Even though this post has nothing to do with technology, I felt the urge to share it here anyway.  So, I received my February issue of Real Simple yesterday and the article on pg. 140 titled "The Ultimate in Organizing: 4 Real-Life Systems" by Nicole Sforza just got me thinking... So much so, that I woke up thinking about it again this morning.

The article features lots of pretty images, as you may have guessed, and it highlights  four "brilliantly organized spaces".  It's nothing that Real Simple or Nicole said specifically that offends me, it's just that the message the media sends time and time again about 'organized = perfection' that is so bothersome to me.

When I started out as an organizer 6 years ago, I definitely bought into the pretty pictures, colorful bins and perfectly ordered supplies but I knew then (and feel even more strongly now) that living organized is about so much more.

Many of the solutions featured are achievable to some degree, depending on your budget.  But what the article doesn't highlight is what 'real-life systems' are about it.  Living organized is not about having your bookshelves sorted by color;  it's not about having your system be so pristine that no one else is allowed (or wants) to use it; and it's certainly not primarily about purchasing a product or hiring a contractor to automagically create the perfect system for you...which is really all you'll read in magazines & see on TV.

You can create your own definition of what living organized is about! In general, I think you would agree that it should:

• Allow you to find what you need when you need it & have the ability to store it quickly and easily without frustrating you.
• Work for everyone who needs to use it.
• Ease your stress.
• Free up time for the things & people you love.
• Keep things simple...

And, finally, what it doesn't have to be is PERFECT!

What do you think?

When a friend or colleague emails you a link to an article or website, you routinely move it to your 'To Read' folder for reading later (yeah, right!)  Alternatively, you may use bookmarking services like Delicious or Xmarks to save your web reading or maybe you simply leave pages open in your web browser to come back to later.   If you truly want to be more productive with email AND you really do want to read something later, try a different approach for your online reading activities.

Originally, I began using ReadItLaterList and switched over to Instapaper when Google Reader added it to their list of 'Send To' options.  InstaPaper is a "simple tool to save web pages for reading later." It allows you to continue what you're currently working on but move your reading to another location for addressing at the right time.  I now use it to mark web content and feeds that I may want to blog about, research further, or simply spend more time on.  Plus, they've got a neat little 'bookmarklet' button that makes it easy to do from whichever web browser I'm using.

And, InstaPaper has been in development overdrive- they provide the option of reading articles without the ad & visual clutter, integration with Google Reader, a version for your Kindle and my favorite, an iPhone/iPodTouch app.  In a future post, I'll talk more about how this helps you to be on time for appointments.

One final word of advice: If you simply set aside reading to occur 'later', it will pile up no matter which tool you're using.  Scheduling time to read is imperative.  Here's my criteria for weeding reading:

If it's important enough to save to read later, it's important enough to schedule the time for.  If you aren't making the time, then perhaps it's just not important.

Are you an InstaPaper fan? Or is there another tool/method you're using successfully to manage your online reading?

The first thing you should do when you want to get organized is go shopping for containers, right? WRONG!!
If you begin with this step, you are definitely not alone.  However, it is most certainly one of the least effective methods for beginning most organizing projects.

Why?
1.  Most of the time you simply purchase large opaque tubs available in just about any store.  I guess the urge is to be able to dump your stuff into the big bin, throw on the lid and you instantly feel better because you don't have to look at the clutter anymore.  OK, sounds good in theory.  But it certainly isn't organized and many people often still FEEL cluttered and chaotic even though the stuff is contained.

2.  Until you know the quantity, volume and actual measurements of the stuff you need to contain you are unlikely to purchase the right size or type of container.

3.  They often compound the challenge because not only did they not solve your problem, now you have to find a place to store them and you will often spend more time digging through them trying to find what you need.

Here is a tip about using large plastic tubs:  They are useful for larger items in places like the basement, garage or attic.  They are great for seasonal supplies and decorations- as long as you separate smaller items in their own smaller container inside.  Make sure to store like with like, dumping lots of stuff is just containing not organizing.  Avoid purchasing opaque containers, clear containers will improve the storage and retrieval process.  And, finally, (I'm sure you are sick of hearing me say this) don't forget to label clearly!!

Agree or disagree?

I just heard about this great new product from Post-it® called the Post-it® Pocket.

Of course, they have an adhesive back and they are repositionable and tear-resistant. Great for using on vertical spaces like walls and doors, etc. and they come in handy on the inside of binders and folders, too. Post-it® Pockets are available in 3 sizes: 9 in. X 12 in.; 5 1/2 in. X 9 in.; and 4 in. X 9 in. I can't wait to come up with more creative uses for them...how about inside hanging folders for receipts?

I haven't seen them in stores yet but their website says you can purchase them at your local Target or Office Depot and online at 3M.com.

I'd love to hear your ideas on creative uses for the Post-it® Pockets, please leave a comment...

Overwhelmingly, paper is at the top of the list of struggles for my clients and readers so I wanted to share a few 'baby steps' to help you get started on tackling your paper clutter:

1.  Tackle the mail as soon as you bring it into the house.  This means getting rid of the outer envelopes and inserts that come with bills, any obvious junk mail and sort/file the rest into action and reference categories.  You can check out this previous post for more info on eliminating junk mail.

2.  Set up a ‘bill paying’ center.  Designate an area/container to place your bills once you have opened them. It may also help to designate a bill paying day or days...find something that works for you.  If you feel you only need to pay bills once a month, choose a day and try to stick to it.  You may feel that every 2 weeks works better for you.  Try asking your spouse/significant other to help you remember your designated bill paying day (but only if you feel that would help you remember- not cause you to be resentful )

3.  Be more selective about the paper you keep- Here are some questions you can ask yourself when dealing with the decision, remember it only helps you to keep it if you can retrieve it when you need it!

- Is it expired (or soon to be)?

- Can you reference the information quickly and easily elsewhere?   These days, the internet is a great reference tool. Or more importantly, ARE YOU more likely to reference it elsewhere?  It isn't really necessary to file the paper if you are more likely to go online to search for the info.

- Can you condense the paper clutter?  If you have collected a brochure or other literature, can you transfer the pertinent information (web address, name, phone #, etc.) to a small notepad dedicated to that purpose and throw out the remaining paper?  I use a Circa journal-sized notebook that I carry in my purse, for small reminders, phone numbers and reference information (like window measurements, etc. I even tape swatches into my notebook so I have them when I am out shopping).

- Do you really need it?  Be realistic and ask yourself - am I really going to read this article/magazine/catalog?  If you decide to keep it, dedicate yourself to following through and then toss the item when you are done.  (This will also help you determine if it is worth your time to keep those papers the next time.)

Of course, these are just some basic steps and there is much more to an effective paper management system.  But it's a start...Check back soon for more on tackling your paper clutter- especially since tax season is fast approaching!

The MoGo Mouse, that is.  Peter Shankman made mention of this trendy tech tool in a newsletter recently.  It's a Bluetooth™ mouse designed to travel with you and your laptop - actually, inside your laptop.  Yes, it stores and charges inside your laptop (Mac or PC) in a card slot- which means no batteries to fumble with. And, you will never be without your travel mouse again, unless you forget your laptop, too.  (They, hey, what good is a wireless mouse anyway?)  Despite it's small size, it still offers the features and functionality of a full sized mouse.  They also have a presenter version that comes with an built-in laser pointer.

Make sure to select the correct model for your laptop based on which type of card slot you have available.  Don't have a Bluetooth equipped laptop?  That's ok, get the MoGo Dapter - a fingernail-sized, “plug and forget” device that plugs into any laptop or tablet USB port.

See MoGo in action:

Check out their fun MoGoMercial and let us know what you think!

“Mom, where’s my spelling notebook?”
“Dad, you didn’t sign my field trip permission slip and I missed it!”
“Mom, I have a book report due tomorrow and I can’t find my book.”

Does any of this sound familiar?  Are you already frustrated by the morning chaos of the back-to-school routine (or lack thereof) just thinking about it?  The truth is that organization is a culmination of learned skills.  If we don’t teach our children those skills or exhibit them ourselves, we can’t expect them to be organized.  But there are simple steps that we can take in order to build organizational systems and skills for the whole family.  Here are my 9 organizing ‘lessons’ for back to school:

Make Peace with the Paper
Designate a basket or bin for all papers including rosters, permission slips, long term homework assignments and other school related papers that parents may need to reference.

Corral the Family Calendar
Use one and only one calendar to post all of the family events to avoid confusion.  There are quite a few calendars on the market that allow a row for each member of the family for every day and make it easy to view at a glance.  You can try using color-coded markers instead if you don’t mind the extra step.

Hold a Family Council Meeting
Have a weekly family meeting and involve your children.  Review the family calendar, appointments and events over the next 7 days and identify any tasks necessary to prepare i.e. sign permission slips, wash the soccer uniform, make carpool arrangements, start studying for the math test on Friday, etc.  This will help you (and your family) prepare for these events and it will teach your children the skills necessary to become organized adults.

Establish an Evening Routine
If bedtime has been designated at 8:30pm, have your kids change into their pajamas, brush their teeth, wash their face and hands or bathe, etc. starting 15-30 minutes earlier…and be consistent.  This will also help them create healthier sleeping habits by winding down ahead of time.

Layout School Clothes
Pick out school clothes the night before.  By doing this, you will avoid (or at least minimize) last minute rushes around the house for your child’s missing ‘Dora’ sneaker or another matching (unwrinkled) shirt for them to wear because the one they had on was stained.  If you can’t do this every night, do it once every few nights or once a week.  It’s not always important to know which outfit if for which day.  It will make getting dressed in the morning quicker and easier by having to choose one of 5 prepared outfits.

Purge Book Bags Daily
Clean out your child’s’ book bag every evening.  If they are five years of age or older they can assist or you can supervise the process.  Remove and dispose of leftover lunches or snacks, other trash, sign and replace any necessary paperwork, books or materials.  This can also be a method of taking general inventory of what should be there.  The sooner an item is identified as missing the easier it can be to get it back.

Create Sport/Activities Packs
Use different colored/types of duffle bags or backpacks for equipment for sports or other activities.  For example, if your daughter participates in dance lessons and soccer, designate one bag for cleats, shin guards, extra practice uniform, etc. and the other for dance shoes, tights and leotards.  This will make life easier when it is time to run out the door and will eliminate or minimize missing or lost equipment if they have a home and are not constantly being shifted around.

Set the Stage
Establish a ‘staging area’.  If possible, establish an area in your home near the morning exit where book bags, cleats, sports equipment, etc. can be kept for the next day.  The fewer steps involved in getting out the door in the morning the more efficient and on time it will be.

After-school Schedule
Write or type up an after-school schedule for each child so they know what is expected of them and post it on the ‘family’ board.  i.e. Snack  3:30pm-3:45pm; Homework   3:45pm-4:45pm, etc.

I could go on but instead I'd love to hear some of your greatest tips for back to school whether it's for grade school, high school, your college freshman or the adult going back to school!

I just got back from a visit to one of my favorite stores- Levenger and thought I would share my love for their great products. If you have never heard of nor seen any of their great products they describe their product offerings as "tools for serious readers". And while that may be true, I don't think it does them justice.

Case in point, check out their entire line of Circa- a 'scheduling and notetaking system'. It's a serious system that is so much more than that. Circa has the three-ring binder beat hands down!  It is made up of small discs that serve as the binding and pages that you can easily move around and transfer between notebooks. They come in a variety of sizes including letter, junior, compact, 3X5 and PDA. You get to choose from a wide variety of quality paper that comes in ruled, grid, annotation, agenda, address, project planner, things to do, etc. Plus there a ton of fun accessories that are extremely functional as well like colored tab & pocket dividers, plastic & zipper pockets, photo sleeves. What I love about this line is that it is entirely configurable or customizable for you...and you are never tied to your current setup. You have the ability to add, edit, purge, transfer information, page styles and accessories between notebooks (given that the notebook you are adding to is the same size or larger as the item you would like to add).

If you are overwhelmed by the choices and are not sure what you would use (as I was) you can start small with a Circa Starter Kit. Or even better, purchase the Circa Simply Irresistible Sampling kit for $40- it comes with a ton of stuff AND a $40 gift card!

Do you have any favorite products from Levenger and/or the Circa line?

There are many different methods, tools & rules for getting organized and many of these are specific to an individuals preferences, personality, and lifestyle. One person might choose to utilize a PDA for maintaining daily reminders and To Do lists, where another would prefer a small pocket notebook instead. It’s all about what works for you- not for someone else! There are, however, some Golden Rules for Getting Organized that may help you on your journey to organization.

‘A place for everything and everything in its place’- You may be convinced that there is no way in the world that you would be able to actually find a place for everything. However, this is a key step in helping to stay organized.

Put it away and do it now- Once you have a place for everything, you will know where items go as soon as they come into your hands.

Minimize paper clutter- Limit incoming paper by dealing with junk mail before it comes into the house.

Adopt a ‘one in, one out’ rule- Before purchasing anything new, try to purge, donate or sell a like item.

Utilize your resources- Beg, borrow or steal...ok, no stealing but renting works.

Use it or lose it!- Do you keep tons of clothing that you know you will never wear again or ‘just in case’?

These are just some of my golden rules- do you have any to add to the list? Remember to use what works for you and give yourself permission to let go of the rest!

photo credit: meaduva

Paper, paper, paper! Paper continues to be one of the biggest challenges for many of my clients and it doesn’t seem to be going away.

We as a society can build vehicles, create packaging for electronics that you need a machetti to get into, engineer food in ways nature never intended. We can climb mountains, run faster, accomplish more but why, oh, why does paper continue to stump us?

As a child, I remember my grandmother always saying "A stitch in time, saves nine." and I never could figure out what that meant. She always told me I would understand someday- and she was right. Although, many adults still don't apply this to their lives, organizational systems, nutrition, fitness, etc. You need to invest a little up front to save a lot later on. If you want to conquer the paper piles, you will. And, sorry to inform you, there is no pill or magic potion for getting rid of paper. So, for those of you who are willing to make a little investment in a stress-less future, here are some quick tips to help you out.

There are basically two categories of paper- that which we don’t want or need and paper we want, need or are obligated to review. I am going to make you a guarantee- if you simply take a few steps to eliminate incoming paper in the former category, you will see and feel a significant difference in your paper stress.

Some options are more for the do-it-yourselfer- and some are services where someone else does most of the work.

DMAchoice.org- Visit the Direct Marketing Association’s consumer website, and visit the Preference Services section. You will be able to register and remove your name to DMA Member mailing lists. They will also direct you to OptOutPreScreen.org where you can opt-out of pre-screened credit card offers. Don’t worry- all you need to do is call or visit a companies website to receive a new offer if/when you need one.

StopJunkMailKit.com- OK, it seems like a great service but how will you ever find it in the pile of junk mail that comes to your home everyday? Kit’s are only $17.50, they will plant 5 trees on your behalf when you purchase one and they will send you the “all-in-one kit to prevent unwanted postal junk mail”. Unwanted Junk Mail- Isn’t that an oxymoron? Do you know anyone who actually wants junk mail?

Greendimes.com- Did you know that 100 million trees are cut down each year to create the approximately 4.5 million tons of junk mail in the United States? Find this and other interesting stats on a site called GreenDimes.com. As of this writing, they now offer three levels of services ranging from free to $36 for up to 5 years junkmail protection. But after 1 year or if you move, they will continue your service for a fee. And, during the sign up the offer you the option of receiving a free trial issue of a green living magazine- another oxymoron (unless it’s an ezine)- definitely a ‘for-profit’ organization.

41pounds.org is a non-profit ‘Stop Junk Mail’ service. They will stop all of the junk mail for your household, including catalog companies and bulk mailers who are not members of DMA, and mail addressed to Occupant, etc. for five years, even if you move or change your name. And, you choose one of their tree planting partners to receive a donation of 1/3 of your subscriber fee.

CatalogChoice.org- Catalog Choice is a free service that allows you to decide what gets in your mailbox. While you are saving yourself from paper insanity why not help the environment too? So, set up an account (it takes less than one minute…oh, and don’t forget to enter the account info into your password manager) and whenever you receive an unwanted catalog, just tear off the cover and place it next to your computer. The next time you connect to the internet, use your password manager to automatically log you into CatalogChoice and decline your unwanted catalogs. An investment of a few minutes here can save you a lot of aggravation.