No one wants to leave a home they’ve loved for years. That home and everything in it represents a life lived. Family, traditions, and memories are woven into every room and become the fabric of a lifetime.

So how do we know when it’s time for change?

The answer is rarely just one moment. More often, it’s a series of small signs that begin to add up. Here are seven of the most common indicators that it may be time to start the conversation.

1. Home Maintenance Is Becoming Overwhelming

What was once routine—yard work, cleaning, and small repairs—can slowly become exhausting or unmanageable.

You might notice unopened mail, neglected upkeep, or a home that just feels harder to maintain. Over time, what once felt like pride of ownership can begin to feel like a burden.

2. Safety Concerns Are Increasing

Safety is often the turning point for many families.

Look for signs like falls or near-misses, difficulty navigating stairs, poor lighting, or cluttered walkways. Even something as simple as forgetting to turn off the stove can signal a growing risk.

3. They’re Only Using a Small Portion of the Home

It’s very common for older adults to gradually “shrink” into just a few rooms.

Entire sections of the home may go unused, not because they aren’t loved—but because they’re no longer practical. Maintaining unused space can add unnecessary stress and expense.

4. Isolation Is Becoming More Noticeable

A larger home can sometimes lead to greater isolation, especially if it’s far from family, friends, or community resources.

You may notice fewer outings, reluctance to drive, or long periods spent alone. A move to a more connected environment can often improve both emotional and physical well-being.

5. Managing Belongings Feels Overwhelming

After decades in one home, it’s natural to accumulate a lifetime of possessions.

But when decision-making becomes difficult, or the thought of sorting through everything causes stress or avoidance, it’s a sign that support may be needed. It’s not just about the volume of items, it’s the meaning behind them.

6. Health Changes Are Affecting Daily Life

Physical or cognitive changes can make it harder to safely manage a larger home.

You might notice increased fatigue, difficulty moving through the space, or challenges keeping up with daily routines. A more supportive environment can make everyday life easier and safer.

7. You’re Stepping In More Often

One of the clearest signs is when your role begins to shift.

If you’re helping more frequently with errands, household tasks, or coordination of care, it may indicate that the current living situation is no longer sustainable long-term.

Starting the Conversation with Care

If you’re seeing several of these signs, it doesn’t mean you need to make an immediate decision. But it may be time to begin a thoughtful conversation.

Approach it with empathy:

• Focus on safety and quality of life
• Listen more than you speak
• Take small steps instead of trying to solve everything at once

This is not just a move, it’s a major life transition.

Final Thought

Downsizing isn’t about letting go of a life. It’s about honoring it while making space for what comes next.

With the right support, this transition can feel less overwhelming and more like a thoughtful step toward safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

The post 7 Signs It Might Be Time to Help a Parent Downsize appeared first on Your Tasks Our Time.

It’s deciding what you can’t take with you.

After decades in a home, there’s simply more than will fit in the next space. And for many seniors and their families that reality feels overwhelming.

At Your Tasks Our Time, this is the moment where people often feel stuck.

“What do we do with all of this?”

The good news is: there are thoughtful, respectful solutions. You just need a plan.

First, Let’s Shift the Mindset

Before we talk logistics, it’s important to acknowledge something:

This isn’t just about “getting rid of things.”

It’s about:

• Letting go of a home filled with memories
• Making decisions about meaningful belongings
• Navigating a major life transition

When this process is rushed or dismissed, it creates stress and conflict.

When it’s handled with care, it can feel organized, intentional, even peaceful.

Step 1: Identify What Truly Matters

We always start here.

Before deciding what goes, we help our clients clearly define what stays.

That includes:

• Meaningful furniture pieces
• Important documents
• Sentimental items and heirlooms
• Everyday essentials for their new space

Once those priorities are clear, everything else becomes easier to evaluate.

Step 2: Create Categories for What’s Left

Instead of one overwhelming pile, we break things into manageable paths:

• Gift to Family
• Donate
• Sell
• Recycle
• Discard

This structure turns a stressful process into a series of smaller, more manageable decisions.

Step 3: Passing Items On to Family

This step can be surprisingly emotional—and sometimes complicated.

Our advice:

• Offer items, don’t assign them
• Give family members time to decide
• Avoid pressure or guilt

Not everything will be claimed and that’s okay.

What matters most is giving people the opportunity, not forcing the outcome.

Step 4: Donation With Purpose

Many families find comfort in knowing their items will help someone else.

We coordinate donations so that:

• Items go to organizations that can truly use them
• Pickups are scheduled and handled efficiently
• The process doesn’t become another burden on the family

It’s not just about clearing space, it’s about giving items a second life.

Step 5: Selling Items of Value

Some belongings may have resale value, but navigating that process can be time-consuming.

Options may include:

• Estate sales
• Online auctions
• Specialty buyers for certain items

We help families determine what’s worth selling and what may not be worth the time or effort.

Because not everything of value is practical to sell.

Step 6: Responsible Clean-Out

There are always items that can’t be donated or sold.

We coordinate:

• Clean-out services
• Recycling when possible
• Proper disposal

So families aren’t left figuring out what to do at the last minute.

Why This Part Feels So Overwhelming

Most families underestimate this phase.

They think: “We’ll just donate what we don’t need.”

But in reality, they’re managing:

• Emotional decisions
• Logistics and scheduling
• Physical labor
• Time constraints

All while balancing their own busy lives.

It’s a lot.

Where We Come In

At Your Tasks Our Time, we guide families through this entire process, step by step.

We:

• Help sort and organize belongings
• Provide clear options for everything that can’t move
• Coordinate donations, sales, and clean-outs
• Keep the process moving without pressure

Most importantly, we bring calm and clarity to what often feels overwhelming.

Final Thoughts

Letting go of belongings doesn’t have to feel chaotic or rushed.

With the right support, it can be:

• Thoughtful
• Respectful
• Well-organized

And even… a little freeing.

A Direct Ask

We specialize in helping seniors (65–105) who are:

• Downsizing from a long-time home
• Facing tough decisions about their belongings
• Feeling overwhelmed by where to start

If you know someone asking, “What do we do with everything?” — that’s when we can help most.

Referrals from realtors, senior living communities, estate professionals, and families allow us to continue supporting seniors with care, dignity, and compassion.

The post What to Do With Everything You Can’t Take With You appeared first on Your Tasks Our Time.

It’s one of the first questions families ask and the honest answer is:

Longer than you think… but smoother than you expect with the right help.

A senior move isn’t just about moving belongings from one place to another. It’s a multi-step process that involves decisions, coordination, and emotional transitions.

At Your Tasks Our Time, we guide families through this every day. Here’s a realistic look at the timeline and what actually impacts it.

The Short Answer

Most senior moves take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks from start to finish.

But that range depends on several key factors and no two moves are exactly the same.

Phase 1: Downsizing & Sorting (1–4 Weeks)

This is the most time-intensive part of the process and the most underestimated.

We’re helping clients sort through:

• Decades of belongings 
• Important documents 
• Sentimental items 
• Furniture that may or may not fit in the new space 

Every item requires a decision.

Some clients move through this quickly. Others need more time and that’s okay.

What impacts timing:

• Size of the home 
• How long they’ve lived there 
• Emotional readiness to let go 
• How often we’re working together each week 

Rushing this phase often leads to regret or conflict, so we approach it thoughtfully.

Phase 2: Planning & Coordination (1–2 Weeks, Often Overlapping)

While downsizing is happening, there’s a lot being coordinated behind the scenes.

This includes:

• Scheduling movers 
• Coordinating donation and clean-out services 
• Aligning with realtors or home sale timelines 
• Preparing the new residence 

This phase is where experience really matters. The goal is to keep everything moving forward without last-minute surprises.

Phase 3: Move Day (1 Day)

The actual move typically happens in a single day.

But it’s not just about loading and unloading boxes.

We:

• Oversee the movers 
• Ensure items are handled properly 
• Troubleshoot in real time 
• Keep everything running on schedule 

For families, this is often the most stressful day unless they have someone managing it for them.

Phase 4: Unpacking & Settling In (1–3 Days)

This is the part many people don’t plan for and it makes all the difference.

We don’t just unpack. We set up a home.

That means:

• Furniture is placed intentionally 
• Beds are made 
• Kitchens are fully functional 
• Personal items are arranged with care 

Our goal is simple:
When our client walks in, it already feels like home and they can just start living their lives.

What Can Extend the Timeline?

Some moves take longer and there are very valid reasons why.

Common factors include:

• Larger homes with more belongings 
• Tight deadlines due to a home sale or health event 
• Family members with differing opinions 
• High sentimental attachment to items 
• Waiting on availability for communities or services 

This is why having a flexible, guided plan matters more than a rushed one.

What We See Most Often

Families start out thinking:
“We can probably do this in a weekend.”

And then reality sets in.

They’re balancing:

• Work and family responsibilities 
• Emotional conversations with a parent 
• A long list of logistics they didn’t anticipate 

That’s usually when they call us.

Where We Come In

At Your Tasks Our Time, we streamline the entire process.

We:

• Create a clear, step-by-step plan 
• Keep everything moving on schedule 
• Handle the details families don’t have time for 
• Reduce stress, overwhelm, and conflict 

Most importantly, we meet our clients where they are, emotionally and practically.

Final Thoughts

A senior move isn’t just about how long it takes.
It’s about how it feels along the way.

With the right support, it can feel calm, organized, and even empowering.
Without it, it often feels overwhelming and rushed.

A Direct Ask

We specialize in helping seniors (65–105) who are:

• Downsizing from a long-time home 
• Moving into a senior community 
• Feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to begin 

If you know a family asking, “How long is this going to take?”That’s the perfect time to connect us.

Referrals from realtors, senior living communities, healthcare professionals, and families allow us to support more people through this transition with care and dignity.

The post How Long Does a Senior Move Really Take? appeared first on Your Tasks Our Time.

It’s about memories, identity and control. And often, a major life transition brought on by health changes, loss, or safety concerns.

For adult children, the instinct is to jump in and “get it done.” For parents, that can feel overwhelming… or even heartbreaking.

At Your Tasks Our Time, we see this every day. The families who navigate downsizing best aren’t the fastest, but they are the most thoughtful in how they approach it.

Here’s how to support your parents through downsizing—without damaging the relationship along the way.

1. Ask Questions Instead of Giving Orders

When emotions are high, even well-meaning direction can feel like pressure.

Instead of:

• “You can’t take all of this.”
• “We need to clear this out.”

Try:

• “What feels most important for you to bring?”
• “What would make your new space feel like home?”
• “What worries you most about this move?”

This simple shift changes everything. It keeps your parents involved, respected, and in control of their decisions.

2. Give Them Time (Even When You Feel Rushed)

We understand sometimes there is urgency. A house is sold. A fall has happened. A move date is looming.

But here’s the truth: rushing decisions often creates more resistance, not less.

What looks like “just a box of papers” to you might represent decades of life to your parent.

Allow space for:

• Processing emotions
• Revisiting decisions
• Saying goodbye

When seniors feel rushed, they dig in. When they feel supported, they move forward.

3. Respect the Story Behind the Items

One of the quickest ways to create conflict is to minimize what something means.

Avoid:

• “This is junk.”
• “Why would you keep this?”

Instead, lean in:

• “Tell me about this piece.”
• “Where did this come from?”

You’re not just sorting belongings, you’re honoring a life lived.

And often, once someone feels heard, they’re far more open to letting go.

4. Focus on What They’re Gaining

Downsizing can feel like loss, but it’s also a step toward relief.

Gently reframe the conversation around:

• Less home maintenance
• Increased safety
• A simpler, more manageable lifestyle
• More energy for family, friends, and activities

This isn’t about taking things away. It’s about making room for what matters most now.

5. Create a Plan for the “Most Important Things”

A helpful strategy we use with our clients is creating a clear “yes space.”

That might include:

• A memory bin
• A few cherished furniture pieces
• Meaningful photos or heirlooms

When your parents knows their most treasured items have a place, it becomes much easier to release the rest.

6. Know When to Step Back and Bring in Help

This is where many families struggle.

You’re not just helping, you’re emotionally involved. And that can make even simple decisions feel complicated.

That’s where a senior move manager can make all the difference.

At Your Tasks Our Time, we:

• Guide families through downsizing with compassion
• Handle packing, move coordination, and full setup
• Keep the process moving without pressure or conflict

Most importantly, we act as a neutral partner—so you can focus on being a son or daughter, not the “decision enforcer.”

Final Thoughts

Downsizing isn’t just a logistical process, it’s a deeply personal one.

Handled with care, it can actually strengthen your relationship with your parent. Handled with urgency and pressure, it can do the opposite.

If your parents or a client, neighbor, or friend—is facing a move and feeling overwhelmed, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

A Direct Ask (Because This Is How We Grow)

We work with seniors ages 65–105 who are:

• Moving to a smaller home or senior community
• Overwhelmed by decades of belongings
• Navigating life changes like illness, loss, or safety concerns

If you know a family in this situation, we would be honored to help.

Referrals from:

• Realtors
• Senior living communities
• Estate attorneys
• Financial planners
• Healthcare professionals

…are how we support more families with care and dignity every day.

The post How Adult Children Can Help Parents Downsize Without Conflict appeared first on Your Tasks Our Time.

Pack a few boxes. Hire movers. Set up the new apartment.

But families quickly discover it’s so much more than that.

At Your Tasks Our Time, we often meet clients at the moment they realize they’re in over their heads. What they thought would take a weekend turns into weeks of decisions, logistics, and emotional weight they didn’t anticipate.

Here’s what’s really happening behind the scenes of a senior move and why having the right support makes all the difference.

Sorting Through Decades of Belongings

This is where it begins and where most families get stuck.

We’re not talking about clearing out a closet. We’re talking about:

• 20, 30, sometimes 50+ years of belongings 
• Papers, photos, collections, furniture, and keepsakes 
• Items tied to memories, milestones, and loved ones 

Every item requires a decision:
Keep it? Donate it? Gift it? Let it go?

What sounds like a simple sorting process quickly becomes emotionally and mentally exhausting.

Without a plan, families often:

• Feel overwhelmed and shut down 
• Disagree on what should stay or go 
• Run out of time before the move date 

Coordinating All the Moving Parts

A senior move isn’t just one service, it’s many.

Families are often trying to juggle:

• Donation pickups 
• Junk removal 
• Movers 
• Realtors preparing a home for sale 
• Senior living community timelines 

Each piece has its own schedule, requirements, and pressures.

When these moving parts aren’t coordinated properly, it can lead to:

• Delays 
• Added costs 
• Last-minute stress 

This is where experience matters, because timing is everything.

Space Planning for the New Home

One of the most underestimated parts of a move?

Figuring out what will actually fit and function in the new space.

Seniors are often moving from a larger home into a smaller apartment or community setting. Not everything can come.

But deciding what should come requires more than guesswork.

At Your Tasks Our Time, we:

• Measure furniture 
• Create a floor plan 
• Help clients choose what fits comfortably and safely 

Without this step, families risk:

• Bringing too much 
• Creating clutter in a smaller space 
• Or having to remove items after the move (which is far more stressful) 

Unpacking and Truly Settling In

Many people think the move ends when the boxes arrive.

In reality, that’s just the beginning.

For a senior, walking into a room full of boxes can feel overwhelming and disorienting, especially after leaving a long-time home.

We focus on making the new space feel like home right away:

• Furniture is placed thoughtfully 
• Beds are made 
• Kitchens are set up 
• Personal items are arranged with care 

So instead of chaos, our clients walk into comfort, familiarity, and calm.

Why Families Underestimate the Process

Most families don’t realize how complex a senior move is until they’re in the middle of it.

They’re balancing:

• Their own work and family responsibilities 
• Emotional conversations with a parent 
• Tight timelines and important decisions 

It’s a lot to carry logistically and emotionally.

Where We Come In

At Your Tasks Our Time, we do more than manage a move.

We:

• Guide families through downsizing with compassion 
• Handle every detail from sorting to setup 
• Coordinate all services so nothing falls through the cracks 
• Reduce stress, conflict, and overwhelm 

Most importantly, we allow families to step out of the “project manager” role and back into being a son or daughter.

Final Thoughts

A senior move isn’t just about relocating belongings.
It’s about transitioning a life.

When done right, it can feel organized, respectful, and even uplifting.
When underestimated, it can quickly become overwhelming.

If you or someone you know is facing a senior move and doesn’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

A Direct Ask

We specialize in helping seniors (65–105) who are:

• Downsizing from a long-time home 
• Moving into a senior community 
• Feeling overwhelmed by the process 

If you know a family in this situation, please connect us.

Referrals from realtors, senior living professionals, healthcare providers, and families are how we continue to support our community with care and dignity.

The post The Hidden Work Behind a Senior Move appeared first on Your Tasks Our Time.

Planning Ahead:

1. Start Early: Begin planning and preparing for your move as far in advance as possible. We recommend starting at least one year in advance of your move. This allows for ample time to sort through belongings, make arrangements, and address any concerns.
2. Assess Your Needs: Evaluate your current living situation and determine what you’ll need in your new home. What do you need and love? Consider factors like accessibility, healthcare facilities, and proximity to family or friends.

Downsizing and Decluttering:

1. Sort Belongings: Begin decluttering and downsizing well before your move. Separate items into categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard. Consider sentimental items and decide what to keep or pass on to loved ones. If family members do not want any of your items, then maybe select 1 or 2 items to gift per family member and tell them the story of why you love the item and why you want them to have the item.
2. Organize Important Documents: Gather and organize important documents such as medical records, financial paperwork, and legal documents. Keep these in a secure and easily accessible place during the move.

Hiring Professionals:

1. Choose Reliable Movers: Research and select a reputable moving company with experience in long-distance moves and a good track record. Get quotes from several companies and compare services offered.
2. Consider Senior Move Managers: Senior move managers specialize in assisting older adults with all aspects of moving. They can handle logistics, coordinate services, and provide emotional support throughout the process.

Packing and Preparation:

1. Pack Strategically: Pack belongings carefully, labeling boxes clearly and prioritizing essentials for immediate use upon arrival. Consider using professional packing services to ensure fragile items are handled with care.
2. Plan for Travel: If flying or driving to your new home, make travel arrangements well in advance. Consider any mobility or health issues and plan accordingly. Ensure medications and necessary items are easily accessible during travel.

Settling into Your New Home:

1. Arrange for Assistance: Upon arrival, have a plan in place for unpacking and setting up your new home. Consider hiring help for tasks like furniture assembly, hanging artwork, and organizing belongings.
2. Explore Your New Community: Take time to explore your new neighborhood and community. Locate essential services, healthcare providers, grocery stores, and recreational activities. Join local senior groups or clubs to meet new people and get involved.

Emotional Support:

1. Stay Connected: Maintain communication with family and friends throughout the moving process. Share your feelings and concerns with loved ones, and seek support when needed.
2. Give Yourself Time: Adjusting to a new home and community takes time. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to settle in gradually. Engage in activities you enjoy and take advantage of opportunities to socialize and build new connections.

Conclusion:

Moving long-distance as a senior requires careful planning, organization, and support. By taking proactive steps, seeking assistance when needed, and approaching the move with a positive mindset, you can navigate the process successfully and embrace this new chapter in your life.

By addressing these key aspects of long-distance moves for seniors, you can provide comprehensive guidance and support to help them transition smoothly and comfortably to their new home and community.

Your Tasks Our Time, LLC

The post Long-Distance Moves for Seniors appeared first on Your Tasks Our Time.

However, beyond the obvious, there is something to be said for the added aesthetic component to organizing. We have never tracked this and have no scientific basis; however, we generally find that those who choose their space to be both functional and visually appealing tend to maintain the space longer.  The reasons could be varied. Maybe it’s about the personality of someone who prefers function and beauty or maybe they’re wired to maintain the space? Maybe the simplicity of the space inspires maintenance or the space is just too lovely not to maintain? My guess is that it’s a combination of all the above. Whatever the reason, it might be worth considering adding a little beauty to your function and see what happens.

Getting and staying organized is a process that changes as our lives change. You will have to adjust and adapt as you go through life. The more stuff you have the more expensive it is mentally, emotionally, physically and financially. And, one fact to bear in mind is that you can’t organize yourself out of too much stuff. If you have too much stuff for the space, maintenance is next to impossible. The good news is that there is help and you don’t have to organize alone. If you are local, give us a call or schedule a free consult. Otherwise, look up your local NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Professional Organizer) chapter to find an organizer in your area.

Darla Pompilio

Your Tasks Our Time, LLC

The post Function vs Beauty appeared first on Your Tasks Our Time.

When seniors move into a senior community, they often have to significantly downsize to accommodate the size restrictions of their new space.

That exercise can be very freeing and can ease the transition to their new home; however, old habits can die hard or not at all and before you know it the new space may quickly fill up. This can cause frustration for the resident, as well as the community. So, what to do?

Determine What is Filling Up the Space

The first thing is to try and determine the root cause of the problem.

• Is it due to health issues or some problem that is out of the resident’s control?
• Is it about habits or lifestyle choices?
• Is it loneliness or fatigue?

Once the root cause is determined it’s much easier to help them navigate the solutions. Health issues can stop a person in their tracks and render them unable to keep up with their space. Factor in medical equipment and the space can quickly become very cluttered. Habits are rarely left behind when a resident moves to a new home.  If they were used to being surrounded by a lot of belongings, then before long the stuff can begin to creep back into their space. Loneliness or fatigue can lead to depression, which in turn can cause the resident to neglect their space.

Finding a Solution

Once the root cause is determined it’s easier to find and implement solutions which may range from adjusting medical, emotional or mental care to engaging professional services, including in-home health care, senior transition or organizing services. Regardless of the root cause, the most important thing is that the resident feels supported and, in a judgement, free space. Which is often the fine line between success and failure.

If you or someone you know is struggling to get organized or needs help the downsizing or moving process, we would love to help. Schedule a free 30 minute consultation today or check out our website for lots of tips and ideas.

Darla Pompilio

Your Tasks Our Time, LLC

The post What To Do When a Senior’s Space Becomes a Hazard appeared first on Your Tasks Our Time.

Now is the time to be selective. Plan to bring only the items you want and need for comfort and daily use in your new space.

• Do I love it or need it? Consider your space and purge enough so that all your items have a place in your new home.
• Determining what to do with all of your purged items in advance and save time. Donate, give to family and friends, trash or sell.
  • Check your local donation outlets to see what they take and if they pick up.
  • Be sure to ask family and friend before giving them any of your items. You don’t want to fill their house with your unwanted stuff.
  • Check with your county waste to see if there are items that cannot go into the regular garbage.
  • Research the value of an item. Send a photo to an auction house for a quick response.  Other avenues for selling items: yard sales, Facebook, eBay, Craig’s List and consignment shops.
• Give yourself permission to let go of sentimental items. It’s okay to let go of items you don’t want or love.

Step Two:  Pack

               Packing Paper vs Bubble Wrap

• Paper for dishes, mirrors and small fragile items. It takes up less space than bubble and allows for stacking items, like dishes.
• Bubble wrap for larger items like appliances and lamps because it has that added layer of air cushion. Tip: Do not skimp on the packing paper. It’s the most economical way to protect your items during your move.

               Packing Boxes vs Plastic Tubs

Packing boxes:

• Easy to stack and store flush in a moving truck.
• Recyclable & easy store when they are broken down.
• Come in standard sizes for easy moving.
• Made to protect household goods.

Plastic tubs:

• Great for storing items in your new home.
• Inefficient and cost more to move because they cannot be stacked edge to edge.
• Vulnerable to cracking and collapsing during a move.
• Keeps items dry.

               Best Labeling Practices:

• Label on the top and side of the box (3 sides).
• Use permanent marker.
• Put your name on the box – first.
• Put the name of the room on the box – second.
• List the items in the box – third.
• Share your floor plan with the movers on move day.
• Label your rooms in your new home.

Step Three:  Unpack

• Put on some great dance music.
• Set up bedroom, bathroom and kitchen first.
• Reclaim packing materials. Many moving companies will pick up moving materials and recycle them after the move.
• Avoid clutter as you unpack by giving all items in your new home a place to live. An item that does not have a home will be put down in any available space.

If you are overwhelmed by the thought of the moving process, then give us a call or email for a free consultation.

Darla Pompilio

Founder

Your Tasks Our Time, LLC

The post Three Steps to Moving appeared first on Your Tasks Our Time.

S – Sort: The first step is to sort your items into categories.  You’ll want to put like items with like items, (paints with paints, pencils with pencils, etc.).  This will tell you how much stuff you actually have in any one category.

T – Toss: Once you know how much stuff you have it’s time to take stock and toss any items that you don’t use, are outdated or unusable. I suggest that you keep only what you love or need.  Tossing can be anything from throwing in the garbage to donating or selling an item.

A – Assign a Home: This is the part of the process that is like putting together a puzzle.  Finding just the right space for your items is part of the creative process.

Think about how you use the items.

Think about where you use the items.

Think about how often you use the items.

C – Contain: Containerize any items that are possible and feasible to contain. It will help make items easier to find and store. Label, when necessary, especially those items with closed tops. Keep the systems you choose as simple as possible.  If you have items that you rarely use and don’t want to get dusty, then using a storage container with a closed top is a good choice; however, if you have supplies that you use frequently, then an open top container may be a better choice.

K – Keep It Up: This may involve building new habits if necessary and practicing putting items away after they’re used.

It’s easy to get stuck in your own space with organizing projects. If you are stuck, please call or email for a free consult!

Darla Pompilio

Your Tasks Our Time

The post The Stack Method appeared first on Your Tasks Our Time.

One of the most confusing parts of getting ready for tax time is knowing what documents you need to prepare your taxes.  Basically the documents break down into three categories.  Income statements, deductions and receipts.

The Challenge of Receipts

Receipts are the most challenging documents to store and organize. This is especially true if you are a small business owner. Receipts are your main protection if the IRS decides to audit and details are critical.  It’s imperative to keep all receipts pertaining to business and a very good idea to get into the habit of making notes on entertainment and dining expense receipts.

Simple Receipt Storage Solutions

I personally love a simple accordion file folder with 13 or more slots for filing my receipts. It’s important to make sure your file folder has enough slots to accommodate all the tax categories you need. At the end of the year I make sure all the receipts within a given category are organized by date, then I hand the entire folder over to my accountant. I actually have two of these that I rotate yearly, so I always have one working receipt folder available. I keep a designated area in my wallet for my business receipts and simply file the receipts in my file folder when the area in my wallet is full.

Consider Scanning for Added Protection

Scanning your receipts can help solve two problems. First, if IRS comes knocking, they won’t care that your receipts from four years ago have faded; so scanning receipts is a great way to give you that added layer of protection.  Secondly, if you set up a system to scan as you go using your phone, then you won’t have to wonder where all your receipts are stored and you won’t have to deal with that shoebox full of papers come tax time.  There are many smartphone apps dedicated to receipt scanning that are easy to use and can save you hours of searching, sorting and organizing papers during tax time.

List of Needed Tax Documents

Income Statements:

• W-2 – wages and salary
• W-2G – gambling winnings
• Form 1099-R – retirement income
• Form 1099-INT – interest
• Form 1099-DIV – dividends
• Form 1099-MISC – miscellaneous income, including self-employment
• Form 1099-G – government payments
• Form 1099-SA – MSA or HSA distributions
• Form 1099-B – broker or barter exchanges
• Form SSA-1099 – Social Security benefits
• Form RRB-1099 – railroad retirement
• Schedule K-1 – partnership income or loss
• Other sources of income, such as jury duty pay, gambling winnings and cancellation of debt
• Cryptocurrency transactions
• Alimony payments

Self-Employment and Business Records:

• Form 1099-NEC
• Form 1099-K
• All records of business income and expenses
• Mileage
• Business assets to be depreciated
• Home office expenses

Deductions:

• Form 1098 – mortgage interest
• Form 1098-E – student loan interest
• Form 1098-T – tuition
• Out of pocket medical expenses

Receipts & Records:

• Unreimbursed mileage related to work or volunteering
• Charitable donations
• Contributions to retirement plans
• Healthcare expenses
• Self-employment income and expenses, including any:
  • Home-office expenses
  • Health-insurance premiums paid
  • Transportation costs
  • Advertising fees
• Rental property
• Moving expenses, if you moved for a new job
• Expenses for energy-efficient home improvements
• Tuition or fees paid for education for you, spouse, or dependents
• Retirement account rollovers
• Child care and dependent care expenses, including the employer identification number (EIN) or SSN of the care provider

Additional Documents:

• Your Social Security number (SSN) or taxpayer identification number (ITIN) and SSNs or ITINs for spouse and dependents (if any)
• Your birth date and birth date for spouse and dependents (if any)
• A copy of last year’s return

By Darla Pompilio

Your Tasks Our Time, LLC

Documents List Source: IRS.gov, H&R Block & Forbes

The post The Challenge of Tax Receipts appeared first on Your Tasks Our Time.

By starting in the hidden spaces you are making room for the clutter that lives in the open spaces. When you enter a room and there is no place to store your items, you will simply put those items down and this is how clutter collects. Next time you are ready to declutter your space, consider the hidden spaces first and see if it helps clear the path so that you are able to find homes for all of your treasures.

10 Symptoms of Clutter

1. Bags full of stuff scattered throughout the home
2. Horizontal spaces are full of miscellaneous items
3. Closets, drawers and enclosed spaces are full and unorganized
4. Multiples of the same type of items
5. Piles of items in the corners of the home or office
6. Lack of any clear space in the home
7. Difficulty in finding stuff when you need or want it
8. Lack of mental clarity
9. Missed appointments
10. Late payments due to lack of organization

Ready to alleviate these symptoms?  YTOT can help.  Give us a call and we can discuss how we can help you find and utilize those hidden spaces!

Darla Pompilio

Your Tasks Our Time, LLC

The post Consider the Hidden Spaces appeared first on Your Tasks Our Time.