 |
|
 |
Daily Real Estate News - Garages Get Cramped, Owners Seek Solutions
Realtor.org - Messy Garages Spark Growing Industry
Time to Orangize Articles:
Photo Crazy (#A101)
Quick Tips to Start the Organizing Process (#A104)
Discovering Space Under, Inside, and Up (#A107)
Creating a Functional Kitchen (#A108)
Sorting Through Basements, Attics, and Garages (#A112)
Declutter, Downsize, Release, and Relax (#A113)
Clutter Awareness (#C100)
Identifying Clutter With Three Easy Questions (#C103)
Clearing Closet Clutter without Going Crazy (#CT100)
Always Organized... Tips for Closets of All Kinds (#CT102)
Reduce Unwanted Mail With 5 Simple Steps (#E102)
Being Your Best Time Master (#G102)
The Benefits of Getting Organized (#G104)
Preventing Identity Theft (#I101)
Easy as 1-2-3: Clutter Control for Kids (#K101)
Out the Door, in the Door (#K112)
Paper Management, Step By Step (#P101)
The Benefits of Being Organized at Work (#P110)
Home Office Tips (#P112)
Simplify Your Life (#S101)
Photo Crazy (#A101)
Do you have photos spilling out of shoeboxes, cluttering up closets, or crumbling in the attic? Now is the perfect time to get your collection under control with the following simple process. Recognize that it will take some time — especially if you have decades' worth of photos to organize — but with regular maintenance, your collection will offer a lifetime of enjoyment for you and your family.
(Please note that this article details the first steps to take before tackling any scrapbooking project, but scrapbooking need not be the end result. Creating albums is not for everyone, as it can be time-consuming, expensive, and even frustrating. So just try the easy organizing process listed below and see what happens!)
1: Think of the goal. Before you begin, recognize why you are starting this process. Perhaps it's to preserve and share memories. Or maybe you just want to eliminate those scattered piles of photos and negatives once and for all. Whatever your reasons, keep them in mind throughout the organization process.
2: Gather photos in one place. The first step to creating an organized collection is to gather the photos all in one place. Check everywhere for hidden photos — attics, basements, files, closets, under the beds, and in current non-archival albums. Decide on a large, central work surface, such as the dining room table or an out-of-the-way floor. You'll want a space that will be undisturbed so you won't feel rushed to finish.
3: Sort the photos. This is the part that will take the longest, but it goes quickly once you set up your system. The most common way to sort is chronologically. This works well for most people because our minds tend to think chronologically. As you sort through the photos, place them in labeled stacks, envelopes, or boxes by year. Once sorted by year, you can go one step further and sort again by month if you desire. If narrowing down to a specific year is difficult, try just sorting the photos into decades. If you're overwhelmed by the sorting process, start with the most recent ones first and save the older ones for later.
Another way to sort is by broad category or theme. For example, you might sort by events such as vacations, holidays, or weddings, or by family members or sides of the family. If you run across photos that stump you, pop them in a "mystery photo" box for later research at family reunions. Just like any organizing project, it's important to group similar objects together so you can really see what and how much you have. Once the sorting process is complete, see if you have duplicates you can toss or share with someone else. If you have 25 photos of your son's third birthday, perhaps you can share some with the grand-parents, or enlarge and frame your favorites. And remember, it's okay to toss any photos that are out of focus, dark, off-center, or that you just don't like.
Make this process as fun as possible, inviting family or friends over to help. Play some music, have some snacks (just be sure to always wash your hands before handling photos), and stop when you get tired or bored. Set a regular schedule to work on the sorting process so you don't lose steam.
4: Store them properly. You've made the time investment to sort your photos. Now make sure they're preserved for generations to come by using archival-quality storage materials. Some types of storage include photo storage boxes, accordion file boxes, 3-ring binders filled with photo sheets, and heavy-duty plastic (poly) envelopes. Your local office supply or scrapbooking store will have a variety to choose from. Whatever you choose, look for products that are acid-free, archival, lignin-free, and PVC-free. Store the photos away from light, heat, and humidity. (Basements and attics are no-nos.) Now your photos are ready for scrapbooking, or simply to enjoy as is!
5: Maintain the system. As new photos enter your home, be sure to sort and store them according to your new system.
© 2006 Articles on Demand™
Quick Tips to Start the Organizing Process (#A104)
These tips will help you stop procrastinating and get organized today! Inspire and motivate yourself with the "Quick Start" projects. Each of these should take no longer than 30 minutes. Next, try the "Keep Going" tips to really put clutter and chaos in its place!
Kitchen
Quick Start: Take everything out of the refrigerator. Toss anything expired or mysteriously fuzzy. Clean the shelves. Then replace food items, grouping similar things together. Keep Going: Tackle each kitchen cupboard and drawer the same way. Remove everything, clean, and toss anything not fresh or useful. Give most-used items your prime, easiest-to-reach space. Put infrequently used items up high or way in the back.
Clutter
Quick Start: Set a timer for 15 minutes. Grab a garbage bag, walk through your home, and quickly remove ten things you no longer use or love. Also, recycle newspapers older than one week and magazines older than 12 months, plus expired coupons and junk mail. Dispose of the bags immediately. Keep Going: From here on out, put things in their proper places right away. Before buying something new, ask yourself if you really need it. If you decide to purchase, get rid of two similar items to make room.
Paperwork
Quick Start: With the exception of bills to be paid and truly important documents, grab all the paperwork you can find into one big pile. Plop it in a big box, seal it, and write today's date on it. If you haven't missed any of it two months from now, recycle the entire box without opening it. Keep Going: Set up a new, easy filing system starting with paperwork you receive from today forward. Think of broad categories of papers you receive on a frequent basis: bills to pay, people to call, medical, school, etc. Get a desktop filing box, keep it in the kitchen, and file only what you'll truly need to reference later. Be ruthless in your paper disposal. (Shred sensitive documents.) Review filebox contents weekly. Touch paperwork only once: Open mail, and immediately act on it and recycle the paper, or file it in the appropriate spot.
Kids' Stuff
Quick Start: Every evening, set a timer and have the family do the "Ten Minute Tidy-Up." Holding an empty laundry basket, each person grabs anything out of place, and returns it to its correct home. Keep Going: Limit clutter with the "new item in, old item out" rule. If you buy a new toy or clothing, get rid of at least one old one. Limit school art and paperwork. Save only the best, and keep them in an underbed
storage box or portfolio.
Time Management
Quick Start: Set your watch ten minutes ahead. You'll have a built-in buffer for running late. Keep Going: Any task that can be completed in five minutes or less should be completed right away. Schedule a chunk of time each day to handle paperwork. Don't schedule appointments too close together.
Email
Quick Start: Move everything more than two weeks old from your email inbox to a file marked "Holding." Keep it for two months. Then, delete everything you haven't needed in that time. Keep Going: Treat your inbox like a real mail box. You'd never leave old mail sitting in there! Take the time to set up files where you can immediately move new emails. As emails arrive, either read and delete, file appropriately, or put in a "to do this week" file.
Garage/Attic/Basement
Quick Start: Set a timer for 30 minutes and toss/recycle dried out paint and chemicals, and anything broken, musty, or moldy. Keep Going: Sort the space into zones. For example, a garage might have areas for sports, tools, gardening, and recycling/garbage. Group like items in those zones. Use appropriate storage containers and label clearly.
© 2007 Articles on Demand™
Discovering Space Under, Inside, and Up (#A107)
Think you're out of space? Even if you live in a tiny apartment or house, you can take advantage of these spaces and maximize your storage capabilities.
Under: Don't neglect the space under your bed!It's great for off-season clothing storage or hand-me-down kids' clothes, extra blankets, and memory-box/sentimental items. If your bed is low, purchase some inexpensive bed risers (about $10 per set) at your bed and bath store. This will raise the bed about six inches, allowing under-bed plastic or cardboard storage boxes to slide in easily.
Inside: When shopping for end tables, coffee tables, or benches, be sure to look for those that have storage inside. That way, you utilize not only the space on top, but also the space inside or underneath. In your closets, maximize space by installing a double-hang closet rod. Inside cupboard doors, hang a cork board to post phone numbers and shopping lists. Or hang hooks (3M Command Hooks work well) to hold just about anything! Finally, use the height of your cabinets wisely by adjusting shelves to suit the items they hold.
Up: There are all sorts of great organizing products available to help you maximize wall space. Pegs and hooks can be used in the entry way to hold jackets and backpacks; in the bathroom they hold robes or hair dryers; or add to a closet to store the next day's outfit. Hang a net hammock in a kid's room to store stuffed animals up and out of the way. You can even use the ceiling to hang pots and pans from a ceiling-mounted rack. Install floor-to-ceiling shelves or cubbies, and you won't waste an inch of wall space. Keep frequently used items at eye level or below, saving the top space for seldom-used things or decorative items.
© 2007 Articles on Demand™
Creating a Functional Kitchen (#A108)
STEP ONE: ANALYSIS
As you ponder where to place your kitchen things, begin by analyzing your old storage systems. Were some things working well? If so, don't change them! If you love storing your mugs by the coffee maker, stick with it. If it's convenient to have your recipe books on the countertop, keep it up.
Now ponder anything inconvenient. How could you make those things work a little better? For example, if you hate having piles of cans and bottles littering your countertop as they await a trip outside for recycling, then make a new plan. Clear space under the sink to install a pull-out trash can to capture those recyclables immediately after use. If you hate reaching to the top shelf to get your favorite, frequently-used mixing bowls, make a plan to house them in a more convenient location like an eye-level shelf. Where you put your stuff is as important as what you own. If you can't find it when you need it, or it's inconvenient to reach, you'll likely not use it!
STEP TWO: PLACEMENT
As you look over your groupings of kitchen items, start pulling aside the things you use most often. Then store them where you use them. For example, your everyday dishes might work great directly above your dishwasher or close to the table. Perhaps your pots and pans and cookie sheets could go near the stove.
Keeping similar things together will help you navigate your kitchen more easily. For example, store everything related to cooking in one area. You might group your pots and pans, bakeware, hot mitts, and cooking utensils in one area. Create a food preparation area by grouping cutting boards, knives, and mixing bowls. If you love to bake, consolidate cookie cutters, mixers, measuring cups and spoons in one area.
There are many helpful organizing products available to keep your kitchen orderly. Baskets and bins come in a variety of sizes and hold foods, like onions and potatoes, as well as cleaning supplies. A wall-mounted spice rack saves cupboard space. Inside cupboards, double-decker wire shelf stackers double storage space. Wooden cookware racks keep pot lids tidy. An attractive vase or crock near your stove top corrals utensils.
If you use something frequently, keep it close and convenient. Put infrequently used items way up high, down low, or in the back. Place anything you use daily (such as everyday dishes) at eye level, so you're not stooping down or reaching on tip-toe. Keep heavy things down low and lighter things up high. For example, if you use your turkey platter or punch bowl only once or twice a year, place them on a bottom shelf.
STEP THREE: MAINTENANCE
Once your kitchen is organized, pat yourself on the back. Job well done! But you're not quite finished... Establish an "in/out" system where some purging takes place before you purchase a new item. If you buy a new set of plastic storage containers, toss out an equal amount of your old Tupperware®. If you come home with a new mug, an old one must go! It may be helpful to stash a donation box somewhere nearby as an easy reminder of this rule. Also, take time once each year to review your kitchen and all its accouterments. Discard anything broken, donate
anything unused in the past 12 months, and make sure the storage systems still make sense for you and your housemates. Consider your kitchen a work in progress, and like fine wine it will only get better with time.
© 2007 Articles on Demand™
Sorting Through Basements, Attics, and Garages (#A112)
The initial step to organizing a storage space — basement, attic, or garage — is to sort into categories. Set aside at least a few hours for this project, and involve the entire household. (You didn't accumulate this stuff by yourself, did you?)
To begin the process, designate a sorting area — such as your driveway — or clear some floor space in a corner of the basement or attic. Then, item by item, start sorting into logical categories. Some might include automotive, crafting, clothing, home improvement, lawn and garden, memorabilia, sports equipment, seasonal items, tools, and toys. Each household is unique, so your categories will mirror your lifestyle and priorities. What's important to you? What do you love to do? Create categories based on how you live (or want to live).
Try to touch things only once while going through this quick-sort process. Next, create sub-categories. Clothing can be further divided by person, size, or season. Sports equipment divides by activity or season. You might break out tools into smaller everyday tools and larger power tools for special projects. One great thing about sorting is that you'll easily see duplicate items.
If you see something obviously broken, stained, rusted, or mildewed, immediately place it in the trash. (Be sure to set aside any chemicals so they can be taken to your local hazardous waste facility.) Once you've sorted everything into categories, you'll start decluttering. You're on your way to a tidy, efficient storage space!
© 2008 Articles on Demand™
Declutter, Downsize, Release, and Relax (#A113)
Your storage spaces are likely a mixture of your past, present, and future. Well-loved toys, grade school memorabilia, and furniture from the college years may make up memories from your past. Perhaps golf clubs, cold-weather clothing, and gardening tools may reflect your present. Baby clothes or gear being saved for a future child may represent your future.
Take a good look at the categories you've created and see if they reflect your current lifestyle and activities. Never going to play badminton again? Out go the rackets! Have your kids moved out of the house? Perhaps it's time to let go of their 20-year-old boxes of stuffed animals. Use a keen eye and steady conviction to get rid of the things that you no longer love, truly need, or find useful. If you're still not sure if you should get rid of an item, ask yourself, "What's the worst thing that could happen if I toss this?" The answer may help give you the power to discard the clutter.
It will be helpful to have large, dark-colored garbage bags for trash, plus some large boxes on hand for items to donate, sell, or give to friends. (For extremely large purging jobs, consider renting a dumpster.)
As you declutter, take note of the amount of "past" memories stored compared to the "current" and "future" items in the space. While it's wonderful to save some memories, don't allow yourself to dwell too much on the past. It's not coming back, and the future is what you make it. What do you want to do in the upcoming months and years? Out with the old to make way for some new hobbies and activities: a cleared-out attic could make a great artists' studio. Your tidy basement might morph into a fabulous home theater! An organized garage could allow your budding Tim the Toolman to come alive. (And let your car have a proper home!)
Once pared down, take time regularly to review and purge. Clutter has a way of sneaking up on us. Don't let it! If you don't know what to do with something, the basement/attic/garage is not its holding cell. Make conscious, deliberate decisions about the things in your life, and reclaim your space once and for all! Now, keep reading to learn how to store what's left in an organized, easy-to-retrieve manner.
© 2008 Articles on Demand™
Clutter Awareness (#C100)
The word "clutter" derives from the Middle English word "clotter," which means coagulate. Think stagnant, accumulated... stuck! When clutter invades our homes and offices, it can make us disorganized. We lose things, forget to pay bills, procrastinate, and waste time. So stop contemplating your clutter and dedicate some time to conquering it!
• Define "clutter." Clutter is anything unnecessary and extraneous. It can be more than the physical clutter most of us think of. Getting organized means clearing out the clutter in your mind, heart, and life.
• Start the process of decluttering. Start small. Divide your desk or room into sections. Pick one section (like one drawer or cupboard) and begin decluttering. Try to touch things only once while going through this process — quickly make a decision to keep or toss!
• Ask yourself if you consider each item beautiful, useful, or loved. If not, you can probably get rid of it! If you're still not sure if you should get rid of an item, ask yourself, "What's the worst thing that could happen if I toss this?" The answer may help give you the power to discard the clutter.
• To stop clutter, prevent it from accumulating in the first place. Don't give clutter a chance to form. As you've probably experienced, once clutter occupies a space, it has a way of multiplying. Always remember to place your emphasis on quality over quantity. In other words, it's not important to have a lot of things, many of which you never use. It's more beneficial to have fewer things, all of which you use and/or enjoy.
• Think before you buy. Try to look beyond the initial "thrill of the purchase" and see what provides deeper moments of meaning. Once you rid yourself of clutter and make space only for what's special, you'll find it's easier to get — and stay — organized!
© 2006 Articles on Demand™
Identifying Clutter With Three Easy Questions (#C103)
What exactly is clutter? Clutter is anything unnecessary and extraneous. It can be more than the physical clutter most of us think of. Getting organized means clearing out the clutter in your mind, heart, and life. As for the physical clutter, ask yourself the following three questions about each item in your home. If you can't answer yes to at least one, it's probably clutter!
1. Is it beautiful? A stunning piece of artwork enriches your life because it brings joy each time you see it. A gorgeous vase full of fresh flowers reduces stress and energizes your spirit.
2. Is it useful? You use your 12-cup coffee maker every day. You couldn't make it through the week without it. (Don't confuse this question with, "Will it be useful someday?")
3. Is it loved? The antique pocket watch from your grandfather is a precious reminder of him. Your favorite cashmere sweater makes you feel fabulous.
You'll find that as you inventory your possessions, you may be able to answer "yes" to two or even three of the questions above. Those are the things that are most valuable to you. Remember, the goal of decluttering is not to get rid of everything. It's simply to keep only things that you truly appreciate and use.
To stop clutter, prevent it from accumulating in the first place. Don't give clutter a chance to form. As you've probably experienced, once clutter occupies a space, it has a way of multiplying. Always remember to place your emphasis on quality over quantity. In other words, it's not important to have a lot of things, many of which you never use. It's more beneficial to have fewer things, all of which you use and/or enjoy.
Think before you buy. Try to look beyond the initial "thrill of the purchase" and see what provides deeper moments of meaning. Before you buy, think about the time you'll spend in cleaning, storing, and maintaining that item after you bring it home. If you must buy, establish a "new item in, old item out" system where some purging takes place before shopping.
Once you rid yourself of clutter and make space only for what's special, you'll find it's easier to get — and stay — organized! You'll soon reap the benefits of a clutter-free life: more energy, happier relationships, a well-organized home or office, new opportunities, and a better outlook on life.
© 2006 Articles on Demand™
Clearing Closet Clutter without Going Crazy (#CT100)
Organizing a closet is one of the most satisfying clean-up projects you can tackle. But without a little planning, its sheer enormity can leave you with more chaos than before you started. Try these tips to clear the clutter, leaving you with only the things you really use.
• Pick one closet to start. Make sure you have space in that room to spread everything out. (A bed works great for this.) You'll be taking out every (yes, EVERY) item in that closet. For each item, ask whether you've used it/worn it in the past year. If not, seriously consider getting rid of it. Knowing that we wear only about 20 percent of our clothes 80 percent of the time will help you let go. Try to touch things only once while going through this process — make a decision then and there, rather than putting items aside to "decide later."
• Items that you are removing can go in one of four boxes: a trash box (for stuff headed straight to the dump), a repairs box (for items that need repairing), a recycling box (for things that can be recycled, sold or given away), and a transit box (for things that belong in another area of the home). If you have trouble parting with some items, put them in a box, label the box with a date six months from now, and store it out of sight. If you haven't gone into the box by the time the date rolls around, toss or donate it without opening it.
• The hard part is now complete! Now comes the fun of rearranging, organizing, and storing the remaining items.
© 2006 Articles on Demand™
Always Organized... Tips for Closets of All Kinds (#CT102)
• Allow only pressed, clean, ready-to-wear clothes in your closet. If an item needs to be mended, cleaned, or ironed, it should not be in your closet. Keep your ironing or mending pile in a convenient spot so that you can tackle it while watching TV or talking on the phone.
• Place hooks on the back of the closet door to hang bathrobes, belts, or ties, or to lay out your next day's wardrobe.
• Be sure to use the entire closet space, including the vertical space under hanging clothes. For instance, underneath short-hanging garments, place a low trunk full of sweaters. A set of plastic drawers or a simple wooden dresser can hold lingerie, swimsuits, and socks.
• It's helpful to standardize your hangers. It doesn't matter what type you prefer, just make them consistent and always hang clothes in the same direction. This will help reduce visual clutter and allow you to review your clothes at a glance. Wooden, padded, or tube hangers, rather than cheap wire ones, will keep your clothing in top-notch shape and avoid tangles. Get rid of extra hangers, which just take up space. See if your dry cleaner can recycle your unneeded wire hangers.
• For shoes, consider clear plastic shoeboxes, which keep shoes dust-free and easily viewed. Or use over-the-door shoe bags or a neat shoe rack on the floor.
• Building closet management into your weekly routine will reduce time and stress in your daily quest for determining what to wear. It will also allow you to make the most of your wardrobe and feel great about getting maximum use out of clothes you already own. This project may seem daunting, but its rewards are many! If you're stuck, consider enlisting a trusted friend or professional organizer to help you with the process, especially the clutter-clearing steps.
© 2006 Articles on Demand™
Reduce Unwanted Mail With 5 Simple Steps (#E102)
Peek inside your mailbox and you'll discover junk mail overload. Over 40% of the mail we receive is junk mail! Follow these quick tips to drastically reduce the amount of stuff in your mailbox, making paper management a breeze!
1. Limit unwanted mailbox advertising: Greatly reduce advertising mail (and save some trees) by registering with the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service. Call 212-768-7277 or visit www.dmaconsumers.org.
2. Opt out of unsolicited credit card offers: The nation's four major credit bureaus will help you get off lists for pre-approved credit card offers by simply calling 1-888-5-OPTOUT. You'll need to provide your social security number, full name, address, and telephone number.
3. Use caution when giving out your contact information: Nearly every time you send in a product warranty card or enter a contest, your data will be used to send you more paper! These companies may in turn sell or share your information with other companies. Use caution. And if you provide your contact information, request that the company not share or sell it.
4. Cancel subscriptions: Take the pressure off yourself by canceling any magazine subscriptions that you never seem to get around to reading anyway. Same with the newspaper.
5. Keep junk mail at bay in your home and office: Immediately after daily retrieval, sort mail while standing over your recycling bin. Toss with reckless abandon (be sure to shred things like credit card offers) so junk mail doesn't create piles of, well, junk in your home or office.
© 2006 Articles on Demand™
Being Your Best Time Master (#G102)
It is not enough if you are busy. The question is, "What are you busy about?"
— Henry David Thoreau
With our to-do lists ever-growing, assigning tasks to our calendars can be a simple way to manage time and reduce stress. The simple act of writing down the things we need to do releases us from having to remember it all "upstairs." Below are some tips to help you successfully manage your tasks and calendar.
• Be realistic about how long each task will take.
• Learn to say "no."
• Delegate: when you authorize others to take over some of your activities, you free yourself to focus on where you can make your best contribution.
• For those little things that take only a minute or two (such as putting away your dirty dishes or signing a permission slip), sometimes it's best to just do them right away.
• If the task will take 15 minutes or more, choose a specific time in which to do it. Schedule an appointment with yourself. You may need to communicate to your coworkers or family that you are unavailable due to scheduled work.
• Without a place to "assign" tasks, you'll always be in a reactive mode. Use your calendar diligently. Do things on your time, when you are ready. You are in command.
• Don't double-book yourself or plan your appointments too close together. Planning for delays will keep you calm and allow you to enjoy the current moment. Forget about multitasking for a while; simply enjoy the pleasures of each task you do.
© 2006 Articles on Demand™
The Benefits of Getting Organized (#G104)
Are you ready to get organized but stalling because of a lack of time, money, or motivation? Don't despair! A professional organizer is just what you need! Make an investment in yourself that will provide amazing advantages for years to come. Here are some of the benefits you can look forward to once you get organized.
You can save money. Once you get organized, you'll know what you already own, eliminating the need to buy duplicate items. You'll also be able to buy what you need when it's on sale, rather than buying at the last minute. Your professional organizer can also help you find the perfect organizing products for your space and lifestyle, so you stop wasting money on containers that just don't work.
You can become more productive and efficient. A professional organizer can create order and structure out of chaos. You'll receive systems that work for your dominant learning style, your lifestyle, your needs, your challenges, and your dreams. Whether at work or at home, you'll increase productivity once you have an organized and efficient schedule to keep you on track. You'll be amazed at how much you get done in shorter amounts of time. And by focusing on your priorities and goals, you'll be able to finally move ahead toward reaching them.
You'll have a positive self-image and ditch the shame. Once your home or office is neat and tidy, you won't feel embarrassed to have guests visit. The guilt will fade away as you take pride in your surroundings. Your organized office will allow you to present a professional image to co-workers, clients, and superiors. Your organized home and newfound habits to keep it that way will set a great example for your children and/or spouse.
You can create a healthier environment. Physical and emotional clutter obscure your surroundings. A clutter-free environment is simply easier to manage. A professional organizer can help you clear out your space so you can see that you and your surroundings are fine just as they are.
Your stress level will decrease dramatically. When you can find what you need, are on top of your to-dos, and arrive on time, you'll feel calmer and have more peace of mind. No more feeling overwhelmed by life -- you'll be the one in control.
You'll discover more time for yourself. When you're organized, your days go as planned, and you get a lot done. That leaves more time to indulge in a little "me time."
Your energy will shine. Clutter is a mask. A professional organizer can help you take off that mask and let people see your vibrance! Once the clutter is removed, you can showcase your talents, skills, and personality and have the life you deserve.
© 2008 Articles on Demand™
Preventing Identity Theft (#I101)
The statistics are scary: Twenty percent of Americans identify themselves as victims of identity theft. (Source: Privacy and American Business.) Don't let yourself join those alarming statistics! With the help of your social security number, a thief can steal your identity and wreak havoc with your credit status and life. Best case, the thief will go on a spending spree with your credit cards. Worst case, he'll get new cards, open new accounts, take out loans, and/or commit a crime in your name. You'll spend up to 600 hours and $1400 in out-of-pocket expenses to clear your name and repair your credit. Here's what you can do today to keep yourself — and your good name — safe.
• Never carry your social security card in your wallet. It's just too dangerous to have that information where it can fall into the wrong hands. Also, don't carry your birth certificate or passport unless absolutely necessary.
• Be very cautious when giving out your social security number. Most places that ask for it do not require you to provide it. Ask first, "What happens if I don't want to provide that?"
• Make sure your mail is delivered to a locked box. Or try to collect your mail as soon as it's delivered to your mailbox. Place outgoing checks or sensitive documents directly in a postal service collection box. And opt out of receiving unsolicited credit card offers by calling 888-5-OPT-OUT.
• Carry only the bare minimum of credit cards in your wallet. Opt for credit cards with your photo on them. And don't carry your checkbook.
• Don't use common identifiers for passwords. For example, don't use your mother's maiden name, your birth date, or your pet's name. Make it difficult for thieves to impersonate you by adding passwords to your financial accounts. Change passwords frequently.
• Opt out of having your financial information shared by banks and brokerage and insurance companies. Federal law requires these companies to give you the right to opt out of having your information shared.
• Toss computers with care. Make sure to completely wipe out all information on the hard drive before you discard.
© 2006Articles on Demand™
Easy as 1-2-3: Clutter Control for Kids (#K101)
Managing the mess that kids make can be overwhelming sometimes. But by adding some simple routines and expectations, your household will function like clockwork!
Make organizing a part of each day. Let kids know that they need to be responsible for their own possessions. Teach children how to pick up after themselves. It's important to show kids that every item they own has a "home" where it needs to return when they're done using it. Be consistent.
Establish simple routines that are age-specific. Younger children will need more direction and simpler expectations than pre-teens and teenagers. For example, saying "Clean up your room" is overwhelming to a kindergartner. Instead, try "Please put the Legos in the shoebox and your books on the bookshelf." Some tasks that children under five can do:
• put dirty laundry in the hamper
• clean up toys (with assistance) at the end of the day
Kids over five should also be able to:
• make their beds every day
• clean up toys throughout the day
• select their clothing for the next day
• take schoolwork out of their book bags each day
As they grow, add more responsibilities. You are giving them skills and confidence to tackle more challenging projects in the coming years. And, most important, praise your children frequently for their efforts.
Don't forget that children of all ages need routines and schedules, as well as downtime.
• Set out the breakfast dishes each evening so you have a few extra minutes to languish over breakfast treats and conversation with your family in the morning. Also, gather bookbags and double check that permission slips, sports equipment, and lunch money are ready to go. Lay out tomorrow's clothing to avoid hassles.
• Throughout the year, maintain routines for bedtime, mealtime, chores, etc. Allow some flexibility to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise.
• Slow down and unplug to enjoy and appreciate life. Turn off the TV and computer and head outside to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. Set aside some special time — a weekend morning is great — to cuddle on the couch and talk about the week's events.
© 2006 Articles on Demand™
Out the Door, in the Door (#K112)
If your mornings are chaotic, follow these get-organized tips to ensure out-the-door ease.
• Make mornings flow smoothly by getting everything ready the night before: Have school bags packed and placed by the door and tomorrow's outfits laid out. Pack the non-perishable parts of the lunches, so you can simply pop in a sandwich in the morning. Set the breakfast table.
• Create a checklist of kids' to-do's (make bed, comb hair, brush teeth, etc.), and post it on the fridge or bathroom mirror. Likewise, create an "out-the-door" list of items they need to take to school, and post it on or near the exit door. You might include things like homework, lunch, snacks, library books, instruments, and gym shoes. (Some neat, ready-made checklists called Get Your Gear are available from www.simplyordered.com.)
• Organize your kids' arrival: Declare a proper destination for backpacks and school bags in the entryway, install hooks at a kid-friendly height, and have your children put bags there as they arrive home.
• Teach kids to empty out their backpacks right away after school. Immediately bring homework to their designated study spot, place papers that need parental review in a designated basket or tray, and put lunch containers in the kitchen. Encourage them to place coats, shoes, and hats in a designated spot to avoid frantic morning searches.
© 2008 Articles on Demand™
Paper Management, Step By Step (#P101)
GATHER SUPPLIES: First, gather file folders, hanging file folders, a felt-tip pen and large garbage (or recycling) bags or boxes. Every household or office also needs an appropriate type of file cabinet or box; the size will depend on the amount of papers you must keep. Make a commitment to work on this project for at least one uninterrupted hour. Enlist a friend or professional organizer if you need help or encouragement.
Determine where to start: Start on desktops, countertops or urgently-needed surfaces. Your most recently-received papers will be here. Resist the urge to start with the papers on the floor or stuffed in paper bags or boxes.
IDENTIFY: Determine the types of papers you receive on a regular basis as you start sorting. Create a neat pile of the papers on the surface you're working on. Pick up the top one. Ask yourself, "What is this? Do I need to keep it? Do I need to take action on this? Or do I just need to file it in case I need to retrieve it later?" Toss as much as you can.
SORT: As you encounter papers that need to elicit an "action," put them in a folder labeled "TO DO" (i.e., class to sign up for, RSVP to send, etc.)
As you encounter bills to pay, separate them out by putting them in a folder labeled "BILLS TO PAY." (Try a bright red folder.)
As you encounter papers that simply need to be read and then disposed of (magazine articles you clipped, newsletters, etc.), put them in a folder labeled "TO READ." Tip: Take this folder with you when you'll be waiting in lines (e.g. doctor's office, dentist, bank, mechanic, etc.)
As you encounter papers that need to be discussed with your significant other or co-worker, put them in a folder labeled "DISCUSS WITH XXXXXXX."
Everything else should be either thrown out or filed neatly according to subject. Sort into simple categories that make sense to you. For example, some home categories might include: medical, pets, taxes, hobbies, outdoor activities, utility bills, car, home improvement, credit cards, insurance, 401K, education, projects.
CONTINUE AND TOSS: Work on getting all surfaces clear of papers using the above techniques. Then, conquer the remaining piles (if any) from the floor or elsewhere. You should find these piles contain more papers for your "toss" category. Remember, only 20% of the things we file will ever be retrieved again. When in doubt, throw it out!
MAINTAIN: From here on out, manage paper daily. Sort mail immediately. Toss out junk mail. Put remainder into "TO READ," "TO DO," or "BILLS TO PAY" folders. (Keep these folders in an easily-accessible spot, i.e., the kitchen.) Make time every week to file everything else in your filing cabinet or box.
© 2006 Articles on Demand™
The Benefits of Being Organized at Work (#P110)
The average desk worker has 36 hours of work on his or her desk and spends three hours per week sorting piles trying to find the project to work on next.1 Sound familiar? If you're struggling through mountains of desk clutter, realize that by becoming more organized, you'll not only help your business run better, but you'll reap multiple personal rewards as well.
You'll increase productivity once you have an organized and efficient schedule to keep you on track. You'll be amazed at how much you get done in shorter amounts of time. And by focusing on your priorities and goals, you'll be able to finally move ahead toward reaching them. But the benefits don't stop there.
Once you're organized, you'll have a positive self-image and ditch the shame. Your organized office will allow you to present a professional image to coworkers, clients, and superiors. A clutter-free environment is also easier to manage. Your stress level will decrease dramatically. When you can find what you need, are on top of your to-dos, and arrive on time, you'll feel calmer and have more peace of mind. No more feeling overwhelmed by life — you'll be the one in control. You'll also discover more time for yourself. When you're organized, your days go as planned, and you get a lot done. That leaves more time to indulge in a little "me time." Now doesn't that sound nice?
© 2008 Articles on Demand™
Home Office Tips (#P112)
A day working from your home office can be filled with interruptions from spouses, kids, or unexpected visitors. To maximize your time, consider these tips:
• Establish regular office hours and make sure everyone knows and respects them. If necessary, find quiet time by getting up early or staying up late.
• For parents working at home with small children, utilize nap time for peak work hours. Set aside a bucket of special toys to be taken out only when you're on the phone and need extra special quiet. Establish regular childcare as needed, and don't forget to create a back-up plan for school vacations or sick days.
• Resist the urge to continually check email or voice mail. Ignore the doorbell. Use caller ID to direct your energies toward work-related calls, rather than chatty friends and pesky telemarketers.
• Make a to-do list at the beginning of each day or the evening before. Schedule your time so the most important tasks get done first. That way, if you do get interrupted, at least your most urgent tasks have been completed.
© 2008 Articles on Demand™
Simplify Your Life (#S101)
The only way to truly "get organized" is by simplifying. This means focusing on the important things in life — ridding yourself of anything that merely takes up time, space, money, or energy without giving you any benefit.
• REDUCE UNSOLICITED MAIL: Visit the Direct Marketing Association consumer website at www.dmachoice.org and ask to be removed from their mailing lists. While you're on the website, follow the instructions to put yourself on the Do Not Call list, and then opt out of pre-screened credit card offers.
• BUY IN BULK: Think of how much time you spend "running errands." Reduce that time by purchasing three- to six-month supplies of things you use on a daily basis — toothpaste, paper towels, postage stamps, etc.
• SAY NO: Think about everything you say YES to: community involvement, errands for others, visiting, running around. Think about how they benefit you, your family, your business, your health, and your mind. If they do not benefit you, learn to say "NO!"
• GET RID OF THE CLUTTER: Start each day with a clean desk or tidy house. You'll be more efficient when things are in order. Get rid of the things you don't need. You'll be amazed at what you can do without.
Take some time this week to think of ways you can simplify your life. Please contact me if I can help you reach your goals for organizing or simplifying your life!
© 2006 Articles on Demand™
|
|
|
|
