Try just one hour of paper clutter clearing. Maybe the paper piles have grown taller? And, well, tax season is coming. Here's the drill:
1. Pick your thickest folder or tallest paper pile. Grab the kitchen timer and set it for 15 minutes. (Repeat up to four times until your hour is up.) You will have more space in your filing system when you are done!
2. Sort: Shredder items, recycle items, to-do items, to-file items, and maybe a to-make-new-folders-for items (the new stuff that has created piles).
3. Not sure what to do with something? Decide to decide. If you need to ask someone, make a note on your to-do list to talk to them about the item.
4. Remember the 80-20 rule of Life applies to paper too. 80 percent of what we keep and file, we will never use again. Humm? So, think twice before hanging onto it.
5. Reward yourself for a job well done. You pick! (Don't skip this step!)
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Clear paper clutter
However long you think a paper clutter clearing project will take, it will take you less time than you think it will. The time and energy you are expending worrying about it and procrastinating about it drags you down. You don't have to let it do that to you! Make a choice to tackle it today. You can do this!
Have you meet Flylady? She is a fan of the kitchen timer and setting it for 10 minutes to tackle a clutter project. This works great for paper!
Any pile can become a new file. Our lives change. A new pile of paper is often created due to a project or a life change or an event.
Paper clutter sometimes happens when we have multiple files, or think "systems," for the same category of paper. Examples? Business cards: in a drawer, in a billfold, and stuck on the refrigerator (that's three systems, no wonder someone has to hunt in multiple places). Take-out menus: on the refrigerator, in a drawer, some by the upstairs phone, some by the downstairs phone (same point here).
The solution? Pick one system or file for each category of paper in your life: use it, trust it, and spend less time hunting for lost paperwork. The other side of the coin? Sometimes a folder that served us once is a folder we no longer need or use any more. Be alert for these too.
Have you meet Flylady? She is a fan of the kitchen timer and setting it for 10 minutes to tackle a clutter project. This works great for paper!
Any pile can become a new file. Our lives change. A new pile of paper is often created due to a project or a life change or an event.
Paper clutter sometimes happens when we have multiple files, or think "systems," for the same category of paper. Examples? Business cards: in a drawer, in a billfold, and stuck on the refrigerator (that's three systems, no wonder someone has to hunt in multiple places). Take-out menus: on the refrigerator, in a drawer, some by the upstairs phone, some by the downstairs phone (same point here).
The solution? Pick one system or file for each category of paper in your life: use it, trust it, and spend less time hunting for lost paperwork. The other side of the coin? Sometimes a folder that served us once is a folder we no longer need or use any more. Be alert for these too.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Newbie clutter clearing author appreciates the press coverage
Yes, I am a newbie author. I really think it is cool to be featured in the local paper. I am very grateful for the generous coverage. It really paid off: The local library where I spoke and signed copies of my book last night had six times the usual attendance for a book signing.
Here is the article link if you would like to see it. It has some helpful organizing tips.
http://www.presspubs.com/articles/2010/01/26/white_bear_press/news/doc4b5f8a5c793dc227826677.txt
Thank you!
Here is the article link if you would like to see it. It has some helpful organizing tips.
http://www.presspubs.com/articles/2010/01/26/white_bear_press/news/doc4b5f8a5c793dc227826677.txt
Thank you!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Great Organizing Give Away
January is Get Organized Month! My colleagues and I are launching Ask the Expert Organizer GREAT ORGANIZING GIVE AWAY! Including ebooks, tip sheets, audio programs, webinars, free consulting, chances to win memberships to programs and productivity software, and even a chance at an iPod! Items are in three categories: Your Office, Your Time & Your Home.
Click on the link below to get your free organizing things. Freebies!
http://www.asktheexpertorganizers.com/sneak-preview.html
Click on the link below to get your free organizing things. Freebies!
http://www.asktheexpertorganizers.com/sneak-preview.html
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Check out this link for organizing ideas
Clever containers hold clutter and add interest
http://www.examiner.com/x-20584-Pittsburgh-Interior-Decorating-Examiner~y2010m1d20-Clever-containers-hold-clutter-and-add-interestMonday, January 18, 2010
Networkingwitches.com: Check out the book giveaway!
Networking Witches is a fun website for women that offers blogging for a cause, chatter, giveaways, reviews and more.
Check out www.networkingwitches.com. Enter to win a free copy of "Clutter Clearing Choices: Clear Clutter, Organize Your Home, & Reclaim Your Life!" Check out their other offers while you are there!
Check out www.networkingwitches.com. Enter to win a free copy of "Clutter Clearing Choices: Clear Clutter, Organize Your Home, & Reclaim Your Life!" Check out their other offers while you are there!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Vacuum cleaner: Newbie clutter clearing book author keeps perspective
As a newbie clutter clearing book author, I am very excited to share that I received some great book review and radio interview requests recently. It is thrilling to think that my book is "out there" now and actually helping people with clutter clearing and home organizing ideas.
The other cool thing I just learned is that my upcoming speaking/interview/book signing schedule appears on my author page at Amazon. Just scroll down a little ways. I suppose I should be a calm and mature forty-something about it, but I am really happy! Technology is so neat! I hope you can come or listen to one of my events if you are interested.
Of course, life still marches on, and shortly after the latest request came in, I am hunched over on my floor digging and cutting hair off my vacuum cleaner beater brush bar. Counting the dogs, there are six of us in the house who shed hair. And, on top of that, two of them are teenagers. Do they "shed" more or do they just have longer hair? When was the last time you flipped your upright vacuum cleaner over to see if your beater brush bar could use a de-hairing? It took less than 10 minutes, and I am pretty sure the vacuum will operate more efficiently and effectively without all that hair wrapped around the beater brush.
I suppose with New Year's resolutions and the calm after the holidays that I am on a little reflective "perspective" kick. The thrilling is mixed in with the mundane. Beater brush hair, as well as dog barf and a host of other things, keep us grounded.
The other cool thing I just learned is that my upcoming speaking/interview/book signing schedule appears on my author page at Amazon. Just scroll down a little ways. I suppose I should be a calm and mature forty-something about it, but I am really happy! Technology is so neat! I hope you can come or listen to one of my events if you are interested.
Of course, life still marches on, and shortly after the latest request came in, I am hunched over on my floor digging and cutting hair off my vacuum cleaner beater brush bar. Counting the dogs, there are six of us in the house who shed hair. And, on top of that, two of them are teenagers. Do they "shed" more or do they just have longer hair? When was the last time you flipped your upright vacuum cleaner over to see if your beater brush bar could use a de-hairing? It took less than 10 minutes, and I am pretty sure the vacuum will operate more efficiently and effectively without all that hair wrapped around the beater brush.
I suppose with New Year's resolutions and the calm after the holidays that I am on a little reflective "perspective" kick. The thrilling is mixed in with the mundane. Beater brush hair, as well as dog barf and a host of other things, keep us grounded.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Emotional Clutter Clearing: Perspective!
Wow. People tend to be anxious and stress out a lot in anticipation of events. I get pretty wound up anticipating future events. As a new author, I have had opportunities for talks and radio interviews and television appearances. These are all positive things but they are stressful, even for someone who speaks to earn part of her living. They are new and different and unknown. I worry, "Will they like me?" "Will I do it right?" "Will the roads be icey?" The list goes on and on.
Here are three thoughts that help me clear this emotional clutter, or, at least manage it a little better. Let me know what you think.
"I'll see you later." Or, "I'll see you this evening." When someone I love says this to me, I realize, "Yes! No matter how well or poorly the stuff I am anticipating goes today, I will be with this person later. Time will pass. The stress for that day's particular event will be over, and life will go on." I hang onto comments like that because they help me maintain perspective.
Another helpful realization for me involves a little bit of risk assessment. I can get pretty wound up about a lot of things that don't really matter. If I mess up the event, what does that do? Does my family disappear? Do my dogs stop loving me? Does the rest of my world even wobble? Usually the answer is no.
Finally, there something else that helps me keep perspective. It is this: I stop at my skin. I can't control other people's actions or reactions or the weather or any of a great number of things that I worry about in my life. When I remember that, I can use that to help myself let go of the emotional clutter I am carrying. The book that talks about that is Taming Your Gremlin (Revised Edition): A Surprisingly Simple Method for Getting Out of Your Own Way by Rick Carson. The author says, "Remember where you end and all else begins."
Perspective. Keeping perspective can help reduce the emotional clutter and free up your time, energy, and enthusiasm for other things!
Here are three thoughts that help me clear this emotional clutter, or, at least manage it a little better. Let me know what you think.
"I'll see you later." Or, "I'll see you this evening." When someone I love says this to me, I realize, "Yes! No matter how well or poorly the stuff I am anticipating goes today, I will be with this person later. Time will pass. The stress for that day's particular event will be over, and life will go on." I hang onto comments like that because they help me maintain perspective.
Another helpful realization for me involves a little bit of risk assessment. I can get pretty wound up about a lot of things that don't really matter. If I mess up the event, what does that do? Does my family disappear? Do my dogs stop loving me? Does the rest of my world even wobble? Usually the answer is no.
Finally, there something else that helps me keep perspective. It is this: I stop at my skin. I can't control other people's actions or reactions or the weather or any of a great number of things that I worry about in my life. When I remember that, I can use that to help myself let go of the emotional clutter I am carrying. The book that talks about that is Taming Your Gremlin (Revised Edition): A Surprisingly Simple Method for Getting Out of Your Own Way by Rick Carson. The author says, "Remember where you end and all else begins."
Perspective. Keeping perspective can help reduce the emotional clutter and free up your time, energy, and enthusiasm for other things!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Interview with a professional organizer: Jennifer Ford Berry
Today I interviewed Jennifer Ford Berry of Organize This Life in western New York to get her professional organizing insights for 2010.
How and why did you decide to become a professional organizer?
I started organizing professionally 8 years ago in Charlotte, NC. I had just had my first child and was sad to go back to my full time corporate job. About 3 months later I was laid off due to cut backs in the company. At first I was scared but then I realized it was a blessing-I would be paid to stay home with my baby girl! While I re-evaluated my life and asked myself what I was passionate about. The one answer I kept coming up with was organizing! I started a website, a business and a weekly newsletter based on my passion. I am living proof that if you do what you love, the money will follow.
How long have you been doing it?
All of my life for friends and family and professionally for 8 years.
What is the funniest/strangest response you've gotten when you have told someone what you do for a living?
"People actually let you in their house to look at their junk"?!
What are your favorite techniques for clearing clutter?
I always Toss first. Then I sort. I believe this makes it less overwhelming for clients because there is less to sort and they already feel good about making decisions to let things go.
What are your top three suggestions for getting organized?
1) Always try and use what you have for storage (containers, baskets etc).
2) Less is More!
3) Baby steps. Conquer one area of your life at a time.
If someone is struggling with staying on track with their organizing systems, what do you suggest?
Write down a step by step plan. Ask a friend for help or better yet call a professional! Go easy on yourself, organizing is not something that comes easy to everyone.
If a home manager is struggling with lack of organization and clutter from spouse or children, what are your ideas to help them?
Implement a family chore chart. This will only work if deadlines and consequences are in place. For example: the bathrooms must be cleaned by Saturday morning. If they are not cleaned by then ____________ will not get a ride to their friend's house. This way your expectations are clear and the family member knows exactly what you want from them. No confusion, no arguments. When a chore chart is in place everyone can easily read what needs to be done and they can help out when their schedule permits throughout the week.
Anything else you would add/suggest as we start the New Year?
My advice for starting the new year off on the right foot is too forget about "resolutions". Sit down and ask yourself what your vision for 2010 is. This is a snap shot of what your life would be like if it could be anything. Then list your top 10 priorities for your life. (these should coinside with your vision) Then write down your goals for the upcoming year: what do you want to accomplish? Now grab your planner and take a good look at it. Schedule steps toward your goals. Remove time wasters that don't honor your priorities and goals. Only YOU can decide how you use the 24 hours you have been given each day. And only YOU can make this the year you shine!
Jennifer Ford Berry is the author of the best selling book: Organize Now! a week-by-week guide to simplify your space and your life. Organize Now is available at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Lowes, Books A Million, Kinkos and other independent stores. Jennifer is a professional organizer and speaker.
Find Jennifer at:
Website: www.organizethislife.com
Blog: www.jenniferfordberry.com
Twitter: organizethislif
How and why did you decide to become a professional organizer?
I started organizing professionally 8 years ago in Charlotte, NC. I had just had my first child and was sad to go back to my full time corporate job. About 3 months later I was laid off due to cut backs in the company. At first I was scared but then I realized it was a blessing-I would be paid to stay home with my baby girl! While I re-evaluated my life and asked myself what I was passionate about. The one answer I kept coming up with was organizing! I started a website, a business and a weekly newsletter based on my passion. I am living proof that if you do what you love, the money will follow.
How long have you been doing it?
All of my life for friends and family and professionally for 8 years.
What is the funniest/strangest response you've gotten when you have told someone what you do for a living?
"People actually let you in their house to look at their junk"?!
What are your favorite techniques for clearing clutter?
I always Toss first. Then I sort. I believe this makes it less overwhelming for clients because there is less to sort and they already feel good about making decisions to let things go.
What are your top three suggestions for getting organized?
1) Always try and use what you have for storage (containers, baskets etc).
2) Less is More!
3) Baby steps. Conquer one area of your life at a time.
If someone is struggling with staying on track with their organizing systems, what do you suggest?
Write down a step by step plan. Ask a friend for help or better yet call a professional! Go easy on yourself, organizing is not something that comes easy to everyone.
If a home manager is struggling with lack of organization and clutter from spouse or children, what are your ideas to help them?
Implement a family chore chart. This will only work if deadlines and consequences are in place. For example: the bathrooms must be cleaned by Saturday morning. If they are not cleaned by then ____________ will not get a ride to their friend's house. This way your expectations are clear and the family member knows exactly what you want from them. No confusion, no arguments. When a chore chart is in place everyone can easily read what needs to be done and they can help out when their schedule permits throughout the week.
Anything else you would add/suggest as we start the New Year?
My advice for starting the new year off on the right foot is too forget about "resolutions". Sit down and ask yourself what your vision for 2010 is. This is a snap shot of what your life would be like if it could be anything. Then list your top 10 priorities for your life. (these should coinside with your vision) Then write down your goals for the upcoming year: what do you want to accomplish? Now grab your planner and take a good look at it. Schedule steps toward your goals. Remove time wasters that don't honor your priorities and goals. Only YOU can decide how you use the 24 hours you have been given each day. And only YOU can make this the year you shine!
Jennifer Ford Berry is the author of the best selling book: Organize Now! a week-by-week guide to simplify your space and your life. Organize Now is available at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Lowes, Books A Million, Kinkos and other independent stores. Jennifer is a professional organizer and speaker.
Find Jennifer at:
Website: www.organizethislife.com
Blog: www.jenniferfordberry.com
Twitter: organizethislif
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Article by National Home & Living Examiner
Yes, I am a new author, and I am thrilled and honored the National Home & Living Examiner posted an informational article about my book "Clutter Clearing Choices: Clear Clutter, Organize Your Home, & Reclaim Your Life" and some of my clutter clearing tips.
Click here to check it out!
Click here to check it out!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Happy New Year! To a less cluttered and better organized 2010!
If I could, I would like to designate this "Be Kind to Yourself" Day. The holidays are over, and we may be feeling what? Satiated? Sad? Content? Cluttered? Tired and busy from packing up holiday decorations and party food? Overwhelmed by stuff?
Take it one thing at a time. Please remember you can get more done in 10 or 15 minutes than you think. Whittle away at the post-holiday clutter. Above all, be kind and patient with yourself (and those around you)!
Was one of your New Year's resolutions to get organized? If you are looking for a little inspiration, please check out my book "Clutter Clearing Choices: Clear Clutter, Organize Your Home, & Reclaim Your Life" and the reviews of it on Amazon. If you would like a little ongoing motivational help for clutter clearing and getting organized, consider signing up for my free monthly clutter clearing tips newsletter.
More clutter clearing and home organizing tips coming up in 2010. Stay tuned.
Take it one thing at a time. Please remember you can get more done in 10 or 15 minutes than you think. Whittle away at the post-holiday clutter. Above all, be kind and patient with yourself (and those around you)!
Was one of your New Year's resolutions to get organized? If you are looking for a little inspiration, please check out my book "Clutter Clearing Choices: Clear Clutter, Organize Your Home, & Reclaim Your Life" and the reviews of it on Amazon. If you would like a little ongoing motivational help for clutter clearing and getting organized, consider signing up for my free monthly clutter clearing tips newsletter.
More clutter clearing and home organizing tips coming up in 2010. Stay tuned.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
3 ways to make New Year's resolutions that stick and a secret to help
Good New Year’s resolutions are difficult to make and even more difficult to keep. How can we get these resolutions accomplished instead of repeating the same resolutions year after year? There is no single New Year’s resolution that works for everyone. Still, here are ways to make resolutions that work.
To make New Year’s resolutions that stick, make them specific, measurable, and achievable. Resolutions are really just personal goals, and we can use proven goal setting techniques.
Let's take a goal we have all heard before: "I want to lose weight this year."
1. Specific: The vague “I want to lose weight this year” becomes the specific “I want to lose 20 pounds by May.” It now is a clear quantifiable amount.
2. Measurable: You can measure your progress by weighing in regularly each week. There is no guessing. The amount lost is tracked by stepping on the scale.
3. Achievable: Most of all, it is achievable. "By May." A realistic time frame was chosen. Realistic goals are more likely to succeed than unrealistic ones.
Now, what is the secret to assure your personal New Year's resolution success? In studies of why some people can achieve their goals and others do not, the secret of the successful goal achievers is to establish contingency plans at the time the goal is made. For example, if the resolution is to exercise three times per week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, then the contingency plan might be to exercise early Saturday morning if one of those regular days is missed! Set up your contingency plan at the outset and you will have an important tool to achieve success.
You can make New Year's resolutions that work for you. Use resolutions to help you focus on your priorities. With specific, measurable, achievable goals that include backup plans for life's surprises, you can move yourself in the direction you want to go.
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