What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

http://simplyorganizedsolutions.biz/

Simply Organized Solutions, Maryland, 8054 ROUND MOON Circle, Jessup, MD (2025)

03/23/2025

Stolen Passwords in the News: Be Aware

Cyber security is more important than ever. Take the time to read these articles and upgrade your digital protection.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2025/02/24/hackers-share-39-billion-stolen-passwords-what-you-need-to-know/

https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-personal-data-removal-services

If you have Windows, updates have critical security patches but sometimes they are flawed and cause problems for some users. You can also learn how to move back to a previous update to mitigate this issue.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/fix-problems-that-block-programs-from-being-installed-or-removed-cca7d1b6-65a9-3d98-426b-e9f927e1eb4d

Phishing: Hackers have a work around for 2 step authentication. Protect yourself by adding important email addresses and phone numbers to your contact list. If in doubt, do not respond to email requests or phone calls.

Public Wi-Fi: If you use your laptop in a public space, use your phone as a hot spot. Make sure you are connecting to the right network. Bad actors may create networks that look harmless but are in fact directing you to connect with a network set-up to see your internet surfing. This means if you enter login credentials or passwords into websites, the hacker will be able to steal your information.

To combat online hackers, Google and MS are moving away from SMS text and on to passkey and QR codes.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/signing-in-with-a-passkey-09a49a86-ca47-406c-8acc-ed0e3c852c6d

https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1066447?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid

Did you know you can also lock your Social Security Number?

https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10220.pdf

Having a good antivirus and VPN should be standard protection for your computer and phone. PC Magazine is a good source for applications and product recommendations. Stay informed and vigilant. It seems now it’s a full-time job.

02/24/2025

Home Renovation

If you are looking to boost your home value or you want to update a room, use a cost vs value report. With high interest rates, trends are keeping people in their homes and they are choosing to renovate. What to choose? How to prepare?

This US News Article is a good guide for current trends.

https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/11-popular-home-updates-that-are-worth-the-money

Key Points:
Critical Systems in good repair: HVAC, roofing, plumbing
Curb appeal: New Garage Door, landscaping
Mid-range materials instead of ‘high end’

Once you choose your project and schedule companies to give you bids then the difficult part begins.
How do you reorganize your home to remove items for the renovation?
Sort/purge items in that area that you may not need or want.
Find temporary homes for the items that will remain.

I have renovated my kitchen and bathrooms. Timing is key. No entertaining happened during these renovations.
The process of storing all your kitchen items is daunting. The boxes from the kitchen lived in my son’s room; he was away at school.

A professional organizer can help you through the process of sorting, purging, and packing up items, and reorienting your items post-renovation. As a professional organizer, I love helping clients through this process. The end result is great.

Living through a renovation is a major inconvenience and may seem like your life is on hold, but focus on the goal and visualize the outcome.

01/21/2025

Happy New Year!

In 2025, the new year, we think of New Year’s Resolutions. They do not have to be complicated.

Identifying and safely disposing of Hazardous Waste is probably not on most people’s list.

Old chemicals, paint, and cleaning supplies do degrade and then leak. I address this topic a lot in my work. It can be a hazard to you and your home. The leaking chemicals can make a mess and cause unhealthy fumes and even a fire. Transport these old chemicals in a leak proof tray or container.

Your county landfill can either take these items or suggest a company that will. My landfill takes hazardous waste every Saturday from April to Nov. They have also started taking them in the ‘off season’ periodically. Do you know where and when your community takes old chemicals?

Keep your home safe and healthy. Dispose of chemicals, cleaning products and paint responsibly. Store chemicals in a plastic or metal tray in case there is a leak.

Bonus! Free up valuable space in your home and garage.
Have a Happy and Safe New Year!

11/25/2024

Give Thanks

It’s Autumn, a time to reflect and give thanks.

We easily complain about work, family, and the things we want and do not have. If life were different we could......fill in the blank. We make choices every day; some seem inconsequential some daunting. We have regrets.

The intentional changes and decisions we make every day can set our path in life. Sometimes life sends us hardship we would rather not face. It’s how we handle those hardships that can help us later. We can be resilient.

If we give thanks for all our blessings, some mundane some spectacular, we can then appreciate that we have a lot to be thankful for.

I am grateful I live in a country, though very flawed, I can speak freely. I have a home that is sound. I can go to the grocery store and I have so many choices that I take for granted. I can make my own choices about many things. I am healthy and can walk, bike and explore for hours. I can get in my car and go where I want, when I want.

There are many people do to financial circumstances, political circumstances, or disaster that cannot do any of the things I mentioned.

If we count our blessings every day instead of once a year it could make a difference in our attitudes towards others, our outlook on life and daily living.

10/27/2024

Reorganize Your Health & Beauty Products

It has come to my attention, for many clients, health and beauty products can overload the bathroom and eventually your home.
Do you have too many of every type of product imaginable? These products can expire, or be ineffective.

Do you have product on auto ship from Amazon? If so, it may be time to deactivate auto ship.
If you shop at Costco, one trip can last you a very long time with large quantities in each bottle, sold in multiples. Every household is different. Six months’ worth is a good guideline.
Rethink off storage; if it is too inconvenient to check before you order. Before you shop take a pic of your storage area to remind you what you have on hand.

Sort and remove old product, or product you do not use anymore. ‘Containerize’ each type of item, make product easily accessible. Use an appropriate size basket that has no lid and is shallow enough to grab what you need, that easily fits in a designated space. Smaller items, smaller basket. One basket for each type of item. Lids help you forget what is in the container so you buy more than you can use in a reasonable period.
Be able to view items and have them easily accessible. If the box is already open, take them out of the box.

Donate excess product to a food bank or homeless shelter.

Recycle Old Product:
http://www.terracycle.com/en-US

Happy sorting!

08/25/2024

Update Your Digital World, Changing an Email Address

Do you need to open a new email account? Too much spam? Has your email address been compromised?
Creating a new email address especially for security reasons is important. Your email address and your phone are the gateway to your digital life. It is not a quick or easy task to accomplish but doable.
Here are a few tips to make the process more tolerable:
Be patient with yourself and the process.
Using your pc or laptop for this process; it will be easier than using your phone. You will have to verify your accounts with 2 step authentication if you have it set up.
Have a list of priority accounts; work on those first.
If you have a password manager, use it as your check list. Notate any changes to the account as you go. You may need to change your password. You may have email notifications for an account that is not used for logging in. For example, a utility company that uses one email for logging in, and another to send payment due notifications.
Use your credit card statement for recurring charges.
Check these accounts for email changes
Review your current email account folders for clubs and associations and other important communication.
Change reminders to new email address.

You should not close the original email account for a while to make sure you capture everything that is important to you. Diverting all the highly sensitive information 1st will limit vulnerability. If you have important email folders, those can be downloaded to your computer and sent in an email to your new email address.
I know from personal experience this is not a pleasant process, but with patience and determination you will feel better when it’s done.

07/21/2024

Moving Season

May thru September is ‘Peak Season’ in the moving business.
31 million people move in the US every year. California and New York share the top spot for residents moving to other states.

JK Moving Services is a trusted NAPO WDC (National Association of Productivity and Organizers of DC) business partner, vetted by our association. Check out their Moving Service 8-week checklist.

JK Moving is one of our ‘go to’ business partners. Chuck Kuhn started JK Moving in 1982 and is a well-known, A+ rated mover. Chuck and his team strive to give a great customer experience and has been recognized by the Washington Business Journal.

As a Professional Organizer, I have my own set of tasks that can be done on a continual basis to get you prepared for the 8-week countdown.
Purge and donate all clothing and furniture you longer want or need before the 8-week checklist count down. It is more economical to replace any heavy furniture that you no longer like or need instead of paying to move it.

Utility Cancellations
You can call and schedule your utility cancellations ahead of time.

Rental Notice
If you rent your home or apartment, make sure to give no less than 30 days’ notice.
Also check if your building requires a parking permit or notice to reserve a specific elevator

Change of Address
If you have access to your new home before your move, you may want to change your address earlier to allow mail delivery.
You will also want to stop auto-ship from Amazon and other delivery services.

Set aside one room for items you will personally take during your move:
• Add all paperwork pertaining to your move including your checklist
• Add all pet cages and supplies
• Add all medication for your family needed on a regular basis
• Add any important kids stuffed animals and books
• Add all luggage, clothing, and toiletries

Moving is a very stressful endeavor, but with careful prior planning, clear communication with your mover and family members, and scheduled fun breaks, it can be manageable.

04/23/2024

Rainy Day Organizing

April showers...bring opportunities to stay home and tackle a project.
Set yourself up for success.

Plan: What materials do you need to complete your project?
Have boxes or bags on hand for donations or trash.
Measure your space for any organizing products you may need.
Add an incentive or reward to your project. It’s a motivator.

Ask a good friend for help.
Set a Time Limit: You will be more likely to complete another project if you work in small chunks, not all day. Try a project that only takes about an hour. Work your way up to a project with a 4-hour maximum.

Use a Timer to Add Breaks: Add a 5-minute break for 30 minutes of work.
Thoughtful planning and a good mindset will help you to stay motivated to get your project completed. Your project may take more than one session; that is okay. Estimate your time to completion.

With practice, you will be able to schedule your sessions more accurately.

03/25/2024

Tax Time

If you have not visited the IRS website lately, there have been many improvements.

Check out the many resources available.
Find out how, when, and where to file your taxes, and if you are eligible for tax credits.
https://www.irs.gov/how-to-fi le-your-taxes-step-by-step

Know your
Taxpayer Bill of Rights
Access all tax forms.

If you usually wait until March or April to think about getting things together for tax time, there is a better way.

Think about the documents and tax forms you receive each year. Do you file your taxes or pay a tax professional? Gather documents in a designated file folder all year long.

Create a checklist of items needed to prepare your taxes. Create your list as items come in, and add items that need to be printed. The list will save you time each tax season.

Do you scan documents and save them to your computer or do you usually print them out?

A tax software program like TurboTax will guide you through tax preparation with tips and updated tax requirements.

If you have had a death in the family, taxes can be tricky. Get the help of a certified tax preparer to help you through a difficult time. The IRS also has search options for
Free Tax Prep.

Find out if you qualify.
https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/understanding-tax-return-preparer-credentials-and-qualifications

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/fi nd-a-location-for-free-tax-prep

A little preparation all year long will reduce your stress at tax time. Use the IRS resources to get tax prep help when needed.

01/29/2024

Happy New Year! Your New Year’s Resolutions

It is that time of year to contemplate your New Year’s Resolutions.
These goals for me are different than the ‘to do list’.
What does the term resolutions mean to you?
The New Year can be a fresh start, a new perspective, or a specific goal you want to achieve.
Does that word itself bring up ideas of unattainable goals that you really do not want to deal with?
Something your supervisor at work has you do when you are back to work in the new year?
Your resolutions are yours, someone else should not ask you to make that list.
Why does there have to be several things on the list?
One personal goal can be enough.
Learning something new is a favorite goal for me, conquering a difficult task or application is usually on my list too.
Whatever you decide to focus on, it is your choice. Be kind to yourself in the process. Life is a journey.

12/11/2023

Are those boxes of holiday decorations not working for you? Are you too tired to put away all those boxes once you have decorated?
Try using holiday themed self-closing boxes. You can find these at decor or craft stores.

Treat yourself to new boxes once the decorations are up. I use these specifically for tree ornaments and small items for countertops. Wrap fragile items in tissue or bubble wrap.
Store these boxes on a basement shelf or extra closet instead of the attic for easier access.

• These boxes are easy to keep clean
• They stack easily
• They are décor
• They do not have to be put away
• You do not have to go find the storage boxes to take down ornaments once you decide the holiday is done

This is also a great time to share ornaments with family or donate ones that are not sentimental.

08/23/2023

Back To School

Have you graduated from college and thought you were done? Graduation is a great accomplishment, but we never stop learning.

In any career, there is continuing education or extra certifications you need to advance in your field. You might decide to change your focus, go back to school, then work in a different field.

Once in the workforce, going back to school can be a challenge especially if you work while in school.

If you want to start your own business, there is constant learning involved to keep a business vibrant.
Once you have made the big decision to start school again you will need to get organized!

• Register for the course work obviously.
• Designate an area in your home to do your work.
• Decide the type of supplies you need to buy.
• What is your study process?
• Do you need regular breaks; Set a timer.
• Ask for help when you need it.

Giving intentional thought to how to accomplish your goals along with a ‘to do list’ will put those worries on paper and out of your mind. A clear mind will give you the ability to focus on the learning and studying needed to achieve your goals.

07/24/2023

Reclaim Your Space

If your living room feels like a playroom, or a sport depot, maybe it’s time to reclaim your space.
Even if your room must be a multifunctional space there are plenty of ways to add decorative storage to hide away items that are used in the space until you need them. Some sofas now have built-in storage compartments.
First, define your space.
What do I want for my space?
Relaxation, Crafts, Reading Nook?
Do I have the appropriate lighting?
Are there any items that really do not belong? Is there a more appropriate space somewhere else in the house items can be relocated?
Create zones: Watching TV, Games Table, Reading Nook
Does your coffee table have space for baskets?
Could you add an ottoman with a lid?
Or a bench with a place for baskets?
The living room should be a relaxing space. Too many items or clutter is not conducive for relaxation.

05/26/2023

Does fresh food spoil before you can eat it? Do items stay in your pantry long after the expire date? Reorganize your pantry and take inventory. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables in smaller quantities to allow for busy weeks that require eating on the run. Plan 1-2 meals instead of 7 and plan for leftovers. Get help with food prep.

04/28/2023

School’s Out Soon!

Do you have a pile that needs attention?
Before your children are home for the summer, get some of the piles conquered.
Turn up your favorite music, set the timer for 15 minutes and divide and conquer.
When 15 minutes are up, do a self-check assessment.
Did you get something accomplished?
Do you feel good about it?
If that 15-minute session energizes you maybe you could do it again?
Maybe you could do it again today. If not, then you know you have accomplished your goal and you can repeat until that one pile is done.
It is not necessary to punish yourself with hours of sorting. Progress is progress.
A sense of accomplishment can give you motivation to move forward with more 15-minute sessions because 15 minutes is a doable goal.
And you could try it with your kids.
A little work and a lot of play.

03/31/2023

★★★★★ "Thus far I have had four..... 4 hour sessions with Annette. She has helped us tremendously to organize a 2 car garage that we were using as a storage unit. She is excellent. Everything about her is excellent.....her knowledge, organizational skills, demeanor....just everything. Whar...

03/31/2023

★★★★★ "Ms. Murray was just the person to help me accomplish an overwhelming basement clean out, fourteen years in the making, but conquered in just two days with her aid. She was a calming and steadfast companion that listened, encouraged, and offered helpful suggestions to meet MY needs. ...

03/31/2023

★★★★★ "I was emotional and overwhelmed when I decided to sell my home of 26 years. Annette was understanding and was able to keep me focused on the small steps. When it came to moving day there was nothing left to do except "move" as everything was well organized and the house needed no de...

Simply Organized Solutions, Maryland

03/23/2025

02/24/2025

01/21/2025

11/25/2024

10/27/2024

08/25/2024

07/21/2024

04/23/2024

03/25/2024

01/29/2024

12/11/2023

08/23/2023

07/24/2023

05/26/2023

04/28/2023

03/31/2023

03/31/2023

03/31/2023

Address

Opening Hours

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm