Productive & Organized Home

Home Filing So You (and Others) Can Find it Again

Yesterday I received a reader question in reference to my action fling Video: 

 "This is the first of SEVERAL videos, books, articles and blogs I have read that actually addressed how to house the ACTIVE files, and not just a storage/filing system. Thanks so much. I do however, have a question that arose after seeing the action You Tube video: I understand that your major client is usually a business; but I have four kids and I have never been able to effectively file their papers, incoming or outgoing, active versus archived in a way that is functional for anyone except myself. The main thrust of my system is a file system PER KID, and then to break that into their sport, school, extracurricular stuff. It works but as I said, its workings are known only to me - which as I recently discovered through a 2 week bout of mono, is very INefficient. Can you tell me if this PER KID approach is the best or should I do it per activity, per grade....I know you understand my dilemma. Thanks in advance. --Lori"  (Florida USA)

Have You Seen TLC's New Hoarding: Buried Alive Show? Watch with us!

TLC recently began airing a series called "Hoarding: Buried Alive"  and I'd like you to consider watching episode #3 with me.

Hoarding affects millions of people, including individuals with hoarding behavior or tendencies, family members who fear for their loved one’s health and safety, neighbors and public officials. Multiple generations can be impacted by an individual that struggles with hoarding. 

Shows such as this one are creating a greater awareness of hoarding behaviors as well as some of the strategies used to work with people who hoard.

While I have been watching the episodes since the airing began on March 14 of this year (and really like the way they share such a sensitive topic), I'm especially interested in the one coming up.  You see, we were honored that the TLC series selected our very own Ellen Hankes CPO-CD (certified professional organizer in chronic disorganization) as one of their experts.  On Sunday evening, March 28th, TLC television will air a show that was filmed in Omaha, Nebraska. Hoarding: Buried Alive features Mary as she works to address her extreme volume of personal belongings. Ellen served as the consulting Professional Organizer for the show. 

Today I'll tell you a bit more about the show and also where you can get more information on hoarding and chronic disorganization.

BOOK: Second Sight - Awaken Your Intuition & Stay Positive & Brave (launch specials)

Do you trust your intuition?  I have found that many of my clients do not.  Often, when we work together I learn that they had very good ideas on how to organize their life, but did not trust their own instinct.  If you think that is you, then you'll want to check out the book I summarize below.

6 simple steps to greatness…

I’m writing today to tell you about a great book that I recently had the opportunity to preview.  First, let me tell you a bit about the author, Kenneth Brown.

He was born to parents who had five children before reaching their own late-teen years … a youth spent in abject poverty and a string of evictions…

He pulled himself up and earned a university degree, and became one of the youngest African-American owner/operators of a McDonald’s franchise in history!

Now a popular Life and Business Coach, author, and speaker … Kenneth has just released his second book, “L.I.F.E – Living In Freedom Everyday”.

http://www.livinginfreedomeveryday.com/book/

The book is an easy-to-read, easy-to-follow 6-step paved pathway to personal, financial, and spiritual freedom.

It quickly cuts through the clutter and confusion you may be facing in trying to live up to God’s wishes for you … and focuses in on what really works and how YOU can easily effect such great changes in YOUR own life!

Of course, I know full well that I can’t do it justice in this short post. So here’s what I want you to do…

Run over to Kenneth’s website, right here:

http://www.livinginfreedomeveryday.com/book/
… and see for yourself why so many experts are talking about “L.I.F.E – Living In Freedom Everyday”. Do it right now … before you forget you wanted to check it out.

To your success!

PS -- If you've enjoyed this post and want to see more, why not subscribe to our daily emails (Feedblitz) or through the RSS Feed (click here)?  Or, follow us on Twitter!  Or connect on Facebook!

PPS -- I do not make any money off of the sale of this book, but I did promise Kenneth that I'd tell you about it and offer a giveaway too.

Quiz: What is Your Learning Style? Take this Quiz & Find Out! (via @hellenbuttigieg)

I have been studying learning styles for the past 15+ years and know that when you understand your learning style you can make all kinds of amazing things happen!  My colleague, Hellen Buttigieg, has created a great quiz that will help you figure out your learning style. 

Reserve about 10-15 minutes (it took me 8) and take the quiz below.  If you see more than one answer that applies, pick the one that best reprisents you.

Determine Your Learning Style » Quiz Question Maker

Want to learn more?

If you like the idea of using your learning style to figure out how to organize, then I encourage you to consider reading Hellen's book, "Organizing Outside the Box."  The secret — as revealed in this clear, concise, and compelling book — is to organize according to your natural, preferred learning style. Organizing Outside the Box will help you to:

• Determine whether you are a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner
• Pick the filing, storage, and organizing systems that fit your learning style
• Overcome feelings of frustration, anxiety, and overload
• Organize your thoughts and unleash your creative potential
• Run a  more efficient home and office by understanding the preferred organizing styles of family and co-workers.

Comment and Share!

Did you take the quiz?  What did you learn?  What kind of learner are you?  Let us know below.

Like what you've read?  Then share it with your friends!  Just click the buttons at the end of this post to share with those you care about.

To your success!

PS -- If you've enjoyed this post and want to see more, why not subscribe to our daily emails (Feedblitz) or through the RSS Feed (click here)?  Or, follow us on Twitter!  Or connect on Facebook!

6 Tips to Feel Beautiful Today!

The other day I started working with a new client on her overabundance of paper.  Paper had essentially taken over her home... couches, beds, floors, kitchen counters, etc. were covered in paper.  As we worked through the day we explored why the paper accumulated and ultimately we decided it was because of her opinion of herself.  Really!  Over the years, life crashed down on her and she began to feel that she was not worthwhile or lovable.  That belief led to chronic clutter. 

Clutter is often a symptom of something else going on deep inside your mind.  You may not know that you even have the feelings.  Today, I asked my friend Sarah Maria to share some tips on how you can feel beautiful again.  Read it, try it and let me know what you think!

Oct 14 Teleconference: Part With Your Sentimental Clutter Without Breaking Your Heart-Expert: Rita Emmett

Do you struggle with the clutter in your home? Do your emotions get in the way of being able to simplify?  Do you own items that used to belong to family members or loved ones?  Sentimental clutter can paralize us.  Attend this session live (or via recording) to learn how to free yourself from your emotions and make choices that really work for who you are and your situation. Bonus!  When you register for the LIVE session, you will also receive a copy of Rita's book: The Clutter-Busting Handbook: Clean It Up, Clear It Out, and Keep Your Life Clutter-Free

$25.95

Do you struggle with the clutter in your home? Do your emotions get in the way of being able to simplify?  Do you own items that used to belong to family members or loved ones?  Sentimental clutter can paralize us.  Attend this session live (or via recording) to learn how to free yourself from your emotions and make choices that really work for who you are and your situation. Bonus!  When you register for the LIVE session, you will also receive a copy of Rita's book: The Clutter-Busting Handbook: Clean It Up, Clear It Out, and Keep Your Life Clutter-Free

$25.95

Eat Your Way to Focus

Did you know that the foods you eat can make a difference in the levels of concentration you experience?  Food can help you or hurt you. . . we all know that.  My buddies at Butterfly Reports have shared

EBay the Easy Way

One of my long-time readers asked me if I knew of a resource to learn more about e-bay.  He wants to "unload all of this stuff" and he is also considering the possibility of a home-based business using e-bay.

Books on Office Organization

Keep reading for great books on organizing your office. Have you read any of them? If you have please comment in the comment section of this posting and let us know what you think! Have another book that we have not mentioned that you love? Let us know that too!