Productive & Organized Home

Scheduling And Time Management At Home - Make sure you have time for the good stuff

(guest post from Smead)

Trying to coordinate your family’s schedule can seem like a monumental task. Work responsibilities for mom and dad, extracurricular activities for the kids, trying to fit in chores and family time – how can you possibly manage it with only 24 hours in the day? All it takes is a little advance planning!

Holiday Planning Made Simple - Tips to help you manage the holiday rush (Part 2)

Earlier this week I wrote part one of this series Entertaining Does Not Have to Be Hard -- Use Your Best Talents.  Today, I'll talk a bit about gift giving and making time for yourself.

Organizing While You Are There

  Opportunities exist each day to either clear away a small amount of clutter or maintain an existing space. Taking these small opportunities to organize a little at a time reduces the need to spend hours later “getting organized.” I call it organizing “While You Are There.”

The easiest way to see how this works is with files. No one likes to clean out an entire drawer full of files (myself included), but it doesn’t hurt much to clean out one or two. The next time you pull out a file, look through the entire file. Shred or discard any duplicate, outdated, or no longer relevant information. If you have more time, tackle a few of the surrounding files. This should only take five minutes or so.

The idea is to clear out items that are not used, liked, or needed as you naturally come in contact with them. Follow me through the office and house to see how this works:

• office desk drawers – What supplies do you regularly use? Discard or donate what you don’t. Store the rest in a separate box.

• book shelves – Do the titles on the shelf reflect your current interests and lifestyle? Donate a few books (especially those old college textbooks!).

• kitchen drawers and cabinets - Are you holding onto unused cooking and baking items or food? Donate what you can to your favorite charity.

• junk / utility drawer - Can any items be better used in another room or stored with other like items? Put them there.

• family / living room – Old magazines? Outgrown or broken toys or games? Recycle and donate. No one misses what isn’t used.

• linen closet – Mismatched or old towels? Keep the best. Toss, donate, or store a few as rags in the garage.

• bedroom – Items (like paperwork and kids’ toys) that are not conducive to sleep and relaxation should be returned to their proper homes.

• closet – There’s a reason you, your spouse, or your child hasn’t worn X, Y, or Z. Donate it to someone who will.

• bathroom – Do you really use all those toiletries?


Remember, the idea is to clear out unused or unneeded items while you are already there. Does this take a lot of extra time? No, the time is already there. You just haven’t noticed it yet.

You have a few minutes when you are:

o waiting (in the car, in a line, or for _______ to get ready)

o taking a break between tasks

o looking for something

o putting something away (especially a new item)

This week look around. Is there a small area or two that you could organize while you are there? Do you have a few extra moments to look through that drawer or cabinet? You’d be surprised what a difference small steps over time can make in your home and office.

Take some time this month to clear out a few spaces while you are there. You’ll be glad you did.

© Renee Ursem, 2010

Take the Junk out of Junk Mail!

Most of us are overwhelmed by the amount of mail we receive every day.  It’s credit card offers, catalogs, flyer's, magazines, bills, charities asking for donations, and much much more.  It is unbelievable, not just think of the amount of paper is wasted to produce all this junk!  So, think green and help to reduce the amount of mail you receive every day by following these two simple steps outlined below.

Helping Others Get Organized

 People often ask how to get their kids, spouse, friend, roommate, or parent organized. They are often frustrated by others’ clutter and may have given “helpful” advice: “If you would just get organized…”

Do you have too much stuff?

A couple of weeks ago I helped out at my children’s school with the yearly garage sale. At the garage sale we sell stuff that parents and others donated to the school. It’s a great event, but seeing all the donations was overwhelming. Why so much stuff and where does it all coming from?

We accumulate stuff so fast and easily. We don’t take the time to think our purchases through. That’s why we end up with so much stuff in our lives. I will here give you five tips that might help you reduce stuff coming into your life.

Just One New Habit

          Each year brings the possibility of change. Even though we can make changes at any point in the year, each January we start out the year with a list of good intentions.

Yet, months later, most of our well-laid plans for change have been set aside. We try to make too many big changes in a short amount of time. We get a good start, life interrupts, and we throw up our hands: “I give up! I just can’t __________!”

Instead of taking on a huge self-improvement program, develop just one of the following habits to become more organized:

• Deal with mail each day. Whether it’s email or snail mail, at least 50% of it is junk. Open the mail, toss the envelopes and inserts, and move the important information to the appropriate place. Don’t make a shredding pile; shred as you go. With email, delete things you know you won’t read. Better yet, opt out of subscriptions and mailing lists. Mail is a task if you take care of it daily. Don’t make it a project.

• At the end of the day, make sure your toys are put away. Don’t start the day with a mess. Your brain (whether consciously or unconsciously) slows down because clutter is overwhelming. It’s okay to make messes during the day (you should see my office!), but things need to be put away by the end of each day.

• Never leave a room empty-handed. Put things away throughout the day. When going to the kitchen for a (healthy!) snack, put that receipt in your office. On the way to the car, drop the used magazines in the recycling bin. Teach your kids to do this. It will make clean-up easier later.

• Don’t put empty milk cartons back in the refrigerator. Like the careless teenager, we come across things we no longer like, need, or use, and we just put them back! This year designate a bag or box for donation. The next time you try on the pants that have never fit right, let them go. You won’t miss them. This principle also works in the kitchen (food and cooking items), office (pens, outdated supplies), and children’s rooms (toys, clothes, craft/sports items). When the bag is full, take it to your favorite charity.

• A few nice things are better than a whole house (or office) full of “just okay.” Quality is always better than quantity. Let go of the décor that doesn’t reflect who you are or the appliances you never use. Donate the books you don’t read (or the video tapes). Surround yourself only with items you truly like (or love) and use.

• Flat surfaces are not for storage. Yes, I know you think you need to leave it out to remember it, but does that really work? Usually people end up piling more things around the item, ignoring it. Leaving items out does not get tasks accomplished. Note the task in your planner, then put the item in a place that makes sense. Flat surfaces are areas for work, places to display a few special items, or simply places to rest your eyes. Stop piling things there.

So, are you ready to be more organized this year? Develop one of these habits for the next few weeks. Once it becomes a habit, add another. Remember, you are learning a new skill, so expect it to take some time. It will get easier. Celebrate your successes, and let me know how things are going. I’d love to cheer you on.

Get organized this year with one new habit. You’ll be glad you did.

© Renee Ursem, 2010

Summer Vacation...Reduce the Stress and Have Some Fun.

Today was the last day of school for my kids.  Summer break has officially begun!  Some parents see this as great family fun time while others dread this time of the year.  How about you?  There are a few tricks that can help make this time of the year fun for all.

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.

Resource Center: 36 Organizing Blogs for your Time, Office, Home and Life

I have a number of colleagues that write about all different areas of organizing.  Today, I thought I'd share some of them.  Scroll through the list and pick a couple to check out!

Your Business, Office and Time

http://www.productiveandorganized.net -- Read about how to make the most of your time, thoughts, information and space.  Learn to live your best life by making room for what is the most important in your life. by Stephanie Calahan

http://www.thepapertiger.com/blog/ -- Learn about how to get your life and office organized and be more productive as well as the benefits of using The Paper Tiger software for document management and filing system needs. by the Monticello Corporation and multiple Paper Tiger Productivity Experts

http://www.meggin.com/articles/ - Articles being productive in your office to being productive when you’re traveling and much more.  by Meggin McIntosh

http://www.ElizabethHagenInspires.com -- Read about getting organized, building great self-esteem and confidence. by Elizabeth Hagen

http://www.quietspacing.com/blog/ --QuietSpacing™ — The Faster, Easier, and Smarter Way to Increase Productivity by Paul Burton

http://www.yourlifeinorder.com/blog -- Are you a professional women?  Then stop here to learn how you can create your very own “healthy, wealthy, and organized” lifestyle – balance, organization and healthy living all rolled into one! by Robin Stephens

http://dalyorganizing.com/?page_id=121 -- 'Shortcuts to Simple.'  Read about making work and life easier and simpler, ie Simplicity, Time Management, Energy Management, Reducing stress by using organizing tools, and Focus on what is most important, etc. by Ellen Daly

http://www.WhoIsLaura.com -- Blog about Home-Based Business Success Tips, Organization and Time Management by Laura Aridgides, Ph.D.

http://www.simplicated.com/Blog/ -- Blog about organizing business and efficiency based on the people she meets and great books read. by Tracy Campbell

http://decidetobeorganized.com/ -- Offers tips and advice to the general public on how to be more organized, and to organizers and other entrepreneurs on how to take their businesses to the next level. by Lisa Montanaro

Your Life and Home

http://www.ellenhankes.com -- Do you struggle with chronic disorganization in your home and office?  Then this blog is for you.  by Ellen Hankes

http://www.organizewithsandy.com/blog -- Organize with Sandy provides tips and tricks to organize your home and your life.  She also shares her life experiences managing and organizing a large family.

http://www.productiveandorganizedhome.com -- Organize every room in your home and every minute of your life.  by Calahan Solutions, Inc. and many selected industry bloggers.

http://www.greenappleorganising.com.au/blog -- Blog about organizing your time and home and being green. by Adele Blair

http://www.takecontrolorganizing.com/blog/ -- TCO blogs about organizing tips, suggestions, product reviews, inspiration, and anything else that may be going on that's worth talking about!! by Nikki Kinzer

http://www.Elaineshannon.com -- Organizing expert, Empress of Inspiration and Work at Home mom Elaine shannon helps you take charge and get rid of what’s holding you back. by Elaine Shannon

http://www.Kimberlyeagles.com -- Professional Organizer and Work at home mom Kimberly Eagles helps you to regain control of your space and time through Organizing tips, tricks and answering readers questions. by Kim Eagles

http://www.Organizingconnection.com/blog -- Connect with resources and information to help you get organized and join the weekly water cooler chat about what is happening in the organizing community and around the world. by Elaine Shannon and Kim Eagles

http://www.theprofessionalorganizer.com/blog -- Concentrating on organizing for those that are the creative "right brain" type of person.  by Allison Carter

http://nancyorganizes.blogspot.com/ -- This blog is about local (Hawaii) opportunities for people to get organized (i.e. shredding days, etc.) and about tips on how to get organized yourself. by Nancy Nino

http://www.healingorganization.com/cleanblog/ -- Learn ways to incorporate "green" into your life and into your organizing. by Julie Seibert

http://lurleneanderson.wordpress.com/ -- Learn about creating space and harmony in your world. by Lurlene Anderson

http://carriethru.com/index.php/resources-and-articles/ -- You’ll find articles and videos about decluttering, time and task management, procrastination and getting things done. by Carrie Greene, ACC

http://www.ClearSimpleInspiration.com -- Tips, Ideas & Solutions for Living Your Best Life! by Heidi DeCoux

http://organizedinnovations.wordpress.com/ -- Read a tip of the week which is an effective, easy to implement organizing concept or product that people can implement right away.  Short, simple, to the point and easy to do now. by Stacey Anderson

http://www.examiner.com/x-21168-Baltimore-Organized-Families-Examiner  -- Organized Families helps busy moms and dads to be more organized and manage their homes more efficiently.  In addition to interviewing experts, Jacquie shares her organizational tips on decluttering, scheduling, time management, budgeting, simple living, meal planning, organization products and services, and much more. 

http://www.clutterstop.blogspot.com -- ADHD, hoarding, time management issues, how to get past overwhelm, and then I even write about fun stuff like seminars that I go to, or concerts, or trips I've taken, or even a dessert that I've found that is too delicious for words.  by Sheila G. McCurdy

http://openspacesfengshui.com/blog -- Blog about all things Feng Shui, from practical tips and advice, to quirky examples of Feng Shui good and bad, to an in-depth look at its principles and techniques. by Ann Bingley Gallops

http://lelahwithanh.blogspot.com -- Blog about organizing books, products, concepts and offer tips and tools. by Lelah Baker-Rabe

http://www.addspacetoyourlife.com/category/blog/ -- Blog about organizing tactics and strategies as well as wardrobe/ image tips. by Kathi Burns

http://www.gracebrooke.com/?page_id=840 -- Blog about efficiency, office organization, home organization, organizing products, and organizing children. by Grace Brooke

http://downshiftingpos.blogspot.com/ -- Blog about helpful tips, lists, ideas and reference material to help you get organized and simplify your life. by Margarita Ibbott

http://tinyurl.com/theorganizedwoman -- The Organized Woman Show is to offer tips and tools for creating the life you want. by Vicki Winterton

http://blog.harmoniouslifedesigns.com/ -- Organizing, De-Cluttering and Space Design for Home and Garden by Maureen Nuccitelli

Stages in Life and Life Changes

http://www.organizenh.com/wordpress -- Read about mid and later life transitions and how organizing supports you throughout. by Sue West

http://orderuporganizing.tumblr.com -- Posts are geared toward young professionals and consist of organizing tips, techniques, and topics mainly focused on the kitchen.  I also regularly feature individual young professionals and share their feelings on organizing and meal planning.  by Jill Marie Hively

Do you have a blog that you love?  Tell me about it!

Could You Be Ready to Evacuate Your Home at a Moments Notice?

Tips to Prepare an Emergency Grab-and-Go File

As we have witnessed the devastation Katrina, recent storms in Haiti and other locations across the glob has caused, many of us have wondered what we would do if we were faced with the same situation.  What would we take with us if our Mayor ordered a full community evacuation?  Would you be able to make decisions as quickly as necessary?  Would you know where important papers or documents were located in your home?  Residents of these horrible storms were faced with these questions and many more.

Families should prepare for the worst and pray for the best.  Creating an "Emergency Grab and Go File” is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that in times of stress, emergency or grief, you are not compounding the situation by not knowing where important documents and contact information are. 

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.

The Great Organizing Giveaway is Here!

The new year is a great time to think of ways that you can improve your life -- Getting Organized always lands in the top 10 lists of New Year Resolutions.  There are many outstanding resources available to consumers to help them get organized, but frequently people do not know where to find them or how to start.  Our solution was to get the resources available in one spot!

The Great Organizing Giveaway is Here!

Go to http://www.AskTheExpertOrganizers.com/signup.html and sign up to get resources such as e-books, tip sheets, audio programs, productivity software, consulting and more!  You can also enter into drawings for awesome prizes.  My amazing colleagues have really stepped up to the plate to deliver quality content just for you and it will cost you nothing!

5 Steps to Declutter Your Life

Today guest poster Jacky Tustain shares some ideas on how to clear mind clutter from your life.  Just in time for 2010!  Enjoy!

Home Organization How To's - The Entrance

(Guest Post: Amanda Jacobs)

Most households have too much clutter and not enough time. Following are some simple and effective strategies to help guide you through the de-cluttering and organizing process. We could all use more time and less worry when it comes to the home. Read on to discover how to make a good first impression on visitors and how to save yourself the stress of a messy entrance.

Let's start at the beginning, the front door.

AboutOne Wants to Hear from YOU - Chance to Win an iPod Touch!

I am quite honored to share that the founders of AboutOne contacted me earlier this year and asked me to sit on their advisory board.  After hearing Joanne Lang's extremely professional presentation and vision for an on-line tool that would help busy moms get and stay organized, I was hooked.  Of course I was honored to be on their board!

Up until this point, the AboutOne team has been diligently in the background planning and programming the awesome new tool.  They are now needing your input to ensure that they are spending their development dollars in the right place.  (One of the things I like about this company is that they really care about what YOU think!)

If you have a few minutes, I'd love it if you would go to www.AboutOne.com and take their market survey.  It won't take long and it will help the team tremendously. 

A little about AboutOne:

Coming early in 2010, AboutOne is designed to help busy moms get organized, ->> it is a highly secure, on-line service that helps you quickly enter, track and organize your information and your household information, share pieces with family members and give you the ability from any location, 24/7 to find what you need in seconds.  

 

In addition to helping moms (and yes, dads you will love it too!) the AboutOne team is all about "giving back" too.  Here are three ways that they contribute on a bigger scale:

• free access for our Heroes (army, navy, fire etc) program
• sponsoring children in need
• giving time at events to raise money for cancer.  

Please help the team ensure that the product meets YOUR needs by taking the survey at www.AboutOne.com- it takes less than 10 minutes and you can win an iPod Touch every month too.

Oh!  They will be participating in the Great Organizing Giveaway too!

To your success!

Be organized and reduce your holiday spending!

It is easy to get caught up in the holiday excitement and overspend during the holidays. We want to be generous to our family and friends but, for many of us, 2009 has been a difficult year. I don’t want to start off 2010 with overwhelming credit card bills and I’m guessing you probably feel the same way. Here are a few tips and tricks that can help you reduce your holiday spending. 

Could you live with just 72 things?

I was reading this post today: Living with 72 Things and wanted to share it with you to get your perspective.  Tammy and her husband have eliminated almost everything from their material lives and blog about living a simple life.  About two years ago they began letting go of things.  To date, they have let go of so many items that they have moved to a less expensive, much smaller home.  Read Tammy's post and come back here to tell me what you think!

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!

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!

Order Helps Build Better Readers

I was reading my copy of Working Mother Magazine today and came across an article that I wanted to share with you.  The article was "Family Focus - Order Helps Readers."  The tag line read:
 
How getting organized will help your kid become a stronger student. 
 
  

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!

Control Your Inner Shop-a-Holic - Questions to ask Before You Buy

When you go shopping are you looking at everything with rose colored glasses or do you administer a dose of reality?

Some people are born shoppers.  One of my good friends, Angela, is a FABULOUS shopper.  She can spot a deal from miles away.  The other thing that makes her a good shopper, however, is she can walk away from that deal if it is not what she really needs.

Keep reading for some ideas that can help you be smart with your shopping.

Guest Post: You Get What You Pay For…In File Tabs and Organizing Consultants

You Get What You Pay For…

In File Tabs and Organizing Consultants

by Barbara Hemphill, CPO®

Recently I was placing an order for plastic file tabs for hanging folders to use with a client who was installing Taming the Paper Tiger software. The premium brand cost $4.15 for 25 labels while the competition offered them for exactly half the price.  Seemed like a “no brainer” – after all, how much difference can a file tab make?  (Besides, I was ordering several hundred, so we’re talking about a significant investment for something as simple and mundane as file folders!) 

Turns out, when I got to the job, it made a big difference! 

Unique Ideas to Keep Your Home in Order

Do you think of yourself as a failure when it comes to organizing your home?  Have you thought of giving up or have you already thrown in the towel?  Or have you cleared out a shelf only to find it filled up a few days later? 

Keep reading for unique ideas on how to find your control.

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

Medication Mania! How to manage multiple medications/supplements a day.

Being accountable for your own health is the first step in being healthy!  However, when you have slews of pills to take at different times of the day, it can be hard to do it right.  Do you have a lot of pills to take or know someone who does?  Maybe it is medication for a medical condition, or nutritional supplements . . .  It can be confusing to track different pills.  I'll show you step by step how we organized one woman's 20+ pills a day.

Back to School Part 3

The time for school is quickly approaching. Getting good habits in place now will be a great start to getting the school year off to a great start. (Not to mention limiting the stress on you!)

Once you have put these items in place you should find that your days run more smoothly and everyone gets out the door on a positive note.

The U.S. Department of Education’s daily homework guidelines are 20 minute maximum for grades 1 to 3, 40 minutes maximum for grades 4 to 6 and two hours maximum for grades 7 to 9. The National Parent Teacher Association has recommended 10 minutes of homework per grade level.

Other ways you can help your child get off to a good start with schoolwork include

Back to School Made Simple - Part 2

Throughout the next 4 weeks kids will begin to start school. Now is the time to pave the way to a good school year by setting up a routine and an organized house.

Remember children need to make as many decisions as  possible. Avoid power struggles by letting them make small decisions. Encourage independence. The more kids are involved in the household, the less strain there is on the parents.

Here are tips for homework to reduce your anxiety level and making the school days run more smoothly.

Back to School Made Simple - Part 1

As the carefree days of summer are coming to a close, it’s time to start thinking about sending the kids back to school. While some parents are jumping for joy, others view this time of year as hectic and stressful. Now is the time to pave the way to a good school year by setting up an organized routine and an organized house.

The key is to have everyone in the household involved in the daily tasks. Encourage independence. Let them help in what ever age-appropriate tasks they can. The more kids are involved in the household, the less strain there is on the parents.

Here are tips for reducing your anxiety level and making the school days run more smoothly.

Hug Your Kids Today!

About a month ago I wrote about how you could start getting ready for this day.  How did you do? Those we love now are precious.  Take the moment you would normally spend reading this post and go hug your kids!  Here is their theme song to hug play too.

I Am So Embarrased! and other thoughts

When someone begins thinking of organizing, many questions can pop into their thoughts. Every once in a while we will select questions from our readers and share our response with you.

Q:  I so am embarrassed to have you come over, my place is so messy!  I know I need help, but how can you do that without seeing my place?  -- Jennifer - Palatine, IL

Wannabe Clutter

I love to hear my grandchildren talk about what they want to be when they grow up. While some children stay with their chosen career path from preschool through adulthood, most children find new interests that lead to other kinds of life work.

Adults frequently identify new interest areas throughout their lives. For example, my husband started golfing in his 50's. My sister started quilting in her 60's. They were both able to identify something they wanted to do, acquired the necessary equipment and skills, and carried it through the action phase.

New interests are sometimes the source of clutter, and I call this Wannabe Clutter. My definition of Wannabe Clutter is the material that accumulates as a result of start and stop interests.

36 Tips for Productivity in the Home

Do you ever feel like this guy?  So many things to do that you can't even see what is right in front of your face??

Well, Simple Mom posted a great article that is a fast read and includes 36 Tips for Productivity in the Home.

I enjoyed a number of them, but I especially liked point number 28.

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

Get Ready for Hug Your Kids Day

"I'm sorry, but I don't have time."

"Just let me finish this first."

"Can you do it?"

"Not now!"

"I have work to do."

"Can I watch you later?"

Have any of these words come out of your mouth as you were talking to your child?  Do you have children that you are not able to spend as much time with as you would like?  Today is the day to start putting some things in place to be ready for June 21st!

Do You Know Where to Focus? Use Our Scorecards

We talk to a number of people on a daily basis through our consulting and speaking events.  We frequently hear people tell us that they know they need to get organized, but they are not really sure where they should focus, or where they need help.  If you feel the same way, we have tools for you!

Our Productive Environment Scorecards™ are easy to use, take less than 5 minutes to complete and help you identify the areas you should consider working on next. 

• Productive Environment Scorecard for Individuals 
• Productive Environment Scorecard for Families

Would you like a free telephone consultation?  Fill out one or more of the scorecards and e-mail or fax your results to us and we'll review and contact you.
To your success!

Do I need to be a neat freak to be organized?

When someone begins thinking of organizing, many questions can pop into their thoughts. Every once-in-a-while we will select questions from our readers and share our response with you.

Q: Do I need to be a neat freak to be organized?

Are You Stressed?

This month is Stress Awareness Month.  Understanding the stress in your life and how to overcome that stress is one of the first steps to living your life to your priorities.  We have provided the following links for you to learn more about stress and what you can do to fight it.

Organizing for the Creative Person

Creative people can organize too!  We all think differently and, so, our organizing systems need to be different too.  Creative people are frequently criticized for their lack of organization.  However, things that work for the analytical may not work for the creative.  Here is a great book that offers a number of ideas for the creative person!

Who hires a Professional Organizer?

When someone begins thinking of organizing, many questions can pop into their thoughts.  Every once in a while, we will select questions from our readers and share our response with you.  Have a question you would like to get answered?  Ask us!! 

Q: Who hires a Professional Organizer?

Holiday Planning - Shift Your Focus

December can oftentimes be a time of stress and rushed schedules. The commercialism of the Christmas holiday now starts in October and comes to a furry in December. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, the hustle and bustle can get to you. For many of us, December is also a time of reflection and renewal - a good time to refocus regardless of your religious background. Shifting your thinking is an exercise that can calm your spirit and help you focus in on what is really important to you.