http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogList.asp?sort=organizer&schedule=122 I've been organizing people for over 10 years, and during that time, I've learned a lot about what works and doesn't work. Blogging give me an even better way to share my ideas about organizing with the masses -- and dadgummit, I intend to do just that! This weekly blog is a compendium of tips, tricks, techniques, and theory about how to organize every area of your life. You will find a little bit of everything -- time management, paper management, space organizing, clutter-clearing, home, work, kids, finances, travel, holidays, you name it. If you're new to us and starting at the very beginning (which Julie Andrews says is a very good place to start) you will find a discussion of my organizing philosophy (so you know where I'm coming from), where our clutter and disorganization come from, and the first steps for organizing any area of your life... Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:45:02 EST en-us http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3605 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3605 Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST Organizing employment and HR files can seem a bit intimidating at first -- the potential consequences for making a mistake are much more serious than if you accidentally throw out a credit card statement too soon! But as long as you understand your legal responsibilities and have a consistent system for each employee's files, you should be fine. Hiring, Personnel, Benefits, And Payroll As you consider potential employees, you will accumulate a lot of documents for each ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3515 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3515 Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST In business settings, "eco-friendly" is the new watchword -- companies are scrambling to make their processes (from mass production to the purchase of toner cartridges to the disposal of wastepaper) less polluting and kinder to the environment. But these changes don't just need to happen at the corporate level -- you as an individual business owner or employee can do your part to help "green-up" your own office. Reduce, Reuse, And Recycle The manufacture of office supplies is a ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3514 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3514 Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST Your resume is an employer's first look at you -- and the impression it makes can either earn or lose you that job. What is your future boss looking for in a resume? How can you make yours stand out in the crowd? Here are a few tips. The Devil Is In The Details When was the last time you read through your resume critically? Reviewed your grammar, spelling, and the structure of your sentences? While this isn't a novel, you should be just as concerned about your writing style ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3513 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3513 Thu, 5 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST In this economy, there are more people than ever looking for work -- that means greater competition for each available position. While you may be the most qualified applicant, credentials alone won't get you hired if you aren't organized in your search. Here are some tips for maximizing your chances of finding the best possible job. Expectations And Options Even in tough times, a job search doesn't have to be about taking absolutely ANYTHING that comes along (at least until ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3512 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3512 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST One of the biggest roadblocks my clients face in trying to get (and keep) on top of their to-do's scheduling -- finding the time to for paying bills and writing letters, for making phone calls and taking care of personal projects. Big blocks of time are hard to find, so you're better off breaking your to-do's into tasks that can be completed in 15 minutes or less. Think that's impossible? Let me show you how it's done! A Faster Way To Get It All Done Most people's ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3511 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3511 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST One of the biggest roadblocks my clients face in trying to get (and keep) technologically on top of things is scheduling -- finding the time to clean out the junk emails, organize their electronic files, update their software, and back up their data. Big blocks of time are hard to find, so you're better off breaking your techie responsibilities into tasks that can be completed in 15 minutes or less. Think that's impossible? Let me show you how it's done! A Faster Way To Compute ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3510 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3510 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST One of the biggest roadblocks my clients face in trying to get (and keep) their homes tidy is scheduling -- finding the time to sweep and vacuum and dust, to put things away and stay on top of the dishes and even just wash a load of laundry. Big hour-long blocks may be hard to find, so you're better off breaking your cleaning up into tasks that can each be completed in 15 minutes or less. Think that's impossible? Let me show you how it's done! Faster Way To Clean Cleaning ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3509 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3509 Thu, 8 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST One of the biggest roadblocks my clients face in trying to get (and stay) on top of things is scheduling -- finding the time for all the have-to's and want-to's that need attention throughout each day. Big blocks of time are hard to find, so you're better off breaking your activities into tasks that can be completed in 15 minutes or less. Think that's impossible? Let me show you how it's done! A Better Use Of Down Time Most people's days are so filled to overflowing ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3508 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3508 Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST One of the biggest roadblocks my clients face in trying to get (and keep) their children organized is scheduling -- finding the time to clean out toys they no longer play with, keep their school supplies in order, and shovel through the messes that accumulate in their bedrooms. Big blocks of time are hard to find, so you're better off breaking your kid-organizing into tasks that can be completed in 15 minutes or less. Think that's impossible? Let me show you how it's done! A ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3507 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3507 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST One of the biggest roadblocks my clients face in trying to get (and keep) their finances in order is scheduling -- finding the time to pay the bills, update the checkbook, reconcile the statements, and plug the money leaks. Big blocks of time are hard to find, so you're better off breaking your financial organizing into tasks that can be completed in 15 minutes or less. Think that's impossible? Let me show you how it's done! A Faster Way To Organize Your Finances Did you know ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3506 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3506 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST One of the biggest roadblocks my clients face in trying to get (and keep) their offices in order is scheduling -- finding the time to stay on top of the filing, keep the desk cleared off, and create a truly ergonomic workspace. Big blocks of time are hard to find, so you're better off breaking your office organizing into tasks that can be completed in 15 minutes or less. Think that's impossible? Let me show you how it's done! A Faster Way To Do Your Work There's so much to ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3505 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3505 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST One of the biggest roadblocks my clients face in trying to get (and keep) their homes organized is scheduling -- finding the time to create systems that make sense, to set up the right home for everything they own, and to stay on top of routine household management chores. Big blocks of time are hard to find, so you're better off breaking your organizing up into tasks that can be completed in 15 minutes or less. Think that's impossible? Let me show you how it's done! A Faster Way ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3504 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3504 Thu, 3 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST One of the biggest roadblocks my clients face in trying to get (and keep) their homes and offices decluttered is scheduling -- finding the time to sort through the piles, make decisions about what to keep and what to get rid of, and find someplace else for the "discards" to live. Big blocks of time are hard to find, so you're better off breaking your cleaning out into tasks that can be completed in 15 minutes or less. Think that's impossible? Let me show you how it's done! A ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3503 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3503 Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST Last week, I talked about the benefits of online banking -- and there are many! This week, I'd like to share the bill-paying side of the equation with you -- including an explanation of the system I set up for my client to save time on managing his finances. Check-Writing Woes While instant access to your accounts is a big plus, I think the most significant time and money savings related to online banking come from automated electronic bill-pay. A recent study showed that using an ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3502 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3502 Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST I just helped one of my coaching clients to "electrify" (as he called it) his bookkeeping and bill-paying. It took a second to set up the automated systems and software programs -- but he saves at least two hours a week now that his accounting is handled electronically. If you're still recording your income and expenses in a paper ledger, or paying your bills by mailing in a check, you're missing out on some great tools for simplifying your life! Online Banking You may be hesitant ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3501 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3501 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST Financial documents seem to frustrate and confound people more than any other kind of paper. It's hard to know how to handle each piece, how long to keep it, or the best way to store it. And, the consequences can be much more severe if you make the wrong choice than with, say, an article clipping. So here are some simple guidelines to follow when dealing with your personal financial paperwork. Deal With It Before You File It I can't tell you how many clients I meet who stick bills ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3500 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3500 Thu, 6 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST I was working with a client the other day who was "bill-pay-a-phobic" -- every month, he so dreaded having to sit down with his accounts that he would procrastinate to the point of racking up late fees. It's not that he was unable to cover his monthly expenses -- he just didn't have a good system in place. But we instituted few quick changes to how he handles his finances, and now his bills are paid on time with almost no effort! Breaking Free There's nothing about the act of ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3407 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3407 Thu, 8 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST Everyone I know who filed a tax extension is now knee-deep in paperwork, trying to get their tax returns filed on time. I can hear the blood pressure levels rising, even as I type! Tax time is incredibly stressful for a lot of folks -- mostly because they have to hunt and dig to find all their supporting documents. But you can make tax season much easier next time, if you set up a regular routine for organizing your financial records throughout the year. A Stitch In Time Saves ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3406 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3406 Thu, 1 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST As everyone was busy updating Quickbooks and gathering receipts and filling out income tax forms last week, I solidly was not. In fact, I won't worry about getting my tax papers to my accountant until sometime in early fall. What makes me so special? I file an automatic extension every year -- on purpose. First-Come, First-Screwed I love my accountant -- but the first time he did my taxes and told me he was filing an extension on my behalf, I was livid! I assumed that my ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3405 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3405 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST Managing a project is a lot like taking a journey. You have some idea of where you want to go, but you're unsure what steps will get you there, or what to expect along the way. It's easy to get overwhelmed -- but project management is actually quite easy, when you have the right plan… Getting Started They say that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step -- and the same is true of your project. You have to start somewhere. Maybe your first step will be ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3404 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3404 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST Insurance is a crucial part of modern life -- your stuff, your well-being, and your loved ones all need protecting against the unexpected. Aside from claims information, most insurance policies don't generate a huge amount of paperwork -- but it's really important paperwork, and you need a solid system for keeping it all organized. A General Rule Of Thumb All of your original policies, regardless of the type of coverage, should be stored in a safety deposit box or fire ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3403 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3403 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST Last week, I talked about the benefits of online banking -- and there are many! This week, I'd like to share the bill-paying side of the equation with you -- including an explanation of the system I set up for my client to save time on managing his finances. Check-Writing Woes While instant access to your accounts is a big plus, I think the most significant time and money savings related to online banking come from automated electronic bill-pay. A recent study showed that ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3402 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3402 Thu, 4 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST I just helped one of my coaching clients to "electrify" (as he called it) his bookkeeping and bill-paying. It took a second to set up the automated systems and software programs -- but he saves at least two hours a week now that his accounting is handled electronically. If you're still recording your income and expenses in a paper ledger, or paying your bills by mailing in a check, you're missing out on some great tools for simplifying your life! Online Banking You ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3401 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3401 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST Financial documents seem to frustrate and confound people more than any other kind of paper. It's hard to know how to handle each piece, how long to keep it, or the best way to store it. And, the consequences can be much more severe if you make the wrong choice than with, say, an article clipping. So here are some simple guidelines to follow when dealing with your personal financial paperwork. Deal With It Before You File It I can't tell you how many clients I meet ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3400 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3400 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST was working with a client the other day who was "bill-pay-a-phobic" -- every month, he so dreaded having to sit down with his accounts that he would procrastinate to the point of racking up late fees. It's not that he was unable to cover his monthly expenses -- he just didn't have a good system in place. But we instituted few quick changes to how he handles his finances, and now his bills are paid on time with almost no effort! Breaking Free There's nothing about the ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3399 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3399 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST I am noticing a trend in organizing these days. So many of the challenges I see families face are not actually caused by disorganization, but by a conflict in organizing styles. One person waits to do all the filing once a month while the other prefers to file daily, it as each item comes in. Or mom's one to cram a lot of activities into her day, while dad would prefer more time off. Each calls the other "wrong" and there's a lot of unnecessary head-butting. Learning To ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3398 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3398 Thu, 7 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST It seems that these days, everyone is focused on how to make their homes more eco-friendly -- that means "reduce, reuse, and recycle." When folks hear this phrase, they tend to think of washing out soda cans and turning off the lights leaving a room -- but there are other ways to take "greening-up" your living environment to the next level. Reduce, Reuse, And Recycle The first step is to reduce your dependence on disposable items. We've grown so accustomed to using something ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3397 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3397 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST Trying to coordinate your family's schedule can seem like a monumental task. Work responsibilities for mom and dad, extracurricular activities for the kids, trying to fit in chores and family time – how can you possibly manage it with only 24 hours in the day? All it takes is a little planning! Getting On The Same Page I spoke recently about the idea of setting up a "family calendar," and I'd like to explain that concept in a little more detail -- because it's ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3396 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3396 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST Staying on top of everything that you personally have to do is a challenge -- but managing all of your family members' affairs can push you to your limits! What you really need is a "command center" -- that offers both a place to store important information and an easy way to coordinate everyone's activities. Centralizing Your Communications Your command center should be a high-traffic area of your home, where people are constantly passing by. Just make sure you have ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3395 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3395 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST There has been a lot of talk in the media lately about whether "multi-tasking" helps you to be more productive or causes you to actually get less done because your attention is fractured. Many Professional Organizers have weighed in, and most side with the anti-multi-taskers. But I'm going to take a somewhat contrary position and insist that multi-tasking can actually be beneficial -- in some situations. Finding Balance Let's start by determining exactly what ...