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Watch Me On TV
At a recent guest appearance on the Steven and Chris television show, I shared my time- saving tips for busy parents. If you missed it, you can watch the video clip here.
Quick Tips on Organizing Your Home:
Paper sorting made easy
Place large decorative baskets in strategic locations throughout the house to use as catch-alls for household papers. When you're in the organizing mood, choose a basket to go through. This should be done at least every couple of weeks. Some people like to do this during TV commercials or while listening to music; others feel more comfortable sorting in the company of friends or family (i.e. while kids are doing homework at the kitchen table); find what works best for you and just do it.
Choose the right containers for the job
When choosing storage boxes, select clear, lightweight plastic instead of cardboard. Cardboard boxes attract moisture and insects and eventually fall apart. Plastic containers prevent mold and mildew, an important consideration for long-term storage. Make sure they have snapping handles that open easily. They come in a variety of sizes so measure not only the space they will be stored on (i.e. the dimensions of the shelves) but also consider what items will be stored inside. For example, the 66 qt is a good size for holiday decorations or seasonal clothing. However, don't rush out to buy containers until you've done your initial purge, otherwise you may buy the wrong size or amount.
Fix it or nix it
Be realistic about what you will repair/mend. If something has been broken for months and you haven't gotten around to fixing it yet, you probably never will. Let yourself off the hook and toss or recycle it. If you have clothing that is in need of mending or alterations, give yourself a deadline and if you don't do it by then, hire someone else to do it or let it go. If you don't have a tailor, many dry-cleaners will do alterations and some of them will even pick up and deliver.
Quick Tips on Organizing Your Office:
Spice up your space
If you find you often avoid working in your home office, take some steps to create an environment you feel comfortable and motivated in. Choose a couple of personal mementos that bring you joy and place them on your desk (photos, fresh flowers, trip souvenir). Select stylish desk accessories in colors you love. Make sure your chair is comfortable, the temperature in the room is right for you and you have appropriate lighting. If the room feels right, you will be more inclined to work in it and more likely to keep it tidy.
Stop clipping and set yourself free
Resist clipping magazine and newspaper articles for friends and family; no one really needs more paper in their lives and you don't need the burden of having to deliver them. Stop clipping coupons if they seem to expire before you remember to use them or if they trigger you to purchase items you wouldn't normally buy.
If you are looking for an alternative to conventional filing systems, consider using binders for the papers you access regularly. Choose various colors and assign one for each broad category. Use sheet protectors to save time (you won't have to hole-punch the pages).
Quick Tips on Organizing Your Life:
Stand up for yourself
You can't please all the people all the time, so aim to at least please yourself. It's incredibly freeing once you consciously decide that everybody doesn't have to like you. You'll be able to say 'no' to things you don't want to do; as a result, you'll find more time for activities and relationships that nurture you and bring you joy. Your real friends will understand and may even have more respect for you.
Two-timing tasks
Double up your activities and you'll be able to do more in less time. Rather than chatting with a friend at the coffee shop, meet at the gym and work out together instead. Read the morning paper while running on the treadmill. Fold the laundry or catch up on your ironing while watching TV.
Give yourself a break
Are you often too busy to take a break? Consider that productivity and creativity levels actually increase when a short break is taken regularly. So take 5 or 10 minutes every hour, get up and stretch, get a drink of water or simply look out the window and daydream. You'll come back refreshed and ready to work at your peak.
Looking for a Speaker for your next Meeting?
If you are interested in having me speak to your
company, association or special group, please contact me about my
various programs and fees.
Hire an Organizer:
To hire the services of a We Organize U organizer, please send an inquiry email to: hellen@weorganizeu.com
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© Copyright 2008
by Hellen Buttigieg, We Organize U. Reprinted with permission from the
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