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, 18 Oct 2012 12:45:01 EST en-us http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3740 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3740 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 11:30:00 EST I realize that homelessness might seem like a strange issue to address in a discussion of getting organized -- but I'm talking not talking about street people. I'm referring to homeless belongings -- those poor lost, wandering souls that clutter up your house because they don't have a set place to live. It's time to give these neglected treasures a roof over their heads! Giving Each Item A Place To Live If you glance around your home or office, I'll bet you see at ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3739 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3739 Thu, 11 Oct 2012 11:30:00 EST You've heard the very old and very cliche saying "birds of a feather flock together?" Well, when it comes to space organizing, this idiom is only about half right. While it certainly makes sense to keep different classes of belongings with other similar belongings, don't expect those storage areas to magically re-arrange themselves -- first you've got to come up with your own definition of what a "flock" is, and then be the one to forcibly corral and contain your birds! Storing ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3738 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3738 Thu, 4 Oct 2012 11:30:00 EST When determining where to store something in your home or office, what's the first question you ask? Is it about the thing's size or whether it comes with attachments or the temperature of the storage area? If you're smart about your organizing, it will be something along the lines of, "How often will I need to get at it?" -- because frequency of use is one of the most important factors to consider when determining where something should live. How Often Do You Use It? Things ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3737 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3737 Thu, 27 Sep 2012 11:30:00 EST How many times a day do you hear the word "efficiency" in a conversation (especially at your workplace or during a professional meeting?) This has become one of the most overused and least understood organizing catchphrases of the decade! Why then is it that so many people who think they are being "efficient" by going 90 miles an hour are still stressed-out and overwhelmed? Because they're focusing their efforts in the wrong direction. Making Everything A Bit Easier Somewhere along ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3736 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3736 Thu, 20 Sep 2012 11:30:00 EST A lot of people think that organizing is about the systems you set up -- having everything color-coded and alphabetized and stored by season. That's certainly part of it, but arranging your places and spaces comes later. You can't effectively organize when you're weighed down. To create order out of chaos, you must lighten the load -- but the tricky part is figuring out exactly what in your life qualifies as "clutter." Clearing Out Clutter Of All Kinds So ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3735 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3735 Thu, 13 Sep 2012 11:30:00 EST Have you ever had some well-meaning (and probably highly anal-retentive) person give you organizing advice -- suggesting that they've discovered the "right" way to do things, and assuring you that your clutter problems will disappear overnight if only you would use their system? Here's something you might not realize as you attempt to tame the chaos in your life -- there is no one "right" way to organize. Finding What Works For You Don't be led astray by the experts. ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3734 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3734 Thu, 6 Sep 2012 11:30:00 EST Have you ever attempted to clean out a bunch of clutter you didn't really need -- but couldn't talk yourself into letting any of it go because it seemed like such a waste? I mean, you spent good money for this junk! And now you're supposed to just give it away? Where's the logic in that?? Charitable Donations -- A Win-Win The act of cleaning out is a hard one for many people, because it's often accompanied by so many unpleasant emotions. Clutter makes us feel bad ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3733 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3733 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:30:00 EST So you're attempting to craft a more orderly existence on this planet -- good for you! But do you actually know which habits and behaviors are creating the chaos in your life? What the root problem is? Remember, the very first rule of organizing is you have to be aware of what's not working to make effective and lasting changes. The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly Disorganization is not just about an excess of paper, too much to do, and piles of clutter taking over your home -- ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3732 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3732 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 11:30:00 EST Coupons, if done correctly, can be a great way to reduce your weekly grocery bill. Unfortunately, very few people manage to take full advantage of all those discounts offered in the Sunday paper. Why is it that, more often than not, your good intentions end up expiring before they can save you the first dime? Why Is It So Hard? \You know how it works. You sit down with the weekly advertisement section and are seduced by the dozens of money-saving offers available to you. You ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3731 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3731 Thu, 16 Aug 2012 11:30:00 EST School is solidly back in session -- what does that mean to you? For some people, it's finishing shopping for supplies, gearing up for PTA meetings, and artwork taped to the refrigerator. For others, it's the beginning of a constant struggle to stay on top of homework, extracurricular activities, and the household chores. How on earth do you make the transition without everyone in the family feeling the stress? Set Up A Family Calendar Keeping track ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3616 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3616 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST There is an almost direct relationship between how organized a child is and how well he does at school. Kids need an uncluttered space in which to focus, and they must be taught good time management skills or they will never be able to stay on top of it all. If your child is struggling, one of the first things that you can do as a parent is to take a look at the tools you're providing to help develop good study and organizing habits. Creating The Right ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3615 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3615 Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST For most people, the worst part of moving isn't packing the truck or traveling to a new town -- it's getting settled in! This should be the most enjoyable part of relocating -- setting everything up just the way you want it, making your new place feel like home, and taking a break after all of your hard work. But the idea of creating an entirely new living environment can seem incredibly overwhelming -- unless you have a plan in mind. Know Where You Want ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3614 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3614 Thu, 5 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST So, which is it -- hire a mover or rent a Ryder truck? The answer may seem obvious -- "Go with the cheaper alternative!" or "Whichever means I have to do less work!" But you have an awful lot of issues to consider before you sign on the dotted line -- cost, responsibility for damage, the physical labor involved, and your moving time frame. Whichever option you choose, make sure you are fully informed before making a decision that could cost you a lot of time, money, and mental anguish. ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3613 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3613 Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST Packing is more than just shoving everything you own onto a truck and hitting the road. While I don't believe you HAVE to hire a professional for a successful move, you do need to know what you are doing before you start loading up all of your belongings. Without some preparation, you could find yourself sorting through dozens of unlabeled boxes, desperately searching for a lost frying pan -- or worse yet, filling out damage claims, instead of enjoying your new home! ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3612 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3612 Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST So you're planning on relocating to another area -- very exciting! Unfortunately, these days you can't just pack up the car and take off. You will need to settle all of your old business before starting fresh in a new community. Here are a few simple steps you can take to make the transition to your new home and new life a bit easier. Changing Accounts And Addresses Shutting off your old utilities and turning on the new ones is ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3611 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3611 Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST I have a friend who is in the process of relocating her home 3000 miles away -- and she is really struggling. Moving is challenging, even when you're organized, and more so if you're attempting to haul tons of clutter with you. So I'm going to spend a couple of weeks talking about ways to make moving easier. A Great Opportunity When I tell people what a freeing experience moving is, they usually look at me like I'm crazy. "What do you ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3610 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3610 Thu, 8 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST Budgeting -- ooh, what a scary word! If you want to frighten someone whose business finances are out of control, suggest that they tally up their expenses on a piece of paper. But budgeting doesn't have to be so painful, when you take a moment to get organized first. What's The Verdict? You can't begin to know how much your business can afford to spend if you can't even find your bank statements and credit card charges to refer back to. If you don't already ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3609 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3609 Thu, 1 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST Are you having difficulties staying focused on your work? Your distractions may be coming from the outside world (phone calls, drop-in visitors) or from inside your own head. Whatever the frustration, here are a few quick suggestions for staying focused on the task at hand. How You Use Your Day If you find it hard to get your work done because of drop-in visitors, don't be shy about shutting your door to discourage interruptions. Put a note on your door explaining that ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3608 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3608 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST From 9 to 5, it's easy to get caught up in mundane "busy" work which distracts you from more important projects. And there's nothing more frustrating than ending your day and realizing that you didn't accomplish what you intended to. The key to improving your efficiency and boosting your productivity is synchronizing your to-do list, paper management, and prioritization systems. Step By Step Let's start with where you put to-do's as they come into your ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3607 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3607 Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST If you ask any entrepreneur what one task he or she dreads the most -- the answer will either be making phone calls or bookkeeping. And if you look at the activities small business owners are most often behind on, it's almost always recording and filing financial paperwork. I'm not sure if balancing our books is so scary because it seems really complicated or because we're afraid of the bottom line -- but you can take the sting out of both with an organized recordkeeping ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3606 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3606 Thu, 9 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST Vacations are supposed to be fun –- but it's difficult to relax when you're worried about all the to-do's you're leaving behind at the office. You work hard enough when you're at work. You should be able to enjoy your time off without phone calls and emails and business requests chasing after you while you travel! They Can Live Without You! Modern business people often feel pressured to be "at work," even while they are away from the office. They type ... 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 ...