Where has all the time gone?

Where has all the time gone?

As December has come upon us, it's time to talk about that pesky subject: Time Management.

It seems a complicated topic.  We are bombarded with demands, wants, and expectations from ourselves and others.

I'd like to gently remind you that it really is a simple concept.

• First, do the things that matter to YOU
• Ask for help
• Let go of the things that annoy you
• Celebrate your victories, big or small
• Learn from your mistakes, forgive yourself, and move on

Take a deep breath, look around at how fortunate we are, and enjoy the season.

The best to you and yours.

More in 2014.

Mobile Office Ideas

Looking for more organization in your mobile office (also known as your car)? Try installing a shoe organizer to the back of your front seat. These organizers never cease to amaze us and utilizing one in your car is the best way to keep paper, pens, water bottles, and snacks out of the way and organized. The best part about the car/shoe organizer? Picking different styles, textures, and colors that best match your personality! Just remember, passengers may rummage through your goods when seated in the back seat; keep a backup stock of granola bars handy.

Keeping those Electronic Items Safe & Accessible

Do you ever have a day where time is of the essence and that important electronic cord or flash drive is nowhere to be found? One of the best ways to keep organized with electronics that may not seem important to have now, but are necessary to have later, is to have a designated drawer, basket, or closet to store them in. Standing drawers that are labeled serve as a wonderful addition to a small office closet. Knowing where your electronics and accessory are stored helps everyone, including your IT guy, sleep a little easier at night.

Remember to also provide your household with an easily accessible electronic recyclables box. This box can house batteries, keyboards, and light bulbs that need to be tossed in a responsible way. Helping the environment through organization is a great way to keep your home green!

Corralling all Those Bathroom Necessities

One of the most valued spaces we use every day of our lives is our restroom. Keeping organized in this space can mean the difference between not hitting traffic and being late to work in the mornings. We at Sensible Space® believe that when things are easy to find, life continues to run more smoothly. That’s why we’ve come up with a few organizing tips for your bathroom necessities.

Organization Tip #1:        

Keep cotton balls, Q-tips, and any other small item pampering supplies in functional, decorative jars. These jars can act as keepsakes for the smallest of everyday items and look great on an empty counter!

Organizing Tip #2:

A tidy place to keep daily essentials (such as makeup or small combs) for yourself makes getting ready for an early day of work or climbing into bed a well-planned experience. We suggest utilizing an organization box already equipped with compartment shapes. These boxes can be slipped right into your cabinets or drawers and can even be labeled to keep your knickknacks from getting lost!

Reporting in the "Discarding 10 Items Daily Project"

A few days ago, I referenced the concept of redirecting at least 10 things a day out of my life.  And--hint, hint--am hoping that such an idea would inspire you, too!

I am pleased to report that progress is happening!  And, as a quick tip, under the bathroom sinks has turned out to be a bonanza!! Over 80 items in just one cabinet, with lots of tooth care items now in the donation box, old meds properly disposed of, and a lot more room for the daily necessities.  Love it when a great idea comes to fruition. 

 

How are you doing?

Ten Items a Day...Challenge or Opportunity?

After reading a recent article in Readers Digest ( A House Fire Set Me Free), I admit I was intrigued with the concept; could I also let go of ten items a day for a year?

At times it seems that I am in the business of "stuff"- managing, helping others discard, donating, packing up, selling.  What would it be like to set such a goal of reducing my own level of possessions?  I have always felt that discarding was an easy step for me.  But time and experiences have had a way of diverting such activity in my personal sphere.

So I am working on the concept: that every day (or, to be honest, every other!), I am starting to set aside at least 10 items to discard.  I am fortunate to have nearby many worthy charities that welcome a wide range of usable cast-offs.  First issue? Where to put the items ready to go out the door.  Hmmm, maybe this is an approach long overdue!  If there is no ready shelf for donations, well, let's just say, I am ready for the challenge of 10 items a day.

So here goes.  May the tax man welcome the many receipts I expect to acquire over the next 12 months. 

It's been a wild(life) filled few weeks!

Ok, I am based in urban Southern California.  So who would have expected these various close sightings in the past 2 weeks?  Not I!

A peacock on the patio
A possum in the pansies
A skunk in the side yard
A rodent (field mouse, we hope) racing through the roses
A coyote in the cul-de-sac.

It's a wild, wild world out there/here.

Corralling those Happy Feet....

In terms of grass, sand, and water, we prefer to keep the elements of end-of-summer fun outside. One of the best ways you can keep mildewing sandals and swimsuits outside of your home is to install hooks and racks on the outside of your patio. These hooks serve as a destination station for sandy towels, wet flip-flops, and everything in between. When dried and clean, these items are more than welcome to trample over that new summer rug you just purchased.  Until then?  Hang 'em out to dry!

Another Milestone: Organizers' Academy Debut!

We are so pleased to announce that we have launched our Organizers' Academy!

Designed to be a nuts & bolts program to get those interested in the fascinating world of organizing off to a great start, we're excited to finally share the news.  Thanks to Lupe and Millie for being the first participants...we know you're going to be fantastic!  Compliments to Mo and Michelle for their training expertise and know-how.

Anyone interested in participating in an upcoming session should contact us at: organize@sensiblespace.org.

Here we go!

Summer Transport

 

Summertime is almost over! And where do we spend most of our time during the end of this season? In our cars of course! No different than commuting during the winter, we guess. However, summer weather may motivate you and your brigade to hit up the beach, the park, or the outdoor swap meet. Different stops demand special survival tools that you can keep organized and conveniently located in your car. 

When a sticky spill happens to flood the backseat of your ride, be sure to have paper towels and wet wipes on hand. Keeping plastic bags close by also serves as a quick and easy trash receptacle. These items can all be stored in a mini cooler, which can be useful when transporting cold drinks down to the sand. When not in use, a colorful cooler is a fantastic catchall for your summer necessities.  We love a multi-use item!