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http://simplyorganizedsolutions.biz/

Simply Organized Solutions, Maryland, 8054 ROUND MOON Circle, Jessup, MD (2026)

02/22/2026

Tax Time!

The IRS website (www.irs.gov) has anything and everything you need to know about how to do your taxes and what info you need to complete the task. The biggest change is that financial institutions are requesting that you download or print their tax documents from their website. This will be a bit time consuming so don’t wait until you fill in your tax forms.

Make a list of your Financial Institutions. You will need to log in to your account online. If you do not have an online account most Financial Institutions will probably send you an email and invite you to login.

Below is a summary of items you will need to complete your tax return.
SSN
Bank Routing Number
W2’s
1099’s
Mortgage Interest Statements
Interest Statements
Childcare or dependent care expenses
Home mortgage and property tax records (if you itemize your deductions)
Donations to charity (if you itemize your deductions)
Health savings account or flexible spending account contributions
Healthcare expenses (if you itemize, special rules apply)
Retirement contributions
If you're a student or teacher, receipts for books, tuition and other education expenses
Statements from banks, payment apps, card processors or online marketplaces
Checks paid to you
Receipts and mileage logs for travel, gift and car expenses
Records of deductible office expenses
Estimated tax payments
Other business income and expense records

Make your own check list. It will probably change from year to year. The list will prompt you to think of other possibilities. Instead of doing all your document collection at once, take a few minutes once a week until completion. Most tax documents are not available in January so you have some time before you start.
Having a dedicated file or box to put the current year’s documents in makes filing easier. You can then sort documents into the categories according to your tax forms. If you use a service, the tax professional that you choose will greatly appreciate documents in a secure folder in an organized fashion.

A little prior planning and organization can make tax time a little less daunting.

01/26/2026

Happy New Year!

A new beginning, high expectations for yourself, a resolution list. The list can be long and expectations maybe a little lofty? Have fun with it instead.

Give yourself reasonable goals and maybe just a few. No need for a long list. How will you attain those goals? List a few key steps. Starting is the hardest part. Start with a fun goal like a travel destination that can reasonably be accomplished in 2026.

January is a great time for educational goals when its dreary outside. Maybe a book list, a specialty certificate or a degree.

As a professional organizer I always use the winter months for my own organizational housekeeping. If you feel like you are weighed down with clutter, it can be part of your solution to clarify your goals and clear your mind; a 1st step to jump start your process.

Reevaluate the way you look at a resolution list, more like a new quest or adventure.

12/22/2025

As a Professional Organizer,
I can always give advice on how to tackle a project or how to store your items.

This Christmas I would like to give you advise on a more personal note.
Be grateful for who and what you have
Live in the moment
Enjoy and relish special moments
Focus on being present to those around you
Enjoy the simple things
It not how much you spend or about chasing the perfect gift
Relax & reflect. Give of your time. Be kind.

🎄

09/29/2025

Productivity

1-3-5 Rule
A productivity technique that gives structure to daily tasks or focus for a main goal.
Identifying 1 major task that takes lots of energy and focus. It is the main goal of the day.
Identify 3 medium tasks that are less demanding but still contribute to a goal, can relate to major goal or an unrelated goal
Identify 5 small tasks that can be done quickly and can jumpstart a project or goal or are just part of daily chores that need to be done daily.
Using this technique can reduce the enormity of your goal but increase focus.

Time Blocking
This method can include things you categorize as ‘need to get done’ and ‘want to get done’.
Needs and wants can be different for everyone. Needs can be appointments scheduled for meetings, doctors, or contractors. Wants could be go to the gym, take a walk or go to lunch with a friend.
Priorities can be things you have put off for a long period of time or items that are important to you everyday.
Use your electronic calendar to schedule events as they come up and add items as time permits. Spread out appointments to allow for your other needs. This method protects a block of time for specific items.

The Rule of Three
This productivity method focus is outcome not a list of tasks. Hone in on the 3 truly important results you would like to accomplish in your day.

Deep Work
If you are writer, a teacher or creative, getting in the zone can be very important The Deep Work method structures longer periods of concentrated effort, reducing distractions. Put your phone on silent and letting important contacts know of your ‘do not disturb’ time.

Each of these productivity methods uses some of these components with different focus.
The Basics
Task List
Ranking Tasks by priority
Schedule tasks in your calendar
Estimate time for each task
Expect the unexpected
Minimize distraction; Phone on mute
Focus on outcome and results:
results-immediate good/bad
outcome-long term impact

Finding your productivity mojo is an important part of getting stuff done. Experiment and find what works for you.

08/24/2025

Clean up your Digital World, a daunting task!

Start Small
Pick a category to work on. Start with 15 minute increments. Set a timer if your time is limited. This approach helps prevent burnout allowing you to see some progress.

Reduce Folders on your desktop
Having too many folders on your desktop can slow your computers performance. These files use computer memory. They can also be distracting.

Great tips to reduce number of folders on your desktop:
https://www.frameworkit.com/knowledge-base/how-to-minimize-desktop-clutter-to-improve-computer-performance

Organize your files
Create/Edit your filing system: There are plenty of file conventions. Use what makes the most sense to you.

Clean up your browser
This is fun for me. This action keeps your computer humming and reduces lag. You can also do this on your phone.

Mac
Open Safari
Click on Safari in the menu at the top of the screen.
Click on Settings or Preferences (depending on the version of macOS you are running).
Go to the Privacy tab.
Click on Manage Website Data.
Choose Remove All or select websites individually to remove.

Windows
On your computer, open Chrome.
At the top right, click More
Delete browsing data.
Choose a time range, like Last hour or All time.
Select the types of information you want to remove.
Click Delete data.
If you delete cookies while signed in to Chrome, you won't be signed out of your Google Account.

Manage Your Emails
Unsubscribe from newsletters and promotional emails that you no longer read. Create filters and folders to automatically organize incoming emails.

Update Your Software
Ensure all your software, including operating systems and applications, are up-to-date. Regular updates improve security and performance, helping you maintain a more efficient digital environment.

Review Your Apps
Go through your apps and uninstall those you no longer use. This will free up storage space and reduce distractions on your devices.
You can also do this on your phone. In the app section you can also clear the cache of each app to free up space and increase efficiency of your phone.

Steady consistent progress is the goal to keep your digital life ‘smooth sailing’.

07/30/2025

Summer Fun

Home Bound
Not ready for a road trip yet? You want to get outside and stay there? Chores are a drudge especially when there are lots of fun outdoor activities to do.
Do you still want to be somewhat organized while having fun? Compromise! Maybe you can organized in ‘big picture mode’ during summer break; not too much detail.
Keep the pool bag ready with sunscreen, lip balm, clean towels & bathing suits; aim for one load of laundry each day.
Check the cooler: Cleaned & Restocked.
Figure out the dinner plan with your eyes closed at the pool.

Plan Vacation
Sorry no way around it....you have to be detailed here; create a checklist and add to it as you think of details.
Talk about a vacation plan while at the pool; conference call with your spouse & include the kids in your decision.

Are you flying or driving?
If you do not like to plan the details, invest in AAA

https://cluballiance.aaa.com/?zip=21075&devicecd=PC

or another travel agent that is recommended to you. I use AAA. I can get maps anytime, expert travel advice, and roadside assistance.

Driving gives you added flexibility

Chose your destination (s), and chose your route but allow for changes due to traffic back ups. I actually print a few detailed maps for my rural road trips because GPS can lose signal.

Bring snacks and plenty of water for those long hot car trips and plan plenty of stops for restless kids. Pick out audio books for the drive; this is what gets me thru 12 hour trips. Make sure kids have their favorite car games, craft, & books.

Flying
Add passports and drivers licenses to your travel checklist. Check them twice; once while packing and once right before you leave for the airport.

Travel requirements & restrictions have changed in 2025.

TSA/Visas
Changes in baggage requirements to streamline transfers from domestic to international flights.

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all

New requirements by country concerning visas and travel taxes:

https://www.usa.gov/visas-citizens-traveling-abroad

Last minutes decision can lead to increased cost on your preferred destination when booking a flight.

-Be flexible about flight dates/times/destinations; expect delays
-Flights with layovers can give you an unexpected place to explore and reduce costs

A little research, organization and planning can reduce anxiety and make for a more pleasant relaxing trip.

Safe Travels!

06/23/2025

Back To Basics

Do you ask yourself, why can’t I find anything around the house? Why is every room cluttered? Life is busy with work, kids and life’s routine. Do you want to step off the Merry Go Round and take a breath?

Stop and take a breath. Think about your greatest frustration; just one. How will you change that frustration into ‘problem solved’? Overwhelmed with it all? If we think about everything that is wrong, we cannot focus on any one thing. Start with an easier problem, it may gives you energy to tackle more. Baby steps.

A key to success is to create a new habit. Chose one.

Example: Process Mail
Is mail on every available surface? You have no set pattern for getting the mail and processing until completion?

Try these steps:
Pick up mail at least once weekly
Process: Processing tools would include a container for trash, a small bin for recycle and a shredder*. Open the mail and immediately put all unneeded paper in recycle bin or shred bag. the remaining mail is the action pile. Save time later, add a note to mail that needs attention. Action items could be ‘to be paid’, needs a phone call or conversation with partner, or simply needs to be filed.

No shredder? Check out free shred events in your county or drop of at your local Staples or UPS store; they will shred for a fee.

Shred it yourself? Use a paper bag to collect your shredding, staple it closed and add to your recycle bin.

Creating a habit, one at a time with practice.

05/27/2025

Find Your Happy Place

Work is necessary, but the daily grind can get to anyone. Sometimes it is hard to step outside the daily routine. Everyone needs a Happy Place. Your Happy Place maybe a safe space to explore, or a relaxing space or place.

A Happy Place can be an exotic vacation spot, a favorite restaurant, a special place to take a walk, or a state of mind. Chose your budget. What is realistic? Any of the ‘lofty places’ will take planning and organizing.

You can have several levels of your Happy Place. Some will take more time and money. Make it attainable. Visualize what your Happy Place (s) are. Your Happy Place should rejuvenate you, bring you peace and joy because life is more than work, chores and routine. Routines ground us, but we are surrounded by a wonderous world that begs to be explored.
You can have several ‘Happy Places’. You might have to save the exotic vacation for every 5 years or once in a lifetime. Pick a place, and set a goal, stash the money in a vacation account.

Your Happy Place could be simple-
Reading a good book in your favorite room in the house
Taking a walk at your favorite local park
Eating at a waterside restaurant
Make a favorite meal with friends

Closing your eyes and visualizing your Happy Place. If you are a thrill seeker none of the above may appeal to you. Your Happy Place may be jumping out of a plane, hiking to a mountain top, or surfing in Bali.

Whatever your Happy Place may be, visualize it, plan it and go for it!

04/29/2025

Emergency Plan! Do You Have Yours?

All sorts of emergencies have been in the news: Fire, Record breaking tornados, Earthquakes, Job Loss, State of the economy.
Any of these catastrophic events can cause us to pack our bags and leave our homes for a safer more stable environment. Some events are temporary, some could be permanent.

Do you have an action plan for you and your family? How would you ‘operate’ your lives and businesses if you had to leave home? Does it make sense to take all everyday items with you so there is no ‘out of pocket’ expense, or just replace them later. Do you have room in you car(s) for all these items? The answers may not be apparent. Create a list of must haves within an action plan. The action plan broadly would be who is going? Where would you go to set up house either permanently or temporarily. You may want to pack your bags and essentials to see what fits. Do you need to rent another vehicle or a trailer?

Start by having everyone in your family make a list of their ‘must haves’. This will be a tougher for kids. Help them pair down once they complete the list. Let’s not lie, its tough for adults to.
An easier way to make a list is to go thru your day. What are the clothing, snack and tools you use every day. This can include items needed for your business. What are the important items you should take you cannot do without.

Here are a few obvious items:
Clothing and toiletries
Safety items such as flashlights and first aid kit
Airbnb: sheets, blankets, towels
Electronics: Laptops, phones, flash drives, cords, chargers
Important papers, passports, credit cards, check books, pen and paper.

Some paperwork you may need with you. Err on the side of caution, scan and put all paperwork in the cloud even if need to have a copy with you.

Your list can be overwhelming, but if you have a framework you can make the harder decisions later. Planning can help alleviate stress in an uncertain world.

03/23/2025

Stolen Passwords in the News: Be Aware

Cyber security is more important than ever. Take the time to read these articles and upgrade your digital protection.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2025/02/24/hackers-share-39-billion-stolen-passwords-what-you-need-to-know/

https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-personal-data-removal-services

If you have Windows, updates have critical security patches but sometimes they are flawed and cause problems for some users. You can also learn how to move back to a previous update to mitigate this issue.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/fix-problems-that-block-programs-from-being-installed-or-removed-cca7d1b6-65a9-3d98-426b-e9f927e1eb4d

Phishing: Hackers have a work around for 2 step authentication. Protect yourself by adding important email addresses and phone numbers to your contact list. If in doubt, do not respond to email requests or phone calls.

Public Wi-Fi: If you use your laptop in a public space, use your phone as a hot spot. Make sure you are connecting to the right network. Bad actors may create networks that look harmless but are in fact directing you to connect with a network set-up to see your internet surfing. This means if you enter login credentials or passwords into websites, the hacker will be able to steal your information.

To combat online hackers, Google and MS are moving away from SMS text and on to passkey and QR codes.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/signing-in-with-a-passkey-09a49a86-ca47-406c-8acc-ed0e3c852c6d

https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1066447?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid

Did you know you can also lock your Social Security Number?

https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10220.pdf

Having a good antivirus and VPN should be standard protection for your computer and phone. PC Magazine is a good source for applications and product recommendations. Stay informed and vigilant. It seems now it’s a full-time job.

02/24/2025

Home Renovation

If you are looking to boost your home value or you want to update a room, use a cost vs value report. With high interest rates, trends are keeping people in their homes and they are choosing to renovate. What to choose? How to prepare?

This US News Article is a good guide for current trends.

https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/11-popular-home-updates-that-are-worth-the-money

Key Points:
Critical Systems in good repair: HVAC, roofing, plumbing
Curb appeal: New Garage Door, landscaping
Mid-range materials instead of ‘high end’

Once you choose your project and schedule companies to give you bids then the difficult part begins.
How do you reorganize your home to remove items for the renovation?
Sort/purge items in that area that you may not need or want.
Find temporary homes for the items that will remain.

I have renovated my kitchen and bathrooms. Timing is key. No entertaining happened during these renovations.
The process of storing all your kitchen items is daunting. The boxes from the kitchen lived in my son’s room; he was away at school.

A professional organizer can help you through the process of sorting, purging, and packing up items, and reorienting your items post-renovation. As a professional organizer, I love helping clients through this process. The end result is great.

Living through a renovation is a major inconvenience and may seem like your life is on hold, but focus on the goal and visualize the outcome.

01/21/2025

Happy New Year!

In 2025, the new year, we think of New Year’s Resolutions. They do not have to be complicated.

Identifying and safely disposing of Hazardous Waste is probably not on most people’s list.

Old chemicals, paint, and cleaning supplies do degrade and then leak. I address this topic a lot in my work. It can be a hazard to you and your home. The leaking chemicals can make a mess and cause unhealthy fumes and even a fire. Transport these old chemicals in a leak proof tray or container.

Your county landfill can either take these items or suggest a company that will. My landfill takes hazardous waste every Saturday from April to Nov. They have also started taking them in the ‘off season’ periodically. Do you know where and when your community takes old chemicals?

Keep your home safe and healthy. Dispose of chemicals, cleaning products and paint responsibly. Store chemicals in a plastic or metal tray in case there is a leak.

Bonus! Free up valuable space in your home and garage.
Have a Happy and Safe New Year!

Simply Organized Solutions, Maryland

02/22/2026

01/26/2026

12/22/2025

09/29/2025

08/24/2025

07/30/2025

06/23/2025

05/27/2025

04/29/2025

03/23/2025

02/24/2025

01/21/2025

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