TACKLE PROCRASTINATION ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brampton ON, October 22, 2007 - We're entering the time of year when families are on a slippery slope leading into the holiday season. Many individuals are overwhelmed by a to do list full of chores that somehow never seem to get done. Procrastination is an unspoken epidemic for those caught up in a flurry of work and school related activities.

Professional Organizer, Karen Sencich, has proclaimed Sunday, November 4 as "Tackle it Now Day". She developed an effective new weapon to combat procrastination and foster delegating to others. The laminated "Tackle It Now!" quick reference guide conveniently outlines every task required to organize the average household. It is jam packed with simple organizing strategies and tips to develop a plan of action to motivate the whole family.

As our clocks change to Daylight Savings Time on November 4, 2007, the media will remind the public to turn the clocks back and check the batteries in their smoke detectors. But why stop at only two action items? Why not harness the energy of the entire family and tackle whatever else needs doing? Organizing is an essential life skill. Parents need help to transfer organizing techniques to their children.

Take Action

Families can begin by prioritizing what needs doing and creating a systematic approach to stop procrastination. In a family of four, each member spends a minimum of two hours tackling items on the to do list. A two-hour time investment adds up to the equivalent of one full day of parent labour. Eight hours of organizing will result in a noticeable improvement in traditional dumping grounds such as basements or garages. Here are suggested tasks that can easily be managed in a two hour time block.

Book flu shots and outstanding appointments with the doctor, dentist or optometrist
Clean out the medicine chest and create a portable first aid kit
Re-organize closets and winterize wardrobes
Collect duplicate stationary items and create a home office or homework centre

Karen Sencich, owner of Havoc to Harmony http://www.havoctoharmony.com/ is an award winning Professional Organizer specializing in family management since 1999. On Tackle it Now Day, Sunday, November 4, 2007 Karen will be in Vancouver BC sharing her passion for residential organizing with fellow organizers from across North America at the 7^th Annual Professional Organizers in Canada Conference.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Karen Sencich - Professional Organizer
Owner of Havoc to Harmony
Office - 905-452-7008
Cell - 416-930-3340

http://www.havoctoharmony.com/

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Tackle it Now Tip

Pack and Go

Now that winter is winding down, many families are planning a spring get away. The key to a relaxing get away is to pack effectively. A personal packing list simplifies the packing process.

SUITCASES

Buy sturdy, lightweight suitcases on wheels, ones that nest together for easy storage.
Invest in luggage straps to securely strap smaller luggage onto bigger rolling pieces.
Pack only what you can comfortably carry and lift by yourself.
There is lots of walking through airports, so wear your most comfortable shoes (remember that you'll have to take them off to go through security).
Dress in layers for comfort on the plane.
Plastic compression bags are the best new invention for compact packing. Vacuum pack or roll wrinkle-proof items like underwear, bathing suits, bulky sweaters or socks. Coming home, use the bags to compress dirty laundry to make room to pack souvenirs.

CARRY ON

Pack a roomy, waterproof tote or backpack for necessary carry on items, ID, tickets and mini sized cosmetics. You can use it again as a beach bag or when sightseeing.
Carry personal prescriptions with you at all times. Include motion sickness remedies available in pills, patch or a magnetic bracelet.
Remember that you can only carry on a total of 100 ml. of liquids, stored in a see through zip lock baggie. Obtain current international luggage restrictions regarding carrying fluids at www.tc.gc.ca . Also check with your airline for their specific baggage weight regulations and charges since the rules frequently change.
Have a friend or family member drive you to the airport so you can leave winter wear in the car until you return from the sun. No sense lugging the extra weight of bulky coats.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Label identification tags using a work address and cell phone number in case luggage is misplaced. (For security reasons never use your home address.)
On bus tours and cruises luggage is often left unsupervised, so invest in good quality locks.
Will a safe be available in your room? This may determine whether you travel with real or costume jewellery.
Don't take a bulky wallet, instead pare down to the essentials: license, health card, ATM and charge cards.
Code your cell phone with an ICE number (In Case of Emergency contact)
Pack a flashlight or nightlight to navigate in dark, unfamiliar places

WARDROBE PLANNING

Check if your destination or cruise ship has a dress code in effect requiring dress jackets and ties for men. When sightseeing find out if there are clothing restrictions, i.e. shorts may not be appropriate in some locations and women may have to cover their heads to enter a church. Be prepared with a pashmina that can double as a scarf or evening shawl.
Begin with the "Classic Packing Rule of Nine"
         - 3 bottoms (skirts, slacks or shorts)
         - 4 tops (shirt, blouse, T-shirt, shell or tank top)
         - 2 jackets (one weatherproof windbreaker and a jacket, blazer or cardigan)
Mix and match outfits starting with coordinating classic colours: black, navy, white, and then add bright contrasts. Accessorize to glamorize using belts, scarves, or shawls for a burst of colour. A dressy cardigan with a bit of glitter can dress up any outfit for evening.
Plan double duty items - an oversize shirt can double as a bathing suit cover or a housecoat.
Pack one pair of dressy, low heeled sandals
Pack flip flops instead of slippers and tuck them into your backpack for comfortable sightseeing when your feet tire of walking shoes.