The Posh Blog

What happens when your systems fail?  A few months ago I was sick with the flu (not swine flu, just plain old flu) and it was evident in my house.  Prior to my influenza invasion I was proud that our house had been humming along in a harmonious fashion (for the most part).  But once that bug hit my system I was out for the count.  In bed most of the time, my house was left in the hands of my husband.  He is absolutely fantastic and kept the kids well fed and entertained, but the house looked like a tornado hit! 

This is something I talk to my clients about a LOT.  When we experience life change, big or small, short or long, it can and usually will, affect our systems for staying organized.  When a critical element to the system is removed the system can suffer or even fail.  It’s not your fault.  Think of it this way; what if the person who took the tickets at the gate of an airplane was not around?  What would happen?  The pilot or Captain of the plane might have to jump in and lend a hand to get everybody on board.  They may not be as fast and efficient as the person who normally does this job which may cause the flight to be delayed, but in the end all the passengers arrive at their destinations safe and sound. 

When something happens in your life and it causes “system failure” don’t panic!  Pull it together and be sure the critical things are being taken care of.  When the crisis has been averted it’s time to go back to what was working and start the damage control.  If your home was functioning smoothly before, then the chances are that you will easily be able to get back to where you were.  If things were not working as best as they could then it is time to reevaluate and make some changes.

The important thing to remember is that life is constantly throwing surprises our way and it’s okay to expect some turbulence as a result, but the key to staying organized and in control is to regroup, bounce back, and enjoy the ride.

Enjoy the good life,

Angela

Copyright (C) 2008 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com. 

If you have children you are probably in the thick of summer camp registration.  Soon school will be out for summer and happy boys and girls will invade camps everywhere.  With lots of children comes lots of gear.  Shirts, shorts, shoes, backpacks, goggles, balls, swimsuits, towels, it’s endless!  With so many kids and so much stuff it’s easy to see how your little one can easily get her blue towel confused with someone else’s blue towel.  

The solution: customized labels.  I ordered some of these labels last summer when my daughter started a summer program and I LOVE them.  I ordered the iron on labels and put them on my daughters towel, swimsuit cover ups, shirts, and her jackets in the Fall. They work well and held up great to multiple washes.   

This year I am ordering the adhesive labels in both sizes and the Press n’ Stick Clothing Dots.  Lovable Labels offers a discount if you purchase three or more types of labels so choose wisely.  These will be perfect for labeling water bottles, beach/pool toys, even notebooks when it’s time for back to school.  I can’t wait! 

Now your child will know exactly which Hanna Montana or Spider Man swimsuit is his or hers.   

Your child not coming to tears over which beach ball is hers at the pool…priceless! 

 Enjoy the good life!

Angela

Copyright (C) 2008 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com. 

You know how you never realize how much stuff you have until you move?  May is National Moving Month and soon many people will be discovering just how much stuff they have.  If you know you are planning on moving or putting your house on the market I have a few tips that you can start doing now to help declutter your home so it shows better and you are not wasting time, energy, and money moving things you really don’t want or need.  

1. Reduce and declutter. Don’t just hide the stuff or put it in storage get rid of anything you do not need, use, or love.  There is no point in storing something that you are simply going to get rid of one to ten years from now.
   1. Have a garage sale.  Tried and true, garage sales are a quick way to get rid of some of you excess and make a little money.
   2. Donate items.  Of course you can take items to places like Goodwill and Salvation Army, but The Settlement House in Austin is a non-profit that will come and pick up household items from your home.  If you are short on time, this may be a better solution for you.
   3. If you have a lot of old paper and documents you no longer need consider using a shredding service that will come by and pick up the boxes or that you can deliver the boxes to.  Locally, I recommend Central Texas Secure Shredding.
2. Start packing what you don’t need in the next few months.  Are there items you know you will not be using in the next few months?  Excess décor items, next seasons clothing, holiday dishes and accessories, or extra linens are a few examples of things you can start packing away.  A great place to purchase new and used boxes is Eco Box.   U-Haul also has a box exchange forum that you can go to list boxes you no longer need or request boxes.  Some people give the boxes for free while some poster charge.   Be sure to go to the Southwest section to find Texas listings.
3. Label your boxes well.  There’s two things you need to know about labeling your boxes.  1. Identify the room where the box needs to go in the new house.  Use a marker to write this clearly and boldly on the top and sides of the box.  The second thing is to give a general description of the contents of the box.  This can be done on just one side of the box, but this way when you are unpacking the kitchen you know the difference between pantry items and fine china.

 Here’s to a more organized move!

Angela  

Copyright (C) 2008 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com.