What do you do to make the best use of your time?
Whether you are a busy professional that works away from home or whether you work out of the home, time management is almost always an issue.
My clients consistently tell me that with so many distractions and being pulled in so many different directions they often have difficultly focusing on the task at hand. In my experience, two of the biggest productivity killers are distractions and interruptions.
For the last several years there has been a lot of talk about “multi-tasking”. For many people multi-tasking prevents focus and completing priority work. Although I used to advocate multi-tasking, I no longer believe it is a productive or efficient way of working.
If your find yourself challenged with how to manage your time, here are some tips to work more efficiently.
Time management sheets
We all at some point in time, find ourselves on this same repetitive path. One day feels like it just melts into the other. A time management sheet is an excellent resource for you to determine how you are actually spending your time. It is an extremely effective exercise when utilized diligently for a 5 day period.
How it works
Arm yourself a notebook and pen and ensure you have it with you at all times. Then I want you to write down exactly how you are spending your time, minute for minute as opposed to hours or the day.
Be precise as this will be the tool you use to work more efficiently. Once you log your time for a few days and look back on your log you will begin to see a pattern of exactly what various activities take up your time.
Decision time
Once you have your log completed you can then make some decisions on how you can perhaps delegate some tasks to others and “unplug” yourself during certain periods of the day. Take a hard look at the activities that you have logged in and that serve no positive purpose for you.
Then following some basic principles of organization, group “like” tasks together for greater productivity and efficiency. For example, make all your phone calls at a pre-scheduled slot each day or perhaps twice a day.
Answer emails only 2 x per day perhaps once at 11:00 and then again at 3:30 p.m. All your activities should be religiously scheduled in your paper or electronic calendar or day timer and stick to that schedule, including gym workouts, grocery runs, etc. There should be no procrastination.
You may find that you have a large task at hand. Larger tasks can be broken down into smaller ones. In preparing your schedule I want you to ask yourself “what are the 3 most important tasks” and list them in order. Then tackle the most important task first.
Once you have your daily schedule fully written down, you then implement the schedule using the Pomodoro technique of time management.
What is the Pomodoro technique?
The main idea behind this is `time-boxing`. It’s a simple technique that is very effective for people with short attention spans, those that are easily distracted and that work at a desk. 
In this technique you are boxing in your attention for a small amount of time and then mentally recharging yourself after each 25 minute interval of work.All you need is a timer, whether it is on your computer, your smart phone or an egg timer – they all can do the job.
6 Steps
1- Identify the task according to your schedule (or “to do” list) .
2- Set your timer to 25 minutes
3- Work on a task until the Pomodoro is finished
4- Take a 5 minute break – get up from your desk, stretch, grab a coffee, etc.
5- Set timer again
6- For every 4 Pomodoros you take a longer break (15 – 20 minutes)
Guidelines
As with every system, the Pomodoro has a few guidelines to aid in your success. Firstly, no other tasks are allowed during your Pomodoro except the one you began working on. Secondly, stop right way when Pomodoro ends. If you didn’t finish your work during that session simply move it over to your next Pomodoro. Lastly, when you finish your task before the deadline, don`t stop. Review your completed work until the timer is done.
By completing each Pomodoro you will feel and be more productive, happier and build momentum to help you get things done quickly and efficiently.
Let me know how this technique works for you and contact me directly with any questions you have.
905-642-5669
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How Clutter Can Affect Your Relationships: A Closer LookAugust 31, 2023 - 2:48 pm
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Too Many Cookbooks In The Kitchen?
in MiscAre you someone who has a bunch of cookbooks scattered throughout their kitchen? Maybe you even have some in your basement floating around or even tucked away somewhere in your bedroom. We get them as gifts, pick them up from big box stores thinking we are getting a deal, or sometimes they come in the mail in the form of a magazine.
Where do you draw the line on how many cookbooks is too much? Do you even read them?
In our home, like many people, we have at least 3 cookbooks stuffed away in our kitchen cupboard or drawers that seldom get used. Most have been handed down from our parents or given to us as gifts. We all like to think that we are good cooks and will use these to create dishes that will taste fantastic and will impress our friends and family. But do we really?
The ugly truth
And even when we have used these books the odd time they have had some of our cooking ingredients spilled on them with pages now stuck together. Yuck!
Cookbook apps
Rather than having an open cookbook on my counter I now have a much smaller resource taking up less space and I don’t have those cumbersome cookbooks taking up space in my cupboards or drawers.
Some favourites to try
Some of the apps I have found useful are Big Oven, Better Homes and Epicurious, but there are literally hundreds of recipe apps and websites that you can bookmark out there. Need a little more space when you are cooking? Try your own device for storing recipes and see what space and time you can save. Let me know what apps you use and we can share your ideas with our readers!
If you are challenged with finding space in your kitchen and feel the job is too overwhelming for you to start, simply contact us for a free telephone consultation at 905-642-5669.
How to Talk to Your Aging Parents About Downsizing
in Downsizing, Moving SeniorsWhen it’s time to talk to your aging parents about downsizing to a smaller living space or assisted living environment, the topic can often be intimidating to broach. Although the move may seem practical at this point in your mom or dad’s life, the idea of moving into a smaller space and getting rid of treasured possessions can provoke very strong emotions, particularly if the move is necessitated by aging or poor health. Here are a few tips for beginning the conversation on this challenging subject.
Start the Discussion Early
It’s never too early to start talking with your parents about how they imagine their future. Your parents may believe that they will continue to manage in their current home as they age, and the transition will be easier if you begin talking about other options before a move is immediately necessary. The topic will likely require multiple discussions before you and your parents can reach a decision that you both feel comfortable with. Try bringing up an older friend or neighbor who has recently downsized, and talk to your parents about what decisions they would like to make if they faced a similar situation.
Share Your Concerns
Most parents respond well if you’re open and honest about why you think it’s time for them to downsize. Rather than being controlling and making choices for them, share your concerns about your parents’ current living situation. Most parents don’t like the idea of their children worrying about them, and they’re less likely to feel defensive or upset if you express your fears and your desire for them to be as safe, comfortable and happy as possible.
Let Your Parents Stay in Control
Simply listening to your parents is far more important than figuring out what to say to them. Downsizing can be emotional for many older adults because the move makes them feel like they’re losing a certain amount of control over their lives. Let your parents know that while you may make suggestions, the decision is ultimately theirs to make. Rather than imposing your assessment of their lives, ask gentle questions about their current living situation that will allow them to come to their own conclusions. If you’re discussing moving to an assisted living facility, your parents may have the option of living there for a short time, before making the final decision to sell their house. This way, your parents don’t have to let go of their current home and possessions until they feel certain that they can be content in this new living situation.
Talking to your parents about downsizing can be a sensitive subject. Starting the discussion early and making the decision together can help your parent transition with dignity and with the confidence that they have your full support. If you have any questions about downsizing, you can contact me at 905-642-5669.
Organizing & Decorating On A Budget
in MiscAs many of you know, once we get you organized, downsized and de-cluttered, there are many times when you turn your minds to decorating your new spaces. This week I am pleased to have Ann Wicks, a professional Green Design Consultant, be my guest blogger and advise you how to decorate on a budget. Read on and she will inspire you!
Looking to achieve that “look”
Creating a new look in the home by using what you already have and re-purposing it in other rooms is the way to decorate on a budget. It all comes down to re-thinking the use of rooms and the furniture within them.
It’s the “3 R’s” of decorating; Re-Use, Re-Purpose & Re-Think (along with reduce and recycle!).
Re-purposing
The list of possibilities goes on. Don’t throw that 2-drawer filing cabinet out; it still has good use as a bedside table (freshened up with a coat of paint!).
Change rooms
Kids toys are all over the place? How about changing up the bedrooms? Bunk two children in a larger room and use the smaller room as a toy/play room. If the rooms are virtually the same size; then consider giving the master bedroom as a room for the children to share, after all – does the master bedroom need to be so big to sleep in?
If you don’t use the formal dining room or breakfast nook; then consider changing it to serve as the home office or study. After all, how many times do the kids come home from school and start their homework at the table when you’re preparing dinner?
Fresh paint and accessories
All on a very manageable budget, with nothing more then some sweat equity and time.
(Anne Wicks is a Professional Green Design Consultant and an Interior Re-design Professional. For more information on ECO DecoR visit annewicks.ca).
Help Your Kids Get Organized For Success
in MiscOften times the parent and child have very different ideas of what to keep and what to donate.
Let your kids make the decisions
As a result, I generally have a chat with the parent before the editing part of the process to request that their child be allowed to make the decision and that that decision be respected rather than questioned. Sometimes it’s much more productive if the parent is not in the same room because the energy coming off from the parent can affect the process in a negative way.
My parent clients are often quite surprised by how easily their kids will let go of items, especially when they know their unused toys will be going to other children in need.
Start young
It’s always a good time to start working with your younger children to teach them how to let go of their unused and unwanted items. There are many ways to do this, and the use of books and reading can be a great opening to a discussion on giving.
Books that help
One book I really like is The Berenstain Bears and The Messy Room. In this book brother and sister bears’ room was a mess and they argue with each other quite a bit about who should tidy up instead of working together to get the job done. This book is helpful in that it will teach children to do their fair share in keeping their spaces clean without arguing. It teaches children responsibility.
Another book by The Berenstain Bears is Think Of Those In Need. As with all the books in this series, this one teaches a timeless lesson as well as principles easy for little ones to learn.
They also help parents in demonstrating a good way to handle sometimes difficult situations.
Teaching organization equals success
It’s never too young to begin to teach your children the basic principles of de-cluttering and organizing. In doing so you are instilling important values: one of which is that the important things in life are not things. Abundance does not equate to success in life. In fact, abundance can equal debt and misery and lead to hoarding tendencies which can lead to hoarding.
This is something we all need to think about. My clients learn that to be successful in life, school and work, they need to be organized.
If you or your children have trouble letting go and think you may need some assistance, contact me for a free telephone consultation. We are only a phone call away!
Estate Clearing: Tips for Organizing After the Loss of a Loved One
in MiscThe death of a loved one is an emotionally challenging time, and the obligation to clear out your loved one’s estate can feel overwhelming in the midst of your grief. It’s completely normal to feel conflicted as you sort through your loved one’s belongings, deciding what’s useful, what’s important, and what you need to throw away. Here are some strategies to help you manage this difficult process.
Don’t Rush Yourself
The grieving process is different for each person. It’s important to go at your own pace, and not to begin clearing out the estate until you feel ready. In some cases, you may be forced to begin clearing, if you need to sell the house or clear space for a new family member to move in, for example. In this situation, consider temporarily boxing up your loved one’s belongings, giving yourself the opportunity to go through the boxes later when you’ve had more time to heal.
When you do finally feel ready to begin organizing your loved one’s possessions, it might be a one-time event, or you may decide to go through everything slowly over several months or years. As time passes and you move through the grieving process, you’ll find that you gradually feel ready to part with more items.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Clearing out a loved one’s estate is both a physically and emotionally demanding task that can be quite a burden to manage alone. You might find it helpful to go through the possessions with someone else, such as a family member, close friend, or professional organizer. Another person can help you make those tough decisions about what to keep and what to say goodbye to, and act as a source of general emotional support during a difficult time.
Honour the Memory
As you slowly clear out your loved one’s possessions, you can begin to choose a few items that you want to keep. How much you decide to keep is up to you, but it’s best to limit it to a small collection of items that will help you remember your loved one, without being overwhelming. Decide which items bring you the happiest memories or remind you of your loved one’s personality and find a special place to keep these items, by framing or displaying them in some way. Remember that clearing out the estate and getting rid of your loved one’s belongings does not mean you are forgetting about that important person. Your memories will always be much more valuable keepsakes than the items in your loved one’s home.
ClutterBGone specializes in Bereavements and Estate Clearing Services in Toronto and the surrounding GTA. We provide our services with respect for your family possessions and work with your to ensure the process is handled with care. You can contact us here if you have more questions.
4 Key Factors Holding You Back From An Organized Home
in MiscIt never seems to go away, no matter what you do. Does this sound like you? If so, there may be a few key factors that are holding you back from an organized home.
Horizontal surfaces and floors as “temporary storage”
Counters, coffee tables, side tables, they all are hot spots for drop zones….places where you automatically place your “stuff” whether it belongs there or not. If you start changing the way you think of your floor and horizontal surfaces in your home, you will see a difference.
Buying the wrong organizing solution
Trying to shove 10 scarves into a bin that really only holds 5 will not only cause you frustration down the road, but it will ultimately fail to keep you organized because the volume does not match the size of the bin.
Do yourself and favour and don’t rush out to purchase any containers until you collect all of the same type of item from throughout your house and ascertain the volume of what you will ultimately be storing.
Paper comes into your home but it doesn’t leave
Newspapers are old news the next day. Magazines should be read once and then recycled. If you have a special article that you like, tear it out and then toss the magazine in the blue bin. Better yet, bring it over to your doctor’s office (but check first that they will take it).
Not being open minded and accepting help
If you are not inherently organized or have been disorganized for most of your adult life, then attempting to organize your space yourself will likely result in the system failing.
This is a result of many factors, the most important of which is not fully understanding the basic principles of organization (which, if you aren’t inherently organized in the first place, how would you know what they are?) but also not considering what activities need to take place in a certain space and what “tools” are necessary for that activity. Remember, organization is not taught in our school system (although I firmly believe it should be part of the curriculum), so don’t be so hard on yourself.
Overcoming any one of these 4 key factors will get you one step closer to taking control of your home.
And if any of this seems overwhelming to you, simply contact me and I will get you on your way. Your chaos. Our solution. Your peace of mind. Guaranteed.
It Doesn’t Have To Be Perfect, Just Organized
in Home OrganizingYou’ve probably flipped endlessly through magazine articles, clicked your way through every blog post you could find, and you even have a Pinterest board full of easy ideas to prove it. As much as you try to keep on top of it, it comes back: that dreaded evil called clutter.
It can happen at the worst possible time, like first thing in the morning, pre-coffee, rushing out the door on the way to work and you can’t find the important file you stayed up all night working on and used the last of your ink printing out. Or it could be something as simple as not being able to find your car keys (ever).
Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy when it comes to staying on top of the simple tasks. One thing you can do to prevent such mishaps is to practice organized habits that prevent or solve these problems without creating new ones. You don’t have to go to great lengths to do this, but try some of these simple solutions instead.
Avoid “Misplacing” Items
Establish a home for everything you need to complete a routinely task. This means park your keys, purse, and cell phone in a spot by the door where you will naturally be prone to set it down when you come in. This way when you go to leave, you will be able to find it. The same goes for your important work documents. Have a place that important files can go so you remember to bring them with you when they’re due. Keep them out of reach of any animals, food, or liquid. Do this with all the important things you use regularly like your gym shoes, office supplies, bills, and so forth.
Get Dinner on the Table with Ease
Sometimes the stress of getting dinner on the table can mean the third night in a row of take out or pantry snack items, and before you know it you’ve wasted more money on food when you could have made a meal for less, that was most likely healthier to boot. If this feels like your regular routine, you don’t need to go to the extent of intense meal planning techniques from your Pinterest board. You can just simply plan meals a day in advance. Don’t go nuts planning, but the night before just check your cupboards to make sure all your ingredients are there and write a list of how to get it on the table fast. Even if you made the meal over a dozen times, having the list will increase efficiency. Eventually you’ll naturally create a system that will be effective for you.
Never Forget Appointments Again
Perhaps you’re the forgetful type, and that’s okay. You can alleviate that lapse of memory by using your current calendar system consistently. Whether this means writing it on a calendar and punching it into your phone, or the whole nine yards –having an agenda, wall calendar, computer calendar, and e-mail reminders –by consistently inputting your appointments you will find what works and doesn’t work, then you can search for a calendar system if necessary.
Apply These Ideas Elsewhere
You don’t need to be perfect, but looking to prevent and fix these problems before they happen is first and foremost. Just follow these steps:
The best part? The more you work at fixing these little problems by consistently implementing their solutions in practice, the more organized your life will become. If you need assistance organizing your space, you can contact us here.
Stouffville Sun-Tribune
in Media“Clutter experts bail out family in need”. After seven hours, dozens of boxes of books and 6 bags of clothes were collected for donation, 12 bags of trash and other items were cleared out of a home that had become a health hazard. The project was spearheaded by Linda Vanderkolk, owner of ClutterBGone. Read the full article here.
Stouffville Sun-Tribune
in Media“Stouffville clutter expert gives back at single mom’s new store”. ClutterBGone spearheads a charitable project pulling together a volunteer team of six organizers to clear out and organize the 1,000-square-foot consignment shop on Brock Street West in Uxbridge. You can read the article here.
Tips To Be More Efficient With Time Management
in MiscWhether you are a busy professional that works away from home or whether you work out of the home, time management is almost always an issue.
My clients consistently tell me that with so many distractions and being pulled in so many different directions they often have difficultly focusing on the task at hand. In my experience, two of the biggest productivity killers are distractions and interruptions.
For the last several years there has been a lot of talk about “multi-tasking”. For many people multi-tasking prevents focus and completing priority work. Although I used to advocate multi-tasking, I no longer believe it is a productive or efficient way of working.
If your find yourself challenged with how to manage your time, here are some tips to work more efficiently.
Time management sheets
We all at some point in time, find ourselves on this same repetitive path. One day feels like it just melts into the other. A time management sheet is an excellent resource for you to determine how you are actually spending your time. It is an extremely effective exercise when utilized diligently for a 5 day period.
How it works
Be precise as this will be the tool you use to work more efficiently. Once you log your time for a few days and look back on your log you will begin to see a pattern of exactly what various activities take up your time.
Decision time
Once you have your log completed you can then make some decisions on how you can perhaps delegate some tasks to others and “unplug” yourself during certain periods of the day. Take a hard look at the activities that you have logged in and that serve no positive purpose for you.
Answer emails only 2 x per day perhaps once at 11:00 and then again at 3:30 p.m. All your activities should be religiously scheduled in your paper or electronic calendar or day timer and stick to that schedule, including gym workouts, grocery runs, etc. There should be no procrastination.
You may find that you have a large task at hand. Larger tasks can be broken down into smaller ones. In preparing your schedule I want you to ask yourself “what are the 3 most important tasks” and list them in order. Then tackle the most important task first.
Once you have your daily schedule fully written down, you then implement the schedule using the Pomodoro technique of time management.
What is the Pomodoro technique?
The main idea behind this is `time-boxing`. It’s a simple technique that is very effective for people with short attention spans, those that are easily distracted and that work at a desk.
In this technique you are boxing in your attention for a small amount of time and then mentally recharging yourself after each 25 minute interval of work.All you need is a timer, whether it is on your computer, your smart phone or an egg timer – they all can do the job.
6 Steps
1- Identify the task according to your schedule (or “to do” list) .
2- Set your timer to 25 minutes
3- Work on a task until the Pomodoro is finished
4- Take a 5 minute break – get up from your desk, stretch, grab a coffee, etc.
5- Set timer again
6- For every 4 Pomodoros you take a longer break (15 – 20 minutes)
Guidelines
As with every system, the Pomodoro has a few guidelines to aid in your success. Firstly, no other tasks are allowed during your Pomodoro except the one you began working on. Secondly, stop right way when Pomodoro ends. If you didn’t finish your work during that session simply move it over to your next Pomodoro. Lastly, when you finish your task before the deadline, don`t stop. Review your completed work until the timer is done.
By completing each Pomodoro you will feel and be more productive, happier and build momentum to help you get things done quickly and efficiently.
Let me know how this technique works for you and contact me directly with any questions you have.