Organize Your House

Thursday, May 22, 2014

The Truth About Organizing

By Ariane Benefit

"A clean desk is a sign of a sick mind." Really?

Many people think that organizing is about spend all your time keeping your home perfectly neat and tidy. Or about buying lots of expensive containers. Perhaps when you think of an organized Mom you think of someone like Bree on Desperate Housewives who lives to be organized instead of organizing to live.

Some people figure that if they aren't obsessed with organizing, they won't really become organized so why bother organizing at all? The truth is that just being reasonably organized enhances your whole life. It improves your self-confidence, self-respect, and overall well being. It lowers stress and helps you find more time and energy to do the things in life that matter most to you, like spending time with family, pursuing creative hobbies, eating healthy, and exercising.

Organizing is NOT about being tidy all the time.

One of the great myths about being organized is that you have to be perfectly tidy all the time. Many "tidy" people are actually quite disorganized. They may focus on making things look good, yet their closets and drawers may be stuffed to the brim with stuff they can't find when they need it!

Organizing is NOT about buying lots of fancy containers.

Yet another myth about organizing. Containers are great and are needed for some things, but if you don't buy them with a purpose in mind, they just become more clutter. You rarely have to buy a lot more storage containers to get organized, you just have to use what you have efficiently!

Being organized is about:

Being in control of your space, your possessions and your time.
Being proactive and not just reactive to all the stuff and noise out there competing for your attention and your money. For example, shopping for what you need, rather than reacting to advertising and gimmicks that tempt you to shop impulsively.
Being able to find what you need, when you need it.
Being able to get where you want to be on time.
Being able to pay your bills on time.
Having a home for everything so that putting things away - and finding them again - is just as easy as dropping them on a table.
Being able to clean up for company in less than 20 minutes!

Being organized is not about making you perfect, it's about having a place for everything, and embracing imperfection. That way even if you do let it go for a while, instead of beating yourself up, you'll get back on track and keep looking forward.

Get fresh ideas for simplifying life at http://www.arianebenefit.com. Ariane Benefit, M.S.Ed. is a Life Design Coach, speaker and author with over 25 years experience working with Fortune 500 businesses, non-profits, purpose-driven self-employed professionals and passionate individuals to uplevel their performance, heal chronic disorganization, clutter and overwhelm, and to design more function, flow and fulfillment into life and work. She has appeared on NPR and been quoted in Psychology Today, the Wall Street Journal, New York Newsday, and more.

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10 Secrets to Organizing Kids For School Success - From Locker to Backpack to Home Study Area

By Ariane Benefit

Some kids seem to instinctively know how to organize themselves to succeed in school. They are never late, always get their homework done on time, and can find anything they need in their backpack. But in today's world of constant distractions, and an overwhelming number of organizing tools, it's no wonder many kids are struggling to find what works for them. Below are 10 secrets to ensure your child's success at school.

Secret 1 Let your child make the decisions. To ensure success, it is critical that your child be involved and make his or her own decisions about the details. You can guide them, but you must release control. The goal is to empower and enable them to maintain their new system, so they must be involved in the design and feel ownership. Being involved also helps them develop skills they can later apply to all areas of their lives.

Secret 2 Make an inventory of the activities and items that need to be organized. Here is an example inventory you can use as a starting point.

Books
Paper
Writing Supplies
Tools such as calculators, etc.
Personal Supplies such as money, lunch, makeup etc.
Class Schedule
Class notes & handouts (current & past)
Homework (to be done & completed)
School Announcements/Flyers/Permission Slips, etc.
Research Projects
Extra Curricular Activities supplies
Electronics (MP3 players, Laptop, Computer, PDA Etc.)

Secret 3 Create an integrated system. Don't just organize little bits here and there or won't all work together. Once you and child have created a list of the things she needs to organize, set up an integrated system that includes strategies for storing items she needs in both her school locker AND home study area. The backpack should only be used to transport items back and forth between home and school - NOT as storage. Every item in the backpack should have a home outside of the backpack. If home and school have a place for your child to store things, then she can easily clean it out regularly and carry only what she really needs for a given day!

Secret 4 Give everything a home in the locker, the backpack and the home study area. For example, books should always be in the same place in the locker and kids should only carry what they need between trips to the locker.

Secret 5 Make things easy to access and use. A locker shelf may be needed to separate items so they are easy to access. Use a basket for the top shelf that may be hard to reach, and put less frequently used items there. Use magnetic hooks to hold a clear bag with personal items, or perhaps after school activity supplies. Add a magnetic board, or use magnets to post a copy of frequently referenced items like the class schedule. You may even want to post a map with a diagram of the locker showing where items should go in each area of the locker to remind her to put things where they belong. This works for the backpack too!

Secret 6 Keep it SIMPLE. Don't get too complicated. Coach your child to choose organizing strategies and tools as simple to use and follow as possible. For example, keep a file box at home where your child can keep older graded papers and class notes, but don't create too many folders. One or two folders per class should be plenty. You don't need a separate folders for tests, homework, projects, notes, handouts etc for every class. She won't file papers if the system is too cumbersome. Don't let the file box get overstuffed! That is also a sure way to make your child give up on filing.

Secret 7 Light it up. Consider a battery operated light that you press to turn on if the locker is dark. Often areas that dark become disorganized because people naturally don't like being in dark places! And if you can't see well, it's hard to find what you need.

Secret 8 Edit regularly. Once a month, review the contents of the locker and edit. Are there any homeless items that need to be given a home? Does anything need to be added due to changing needs? Does anything need to be removed because it's no longer used?

Secret 9 Give a permanent home to "Homework to be Done" and "Homework to be Handed in." You can combine homework assignments for all classes in one place to keep it simple. You can use a sturdy pocket portfolio, an accordion file, a sturdy file folder, or whatever appeals to your child - just make sure they like it! :) Graded homework should be brought home and filed daily, not stored in the backpack. The key to choosing tools are to make sure:

Tools are something he or she is attracted to.
Everything is really easy to find in the backpack and to take in and out.
Super easy to use - as few steps as possible.

Secret 10 To encourage success in school, coach (don't yell or nag) your kids to:

Plan ahead for each day and evening.
Unload the backpack every day.
File older school papers at least once a week.
Re-organize as needs change - few systems last forever!

Would you like to simplify your life and get more organized? Ariane Benefit is a Life Coach, ADD Coach, organizing expert, author and coach who has been quoted in Psychology Today, the Wall Street Journal, and more. Visit her popular Neat & Simple Living Blog at http://blog.neatandsimple.com Ariane has over 25 years experience helping businesses and individuals get the results they want. Take a peek inside her book, Neat & Simple Guide to Organizing Your Office at http://www.lotusbridge.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ariane_Benefit

What to Expect When Working With a Professional Organizer to Help You Get Organized

By Ariane Benefit

Have you ever thought about working with professional organizer to get your home and life together, but hesitated because you are nervous about what it will be like? Here are 10 tips on what you should be able to expect. Use these tips to help you interview and choose the right professional organizer for you!

Each professional organizer has their own style, so use this only as a guide to help you interview potential professional organizers.

PARTNERING - Working with a professional organizer should be a partnership. A professional organizer doesn't just provide a set of hands to assist you in rearranging stuff. We provide expertise, recommendations, and ideas on new ways of doing things. In the end, it is your decision on which new systems and tools to put in place, but your commitment to listen to new ideas and try out new ways of doing things is what will allow you to achieve your goals and experience the rewards!

CHANGE SUPPORT - Getting organized is not just about putting new supplies and systems in place - it means changing from the inside out as well as from the outside in. As you go through your things, your professional organizer should be able to uncover beliefs and habits that are contributing to your current state of disorganization and help you replace them with more effective habits

COMMUNICATION IS CRITICAL - If at any time you feel that you are changing too much, too fast, or you are feeling extremely stressed, you should feel comfortable to stop and share your feelings with your professional organizer in order to make the process as painless as possible for you!

ITS AN ONGOING PROCESS - Like losing weight, getting organized doesn't happen overnight. Some of the changes will happen on the outside, other changes have to happen within you over time. Getting and staying organized is an ongoing process that comes about by makes lots of little changes in the way you do things, in your habits, and most of all, in the way you think and feel about things. Your organizer should start with easier, smaller successes and work up to your more difficult challenges.

BE PATIENT & TOLERANT WITH YOURSELF - No matter how well organized you become, there will be times when you may slip back into old habits. This is natural. The trick is to catch it, learn from it, and get back on track! That is all part of the process of becoming organized. Don't get caught up in the downward spiral of striving for perfection. Pick yourself up, remember your successes, and start again. The most important thing is to not give up and take it one day and one goal at a time.

MEMORIES, STORIES & GRIEVING - While going through your things, you may experience a wide range of triggered emotions. Often deep, sometimes painful, emotional memories are stirred up and need to be released as part of making the decision to let a thing go. Some people absolutely need to tell their stories as part of working through their feelings so they can let things go. Most professional organizers are willing to listen and help you get through your grieving process. Just be aware that this does add to the time it takes to complete a project, and thus will add to your costs. On the other hand, some people just like to talk and get distracted! If you want to save time and money so you can see results quickly, ask your professional organizer to help you stay focused and do your best to not talk too much!

GETTING ORGANIZED CAN BE MESSY AT TIMES! - Some larger organizing projects can't be completed in a day. Sometimes it may get worse before it gets better - you may have boxes and bins of your stuff in your home for a while, but it WILL be worth it! Remember, sticking with it till the project is complete will ensure you get the maximum value for your investment!

LETTING GO OF YOUR STUFF - Your professional organizer should never dispose of an item without your permission. They should encourage you to part with items you no longer need or use, but not pressure you unduly to dispose of something you wish to keep. The final decision is yours.

HOMEWORK - Most professional organizers will give you the option to reduce costs by giving you a list of assignments to complete between sessions.

FOLLOW UP BETWEEN SESSIONS - On large projects, most professional organizers will provide some complimentary support via email or phone. Be sure to ask your organizer about this.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ariane_Benefit

The 5 Most Common Filing Mistakes & How to Fix Them

By Ariane Benefit

Let's face it. No one actually loves filing. But most people who really hate filing are actually doing things that make filing much more painful than it needs to be. Here are 5 of the most common filing mistakes along with ways to make filing much easier!

Overstuffing your file folders and file drawers. If your file drawers are overstuffed, of course you hate to file! You should always have at least 6-10 inches of space available. That way you can easily spread open a file with one hand and drop your paper in with the other hand. If your drawers are overstuffed, I guarantee you are keeping too much paper! Start cleaning out 3 files a day and before you know it, you will have an easy-to-use file drawer again.
Using hanging folders and then putting a regular folder inside the hanging folder. There really is no need for folders inside hanging folders for the average filing system. Some professional organizer will disagree, but I stopped doing this many years ago and am so glad I did. It's so much simpler and easier! I spend a lot less time filing and it takes less than 20 seconds to add a new file. Plus I save money on folders!
Keeping mail in envelopes. This makes your files extremely bulky, and makes it very difficult to find what you need. It also creates extra steps when paying bills. When you open your mail, toss everything but the bill itself and the envelope you need to mail the bill. Lay it out flat, note the date you paid the bill on the bill itself and then immediately file it.
Putting company names on labels instead of generic names like "Mortgage". If you use the company name, you have to create a new folder every time the company changes name or you refinance, etc.
Hand writing labels using a regular pen instead of a marker or labeler. This makes it nearly impossible for anyone to help you file. If you don't want to use your computer to print out filing labels, invest in a label maker such as a P-touch system. If you prefer to hand write your labels, write neatly, and use a thick black marker. I recommend getting 3.5 inch plastic tabs so you can write long titles easily. You can also use your P-touch Labeler and 1/2" labels. Just insert them in the tabs. They fit perfectly. You can also use plain white self-stick filing labels, and stick them to the file insert before sliding them into the tab.

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Too Many to Do's? 8 Neat Ideas to Help You Get Organized, Stay Focused and Get Things Done

By Ariane Benefit

Are you one of the many people who have massive TO DO lists but really never get them all done? Solution? Create a realistic Master Plan and get organized! Whether it's buying a house, having a baby, deciding on a new car, planning a vacation, writing a book, moving, or even starting a new business or job, if you organize to get it done, you can make your dreams come true! One day at a time.

Here are 8 neat ideas to get you started on your way to getting things done.

Create a Master Plan. Review your To Dos and identify the projects or goals they enable you to achieve. Now make a Master Plan by listing the 3-10 major projects / things you'd like to accomplish in the next year. For example, you would include big picture goals like "buy a house," "read 10 books on a given subject," or "establish a vegetable garden." Do not includes tasks, decisions, or steps like "find a Real Estate agent" or "choose a neighborhood."
Prioritize Your Master Plan Goals and Set Timelines. For example, you many want to buy your new home in the fall when prices tend to be a little lower. Or buy in the Spring, so you can move while the kids are out of school. With a timeline in mind you can then set mini-goals and deadlines along the way to make sure your project gets done when you want it done.
Keep Your Master Plan Where You'll See it Often. On a wall or white board, in your calender or a computer file or make it a screensaver on your computer!
Make a Separate File Folder or Binder for Each Project. Your file folders can be paper or on your computer, or both! Keep your special project folders or binders together in a handy drawer, shelf, step file or portable file box. Make sure the files or binders are well labeled and near where you will do most of the work so you can easily access the information you collect and put related documents in them. If you have a file folder on your computer, keep it handy by creating a shortcut to the folder and put it on your Desktop or Quick Launch Bar (if you use Microsoft Windows.)
Break Down Each Project into Tasks. Use natural milestone decisions to be made, like finding the right agent, as your guide. Create a document listing all the steps you can think of to make each part of the project a reality. Put this list in your file folder or binder and update the list as you work each project. For example, here is where you would put the task of "find a Real Estate agent" or "choose a neighborhood." To accomplish each of those tasks you will then have To Do's. To Do's should be only those things that can get done in a single day during the week like: - Call Nancy, Scott and Jen to get referrals of agents. - Set up interviews with 3 agents. - Research 3 neighborhoods on the net.
Record Your Progress. As you make progress and do research, put your notes, brochures, web page printouts, drafts, ideas, etc. into the project folder. TIP: Record any particularly helpful related websites and phone numbers on the front of your folder for easy access!
Schedule Time. Mark time out on your calendar each week to make progress on your projects. You can just put a block of 1-2 hours that says SPECIAL PROJECTS or schedule time for each project every week. Then you only need to refer to your Special Projects Folders to pick up where you left off on whichever one needs attention.
Park New Big Ideas in a Parking Lot. Along the way you will get new ideas that could distract you from achieving your Master Plan. If you don't want to change your Master Plan, create a parking space for them! This could be a folder, a computer file, a section in your calendar, a special little notebook or any single place to write down all your ideas so you can get them off your mind. When one of your projects is done, you can always go to your idea file for inspiration for the next project. I call mine - IDEA FILE (Original huh? : )

Remember to be realistic. Each day, only put 5 - 6 things on your To Do list. Only put things you MUST do that day plus one or two others that move you toward getting your special projects done. You really can't do more than that in addition to your everyday chores and work! But if you keep at it, everything WILL get done!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ariane_Benefit

Simple Home Organizing Tips

By Bailey R Gaddis

Organize one small area at a time. Don't overwhelm yourself by trying to do everything at once. Progress comes with small steps.

Take some time every day to organize and put items back where they belong. Even if you just spend 10 minutes doing this you will start to see progress.

Purge your unnecessary belongings. The less stuff you have to deal with the easier it will be to organize.

Throw out a few unneeded items every day or have a donation box in an out of the way area that you can throw donation items in. When the box is full have your organizer set up a donation pick up for you or drop it at your local donation center.

Resist the temptation to buy new unnecessary items.

Keep your organizing system simple.

Try to limit distractions when you're organizing. Turn off the T.V., set your phone on silent if possible, and organize when no one else is home.

Make a To-Do list every evening for the next day. Only write down tasks that absolutely need to get done the next day. Don't forget to add your 10 minutes of organizing a certain space!

Store items where they are usually used.

Set up daily routines and make placing items back in their home after use part of the routine.

Create a family calendar. Have a large calendar in the kitchen, or wherever your family usually congregates, and put everyone's appointments on the calendar. Assign a different color to every family member and write their events in their color.

Have a family meeting every Sunday where you fill out the calendar and discuss what everyone has going on the next week to make sure you're all on the same page and no over booking occurs.

Be kind to yourself! No one is ever perfectly organized. Take organizing one day at a time and enjoy life!

Organizing Mail

Take yourself off of mailing lists to lessen the amount of unnecessary mail you receive. When dealing with emails, immediately unsubscribe from newsletters etc. that you don't need and don't read.

Have bins right next to your mail collection area to immediately sort your mail. Have a Throw Away, Do/ Pay, File, and Delegate.

Set aside 10 to 15 minutes every day to handle your mail.

Organizing for Children

Declutter your child's room. Remove everything from their room that they don't use anymore; old books, toys, etc. that just sit there. You can donate items, throw them away, or store items that are treasured keepsakes.

Remove all the clothes your children don't wear or need. Donate them if they're in good condition. The fewer clothes they have to deal with the quicker they can get ready and the neater their room will be.

Put objects into clear labeled bins. This will give every object a logical home that is easy to locate. Keep the lids removed from the bins so it's easier to retrieve and return items to their designated bin.

Give children a planner so they can write down their school work, chores, and other tasks and events they need to keep track of. This planner can come to the family meetings to help plan the upcoming week.

Store items near the area where they are usually used.

Have a bin near the door that your child uses every day to leave for school with their needed items for the next day. Backpack, water bottle, lunch money, sports equipment, etc.

Organize with your child. This will teach them valuable organizational skills and will allow them to have input on what items they want to keep and where they would logically store those items. If the system makes sense to them it's more likely they will use it and maintain the organization.

Bailey Gaddis owns the home and office organizing business Serene Living Spaces. For more information visit http://www.serenelivingspaces.com

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