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Hello, Friends!

810.348.1772
betty@logicalplacement.com • www.LogicalPlacement.com

January 2025 – What have you been putting off?

Happy New Year!

Like most of us, life is moving at a faster pace than ever. Have you had items on your to-do list that are important, but you just haven’t gotten around to doing them? January is GO Month – Getting Organized Month, in my industry and now that most of the kids are back into school and things are getting back into a routine what better time to deal with your lists!

Here are a few things that you should think about doing this year:
Trust or Will – I’m sure this is on a lot of to-do lists, but for one reason or another, you just haven’t gotten around this. This is an item of extreme importance and you need to commit to doing it. Many years ago when my husband and I were working on our trust, it was a great way of getting things organized. For instance, do you know all your 401k accounts or know where the deed to your house is? By working with a lawyer and getting everything into your trust/will, it will force you to get organized.

If you are one of the lucky ones and got a recent bonus or perhaps you are expecting to get some money back on your federal tax return later this year, you should use some of your funds for this particular project and then you can remove it off your list!

Life Insurance – Do you have a life insurance policy for you or your loved ones? What would happen to your family if the main breadwinner died? Could you live the way you are accustomed to living? Are you able to send your kids to college? Talk to an agent and then you can find out what you have room in your budget for. Maybe you just need to get a term insurance to get you through the years that your kids are in college. But you need to spend some time investigating your options and making an educated choice.

Backing up your computer – I have had a few clients over the years lose all their data because they never backed up their personal computer. How would your life be impacted if you lost your whole computer? Many people are backing up their computers not only to an external hard drive, but also via an online backup storage area. I have used Carbonite for several years. Plus if you have an off-site storage, you can set it up automatically and then you never have to worry about doing it again.

Backing up your pictures – If you are backing up your computer, you may want to make sure your picture folder is also being included in the backup. If you don’t want to back it up to the internet/cloud, then I would suggest that you store a copy of your pictures on a thumb drive and place a copy in your fireproof safe or safety deposit box.

If you have to break these projects down by one per month, that may make it a little more manageable.

I hope you and your family all the best in 2025!

Two Upcoming Presentation in January 2025:
Troy Public Library on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 from 6:30-7:30. Please visit www.troypl.org to register.

Gloria Coles Flint Public Library on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 from 6:30-7:30pm. Their website is https://www.fpl.info to register.

Follow me at https://www.facebook.com/logicalplacementorganizing for weekly organizing tips or on Instagram @logical_placement.

Your local professional organizer,

Betty Huotari

PS If you would like to share this email with a friend, please pass it along and if they would like to be added to my newsletter list, have them send me an email.

The post January 2025 – What have you been putting off? appeared first on Logical Placement.

Hello, Friends!

810.348.1772
betty@logicalplacement.com • www.LogicalPlacement.com

December 2024 – Organizing Your Fridge and Freezer

This is a great topic for December because many of you will be doing some entertaining over the next few weeks. Let’s start with your fridge:

1. Remove all the items and clean the shelves and drawers. Now it’s time for a trick I learned from my Mom, place paper towel sheets in the refrigerator’s drawers. Then, every couple of weeks, replace them — and the drawers seem to stay cleaner, longer.
2. Now place your items into categories when you put them back into the fridge: salad dressing, sauces, condiments, left-overs, etc.
3. Several years ago, I took my label maker out and labeled some of my refrigerator’s shelves so everyone using them would place items back where they belong. They saw the salad dressing actually had a home on the inside shelf. Then, when I’m off to the grocery store, it’s easy for me to see what items are running low.
4. Look at your expiration dates and write down any items that need replacing.
5. Did you find any “forgotten projects” deep in the fridge? That’s what we call them at our house. Maybe it’s a forgotten left-over from last week, or something else that slipped your mind. Throw them out and move on.
6. Are there any items you want to use sooner rather than later? If so, put together a meal menu to help remind you what needs to be used up.

Now let’s move to organizing the freezer:

1. If you have a fridge freezer, remove all the items to remind yourself of what you have, and what you need to use up — especially if you are planning a holiday get-together. You may need to use up some things to provide more room in the freezer.
2. If you have a chest freezer, use baskets to help you categorize your frozen items.
3. When you are placing items into the freezer, label the content and date it. Then there is no guess work involved. I like to use Ziploc freezer bags. This simple idea has saved me important time. Place the older bags on top as well.
4. Place a whiteboard on the outside to keep track of what’s inside? This can be a simple yet great tool to help you remember the contents. I label the contents on the left side and then use checkmarks so if I have 4 packages of chicken, I would have 4 checkmarks beside the chicken. As I remove a package, I remove (wipe off) one of the checkmarks.

Two Upcoming Presentation in January 2025:
Troy Public Library on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 from 6:30-7:30. Please visit www.troypl.org to register.

Gloria Coles Flint Public Library on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 from 6:30-7:30pm. Their website is https://www.fpl.info to register.

Happy Organizing and Happy Holiday!

Follow me at https://www.facebook.com/logicalplacementorganizing for weekly organizing tips or on Instagram @logical_placement.

Your local professional organizer,
Betty Huotari

PS If you would like to share this email with a friend, please pass it along and if they would like to be added to my newsletter list, have them send me an email.

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Hello, Friends!

It’s time to change over your closet and what do you want to do with your off-season clothing? Well, here are a few things to consider (I referenced a Real Simple magazine April 2019):

• Is it time to purchase an extra wardrobe closet that you can zip up?
• Empty the coat pockets and zipper everything up so it retains its shape.
• It’s a great time to go thru your closet and really evaluate your clothing? Have you worn it in the past 2 years, does it go with a lot of items in your closet? Does it need to be drycleaned or mended? Do it now so it’ll be ready when you want to wear it.
• Invest in some plastic containers and label the boxes accordingly. Sometimes I put a label on each side – Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter, then I turn the container accordingly to what is being stored. It might be a good idea to pack things away together if you plan to go somewhere warm during the cold winter months so that when it comes times to packing for that trip, you don’t have to pull everything out.
• If you choose to store some of your bulky sweaters, you can always put them into vacuum sealed bags so that you can pack more into the container.
• I have put a few fabric beads into a sachet to keep things smelling fresh.
• If you are storing your winter boots, clean the salt stains and dirt and put everything away clean.
• Consider where you are storing your items. You might invest in a shelving unit. Think about humidity and temperature swings and could that possibly damage any of your precious items.

Follow me at https://www.facebook.com/logicalplacementorganizing for weekly organizing tips or on Instagram @logical_placement.

Your local professional organizer,
Betty Huotari

P.S. If you would like to share this email with a friend, please pass it along and if they would like to be added to my email list, have them send me an email.

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Hello, Friends!

Has this ever come out of your mouth? Have you ever found yourself searching for the manual for your
surround sound system, especially when you’ve moved into a new house or are setting up a new TV?

I have had a lot of success using a simple technique, a 3-ring binder, sheet protectors, and tabs.

Don’t get me wrong, I started my file folders, like most people and filed them away in the filing cabinet. I had 2 file folders – “Purchases > $500” and “Purchases < $500”. This process worked for many years, but like most couples, the longer we stayed married, the more we acquired, right? I found myself having to replace these file folders every year, because the file folders would break because the glue wasn’t supporting 5lbs of paper.

When we moved into our house 20 years ago, the owner handed me a binder with sheet protectors, with all the warranty manuals that were remaining with the house. That was a godsend! We have referred to that binder on many occasions. I liked how it was arranged and loved having the items at my fingertips. When we sold our home, I did the same and left the manual for the house we sold with the home.

I also took it a step further. I decided to organize all my manuals. I use one binder for large items, such as
furniture, and then I have another binder which helps us organize smaller items like our electronic equipment, stereo system, camera, kitchen appliances etc… (That’s where the tabs come in handy, breaking the binder into categories.) When I go to file something now, I put the manual with the receipt (if your receipt is starting to fade, make a photocopy of it) and any extra warranty purchased. This way everything is together, in one place.

Organizing Home Improvements

Now that we have been in our house several years, the home improvement receipts were starting to get a little out of hand so just this summer, I organized my home improvement file folder. I used an accordion file folder and organized items into categories and then placed the appropriate receipt behind the tab.

I also created a sheet with a list of names of businesses/resources that we have used in the past, so we know who to call the next time something goes wrong.

If you have had any major work done, you should also take pictures along the way. (This may come in handy if there is a dispute).

I hope this prevents you from searching your house for manuals and receipts. Let me know what organizing tips have helped you along the way.

Follow me at https://www.facebook.com/logicalplacementorganizing for weekly organizing tips or on
Instagram @logical_placement.

Your local professional organizer,
Betty Huotari

P.S. If you would like to share this email with a friend, please pass it along and if they would like to be added to my email list, have them send me an email.

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Hello, Friends!

Some of you may have kids heading off to college in a few short weeks. I’m sure you look back
and think where has the time gone? Doesn’t it feel like yesterday you were wiping their noses,
and tucking them into bed?

Well, here are a few tips to help you, help them, set up their dorm room.

Three C’s to an organized dorm room by Susan Stewart

1. CATEGORIES:
   • This works for ANY room by the way, and not just dorms. Set up the dorm room in zones and store things accordingly in that zone. In a dorm room, your categories may be grooming, dressing, studying, sleeping & eating. Putting things away is easier when you have decided what and where the zones are. Keep in mind that your space is small so bringing only seasonal clothing and making use of vertical space here is also going to help.
2. COMBINE:
   • You will want to combine your efforts with your roommate. Check ahead of time with what they are bringing so you don’t end up with duplicates. Some items to share are a mini fridge, microwave, tv, game system & furniture. You’ll also want to choose items with multiple uses. For example: an iPhone can be a phone, calendar, iPod and map. Attractive message boards, hooks and shelves serve dual purposes combining utility needs with decoration.
3. COLOR COORDINATE:
   • This is going to come more into play for the ladies than the men but it still stands true in both places. A dorm room is a small space and small spaces look less cluttered when things are containerized and are color coordinated. That’s why photos in a catalog look so good. Pick 2 or 3 colors and stick with those throughout the room when picking storage pieces, decor, bedding, etc.

Happy packing and don’t wait until the last minute!
**Susan Stewart is the owner of Perfectly Placed and lives in the Phoenix area.

A few other items that are worth mentioning are:

If you have a chance to visit their dorm room or apartment before they arrive for the fall, take
pictures of the room and sketch things out. It is also helpful to bring a tape measure along and
write down the dimensions of the room. That will help you make decisions on what you have
room for.

Don’t’ forget about those closets! Most closet dorm rooms are about 36” inches wide so if you
have a portable closet rack, put use it and it make help kids realize, visualize, and prioritize on
what they can take. Now that kids will have to do their own laundry, they may make it easy on
themselves and dress casually so buy things that are easy to launder and go with other items in
their wardrobe.

Also talk to your kids about their budget. What are your expectations? What are they
responsible for paying and will you be giving them an allowance weekly/bi-monthly/monthly?
Remember this is a great opportunity for your children to learn life skills of making money last
and not splurging it on the first day it arrives in their account. Make sure you and your spouse
are also on the same page.

Last but not least, when your children come home, help them go through their mail and help
them create a filing system. Work with them so they have an idea what items need to be
shredded, filed, or just recycled. That way their papers won’t clutter up your space.
Sometimes when we have been filing for years, we don’t think about it. But it is a life skill that
should be taught.

Oh, and don’t forget to bring along some tissues, for the tears that might be shed! After all,
they will always be our babies, no matter what the age.

If you have any stories that that you would like to share of helpful hints, please send them my
way to betty@logicalplacement.com.

Follow me at https://www.facebook.com/logicalplacementorganizing for weekly organizing tips
or on Instagram @logical_placement.

Your local professional organizer,
Betty Huotari

P.S. If you would like to share this email with a friend, please pass it along and if they would
like to be added to my list, have them send me an email.

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Hello, Friends!

Yes, summer has finally arrived in Michigan. If you are looking for a little adventure, visit the
https://thegetaway.com/experiences/the-best-american-road-trips for some great suggestions on trips across the USA.

Here are a few tips to make your road trip more successful. Just think of the many years you’ll have to share the memories your family travels:

• Visit your local library and see what books they have on the location you have selected. Maybe have the kids choose a few things that they would like to see so they are involved in the process.
• Get a good map and make reservations for accommodations before you leave. Look online for reviews of the hotels you are considering. It can be helpful to know what other travelers have learned about the places you are considering. Look through the travel categories for ideas about places to stay and helpful tips from other travelers.
• You can book a hotel or visit vrbo.com or Airbnb.com to book a home. This works better if you have a larger family then you have more space to more around. Just watch the cleaning and fees when it comes to the Airbnb and vrbo. The fees have definitely increased over the years.
• When you choose a hotel, be sure you know the hotel’s cancelation policy. Some hotels allow you to cancel your reservation before 6 p.m. the day that you are expected to arrive.
• If you are spending a week on the road, come up with a list of sites that you definitely want to see and then some sites to visit if you have time. Call the local travel and tourism office. You may also find coupons for the local attractions. Do an online search about the area you are visiting. You may find deals that are not advertised anywhere else.
• Pack drinks/snacks. If you have room for a cooler, you can save a lot of money by stopping in the city’s local grocery store and making your own meal (or at least a few of them. It is a vacation for us parents as well.)
• Bring along a couple of extra garbage bags, paper towels, paper products, cups, wipes, facial tissues and a container to keep them in, so that items don’t go sliding around in your vehicle.
• Movies/Music/Electronics (and don’t forget the chargers) – How did we ever manage a road trip when we were young? Here is a website for some great car games as well – www.momsminivan.com and https://www.freefunguides.com/ . You should also discuss what the rules are for the road trip upfront. How many hours can children play their videogames or watch a video? It is a nice thing to have all electronics off for a period of time.
• Pack the night before. It is amazing how long it takes to pack so give yourself plenty of time.

Good luck and safe travels! Happy July 4th !

Follow me at https://www.facebook.com/logicalplacementorganizing for weekly organizing tips or on
Instagram @logical_placement.

Your local professional organizer,
Betty Huotari

P.S. If you would like to share this email with a friend, please pass it along and if they would like to be added to my list, have them send me an email.

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