Monday, April 20, 2020

What's on your Shoes?

"Who's Shoes Are These!!" Heard that lately? Yelled it yesterday? Are you exhausted from picking up a random shoe abandoned next to the couch, wondering where the mate resides?

Have you tried being a "Shoes Off" household? Did the concept work for a while, yet shoes kept sneaking back into the living space, piling up? Couldn't be bothered returning shoes to their home in the closet? "I'll do it later." Sound familiar?

Dr. Janowski said shoes are not a big worry for contracting coronavirus, but it might make you squeamish if you think about where your shoes have been. “If you want to talk about bacteria, we know bacteria love to live on shoes,” Dr. Janowski said. “You never know what you stepped in.”

Now is a perfect time to reinstate the concept of a shoe-free house! Keep the germs out and enjoy an organized home!

If you're debating the issue, ask yourself why. Too tiresome to get the family to follow the "Rules," no kids crawling or playing on the floor, no allergies, your feet don't rest on tables/desk? I'm sure there's plenty of reasons/excuses. How about just having cleaner floors? That's a great goal! Less time, less effort, less stress, more pleasure time!

Share these pros and cons from Christopher Mele in the NY Times, and get your family/housemates involved. Put up a cute sign to remind them, & future visits from friends. Also, enjoy a cleaner, less congested floor, "and not worry what's lurking on your shoes!"

Sunday, April 19, 2020

Simply Persnickety in the Media


As I tackle "Big and Small, helping with it all" projects I'm constantly wondering, "Where is my film crew?" I could create a show on HGTV, with astonishing swift outcomes that I create for families and businesses, and it would be fun! So, until my fantasy comes true, I'll stick with trying to remember to take Before and After Photos and leave it to the professionals to highlight me in their news!

I'm grateful and honored Feedback Sports, 303Cycling, and The Primal CO Bike Expo reached out and asked if I'd like to be a part of their product advertising. Why of course, I'd be delighted, Thank You!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKfQx61QHWo&app=desktop

https://kdvr.com/on-air/on-fox31/good-day-colorado/primal-colorado-bike-expo-2/

Monday, April 13, 2020

Trash, Recycle, or Compost. What's in Your Trash Can?

Ranging 1 - 5, five being the highest, what score would you
give yourself for recycling? Do you get lazy and toss a recy-
clable item in the trash for convenience, or swipe off uneaten food vs put it in a container for a left over snack/meal?

What if you dumped all your home trashcan contents in a pile, and sorted it, what do you think you'd find? How does it smell?

I don't need to give facts, since most individuals are aware of what their city recycling program entails. I just want to replant a seed(s) that may have been blown in the wind and needs to be replanted.

Can you recycle more than you do now? How much food is tossed out each day/week in your home? Can you reduce your home trash down to a cereal or bread bag this week? Reuse a tortilla, bread, cereal, etc, bag for all your trash the next few days. I'm sure you'll be surprised how you can reduce your impact, and save on pricey tall kitchen bags that don't get used to their full extent nor break down at the dump!

Monday, May 25, 2015

Simply Grateful!

I'm TRULY GRATEFUL! Yes, truly grateful EVERYDAY!! I LOVE helping others create order in their lives and being a part of their new found energy, de-cluttered & simplified lifestyle, smiles, and appreciation. After breaking my right elbow in a cyclo-cross race last October, and having to refrain from most work for 3 months, 2015 has been filled with daily opportunities to help others uncover lost energy, desire, and personal belongings! I have been organizing almost 7 days a week for the past 5 months with numerous clients most days/evenings, just to fit everyone in, and I'm SO GRATEFUL! Grateful is the word that continually popes into my thoughts, day and night, when thinking of my life; family, health, home, location, and clients! I too am empowered by my client's regained energy, motivation, smiles and appreciation. EVERY SINGLE DAY a client states out loud, "I've been looking for this!" or "This find, makes it all worth it!" Another heartfelt comment that tugs at my emotions is, "I(we) couldn't have done this without you!" The emotion on their face says it all and I am truly grateful to share my gift with others! As I sit here on Memorial Day(yes, I'm actually sitting!), grateful for our Service Men and Women, I'm reflecting on the thoughtful words that were shared with me via technology this week: An e-mail quote from a client on vacation, after she received pictures of what I had accomplished prior to a realtor photographer photo shoot, "SO SPARKILING AND PRESTINE!!! I LOVE HOW EVERYTHING LOOKS!!!! GLORIOUS!!! I AM GRATEFUL!!!! WOW!!! YOU ARE AMAZING!!!! Thanks 10 Million!!! Katherine "After seeing what you accomplished, and how you handled the emotional situation, my crew really wants you to come in and apply your skills to our office, asap." Todd "We are so blessed. We couldn't have done this without you!" Dudley "I would never wish this basement cleaning/organizing upon anyone, and as time went on yesterday, the task went from daunting to exciting!" Sylvia "WOW...wow!!! Amazing... Beautiful!!!" Sarah "Shelley is a true gift. A fantastic find!" Peter (Verbal praise overheard from a father to his daughter.) Have a glorious day everyone. It's time for me to get moving and put fresh sheets on beds!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

How Much do You Spend On Cleaning Products Each Month?

$66.95 is how much residents of Knoxville, Tennessee spend on cleaning products each month! REALLY??!! "It's the highest average in the nation, as determined by purchases on Alice.com, a home-goods shopping site. Residents of Pocatello, Idaho, spend at least:$9.08. Want southern cleanliness a western price? A basic (and cheap!) lemon is all you need to clean everything from countertops to cutting boards, the garbage disposal to tile grout!" (Julia Edelstein; Real Simple, Sept. 2012) Plus, remember if you wipe down your bathroom counters with a washcloth, toss water around in your sinks and showers after each use, pick up crumbs when they fall, don't wear shoes in the house, and use a lemon, cleaning will be minimal when you get around to the big clean. Plus, Method cleaning supplies don't cost much and are earth friendly too!

Friday, May 11, 2012

Kudos for Simply Persnickety

Here are a few compliments, I received in writing, that I'd like to share with you:

"I want to introduce you to my awesome organizer, Shelley. She has done wonders for me to help me clear clutter and make my space more livable, as well as help me organize my office! Shelley can also do this with the greatest of tact and compassion. I know she can help you turn your home into a sanctuary." Todd

"You are SO good at helping people improve their surroundings and their
lives. You're such an inspiration. Thank you for helping us all." Christine

"You are one of the hardest working people I have ever seen." Tony

"I'm amazed at what you've accomplished in such a short period of time. I wish we had done this years ago. This is what I had envisioned living in my home would look like!" Candice

"Shelley is a professional organizer who can do move out purging, organization, and is an absolute wonder woman." Amy, realtor

"I am writing to recommend Shelley Hartman, an amazing home and life organizing consultant. She has helped me find order in my crazy home. I hired her to help with my home office which is also where I manage my business. Immediately, she made a difference and has since attacked some other in-need areas - closet, kitchen, living room, laundry. I am a little addicted, but she has taught me so many great skills that I think I am ready to be organized on my own. It is a beautiful thing. You should contact her today." Jen

"The house looks fabulous but we can't be too perfect in today's market. The 4 areas of master closet, laundry, boiler room and Pantry could use the touch of a house organizer. I recommend Shelly Hartman: 303.549.0494 Simplypersnickety@hotmail.com
She can do all 4 areas in 3 hours if she can work without interruption!" Peyman, Broker Associate
Modern Real Estate

"Thank you SO much, I'm so lucky to have found you. You keep me sane." Nancy

"As for your fabulous work… Shelley… thank you thank you! My son is now a big believer that “everything has a place.”  And… he has so much respect for (his teacher) that he’s more inspired to keep his own things under control." Kelly

"Thank you sooo much. I could just lay down my head and cry with relief.“ Stephanie
“I felt like the weight of the world was lifted off me, and I was energized for the whole weekend. I was able to use my files easily all week. I can’t wait for you to be here next week.”

“I love the job we did together! It truly saved my life. The whole thing had gotten so unmanageable. You were fabulous, respectful, nonjudgmental, and encouraging. And, you have gotten me and the family back on a roll. Since you left, I got rid of more clothes, games, doll clothes, books, bikes. We bought colorful storage containers, chairs, trash can for the art room. And two-step stools for the girls' closets. The rooms remain clean. We are all cleaning up as we go (with expected grumbling from the husband and kids). I also got a couple of organizing bins for the garage...and cardboard boxes to organize photos by year when mother-in-law is here. You even inspired the housekeepers, who spontaneously folded all of mine and Dave's clothes in our closet.

The girls had a traumatic moment (crying/protesting) when they realized how many doll clothes I gave away. I view this as necessary mourning re: the whole shift in the amount of stuff and our relationship to the stuff. You can consider yourself to be an effective antidepressant!" Stephanie

“You did an excellent job. So glad I found you and that you are in my life.” Irene

“I am so grateful for your help. I feel that for me it was as valuable as any professional development that I have taken.” Devira

“I was given your name by our fabulous principal, Val, who is singing your praises.” Thea

“Just wanted to let you know the package is GORGEOUS!!! We’ll present it this afternoon. Thank you, thank you for all your help with this wonderful gift.” Kelly

“It’s perfect, thank you! They look very nice. Elegant, simple, clean. Just like you!” Diane

"I spent all day cleaning the kitchen, doing all the dishes and most of the laundry. It's amazing how much energy and motivation has been released. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!" Amber

"I will be in need of your assistance again. You are a very competent individual and have been an enormous help to me." Irene "You are such a dear. You brought tears to my eyes when I came home and found my shoes all lined up. Thank you!"


"I LOVED what we got done yesterday! I'm so happy to finally be tackling these irritating spaces in the house. I did my homework! I threw out the trash and recycled the paper. I went through last year’s Xmas cards. And, I also dealt with all the paper and stuff hanging out in the kitchen. (My husband) was really excited to see what we accomplished. He's on board!" Krista

"Thank you again. You rock! You provided more than a clean and organized garage; you provided time, energy, calmness and inspiration!! Yeah!!" Jessie

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Pricing

Pricing varies and depends on the individual needs for each client, and if I work alone or with the client.

Typical Pricing:

Garage/home/office/classroom/storage unit/kitchen organizing, staging, and Move-Ins/Move-Outs: $55-$70/hr
Filing/paperwork/creating filing systems/personal shopping/organizing finances: $45-$50/hr
Additional costs for gas/mileage outside of Boulder and long distance travel. I have clients around the United States.


Typical Client Comments/Questions:
-I have to get organized enough for you to come over.
-I don't know where to begin.
-I'll start organizing when the kids go back to school, but before I knew it they were on summer break AGAIN!
-Where are my keys?
-Where is my purse/credit card/wallet?
-I can't park in my garage.
-I can park in my garage, but I can barely get out of my car.
-I need to wrap a gift, but I can't find the wrapping paper and tape.
-And where are the scissors?
-Help! I don't know what color to paint the walls in my living room.
-My child's teacher is phenomenal, but the classroom is overwhelming and so disorganized they can't learn.
-My kids won't invite their friends over because they are too embarassed.

Typical Client Results:
-Classroom Organizing
-Color/Design Consultation
-Compassionate Downsizing
-Custom Filing Solutions
-Financial Organizing
-Home/Office Organizing
-Insurance Documentation
-Orchestrating Moves
-Personal Coach
-Personal Shopping
-Public Speaking
-Relocation & Remodel
-Staging
-Deep Cleaning
-Remove Unwanted Materials (Deliver to charity of your choice, recycling, etc)

About Me:
-Former elementary school teacher (18 years)
-Wrote curriculum on national level
-Public speaker on national level
-Flexible scheduling
-Personal trainer/Certified Yoga Instructor
-Ski Instructor
-Obsessed with organizing