Tuesday, April 30, 2013
How to Declutter Your Home by Letting Go of Your Clutter Excuses
By
Jane Alais
Decluttering superficial clutter is always easy but it's when you
start to look at why you hold onto clutter you can begin to make huge
changes and really get rid of clutter that has been sitting around for
years. Here is a micro look at the five most common clutter excuses for
holding on to the stuff you no longer use or love.
The first excuse is," I might need it one day" This thinking can fill up your garage, triple your craft materials and be the reason you hang on to clothes you really never wear. If you cannot think of a time you have used the item within a year, reconsider if you really need to keep it.
Another subtle clutter excuse is "just making do", this is the realm of shopping mistakes and second best choices. This breeds dissatisfaction and multiple purchases which just add up to clutter. Just ask, do I love this? If you answer no, begin to ask different questions such as, what do I love to look at, what makes me feel fantastic, what colors and style do I love.
A popular clutter excuse is keeping clutter because you spent a lot of money on it. Closets, kitchens, living rooms and garages are full of these items that are now redundant and not enjoyed. It doesn't matter if you spent two dollars or two thousand, if that item is no longer used or loved it is clutter.
A great way to keep longstanding clutter is to hang on to items from the past. This is wonderful when these possessions are cared for and stored with love or are displayed and the source of wonderful memories. Unfortunately things from the past can be a burden and are often kept in moldy damp basements and garages only to be uncovered years later too damaged to use.
Indecision and attachment are major reasons for holding on to broken, ugly, unloved possessions as well as staying stuck where you are. Taking simple small steps to declutter your home will shift you into making decisions so you can little by little let go of your clutter excuses, clear your clutter, get organized and live a wonderful satisfying life.
The first excuse is," I might need it one day" This thinking can fill up your garage, triple your craft materials and be the reason you hang on to clothes you really never wear. If you cannot think of a time you have used the item within a year, reconsider if you really need to keep it.
Another subtle clutter excuse is "just making do", this is the realm of shopping mistakes and second best choices. This breeds dissatisfaction and multiple purchases which just add up to clutter. Just ask, do I love this? If you answer no, begin to ask different questions such as, what do I love to look at, what makes me feel fantastic, what colors and style do I love.
A popular clutter excuse is keeping clutter because you spent a lot of money on it. Closets, kitchens, living rooms and garages are full of these items that are now redundant and not enjoyed. It doesn't matter if you spent two dollars or two thousand, if that item is no longer used or loved it is clutter.
A great way to keep longstanding clutter is to hang on to items from the past. This is wonderful when these possessions are cared for and stored with love or are displayed and the source of wonderful memories. Unfortunately things from the past can be a burden and are often kept in moldy damp basements and garages only to be uncovered years later too damaged to use.
Indecision and attachment are major reasons for holding on to broken, ugly, unloved possessions as well as staying stuck where you are. Taking simple small steps to declutter your home will shift you into making decisions so you can little by little let go of your clutter excuses, clear your clutter, get organized and live a wonderful satisfying life.
Want to know more about the clutter excuses? Click here and go to http://www.declutterbefree.com and get your special free report.
Jane Alais is a professional organizer, the creator of Declutter Befree.com and the author of Get Organized-Get Happy A Step by Step Guide to Clear Clutter and Organize Success. She writes about strategies and solutions to declutter, organize and energize your home and your life.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_AlaisJane Alais is a professional organizer, the creator of Declutter Befree.com and the author of Get Organized-Get Happy A Step by Step Guide to Clear Clutter and Organize Success. She writes about strategies and solutions to declutter, organize and energize your home and your life.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Making Time To Organize Your House
Photo Credits: By Barbara Raskauskas
Many people say they don't have enough time to get organized, but little do they realize that a well organized home or office environment will probably save them time in the long run. It may seem overwhelming if you think of organizing your whole house, but if you break down the work into smaller projects that can be realistically accomplished, it may seem like a feasible plan.
So many moms are extremely busy with their normal everyday homemaker responsibilities, such as taking care of their children, preparing healthy meals, running errands, grocery shopping, and routinely cleaning the house. In today's society many moms not only work hard in their homes, but they may also hold down a part-time or full-time job. Where do women find the necessary available time to actually complete organizing projects at home? No wonder women may feel stressed when they think of adding additional tasks to their already full daily schedule.
A positive way to plan your organizing projects is to write down some short-term and long-term goals of what you would like to accomplish and add a specific time period that you want the work to be finished. For example, one organizing project may be to clean out, declutter, and organize your bedroom closet. Short-term goals may include organizing one shelf or section of the closet for just 15 to 30 minutes a day until the whole closet is totally organized.
Another example would be a long-term goal of organizing your complete kitchen area. The short-term goal may be to declutter one shelf a day in each kitchen cabinet for 15 to 30 minutes.
Listed below are some other great examples of what you can possibly be motivated to organize or clean during a time period of 15 to 30 minutes.
Clean out and organize one desk drawer.
Wipe your kitchen and bathroom counter tops and make sure the surfaces are free of unnecessary clutter.
Sort and organize your purse.
Organize one to two bookshelves and check to see if you have any books you might want to donate.
Sort and organize one pantry shelf in your kitchen.
Organize your cosmetics and check for an expired dates.
Fold one or two baskets of clean laundry.
Make a meal plan for the upcoming week.
Make a current grocery list.
Wipe one or two shelves clean in the refrigerator.
Clean out and organize one dresser drawer.
Sort through a rack of clothes for any items you may no longer need or want anymore.
Organize your wallet.
Sort through and organize one bathroom shelf in your bathroom cabinet.
Go through your magazine collection to check for any magazines you want to donate.
Walk through each room in your home and look for any items that need to be put back where they originally belong.
These are just a few examples of what can be accomplished in a short time period. Just a little bit of dedicated time spent consistently each day will help you develop a good habit of organizing. One wonderful benefit that you will quickly realize is that once a certain area in your home is nicely organized, it will be so much easier to maintain that area. Home organization can be enjoyable and hopefully save you time and effort when you do your daily household chores in the future!
So, please don't think of “all or nothing” when you begin to visualize your organizing projects. Even a small amount of time each day should produce some long lasting beneficial results for you and your family.
I used to be extremely guilty of the “all or none” excuse for not starting many organizing projects in the past. However, I quickly learned there isn't hardly any occasion when a busy mom finds herself with 4 hours or more of uninterrupted time. So, recently I have gotten into the habit of doing a small amount of organizing each day and by the end of each week, I can appreciate my accomplishments.
I seem to feel more relaxed and productive with my work when my home and office environment are organized. I can focus and concentrate better on my tasks. I try to plan my organization for each room in my house while keeping in mind the main function I would like for each specific room.
For example, I divide my family room into three different zones, such as the reading area, the television area, and the computer area. I don't personally think there is just "one" correct way to organize a house because everyone will probably individualize their plans according to their own lifestyle.
Lastly, I found that once I had completed my organizational projects for the first room in my house, I was really motivated to continue with the rest of the house. And don't forget that you can reward yourself for a good job done by watching your favorite movie, reading your favorite book, writing your blog, or treating yourself to a great lunch. Positive reinforcement is a great motivator!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Organizing and Decluttering the Kitchen
Are you ready to read about some helpful ideas on the subject of organizing and decluttering the kitchen, beginning with the kitchen cabinets? Most people have a very busy everyday schedule and it is so easy for our kitchen cabinets to become somewhat disorganized at times.
I find that it saves me a great deal of time and effort when my kitchen cabinets are neat and organized. I can prepare my family meals more efficiently and I happen to enjoy cooking a little more when my kitchen is decluttered. So, if your kitchen needs a bit more organization for you to function well on an everyday basis, you may truly enjoy the following information. Let's declutter and organize some kitchen cabinets.
However, before I start describing my method of decluttering kitchen cabinets, I will tell you about my sincere interest in home organization and that is the main reason that I began my blog, which I truly enjoy very much.
I have a great passion for organizing and decluttering. I have been reading a variety of informative books on the subject and I also have been viewing many helpful videos about organizing the house. You may find it fun and very interesting to check out my organizing/declutter book selection on my blog.
After reading and researching lots of great ideas and techniques for organizing a house, I came to my own conclusion that I don't actually think there is just one perfect way to organize a house. There are many steps and methods that everyone can choose according to what they feel comfortable with for their personal lifestyle.
When I was researching everything that I could find about organization, I came across some useful items that could very well come in handy when decluttering and organizing the house.
You may wish to check out a nice variety of organization and storage products, along with the following organizing items for the home. Now, let's get back to talking about cleaning out some kitchen cabinets to make life a little easier while working in your kitchen everyday. It is one place in particular that many moms need to spend a lot of time on a routine basis, so you might as well make that time less stressful and more enjoyable.
I try to begin by doing one kitchen cabinet shelf at a time and just focus and concentrate on that one specific task. Personally, I begin by making a clean area on my kitchen countertop or a nearby kitchen table to place all the items from the shelf as I remove them, so I can easily sort through everything from that one shelf. For example, as you are sorting through the items, you may find that you have way too many items in one specific category.
In the photo below you will notice there are many bottles. If you happen to find out that you have too many items for one category, such as bottles or cups and saucers, you may decide to donate some items to your favorite local charity. The items for donation can be placed in a separate cardboard box and labeled for donation. I usually try to take my donation boxes to the charity or make arrangements for them to pick up the items within a short time period after I am done with my organizing project, so the boxes for donation don't sit around my house very long and make even more clutter.
Now, some people may even choose to clear out a larger area for sorting. I always like to make sure my sorting area is a very clean, flat surface. Below is just a photo of sorting kitchen clutter.
During the sorting process, you may also want to check for any items that you feel you no longer want or need anymore, in addition to any items that are broken or don't work anymore. I sort through everything and neatly place "like" items into categories before thinking about putting things back onto the shelf again.
Next, after I sort through my items, I clean the shelf before I neatly place the items where I want them to be in the cabinet. I place all the "like" items that I decided to keep together onto the shelf.
I make a habit of keeping bigger, heavier objects on my bottom shelves. I also keep items that I don't use on a regular basis on a bottom shelf. I place most of the kitchen items that I frequently use in an appropriate, safe area where I have easy access to them.
For example, I keep my dinner plates and bowls on a shelf that is very easy to access in my kitchen. I keep my water glasses on a separate shelf, and also my small collection of coffee mugs are located on a separate shelf in my kitchen. I have my large, heavy mixer machine on my bottom shelf. I also have my heavy cast irons pots and pans on a lower shelf too.
I happen to keep some of my vitamin supplements inside my kitchen cabinets. I use a clear plastic bin without the lid to hold similar vitamin categories together and then I neatly label the plastic bins, so I can easily read what the contents are inside each bin. There are many useful bins and containers for storage and organinzing the kitchen. Below are just a few examples.
You probably noticed that each of the containers are nicely labeled. There are many helpful organizational products for the pantry, as you can see below.
Great cabinet storage and organization for pans and more:
So, maybe if you remember the kitchen cabinet photo at the very beginning of this post, you can check out the organized view of the kitchen cabinets now.
You can see how kitchen organization with easy access can help a kitchen become very functional for the busy homemaker. I have even started to use clear containers for a lot of my food in the refrigerator and I label each container with the name of the contents and the proper date.
I find that it saves me a great deal of time and effort when my kitchen cabinets are neat and organized. I can prepare my family meals more efficiently and I happen to enjoy cooking a little more when my kitchen is decluttered. So, if your kitchen needs a bit more organization for you to function well on an everyday basis, you may truly enjoy the following information. Let's declutter and organize some kitchen cabinets.
Photo Credits By: Rubbermaid Products
It may be a good possibility that you recently found my organizing blog while searching online for home organizing ideas in general or looking for great methods to declutter a home. A common theme to discuss today would include several ideas about organizing and decluttering the kitchen cabinets. I will try to easily explain some helpful steps that I practice when I am cleaning out kitchen cupboards.However, before I start describing my method of decluttering kitchen cabinets, I will tell you about my sincere interest in home organization and that is the main reason that I began my blog, which I truly enjoy very much.
I have a great passion for organizing and decluttering. I have been reading a variety of informative books on the subject and I also have been viewing many helpful videos about organizing the house. You may find it fun and very interesting to check out my organizing/declutter book selection on my blog.
After reading and researching lots of great ideas and techniques for organizing a house, I came to my own conclusion that I don't actually think there is just one perfect way to organize a house. There are many steps and methods that everyone can choose according to what they feel comfortable with for their personal lifestyle.
When I was researching everything that I could find about organization, I came across some useful items that could very well come in handy when decluttering and organizing the house.
You may wish to check out a nice variety of organization and storage products, along with the following organizing items for the home. Now, let's get back to talking about cleaning out some kitchen cabinets to make life a little easier while working in your kitchen everyday. It is one place in particular that many moms need to spend a lot of time on a routine basis, so you might as well make that time less stressful and more enjoyable.
I try to begin by doing one kitchen cabinet shelf at a time and just focus and concentrate on that one specific task. Personally, I begin by making a clean area on my kitchen countertop or a nearby kitchen table to place all the items from the shelf as I remove them, so I can easily sort through everything from that one shelf. For example, as you are sorting through the items, you may find that you have way too many items in one specific category.
In the photo below you will notice there are many bottles. If you happen to find out that you have too many items for one category, such as bottles or cups and saucers, you may decide to donate some items to your favorite local charity. The items for donation can be placed in a separate cardboard box and labeled for donation. I usually try to take my donation boxes to the charity or make arrangements for them to pick up the items within a short time period after I am done with my organizing project, so the boxes for donation don't sit around my house very long and make even more clutter.
Lots of bottles:
Photo Credits By: Rubbermaid Products
Now, some people may even choose to clear out a larger area for sorting. I always like to make sure my sorting area is a very clean, flat surface. Below is just a photo of sorting kitchen clutter.
During the sorting process, you may also want to check for any items that you feel you no longer want or need anymore, in addition to any items that are broken or don't work anymore. I sort through everything and neatly place "like" items into categories before thinking about putting things back onto the shelf again.
Larger sorting area:
Photo Credits By: Rubbermaid Products
Next, after I sort through my items, I clean the shelf before I neatly place the items where I want them to be in the cabinet. I place all the "like" items that I decided to keep together onto the shelf.
I make a habit of keeping bigger, heavier objects on my bottom shelves. I also keep items that I don't use on a regular basis on a bottom shelf. I place most of the kitchen items that I frequently use in an appropriate, safe area where I have easy access to them.
For example, I keep my dinner plates and bowls on a shelf that is very easy to access in my kitchen. I keep my water glasses on a separate shelf, and also my small collection of coffee mugs are located on a separate shelf in my kitchen. I have my large, heavy mixer machine on my bottom shelf. I also have my heavy cast irons pots and pans on a lower shelf too.
I happen to keep some of my vitamin supplements inside my kitchen cabinets. I use a clear plastic bin without the lid to hold similar vitamin categories together and then I neatly label the plastic bins, so I can easily read what the contents are inside each bin. There are many useful bins and containers for storage and organinzing the kitchen. Below are just a few examples.
Photo Credits By: Rubbermaid Products
Another example of organizational containers for the kitchen:
Photo Credits By:Rubbermaid Products
Photo Credits By: Rubbermaid Products
Organized canisters below:
Photo Credits By: Rubbermaid Products
Lazy susans for cans:
Photo Credits By: Rubbermaid Products
A nice corner shelf:
Photo Credits By: Rubbermaid Products
Great cabinet storage and organization for pans and more:
Photo Credits By: Rubbermaid Products
And lots of modular containers that can be easily labeled:
Photo Credits By: Rubbermaid Products
Photo Credits By: Rubbermaid Products
Additional view:
Photo Credits By: Rubbermaid Products
You can see how kitchen organization with easy access can help a kitchen become very functional for the busy homemaker. I have even started to use clear containers for a lot of my food in the refrigerator and I label each container with the name of the contents and the proper date.
Photo Credits By: Rubbermaid Products
I am even using lunch containers.
Photo Credits By: Rubbermaid Products
I hope you
enjoyed our discussion about organizing and decluttering the kitchen
cabinets. Now, you may want to check out some wonderful books about the
topic of planning and preparing meals.
7 Ways to Help Self
By
Linda Samuels
I often write and think about reasons and ways to enlist help
from others. Recently, I was asked a question by business coach, Dr.
Shannon Reece, which made me think about this from another perspective.
In one of her blogs, she asked entrepreneurs, "What is your single best
personal and creative example of 'ME time' that you use regularly, which
allows you to completely step away from your business and recharge?"
While it's important to understand and identify when we should and need to ask for help, it's just as essential to know how to be our own source of help. Here are some ideas to consider:
1. Re-Sync. There are times when we feel like we've gotten off track. Our electronic devices might be in sync, but we aren't. We may feel sad, agitated or anxious. How do you bring yourself back to center? Perhaps watching a comedy, writing in your journal, cooking a new recipe or riding your bike will work. Some like to keep a "Feel Good" file where they add encouraging letters, notes and inspirational quotes they've collected. When they need a lift, they pull out the file to shift their perspective.
2. Balance. A funny coincidence was that as I sat down to write this post with my cup of Yogi Tea, the hang tag on the tea bag was this quote, "Work, but don't' forget to live." This is a great reminder that while each of us has our "work," it's important to develop other parts of our self for a better life balance.
3. Organize. Creating perfect order is not necessarily what organizing is about. Organizing means creating just enough organization to support your daily needs. Small changes can make a big difference. It might mean organizing your make-up drawer, folding and putting away the clean laundry, reviewing and prioritizing your "to do" list the night before or unloading the dishwasher. Reigning in some of that daily chaos and stress can have positive affects.
4. Review the Basics. This may seem obvious, but simple things like drinking enough water, eating a well-balanced diet, exercising and getting enough sleep are important ways to take care of you. It's essential to listen to your body. Getting the basics in balance is key. We all have challenges. Exercising regularly is one of mine, which I continue working on.
5. De-clutter. Letting go can be difficult, but releasing clutter can be helpful. The clutter might be physical such as overflowing clothes closets, piles of magazines and catalogs or cabinets full of rarely used kitchen gadgets and appliances. The clutter could also appear in over scheduled calendars or too many thoughts running around our heads. Focus on simplifying your spaces, time and minds by allowing the unessential to be released. This is one of the most significant ways you can help yourself.
6. Reframe. There is a standard term used in the coaching industry, "NCRW," which means Naturally Creative Resourceful and Whole. This concept encourages coaches to view their clients in this positive, proactive way. While the coach is there to help guide and ask questions, it's the client and not the coach that is capable of discovering all the answers. Adopting this perspective shifts us away from trying to "fix" someone. If we start thinking about ourselves in this way, we become empowered to find our own solutions.
7. Rejuvenate. Going back to where I began, let's take another look at Dr. Shannon Reece's idea of "ME time." None of us have an unlimited supply of energy. We have to restore it or we'll have nothing left for our family, friends, business, activities or self. There are many ways to help refresh. Maybe sleeping late, spending all day in your pajamas, walking in the woods, sitting by the river, enjoying a leisurely cup of coffee or tea helps you to get your energy back. Finding ways to restore your reserves is the best type of help you can give your self.
Do any of these ideas resonate with you? What are your best ways to help yourself?
While it's important to understand and identify when we should and need to ask for help, it's just as essential to know how to be our own source of help. Here are some ideas to consider:
1. Re-Sync. There are times when we feel like we've gotten off track. Our electronic devices might be in sync, but we aren't. We may feel sad, agitated or anxious. How do you bring yourself back to center? Perhaps watching a comedy, writing in your journal, cooking a new recipe or riding your bike will work. Some like to keep a "Feel Good" file where they add encouraging letters, notes and inspirational quotes they've collected. When they need a lift, they pull out the file to shift their perspective.
2. Balance. A funny coincidence was that as I sat down to write this post with my cup of Yogi Tea, the hang tag on the tea bag was this quote, "Work, but don't' forget to live." This is a great reminder that while each of us has our "work," it's important to develop other parts of our self for a better life balance.
3. Organize. Creating perfect order is not necessarily what organizing is about. Organizing means creating just enough organization to support your daily needs. Small changes can make a big difference. It might mean organizing your make-up drawer, folding and putting away the clean laundry, reviewing and prioritizing your "to do" list the night before or unloading the dishwasher. Reigning in some of that daily chaos and stress can have positive affects.
4. Review the Basics. This may seem obvious, but simple things like drinking enough water, eating a well-balanced diet, exercising and getting enough sleep are important ways to take care of you. It's essential to listen to your body. Getting the basics in balance is key. We all have challenges. Exercising regularly is one of mine, which I continue working on.
5. De-clutter. Letting go can be difficult, but releasing clutter can be helpful. The clutter might be physical such as overflowing clothes closets, piles of magazines and catalogs or cabinets full of rarely used kitchen gadgets and appliances. The clutter could also appear in over scheduled calendars or too many thoughts running around our heads. Focus on simplifying your spaces, time and minds by allowing the unessential to be released. This is one of the most significant ways you can help yourself.
6. Reframe. There is a standard term used in the coaching industry, "NCRW," which means Naturally Creative Resourceful and Whole. This concept encourages coaches to view their clients in this positive, proactive way. While the coach is there to help guide and ask questions, it's the client and not the coach that is capable of discovering all the answers. Adopting this perspective shifts us away from trying to "fix" someone. If we start thinking about ourselves in this way, we become empowered to find our own solutions.
7. Rejuvenate. Going back to where I began, let's take another look at Dr. Shannon Reece's idea of "ME time." None of us have an unlimited supply of energy. We have to restore it or we'll have nothing left for our family, friends, business, activities or self. There are many ways to help refresh. Maybe sleeping late, spending all day in your pajamas, walking in the woods, sitting by the river, enjoying a leisurely cup of coffee or tea helps you to get your energy back. Finding ways to restore your reserves is the best type of help you can give your self.
Do any of these ideas resonate with you? What are your best ways to help yourself?
Compassionate, enthusiastic Professional Organizer, Linda Samuels invites you to visit http://www.ohsoorganized.com
to get your free monthly motivational e-newsletter about organizing and
live balance. Get your bonus "Organizing Tip 101" series upon sign-up.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_SamuelsFriday, April 26, 2013
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
8 W's of Time Management
By
Linda Samuels
Each day gives us the opportunity to use our time in a variety of
ways. I recently enjoyed a wonderful long weekend that included plenty
of time to relax and hang out with family and friends. It was a good
combination of planned and unplanned time. Even though every day isn't
like a long weekend, we can integrate certain concepts to regularly give
us a more balanced mix.
Looking at one of my typical days, I noticed that it was divided into eight segments. These groups represent how the time might be used during a given day. If you are feeling overworked and time poor, try integrating some of these ideas into your day. It might result in a more comfortable balance.
1. Wake.
Getting ready for the day sets the tone for the hours that follow. Review your morning routine. Do you give yourself enough time to prepare for your day? Instead, are you rushing and stressed from the moment you wake? What can you do to improve your start? I like to shower first thing. The water is refreshing and helps me wake up, as I wash the sleepiness away. After getting dressed, I make time to enjoy my morning cup of coffee and a small breakfast.
2. Work.
The work begins. Do you feel ready to start? Have you looked at your calendar the night before so that you know where you need to be and when? Have you planned for travel time? Most mornings, I wake early enough to have some desk time before leaving for my clients'. I use that time to catch up on emails, work on social media, papers or calls. Then I leave to work with my clients.
3. Waffle.
You don't have to eat a waffle, but eat something. Working takes energy. It's important to take a break and nourish yourself during the day. It can be tempting to eat on the run. I have been guilty of that and have eaten sandwiches while driving. That's not good for digestion or the other drivers on the road. Sitting and relaxing while you eat is beneficial and safer. Most likely, you'll want to repeat the Waffle segment around dinnertime.
4. Walk.
Since much of the work I do is indoors, it's essential to get some sunshine and fresh air. Especially now with the gorgeous, spring weather, I love taking walks. It's even nicer when walking with my family or friends. Not only is it great exercise, but also I get to reconnect with the people I love.
5. Wiggle.
Add the toe-wiggling factor into your day. What do I mean by that? What makes you so joyful that your toes wiggle in delight? It's different for all of us. For me, a simple cup of blueberry or grapefruit sorbet from our local ice cream shop is enough to bring on the wiggle. I'm not suggesting that you eat ice cream every day. The idea is to incorporate simple things that bring you pleasure.
6. Write.
Writing has become a regular part of my days between blogging, emailing, social media-ing and journaling. Using this way to reflect enriches my daily experience. Sometimes my writing is just a sentence fragment containing a seed idea. Other days, an idea develops into a full-blown blog post. Writing in different locations is inspiring too. One of my favorite places to write is at the Hudson River. If you don't enjoy writing, consider recording your thoughts or taking a reflection break where you don't record, but just think about your day.
7. Wrap-Up.
Days are full. Before finishing, take time for preparation and closure. Preparation might include reviewing tomorrow's schedule, clearing your desk, gathering items you'll need the next day or selecting your clothes. I have a pull down desk. I know I've finished my wrap-up when I clear the surface, turn off the light and close the desk. It's my "done for the day" signal. How do you know when you're done?
8. Wish.
Your day is nearing the end. Give yourself time to relax, dream and restore. Perhaps you like reading in bed, watching a movie or laying down and doing nothing. Sleeping and dreaming will replenish your energy and get you ready for tomorrow. Each new day brings another chance to design the day with your combination of W's.
Which W's resonate with you? Are there other W's you'd like to include?
Looking at one of my typical days, I noticed that it was divided into eight segments. These groups represent how the time might be used during a given day. If you are feeling overworked and time poor, try integrating some of these ideas into your day. It might result in a more comfortable balance.
1. Wake.
Getting ready for the day sets the tone for the hours that follow. Review your morning routine. Do you give yourself enough time to prepare for your day? Instead, are you rushing and stressed from the moment you wake? What can you do to improve your start? I like to shower first thing. The water is refreshing and helps me wake up, as I wash the sleepiness away. After getting dressed, I make time to enjoy my morning cup of coffee and a small breakfast.
2. Work.
The work begins. Do you feel ready to start? Have you looked at your calendar the night before so that you know where you need to be and when? Have you planned for travel time? Most mornings, I wake early enough to have some desk time before leaving for my clients'. I use that time to catch up on emails, work on social media, papers or calls. Then I leave to work with my clients.
3. Waffle.
You don't have to eat a waffle, but eat something. Working takes energy. It's important to take a break and nourish yourself during the day. It can be tempting to eat on the run. I have been guilty of that and have eaten sandwiches while driving. That's not good for digestion or the other drivers on the road. Sitting and relaxing while you eat is beneficial and safer. Most likely, you'll want to repeat the Waffle segment around dinnertime.
4. Walk.
Since much of the work I do is indoors, it's essential to get some sunshine and fresh air. Especially now with the gorgeous, spring weather, I love taking walks. It's even nicer when walking with my family or friends. Not only is it great exercise, but also I get to reconnect with the people I love.
5. Wiggle.
Add the toe-wiggling factor into your day. What do I mean by that? What makes you so joyful that your toes wiggle in delight? It's different for all of us. For me, a simple cup of blueberry or grapefruit sorbet from our local ice cream shop is enough to bring on the wiggle. I'm not suggesting that you eat ice cream every day. The idea is to incorporate simple things that bring you pleasure.
6. Write.
Writing has become a regular part of my days between blogging, emailing, social media-ing and journaling. Using this way to reflect enriches my daily experience. Sometimes my writing is just a sentence fragment containing a seed idea. Other days, an idea develops into a full-blown blog post. Writing in different locations is inspiring too. One of my favorite places to write is at the Hudson River. If you don't enjoy writing, consider recording your thoughts or taking a reflection break where you don't record, but just think about your day.
7. Wrap-Up.
Days are full. Before finishing, take time for preparation and closure. Preparation might include reviewing tomorrow's schedule, clearing your desk, gathering items you'll need the next day or selecting your clothes. I have a pull down desk. I know I've finished my wrap-up when I clear the surface, turn off the light and close the desk. It's my "done for the day" signal. How do you know when you're done?
8. Wish.
Your day is nearing the end. Give yourself time to relax, dream and restore. Perhaps you like reading in bed, watching a movie or laying down and doing nothing. Sleeping and dreaming will replenish your energy and get you ready for tomorrow. Each new day brings another chance to design the day with your combination of W's.
Which W's resonate with you? Are there other W's you'd like to include?
Compassionate, enthusiastic Professional Organizer, Linda Samuels invites you to visit http://www.ohsoorganized.com
to get your free monthly motivational e-newsletter about organizing and
life balance. Get your bonus "Organizing Tip 101" series upon sign-up.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_SamuelsMonday, April 22, 2013
Friday, April 19, 2013
Letting Go - 8 Ways to Prepare
By
Linda Samuels
Preparation is essential when it comes to letting go. It's being
in a state of readiness. On one of my business trips, I became acutely
aware of the connection between preparation and letting go. I was away
for almost a week as an attendee and exhibitor at an annual conference
for professional organizers. I didn't just walk out the door. I needed
to get ready both mentally and physically in order to leave my normal
routine and enjoy the adventure ahead. This idea of preparing to let go
resonated with me. Many of us experience challenges in this arena
whether we are letting go of places, people or things.
If you are having difficulty letting go, perhaps some of my thoughts about preparation will help you to move forward.
What helps shift you into a state of readiness?
If you are having difficulty letting go, perhaps some of my thoughts about preparation will help you to move forward.
- Plan- To leave things behind, it helps to know that they are in good shape. This might involve organizing our papers, arranging our family's schedules, or finding resources to donate our treasures. Knowing that our affairs are in reasonable order helps prepare us to move ahead.
- Focus- Be in the moment. It's so common to dwell on the past or worry about the future. Focusing on where you are enables you to enjoy the present and let go when the time comes.
- Embrace- While being in the moment is important, preparing emotionally to embrace the joy that will come from change is key. Letting go can be painful, but presents us with wonderful opportunities that we couldn't have imagined otherwise.
- Emote- When letting go is involved, our emotions will be too. Expect a range of feelings from distress to elation. These and everything in between are normal. Allowing yourself to feel along the journey is key in letting go and processing your experiences.
- Dare - Helen Keller said, "Life is a daring adventure or nothing." Bravery is required to let go of the familiar and forge ahead to the unknown. Take a deep breath and tap into your brave side.
- Control- The opposite of letting go is control. For many of us, the unwillingness to relinquish control prevents us from moving forward. Interestingly though, by giving up some control, we allow ourselves and those near us to flourish.
- Rejuvenate - Leaving behind our schedules, lives or clutter can renew our energy, increase our focus and move us in new directions. Letting go rejuvenates our spirit and gives us a chance to look at things from a refreshed perspective.
- Dream- Imagine the positive for what our lives, spaces and relationships will be like when we allow ourselves to let go of the things that are holding us back. While none of us can predict the future, filling our thoughts with positive expectations can motivate us to let go.
What helps shift you into a state of readiness?
Compassionate, enthusiastic Professional Organizer, Linda Samuels invites you to visit http://www.ohsoorganized.com
to get your free monthly motivational e-newsletter about organizing and
life balance. Get your bonus "Organizing Tip 101" series upon sign-up.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_SamuelsThursday, April 18, 2013
Home Organization - Five Timesaving Organizing Tips For Every Home
By
Jane Alais
Creating quality free time in your day can seem like an
impossible task but taking a few moments to figure out simple ways to
get organized so you can create time and streamline your day is the
difference between a chaotic week that leaves you exhausted and a smooth
flowing week with the time to relax and enjoy your self. Here are five
organizing tips to save time and create wellbeing.
A stitch in time saves nine is a really wonderful saying when it comes to organizing. Taking a few minutes to put dishes and clothes away, make a list so you remember everything or attend to what needs to be done in those little moments can prevent the hours it takes to clean and create order in your home. What daily actions can you take that will prevent small tasks from becoming big time consuming tasks?
Errands can eat up huge chunks of your time so think about grouping errands together, combining similar errands and delaying what isn't urgent until you can do a few errands at the same time. Changing how you structure errands can save countless extra trips that take time and money and a lot of extra running around.
Get organized in the kitchen. Meal preparation, grocery shopping and cleaning can be a massively time consuming chore. Filling out your grocery list during the week and discarding any out of date food while you wipe down your refrigerator weekly prevents things from getting out of control in the kitchen. Try making lunches the night while you put away dishes to create time the next morning.
Complete task cycles. This means that things like doing laundry really require washing, drying, folding and putting away. Often this four part process isn't completed and clean clothes get stuck in the laundry room for days, washed clothes stay damp and the whole clothing cycle breaks down. Taking a little time to complete this cycle in the laundry or kitchen can save you the hours of time it will take to deal with a kitchen or laundry that has been neglected during the week.
Delegate what you can. This simply means everyone in your home needs a special job that they can do to help the family out. This may be folding and putting away laundry, emptying the dishwasher or taking turns to cook meals and wash dishes. A little effort and time from everyone can make a huge difference to how your home runs.
Get organized so you can experiment with these five time saving organizing tips this week and see how much time you can create so you can start the shift to an organized home for a calmer more satisfying life.
A stitch in time saves nine is a really wonderful saying when it comes to organizing. Taking a few minutes to put dishes and clothes away, make a list so you remember everything or attend to what needs to be done in those little moments can prevent the hours it takes to clean and create order in your home. What daily actions can you take that will prevent small tasks from becoming big time consuming tasks?
Errands can eat up huge chunks of your time so think about grouping errands together, combining similar errands and delaying what isn't urgent until you can do a few errands at the same time. Changing how you structure errands can save countless extra trips that take time and money and a lot of extra running around.
Get organized in the kitchen. Meal preparation, grocery shopping and cleaning can be a massively time consuming chore. Filling out your grocery list during the week and discarding any out of date food while you wipe down your refrigerator weekly prevents things from getting out of control in the kitchen. Try making lunches the night while you put away dishes to create time the next morning.
Complete task cycles. This means that things like doing laundry really require washing, drying, folding and putting away. Often this four part process isn't completed and clean clothes get stuck in the laundry room for days, washed clothes stay damp and the whole clothing cycle breaks down. Taking a little time to complete this cycle in the laundry or kitchen can save you the hours of time it will take to deal with a kitchen or laundry that has been neglected during the week.
Delegate what you can. This simply means everyone in your home needs a special job that they can do to help the family out. This may be folding and putting away laundry, emptying the dishwasher or taking turns to cook meals and wash dishes. A little effort and time from everyone can make a huge difference to how your home runs.
Get organized so you can experiment with these five time saving organizing tips this week and see how much time you can create so you can start the shift to an organized home for a calmer more satisfying life.
Need help with organizing your home and your life. For more organizing tips click here and go to http://www.declutterbefree.com for your special free report, 50 tips to Declutter, Get Organized and Energize Your Home and Your Life. Jane Alais is a professional organizer, the creator of Declutter Befree.com and the author of Get Organized-Get Happy A Step by Step Guide to Clear Clutter and Organize Success. She writes about strategies and solutions to declutter organize and energize your home and your life.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Alais
Home Organizing - Organize Bedroom for Space and Calm
By
Jane Alais
Home organizing can begin with a bedroom that has become a clutter magnet for all the bits and pieces of your busy life. Organizing your bedroom is a great way to begin to get organized in other areas of your life. Bedrooms often become more storage area than rest area, the place to stash unfinished projects and where long term messes can be hidden for months.
Clean simple uncluttered bedrooms give you the space to unwind, sleep well and refresh, creating the opportunity for those relaxing rituals that allow you to create calm and good sleep. Waking up to an uncluttered bedroom is a positive energizing start to your day and a calming influence at night.
Create better bedroom storage and extra space by removing what doesn't belong there. This may mean looking in your closet and through drawers to remove small things that don't belong while keeping an eye out for any paper clutter you can discard. Other things to remove are the busy things such as craft and exercise equipment, or boxes with unknown contents and laundry that hasn't been put away for weeks.
Clean, clear and organize any flat surfaces. This means pick up anything on the floor, clear and clean table tops or side tables. Throw away any small surface clutter and put away what doesn't belong there. Decreased clutter instantly creates a relaxing calming response.
Any bedroom organizing includes a clothing purge. Go through each drawer tossing what is too big, small, old or not longer liked. Fold every item and fill drawers to about seventy per cent capacity for easy access. Categorize the items in each drawer.
Organize and declutter your closet. For instant space get rid of extra hangers. Use wooden hangers to keep clothes wrinkle free. Systemize your closet by hanging similar things together and buy clear shoe boxes for easy storage. This will make it much easier to get ready in the morning.
What small things do you need to organize? This may include jewelry, makeup and hair accessories. Get rid of the items that you no longer wear, like or want and containerize the rest. Put these containers in closed storage to minimize surface clutter.
Organizing your bedroom also means sorting out your reading material. Get rid of any newspapers, magazines that you are no longer reading and put all your reading material in a basket or night table.
Look at your storage. Are you using all the vertical space in your closet? Can you add more shelves, hooks or get rid of hangers? As you declutter and create designated spaces for things you will automatically create more space.
Home organizing is enhanced with an uncluttered and organized bedroom. Think beauty, function and comfort when you organize your bedroom. Simple actions such as clearing surface clutter, getting rid of unwanted items in your closet and containerizing small items can create calm and space.
You can organize everything you own. Click here to go to http://www.declutterbefree.com and get your free special report.
Jane Alais is a professional organizer, the creator of Declutter Befree.com and the author of Get Organized Get Happy. She writes about strategies and solutions to declutter, organize and energize your home and your life.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_AlaisJane Alais is a professional organizer, the creator of Declutter Befree.com and the author of Get Organized Get Happy. She writes about strategies and solutions to declutter, organize and energize your home and your life.
Declutter Your Home - Declutter Your Life, Discover the Power of Letting Go
By
Jane Alais
Getting clutter out of your life on any level can often mean a
lot more than just getting rid of some things you no longer need.
Letting go of stuff can also symbolize letting go of thought patterns,
habits, stale ideas and attitudes that don't provide the energy and
inspiration to take you where you want to go.
This is the beauty of becoming clutter free. Creating small clutter free changes in your home actually can make shifts in your perception, attitude, creativity and energy and is a powerful start to taking any goal or ambition to a new level as well as attracting what you need to create success. Here are four ways letting go of clutter can shift thought patterns, perceptions, ideas and attitudes that may be holding you back.
Letting go gets you to rethink the why and how of what you have in your life. Getting rid of old clothing lets you update your look and add clothing you love. Letting go of old books lets you add the literature you want to read now and reducing kitchen clutter gives you back extra time every day to spend on what you would love to do. Getting rid of clutter lets you release the past and shift your attention to what you want to accomplish today.
The act of letting go requires you to clarify what you love in terms of color, style, design and use. Very often this brings to the surface the excuses for keeping items that actually weigh you down. Letting go of what you no longer like or love to look at or use and adding more of what you love creates a domino effect in your life which can create the ideas, energy and the purpose to fulfill long desired wishes and dreams.
Letting go lets you instantly zero in on what is important and quickly wade through the unimportant. Being able to instantly feel and see what is right, how the little details fit in the big picture and making quick decisions are all skills that you acquire by eliminating clutter from your life. If your goal is greater productivity and efficiency creating a clutter free organized environment is a must. This creates a confident attitude with any project you take on.
Letting go centers your attention on the possibilities that you hadn't thought of before. This gives you a perceptual shift that can move you through blocks in other areas of your life. A cluttered office space that is decluttered and organized can inspire the clarity and creativity to create more income, give you the opportunity to network and expand business as well as organize files, finances and add elements that inspire you. Clearing clutter shifts energy and unburdens your mind creating a positive mind set that lets you begin to see the opportunities and possibilities that you hadn't seen before.
Declutter your home to declutter your life and experience how letting go of clutter can shift thought patterns, habits and stale ideas that may be holding you back from what you want to create in life.
This is the beauty of becoming clutter free. Creating small clutter free changes in your home actually can make shifts in your perception, attitude, creativity and energy and is a powerful start to taking any goal or ambition to a new level as well as attracting what you need to create success. Here are four ways letting go of clutter can shift thought patterns, perceptions, ideas and attitudes that may be holding you back.
Letting go gets you to rethink the why and how of what you have in your life. Getting rid of old clothing lets you update your look and add clothing you love. Letting go of old books lets you add the literature you want to read now and reducing kitchen clutter gives you back extra time every day to spend on what you would love to do. Getting rid of clutter lets you release the past and shift your attention to what you want to accomplish today.
The act of letting go requires you to clarify what you love in terms of color, style, design and use. Very often this brings to the surface the excuses for keeping items that actually weigh you down. Letting go of what you no longer like or love to look at or use and adding more of what you love creates a domino effect in your life which can create the ideas, energy and the purpose to fulfill long desired wishes and dreams.
Letting go lets you instantly zero in on what is important and quickly wade through the unimportant. Being able to instantly feel and see what is right, how the little details fit in the big picture and making quick decisions are all skills that you acquire by eliminating clutter from your life. If your goal is greater productivity and efficiency creating a clutter free organized environment is a must. This creates a confident attitude with any project you take on.
Letting go centers your attention on the possibilities that you hadn't thought of before. This gives you a perceptual shift that can move you through blocks in other areas of your life. A cluttered office space that is decluttered and organized can inspire the clarity and creativity to create more income, give you the opportunity to network and expand business as well as organize files, finances and add elements that inspire you. Clearing clutter shifts energy and unburdens your mind creating a positive mind set that lets you begin to see the opportunities and possibilities that you hadn't seen before.
Declutter your home to declutter your life and experience how letting go of clutter can shift thought patterns, habits and stale ideas that may be holding you back from what you want to create in life.
Want to know how to declutter your home so you can declutter your life? Click here to go to http://www.declutterbefree.com and get your free special report.
Jane Alais is a professional organizer, the creator of Declutter Befree.com and the author of Get Organized-Get Happy A Step by Step Guide to Clear Clutter and Organize Success. She writes about strategies and solutions to declutter, organize and energize your home and your life.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Alais
Jane Alais is a professional organizer, the creator of Declutter Befree.com and the author of Get Organized-Get Happy A Step by Step Guide to Clear Clutter and Organize Success. She writes about strategies and solutions to declutter, organize and energize your home and your life.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Home Organization - Five Timesaving Organizing Tips For Every Home
By
Jane Alais
Creating quality free time in your day can seem like an
impossible task but taking a few moments to figure out simple ways to
get organized so you can create time and streamline your day is the
difference between a chaotic week that leaves you exhausted and a smooth
flowing week with the time to relax and enjoy your self. Here are five
organizing tips to save time and create wellbeing.
A stitch in time saves nine is a really wonderful saying when it comes to organizing. Taking a few minutes to put dishes and clothes away, make a list so you remember everything or attend to what needs to be done in those little moments can prevent the hours it takes to clean and create order in your home. What daily actions can you take that will prevent small tasks from becoming big time consuming tasks?
Errands can eat up huge chunks of your time so think about grouping errands together, combining similar errands and delaying what isn't urgent until you can do a few errands at the same time. Changing how you structure errands can save countless extra trips that take time and money and a lot of extra running around.
Get organized in the kitchen. Meal preparation, grocery shopping and cleaning can be a massively time consuming chore. Filling out your grocery list during the week and discarding any out of date food while you wipe down your refrigerator weekly prevents things from getting out of control in the kitchen. Try making lunches the night while you put away dishes to create time the next morning.
Complete task cycles. This means that things like doing laundry really require washing, drying, folding and putting away. Often this four part process isn't completed and clean clothes get stuck in the laundry room for days, washed clothes stay damp and the whole clothing cycle breaks down. Taking a little time to complete this cycle in the laundry or kitchen can save you the hours of time it will take to deal with a kitchen or laundry that has been neglected during the week.
Delegate what you can. This simply means everyone in your home needs a special job that they can do to help the family out. This may be folding and putting away laundry, emptying the dishwasher or taking turns to cook meals and wash dishes. A little effort and time from everyone can make a huge difference to how your home runs.
Get organized so you can experiment with these five time saving organizing tips this week and see how much time you can create so you can start the shift to an organized home for a calmer more satisfying life.
A stitch in time saves nine is a really wonderful saying when it comes to organizing. Taking a few minutes to put dishes and clothes away, make a list so you remember everything or attend to what needs to be done in those little moments can prevent the hours it takes to clean and create order in your home. What daily actions can you take that will prevent small tasks from becoming big time consuming tasks?
Errands can eat up huge chunks of your time so think about grouping errands together, combining similar errands and delaying what isn't urgent until you can do a few errands at the same time. Changing how you structure errands can save countless extra trips that take time and money and a lot of extra running around.
Get organized in the kitchen. Meal preparation, grocery shopping and cleaning can be a massively time consuming chore. Filling out your grocery list during the week and discarding any out of date food while you wipe down your refrigerator weekly prevents things from getting out of control in the kitchen. Try making lunches the night while you put away dishes to create time the next morning.
Complete task cycles. This means that things like doing laundry really require washing, drying, folding and putting away. Often this four part process isn't completed and clean clothes get stuck in the laundry room for days, washed clothes stay damp and the whole clothing cycle breaks down. Taking a little time to complete this cycle in the laundry or kitchen can save you the hours of time it will take to deal with a kitchen or laundry that has been neglected during the week.
Delegate what you can. This simply means everyone in your home needs a special job that they can do to help the family out. This may be folding and putting away laundry, emptying the dishwasher or taking turns to cook meals and wash dishes. A little effort and time from everyone can make a huge difference to how your home runs.
Get organized so you can experiment with these five time saving organizing tips this week and see how much time you can create so you can start the shift to an organized home for a calmer more satisfying life.
Need help with organizing your home and your life. For more organizing tips click here and go to http://www.declutterbefree.com for your special free report, 50 tips to Declutter, Get Organized and Energize Your Home and Your Life. Jane Alais is a professional organizer, the creator of Declutter Befree.com and the author of Get Organized-Get Happy A Step by Step Guide to Clear Clutter and Organize Success. She writes about strategies and solutions to declutter organize and energize your home and your life.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Alais
Organizing Your Life - Seven Smart Ways to Organize Success
By
Jane Alais
There are seven smart ways to organize your life so you can make
get organized from the inside out and create the success you want. Each
strategy complements the other and gives you the stepping stones to
create an abundant positive mind set that will generate the time, energy
and vision to begin to create the life you want.
1. Take time to declutter. Getting rid of clutter puts you back into decision making mode. Deciding on new clutter free standards keeps you focused on what you want to create making the space to bring what you love back into your home and your life.
2. Create order in your home. Order creates clarity of thought and gives you the space to rethink the how, where and why of where you put things while you find a home for all your possessions. This shift to order can give you back hours of time in your week so you can do what you love.
3. Start to systemize. this may mean organizing systems for your home that will reduce and manage your workload. A system is a series of repeatable actions that help you save time, energy and money and lets you make the shift from the fragmented energy of clutter to a pattern of consistent action which always creates momentum. Often this leads to using checklists and writing goals.
4. Success means action and establishing a few simple daily routines that will reduce your housework can put you in a positive, energetic, abundant mind set. Controlling the must do's in your life through routines quickly creates order, saving you time and energy.
5. Energize your home. Creating an atmosphere that is beautiful, functional and comfortable by removing anything that isn't uplifting and adding what is to create a positive energy in any space, automatically improves your focus, creates momentum and happiness.
6. Completing incompletes and clearing up messes in your home and life. are a huge energizer and rapidly decrease stress. Make a clean sweep, list your incompletes and schedule them or let them go. This is organizing from the inside out to create peace of mind and inner enthusiasm.
7. Take the time to detail and focus on your vision of what you want to manifest in your home and your life. Even small acts of clutter clearing and getting organized put you in an inspired, creative place where you focus on what you want to create.
Organize your life with these seven smart ways to success so you can streamline what you own, create order and generate the motivation, energy and creativity to manifest what you want in your life now.
1. Take time to declutter. Getting rid of clutter puts you back into decision making mode. Deciding on new clutter free standards keeps you focused on what you want to create making the space to bring what you love back into your home and your life.
2. Create order in your home. Order creates clarity of thought and gives you the space to rethink the how, where and why of where you put things while you find a home for all your possessions. This shift to order can give you back hours of time in your week so you can do what you love.
3. Start to systemize. this may mean organizing systems for your home that will reduce and manage your workload. A system is a series of repeatable actions that help you save time, energy and money and lets you make the shift from the fragmented energy of clutter to a pattern of consistent action which always creates momentum. Often this leads to using checklists and writing goals.
4. Success means action and establishing a few simple daily routines that will reduce your housework can put you in a positive, energetic, abundant mind set. Controlling the must do's in your life through routines quickly creates order, saving you time and energy.
5. Energize your home. Creating an atmosphere that is beautiful, functional and comfortable by removing anything that isn't uplifting and adding what is to create a positive energy in any space, automatically improves your focus, creates momentum and happiness.
6. Completing incompletes and clearing up messes in your home and life. are a huge energizer and rapidly decrease stress. Make a clean sweep, list your incompletes and schedule them or let them go. This is organizing from the inside out to create peace of mind and inner enthusiasm.
7. Take the time to detail and focus on your vision of what you want to manifest in your home and your life. Even small acts of clutter clearing and getting organized put you in an inspired, creative place where you focus on what you want to create.
Organize your life with these seven smart ways to success so you can streamline what you own, create order and generate the motivation, energy and creativity to manifest what you want in your life now.
Need some motivation to create success in your life? Click here to go to http://www.declutterbefree.com to get your special free report now.
Jane Alais is a professional organizer, the creator of Declutter Befree.com and the author of Get Organized-Get Happy A Step by Step Guide to Clear Clutter and Organize Success. She writes about strategies and solutions to declutter, organize and energize your home and your life so you can create the success you want.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_AlaisJane Alais is a professional organizer, the creator of Declutter Befree.com and the author of Get Organized-Get Happy A Step by Step Guide to Clear Clutter and Organize Success. She writes about strategies and solutions to declutter, organize and energize your home and your life so you can create the success you want.
Home Organization Tips - Organize Your Home With Checklists
By
Jane Alais
Checklists are easy useful organizers that focus you on the steps
or process needed to get a task or project completed. Using checklists
to organize your thinking and take action can diminish the scattered
unfocused energy that clutter and disorganization create. They can also
be used to list the best step by step way to get any task done and make
it easy to break large tasks down into easy to do steps.
Shifting from being disorganized to organized often means you have to think through processes or the steps it takes to achieve order. This is calming, puts you in a quiet clear place, slows you down and gets you thinking in a more orderly way about changes you want to make. If you want a more organized home here are some places where checklists could benefit you in living a more organized life.
If forgetting things is common in your household you may find a checklist outlining what to pack in a school bag, swimming bag or sports bag will eliminate this problem immediately. Evening or morning routines can be outlined including how to get ready for school. Your child can check their morning or evening checklist and know step by step what to do without any reminders from you.
Homework and chores checklists give children a daily or weekly guideline making creating a routine easier to accomplish. Following a checklist can change into a routine which changes into good habits which benefit the entire household.
Cleaning checklists can save you a lot of time. List how and what is to be cleaned in the kitchen or what needs to be dusted put these lists in a binder and next time you delegate a chore it is clear what needs to be done and the job is done well. Weekly household tasks can be make into weekly checklists which can include any extra maintenance or cleaning you want done.
Checklists are great for packing for holidays. Packing lists for family holidays, weekends or even day trips will completely take the stress out of getting ready to go. A checklist for getting the car ready will ensure pre-travel checks are done and a checklist for closing up the house will eliminate those, "did I do it feelings".
So try making a few checklists where you feel you need better home organization or if you want to get your family organized. Use them as reminders to eliminate post it notes, get your self thinking in step by step processes and to improve your home organization.
Shifting from being disorganized to organized often means you have to think through processes or the steps it takes to achieve order. This is calming, puts you in a quiet clear place, slows you down and gets you thinking in a more orderly way about changes you want to make. If you want a more organized home here are some places where checklists could benefit you in living a more organized life.
If forgetting things is common in your household you may find a checklist outlining what to pack in a school bag, swimming bag or sports bag will eliminate this problem immediately. Evening or morning routines can be outlined including how to get ready for school. Your child can check their morning or evening checklist and know step by step what to do without any reminders from you.
Homework and chores checklists give children a daily or weekly guideline making creating a routine easier to accomplish. Following a checklist can change into a routine which changes into good habits which benefit the entire household.
Cleaning checklists can save you a lot of time. List how and what is to be cleaned in the kitchen or what needs to be dusted put these lists in a binder and next time you delegate a chore it is clear what needs to be done and the job is done well. Weekly household tasks can be make into weekly checklists which can include any extra maintenance or cleaning you want done.
Checklists are great for packing for holidays. Packing lists for family holidays, weekends or even day trips will completely take the stress out of getting ready to go. A checklist for getting the car ready will ensure pre-travel checks are done and a checklist for closing up the house will eliminate those, "did I do it feelings".
So try making a few checklists where you feel you need better home organization or if you want to get your family organized. Use them as reminders to eliminate post it notes, get your self thinking in step by step processes and to improve your home organization.
Need help with home organization? Click here and go to http://www.declutterbefree.com for your special free report.
Jane Alais is a professional organizer, the creator of Declutter Befree.com and the author of Get Organized-Get Happy A Step by Step Guide to Clear Clutter and Organize Success. She writes about strategies and solutions to declutter organize and energize your home and your life.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_AlaisJane Alais is a professional organizer, the creator of Declutter Befree.com and the author of Get Organized-Get Happy A Step by Step Guide to Clear Clutter and Organize Success. She writes about strategies and solutions to declutter organize and energize your home and your life.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Friday, April 12, 2013
Declutter Your Home - Understanding the Clutter Life Cycle For a Clutter Free Home
By
Jane Alais
Start to declutter your home by understanding the clutter life
cycle and how unwanted redundant stuff expands and multiplies until you
lose all sense of how much and what you own. There is a reason why your
home is filled with stuff you no longer remember buying much less using.
Here are some facts about the clutter life cycle that will motivate you
to clear your clutter sooner than later.
Clutter just grows and grows: I often hear, "I don't know how my garage/basement/bedroom filled up with so much stuff", but once you are in a clutter accumulating pattern it exponentially starts to multiply. Purchasing items that come with multiple parts, putting things in the garage so clutter is out of sight and out of mind, delaying decision making and never letting go adds up to huge amounts of clutter over time.
Stuff expands to fill the space: Beware buying extra storage as clutter expands to fill empty spaces. Until you make a turn around to declutter and set limits on what you own more shelves, boxes, cupboards and wardrobes can just mean a lot more stuff.
Too many things makes the good things disappear: The more things you have the harder it is to find the things you really love to look at and use. Your treasures get lost in the crowd and it becomes easy to forget what you really cherish and love.
Stuff sits where it lands: Shoes tossed in the middle of the hallway, clothes on the floor or on the back of chairs not only can sit there a long time but becomes a visual clue to pile up more stuff. Soon you have big piles of things to put away and an often overwhelming and time consuming task on your hands.
Over time things become invisible: Having too much makes it harder to find everything and locating things becomes a stressful time consuming task. When what you own becomes invisible you buy multiples of the same thing which starts to make your clutter very expensive.
If you want the extra space that comes from a clutter free home and the free time clutter free living can give you, think about what steps you can take to stop the clutter life cycle and start to declutter your home.
Clutter just grows and grows: I often hear, "I don't know how my garage/basement/bedroom filled up with so much stuff", but once you are in a clutter accumulating pattern it exponentially starts to multiply. Purchasing items that come with multiple parts, putting things in the garage so clutter is out of sight and out of mind, delaying decision making and never letting go adds up to huge amounts of clutter over time.
Stuff expands to fill the space: Beware buying extra storage as clutter expands to fill empty spaces. Until you make a turn around to declutter and set limits on what you own more shelves, boxes, cupboards and wardrobes can just mean a lot more stuff.
Too many things makes the good things disappear: The more things you have the harder it is to find the things you really love to look at and use. Your treasures get lost in the crowd and it becomes easy to forget what you really cherish and love.
Stuff sits where it lands: Shoes tossed in the middle of the hallway, clothes on the floor or on the back of chairs not only can sit there a long time but becomes a visual clue to pile up more stuff. Soon you have big piles of things to put away and an often overwhelming and time consuming task on your hands.
Over time things become invisible: Having too much makes it harder to find everything and locating things becomes a stressful time consuming task. When what you own becomes invisible you buy multiples of the same thing which starts to make your clutter very expensive.
If you want the extra space that comes from a clutter free home and the free time clutter free living can give you, think about what steps you can take to stop the clutter life cycle and start to declutter your home.
Would you like more information about how you can create more
space in your home and more time in your life. Click here to go to http://www.declutterbefree.com for your free report to create a clutter free home for clutter free living.
Jane Alais is a professional organizer, the creator of Declutter Befree.com and the author of Get Organized-Get Happy A Step by Step Guide to Clear Clutter and Organize Success. She writes about strategies and solutions to declutter, organize and energize your home and your life.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_AlaisJane Alais is a professional organizer, the creator of Declutter Befree.com and the author of Get Organized-Get Happy A Step by Step Guide to Clear Clutter and Organize Success. She writes about strategies and solutions to declutter, organize and energize your home and your life.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Get Organized at Home - How to Design Organizing Solutions That Work For You
By
Jane Alais
Simple organizing solutions that minimize must do's, maximize
your efficiency and generate more free time can be straightforward and
uncomplicated to create. The key to get organized at home is to think
like a professional organizer by identifying the organizational problem,
decide on your solution and then take consistent action. Here are four
steps to use as a guide to help you design organizing solutions that
will work really well for you.
The first step is to choose an area to focus on. This may be an area in your home that physically needs decluttering and organizing, an organizing system that needs some rethinking or an aspect of your life you want to improve or a goal you want to achieve through better organization.
This can range from the mundane but necessary household tasks such as laundry, grocery shopping or any type of housework to more interesting things such networking, staying in contact with friends, creating more prosperity in your life, taking up a sport or hobby or learning a new skill.
The second step is to ask your self a few simple questions to identify what type of organizational problem you have. Is it a lack of space caused by too much clutter or the wrong type of storage? Do you have problems locating things and don't know where to put things back. Do you need to prioritize so you put what you love to do first or do you need to organize some systems in your home to give you the free time to focus on what you want?
The third step is to get creative and brainstorm the simple action steps you need to create the outcomes you want. This may mean scheduling regular decluttering and organizing time, getting organized and working from a to do list so you can make what you love to do a priority or rethinking step by step simple household organizing systems that will save you time, money and energy.
The last step is to re- organize your simple action steps in the order and time that will work best for you. You may discover that some organizing tasks require more steps to get completed or tasks you did weekly actually need some daily maintenance. Things like keeping e-mails under control may mean a few minutes of organizing every morning instead of facing a huge weekly pile up or scheduling an hour one evening a week to make social plans and keep in touch with friends is a lot better than thinking about it and never doing it.
Use this four step strategy to rethink the simple action steps that will let you design organizing solutions that will work for you creating the time and energy to make life more enjoyable, do more of what you love and bring to you the success you want.
The first step is to choose an area to focus on. This may be an area in your home that physically needs decluttering and organizing, an organizing system that needs some rethinking or an aspect of your life you want to improve or a goal you want to achieve through better organization.
This can range from the mundane but necessary household tasks such as laundry, grocery shopping or any type of housework to more interesting things such networking, staying in contact with friends, creating more prosperity in your life, taking up a sport or hobby or learning a new skill.
The second step is to ask your self a few simple questions to identify what type of organizational problem you have. Is it a lack of space caused by too much clutter or the wrong type of storage? Do you have problems locating things and don't know where to put things back. Do you need to prioritize so you put what you love to do first or do you need to organize some systems in your home to give you the free time to focus on what you want?
The third step is to get creative and brainstorm the simple action steps you need to create the outcomes you want. This may mean scheduling regular decluttering and organizing time, getting organized and working from a to do list so you can make what you love to do a priority or rethinking step by step simple household organizing systems that will save you time, money and energy.
The last step is to re- organize your simple action steps in the order and time that will work best for you. You may discover that some organizing tasks require more steps to get completed or tasks you did weekly actually need some daily maintenance. Things like keeping e-mails under control may mean a few minutes of organizing every morning instead of facing a huge weekly pile up or scheduling an hour one evening a week to make social plans and keep in touch with friends is a lot better than thinking about it and never doing it.
Use this four step strategy to rethink the simple action steps that will let you design organizing solutions that will work for you creating the time and energy to make life more enjoyable, do more of what you love and bring to you the success you want.
Discover the simple organizing action steps to create the success you want. Click here to go to http://www.declutterbefree.com and get your special free report.
Jane Alais is a professional organizer, the creator of Declutter Befree.com and the author of Get Organized-Get Happy A Step by Step Guide to Clear Clutter and Organize Success. She writes about strategies and solutions to declutter, organize and energize your home and your life.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_AlaisJane Alais is a professional organizer, the creator of Declutter Befree.com and the author of Get Organized-Get Happy A Step by Step Guide to Clear Clutter and Organize Success. She writes about strategies and solutions to declutter, organize and energize your home and your life.
The Seven Biggest Decluttering Mistakes and How You Can Avoid Them
By
Jane Alais
Any decluttering project can be challenging and starting out on
the right foot can mean the difference between just moving your clutter
around and repackaging it or actually getting rid of it. Here are the
seven biggest decluttering mistakes and even more importantly the simple
tips on how to avoid them.
1. You declutter when you are tired or uninspired. Don't start a decluttering project when you lack energy and focus. Clearing clutter requires a fresh attitude and positive energy. Choose a time of day when your energy is high and you feel motivated to clear clutter.
2. Start with no plan. If you don't have a few thoughts to string together as to how you are going to do this you have a plan to fail. Take a few minutes to decide what you will declutter, how to get rid of clutter and what you want to let go and keep.
3. Don't leave enough time to finish the job. It's demoralizing to leave a decluttering task half finished and to lose your train of thought and momentum. Give every task a minute value and stick to it. Add ten minutes to every project so you can clean up.
4. Don't identify your clutter. Use the Clutter Free Decision Making Keys or pull a few personal clutter free standards together can give you a clutter free boost. Just thinking I'll get rid of multiples, or everything too small or things I haven't used in a year can bet the decluttering ball rolling.
5. No tool kit. Running around for garbage bags, cleaning supplies and extra boxes can decrease your momentum and make clearing clutter a real chore. Getting a tool kit, water and energy food organized can make the difference between getting a job finished or abandoning the task.
6. No systems to get rid of clutter. There is nothing worse than clearing out a load of clutter as it sits by your front door or in your garage for weeks. Research the best ways to get rid of your clutter before you take on any clutter clearing projects.
7. Don't re-organize your things. Decluttering and organizing are like bread and butter. Once you have let go of what you no longer need how can you rethink what you own? What needs to be organized, systemized, sorted out and arranged? Think like with like, containerize and labels.
Decluttering projects can leave you inspired and energized if they are successful. Take the time to avoid these seven decluttering mistakes so you can clear clutter, get organized and enjoy your clutter free space.
1. You declutter when you are tired or uninspired. Don't start a decluttering project when you lack energy and focus. Clearing clutter requires a fresh attitude and positive energy. Choose a time of day when your energy is high and you feel motivated to clear clutter.
2. Start with no plan. If you don't have a few thoughts to string together as to how you are going to do this you have a plan to fail. Take a few minutes to decide what you will declutter, how to get rid of clutter and what you want to let go and keep.
3. Don't leave enough time to finish the job. It's demoralizing to leave a decluttering task half finished and to lose your train of thought and momentum. Give every task a minute value and stick to it. Add ten minutes to every project so you can clean up.
4. Don't identify your clutter. Use the Clutter Free Decision Making Keys or pull a few personal clutter free standards together can give you a clutter free boost. Just thinking I'll get rid of multiples, or everything too small or things I haven't used in a year can bet the decluttering ball rolling.
5. No tool kit. Running around for garbage bags, cleaning supplies and extra boxes can decrease your momentum and make clearing clutter a real chore. Getting a tool kit, water and energy food organized can make the difference between getting a job finished or abandoning the task.
6. No systems to get rid of clutter. There is nothing worse than clearing out a load of clutter as it sits by your front door or in your garage for weeks. Research the best ways to get rid of your clutter before you take on any clutter clearing projects.
7. Don't re-organize your things. Decluttering and organizing are like bread and butter. Once you have let go of what you no longer need how can you rethink what you own? What needs to be organized, systemized, sorted out and arranged? Think like with like, containerize and labels.
Decluttering projects can leave you inspired and energized if they are successful. Take the time to avoid these seven decluttering mistakes so you can clear clutter, get organized and enjoy your clutter free space.
Need help with clutter free solutions? Click here to go to http://www.declutterbefree.com to get your special free report that will get you started.
Jane Alais is a professional organizer, the creator of Declutter Befree.com and the author of Get Organized-Get Happy A Step by Step Guide to Clear Clutter and Organize Success. She writes about strategies and solutions to declutter, organize and energize your home and your life.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_AlaisJane Alais is a professional organizer, the creator of Declutter Befree.com and the author of Get Organized-Get Happy A Step by Step Guide to Clear Clutter and Organize Success. She writes about strategies and solutions to declutter, organize and energize your home and your life.
Why Declutter and Organize Your Home? Seven Top Reasons For Clutter Control
By
Jane Alais
I once asked a client what was the best thing about getting rid
of clutter. What did she experience from her clutter free space and more
clutter control that was really unexpected and took her by surprise? I
asked her, was it the extra space, the free time or the fact she had
less to do?
She answered that those changes were all great but the best one simply was the massive sense of relief she experienced and for her that was an unexpected reward from her clutter free journey. Here are the top seven reasons for becoming organized and letting go of clutter from those who are already on this path.
Relief was a winner, which reinforces how clutter can carry a negative energy. It weighs on your mind, makes your energy drop every time you look at it and distracts you from focusing on better things.
More space and a feeling of spaciousness was another incentive to declutter. Without clutter, living spaces feel calmer and look better. It's much easier to find things in storage spaces such as closets, drawers, and cupboards. Living with less clutter creates a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere.
Everything looks better. It is amazing when you remove what is ugly, broken or what needs to be thrown out, how a space instantly looks better.
There is less work to do. Becoming clutter free lets you start to design organizational systems that really work for your family as well as having less to pick up, put away and think about.
You feel a lot better. Spaces that are clutter free are healthy, happy and relaxed. The atmosphere improves and it is much easier to add something beautiful.
You experience more quality free time. An organized house supports organized thinking and with less clutter and a reduced workload you start to do more of what you love.
You have more energy. As the draining energy of clutter diminishes the positive energy of becoming clutter free increases so you feel better and have a more positive attitude.
So if you ever doubt becoming clutter free and organized is worth it, or you are wondering why you should start your clutter free journey here are the seven top reasons to declutter and organize your home from those who have gone from clutter to clutter free.
She answered that those changes were all great but the best one simply was the massive sense of relief she experienced and for her that was an unexpected reward from her clutter free journey. Here are the top seven reasons for becoming organized and letting go of clutter from those who are already on this path.
Relief was a winner, which reinforces how clutter can carry a negative energy. It weighs on your mind, makes your energy drop every time you look at it and distracts you from focusing on better things.
More space and a feeling of spaciousness was another incentive to declutter. Without clutter, living spaces feel calmer and look better. It's much easier to find things in storage spaces such as closets, drawers, and cupboards. Living with less clutter creates a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere.
Everything looks better. It is amazing when you remove what is ugly, broken or what needs to be thrown out, how a space instantly looks better.
There is less work to do. Becoming clutter free lets you start to design organizational systems that really work for your family as well as having less to pick up, put away and think about.
You feel a lot better. Spaces that are clutter free are healthy, happy and relaxed. The atmosphere improves and it is much easier to add something beautiful.
You experience more quality free time. An organized house supports organized thinking and with less clutter and a reduced workload you start to do more of what you love.
You have more energy. As the draining energy of clutter diminishes the positive energy of becoming clutter free increases so you feel better and have a more positive attitude.
So if you ever doubt becoming clutter free and organized is worth it, or you are wondering why you should start your clutter free journey here are the seven top reasons to declutter and organize your home from those who have gone from clutter to clutter free.
Need help with clutter control? Click here and go to http://www.declutterbefree.com to get your special report.
Jane Alais is a professional organizer, the creator of Declutter Befree.com and the author of Get Organized-Get Happy A Step by Step Guide to Clear Clutter and Organize Success. She writes about strategies and solutions to declutter, organize and energize your home and your life.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_AlaisJane Alais is a professional organizer, the creator of Declutter Befree.com and the author of Get Organized-Get Happy A Step by Step Guide to Clear Clutter and Organize Success. She writes about strategies and solutions to declutter, organize and energize your home and your life.
Decluttering Tips - Keeping Surfaces Clutter Free
By
Jane Alais
Keeping surfaces clear and uncluttered goes a long way to
reducing your daily household workload limiting visual distractions so
you can get on with what you want to do. Surface clutter can create
visual stress and quickly put you in overwhelm as well as make any
cleaning or tidying up a lot more time consuming. Here are four tips to
getting organized so your can keep your floors, table tops, and any flat
surfaces uncluttered and clean.
Create a designated place for what you own. A lot of surface clutter accumulates because there isn't a specific place to put things. This can be small as in where do you put keys or mail to bigger items such as kitchen appliances. A basket can hold keys and mail; a shoe rack can be a visual cue for shoes, a box for toys and magazine rack for newspapers and magazines.
Create space for what you own. If there isn't room in a drawer or cupboard your possessions will always gravitate to the surface. Many people find cluttered flat surfaces always are often the result of too full drawers. You may need to start decluttering regularly so there is space to put things away.
Start to declutter one small area at a time. Clear the the flat surface and wipe clean. Look at one item at a time and decide to toss, keep or give away. Find a home for the keepers and set limits as to what you put on the surface. You may need to create a temporary homeless box if you are dealing with overfull drawers. If this is the case start decluttering.
Create a pick up routine with your entire family. Ten minutes set with a timer before or after dinner can get your floor cleared of books, toys, shoes and back packs as well as clearing clutter on tables and counters. Try one simple clutter free rule, everything off the floor and see what happens.
Set some guidelines for desks, counters, dressers and other flat surfaces. My guideline for my home is any item on a surface has to be useful or beautiful and there is a defined limit as to how many things can go on on top of anything. This just lets me know when things are beginning to pile up before things become too big to manage.
Uncluttered work space surfaces are best for inspired creative moments and effortless productivity. Uncluttered countertops make meal preparation easier and more enjoyable. A bedroom with clear surfaces is more relaxing to be and a home with clear uncluttered surfaces is a more enjoyable place to live in.
Create a designated place for what you own. A lot of surface clutter accumulates because there isn't a specific place to put things. This can be small as in where do you put keys or mail to bigger items such as kitchen appliances. A basket can hold keys and mail; a shoe rack can be a visual cue for shoes, a box for toys and magazine rack for newspapers and magazines.
Create space for what you own. If there isn't room in a drawer or cupboard your possessions will always gravitate to the surface. Many people find cluttered flat surfaces always are often the result of too full drawers. You may need to start decluttering regularly so there is space to put things away.
Start to declutter one small area at a time. Clear the the flat surface and wipe clean. Look at one item at a time and decide to toss, keep or give away. Find a home for the keepers and set limits as to what you put on the surface. You may need to create a temporary homeless box if you are dealing with overfull drawers. If this is the case start decluttering.
Create a pick up routine with your entire family. Ten minutes set with a timer before or after dinner can get your floor cleared of books, toys, shoes and back packs as well as clearing clutter on tables and counters. Try one simple clutter free rule, everything off the floor and see what happens.
Set some guidelines for desks, counters, dressers and other flat surfaces. My guideline for my home is any item on a surface has to be useful or beautiful and there is a defined limit as to how many things can go on on top of anything. This just lets me know when things are beginning to pile up before things become too big to manage.
Uncluttered work space surfaces are best for inspired creative moments and effortless productivity. Uncluttered countertops make meal preparation easier and more enjoyable. A bedroom with clear surfaces is more relaxing to be and a home with clear uncluttered surfaces is a more enjoyable place to live in.
Discover easy solutions to declutter click here and go to http://www.declutterbefree.com and get your special free report.
Jane Alais is a professional organizer, the creator of Declutter Befree.com and the author of Get Organized-Get Happy A Step by Step Guide to Clear Clutter and Organize Success. She writes about strategies and solutions to declutter organize and energize your home and your life.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_AlaisJane Alais is a professional organizer, the creator of Declutter Befree.com and the author of Get Organized-Get Happy A Step by Step Guide to Clear Clutter and Organize Success. She writes about strategies and solutions to declutter organize and energize your home and your life.
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