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Clients always want to know the secret to handling all of the paperwork (bills, statements, forms, etc.) AND their many tasks, but they don't always like my answer: DESK TIME. It sounds ridiculously simple, but if you don't carve out time in your schedule to sit down and process your paper and tasks, you will fall behind and feel out of control. Where you sit can, of course, vary. Some people have traditional desk setups, while others have more of a mobile work style. Similarly, when you carve out this time needs to be a personal decision. Some will need a shorter, daily time slot, while others may prefer a once weekly schedule. The trick is to pick a schedue and PUT IT IN YOUR CALENDAR, AS IF IT WERE A DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT.

Before you sit down, you may want to set up a shredding bag and a recycling bag. Once you're ready, here are some strategies that may help:

1) Sort your paper into the following categories: shredding, recycling, bills, filing, actionable. You'll need to designate a place for bills and clean out your files if they're jammed.
2) Capture your tasks in a list. This includes the actionable items you just found while sorting. You can then prioritize your list. One helpful tip: if you can do it in 5 minutes or less, do it on the spot.
3) Start with the most urgent tasks, and complete what you can during the allotted time.

I'm sure I'll have more to say about this, so stay tuned :)]]> http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry120531-125849 Julie Thu, 31 May 2012 16:58:49 GMT http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/comments.php?y=12&m=05&entry=entry120531-125849 http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry110906-091342
What was interesting when I was walking around, and in various conversations I've had, were the comments people made about their possessions. More than a few people told me they while the storm was devastating they were relieved that it forced them to throw away long forgotten, useless items that were now waterlogged. These folks finally got rid of stuffed animals and plastic toys their kids used and abandoned years ago. Others told me about books they had to discard. Books are very hard for people to let go of, but one friend told me the books she threw away were nice, but basically sat in her basement and were never reread.

Again, this is not to say that people were not upset about the expensive carpeting and furniture--they were, and rightly so. It's that the experience forced them to do what I do with clients during an organizing session--separating out what's important and meaningful from what's not.

A good friend said it best: "My newly finished basement was destroyed, but my parents home was untouched. I'll gladly take my basement flooding in exchange for their safety".

]]> http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry110906-091342 Julie Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:13:42 GMT http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/comments.php?y=11&m=09&entry=entry110906-091342 http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry101118-205759
Does this sound familiar? You stack up papers on every imaginable flat surface. One day you realize you're going to have company, so you panick and throw the papers into a box or laundry basket and shove them into a guest room. This has to be one of the most commone situations I run into. But why does the paper stack up to begin with, and how can you stop it from accumulating?

I always tell my clients to stop the flow from the point of entry: the mailbox/front door. Here are some quick tips:

1) Enter the house and put down your belongings before getting the mail. Then, take a deep breath.
2) Immediately throw all junk mail into your recycling bin.
3) Place all bills in a designated bill area.
4) Separate out all magazines. Be careful here. How many is too many? How long should they hang around before you toss them? This may be another whole blog entry!
5) Scan all catalogs as fast as possible. If you're not planning on making a purchase, toss them in the recycling bin. Even better, call and ask NOT to receive them.
6) Separate out all calendar items and get them on your calendar as fast as possible. If you don't need to hang on to the invitation, flyer, etc.--DON'T.
7) Here's the most important category of all: the "ACTIONABLE ITEMS". Separate out anything that you need to act on--that's anything that requires a phone call, decision, etc. and place those on your desk. Make sure to build time into your decision to complete these tasks.

I'm only scratching the surface here, folks. In fact, mail is only one of several categories of paper. I'll have to continue in another entry...

]]> http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry101118-205759 Julie Fri, 19 Nov 2010 01:57:59 GMT http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/comments.php?y=10&m=11&entry=entry101118-205759 http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry100930-085504
Here are some items I found during some recent basement decluttering/packing jobs: never-used wedding china and crystal, boxes and boxes of photographs, high school and college memorabilia, and discarded small appliances, gifts, and toys. These basements were crowded, dirty, and unappealing spaces, but they all had the potential to become really nice, usable spaces. Why does it take a move to get us into action? Because these spaces are out of sight and we have busy schedules. But, if you can spare the time to tackle them, you can literally add rooms to your house. Think about the items I've listed above and how you would handle the task of reducing them. It's not easy, but the payoff is worth it.

Moving on to the attic. Lots of people store clothing in this area. That's fine if you're storing out of season clothing, but not ok if you're storing clothing that's 20 years old or 3 sizes too small! For clients with children, this is where old cribs, strollers, etc. go to die. If you no longer need these items, bring them to a donation site if they're still in good condition.

Finally--the garage. Take a good look at how many shovels, rakes, and other gardening tools you have. Organize and store all chemicals. Donate abandoned tricycles, and toss old, abused outdoor toys.

These areas of the home can be tough to organize, but it's a shame to clog them with unwanted items. Do it BEFORE you move, so you can enjoy the space!!

]]> http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry100930-085504 Julie Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:55:04 GMT http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/comments.php?y=10&m=09&entry=entry100930-085504 http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry100519-160000 http://thejewishstate.net/may1410atwork.html





]]> http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry100519-160000 Julie Wed, 19 May 2010 20:00:00 GMT http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/comments.php?y=10&m=05&entry=entry100519-160000 http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry100309-102149
My schedule is crazy, so a big, long spring cleaning/organizing day just seems too overwhelming right now. Instead, I'm opting for quick, "spot" organizing session. Here's what I've accomplished in a relatively short amount of time.

SPOT #1: I opened my "junk drawer" recently and realized it was REALLY living up to its name! All I did was separate the contents into two categories: the stuff that actually belongs in the drawer--pens, pencils, a ruler, some refrigerator magnets--and all the stuff that doesn't belong--loose change, art supplies, junky little plastic toys, etc. In no time my drawer had regained its original purpose: to be a "command central" for homework supplies.

SPOT #2: My daughter came home from the circus this weekend with a brand new Ringling Brothers plastic water bottle. Right away, I knew I was in for a purging session because the cabinet where I keep plastic bottles and cups was MAXED OUT! Again, a quick fix was all it took. I simply tossed all the babyish cups and freebie, useless water bottles into the recycling bin and suddenly I had room for the circus bottle and the few other bottles and cups we actually use.

SPOT #3: This morning I tackled the shelf in my office. Within 20 minutes I had removed 28 books which I will donate later today. I would have sworn to you I needed those books, but a quick look at them convinced me otherwise. I'm thrilled with my newfound shelf space!

Which SPOTS will you tackle before Spring? Write to me and let me know...]]> http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry100309-102149 Julie Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:21:49 GMT http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/comments.php?y=10&m=03&entry=entry100309-102149 http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry100103-213604
The Star Ledger article featured business-oriented holiday gifts, including an office organizing package from The Uncluttered Home.

http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/20 ... ted_g.html

The Forbes article focused on strategies for getting out of the office on time, and I contributed organizing tips.

http://www.forbes.com/2009/12/15/holida ... email.html

Happy Reading!]]> http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry100103-213604 Julie Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:36:04 GMT http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/comments.php?y=10&m=01&entry=entry100103-213604 http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry091207-232200
It's easy to see why this myth exists. After all, there are entire stores devoted exclusively to containers, and many magazine layouts feature beautifully organized rooms filled with colorful, attractive, well-labeled containers!

So what's the problem?

A large majority of the time, I walk into a home and find container after container filled with STUFF. Often, if I ask a client what's inside any given container, they're not even sure.

Containers have become our way of housing lots and lots of items we don't need. We feel that if it lives in a beautiful wicker basket, or colorful plastic bucket, then it's got a purpose.

So running out and buying containers is what I consider "backwards thinking". Before you ever purchase a container, ask yourself what you're storing. Lots of times, people's possessions are placed in containers never to be seen again. What's the point?

Guess what happens (most times) when I visit a home?! By the end of the day you'll find a tower of EMPTY containers. When my clients take the time to review what's inside their containers, it's a great opportunity to purge.

Got lots of containers? Take the time to open them up, look at the stuff, and decide whether it's worth hanging on to or not.]]> http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry091207-232200 Julie Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:22:00 GMT http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/comments.php?y=09&m=12&entry=entry091207-232200 http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry091029-172033
As I write this, Halloween is days away, which means that Thanksgiving, Chanukah & Christmas are right around the corner!! It’s hard to believe, but it’s almost crunch time.

How can you feel in control this holiday season? Grab a pad and make a list of all of the undone tasks that are robbing you of the focus and energy you need to tackle the holidays. Here are a few to get you started:

Recycle unwanted electronics! (monitors, CPUs, TVs, VCRs, etc.). Staples, Best Buy & other retailers have recycling programs, and each county holds its own series of electronics recycling events as well.

Eliminate paper piles! Sort your paper into these piles: “RECYCLE”, “SHRED”, “FILE”, “ACT”, & “BILL”. Designate a place for bills, keep a bag for shredding, set up easy-to-use files and be sure to make time for all of those action items.

Switch over your clothing! The time for shorts and tank tops is over. Remove all of your warm weather clothing from closets and drawers and find your sweaters and corduroys! Use underbed boxes to store out-of-season clothing and even shoes.

Make way for holiday gifts! If you’re expecting lots of incoming gifts for the holidays, make sure there’s enough storage space. Purge your playroom, bookshelves, and other storage areas. For each area, set up 2 bags: one for “garbage”, another for “donations”. It’s amazing how many bags you can fill!

Create a holiday gift spreadsheet with FOUR HEADINGS: Name, Gift, Wrapped? and Mailed?/Delivered? Use it to track your progress throughout the season.


Call or e-mail me any time with your Organizing questions. And, if you’ve made it all the way to the bottom of this letter, you are entitled to $25 off your next organizing session of 3 or more hours 


Happy Organizing!

Julie

P.S.—Looking for a unique holiday gift? I offer gift certificates. Buy one for a friend or ask for one for yourself.


]]> http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry091029-172033 Julie Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:20:33 GMT http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/comments.php?y=09&m=10&entry=entry091029-172033 http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry091021-113014
HOW TO GAIN SPACE & CREATE A MORE EFFICIENT KITCHEN...

Make sure you have a clear surface either on your counter or on a nearby table. Go through each cabinet and separate items into 2 piles: "Often Used" and "Rarely Used".

The "Often Used" items will find their way back into the cabinets. The "Rarely Used" items should either be TOSSED or placed in a farther away STORAGE AREA (often the basement in the homes in which I work).

How do you decide what to toss or donate? Be honest with yourself. Do you ever actually make bread in the bread machine? Do you like Belgian waffles? Kitchen items can be bulky and hog precious cabinet space, so really try to keep it to what you ACTUALLY USE.

"Rarely Used" items to be put in storage are often items only used for particular holidays or seasons. You need them, but they don't need to clog up your space 12 months a year.

Finally, decide where to put your "Often Used" items. You'll want to place items nearest to where they will be used. Pots and pans should be closer to the stove, appliances should be near plugs and counters where they'll be used, etc. As with most rooms, I suggest setting up "zones". Food should be together, as should kitchen tools, small appliances, pots & pans, mixing bowls, etc. These are very simple rules, but ones which are sometimes ignored and cause a lot of chaos.

One final note: paper can also cause a lot of chaos in kitchens! If this is true in your home, you need to tackle those piles, too. More on that another time...


]]> http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry091021-113014 Julie Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:30:14 GMT http://unclutteredhome.com/pblog/comments.php?y=09&m=10&entry=entry091021-113014