Everything I wanted is there. I can't believe how much fits into a space that was jam packed. Clothes that were in the spare room closet are now easier to access. Everything fits and it is all so clean and pretty now.
D.M. Adin, CA
October is National Medical Information Month
Greetings!
The fall season is upon us and the leaves are turning red, yellow and orange. It is time for those seasonal changes to take place. Move summer clothes to the back of the closet and bring out the winter clothes. Organize your garage and let go of items you no longer need. Store your seasonal items, such as summer sports equipment. Also, we are going to go through some economic hardships. It is important to really focus on what is the most important to you and your family. Buy what you need, not what you want. Stay simple and appreciate the little things in life. Things will change in time, there is always hope.
With Fall blessings,
Cynthia
Clutter Awareness
The word "clutter" derives from the Middle English word "clotter," which means coagulate. Think stagnant, accumulated... stuck! When clutter invades our homes and offices, it can make us disorganized. We lose things, forget to pay bills, procrastinate, and waste time. So stop contemplating your clutter and dedicate some time to conquering it!
Define "clutter."
Clutter is anything unnecessary and extraneous. It can be more than the physical clutter most of us think of. Getting organized means clearing out the clutter in your mind, heart, and life.
Start the process of decluttering.
Start small. Divide your desk or room into sections. Pick one section (like one drawer or cupboard) and begin decluttering. Try to touch things only once while going through this process - quickly make a decision to keep or toss!
Ask yourself if you consider each item beautiful, useful, or loved.
If not, you can probably get rid of it! If you're still not sure if you should get rid of an item, ask yourself, "What's the worst thing that could happen if I toss this?" The answer may help give you the power to discard the clutter.
To stop clutter, prevent it from accumulating in the first place.
Don't give clutter a chance to form. As you've probably experienced, once clutter occupies a space, it has a way of multiplying. Always remember to place your emphasis on quality over quantity. In other words, it's not important to have a lot of things, many of which you never use. It's more beneficial to have fewer things, all of which you use and/or enjoy.
Think before you buy.
Try to look beyond the initial "thrill of the purchase" and see what provides deeper moments of meaning. Once you rid yourself of clutter and make space only for what's special, you'll find it's easier to get - and stay - organized!
© 2006 Articles on Demand
Paper Management, Step By Step
Gather Supplies:
First, gather file folders, hanging file folders, a felt-tip pen and large garbage (or recycling) bags or boxes. Every household or office also needs an appropriate type of file cabinet or box; the size will depend on the amount of papers you must keep. Make a commitment to work on this project for at least one uninterrupted hour. Enlist a friend or professional organizer if you need help or encouragement.
Determine where to start:
Start on desktops, countertops or urgently-needed surfaces. Your most recently-received papers will be here. Resist the urge to start with the papers on the floor or stuffed in paper bags or boxes.
Identify:
Determine the types of papers you receive on a regular basis as you start sorting. Create a neat pile of the papers on the surface you're working on. Pick up the top one. Ask yourself, "What is this? Do I need to keep it? Do I need to take action on this? Or do I just need to file it in case I need to retrieve it later?" Toss as much as you can.
Sort:
As you encounter papers that need to elicit an "action," put them in a folder labeled "TO DO" (i.e., class to sign up for, RSVP to send, etc.)
As you encounter bills to pay, separate them out by putting them in a folder labeled "BILLS TO PAY." (Try a bright red folder.)
As you encounter papers that simply need to be read and then disposed of (magazine articles you clipped, newsletters, etc.), put them in a folder labeled "TO READ." Tip: Take this folder with you when you'll be waiting in lines (e.g. doctor's office, dentist, bank, mechanic, etc.)
As you encounter papers that need to be discussed with your significant other or co-worker, put them in a folder labeled "DISCUSS WITH XXXXXXX."
Everything else should be either thrown out or filed neatly according to subject. Sort into simple categories that make sense to you. For example, some home categories might include: medical, pets, taxes, hobbies, outdoor activities, utility bills, car, home improvement, credit cards, insurance, 401K, education, projects.
Continue and Toss:
Work on getting all surfaces clear of papers using the above techniques. Then, conquer the remaining piles (if any) from the floor or elsewhere. You should find these piles contain more papers for your "toss" category. Remember, only 20% of the things we file will ever be retrieved again. When in doubt, throw it out!
Maintain:
From here on out, manage paper daily. Sort mail immediately. Toss out junk mail. Put remainder into "TO READ," "TO DO," or "BILLS TO PAY" folders. (Keep these folders in an easily-accessible spot, i.e., the kitchen.) Make time every week to file everything else in your filing cabinet or box.
© 2006 Articles on Demand
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