925-933-9737 mlm@marylynnemurray.com
Organizing Services for Boomers, Seniors & Heirs
In the article 4 Things Making Your Living Room Look Messier Than It Is, author Shifrah Combiths reports that “a messy living room can be a stressor that makes you feel far from at home in your very own house.” Here are some common culprits that can have this effect and can make your living … Read More »
In the article Couple find novel way to downsize after 45 years in the same house, author Petula Dvorak reports on a different approach to clearing out all the clutter: “All day long on a Saturday, people came in and out of Karen and Fritz Mulhauser’s cozy, Capitol Hill rowhouse in Washington and cleaned them … Read More »
In the article Deal with clutter while the choice to toss is still yours, author Louise George Kittaka reports: “One particular type of decluttering and organizing has grabbed media attention in the past few years is shūkatsu, or ‘end-of-life planning.’ In a nutshell, shūkatsu means getting one’s affairs in order before departing this world, thus … Read More »
In the Washington Post article For older people who stay in their homes, help is needed but often is inadequate, author Judith Graham reports: “According to a recent Johns Hopkins study: About 25 million Americans who are aging in place rely on help from other people and devices such as canes, raised toilets or shower … Read More »
ORGANIZATION: Filing Tips: Spring is here. Are you ready for America’s favorite past time? True, FILING will never be ranked with baseball and apple pie! In fact, most people avoid filing, and one reason is that they dislike the physical discomfort of jamming their hands into overstuffed file drawers. Here’s the skinny on thinner files: … Read More »
60 HELPFUL TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS: In the Reader’s Digest article 60 Things Every Caregiver Needs to Know, author Michelle Crouch shares research-backed tips and strategies from other caregivers to help you give the best possible care to the person you love: “Don’t wait too long. ‘Most people wait way too long before getting their loved … Read More »
When I begin with a new client, I have them complete, or help them complete an emergency contact information form. When I’m working at their house, if something goes awry with their health, after calling 911, I would let their family or other contact know ASAP. Thankfully, I’ve never had to do so. Do you … Read More »
I had a handful of senior clients when I began my organizing practice in 2000, but it was working with Alice for eight years that propelled me to specialize in the organizing needs of seniors. How lovely it would have been if I’d known about The Threshold Choir during Alice’s lifetime! It was another … Read More »"Before starting with an organizing client, I endeavor to understand him. With each exchange I come to know him better, and therefore, understand more."
- Mary Lynne Murray
"You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist."
- Indira Gandhi
"May I never get too busy in my own affairs that I fail to respond to the needs of others with kindness and compassion."
- Thomas Jefferson
"There must be more to life than having everything."
- Maurice Sendak
"Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful and believe to be beautiful."
- William Morris
"Sit down with your child(ren) or heir. Share your wishes, provide copies of your legal documents. Leave clear instructions. This goes a long way to avoiding confusion and arguments after you are gone."
- Mary Lynne Murray
"You don't need things to remember someone. Close your eyes, picture your loved one, and your heart will help you remember."
- Mary Lynne Murray
"I'm a big believer in giving it away NOW, while you have the capacity to do so. All the blessings of giving come back to you!"
- Mary Lynne Murray
Reality percentages when clearing out a house:
25% of home contents are thrown away
50% of home contents are donated
25% of contents are suitable for sale
"When you can't find things, it's time to get organized."
- Mary Lynne Murray
"Practice gradual downsizing by playing the One in, One out game. Every time you purchase one thing, get rid of one thing. YOU are in charge of the flow of stuff, in and out of your home."
- Mary Lynne Murray
"Living like a minimalist is not for everyone, but reducing the amount of clutter is."
- Mary Lynne Murray
"Let's get off our screens and devices and spend more time free-thinking. Set a side even a few minutes each day to think."
- Mary Lynne Murray
"What do you care about? Do you care about yourself, or do you neglect self-care? One aspect of practicing self-care is to care about the order in your home, because it has a profound affect on your well-being!"
- Mary Lynne Murray
