Technology doesn't always fix the problem

I met with a prospective client a few weeks ago to discuss the possibility of organizing her business office. During our initial consultation we talked about the problems she was facing with her desk and why it was always unkempt. At one point in the conversation our attention turned to the disorganization within her computer and why her computer files and emails were not being managed properly. It highlighted an often forgotten fact…Technology does not automatically make a person organized! In fact, sometimes it can make their situation worse. My prospect’s desk and computer were remarkably similar: her papers were all mixed up on the desk and so were her computer documents. Her physical filing system was not functioning properly, and she had not yet created a system for her computer files that was efficient and effective. In the end I believe that good habits and discipline make someone organized, not necessarily the technology they use. For some people, electronics and technology are a God send and make life easier. For others, it highlights and accentuates the current lack of organization.

Organizing tips for newlyweds

Setting up your new house or apartment with your spouse is an important part of starting the next stage of your relationship together. The goal is to have living quarters that are comfortable, functional and conducive to your own living habits and preferences as well as your spouse’s. The worst mistake most new couples make is not listening to the other person. Both individuals should give and receive opinions openly and be willing to compromise on non-essential preferences. Organization is a very personal thing, often molded to our own unique habits and lifestyle choices. Working together, you can build systems that are easy for both of you to follow and maintain. Sit down together and discuss the different rooms in your home, and determine how each of you thinks they should be used. Consider the activities you do or want space for, and assign these activities to the room(s) you think will best accommodate them. Be creative; for example, a bedroom could be your craft area or second den. Then think about the furniture you want to use as storage. Ensure that it fits what you want it to hold, and that it will make sense in the room in which you would like it to reside. Storing items by how they are used, grouped or categorized into specific spaces is the easiest and most efficient way to find things. If you both lived on your own previous to living together and have two households to combine, remember that you do not need two of everything. First, decide what non-duplicate items you would like to keep. Ask yourselves if it is useful to your lifestyle and if you want it. Then tackle the duplicate items. First look at the space you have to work with. While having two sofas is nice, your living room simply may not be large enough. Ask yourselves if you really need, and will use, two sets of utensils or dishes. Don’t always expect your spouse to make the tough call all the time. Be willing to let some of your personal belongings go. If you decide to keep more duplicates, consider storing the second item in a basement, attic or closet if it is not going to be used frequently. You will leave more space for things you are going to use on a regular basis, and cut down on clutter in high traffic areas. Starting fresh with the registry gifts you receive and items you buy together can be easier. However, there will always be a few gifts that weren’t really what you were looking for. Do not be afraid to return things that you do not need, will not use, or do not want. Your guest would prefer that the gift be used and wanted rather than sit in a box because you did not want it. Replace the item with something else you need or have not yet received. Finally, create a simple filing system for bills, statements, personal information and household information. Mail and paper can become overwhelming. Catalogs, bills, invitations etc should all have a place once they cross the threshold of your home, like wall mounted mail sorters or nice baskets. Any papers that need to be kept should be in a filing cabinet with all papers in clearly labeled, hanging files. Long term or archive storage can be in bankers’ boxes or plastic file bins in the basement. Remember to always ask yourselves if you need a document you are about to save. Can you condense the information elsewhere? Are you ever going to refer to it again? Do you really need it for tax purposes? By following these suggestions, you will ensure a smooth transition into creating a manageable and organized household with your spouse!

Clutter and guilt

Sometimes clutter originates from incomplete tasks and projects. Often times we leave items or papers out as reminders, place holders for later. However, piles as reminders clog up your environment. They also can create a sense of guilt over things you “should” have done. These piles remind you of money “wasted” on interests you did not pursue and time you “should” have spent addressing an issue.

This sense of guilt prevents us from addressing clutter. In essence, our guilt can keep us in the problem. It is difficult to work through stacks of papers or items reminding us of tasks left unfinished, being forced to recall our past “failures”. In spite of the pain, clearing your environment, especially of these visual cues, will create a more peaceful space.

Before you start the sorting process, realize that you don’t have to commit to fulfilling all the unfinished things. If they have been sitting around for a couple years, weigh whether or not the issue is still relevant and if completing it will achieve the desired results. Is it still even of interest to you? If you decide to let it go, you will experience a lift and sense of freedom.

For projects you decide must be kept and completed, prioritize them from most to least important on a piece of paper. Each week schedule time on your calendar to work on the first project until it’s complete. Move on to the next one after the previous project is finished. You can move all the supporting paperwork and items to an area out of sight but keep the list visible as your reminder. With this approach in mind you can overcome guilt AND clutter.

Helping your kids get organized

It can be a frustrating battle when you attempt to “organize” your kids. Many times they are reluctant to change, and all the containers you buy and systems you create go unused. Helping a child (young or teen) achieve balance and order in their surroundings cannot be done by sheer force. They need to be actively involved in every aspect of the process and then given expectations for how their things will be taken care after the initial cleanse is complete. -First, let them purge with you. Ask the hard questions, like when was the last time they really wore that article of clothing or when they last used an old toy. Try to put everything in a positive light. Explain that in order for them to have room for the stuff they really, really want, other items will have to leave or be stored elsewhere. Do not go through your older child’s belongings alone…they will feel as if their opinions do not matter and become reluctant to change. -Encourage generosity. Many people, kids included, can be motivated by helping another. Pick a charity you know will give toys away to less fortunate families, or have your teen pick a charity of their choice to donate old clothes to. Be sure to recognize and praise their act of kindness. -Third, let your child go container shopping with you. Let him or her brainstorm with you about the best place to put the hamper, what shoe rack would really make it easy to store all the sports footwear, or the most convenient location for a desk. Be sure to get their input on any storage containers you want to buy. If someone loves a good solution, they will use it! -Finally, set the expectation that any system put in place must be maintained. No item will put itself away. Create clear guidelines and agree upon how often things will be put away and cleaned up, and then stick to the agreement. You are not only helping your child become more responsible, you are helping them foster good organizing habits!

How to handle paper

Paper can be the most pervasive thing we encounter on a daily basis. You deal with it at work and then get attacked by paper when you come home. It is easy to become overwhelmed and not do anything. But as we all know this leads to piles and further sensations of having no control. Eventually everything just sits there and then important information starts to get misplaced.

To avoid this scenario, sort papers over a shredder and recycling bin. Right out of the gate you can get rid of any junk or obsolete information in the recycling, or shred documents with important information. By doing it at that moment you prevent build up of big piles that are harder to go through later on.

Have a home for everything. All paper should get trashed, go in a folder or basket for temporary holding or go on a memo board for easy access. If you have an upcoming event and get a postcard for it, record the event in your calendar and then place the postcard with directions in an “events” folder or tack it to a memo board. If you get a document at work pertaining to a specific project put it right with the related papers, either in a binder clip or folder and set it aside until you are ready to work on it.

As soon as you receive relevant paper distribute it to its proper home and watch the piles slowly go away!

Why we save things

Sometimes when you sort through your belongings and papers you come across things that have an obvious solution: a broken lampshade that is past its useful life and should be tossed, the first communion dress that is kept as a memento and the pair of jeans that no longer fit but can be used by someone else. These decisions feel like no brainers, questions with easy and direct answers.

What happens when you encounter an item you need to think twice about? People hold onto things for many reasons. The item may be valuable, it might have emotional meaning, it could be useful in some way or you feel compelled to keep it because it might come in handy down the road. Occasionally you may find a gift that has remained in hiding because it never really found its place in your home.

To avoid being overwhelmed in clutter by putting off decisions, do not overlook these more difficult situations and work to determine if something is important enough to keep. When you are faced with this scenario, ask yourself the following questions:

Do I love it?

Do I really need it? Can something else do the same job?

Do I have to keep this in the unlikely event I use it, or can I simply purchase it later if I am in need of it?

Is it worth making room for and do I want to spend the time to create a permanent home for it so I can find it again?

Can someone else make better use of this?

Is it part of the solution or part of the problem?

How to let go

Sometimes when you are sorting through your belongings and papers you come across things that have an obvious solution: a broken lampshade that is past its useful life and should be tossed, the first communion dress that is kept as a memento and the pair of jeans that no longer fit but can be used by someone else. These decisions feel like no brainers, questions with easy and direct answers.

What happens when you encounter an item you need to think twice about? People hold onto things for many reasons. The item may be valuable, it might have emotional meaning, it could be useful in some way or you feel compelled to keep it because it might come in handy down the road. Occasionally you may find a gift that has remained in hiding because it never really found its place in your home.

To avoid being overwhelmed in clutter by putting off decisions, do not overlook these more difficult situations and work to determine if something is important enough to keep. When you are faced with this scenario, ask yourself the following questions:

Do I love it?

Do I really need it? Can something else do the same job?

Do I have to keep this in the unlikely event I use it, or can I simply purchase it later if I am in need of it?

Is it worth making room for and do I want to spend the time to create a permanent home for it so I can find it again?

Can someone else make better use of this?

Is it part of the solution or part of the problem?