Aug 23

Organizing – One Of Life’s Goals – Part 2

By Sherry Borsheim Blog, Inspiration, Organizing Paper Files No Comments

Last entry we addressed how to start organizing your life. It was a very simple start to what could be for some a very overwhelming process. Today (now that you are a little more prepared) we are going through 5 specific steps to take things to the next level.

Organizing – Outlining the Steps

With some simple steps in place, you can take the pain out of organizing.

Clear the clutter: Before you start organizing, formulate a plan as to what you are not going to need anymore and are willing to throw away. Old bills? Paperwork? Magazines that are two years old? Clothing that has been kept in your closet unworn? Tools that are rusty or damaged?
Stick to the plan: It is easy as you are going through what you want to keep and what you can throw away to say “Oh, I might need that.” Or “I know I have not used that in three years, but I might.” If you have not needed it over the past few years, chances are you are not going to need it any time soon. Exceptions, of course, being items such as legal documents, medical records, ID and items of real sentimental value, for example.
Develop your system: For paperwork are you going to set up a filing system or refine the one you have? For closets are you going to organize in sections – say, pants on one side, sweaters hanging or on shelves and/or sorted by colour? Whatever you decide, make sure that it will be easy to follow and maintain and the system is functional so that it works for you. Nothing worse than going to all the trouble to organize and then realize afterwards that you are not at all happy with the system you have devised.
Make the most out of the space you have with organizers: Have a particular nook that seems like wasted space? What about putting shelves or building a bookcase? Whether in a home or an office, using containers or baskets to corral items can be both functional and decorative. These items can also fit nicely into spaces that previously sat empty. Drawers are also a place where there can be much wasted space. Use a drawer organizer to put everything into compartments. Not only does it look better than a bunch of items just thrown in, but it makes it a lot easier to find whatever you need.
Once you have the plan and the tools you will need, take a deep breath and get started!

Don’t forget to throw things out! You cannot possibly keep everything. The general rule is – if you have not used it in 3 months or more – it’s TIME TO GO!

Have fun organizing.

Aug 20

Love0

Organizing – One of Life’s Goals – Part 1

By Sherry Borsheim Inspiration, Quick Organizing Tips No Comments

Okay, so it’s time for some real life organization.

Not the most fun job in the world, although some people really relish it and throw themselves into the process with a joy that leaves the rest of us bewildered.

However, whether you like organizing or not, be it your office, your closet, your garage or your life’s to-do list, it is admittedly easier to find whatever you need when everything has been neatly put into compartments or specific sections.

First thing you have to do is to focus on the end result.

What is it you want to achieve? Do you want to know where all your office paperwork is so that when called to a meeting you can have everything put together in seconds, do you want to be able to quickly put together whatever it is you want to wear without having to embark on a hunting expedition, do you want to know where your tools are so the home project you want to work on does not take longer than it should?

Imagine how easy it would be if everything were exactly in the same place all the time. Imagine how much time you would save, not to mention the decrease in frustration.

Look at organizing the same way you would as mapping out your life’s goals.

Then just as you would plan your goals, plan the organization of whatever aspect is most pertinent to you in the moment. You do it one step at a time. In either case, you would not want to overwhelm yourself with taking on too much at once.

Once you get it in your mind that it is a process not requiring a tornado like effort, write down what you visualize as the end result and the step-by-step process to get there.

It will make things that much easier AND it will make sense!

Part 2 is just around the corner – so start here and come back for more in a few days.

Aug 19

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Do You Nap at Work? 9 Reasons You Should.

By Sherry Borsheim Blog, Business Organizing, Expert Articles, Free Articles, Inspiration No Comments

Did She Say Nap at Work?

I did! Napping at work is not commonly viewed in a positive light. But what if it was shown that catching quick catnaps could actually benefit your employer?

Sound to good to be true? This article was recently shared with me- and I’m passing on the good news to you! Check out the great benefits a few Zzzz during the day can lead to. Who is up for a great argument on the benefits of catching a short nap at work?

Do you agree that a nap at work can have positive effects? Or do you think this is a fad that won’t catch on! Let us know in the comments below.

And then check out this interesting read: 9 Indisputable Reasons to Nap at Work.

August 2012