In this issue:

=>Do you know me?
=>Holiday Decorating
=>Staging Tip
=>Organizing tip
=>Just for fun

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As many of you know, I started talking about sending out a newsletter in July and now it is the first of December and here is the second issue. Autumn feels a lot more like winter this year, but the snow will melt and summer will be here all too soon.

My business is going great, and I am having a lot of fun doing what I love to do! While you are spending lots of indoor time, organizing is a wonderful pasttime.

Happy Winter!

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Do you remember the old American Express commercials? It went like this:

Do you know me?

· I graduated from Lakewood High School.

· I was a first place winner in the Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow - twice.

· I sang professionally all over Denver and spent 7 ½ years at the Tally Ho with Billy Wilson.

· I spent 8 years in Las Vegas singing in show lounges with my husband Jay.

· I spent several years in office administration after returning to Denver.

· I am a member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers and IRIS (Interior Redesign Industry Specialist).

· I was a former realtor with Century 21 Joslyn.

· I started Let Patty Do It in May of 2003.

· My continuing education includes attending ACC where I am working (slowly) toward an Applied Science degree in Interior Design.

· I have studied Feng Shui.

· I have studied “Extensive Faux Finishing”.

· Woodworking for Women

· And most recently joined the Red Hat Society.

Do you know me?

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In every issue I hope to bring you interesting facts about organizing, redesigning and staging homes for sale.

I also will be linking to some wonderful resources to help you solve some of your organizing and design problems.

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Holiday Decorating

Well, it’s holiday time. Where are the Christmas decorations?
Are some in the attic, under the stairs (my favorite), in the garage, the back bedroom? Putting up the decorations is hard but finding them is harder. When you put them away for next year, remember the first rule of organizing-LIKE THINGS TOGETHER! It may take a little clearing out but if you put all the decorations together AND label them, you will save some time next year. Try putting the tree skirt with the tree if you use an artificial tree. Store all ribbons, paper, tags together; try boxing by theme, all snowmen together, all keepsakes (wrapped carefully) together.
Now think about this: Most people have more holiday decorations than they need for optimum decoration. You DO NOT need to put out every decoration you own each and every year. When you get everything out this year to decorate, try to group your decorations in themes. Most people have several kinds of decorations that may not really compliment each other, yet they all get displayed as though this is the last holiday season that will ever happen. Try sorting your decorations into 3 categories. The main category is the one that will get used every year. Divide the remaining decorations into two categories that seem to go well together depending on your preferences. Then perhaps label the categories for even numbered years and odd numbered years. Use the even year this year in 2004 and store the rest away for next year. That way your holiday treasures will never be neglected and your home will never be Christmas Cluttered. Also when Aunt Mabel says, “Where is that lovely thing-a-ma-bob decoration I gave you last year for Christmas?”, you can honestly reply, “Why I display that in odd numbered years.”

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Staging

There are still people looking at houses, listing their houses and hoping for a January closing. Staging is more important now than ever. With fewer people walking through the door, the seller needs to be sure that they have done everything possible to make those few really want that house.

I’ve had several questions and several stories about carpet recently. Unless it’s worn, torn or olive green shag, I seldom recommend new carpeting. With a good professional cleaning, any carpet looks better. If there are a few stains that won’t come out, consider patching the carpet with leftover carpet or if that’s not available, remove a piece from a closet. Spending thousands of dollars on new carpet when the buyer may want wood floors is truly a waste of your money. Clean and fresh sells best.

If you’re not moving, you still need to address this area. The holiday season is an excellent one to start thinking about clothes.

Organizing

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Thinking about getting organized in the New Year? It’s the best gift you can give yourself. How much time do you spend searching for the right file, the keys, the bills, the remote? How’s your closet? Ask yourself, “How many pairs of shoes can I wear. I love shoes, don’t get me wrong, but there are always a few pair lurking in the back of the closet that have never fit right or have been worn out.
Do you need to save those dolman-sleeved blouses from the 80’s?
How can you buy new stuff when you don’t have room?
Clothes closets seem to be one of the most difficult areas I deal with-we love our clothes and shoes. If you’re selling your home, you need to empty the closet by half so that prospective buyers can visualize their clothes in that closet. If you’re not moving, you need to address this area. The holiday season is an excellent one to start thinking about clothes. There are many needy people who are not the least concerned with fashion but very concerned about keeping warm. Need a push? Many times, going through your closet with someone else, helps you see the things that need to go.

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Remember you can’t stage, organize or redesign if you don’t clear the clutter.

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Do you have an interesting story or a comment to share?

Please send it to me and I would love to share it.

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Just for fun.

"Don't agonize, organize." -- Florynce R. Kennedy

"If a cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind, what is the significance of a clean desk?" --
Laurence J. Peter

“You can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water. Don't let yourself indulge in vain wishes." -- Laurence J. Peter

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This is an opt-in newsletter only. It is never sent to anyone except by request and the list will not be sold or shared with anyone.. Should you wish to be removed from the email list, simply send an email to remove@letpattydoit.com and the email address you wish removed.

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The holidays are coming! Instead of just packing away those summer things why not donate those worn out clothes, lawn chairs etc. Someone will love those things

Less is better!

Need help?
Let Patty Do It!
Patty Salam
303-944-0234
email: patty@letpattydoit.com

www.letpattydoit.com