Utterly Organized Blog

By Tracie Utter Certified Professional Organizer

Here is a list of furniture consignment stores in Louisville, KY.  I have visited all of them recently (Jun-Jul 2011).  That’s important because consignment stores tend to change a lot but these stores appear consistent and offer a lot:

Candy Jacks – one of the nicer furniture consignment store in Louisville.  It’s like being in a furniture store which sells new stuff but the prices are better.  Their inventory is appealing, the staff is knowledgable and there’s lots of furniture pieces.  I wish the store was bigger and they don’t do much online advertising so you have to go to the store to see the stuff (which is fun!).  This is a great place to sell and buy things. The prices are higher but that’s good if you are selling. Location:  3300 Frankfort Ave 40206   502- 618-3339  ebay store,  in general 50/50 split but but for higher valued items, you get a larger %. 

Eyedia – this is a well established, trusted store in the Louisville area.  They offer pictures of their inventory on Facebook page and Twitter.  The store is busy all the time, at least the times I’ve been there.  The owners are well known and respected in our community.  They have a large store on Mellwood setup like a furniture store but a bit more like a warehouse.  Things are nicely displayed and marked and it’s easy to shop there. Location: 1631 Mellwood Ave 40206   502-540-4940, in general 50/50 split.

Annie’s Attic –  because this store is located in a strip center (in Middletown) it doesn’t have the feel of a consignment store.  It feels like all new stuff.  They are good at selecting inventory that people, like me, want to buy.  They have furniture but not as much as some of the other stores.  They have lots of home accessories setup in a manner that makes you want to buy something.  If you’re an impulse buyer, watch out.  The store is larger than it looks from the outside.  Another great feature is that they are on ebay, here’s a link .  The prices were reasonable and sales people helpful.  Their website gives specifics on how to consign things.  Location: Middletown  12695 Shelbyville Rd 40243  502-244-0303, in general 50/50 split.

Charlotte’s Web – seems like everybody knows about this store and for good reason.  It’s a good store and they’ve been around for a long time.  That’s an impressive statement in the consignment business because consignment stores come and go in our area.  They are packed with furniture and it’s a pleasant place to shop. They have high inventory turnover which is good from a selling and buying perspective.  It’s conveniently located in St. Matthews.  You can’t miss them because they have a large outside area next to the store.  Location: 4175 Lyndon Way 40207  502-719-4444, in general 50/50 split.

Consignments Plus – this is a new store or at least a new owner and it’s huge.  The new owner is a designer and she will put her touch on it in time.  For now, it’s still a bit rough but improving. It’s a combination of consignment and booth sales.  The consignment is in the front part of the store.  Since it’s new, the owner is working on building her inventory and is offering a 70/30 split, meaning you get 70% of the sale price.  Also, be aware since the store is relatively new, it will take time before the customer traffic increases.  I think it used to be called Trader Baker’s Antiquics and Accents.  Location:  5622 Bardstown Rd 40291  502-640-4455, 70/30 split for a limited time.

These are all furniture and accessories consignment stores.  What’s not listed are booth/mall type sales, that’s another blog post.  Also, these are the ones I liked, there are many more especially along Bardstown Rd.

Utterly Organized, organizers serving Louisville, KY

By Tracie Utter CPO CPA

To get the best return (cash) on used furniture, you need to do some homework. I did my research in the Louisville, KY area but many of these tips apply to a variety of locations.

Consign your furniture:

AT A RETAIL STORE - In case you didn’t know, there are consignment stores which only sell furniture. Generally, they take any furniture that is sellable.  It must be in good condition and there needs to be a demand for the item.  Their inventory usually consists of tables & chairs, couches, bedroom sets, outdoor furniture, dining room sets, china, coffee tables and more. Wood furniture can have stratches but not to the point that it’s unsightly. Upholstered furniture needs to smell good, look good and be clean. Knick knacks, baskets, pictures and just about anything that you would see at a new furniture store is sold. Don’t try to give them your junk. Fix broken furniture, donate pieces that are usable but not sellable and give family heirlooms to family. 

A great perk…the store does the marketing.  All you have to do is get your stuff there and sometimes they will come get it. For large pieces, call, e-mail or go to the store and show them pictures of your items. You might have to wait until they have room and they may have certain hours when they accept inventory. If your piece is unique or special, ask them to put a picture on their website, Facebook page or in their newsletter.

You get paid when they get paid.  They get paid when a customer buys your piece.  The money is split, usually about 50/50 but I’ve seen better. The more expensive the piece, the better the deal (if not, try to negotiate a higher %). Nicer stores with appropriately priced pieces get more traffic and that’s what you are looking for. Stinky stores are not appealing, therefore, don’t attract the kind of customers that spend money.  The store you choose is important.  Interact with the staff and make sure they are professional.  Take note, there are a lot of perks to using a consignment store but it’s an expensive way to sell your furniture.  Weigh how much effort you want to put into it.  And, ask what happens if they don’t sell your stuff.

If you have an entire house full of furniture, many of these stores handle estate sales which means they will conduct a sale at your location.  This is an efficient way to empty out a house.  You get a % of sales less expenses. 

ON LINE - Finding a site you trust takes time.  Generally, I go with consignment furniture stores that have websites.  Often they use eBay which is one of the most popular websites to sell stuff, including furniture but it takes knowledge. It’s confusing to figure out what to buy on eBay much less sell.  Your best bet is to find someone who will handle eBay for you.  They do all the work and take a % just like a consignment store.  FYI, eBay itself is a combination of online auction and online store but eBay’s sellers function like consignment stores.

 Utterly Organized, offers the best professional organizing services in the Louisville, KY area.  Please visit our website to see how we can help you.

By Tracie Utter, CPO (Certified Professional Organizer) and CPA (Certified Public Accountant)

There’s more than one way to sell used furniture in the Louisville, KY area.  To  figure out which method best suits your needs, do your homework.  This is the first in a series of blog posts providing this information. 

As sellers, we want the best return possible while buyers want to pay as little as possible.  First, understand that unless you own fine antiques, you’re not going to get what you paid.  Even Grandma’s 1950′s mahogany dining table which is in perfect condition might not get as much as you expect. Why? Because there are so many just like it for sale.  Supply is greater than demand which means the buyer is in a better position than the seller.  So, if enough money is at stake, do your homework.

Suggestions on were to sell used furniture:

1. Antique Stores – generally, they buy your furniture from you at a signifcantly reduced price

2. Consignment Stores – they sell your furniture at their store or online, once sold you get a % of the sale price

3. Antique Malls – these stores rent space to you (I call them booths) and they collect a small % of sales

4. Flea markets, Peddlers Mall etc. – a lot like antique malls but often in temporary locations such at KY Fair & Expo Center

5. Auctions – unless an estate, you take you stuff to their auction store which they sell to the higest bidder

6. Yard Sales – this method involves the least amount of expense because you do all the work

7. Estate Sales – like a yard sale but bigger and better and people come into your home, run by professionals

8. On-line – eBay is probably the most common site to use and it’s not as easy as you think

9. Sell to a friend – my favorite method but not always an option

Over the next few weeks, I will post blogs on each one of these methods, provide tips and identify locations in the Louisville area.

Utterly Organized, professional organizers serving Louisville, KY and the surrounding areas.

By Tracie Utter CPA, CPO

Taking the right stuff when you travel is tricky.  If you fly, you might have to pay for every piece of luggage.  If you drive, the heavier your car is, the more gas you use. So, packing equals money.  The less you take, the less it will costs, right?  Maybe.  What if you forget or intentionally don’t bring items, you’ll have to buy them when you reach your destination.  That can get pricey.  Then, do you bring them back or throw them away?  Now you’re being wasteful and polluting the earth.  Maybe you can do without but that might be an inconvenience which interferes with having fun.  Wow, there are a lot of consequences to packing poorly. 

Fortunately, there are a lot of people that want to help you pack.  I’m the first, I have the packing process laid out in one of my past newsletter, click for link.  Basically, all you need is a checklist, time, energy and patience.   If you travel several times a year, consider keeping a bag packed all the time.  Buy duplicate toiletries and a few other affordable items, then all you have to do is add your clothes. Patience is important.  Try not to wait until the last minute. If you do, a checklist will help the end result.

Utterly Organized, a team of happy professional organizers serving Louisville, KY and the surrounding areas.

by Tracie Utter CPO, CPA

Getting organized takes energy, both physical and mental.  It takes energy because you have to make decisions.  If your health is poor or your energy is low, decision making can be agonizing.  This is not the ideal time to take on a sizable organizing project.  Smaller projects, that require few decisions, are managable. Larger projects need to be outsourced.  Unfortunately, there are times when life won’t wait for your health to improve.  These are the times when  you need organization the most.  So, organize when you feel good so that things are under control when you feel bad.

Too many of our clients say they are lazy but I don’t think that’s true.  Usually, they have health issues.  Poor health does not lead to laziness.  Illness requires time to recover.  During that time, the body repairs itself which takes energy.  Recovery might take a few days or a few years.  Avoiding organizing tasks for a few days probably won’t make a difference but ignore clutter for a few years and you’ll get overwhelmed.  

Lots of our clients suffer from depression or anxieties related to stress.  At the height of these illnesses, the mind struggles to hold still long enough to focus on anything.  These are the times when I’m sure I made the right career choice.  We help our clients at a time when it’s most needed.  We help  them get motivated and get things done.

The point I’m trying to make…focus on your health first, the organizing can follow at an appropriate time.

Utterly Organized, a team of healthy organizers serving Louisville, KY and the surrounding areas.

by Tracie Utter CPO CPA

The key to recycling is to have a place for items to sit until they go to the recycle center.  The spot has to be convenient, clean and understood by everyone who lives in your  household.  It can be as simple as selecting a container, labeling it and having a plan for the stuff when the container gets full.

What can be recycled?  It seems like  almost everything can be recycled. Click here for the basics.  Tips:

• Rinse food off plastic, aluminum cans and glass 
• Consider whether a piece of clothing is worthy of donating to a thrift store or should be cut up for rags
• Give technology equipment to appropriate recyclers like 2trg. They shred your hard drive which is  important so that no one gets to your data and uses it inappropriately
• Donate books and magazines to the library
• Give toys to neighbors through a yard sale
• Consign furniture (FYI, you only get half their sale price)
• 50 more ideas

Were should I store recycling while it’s in my house?  Try this: for a week, select several items and figure out how they can be reused by you or someone else.  This will help you decide how to store it.  For example:

• Accumulate  items for donation in one or two spots throughout your house.  Use some type of bin, box or bag to hold the items. Don’t make it complicated, use sturdy containers and select one charity for donations.
• In the kitchen, have one can  for recycling and one can for garbage. Often, the issue is where to place the cans so they are convenient to use. They can be placed side-by-side on the floor, in a closet or cabinet.  Line the cans with plastic bags. Use lids if your pets get in them. Here’s a creative way to use a corner cabinet, link.
• Have your kids sort through their toys and put the ones they no longer want in a bag.  The bag can be stored in the bottom of their closet and added to as needed. 
• The bottom line is to designate specific places in your home to accumulate recycling until it goes out the door. 

How do I get it out of my house? A routine is required. Doesn’t matter whether someone comes to you or you go to them, there needs to be a plan, such as:

• Curbside service comes to your home, weekly.  All you have to do is get it from your house into their container. As mentioned previously, line recycle cans with a bag.  Put the bag in their container. These days, you don’t have to sort, they do that at the recycling center.  In my neighborhood, I accumulate points for recycling. The points are used to make purchases, see RecycleBank.com.
• Thrift store picks up. DAV, American Council for the Blind, Veterans, Cedar Lake Lodge, Salvation Army…unless you are far away from civilization, there is some group that will come to your front door and pick up donations.  Thay all have the same basic structure; they sell items through a thrift store.  They will take anything that someone will buy: clothes, furniture, books, old stuff, ugly stuff, etc. Please don’t give them your trash.
• You take your kitchen recycling to a recyling center.  It’s important to fit this into your routine so that the stuff doesn’t take over your car, kitchen or garage. Weekly or monthly, have a specific day that you stop by the center. 
• If you live in the Louisville, KY area, here is a link to charities which will pick up vs. you delivery

Yes, recycling takes a bit more effort than throwing stuff in the trash.  Your small efforts will pay off, in a big way, in time. 

Utterly Organized, a team of resourceful organizers helping Louisville, KY and the surrounding areas.

By Tracie Utter CPO CPA

I think I should have started a company that rents storage units.  It’s a thriving business.  What bothers me is the cost to the consumer.  If you rent one over a long period of time you will spend thousands, maybe more.  My husband rents one for his work.  This is unavoidable since he works from home and his company requires him to keep samples on hand.  Over the past few years, he’s spent nearly $20,000.  This is a legitimate business expense but what about the average home owner?  Paying $20,000 is outrageous.  Here’s what I suggest you do about it, this is a clip from my May newsletter:

“Do you rent a storage unit? I’m referring to the ones where you pay a monthly fee to rent space. Here’s an interesting statistic “Storage-space users have traditionally rented for short periods, most commonly during life changes like divorce or relocation. But in recent years a new kind of renter has emerged, one who rents for longer periods, sometimes paying thousands of dollars a year, sometimes for units in faraway cities. These new renters seem compelled to keep trading up, from a cozy “personal closet,” say, to a garage-like room, and then to a second unit or even a third.”* This statistic is from 2007 and four years later, I find it is still true maybe even more so. The business of renting storage units is thriving because we have so much stuff.

If you or someone you know is a long-term renter, think twice about it. Save yourself money and sell the stuff. Chances are you don’t need any of it. There are two interesting TV shows related to storage units: Spike’s Auction Hunters and A&E’s Storage Wars. Both shows offer ideas on how to value and sell your stuff. Yes, there are times when a storage unit is necessary but most renters today are renting just because they have too much stuff. It causes stress and it is expensive. Think about how you would feel if you didn’t have the stuff, you might be happier. Take it slow, get rid of a few things at a time and see if you miss the stuff. From there, move on to the next few items. Simplify your life and get rid of the clutter.”  To see the entire May 2011 newsletter, click here.

Utterly Organized, a knowledgeable team of organizers serving Louisville, KY and the surrounding areas.

By Tracie Utter CPO CPA (and a gardener)

Gardening is a creative activity and sometimes creativity and organization don’t mix well.  To plant a garden, you have to plan and then implement.  Tools and supplies are needed and that’s were the trouble starts.  When tools are out of place, frustation starts.  Frustation interferes with creativity.  Creativity is enhanced when your mind is clear and you are able to stay focused on the task at hand.  Hobbies are fun when you relax and enjoy the process.

Stay organized to keep your creativity flowing.   Here’s a two step process on how to organize your garden tools, click for link.  The key is to have less.  The less you have to deal with, the easier it is to stay organized.  Maybe you can pay a neighborhood kid to keep your gardening supplies clean and organized.  Of course, you must have a home for everything first.  Your helper won’t know were to put stuff unless you guide them.  But, once you train them, they can come over every Sunday evening and get it all cleaned up the way you like it.  Delegating helps you to stay focused.  Staying focused means you’ll get done faster and things will start growing sooner. 

Utterly Organized, a creative group of organizer serving Louisville, KY and the surrounding areas.

by Tracie Utter CPO, CPA (and a very organized Mom)

Please don’t give clutter to your Mom for Mother’s Day.  There are so many Mom’s that want to be organized.  Giving them clutter only makes the situation worse.  They might put on a good face but down deep they’re thinking, oh no, what will I do with this stuff?  So, what is clutter?  You’ll have to think about your Mom’s likes and dislikes.  Here are several things I’ve received that I considered clutter:

• a 3 foot tall metal bank with U of L’s logo (I like U of L but this was a gift for a kid)
• plastic containers in the shape of a tomato, onion, lemon and lime (why would I need this)
• a small appliance where the sole purpose was to heat tortilla’s (I don’t like to cook)
• ill fitting clothes and the giver refused to tell me were they purchased them (off to charity)
• knick knacks that didn’t have anything to do with my interests
• regifted items that didn’t have anything to do with my interests
• a scale for weighing myself (would have been okay but I use Wii Fit)
• an expensive,  fancy plate that hangs on the wall (it might fall off, that’s too much stress)
• obvious last minute, guilt purchases (we’ve all given these)

A busy mom wants services…house cleaning, spa services, a wardrobe consultation, detailed car cleaning,  someone to fix her computer, pull the weeds, wash the windows, wash the clothes, change the sheets and iron…and, last but not least, organizing services.   See the trend??  It’s about giving her a gift that helps her reduce the time spent on routine chores.  And, I absolutely disagree with the thought that gift cards are a lazy, unthoughtful way out.  What store does your Mom like?  Where does she like to eat?  Don’t be shy to ask her what she wants.   I heard about this survey where people were asked, “Would you prefer to get something you want or be surprised”.  More people prefer to receive a gift they want.  Being surprised was not important.

But that’s the problem, you don’t know what your Mother wants, it’s the last minute  and you might be a busy Mom yourself.  That’s okay, go with disposable things:

• Food – Deliver in person or have something gourmet sent.  First, think about what she likes to eat, for example, I don’t like to eat much sugar so chocolate is out but I like almonds.
• Flowers - Decide between fresh cut or a potted plant. Fresh cut flowers are maintenance free and beautiful  but make sure she’s okay with the fragrance.  Fresh cut flowers make my mother-in-law sneeze.
• Gift card – This is a wonderful gift as long as your Mom will use it, link.  FYI – I can buy gift cards through the points process linked to my checking account.
• Manual labor- I have a 9 & 11 year old and a husband.  I have asked them to do the laundry for me the week of Mother’s Day which involves cleaning the towels and sheets.  Ahhh, just the thought of having this done by someone else sounds wonderful.
• Cook for your Mom – Even if you have to incorporate a combination of home cooked and prepared foods, spending time together is better.
• Run errands for your Mom – If your Mom doesn’t have enough time, run errands for her.  This can be done with or without your Mom.  You can even hire someone to do it for you/her.
• Have the kids make something meaningful – A simple homemade card  or a more complex gift like  ”you paint it pottery“.  It needs to look homemade.
• Involve a nonprofit – I don’t have a brilliant idea but there’s got to be something good associated with volunteer work and/or donations.

Hopefully, I am convincing you to think about what’s best for your Mom.  So many times, when you shop for a gift, you buy things you like without considering if it’s something your Mom will like.  If you’re not sure, attach a gift receipt so that items can be returned.  Most Moms would rather have the option to return the item than bring clutter into their house.  By attaching a gift receipt, you are saying it’s okay with you to return the gift.  It won’t hurt your feelings.  Give Mom that freedom.

Utterly Organized, a thoughtful group of organizers serving Louisville, KY And the surrounding areas.

by Tracie Utter

I suppose getting on a plane or in the car without any plans can be a lot of fun.  I can only see it working for one or two people traveling together.  Once you involve friends or other family members, especially children, planning is necessary.  Yes, there is an element of fun in going with the flow but that puts you at  greater risk that something will go wrong.  If you invest time and money in a trip, you want a good return.  Especially, since most of us only get a week or so off from work. 

Start your plannig with a dream.  It’s so much fun to research travel ideas.  Of course, I start my reasearch on the internet.  Within a few hours, I can find enough places to visit for the next 3-5 years.  There are so many different kinds of vacations to take:  close by, far away, the beach, the snow, go on a mission, visit with family, Disney, a dude ranch, a shopping expedition, an educational experience, complete relaxation or constant activity.  There are ways to be extravagant and ways to stay on a budget.  It’s exciting because the choices seem limitless.  They are bound by your availability and amount of money you have to spend.  Although, even with limits, thinking creatively will result in a more rewarding experience.

Think of the trip starting the day you start your research.  As you organize you decisions, think of the process as a journey.  Generally, I’m talking about new experiences.  A routine summer trip to the lake doesn’t require much planning, however, it does require organization.  You still have to have a place to stay, take all the things you need and figure who you’re going to be with.  It’s fun but not as fun as planning a trip to Disney or overseas or where ever your dreams take you.  And, just because you are organized, doesn’t mean you have to stifle the fun.  You can still let loose sometimes.  When planning a trip, know that you might make spontaneous decisions but eventually you have get back on track with the original plan.

I’ve laid out steps on how to plan a vacation in my March 2011 newsletter, see the organizing idea  for the month.  Also, in that article, you will find links to websites that focus on travel, as well as, a checklist of what to do prior to walking out the door on vacation.  The overall plan is important but the details are important too.  You want to come home to a happy household.

Utterly Organized, a skilled team of organizers serving Louisville, KY and the surrounding areas.