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Easy Tips To Organize Your Home Office

home-office-desk-and-furniture

More and more people are working from home these days, either running their own business or because companies see the value in having their employees work from home anywhere from one to five days a week.

It’s important to have a space designated specifically for your work so you can be productive, efficient and not waste time.

A home office needs to be both comfortable and motivating and should be free from distractions that will allow you to focus on work. Here are a few tips to keep you organized and help you do just that.

Clear surfaces

I am a stickler for clear surfaces. A cluttered surface results in a lot of wasted time looking for that something that you know is “here somewhere”. Keep just the essentials within reach and keep your work area clear for increased productivity.

Stay focused

We all like to think that we can multi task but the truth is we can’t. Once you try to work on two things at the same time we aren’t able to keep the same focus on both tasks.

Stay focused

Stay on course with one task and move on to the next when it is completed or, if something is really important and moves up the priority ladder, put the other item away to give your all to the job at hand.

In and out trays

Put everything that comes in during the day into the in tray and assign a time of day to go through it. Doing this once a day rather than each time something comes in will save you a lot of time through the day. Likewise, with the out tray. Put all of your filing and outbound mail in there and attend to it once a day.

Choose a filing system that works

Filing is not the most interesting part of our day but it will go smoother if you have a system that works for you. Rather than having all my files together alphabetically, I have set up broad categories first like “Utilities” and “Automobile” and then have the files within these categories alphabetized.

Filing

This way I know what area I need to go to and don’t have to look through the entire file drawer to find something or put something away. It works for me but you need to find what works for you to save time and be better organized. If you are a highly visual person you may want to consider a colour coded filing system to easily locate a file based on colour. For instance, anything banking related could be a green folder. Any critical documents, like employment records, health records, school records, driver’s license and registration etc., could be assigned a blue folder. Leisure activities and reference files could be assigned a yellow folder. Think about what colour a certain category is to you and then go from there.

A shredder

A good shredder is a must to protect your privacy. You don’t want sensitive information blowing down the street and getting into the hands of someone who can harm your credit score or worse. The shredders that make confetti out of your paper are best as nobody is going to be able to put those pieces back together!

A weekly planner

Pick a planner that allows room to make some notes on each day and has room for priorities and items to follow up on. Planners that show a full week on both sides of the open book in my mind are the best in order to see what needs to be done that week at a glance. I’m pretty visual so that works well for me.

Planner - weekly 2

Check completed tasks off so you have that sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.

Printers

Printers have come down in price quite a bit over the years but those expensive ink cartridges have not. If you choose to refill your cartridges take them somewhere reputable rather than doing it yourself. I have had no luck with refiling myself and would hate to hear that you have ink all over your desk.Printer

Unless the document is being presented to a customer or someone of similar importance, set your printing setting to print in black and white only to save on the color cartridge costs. Of course, it’s better to print less than more. When printing a document consider first whether it is absolutely necessary to have it in hard copy. Lots of information is now kept and stored online. Let’s not cut down more trees than we need to.

If you are one of the lucky ones that works from home make sure your office is set up to make the most of your productivity. ClutterBGone has assisted numerous small and home offices to get organized. Contact us here if you would like to learn more about what we can do for you.

Storage Locker Organization Toronto

Storage Locker Organization

Not too long ago I was faced with the challenge of organizing two condominium storage lockers for “winter cleaning”. It was quite a challenge as the owner of the lockers, as well as his two sons, are sports enthusiasts and involved in everything from hockey, lacrosse, golf and fishing to mountain biking and more.

Who owns more than one set of golf clubs? We must have hauled four or five sets out of there. There were balls, sticks, skates, bats and every other imaginable type of sports equipment all over the place.

Condo Locker AfterThe main storage locker had to accommodate all the sports gear and they needed something for easy transitioning from one type of sport to another, as well as store all seasonal items. It was quite a challenge but one that I was up for. The locker was an obstacle course and in a state of disorganization making it virtually impossible to maneuver and reach anything without tripping and falling over stuff.

Faced with two concrete walls and two wire grid walls, being creative and having a vision was essential to be successful in this project. Most condominiums have very strict rules regarding storage lockers and what you can and cannot do. Utilizing new storage shelving, re-configuring the space and sectioning off parts of the locker into specific zones for sports and seasonal holiday items was the most efficient and functional way to work through this project without breaking any condominium rules.

Getting Started

My client was so excited about this project that within 30 minutes of starting the final organization and set up session, he actually sent his girlfriend down to see what was happening with the space. Then not long after that he came down himself, on 2 or 3 different occasions, to “nonchalantly” check it out and see the transformation taking place. He was like a little boy at Christmas, he just couldn’t wait.

We started by taking everything out of the locker and once it was all out I thought to myself “how is all this going to fit back in?” Next we installed shelving along the back wall for ball gloves, shoes and the like. Once we had all of the sports sectioned off onto the shelves we labeled each shelf with the type of sport that belonged on that shelf.

With some inexpensive “S” hooks we hung the golf clubs and skis onto the mesh fencing so they each had a home and could not fall over. From the ceiling we hung a mesh bag and placed the basketballs and volleyballs. Prior to this they were always rolling around on the floor becoming a major trip hazard.

The big reveal!

When I completed the final touches my client came down for the big reveal and was thrilled with the outcome. He now had an organized space where he could store all of his sports equipment where it would be easy to retrieve and not be in danger of falling over. He even had room for all of his Christmas decorations, which again were labeled on the shelves.

Before I left we reviewed exactly what had been done with his two sons so they would know where their sports equipment was to go when they were done with it. Based on my client’s reaction to our project I know he will be staying on top of the kids to ensure an organized and safe space.

It was a challenging experience and the outcome was a successful transformation into a fully accessible, safe and functional space. You could even see the floor! What’s your next challenge?  If you require assistance give us a call by contacting us here.

organizing your home

7 Golden Rules Of Kitchen Organization

The kitchen is the most travelled and used room in the house. We prepare meals there, eat there and have some of our most interesting conversations in the kitchen. In order to make the most of your meals and conversation it’s important to have an organized kitchen. Here are seven rules I use to organize almost any kitchen.

   1. Horizontal surfaces must be clear

I’m a stickler for horizontal surfaces being clear. It’s too easy to lie something down and “get around” to putting it away later. Before you know it you have a lot of other stuff that has been added to the pile and you now have a kitchen counter full of items that do not belong in the kitchen.

organized kitchen

If you must keep small appliances on the counter keep it to the ones that you use every day like the toaster, coffee maker, and maybe your smoothie machine. Appliances that are seldom used should be stored elsewhere. You’ll be amazed at just how neat and organized your kitchen will look with a clutter free horizontal surface.

    2. Keep it clean

Now that your surface is clear it will be easier to keep the counter clean. Get in the habit of cleaning the counter once a day at a certain time. I give mine a wipe when I come down in the morning, after my son has made his breakfast and left traces of said breakfast for me to clean! A clear and clean counter looks great!

  1. Keep it within reach

Organize your kitchen so that the items you need are easily within reach of the task you are performing. If you are cooking make sure your pots and pans are close by. Are you right or left handed? Take this into consideration. Try to have your glasses stored next to the fridge. Your dishes close to the dishwasher for easy return. Keep only your essential kitchen cleaning supplies under the sink. The rest of those cleaning supplies can be stored neatly in your laundry space. This will save you steps and time and will reduce the traffic chaos in your kitchen.

  1. Pare down that junk drawer

I’ll admit that I don’t have a junk drawer in my kitchen but I do have a much needed drawer for pens, a pad of paper, mini stapler, eye glass cleaning cloth and a few other items such as bag clips and twist ties. It is still an organized space. But I have seen a lot of junk drawers that are full of just that – junk. A place you judiciously slide things into because you don’t know where to put it. Try not to use the junk drawer for a convenient way of hiding items that do not belong in the kitchen like tools and batteries. Just how many elastic bands do you really need anyway? If you cannot easily locate what you are looking for it kind of defeats the purpose of having a “miscellaneous” drawer. Let’s keep it organized with everything contained.

  1. Keep a list of what you need

Take a piece of paper and tape it inside a cupboard next to the fridge. When you run out of an item, jot it down on the piece of paper – both food and cleaning supplies.

 

Take this list with you when you go shopping and stick to it. It’s kind of like going shopping when you are hungry. Without a list you are going to forget some items that you need and most likely pick up items you don’t need thus spending money needlessly and adding clutter to your kitchen in the process.

  1. Out with the old

Make a habit of going through your fridge and cupboards once a month to get rid of items that have spoiled or have gone too far past the expiration date. When you do please remember that a best before date is just that – best before. You don’t have to toss items right at the best before date. But no need to keep that green stuff in your fridge any longer either!

  1. Out with the broken

Like all other items in the house toss out anything that is not working like old can openers or small appliances that you just may one day get around to trying to fix. Chances are that they are small enough and cheap enough to replace and let’s face it, you’re probably not going to get around to fixing it anyway.  Any bigger repairs, consider hiring a highly rated kitchen contractor to help.

So, these are my seven rules for an organized kitchen. Follow them and you will find kitchen bliss. ClutterBGone has helped many families get their kitchens organized and left them with a simple process to stay organized. Let us know how we can help you by contacting us here.

8 Things That Are Making Your Home Cluttered And What You Can Do About It

Sometimes you walk into your home or a room in your house and you think to yourself, “why is this place always looking so cluttered?” The whole house doesn’t have to be in disarray to make you feel that your home is out of control. Often a small space or a small area that is causing you grief can make the difference between feeling defeated and feeling like you have things under control.

Here are 8 common areas that you can tackle quite quickly.

Cosmetics drawer

I am somewhat of a minimalist when it comes to make up and I know others that are quite the opposite. Regardless of how much cosmetics you have, the key is knowing what you have and having it accessible. Otherwise, you’re wasting time tearing through your drawer or purchasing items you don’t need because you can’t find them.

Cosmetics drawer

There are many inexpensive organizing trays you can use but remember to store like with like and to toss old make up on a frequent basis. Some make ups can be a breeding ground for bacteria so know when it’s time to replace an item.

Junk drawer

I don’t like to use the term “junk drawer”. I do have a drawer in my kitchen for pens, a pad of paper, mini stapler, eye glass cleaning cloth and a few other items such as bag clips and twist ties. It’s still an organized space. I have seen a lot of junk drawers that are full of just that – junk. A place you drop things into because you don’t know where to put it.

If you cannot easily locate what you are looking for it kind of defeats the purpose of having a “miscellaneous” drawer. Let’s keep it organized with everything contained.

Souvenirs

I was recently down south and was strolling through one of those markets that sell the tacky cheap souvenirs and wondered who really buys those?

Souvenir plates

Well, I have seen some pretty strange knick-knacks in people’s homes over the years letting us know where they have vacationed. Before you know it you can have a collection of clutter. Photo albums, memory boxes or mementoes that have real meaning to you are a better way to cherish the memories and keep your home organized.

Collections vs. obsessions

Many people collect items for various reasons and it can be a great way to pass time and to show people your interests. However, when it starts to control your home it has become an obsession. Invest in the storage system that is appropriate for your collection and proudly show your collection to your friends and family. Keep in mind that an interest of yours may not be the interest of others so don’t let it take over your home.

Entry way closet

Your entry way closet is normally the first place people see when they enter your home when coats are hung up. If space is a challenge, keep items seasonal by taking the spring and summer clothes out and replacing with the fall and winter wear and vice versa when the seasons change to make more room. Each time you do this, take the items you no longer wear or that don’t fit anymore to a local donation center. Boot racks and hanging shoe bags can be used to increase the vertical space needed for larger families.

Refrigerator

The fridge is an appliance you use several times throughout the day and can easily become a cold, cluttered mess each time you peer inside. I know we all have grown a science experiment in the back of the fridge at some time.

Resolve to go through the fridge prior to each major shopping to toss spoiled foods and to take stock of what you have so you are not purchasing items that are not required.

Magazine rack

If you’re still subscribing to magazines and newspapers, the old fashioned magazine rack can become an eyesore with past issues stuffed in there. Keep no more than the last two issues of any magazine and if the last 2 issues have not been read maybe it’s time to cancel the subscription.

Mag rack

Better yet, most magazines can now be purchased in an electronic format or are available with an app service such as Texture. Once read, newspapers should be tossed into the recycle bin. Are you really going to refer to yesterday’s news?

Your “In” basket – the OHIO rule

We all have an in basket for mail, flyers, bills or any other miscellaneous pieces of paper that comes into our home. Try the OHIO rule to keep the in basket to a minimum. Only Handle It Once. Pay it, file it, take action on it or toss paper when it comes in.

It’s typically the smaller areas of your home that can give your house a cluttered look and that you can easily tackle within a short period of time. Have a go at them and let me know how you make out.

7 Laundry Room Organization & Storage Tips

Unless you have a very large home, your laundry room is probably pretty small so organization and efficient storage can be challenging at best. Here are several organization and storage tips to help you be more efficient in your home.

Shelving

Whether you have a top loading or a newer set of front-loading washer and dryer, shelving for your detergents,

softeners and dryer sheets are a must.

Laundry shelving

For the do it your-self person wire shelving is readily available at almost any hardware store and is easy to fix to the wall. More elaborate systems with cupboards to keep items out of sight are available from a wide variety of sources and can be a great alternative for that uncluttered look without breaking the bank.

Hanging Shirts

When you do install shelving try to incorporate rods for hanging shirts and other items right out of the dryer onto hangars to reduce the ironing that may be required later. If space is tight there are a few foldable drying racks that fold up against the wall when not in use or can be pulled down from the ceiling.

Soaps and Cleaning Supplies

Have a few small bins or baskets available to hold your laundry accessories like stain removers, dryer sheets, etc.   Your laundry room may also be the storage area for household cleaners so ensure you have a bin or basket available to store these items as well.

laundryroom supply storage

We keep a bucket on our laundry room shelf that contains all of our cleaning supplies for ease of access on cleaning day.

Color Coded Laundry Baskets

Do you have older kids that like to do their own laundry because of colors or fabrics? I wish! If so, give each one a differently coloured clothes hamper so you know whose laundry is whose.

Guard Your Socks

We often lose a sock here and there in our home and always wonder where they went. I often find a sock or a small clothing item behind an appliance or between the washer and dryer.

A laundry guard that can fit on top of your washer or dryer, or both, can be helpful to keep that “sock monster” at bay.

Small Change Adds Up

How many times do you find a nickel, dime or quarter at the bottom of your washer or dryer? Keep a jar or even a piggy bank in the laundry room and deposit those coins every time you find one. You’ll be surprised how soon you will save enough for one of those expensive cups of coffee.

Also, keep a jar for those other items you find when your family is looking for something they may have left in a pocket. Don’t forget to label your bins, baskets and jars so everyone in your family can find and return the item in their proper place.

What Else Goes In There?

Most of the newer homes now have an upper floor laundry room. It makes a lot of sense as the top floor is where most of the soiled laundry is found. We also tend to use the laundry room to store other items like the previously mentioned cleaning supplies as well as paper products and maybe even linen if your upstairs closet is too small.

Dedicate a space to these items and label the shelf so when supplies run low nobody is putting anything else there that will have to be dealt with when supplies are replenished.

A laundry room can easily become a catch-all and clutter hot spot. Without proper organization it can be tough keeping this small area neat and organized.

If you need help in knowing where to purchase any of these products noted above, contact me here and I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.

These Dollar Store Items Will Help You Get Organized

I have purchased a lot of organizing products over the years and the dollar stores are one of the best places to buy organizing supplies. You would be surprised at what you can find in these stores at very affordable prices. You can find items to help you organize your kitchen, your bathroom, your closets, your garage – even your vehicle can be organized with supplies available at most dollar stores.

Many of the organizing products found in dollar stores are actually of decent quality, which makes these stores the first place you should check when you want to get organized. Not all organizing supplies are created equal, though.

Here are 9 of the best organizing products available at dollar stores:

Baskets & bins

Baskets & bins are some of the best organizing tools that you can use to get organized, and dollar stores sell them for a few dollars or less.

They are available in a wide variety of sizes, colors and designs, so you are sure to find some that fit your style. Besides the plastic bins, some dollar stores also carry fabric baskets, wicker bins and metal shelves.

Drawer organizers

When you open your drawer are you able to easily find the spatula, pen, food item or other item that you need? If not, your local dollar store carries drawer organizers that will help you get all kinds of drawers organized. Organize your cutlery, your small kitchen tools, clothing, toiletries, office items and more!

Desk supplies

You can find a lot of office organizing supplies at dollar stores that you will help you to organize all of your office supplies. Look for pen and pencil holders, in trays, file folders and much more at great prices.

Bathroom Supplies

Keep your bathroom organized with a few simple items from the dollar store. They carry toothbrush holders as well as small plastic containers that can be used to hold your make up in a drawer instead of all over the counter.

Jars

Jars are a fantastic organizing tool, and dollar stores have many of them.

Image result for organizing jars

Use them to organize spices, food, craft & scrap-booking supplies, ribbon, small items (nails, screws), markers or crayons. The possibilities are endless!

Hooks

When it comes to getting organized, hooks are inexpensive and easy to mount almost anywhere. Use them for scarves, jewelry, mugs and almost any other item you want up and out of the way. Dollar stores have a wide variety of them available. 3 hooks placed strategically can even be used to hold your pot lids on the inside of a cupboard door!

Shoe Organizers

Shoe organizers can be used for so much more than just organizing shoes! I have clients that use these to keep small packets of food inside their pantry. Others use them to sort and store kids gloves, socks and a lot more. You can also use them to organize cords, toiletries and craft supplies. The list is endless.

Hangers

Not many people give a lot of thought to hangers and use pretty much any kind they come across from the store or the dry cleaner. Freshen up your closet with new identical hangers and you will be surprised at how organized your closet can look.

Use a hanger that is appropriate for your clothes and toss those wire hangers into the recycle bin. Most dollar stores have a great selection.

Organize Kids School Supplies

Many of you went to dollar stores prior to the start of the school year for binders, pencil cases and other items that kids need to stay organized during the school year. You can even use a lot of these items in the house. I use a binder in the kitchen to hold recipes with dividers for main dishes, appetizers, etc. I also use a binder for instruction manuals – easy to find and retrieve.

Stores dedicated to organizing supplies do carry a wide range of items but sometimes they can be pricey. It really all depends on your budget. For the simple budget conscious jobs a dollar store will do just fine to find some inexpensive items to help you get organized.

Let us know what your favorite organizing item is from a dollar store. If you need help with any of your organizing projects contact us here for a no cost chat.

5 Signs That Your Parents Are Ready To Downsize

We all go through the stages of home ownership in our lives. First we rent, then we buy our first home, then we move into a larger home when we have a family and finally we downsize as we grow older.

Do your parents need some help in making this life changing decision? Here are 5 signs that they may be ready to downsize into something more manageable.

Are they having difficulty with the current upkeep?

Your parents want, and need, their independence. But sometimes pride gets in the way in refusing to downsize and acknowledge that they just can’t accomplish what they used to. The family home was just that – a family home. Purchased quite a while ago when there were children in the house. All of the children have moved out and have started their own families and your parents are still in the same house.

As the home gets older things start to need maintenance and repair resulting in expense or your parents reaching their physical limitations. If you see them struggling to maintain the home or property or are keeping it for sentimental reasons, it’s probably a good time to have a gentle discussion centered around moving.

Are they having financial issues?

Once you stop working you become dependant on your own savings and/or government assistance. It’s nice to know that your prescription costs are covered by the government when you reach the age of 65 and doctors visits are also covered. However not everything is 100% covered and let’s face it, as we get older we can normally expect to start dishing out for medical expenses not covered.

elderly_finances

Entertainment costs, vacations and the home expenses start to eat away at savings. Many of the older generation believe in paying off the mortgage as soon as possible and using the value of the home towards their retirement.

Well, perhaps financial challenges are now coming to play and the equity in their home can be used to help them in their later years. They don’t have to be further away just because they sell their home. Many parents are now moving in with their adult children. Finally! Some revenge!

Are they having difficulty finding things?

When you visit your parents and you ask to see a family picture or a memento that you know they have, do they have difficulty in finding it or can’t locate it at all?

I’m not talking about the medical diagnosis of dementia here, just not being able to find something because of all the stuff your parents have in the home. It’s nice to be surrounded by items from the past but not if they are packed away because of the volume of items in the house.

I’ve suggested to many families that they create a Memory Box with the most important photos and remembrances and hang it on a wall for all to see. Just the sight of these items will bring back a lot of memories to cherish. If your parents are keeping a home just because they can’t fit everything they currently have into smaller quarters it is time to talk about downsizing and reorganization.

Do you feel your parents are not safe in their home?

As your parents age they may not be able to get around like they used to and perhaps don’t have the reflexes that they once had. Things they could easily manoeuvre around before or step over may now be a trip and fall hazard.

Elderly tripping cartoon

Remember that old television commercial with the lady who fell? – “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up”. If you feel your parents safety is being compromised by having too much stuff in the house, it is time to discuss downsizing.

Are they looking for a little freedom in their lives?

Perhaps your parents secretly want to buy that motor home or want to leave the cold for a couple of months in the winter. They feel guilty about spending that kind of money or feel guilty about being away from the kids or the grandchildren. They’ve probably worked hard most of their lives and they deserve to do these things while they still can. Let them know that they have plenty of time to visit in the warmer months and that by downsizing they will have the funds to enjoy themselves.

Downsizing may not be right for everyone but many of our parents are going to do it. Look for the signs and have the gentle conversation with them. It is of course their decision, but downsizing could have a very positive impact on their lives.

ClutterBGone has assisted many families with this life transitions and would be pleased to assist you as well. Contact us here for more information or to have any questions answered.

Organizing In The New Year – 5 Easy Steps

In any business, organizing is a process of establishing work required, the flow of work and grouping of activities related to that work. It really isn’t that different when you apply this to your home or small office.

In the professional organizing industry we like to use the acronym SPACE – Sort, Purge, Assign, Containerize and Evaluate. These 5 basic principles will guide you through the organizing process and allow you to organize pretty much anything.

Sort: This is where you evaluate your items that you wish to organize and sort them into broad categories, placing like items with like items.

sortYou can then further sort your broad categories into smaller ones. For instance, if you’re sorting clothing, begin with placing all your long, short and sleeveless tops in one pile then further refine it into 3 separate piles: one for sleeveless, one for short sleeve, and one for long sleeve. This will help you clearly see how much you have of each type of item.

I recently sorted my husband’s tee shirts in this exact same way. He was surprised at just how many tee shirts he had and was able to purge which included quite a few shirts he just doesn’t wear any longer.

Purge: Purge can sound like a lot of things to a lot of people and can be scary to some, but think if it as the stage where you decide what will stay and what will go. It does not have to mean these are the items you are throwing out in the garbage. We want to keep as much out of the landfill as possible.

Make separate piles for items you are going to donate (it can be a charity or to family); put away (those items that belong in another room or space); sell (via an on-line sale site, garage sale, second hand store, etc.) or throw away (items for garbage or recycle). Don’t be too sentimental with items. After all, you are going through this process for a reason.

Assign : This is where you determine the best place to store items based on how you function on a daily basis. Ask yourself these questions: Where is this supposed to be stored? Where is the most convenient place for me to keep this where it is most often used or needed? Give some thought as to how you work, what your reach limitations are, etc. Don’t put items away that you need often and have to get the step ladder out for.

Containerize: Once you have completed the previous steps, you can shop your own home or office for the appropriate sized containers, or go out shopping for the containers you need to adequately store the items you have.

plastic-storage-containersRemember to store items in containers using the smallest possible container that will house all of the items in a particular category. Try to always use clear totes to easily identify what is inside and always label containers. Choose decorative bins and baskets if you wish that will fit in with your décor if these are to be left out.

 

Evaluate: Now that you have completed the first four steps of the process you need to conduct regular on-going evaluations to maintain the organization that you have now implemented in your space.

These processes will give you a good start on your next project in getting organized so you can calm the chaos. Get your project started and let me know how you’re making out. I would love to hear from you.

Essential Tools And Tips To Organize Your Home Office

Running your home-based business is a tough job and staying organized as an entrepreneur can be even harder. Having the right tools and supplies will make your day more productive and organized which in turn makes your business more profitable.

Here are a few suggestions to get your office organized and on track.

Repurpose

Organizing a work station is always a priority. However starting out in your own business can cost a few bucks. Before heading out to your office supply store take a look around the house and see what can be re-used.

A card table you have sitting down in your basement can be re-used as a desk for the time being. An old dining room chair can be used for seating until you feel ready to invest in a new chair. There is probably an extra lamp around the house that can be re-purposed as well.

Remember that coffee mug the kids gave you for Father or Mother’s day? Voila! You now have a pen and pencil holder to organize your writing instruments. The lid of a file folder box can serve quite well as an “In” box to keep you incoming documents and mail organized and contained.

In the desk vs. on the desk

Which items do you keep in the drawer and which do you keep on the desk? Keep in mind that clear horizontal services are best for better productivity. Keep as much as possible out of sight unless you use the item on a daily basis. Having a clear, organized space for working will eliminate distractions and make you more productive.clean-desk

If you are a visual person, those projects and files that are currently active (meaning that you are actively working on them daily) can be organized in a desk top file folder organizer so you can easily see them and they also act as a visual reminder of work to be accomplished.

If you don’t have the desk space for this, invest in a hanging wall file folder organizer which works just as well and helps to keep your desk clear and organized.

The essential shredder

Unless you want your personal information scattered around the neighborhood invest in a good quality shredder or hire the services of a mobile shredding company. It is just as important to guard the privacy of your business as it is to guard your personal information.
Keep a bin handy and label it “shredding” so you have a container to hold your documents while you accumulate papers that you can let go.

The supply closet

Pens and paper are always used and always available but what about the seldom-used items? There is never a good time to run out of supplies especially when you need that item to complete an important project.

Invest in a good desk top labeller and label each shelf or container with the office supplies that belong there. Once the last one is used get your order in to your supplier so you will not be caught without. If your supply space is limited try keeping your supplies organized in clear plastic containers that can be stacked and ensure you label them too.

A daily “bible”

To be organized you need to invest in a good daily planner and write down everything you need to do, follow up on or everyone you need to meet with or call.

Closeup image of notepad with pen.

Review this every day first thing in the morning so you know what needs to be done during the day and cross off each task as you go. This gives you a sense of accomplishment and allows you to see how productive you are throughout the day.

Running your own home based business and office is challenging. Follow these tips to stay on course and organized.

Contact us to learn more about how we can assist you.

Post Christmas “Boxing” Day

Christmas morning can be a very exciting time in the house, especially if you have kids. I could sit back and watch them open gifts all day. Their eyes widen, the smiles go from ear to ear and the squeals of delight are music to my own ears. I’m talking about kids of all ages of course. Most of the gifts that we receive are wrapped up in, or are gifted in, a cardboard box of some type and you wouldn’t believe the number of boxes I find in clients homes. Are you one that feels it is necessary to keep those boxes just in case you may need it later?

Identify what is truly needed

On Christmas morning your home is most likely going to look like a recycling center with all the cardboard and paper that will be strewn all across the room.

Messy Living Room After the Christmas Presents Have Been Opened

I generally try to keep a few pieces of wrapping paper if I find it to be unique or if I know I will use it again and if it is in great shape. I’ll put it in my wrapping station and the rest goes out right away. Don’t try to save it all. There will be too much and you wouldn’t want to receive a gift that looks like the wrapping paper was retrieved from a wastebasket would you?

Next are the boxes. Let’s be very selective on what boxes you decide to keep for whatever reason.

But it’s so pretty!

If Santa brought you something shiny chances are it came in a nice small box. They don’t take up much room and you may re-use it. If you already have one or two from previous gifts that should be all you need. Don’t keep them for sentimental reasons. You have the actual gift for that.

I just may need it when I move

Really? When are you planning on moving? I hear this a lot and unless you have concrete plans to move within the next 6 months it’s better to get rid of it. Empty tv boxMovers are experienced at handling TV’s and computers or blankets do a great job at protecting them if you are moving yourself. Worse case scenario there are plenty of places where you can purchase inexpensive boxes made specifically to house your TV, large prints and more. Why use up your valuable real estate to house empty boxes when that precious space can be used for day to day living!? Did you really buy your home so you could fill it with empty boxes?

Can you re-use it?

Those boxes you get with your gift clothing are easy to fold down and use again for future gifts. But do you really need it? Don’t keep it for the “just in case” scenario. Similar to the used wrapping paper, a shoebox with the makers name and size stickers on the box doesn’t show that much thought was put into the presentation. I’m all for repurposing shoe boxes especially if you do keep your shoes in them for protection, but don’t allow them to become dust collectors.

Tips :

If you have received a big-ticket item for Christmas, and you do end up putting the box out for recycling it’s a good idea to cut the box down and place the cardboard in your bin so the contents are not facing out. recycle-cardboardNo sense advertising to the world the fact that you just got a new TV or computer.

If you are holding onto a box for model or warranty information simply cut that piece off the box and slip it into your warranty file. Or better yet, take a picture of the information and file it electronically.

Christmas is wonderful time of the year. Don’t add to the stress with a pile of cardboard that takes up valuable space. If you need help with after Christmas purging you can contact us here.