Stop the paper trail!

I was under the impression that the computer age was going to diminish the paper in our offices. But it may have gotten worse.

Do you fear that documents may get lost on the computer, so you print everything. Stuff you may never refer to again.
Print. Print. Print.

But now you’ve created another job for yourself.
Shred. Shred. Shred.

Piles and stacks of paper everywhere. Some of you are drowning in a sea of paper.
So before you hit “Print”, stop and think:

1. Will I really need to refer back to this document again?
2. Do I have the filing space to save this document properly and find it when I need it?
3. Or could I save this on my computer or flash drive in case I need it in the future?
4. If you need to print, then use recycled paper and recycle your shredded papers.
5. Keep your to-do list on your computer calendar or smart phone to limit the post-its and scraps of paper littering your home and office.

I'd love to hear from you. Let me know how you keep paper from taking over your office.

The Secret to Getting Organized

You know what the Secret to getting Organized is???

Doing the work. Plain and simple, you have to put some time and effort into it. AND it’s best when everyone in the home or office is involved and committed.

You can read all the organizing books for some great ideas and methods. Shop for all the coolest organizing containers and gizmos. But it really comes down to doing the work. But isn’t that the case for anything we want in life? The best things in life don’t come to those that stand on the sidelines. Life is not a spectator sport!

So how can a Professional Organizer help you become organized? 
I can help you get past that stuck, dear-in-the-headlights, paralysis. I can teach you the methods to working strategically and productively. I can keep you on track and focused to see results sooner. Or if you simply want me to take care of it all for you, I can do that too. BUT I will need your participation in making the decisions on what stays or what goes. Or do you want me to call the dumpster and just haul it all out? Yeah that’s what I thought. You’ll want to be a part of the process to some degree.

Want to change your life and get organized? I’m here to guide you through the clutter.
Order. Function. Simplicity. Harmony.

Computer Clutter

When clutter is mentioned we usually think of paper, stacks and stacks of papers every where. But there’s another type of clutter that is taking over our offices, homes and lives:
Computer Clutter.

We probably receive more junk mail through our computer than in the “old-fashioned” mail box. Every time we search a website or order on line, we hand over our email address. If you don’t stay on top of your email, it can quickly grow to staggering numbers. I’m going to take a wild guess and say that if you have hundreds or thousands of emails in your inbox, you’re missing some important information. There may well be something worth reading or replying too but now it’s literally buried under tons of emails.

Think of your computer as an extension of your desk. File documents, photos, and emails for easy retrieval. If you are on a PC, I highly recommend using Outlook for your emails. (Outlook offers a great calendar and contacts system too). If you’re on a Mac, use iMail. Create folders for keeping emails and keep only the emails that you will honestly need to refer back. Example folders would be work, recipes, photos, jokes, a folder for each member who uses that computer, maybe folder for clients or vendors we correspond with often. Now if you must keep an email put it in the appropriate folder. Try keeping only the emails that need your attention in your inbox - say the messages that need a response. Also, you can flag these messages to remind you to take care of these.

Just like your actual desk or workspace is for working and not storing, the same goes for your computer desktop. Store as few as possible applications, documents, and programs on your desk top. Storing too many programs or operating with many open at once will slow down your computer. It’s like having too many folders and papers on your desk when you are trying to write. Just not enough room to work efficiently.

Try clearing the clutter on your computer. And if you need more guidance, I’m here to help. And be sure to share your accomplishments.

Letting Go

"The process of clearing clutter is all about letting go. Not just letting go of your belongings - that is only the end result. The most important thing is learning to let go of the fear that keeps you holding on to them after it is time to move them on their way."
--quote by Karen Kingston "Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui"

An Organized Desk

One of the most common clutter challenges is the home office, particularly the desk. Many of us are working from home these days and the office can really become out of control. Here are 5 tips to help you get and maintain an organized desk:
1. The desk top is for working and NOT storing.
2. Keep only the things you need on a daily or hourly basis within arms’ reach. If some papers must be nearby, keep them vertically, maybe even on the the wall. In other words, do NOT keep papers flat on your desk. This invites all kinds of other Stuff to land in that exact spot, thus burying that paper on the bottom.
Also, set boundaries with your family members. Designate a specific spot for incoming papers.
Some things I like:
For small amounts of paper, such as receipts, I like Post-It Pockets.
The Container Store has quite a variety of Wall Pockets options.
4. Save only the documents you will truly need in the future. For some ideas on what to keep check out these web-sights:
CNN
Good Housekeeping
And please refer to your own accountant or financial adviser for specific information about your files.
5. Create a filing system that works for you. If you don’t have file drawers, then maybe a 3-ring binder? You can use colors or labels to identify different categories. Or use plastic hanging file containers that you can store in a closet.

I hope this helps you work more efficiently. Let me know what you think.

Next week, tackling Computer Clutter.