Collector Care: 4.5 Tips On Shoe Clutter

Collectors, do you love SHOES? We know you do! Do you find yourself looking for the mate of a shoe often? Are your shoes so cluttered that you don't even know what you own anymore? Does this cause you to buy duplicate pairs? Below are 4.5 Tips on how to get your shoe clutter under control!

1. Corral all shoes into one room. Sort by 3 types. Keep, donate and trash.
2. Items to donate. Start putting these into a bag. Do not wait for the shoe to find it's mate. The donation center can handle this. Don't let perfection hold you back on this one.
3. Items to trash. Let's face it Collectors, shoes get worn. It's time to let go those heels you might take in someday to have fixed, the boots with scuffs so hard you can't tell what color they are ... etc. These are not "gardening" or "lounging" shoes, they are garbage. 
4. Items to keep. Place your favorite go to shoes where you get dressed, preferably where you can see them. Keep these in the same place always.  Additional shoes can be sorted by season or occasion and stored or organized either in the same closet or in bins. 
5. Check out our Pinterest board for ideas on organizing your

Are you ready to get organized? Hire a Collector Care Professional Organizer Today!

Collector Care 4.5 Tips Reduce the Junk in Your Trunk

Hello Collectors! We  have had the privilege of riding with you in your cluttered cars, as well as helping you clear out your cluttered trunks. We have organized trunks that have been so cram packed; the stuff inside was shaped as a mold of the trunk.  We have clients that have had to sit on their trunk to get it closed.

We know it's not just clutter in your home, but in your vehicle as well. We totally get it.  Depending on the size of your trunk you can really fit a lot in there! You might need those things one day. Or will you?
Things people need in their trunks include: a spare tire, jumper cables, first aid kit, water. Your trunk should not be used as rolling storage or a rolling trash bin.

Another thought - what about your fuel economy? You are paying to haul your junk around. With all that extra weight in your trunk, you are actually costing yourself money.

Below are 4.5 tips to help you clear the clutter in your car trunk, truck bed, back of van etc: (we have seen it all)

1. Take a large tarp and set it up next to your vehicle somewhere outside safe. Pull everything out of your trunk and put it on the tarp.
2. Vacuum your trunk and spray air freshener inside. Wipe down any spills.
3. Remove all the garbage off of the tarp, and dispose or recycle.
4. Items that go back into the trunk are carefully put back. Items that go back into the home are immediately put away.
5. Don't forget to put the tarp

Friend the Marquis on Facebook!

The Grand Marquis above has it's own facebook page! If your feeling friendly go ahead and send a friend request! If enough friend requests are sent we will organize the trunk for free!

We hope these tips help you reduce the clutter in your trunk and save you gas money.
Need help organizing your trunk? Call a Collector Care Professional Organizer today!
925-548-7750 or rachel@collectorcare.com

Collector Care: 4.5 Tips to Combat PTSD and Clutter

Recently Ive noticed a trend with the combination of clutter and ptsd, a complete overwhelm.

Hello Collectors! PTSD is an overwhelming disorder in itself, when clutter is added you might find yourself in CHAOS. Embarrassment to let people in might plague you; along with the shame of not being perfect. You've always been expected to be neat and tidy, why is it that you can no longer enforce order?

HALT!  It's time to stop right there. Please understand that you are undergoing a dramatic change in life, try and cut yourself a little slack. You are not your clutter. Below are  some tips that can help you begin your journey.

1. Try and remain in the present. If you find yourself flashing back when viewing certain items, save those items to go through at a stronger time in your life.
2. Begin somewhere neutral of feelings such as the pantry or linen closet. Pull all of the items out, and clean the space you plan to reclaim. Place only items that serve you back. Remaining items can be tossed or donated. If you find yourself easily distracted - set a timer for 30-60 minutes. 
3. PTSD leaves you feeling stuck. Lost in time. Motionless. Set a calendar reminder for your decluttering efforts so that you don't forget. 
4. Make sure to open up plenty of windows and let sunlight and fresh air in. Sounds of nature from outside will help bring you into the present. 
5. Hire a professional organizer, make sure this person has credentials and is bonded, licensed and

I am not credentialed to treat or diagnose any symptom or disorder. The intent of this blog is only informational and based on my insight as an organizer. Please read the ICD code of ethics to read the standards I adhere by.

Collector Care's 4.5 Tips on Preparing for an Organizing Session

Hi Collectors! One of my favorite questions is "what should I do before you get here in order to prepare for our organizing session?". Here are 4.5 things you can do before a Collector Care Professional Organizer comes to your home!

1. Get plenty of rest the night before. Decluttering is exhausting, having a rested mind and body is important.
2. Do not clean before we get there! We want to see your space as it usually is, and we want you nice and rested before we come.
3. Eat a healthy breakfast. If you need protein bars for quick snack breaks keep them plenty close.
4. Drink a lot of water. Organizing can make you thirsty! Make sure you have plenty of water on hand so you aren't parched during a session. 
5. Relax. This is an exciting time in your life. Think about how wonderful your space will be after we leave. Don't worry about what we will think when we come. It takes a lot to shock us. Why just the other day we saw

So there you have it Collectors. Rest, eat, water and peace. We know you can handle it!

 Rachel Seavey, Professional Organizer and Blogger for Collector Care

Collector Care specializes in hoarding disorder, chronic disorganization and professional organizing. We  love what we do, and  provide realistic expectations and timelines. Please visit our website at

www.collectorcare.com  or call 925-548-7750

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Collector Care: 4.5 Holiday Travel Tips for Collectors, Savers and Preppers

Happy Holidays Collectors! Thanksgiving is traditionally the busiest travel weekend of the year. Traveling during Thanksgiving often requires patience and a lot of preparation.

Here are 4.5 Travel Tips for Collectors like yourself who are information junkies, prepppers, clutterers, and savers. Enjoy the humor, absorb the good tips and travel on!

1. Plan ahead. Collectors, we know you like a good deal. Take advantage of lower rates in the early fall by using social media. Sign up for sale notifications from your airline of choice on Facebook and Twitter. It’s never too early to start your holiday travel planning. 
2. Pack light/travel light Most of our Collectors have multiple travel bags, before your trip designate one specific travel bag.  Do NOT buy any  travel products, look inside your many existing travel bags and purses for what you need and consolidate. We know you have many toothbrushes, toiletries, and hand sanitizers laying about the house. Take a day to corral them all for your trip. It will save you money and a trip to the store.
3. Find your ID's and Passports. Every week our team recovers passports, ID's, social security cards, checks, check books, gift cards. Collectors, you are going to have to designate ONE safe place for these crucial items. They do not belong in the kitchen pantry under a computer. I'm just saying. If you need help finding something our Tony Leonardini is a recovery specialist and he is more than happy to come help.
   
4. Print your boarding pass at home, or have the link on your phone. We know you battle with losing papers, try your best to keep these in your "current" purse or in sight. I find keeping them in a bright orange folder helps. If all else fails, leave enough time to wait at the counter for check-in.
5. Plan a day to unpack after your trip. I have emptied countless travel bags filled with

We wish you happy travels Collectors! Do your best to not collect too many shampoos and soaps while you are traveling. Note pads and pens can be left in the hotel room. You have everything you need at home, enjoy your clutter free trip!

Collector Care Professional Organizers specialize in custom solutions for clutter, chronic disorganization and hoarding. If you need help locating documents, important identification, or money in order to travel, we can help! Our Organizers are thorough, efficient and honest. We are licensed, insured and bonded. What do you have to lose ... besides the stuff we can find?! www.collectorcare.com

Collector Care: 4.5 Tips On Organizing Tools

Hello Collectors! Have you ever needed a tool and could not find it? Perhaps you have a lot of tools and want to begin to organize them? Household tools are necessary and they should be treated as such. Below are 4.5 tips on organizing household tools.

1. Designate one drawer for household tools. Screwdrivers do not belong in your junk drawers and hammers do not live where ever you were last using them. Save yourself time by always keeping your tools in the same place.
2. If you have a lot of household tools - buy a toolbox. Keep this tool box in the same place for easy access. Peter Walsh suggests "when organizing your toolbox, or tool bag, put the tools you use most often in the top compartments and those you use less down below". 
3. Are you overwhelmed with tools? Take account for all tools in your home and garage and purge the ones that are no longer serving you. 
4. Create a workspace in your garage for tools. Pegboard lets you store everything in plain sight. Any storage that you have already can work if you are on a budget. Rolling bins, buckets, and empty paint cans serve well as organizers. By keeping all of your tools in one place you save time.
5. Put your tools away after each project. Do you leave tools all over the house? Make sure you put them

Need help organizing tools? Hire a Collector Care organizer today! www.collectorcare.com 

Collector Care: 4.5 Tips On Reducing Kid Messes

Hello Collectors! Do you have kids or grandkids? Nieces or nephews? Then you have clutter!

Wall smudges, fingerprints, smeared glass and windows. Kids are a mess! Below are 4.5 tips to help you reduce kid messes daily. Please don't be shy to ask your little ones to help out - it helps build character and organization skills. With a little bit of fun, (and bribery) they might enjoy it!

1. Create a chore list. I can't stress this enough! Pick 5 chores that your child can keep daily and reward them for it when they complete them for a week. I have a dry erase board on the fridge which keeps tracking handy. Set a specific time daily for chore review. For instance, at dinner I go through the 5 chores quickly with Shane and mark off what he has done. At the end of the week with completion of his chores - he gets a treat/prize. 
2. Take shoes off before you enter the house. Kinda old fashion right? I find it helps. Kids get used to routine. As long as your floors are safe barefoot, you will save a lot of mud, dirt and debris from tracking in. This means less stains and maintenance. 
3. Only eat in the kitchen. Seriously. At least for 10 and under. I don't mean popcorn or water, I mean meals. I can't tell you how many spills have happened when my son is eating food and watching TV.  If you enjoy watching TV while eating, then try positioning your TV towards the kitchen or bringing a laptop over instead of eating on the couch. 
4. Stick to snacks that are less messy. Small snacks like granola tend to sneak out of little hands. If possible avoid sticky dipping sauces or limit them to the table only. 
5. Wash their hands (and face!!!). Have kids wash their hands a fter meals, after being outside, after crafting, etc. Besides decreasing flu and cold risks you are keeping your walls and furniture clean. Kids love to touch everything with their filthy little

Do you need help getting organized? Hire a Collector Care organizer today!

www.collectorcare.com

Collector Care: 4.5 Tips On Making Your Garbage Green

Hello Collectors! Do you like to recycle or compost? Did you know that we throw away a lot of things that can be recycled in our garden bins? In California, ours are green for garden/compost items. I hope your respective state provides the same option.

Here are 4.5 tips on composting items out of your own trash can(s) at home.

1. Pizza boxes can be put in the green cart. Food residue on pizza boxes makes them hard to recycle but easy to compost.
2. Food soiled paper products can be put in the green cart. Paper:  plates, towels, napkins, cups, coffee filters and tea bags are included!
   
3. Meat, bones and grains. All fine in the green cart, but not for a backyard compost pile or worm bin.
4. Donate "junk" on large pickup days. These are usually mailed out by your local waste management company.
5. Remember to recycle used motor oil, filters and batteries. See if your local sanitation company can collect oil or household filters with weekly pickup. Where I live, you can put all used household batteries in a clear plastic bag on top of your recycling bin and they take them away on weekly pickup. By taking the time to

Collector Care: 4.5 Tips On Keeping Your Kitchen Tidy

Hello Collectors!
Are you overwhelmed with kitchen chores? Dirty dishes piling up?
No room to sit down and eat or prepare a meal?

We all get busy and have dishes pile up. Below are 4.5 tips to help you maintain your kitchen space:

1. Dishes don't bite! Wash them. If you don't have time to wash them daily - you might want to consider paper plates. Mold can grow on your dirty dishes, making it difficult to breathe, and hazardous.
2. Take out the trash. Fruit flies, house flies and odor are invasive. 
3. Free up cupboard space by donating your unused cups, dishes and food. 1 in 6 American households are suffering from some form of food starvation. 
4. Clean our your fridge - or at least throw out the spoiled food. Then throw that bag away!
5. Sweep or vacuum your floor. Make sure there are no wet areas so to avoid slips and 

Not sure where to start? Hire a www.collectorcare.com organizer today! 925-548-7750

Collector Care: 4.5 Tips On Handling Mail Clutter

Hello Collectors! Are you overwhelmed by mail? Not sure what to keep or save? If you are located in the San Francisco Bay Area, then give us a call today!

Tony Leonardini offers a "Mail Sorting Class" included in our services. Let us create a system that works for you. Save money on late fees and lost paperwork today.

If you are not able to have us over, here are 4.5 tips that can help you reduce mail clutter right away.

1. Do you have piles of mail around? Start by weeding out the junk and recycling it. Junk mail is bulky and by the time you get to read it the coupons may be expired.
2. Do you receive catalogs you don't need? Call the number listed for them and ask them to stop sending you mail.
3. Surrounded by bills? A lot of bills are available online. See what sort of paperless options your providers offer.
4. Set a timer for 30 minutes a day to tackle back logged mail.
5. Worried about your name? Tear it out and shred it. Recycle the rest of the remaining

Don't let mail keep you down any longer!

Collector Care offers custom solutions for clutter. Clear clutter and be happy!

Collector Care: 4.5 Tips On Keeping Up With Laundry

Having a hard time keeping up with laundry? Is it easier to keep up with the Kardashian's? Below are 4.5 tips on how to keep control of laundry without letting it take over your life!

1. The first thing you are going to want to do is let go of perfectionism. Sort your laundry by whites and colors. Yes there could be a towel pile, or a lingerie pile or a delicates pile too. How about a pile for donations, a pile for your sisters friend, and one that you might fit into later. HALT! You will never wash your laundry if you spend this much time meticulously sorting. If laundry is out of control, keep it simple. Whites and colors. Run your items on delicate with cold water if you are worried about them, the most important thing is to tackle that pile. 
   
2. Set a schedule on when you have time to do laundry. If you are not  a morning person, do your laundry at night while watching TV. If you are a morning person, throw in a load first thing and then dry it after your morning routine. Letting laundry sit damp is worse than not doing it at all. Always make sure you set enough time on the dryer to fully dry your clothing.
3. Don't make yourself late searching for that special shirt, or waiting for a load to dry. Keep items that you wear often in the same place to help increase productivity.
4. If something is still feels clean and you can wear it "again" go for  it, just toss it in the dryer and go. 
5. Go to a dry cleaner that launders. If you can afford it, I would recommend this. Drop off baskets at a time and pick them up in a few

Collector Care: 4.5 Tips On Planning A Trip

Hi Travelers! It's time to jet set! Have you planned your vacation?  Here are some tips that can help you save some time along the way. Please feel free to join in on the conversation with your favorite travel tips.

Prepare. By using a document holder like one of these, you will sure to have your itinerary on hand when you need it. I personally like the brightly colored orange one, it's very easy to spot in your purse or briefcase.

Notify. Let folks know you are traveling. Notify neighbors, housekeepers, the post office and anyone else who might need to get a hold of you. The last thing you need is your home alarm being set off, or your mailbox being overloaded.

Plan. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, make sure that you find some time to relax. Besides the main attractions, make sure you check out kareoke bars, night clubs and other local scenes.

Recoop. Save a day to have a vacation after your vacation! You are going to need time to unpack and

It's A New Year - 4.5 Tips To Start Off Organized!

Do you have a lot of stuff and don't know where to begin?
Here are some tips to get your new year started off a bit less cluttered.
 

Photo Taken By KG-Photography



1. Purge all of those items which hold either no value or emotional weight. Feel free, ready and focused while doing so.
2. Go through your kitchen and refrigerator disposing of expired food and condiments.
3. Empty out your purse or briefcase and dispose of items you don't need - including old receipts and business cards you will never use.
4. Try banking and bills online to eliminate clutter and late fees due to forgetfulness.
5. Clean out your vehicle. Bring a trash bag and

Happy New Years Collectors!