Secrets of Organized People

This mess beside my computer started innocently enough with just one cord that I didn’t know what to do with but didn’t want to throw away. I’m sure you’ve been there, too.

As you can see, it then became the repository for any questionable electronic thingy in the computer room.  Some atttempt was made at keeping order with twistie ties, but that only goes so far.

To take control of a mess like this all you need is:

• -several empty cardboard t-paper tubes (one for every cable)
• -a container that fits in your space
• -15+ minutes, depending on how tangled your mess is

Next, simply grab a cable, find both business ends and hold them together.  Wrap the rest of the cord around your hand, leaving the ends proud of the wraps.  Once done wrapping, tuck the whole thing into a t-paper tube, leaving the ends sticking up.  Repeat with all remaining cables.

Fit any non-cable items in the leftover space, or find another container.

Now at a glance you can see what each end of each cable is for.  If you want to get really organized you could measure the length of each cable and write that on the side of each tube. 

If you do decide to have a container next to your computer, make sure it doesn’t inhibit the free flow of air.

Happy organizing!

Technorati Tags: decluttering, getting organized, home office organization, how to organize, how to organize clutter, organizing clutter

Here’s a clever way to use peg board – without the pegs.  Thread ribbon through the holes, then use the loops to hang photos, notes or appointments with clothespins.  I particularly like this idea because it’s so easily adapted to your personal needs.

Using Peg Board to Organize.

Technorati Tags: calendar, home office organization, how to organize paper clutter, organizing papers, organizing paperwork, organizing pictures, organizing tools, paper clutter, peg board

So here we are, 100 days into 2011. Did you make resolutions back at the first of the year? If so, how are you doing?

Have you made any progress? Or have you forgotten them completely? Or maybe you’ve just given up?

Don’t be discouraged! Instead, let’s make a better plan.

It IS possible to make the changes you want in your life.  Sometimes we just need a better method.  Often we make our goals, resolutions, plans or even to do lists so vague that we set ourselves up for failure.  The problem is that what we’ve written down cannot possibly be accomplished.

Let me give you an example.  A common New Year’s resolution is to lose weight.  So let’s put that on the to do list:

                              * lose weight

Ok, now what?  There it is, staring at you, but what in the world do you do with it?

The key to accomplishing any goal is to make a plan.  Each step in your plan must be specific, not vague, this is often where we run into problems.  Getting back to our example, perhaps the plan is to count calories and exercise.  Ok, then, here’s our list:

                              * count calories
                              * exercise

That’s a little better, but still, how do  you accomplish each step?

Here’s my simple rule for items on a to do list or in a plan:

Each item much be such that after gathering the necessary supplies, you could start on it right now.

Once again, back to our example.  Let’s think of all the steps involved in “counting calories.”

1. Determine how many calories I should have daily in order to lose weight.
2. Find a tool that tells me how many calories different foods have.  (Like Fitday.com or a Calorie Counting book.)
3. Decide how I’m going to keep track of my daily calories. (A cell phone app, a notepad, computer software.)
4. Buy any necessary tools I need to help me measure calories. (Like a scale or measuring cups.)

Now, pick one item that list and picture yourself doing it right now.  Is it doable?  If so, then now you know you have a workable plan.  If not, then perhaps it needs to be broken down even further.   

If you apply the principle of making a plan that consists of doable steps, you’ll find yourself less frustrated  and well on your way to accomplishing your goals, no matter what the time of year.

Oh, and by the way, ANY time is a good time to start, even today. 

Wishing you blessings,

Sandy

Technorati Tags: life changes, life plan, making lists, resolutions

Last week I finally got around to a BIG organizing project that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time: reorganizing our entire bookcase. 

I thought you might find it helpful to see my methods and thinking process, so I took some video of the different steps.  (This is the way I approach just about any organizing project, by they way.)

Here’s the finished product:

And here’s the process: (The whole thing took a little over three hours, not bad!)

One thing to note is that as soon as I finished the last bit of video, I became aware of three more stacks of books in my house that needed sorting into the new system.  Augh.  But, you may have noticed on the video that there was plenty of empty space. 

There’s a lesson here for you:  Whenever you reorganize, make sure to leave some room for growth.  You will probably need it more quickly than you think!

Happy organizing,

Sandy

Technorati Tags: decluttering, get organized, getting organized, home office organization, home organization, how to declutter, how to get organized, how to organize, how to organize your house, organize bookcase, reorganize books