volunteeringinamerica.gov. 

 

VolunteerSpotlight: Kim Pinto, Volunteer Coordinator, Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, Staten Island, NY

 Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden is the product of more than 30 years of restoration and development to convert a 19th century home for retired seamen to a regional arts center housing a myriad of museum and arts programs as well as an active Artist-on-Site program.

It is the largest ongoing adaptive reuse project in America and is considered one of New York City’s unique architectural complexes and historic landscapes. The 83-acre property is home to New York City’s first designated landmarks, which are considered the finest example of Greek revival architecture in America. Principal among the historical structures is the Greek Revival Music Hall. The second oldest music hall in New York City, this structure is an architectural gem and the centerpiece for the performing arts in Snug Harbor.

Surrounded by a tall iron fence, shaded by century-old Norwegian maples and Austrian pines, Snug Harbor is not only one of the most architecturally and historically significant sites in the country, it is a place where history, architecture, the visual and performing arts, environmental science and education all come together to provide a rich and powerful learning experience for audiences young and old. Snug Harbor is a distinguished Smithsonian Affiliate.

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Today, our VolunteerSpotlight shines on Kim Pinto, Volunteer and Education Coordinator for Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens. Kim uses VolunteerSpot to coordinate their many volunteers.

Please tell us about your organization and your volunteer needs.

There are many opportunities to volunteer at Snug Harbor all year long. We are looking for people of all ages and all skill sets. With a campus so big and with so much going on, there is always something for volunteers to do. Using the site VolunteerSpot, we are able to get the information to volunteers in an easy to read (and even easier to sign up!) format. All we need is an e-mail address. Just send an e-mail to Kim Pinto, Volunteer Coordinator, at [email protected] and tell her you are interested in being added to the volunteer list.

Throughout the year, we need volunteers for the following locations/events:

• Administration Building
• Campus-wide Special Events
• Education Programs
• Fairs and Festivals
• Information Booth
• Maintenance Office
• Newhouse Galleries
• Paranormal Events
• Performances/Concerts
• Spruce Up! Days
• Various Gardens
• And more!

How did you get started as a volunteer leader?
Along with being the Volunteer Coordinator, I am also the Education Coordinator. Since many if not most of our events have an education component, meaning I would be involved in the process, it only seemed natural that the volunteer portion of things would fall under my umbrella as well. Also, I believe that volunteering for any organization is a learning opportunity in of itself, and therefore belongs under Education.

What’s one piece of advice you have for volunteers or their leaders out there?
Follow through. As much as it seems like things can run without you, organizations are counting on their volunteers to help them and when they don’t show up without notice, it can throw things into chaos. This advice goes for volunteer leaders too: follow through after the event is over. As much as we think our volunteers know how much we need and value them, it doesn’t hurt to let them know as much as possible.

Why did you decide to use VolunteerSpot?
Although I know my way around the internet, I am not extremely computer savvy, and VolunteerSpot was easy to understand, easy to join, has a simple process for our volunteers to sign up. There's also a program to add and change events that's so easy, even I understand it! Not to mention the site itself is bright and inviting, and my volunteers have had no problems with it.

Anything else you’d like our readers to know about your organization or volunteering?
With autumn approaching, we are going into full swing here at Snug Harbor. With events like the Autumn Moon Festival and Harvest Italiano, The Historical Hauntings Tours during Halloween, exhibitions like The History of Music on Staten Island, and educational tours, workshops and classes, as well as sprucing up the grounds, maintaining the Compost Demonstration Site and the opening of our new Sustainable Farm, we’re going to need all the volunteer help we can get. We look forward to maintaining our working relationship with VolunteerSpot for a long time.

Contact Kim Pinto if you're interested in volunteering or have any questions [email protected]

Or visit http://www.snug-harbor.org

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We salute Kim and all the other volunteer leaders out there making a difference. If you're using VolunteerSpot, write and tell us about what you're doing and give us a chance to shine our Volunteer Spotlight on you!! Just email us at [email protected].

 

Chaos & Order During the Holidays | Tidy Thursday

by April Welch, The Mental Clutter Coach

Go ahead, laugh at my topic today - Chaos & Order.

Only an organizing expert would be brave enough to take on such a laughable title ... Chaos & Order {{geesh}}

But let's give it a shot shall we?

 

Chaos & order post-shopping frenzy:

The true inspiration for this courageous move is, as always, a result of my own life.

I didn't brave the physical crowds of Black Friday ... but I do have a mean-clicking-index-finger, oh and I suppose my ethernet connection helps too. Many of my holiday gifts were bought over the weekend - online - and are now trickling in. 

NOTE :: Yes, the UPS & FedEx guy are impressed by my mad-clicking-skills too. They even bring 'cookies' for our sweet black lab to show their admiration {grin}

The trouble I have, with the whole online shopping experience is :: it's easy to loose track of what I've bought and for whom.

Enter ... {{wait for it}} ... the Gift Spreadsheet. I know, so predictable.

Don't worry though, SO easy.

• First column shows who the recipient is
• Second column lists what the gift is
• Third column links directly to the product purchased

See, easy peasy!

Now, I've also added two more columns. One for quantity ~ because I ordered a few Xbox games for the Pipsqueak & FireDude to share. Another for from, since I purchased the gifts my boys will be giving one another. 

Customize the concept as necessary to your needs!

 

Chaos & Order the revolving houseguest door:

For me, the holidays mean house guests. It also means ~ LOTS of rotating laundry, the dishwasher running several times a day, ALL of our bathrooms in use ... and needing cleaned frequently, as well as a fridge busting at the seams.

Luckily, I love this chaos & order doesn't seem to be such an issue. We've come up with quite a variety of safety nets around these parts ::

• Laundry is dumped on the main couch :: to be folded by the next available family member
• Dishwasher is unloaded as soon as the dishes are cool enough to touch :: started frequently by who ever takes up the last available real estate
• Bathrooms are wiped down between uses :: deep cleaned between guests or when no one is looking
• Fridge is purged of leftovers once a week :: the night before garbage goes to the curb

Granted, at each of these crossroads there has been plenty of training! My boys know to pitch in, my husband knows how to effectively use the washing machine and guests are shown how to start the dishwasher. {gasp!} Yes, guests help out too. They often ask what they can do, and I often respond with a task or instructions. Lightweight ones, but still - they help out.

 

Chaos & order for Sports Moms and Volunteers:

The beauty of being such a dedicated and giving person is that we could literally tattoo "chaos & order" to our foreheads and most people would just nod in agreement. 

During the holidays managing efforts, time and the pull of what cannot be accomplished is flat out stressful. Some of my tried and true sanity saving tips:

• Protect your time like you protect your children :: 
  • say NO or I'll have to check the family calendar often
• Take brief respites :: 
  • 5 quiet minutes in the morning with a warm beverage ALONE {even if you have to hide in the bathroom, with the water running - not that I'd know anything about that!}
• Multi-task, when appropriate :: 
  • work on homemade gifts before games and between quarters, socialize after the game while you wait for your athlete to surface from the locker room
• Forgive your limitations :: 
  • you are not superhuman, and it is alright.

Most importantly, keep an eye on what you want most. If you're feeling disconnected from loved ones, ask yourself "am I promising my time to the right things?". Then adjust accordingly.

 

Life is full of chaos & order can be right around the corner, if you only take a minute to search for it. I'd love to spend some social time with you over on the VolunteerSpot Facebook Page or down below in the comments!

What does chaos & order during the holidays look like for you?

 

Keepin it Tidy,

April

 

P.S. I'm busy redesigning The Mental Clutter Coach site, be sure to stop by and let me know your thoughts! Thanks

 

April is a Mental Clutter Expert | Mom of 2 boys | Wife to 1 Fireman | Horrible Cook | Loyal Friend | National Public Speaker who gives you permission to be imperfect.