It is Never Too Late to Organize

It's never too late...

In addition to being the name of a great book, this is also a concept that applies to organizing.  When you think about it, it is never too late to begin transforming the way you work and live to be more efficient, less stressed and happier.

Just imagine: being able to meet deadlines, avoiding the panicked search for documents, finding your keys, and getting out the door to an appointment in time.  These are just a few of the new ways of doing things that can result from adding organization to your life.

So, remember, it's never too late...

A Simple Way to Manage Your Time

What if I could provide you a method to manage your time that costs less than $5 and works with the twist of a wrist?  Well, if you guessed a timer, you would be right!

The technique is to use a timer...the one on your microwave/stove/phone/counter...as a way to make sure you break away from whatever distracting task you may be caught up in so you can get on to (another) pressing event.

Now, this approach does not need to be limited to being sure you get out the door in time.  Use a timer to set limits on Internet research, alert you so you can be prepared for an appointment that is about to occur, remind you to make that phone call you have been dreading, or being sure you leave work on time to get home for a family dinner. Or even that it is time to put down the Sudoku book! 

A quick and easy technique.  What about it is not to love?

File Folders- The Many Choices & The Power of One

Having just completed another season of file setup and tax records prep, I am so ready to share  insight gained from helping a wide range of thinking styles get and keep their records organized.

The concept truly is straightforward:

• one place
• one type of folder
• one set of categories
• one year at a time

There are lots of fancy-dancy file folders out there, and I do enjoy the variety-colors/patterns/tabs, et al...but if you are facing a mountain of paperwork that needs to be filed either scanned or paper-based systems, I suggest the following:

• Purchase heavy-duty plain manila folders, a blister pack of white file folder labels-permanent (not removable), a plastic banker's box, and black sharpie: an investment of under $20.
• Decide if you want the tabs on the right or left side (that means right or left cut).
• Use post-its on a long folding table to identify "gross" categories: credit card statements/bank statements/business receipts/ tax records (donation receipts/car registration/property tax)/utilities-for the year, and place past years' papers in their own unseparated stack. Meaning, one for 2013, one for 2012, and so on.
• Set a timer & with a stack of unfiled papers, deal 'em like cards to the proper stack. (See?  Organizing is FUN!)
• When the time ends, neaten up the pile, write the category on a white label, stick it on the folder, add in the stack, and place folders--in alphabetical order--in the file box.
• Add any papers you did not get to behind the now filed document folders and set aside for your next filing session.
• Use the same concept for scanning documents: gross categories by calendar year.

This method is a great and low stress way to get the paper monster tamed.  Filing for 2014 will be a breeze!

Lessons From Other Cultures

Having just returned from another overseas trip--yes, I know...I am most fortunate to be able to travel!--I found myself remarking on the awareness that results from spending time with those who have different ways of doing things. 

The parallel to Organizing (and being organized) seems strong:

• changes to our normal routines
• the excitement of new experiences that also challenge us
• the welcome of returning home to the comfort of our old ways, yet now knowing different ways others employ that we can choose to embrace

So as we continue our journey on Organizing, let us remember that change is good and fun and unsettling and makes us better!