A Clear Place

Top 3 FREE Ways To Beat The Blues

Jane Green — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:00:14 +0000

Lighten your load and brighten your life … for free. This week’s Light Show features my top 3 favorites on how to turn your woes into wows. I’d love to hear which one you choose to do! Also included in the show is my illustrated tip on dealing with messy food scraps.

Take a few minutes and enjoy the Light Show now!

Orange You Glad?

Jane Green — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:39:42 +0000

It’s Fall! Can you name the ONE source to lift your mood, welcome guests and clean your space? It’s edible, affordable and perfect for warming your energy during the chilly days ahead. Hint: It’s not pumpkin. Find out more and get other news and suggestions in this week’s Light Show. Take a few minutes and enjoy it now! View the Light Show.

Closet Anatomy

Jane Green — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 19:07:34 +0000

Does your closet scare you? Does it brighten your day? Or are you somewhere in the middle?

This week, I get up close and personal with my own closet and open my door to show you what works for me. Plus, get a simple tip for warm tootsies!

View Light Show now.

Handle With Care

Jane Green — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:50:49 +0000

Moving is always stressful and it can be especially so for the elderly. For many, if not most, letting go of stuff also signals the letting go of life. If you are faced with relocating a parent, relative or friend into an assisted living or retirement community - it can be a difficult downsize. Here are my top tips for helping to ease the process for everyone involved:

Comfort - It can be very unsettling to see personal belongings being handled by others. Reassure them often with a warm smile and gentle squeeze of the hand. Make sure they have physical needs attended to during the process. Keep their hygiene items, medicines, etc. close by and continue with their regular routine as much as possible in terms of meal schedule and exercise.
Include – allow them to be a part of the decision making process. Even a simple, “Which of these vases is your favorite?” can go a long way in easing their fear of no control. If possible, let them select the charity/relative to receive whatever is not going with them. If they have to part with something especially dear, take a photo of it so they can have the visual memory to enjoy whenever they want to.
Pace – whenever possible go slow. If they are active in the downsizing, don’t overwhelm them with the chore of clearing out a dresser … take it one drawer at a time. Same with file cabinets, bookshelves and closets. Allow for trips down memory lane. Help them sort and stay on task but honor their need to revisit - treat their “treasures” with respect.
Orient – it’s important to keep clocks, calendars and newspapers current and in view during the move. It helps them stay oriented in the midst of confusion. Make sure those things, along with their favorite items, greet them in their new place. Beloved artwork, a piece of pottery, their stuffed bear … whatever says home to them.

Need more guidance? Have your own tips to share? Contact me: jane@aclearplace.com. Need to find the right place for your loved one? Get expert and trusted help at Adult Placement Network.

Are You Redecorating Hell?

Jane Green — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:59:32 +0000

Our space includes more than what’s around us. We have to be aware of what’s inside as well. Find out if you are adding fuel to the fire in this week’s Light Show. Also get an inspiring look at a cob wall in progress, see my review on a closet space saver and learn about Moving Planet Day.

View the Light Show now.

RePurpose Garden Fun

Jane Green — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 03:35:34 +0000

A trashed item finds new life. View Before and After and get the “how-to’s” for this easy and whimsical garden idea. Works for indoor or outdoor spaces. See this week’s Light Show now.

Fun REpurpose

Jane Green — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:54:33 +0000

Check out this new use for old furniture! View a Before and After corner clearing, find out where to donate those old prom dresses and more.

View Light Show now.

Repurpose from the P-Patch

Jane Green — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 19:48:48 +0000

You’re gonna love the creative and fun reuse ideas in this week’s mini Light Show. Enjoy now!

Radio Time for A Clear Place

Jane Green — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 21:51:44 +0000

A Clear Place was the featured guest today on Aging Resourcefully, the blog talk show presented by APN (Adult Placement Network). Listeners got a capsule version of how A Clear Place came about, what it offers and what makes it unique. This is a great interview to share with anyone you know of who is in need of help with their space but is afraid to ask for it. Note: There is a brief intro before the 25 min. interview begins. Also available on iTunes. Listen now.

Freeze Your Peels

Jane Green — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 17:14:31 +0000

My favorite garbage tip for hot weather! Get it and more on this week’s mini Light Show. View now.