I am guilty!  I do this and I find I do this often!

I’ll get a free day to get some things done around the house, and all the sudden I have a list of 10 things to do, but by lunch time I am tired and only half, if that is done!

Does this sound familiar to anyone?  I really hope it’s not just me!

Time goes by fast, no doubt, and things usually take longer than you expect.  I get interrupted a lot!  I have 2 kids and remember our new puppy?  He takes up a lot of time too!  Potty breaks are a constant around the clock event right now!

In the last week, I signed up for the free trial of OmniFocus.  OmniFocus is a great product, there will probably be a blog post about in the future.  My point for this post is to talk about a revelation I learned as I was watching one of the tutorials.

Is your “To Do” list filled with tasks or goals? If it’s filled with goals, it’s actually going to be almost impossible to get your to do, done!  It becomes unreachable! Uh… I never really thought about it before.

Goals are what we want to achieve, the end result, but they do not clarify the how to do it part… That’s where the tasks come in.  To reach your goal, break it down into tasks. It will certainly make your “To Do” list more organized and hopefully more productive!  We can all tackle something big in small chunks, but to tackle it all at once can be extremely overwhelming!

I am a work in progress, but with this new awareness, I hope to be more effective!

I hope it helps you too!

Happy Organizing!

It really doesn’t matter how you decide what your priorities are, what’s important is that you do them!

Solution: If you need to get something done around the house or a project at work, you have to schedule the time to do it!  Make the commitment!

You have to make the time, you can’t wait for it to come to you… Because we all know… It will never come!  It sounds so easy, I realize it is not.  The reality is if you want to see a project completed, you have to do the work.

So if you have something you have been wanting to do and just haven’t had time to do it… Decide to make it priority, make a commitment, schedule into your calendar and get it done!

Happy Organizing!

There are lots of little things you can while your are waiting for someone or something, you can empty your dishwasher, you could fold laundry, or pick up around the house.  Being aware of the tasks that can easily be done and being aware of the time wasters, can actually really help you get more done!

How can we organize our tasks better?

Pete gave us a great suggestion on using the TCO Daily Checklist… After each task he puts down the minutes he thinks it will take him to do the task.  So when looking at his list he can see how many 10 minutes tasks he has vs. how many 60 minutes tasks he has.

I love this idea and I will be implementing it right away!  I think this is a great tool to use to update how effective your To Do list really is!  By seeing how much time each tasks take, you can really plan for your day in a much more productive way.  Rather than just looking at all of what you have to do, you break it down into chunks of time!

What a great way, to take back your time!  Thank you Pete for the great suggestion!

Happy Organizing!

Depending on the grade of our child, there is a good possibly they will have homework from day one!  The best thing you can do is to be prepared and make sure you child has everything they need, when they need it. It will save time and keep them focused on the homework and not trying to find their pencils and erasers!

You can set up a homework station in a variety of ways.  The student could have their own desk in their room or in a common area in the home.  If they like to do their homework in different rooms around the house, a portable desk may be a good option.  The study space should be a place where the student can think, focus, brainstorm, and if set up correctly, should make doing homework a little less painful!

These are the essentials you need no matter how the work station is set up:

• Kids will not work in a station if it’s not user friendly.  You must get their opinions and thoughts about how to best set up a workspace.
• You want the station to have storage space and surface space, they need to have enough space to store all of their supplies, printer, computer, paper etc.  You need to have the surface area to write, cut, paste etc.
• Good lighting- It’s hard to do your best work if you can’t see what you are doing!
• Make sure the student is comfortable- if they don’t like their desk chair, they will never sit it in.
• Let me them put personal touches around their workspace – just like if you were working in a cubicle, you want around you the things that make you happy.
• Include a bulletin board and calendar to the workspace – they need to see deadlines and bulletin boards are a great way to post reminders and other information your student may need. (Teach the child to go through the bulletin board on a weekly basis, so it doesn’t fill up with paper clutter)
• Make sure the station is stocked with everything they need!  Nothing is worse than finding out you used the last staple.  Keep up on the inventory of supplies!

Happy Organizing!

It’s a big space with a lot of stuff!

In the podcast this week, we briefly talk about starting small, and taking the garage piece by piece!  Here are some quick things you can do in 5 minutes to at least get started in the organizing process! Who knows maybe after you see the progress only 5 minutes can make, you will take an extra 5 minutes, just for fun!

1) Clean up the entrance area / door leading into your home.  Not the whole wall area, just the main space around the door.  If you have stairs leading up to the door, make sure the stairs are clear!

2)  When you are done clearing the area – take a broom and briefly sweep the area around the door.  It’s amazing what a little clean up can do!

3)  Take 5 minutes and walk around with a trash bag and get out all of the trash.  This is a big one, especially if you have kids.  You are sure to find wrappers that do not belong.

4)  Gather one category of like items, for example; camping gear or sporting equipment and place it all in one area.

5)  For the next 5 minutes you have, sort one category that you placed together.  Use this time for the quick and easy decisions, like the Roller Blades that are too small, or the skis that are broken.

Take a time out today!  Taking just 5 minutes a day… will eventually get your project done!

Doing a little is better than doing none!

Happy Organizing!

How you answer this question, will most likely determine how organized you really are! If the answer is Yes… Well kudos to you my friend! My guess is for most people the answer is yes, sort of, maybe, sometimes, or no, not at all.

David Allen in Getting Things Done, talks about having clear edges between your reference files and action files.  What does this mean? Having clear edges between your files means only reference paper goes into the reference file, and only action papers go into the action file.  Clear edges means there is no grey area, it should be very clear what is in the file.

You are making a promise to yourself and making a commitment to maintain your system the way you set it up.  You trust that when you are looking for a reference file, it will be in the reference file.

The files and therefore the system must be clear and well defined!  You can not be sort of be organized or organized half of the time.  When doing so, we are breaking the promise you made…. You are breaking the trust in the system.

What happens when we don’t trust our systems? We become numb to them!  We say, they no longer work for us.  We get frustrated and we can easily go back to our old habits and before we know it, the paper pile is back!  We have to trust our systems in order to make them work! We have to keep the promise we made.

Here is an example of a trusted system, which is not about paper, but everyday items you would find in a home:

I was working with a client the other day and we were talking about underneath their bathroom sinks.  Both sinks had a variety of different medicines, first aid, extra supplies etc, basically to the point where it was overflowing.  They were buying duplicates of items because they thought they were out.  So we created a new system… one they could trust! We decided to clear out the sinks and go through the organizing process by placing like items with like items.  After deciding what was needed to stay under the sinks, we labeled a clear bin for the excess supplies.  We placed the clear bin in their closet where there was plenty of room and easy access.  So going forward, if they were out of something from under the sink, they would go to the extra bin, if it was not in the bin, then they knew they could trust it was no where else in the home and they could add it to their errand list.   They now have a trusted system in place.

Do you trust your organizing system?

If the answer is no, what actions can you do to fix it?

In order to stay organized, in order to live an organized lifestyle, you must trust your systems!

Happy Organizing!

There is no getting around it, there is no easy way out of this… To create change, you have to change! We recently had a podcast show dedicated to just building new habits. This got me to also think about routines.  What is different about a routine and a habit? Essentially it is the same thing.  However, a habit is usually done unconsciously, most likely we are not even aware we are doing the action.  Like biting our nails when we are nervous or using our hands when we speak.

A routine can certainly be habit, it’s usually a list of tasks we do to prepare for something.  Many parents use nightly routines for their kids, sort of like a checklist of things to do before we go to bed.  Some of us have morning routines, where we check our email and voicemail first thing in the morning, etc.

So if we are trying a new organizing system, we need to build a new routine for our day.  We need to change our thinking and the way we do things.  But when it’s new, its too easy to forget!  Which is the reason many systems fall apart on us.

So how do we stop forgetting, and just do?

When you are first getting started with a new routine, may it be a new filing system, or a new way to schedule your daily to do’s, whatever the tasks may be, create a checklist!  Write down all of the action steps that need to be completed and check them off as you go.

Practice, over and over again, until the routine becomes a habit! You no longer have to think about what happens next. You no longer have to worry about your system breaking down, because you are doing the work…

You are getting things done!

Happy Organizing!

We live in a busy world! There are days in my week where every hour is accounted for, and trying to get anything extra done, is almost impossible!  We all wish we had more than 24 hours in the day.  I wish I could function on less than 8 hours of sleep, I would get more done, but I can’t!  And I can’t make the day have more hours, I am stuck with 24!

Often times when I am working with clients, they say the reason they have not gotten organized in the past, is because they just do not have the time.  I can understand this statement, however I go on to tell them, once they put the time in to get organized and set up the right systems, in the long run, they will actually save time! Let’s be honest, no matter what it is, if it’s a priority to you, you will make the time to get it done.

So how we can make better use of our time?

If getting organized is a priority and you are ready to make some progress, then follow these steps to making your time count!

• Schedule and plan your organizing sessions. Take this a step further than just writing the appointment, actually put on a piece of paper everything you need to accomplish during the session.  Don’t make your list so elaborate you get disappointed. Be realistic, pick your top 3 realistic tasks and write it down.  Check off as you go!

• Work when you feel your very best.  If you are a morning person, then be sure to schedule your appointments in the morning.  You will get more done, when you feel good and most alert.

• What has distracted you in the past? If it’s the phone, turn off the ringer, if it’s the computer, shut it off, if it’s your kids, hire a babysitter for the afternoon.  Be aware of your distractions and then take care of them.

• Make the easy decisions first. If you have a limited amount of time, don’t waste it on deciding what to do, leave the hard decisions for later.

• Delegate – Find out what decisions you have to make and delegate the others.  If you live with other people, delegate and work together.  You shouldn’t have to carry all of the load on your shoulders.

• Set a timer - If you have decided to work for one hour, set the timer.  As you see the time ticking, speed up the process.  Make a game out of it, see how much you can get done in the last 5 minutes.  You may actually surprise yourself!

• Write down the results – Don’t waste time in your next organizing session trying to remember what you accomplished before, write down what you accomplished and what your next goals and priorities are for the next session.

Happy Organizing!

Well not exactly brand new.. It’s been in the download section now for a couple of weeks… But this is first outside of the Podcast where we introduced it that I have gotten a chance to talk about the form!

When I have busy days, the ones where you have to be at 5 different places in a day, do everything, and don’t forget anything in between.. Sound familiar?  Well, I used to write my schedule down by the hour on a piece of paper and take it with me for the day.  As each hour passed and I got done what I needed to do, I would cross it off the list. This worked for the most part, but it still looked a bit unorganized and I wasn’t really feeling in as much control of my time as I would like…

So I came up with a new form….

The Daily Schedule!

This form is to be used on those days where you are so busy and every hour is accounted for.. You are not sure how you are going to fit everything in.. Maybe your feeling a bit overwhelmed and definitely stressed.

The form is set up to account for each hour in the day.  So you can clearly see where you need to be and at what time you need to be there.   You can account for travel time and any mini stops in between that need to be accounted for… I am a visual person and I love to see the whole glimpse of the day right in front of me.

Two sections of the form are set up for; Daily Projects & Priorities and Daily Tasks.  I use these two sections in two different ways.

The Daily Priorities are things you can not forget.  It may not be a place you have to go, but it could be something like not forgetting to call your mom because it’s her birthday or it could be not to forget to pay dance class tuition. Things that have to be done that day without exception!

The Daily Tasks are made more for the things you need to do and would like to do, but it wouldn’t be the end of the world if you didn’t get them done today!

On the bottom of the form is section for Notes and Numbers.  This is really helpful if you need to call someone on the road and need the phone number.

We also included a section for the Dinner Plan for the day… This has been so helpful in planning ahead of time what is for dinner, it gives you one less thing to worry about during your busy day!

Here is a comment I received from one of my readers about the planner:  “My husband gave me a copy of your daily planner form to organize my day last week, and I loved it!  Today, I have a bunch of unstructured hours and a gazillion tasks – and the first thing I’m looking for is that day organizer!”

It’s a great tool and has really eased those busy days!  To get your Free copy of the Daily Schedule, visit our Resources Page, and download yours today!

Happy Organizing!

Does this sound familiar? Anyone who has children with sports activities on the weekend may have felt this kind of pressure!  Oh and don’t forget the sideline chairs, the blanket, the umbrella, and do we have enough snacks and entertainment for the younger sibling?

This was my family on Saturday morning.  I was frustrated and just plain mad at myself for not  planning well enough ahead to make this morning go a little more smoother!  I should know better!

Luckily and I mean with luck and teamwork from the whole family, we found what we needed and we were at the game on time!

Every experience we encounter can become learning experiences.  We can grow from them and make ourselves better.  In this situation we needed a better system in getting ready for our games.  On our way home, we came up with one, that I think may just work!!

Our Plan:

• From now on, we have a small bin in the garage, right before you come into the house, this is designated  for all of our son’s baseball equipment.  This includes the hat, the uniform, the mitt, everything!  When he gets home from the game, he is to take off his uniform before going into the house, and place everything in this bin.
• I will be sure the uniform is washed and folded and put back into the bin prior to his next game.
• If he takes out his mitt to play, he is to place it back into the bin as soon as he is done.
• The chairs, blanket, and umbrella are staying in the car.
• Snacks and entertainment will be packed in a backpack the night before the game.
• Our son is responsible for his mitt and hat out on the field.  If he takes them off, he needs to make sure they are with him when we leave.

The expectations are now set…. Our next game is on Wednesday, with this new system in place, the half hour before the game, should be a breeze!

Happy Organizing!

You know the ones… they’re square and come in so many bright and fun colors!

Maybe they’re lurking on your computer as reminders to call someone or on the kitchen table to remind you of something that needs to get done… They seem to be handy and can be a useful tool to bookmark a page in a magazine or a book.

But are they a really good organizing tool?

How many times have you lost the very important information you put on the sticky note, because now you no longer know where the sticky note is? Or maybe you are wasting time going through the several you have around the house and then 10 minutes later you finally found it! Not only is it wasting your time to have these notes, but don’t they also add visual clutter to your computer, desk or counters?

Does any of this sound familiar?  If so, then this tip is for you!

Eliminate the sticky note all together! Instead invest in a spiral notebook.  Place the notebook by the phone, on your desk, wherever you may be tempted to use a sticky note.  And instead of having several sticky notes everywhere, you have one, central place where you can write messages, phone numbers, important tasks etc. As you complete the item or transfer the phone number to your directory, simply cross it off!  It’s that easy! Now you know where to find the information when you need it without the excess paper clutter and without wasting your time!

Happy Organizing!

I am so excited to announce,  Taking Control- The Organizing Podcast!

We have been working on this idea for some time now and it is finally a reality!  In today’s busy world we don’t always have time to read a blog post or do the research necessary to do to tackle a project. Now there’s a different way to get the same great information!  Subscribe to TCO’s podcast through iTunes and all you have to do is listen to your iPod!  At your convenience, put on the ear phones and take a listen while your doing the dishes, the laundry, or when your stuck in traffic!

Every week you will get a new episode tackling some kind of project or question!  The best news yet…. I want to gear these podcasts to what you need! So if you have an idea for a show, or need some tips on a project, email me, and let me know… Who knows, it may just be the next topic!

What to expect from Taking Control:

• A lively conversation with Pete Wright and myself… Who is Pete Wright? Pete is the Producer of the show and more importantly the face behind my website. I consider him a partner in my business and a huge influence in developing and telling the story of Take Control Organizing!
• Tips, tricks, and solutions to your everyday organizing issues
• One new episode per week
• Each episode will range anywhere from 10 minutes to 25 minutes (I know you don’t have a lot of time and I want to use it wisely)
• You get an insider look at how I work with clients and get to know me!
• A whole lot of fun mixed in with great education!

I hope you join me in my journey into podcast land!  It should be a lot of fun and I look forward to tackling your issues.  If you have an idea, send me a note on my contact page, or email – nikki@takecontrolorganizing.com.

You can catch the first episode now… The Office Closet!

iTunes Audio RSS Audio
Happy Organizing!

In theory, it makes perfect sense, you set up organizing systems in your home to make it more efficient.  To succeed in your organizing plan it is important to keep in mind these organizing principles like, “Touch it Once”!

Before explaining what this rule means, let’s talk about what you are not doing to follow the rule?

Basically it is a delayed decision.  Some people may call it procrastination of some sort.  Instead of taking care of the mail right away, you make a pile for it instead.  Instead of putting your clothes away, they get stacked on the dresser or on the back of a chair.

Why do we do this? Lack of time maybe, could it be just plain laziness, or we just don’t feel like taking care of it at the time…

Example of not using the rule: I have a mail system, and it does not include going through it everyday.  I really do not like mail that much.  So I have a mail basket, when I get my mail, which is not everyday, I put it in this basket.  Then once a week, I go through it.  I make sure all of the bills are paid, I make out the checks right then, and make piles of categories of mail.  I have a to file pile, recycle pile, etc.  After I am all done, I place the ready to be sent mail by the door for the next day, and file everything else.  This system works for me. I am not using the touch it once rule in this system.  And that is OK with me!  The system still works.

So what does the Touch it Once Rule mean? I would explain it as doing the exact the opposite of what we talked about above. Instead of the stacking and piling, we just put things away.  It seems so simple doesn’t it…  It makes perfect sense.

I think this rule has real substance in a lot of areas in our home.  Maybe not in my mail system, or a system you have created, but I can think of other areas where I could improve and by using this rule, it could cut the clutter down a considerable amount…

SO for the next week, I am going to try it.  I am going to make an effort to only touch an item once, and put it away immediately.  Join me and let’s see if this really does work.  Can it cut the daily clutter out of our homes….

The areas I am going to work on most are:  Not putting dishes in the sink- go straight to the dishwasher, clothes are either hung, folded back, or put in the laundry hamper immediately…

Challenge:  What about you?  What areas can you work on this week to implement this rule?

I’ll let you know how my experiment goes next Friday!  I want to hear from you too…

Happy Organizing!

We are busy people, we lead busy lives.  Organizing your home is not always on the top of your priority list on the weekends.  I get that.  What starts out to be a small pile of papers can become an overwhelming stack in very little time.  Because we lack the time, it often doesn’t ever get sorted through.  And the stack just continues to grow.

We then feel frustration because you can’t find what you need when you need it.  You waste time everyday searching for things.  You waste time in the mornings because you are not prepared.  You feel anxiety when coming home from a long day and your house is a mess.  You are overwhelmed and tired!

The time you lose by being disorganized is much larger than the time it will take you to build efficient organizing systems in your home.  If you need help… Ask for it.  Call a Professional Organizing Coach for guidance and a plan to get started, call a friend or family member who is organized to give you tips on how to get started.

I know you don’t have the time, but somehow you must make the time.  It means trading disorder for order and chaos for freedom.  It means taking the time to make the life you want and desire.

It does take time and it takes dedication.  However, the payoff is much greater than not doing anything at all!

Happy Organizing!

The article, Get Your Home Office Organized, is about giving your desk a makeover.  Something we all should do from time to time!  Just this past weekend, my husband and I cleared our office and recycled 2 bags of paper! No matter how organized you are, you always need to do a purging session every now and then!

When you get busy, and in our case we both share the same space, you must maintain the organization by taking time to file, purge, and rework your system.  It makes a difference.  It felt so good to get the office back to working for us and not against us!

Happy Organizing!

So is there anything we can do to change this bad habit? Sure!

We often confuse the amount of time things should take to the amount they actually take. The best thing we can do is figure out the gap.  How long do I really need to get the family ready in the morning?  How long is my commute to work?  Not what I think it should be.

For one week, make up a journal and carry it around with you. And write out your day.  Write down how long it took you get ready for the day.  Write down your commute time from home to the office.  And if you are late, write it down, how late you were, why were you late, who did it effect?  Just by seeing it on paper can really make a difference. Then you can start working on the solutions.

When planning your day or week, block out commute times, this will really help make sure you have enough time to get from A to C without overlap.  For example if you have to be at a meeting at 9AM, and it takes 30 minutes to get there, block in your calendar that you are out from 8:15AM on.  This gives you time for the unexpected.  Because as we all know the unexpected can  happen frequently.

In summary, the best prevention to being late is planning ahead and being as prepared as you can be. And expect the unexpected!  Take little steps to see if you can make a difference.  By just setting your alarm 15 minutes earlier, or laying out clothes and making lunches the night before.  Think about what small changes you can make to stop feeling so rushed and the stress that being late causes, not only to you but to the people waiting for you!

Happy Organizing!

Ideas to relieve the dreadful 5PM hour:

• Make a list of everything you like to cook.  This gives you a list to refer back to when you are planning your weekly meals.

• When planning your meals, take into consideration everyone’s schedule. The weeknights can get busy in our house, between sport practices, meetings etc.  On busy days, decide on take out, or an easy meal to put together.

• Plan your meals has a family, if everyone gets to pick out a meal within reason, you will eliminate some of the “I don’t like this”, however in my house it never eliminates it completely, but it’s something!

• Plan your meals for the week and then go grocery shopping.  This saves you time and money.  You will not buy anything extra you do not need.

• Keep your weekly planner of meals and reuse it for a different week. You don’t have to recreate the wheel each time.

• There are many resources and websites geared to helping you plan your menu.  Check them out and see if it’s a good fit for your family.  Also consider places like Dinners Done Right, where you can go and prepare the meal, freeze it and then eat it later.  I know a lot of families who find this helpful during busy sport seasons, surgeries, new babies, etc.  ( TCO can also help you with meal planning as part of our service! )

• Most important – schedule meals together with your family. Use this time to reconnect and talk about your day.  Turn off the TV and don’t answer the phone.  Just focus on each other.

Happy Organizing!

What can you do today in 15 minutes?

Clear out one cupboard - the other day, while I was watching Oprah, I decided to clear out our cup cupboard. This cupboard had been bothering me for some time.  We had a bunch of old sippy cups and “to go” coffee mugs with no lids!  It literally took less than 15 minutes to clear out.  Even my husband noticed how organized it was!  Get rid of the dishes you are no longing using, the dishes that are missing partners or are broken.

Purge the Junk Drawer - You don’t need to organize it all at one time, just take  a few minutes to throw away anything you no longer need.  Old menus, old notes, check for pens that no longer work.

Clear out the Utensil Drawer- I am so guilty of buying the latest and greatest utensil thinking I may use it.  I have not once used my lemon zester! Time to take inventory, donate, and keep what you love and what you use!

Do One Large Sweep- Set the timer for 15 minutes and go through as many cupboards and drawers as you can and donate all of the old appliances you no longer need, want, or are broken.

Clean the surfaces of your refrigerator- Having a clean refrigerator makes a difference.  I suggest taking out old food right before your trash day.  Take a damp washcloth with a little soap and clean the spills.

Pantry- I hate to admit this, but sometimes food is wasted at our house.  And it is always a good idea to check the pantry for stale potato chips and moldy bread.  You can do this very quickly, and then take note of what did not get eaten and don’t buy it again! Or at least make sure the bread is eaten quicker!

Spices- Take a few minutes to do a little spice inventory, what do you have, what are you low on.  Re-organize them. Sometimes depending on who is cleaning up the meal, the spices sometimes get put back in the wrong spot, now is the time, to make sure they are all together.

What are you going to do today?

Happy Organizing!

What is the Great Organizing Giveaway? Organizers compiled  a number of different items to be given away.  This event is open to anyone who wants to be more organized!   It doesn’t matter where you live, many of these gifts are downloadable from your computer.  Participates are able to sign up to get FREE e-books, audio downloads, organizing tip sheets, complementary consultations, and much more!

There is great information for almost any aspect of organizing you may be looking for. Take Control Organizing has contributed an e-book, titled; ” Getting Started: 10 Key Principles You Need to Know Before Starting Your Organizing Journey!” This e-book is available on my website.

Here are just a few of the items to look for:

• Getting Things Done- How to set up chores
• 9 strategies for Simplifying your Life today!
• 112 tips to Organize Your Workday
• Mess is stress!
• Finally Filing Made Easier
• It’s Time… Stop Procrasinating Now!
• Timely Tax Tips
• 51 Creative Organizing Solutions Found in Every Day Items
• Getting Started: 10 Key Principles You Need to Know Before Starting Your Organizing Journey!
• And Much, Much More!

Happy Organizing!

If getting your home in order was a goal for you in 2010, here are just a few simple organizing basics, to keep you on track!

1.  Start small- don’t try to organize your whole home at once or think you can do it in a weekend.  Multi-tasking and organizing do not get along.  You’ll just get frustrated and overwhelm by trying to do it all once.  Decide on what room to do first and break it into smaller pieces.  For example; drawers, cupboards, shelves, closets.  Do one space at a time.

2. Work when you at your best- you will get more done when you are feeling good and energized!  I always achieve better results when I work in the morning.  I am more effective and get so much more done!

3.  Work in small time increments- Just work 15 minutes a day.  Whatever fits into your schedule.  But try to do something everyday, to keep up your motivation, when you see progress you want to do more.

4. Remember your goals-  Review your resolutions.  Why did you choose to get organized?  What will it mean to you and your family to have your home in order?  When you are starting to feel like giving up, remember why you started in the first place.  Remember how it feels to accomplish just one space, and what a difference it made. Lifestyle changes are never easy and can be very time consuming.   But in the end… they are worth it!

Happy Organizing!

In today’s world, we all want to save money.  Putting just a few organizing systems in place in your home can achieve this goal! This will not only save you money, but you save you time.

1.  Create a system for your bills-  Have you ever paid a bill late, because you can not find it?  I have.  And it’s frustrating.. Have one place where all the bills go.  For us it’s a file on our desk that says “Bills To Pay”.  Go paperless- pay bills online, do automatic deposits, look at your options, ask your bank for details.

2. Stop buying repeat items- being organized means knowing what you have and where it’s located.  This is especially true for the grocery store.  If your refrigerator and pantry are organized, then doing a quick inventory check before heading to the store will be easy.  Have an ongoing list for items you run out of it, again not forgetting anything but not buying what you don’t need.  I have found planning a weekly menu for dinners is a great saver of money.  I only buy what I need for those meals, no more wasted food.

3.  Gift Cards- Have one central place for gift cards.  Many people forget they have them or loose them. You could use a special box, a drawer, a file, something so every time you receive a gift card it goes in there immediately. There is never any second guessing on where it could be.

4.  Create a budget- Know your money and where it’s going.  Know how much it costs to run your household and how much extra you have.  Knowing your money will help prevent buying unnecessary purchases.  And everything you do buy, think about it where it’s going in your home.  Every item in your house needs to have a place to live.

5.  Sell your “Stuff” – There are many ways to sell your items.  Craigslist, eBay, consignment shops, garage sales.  Clean it up and present it well and you’ll make an extra buck or two.

Happy Organizing!

I recently read an article about Time Management on Biznik, and they estimated during the last 25 years, our leisure time has declined by 37% while our workweek has increased by a full day!  The American’s Use of Time Project at the University of Maryland revealed the average American spends more than 20 hours per week on housework.  According to the National Association of Professional Organizers- housework can decrease by 40% just by being organized… I like the number decreasing rather than increasing!

In the last year, managing my time has been a struggle.. With working on my business, taking care of a family and a home, I am constantly looking for ways to manage my time more efficiently.  This is a work in progress!  In doing research about time management, I found some really great tips!  New tips, that I am going to start today….

Here are of my 5 top favorite tips:

1.  Record TV Shows- I am going to make this a habit.  Choose the shows that mean most to you and watch them when it is convenient for you.  Skip the commercials!  Turning the TV off 1 hour per week gives you 52 extra hours in a year.

2.  Do it Now- Procrastination!  Easy to do, hard to overcome!  If you can do it now, get it done, get it off your list.

3.  Know your priorities- Regardless of how many hours are in the day, how we spend those hours, ulitmately is still up to us.  We decide.  Know your priorities and stick to them.  With priorities come boundaries – say No when you need to…

4.  Set deadlines- Put it on the calender!  Hold yourself accountable for your time.

5.  Don’t pick up-  Just because the phone is ringing does not mean you have to pick it up!  Just because you received a new email, does not mean you need to read it right now!  Do it when it’s convenient for you.

( The two articles referenced in this blog post, come from: Biznik and the Busy Mom’s Guide to a Happy, Organized Home written by Kathy Peel. )

There were several other tips referenced in these resources, some I am already doing, some that I will certainly try.  What about you?  I would love to hear from others about what works for them.  This is an issue we all can get better at!

Happy Organizing!

Until now…

Shortly after I had written that post, I was reading a blog post ( Helping You Get “To Do” Done Better: Free Applications Every Small Business Must Have!) from my dear friend, Megan Strand.  In her post she references Pete Wright.. Another dear friend of mine and the mastermind behind this website!  Megan and Pete introduced me to The Hit List!

Wow… What a fantastic tool!  Anyone who has a list of things to do, which we all do, can use this!  It’s a fantastic way of organizing your to do’s by projects with sublists, due dates, everything you might need.  I really like the feature of having a folder for things you want to do but are on hold right now.  It’s a great way to keep your thoughts, ideas, and tasks all in one place!  You can focus on what’s due today or work ahead on other projects.  There are different kinds of tags and smart folders, which I am still trying to figure out.  But so far … so good!  I absolutely love this tool!

The best part it is FREE to download in its beta edition.

I highly encourage you to check it out.. and if you have any tips on the tags and smart folders, please share… I am still trying to figure that part out!

Happy Organizing!