A Brilliant tip from a New Client.

I love it when  I get new clients, it is a privilege to be invited into someones home and help them get it organised. For many clients it can be a scary and intimidating experience, however they very quickly learn that here at Totally Organised we get it, and it is OK!
Asking for help is often the hardest part, soon followed by letting a stranger (albeit a friendly one) into your space and to handle your stuff. Fortunately the experience ends in a great, fun, positive and upbeat manner.

It is always an experience when I also learn new things and add ideas to my plethora of tips and ideas. Yesterday was one of those days when I was shown the most fantastic idea that my New client had developed and put together since the earthquake. She has said it is OK to share it with you.

We all talk about our disaster kits and grab and go bags etc, everyone has differing ideas and thoughts. Much of the time the question of where to keep your kit is a biggie, and there are various ideas. However "Mary"* (Name changed to protect the brilliant), has hit the nail on the head.

THE WHEELIE BIN:

 Yes, brilliant I know and so, so simple and now we see it obvious as well. Mary has purchased a Wheelie bin that is a different color from the ones used for Rubbish collection (hers is red), and it is stored outside her home.

The wheelie bin is weather proof, large and on wheels. perfect for a disaster kit. In her wheelie bin Mary has, large water containers full with fresh water, first aid kit, blankets, gumboots (anyone who has experienced liquefaction will know why), shovel, torches, batteries, blankets.
Here is a list of other items that will fit:
* Blankets
* Sleeping bag
* Small tent
* Non Perishable food
* Solar Shower
* Wet Weather Gear
* Small gas bottle and cooker

The possibilities are endless.
It is perfect for the following reasons:
* Being able to store outside allows for the event of your home collapsing and your kit not being stuck inside.
* Does not take up valuable storage space inside your home
* Portable, regardless of how heavy it may be - water containers weigh a lot- you can still roll it.
* Large in size so you CAN store a lot in it.

So I am heading to the nearest storage shop and getting me one of those wheelie bins. I will store it close to the home, and fill it with the necessary items that we have come to know and love here in Christchurch, following our recent Earthquakes. I suggest you should go and do the same. Because you just never know when you may needs it.

A huge thanks to MARY* as well for your brilliance and ingenuity.

The Making of a Great Session.

Well I have had a great Organising day. I worked with a fantastic client who was motivated and committed to getting the job done.

That makes such a difference in the life of a PO (Professional Organiser). I did a 5 hour session decluttering and sorting her Garage, getting ready to put her home on the market.

We managed to knock the job off in 4.5 hours. Then the fun began.

The trip to the tip was great and I had managed to discard 180kg of trash and unwanted stuff to the refuse station. As well as this I had items to drop off at the recycle section and also clothing bins.

This was a great day for my client and we managed to make a big difference in her preparation for the open homes and marketing of her property.

As usual, I was ready for a hot shower and a cuppa, but the kids had other ideas. Being school holidays we trundled off to fill the gas bottles, have a late lunch and check out Borders. I was feeling very grotty and "post clutter" but the kids enjoyed the time after spending the morning with the sitter.

Finally at 5.30pm the shower called and the cuppa was replace by a glass of wine. Pizza has been ordered and the life of this organiser is sweet.

Have a fab one