It seems that every day I hear people tell me that they are totally stressed out by their situation. Too much clutter, can't find things, embarrassed to have people over, feeling totally out of control.
And I say to them "take a deep breath, this is normal". The feelings I mean. Most clients that I have call me up or email me and I hear the same stories. They are at the end of their rope and they want help and want everything to be perfect. Now.
So I keep telling everyone "your feelings are normal, you are not alone, don't be embarrassed by your clutter and step back, breathe and let's take it slow".
Things didn't get this way overnight and they won't get fixed in a day. It's not only about all of the stuff, it's about a skill that wasn't learned and the way you were brought up. It's about environment and so much more.
And of course now that the holidays are near everyone wants everything to be perfect and the normal holiday stress is adding more stress to the mix.
But, at the same time, people are starting to realize that clutter and chronic disorganization does cause stress. And that's a big step in the learning process.
The next step is doing something to change your behavior and the way you live your life. And that's a really big step. It takes time. Time to learn new ways of doing things. And new things are always a bit uncomfortable. By realizing and accepting the fact that you are stepping into unkown territory and will be leaving your comfort zone you have taken another step into becoming more organized.
Baby steps. One thing at a time. Don't think that you are going to be just like one of the T.V. shows and your house and life will be totally transformed in one hour. It won't be. So don't set yourself up for disappointment. Learn to accept and appreciate the small steps and know that you are starting on your way to being more organized and will eventually get there.
But don't stress yourself out in the process and understand that it is a process. And it's a process that will take time. But it's a process that is worth going through.
Being organized will make you feel better and you will have more time to do the things that are really important.
Just take it one step at a time.
Remember: Less Clutter = Less Stress SM in your home, your business and your life
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Monday, November 14, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Planning Ahead for Year End
This is a really busy time of year. The holiday season has started and some of us are already thinking about Year End and taxes. Well, maybe you aren't but I know that some of my clients are already dreading the end of the year and the piles of receipts that they have waiting for them to sort through.
Now is the time to take a deep breath spend a few minutes thinking about where you dumped all of your receipts and tax related papers. Yes, I did say "dumped". Or was that shoved, as in shoved into a drawer never to be thought of again? It sounded like a good plan at the beginning of the year. "Deal with it at year end and get a whole year of not thinking about it".
Well, the end of the year is near. And now I hear by clients moaning about "the piles".
So take a deep breath and deal with it now.
* Make a list of the files that you need to create.
* Make a list of all of your documents that you will need to gather for the accountant.
* Separate your receipts into piles such as: house related expenses, business expenses, donations....
* Make an appointment with yourself to sit down for 30 minutes at least once a week to get some of your papers into order.
By taking some time now to think about the end of the year and what you will need to gather for taxes and your accountant, you will spread the "tax stress" out so that you are not hit with it all at once.
And also, think about how to create a better system for next year so that you don't have to go through the "year end tax stress" every year.
Happy Organizing !
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Now is the time to take a deep breath spend a few minutes thinking about where you dumped all of your receipts and tax related papers. Yes, I did say "dumped". Or was that shoved, as in shoved into a drawer never to be thought of again? It sounded like a good plan at the beginning of the year. "Deal with it at year end and get a whole year of not thinking about it".
Well, the end of the year is near. And now I hear by clients moaning about "the piles".
So take a deep breath and deal with it now.
* Make a list of the files that you need to create.
* Make a list of all of your documents that you will need to gather for the accountant.
* Separate your receipts into piles such as: house related expenses, business expenses, donations....
* Make an appointment with yourself to sit down for 30 minutes at least once a week to get some of your papers into order.
By taking some time now to think about the end of the year and what you will need to gather for taxes and your accountant, you will spread the "tax stress" out so that you are not hit with it all at once.
And also, think about how to create a better system for next year so that you don't have to go through the "year end tax stress" every year.
Happy Organizing !
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Monday, October 31, 2011
Multi-Tasking - How Effective Is It Really ?
A lot of people talk about "multi-tasking"and how they can do two or three things at once. Maybe they can. But how effective are they really being? Are they giving 100 % of their attention to one particular project? Obviously not.
It's impossible to multi-task and give your complete attention to one project. So they are short-changing someone or something. If you are at work and "multi-tasking" you are opening yourself up to a lot of mistakes. You can't constantly start and stop a project and be effective. Every time you stop one project and answer a question about another project your brain has to "stop" and remember where you left off and re-think what you were doing and what you were going to do on the project that you left off on. See, it's complicated.
Even a thirty second break in your thought process will require your brain to go back a few steps to remember what you were doing and start again. So that's one step forward in another project and two steps back in your main project. Maybe it doesn't sound like a lot of time but it all adds up when you are constantly starting and stopping instead of finishing one project before going on to another.
Even if you were just on the phone talking to someone and you were interrupted by someone else who just wanted to ask you a simple question, you have to stop, answer them and then try to remember exactly where in the conversation you were with the person on the phone and then re-start that conversation.
When you are working on things that require a lot of concentration like a work presentation or accounting or dispensing drugs at a pharmacy multi-tasking can cause serious problems.
When you are looking at things such as driving and texting...well, we all know how dangerous multi-tasking is in that scenario.
You can multi-task in some situations such as throwing some laundry into the dryer and watching T.V. until your dryer buzzer goes off. But if it requires much more thinking than that you are really not getting ahead by trying to do two or three things at once.
If you want to give a project or your family your undivided attention you need to do just that "not divide" your attention and give them the time they deserve.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
It's impossible to multi-task and give your complete attention to one project. So they are short-changing someone or something. If you are at work and "multi-tasking" you are opening yourself up to a lot of mistakes. You can't constantly start and stop a project and be effective. Every time you stop one project and answer a question about another project your brain has to "stop" and remember where you left off and re-think what you were doing and what you were going to do on the project that you left off on. See, it's complicated.
Even a thirty second break in your thought process will require your brain to go back a few steps to remember what you were doing and start again. So that's one step forward in another project and two steps back in your main project. Maybe it doesn't sound like a lot of time but it all adds up when you are constantly starting and stopping instead of finishing one project before going on to another.
Even if you were just on the phone talking to someone and you were interrupted by someone else who just wanted to ask you a simple question, you have to stop, answer them and then try to remember exactly where in the conversation you were with the person on the phone and then re-start that conversation.
When you are working on things that require a lot of concentration like a work presentation or accounting or dispensing drugs at a pharmacy multi-tasking can cause serious problems.
When you are looking at things such as driving and texting...well, we all know how dangerous multi-tasking is in that scenario.
You can multi-task in some situations such as throwing some laundry into the dryer and watching T.V. until your dryer buzzer goes off. But if it requires much more thinking than that you are really not getting ahead by trying to do two or three things at once.
If you want to give a project or your family your undivided attention you need to do just that "not divide" your attention and give them the time they deserve.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Monday, October 24, 2011
Organizing Questions - Let's Hear Them !
I know that a lot of people have organizing questions that they would like to have an answer to. So let's hear it !
What are some of your most challenging organizing dilemma's ?
What do you want to know about organizing or being organized ?
Which room of your home bothers you the most ? And why ?
Are you more disorganized in your home or with your time management ?
What great organizing tips would you want to share with others ?
Send in your organizing questions and tips and let's share them with others.
Put "Organizing Questions / Tips" in the subject line and send me an email at kefconsulting@gmail.com
We will put the questions, answers and tips in upcoming blogs.
Happy Organizing !
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
What are some of your most challenging organizing dilemma's ?
What do you want to know about organizing or being organized ?
Which room of your home bothers you the most ? And why ?
Are you more disorganized in your home or with your time management ?
What great organizing tips would you want to share with others ?
Send in your organizing questions and tips and let's share them with others.
Put "Organizing Questions / Tips" in the subject line and send me an email at kefconsulting@gmail.com
We will put the questions, answers and tips in upcoming blogs.
Happy Organizing !
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Monday, October 17, 2011
Planning Ahead for the Holidays
With the weather turning colder the thoughts of the upcoming holidays and everything that we have to do is not far behind.
I am sure that you have all seen the Christmas decorations already out there and 50 % Off Sales are starting to spring up everywhere.
Starting early in your holiday preparations and shopping is actually a good thing. BUT you can't let yourself get carried away by going overboard on your spending.
If you don't have the money or the space to store all of these "great deals" then you shouldn't be buying them.
But, if you do start shopping early then it's a really good idea to make a list of what you bought and who you bought it for. Because if you don't you will forget and keep buying more presents for the same person. This is especially true if you start your holiday shopping really early in the year.
By having a designated place for your holiday presents and having a list you can avoid overspending.
Starting early can let you enjoy the holidays without having to worry about last minute shopping.
Now that I've planted the seed start thinking about what you want to get each person on your list and just keep your eyes open. By spreading it out over the next ten weeks instead of cramming it into a couple of days you won't feel the pressure of having to buy.
But first....let's enjoy the holidays as they come...that means that Halloween comes before Christmas.... no matter what the retail stores try to tell you!
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
I am sure that you have all seen the Christmas decorations already out there and 50 % Off Sales are starting to spring up everywhere.
Starting early in your holiday preparations and shopping is actually a good thing. BUT you can't let yourself get carried away by going overboard on your spending.
If you don't have the money or the space to store all of these "great deals" then you shouldn't be buying them.
But, if you do start shopping early then it's a really good idea to make a list of what you bought and who you bought it for. Because if you don't you will forget and keep buying more presents for the same person. This is especially true if you start your holiday shopping really early in the year.
By having a designated place for your holiday presents and having a list you can avoid overspending.
Starting early can let you enjoy the holidays without having to worry about last minute shopping.
Now that I've planted the seed start thinking about what you want to get each person on your list and just keep your eyes open. By spreading it out over the next ten weeks instead of cramming it into a couple of days you won't feel the pressure of having to buy.
But first....let's enjoy the holidays as they come...that means that Halloween comes before Christmas.... no matter what the retail stores try to tell you!
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Monday, October 10, 2011
Winterize Your Garage
It's time to winterize your garage and get ready for the snow. A good place to start is by taking everything out of your garage and giving it a good sweeping.
Throw out any broken items and put any items that you no longer use in the "donate" pile. That would include any toys that your kids have outgrown.
If you have any leftover gardening supplies (mulch, dirt, bulbs, seeds....) or anything that you won't be able to use next spring, get rid of it.
Re-arrange your garage to put the snow blower where you can easily reach it. Make sure that it is ready to use by doing any maintenance that it might need.
Make sure that you have access to any snow shovels or anything else such as salt for those snowy days.
Some people might still be able to use their lawnmower a few more times before the snow falls, but plan on having your lawnmower winterized and empty it of any liquids according to your manual.
By organizing your garage before the weather gets really bad you will save yourself a lot of headaches in trying to find everything when the bad weather hits.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Throw out any broken items and put any items that you no longer use in the "donate" pile. That would include any toys that your kids have outgrown.
If you have any leftover gardening supplies (mulch, dirt, bulbs, seeds....) or anything that you won't be able to use next spring, get rid of it.
Re-arrange your garage to put the snow blower where you can easily reach it. Make sure that it is ready to use by doing any maintenance that it might need.
Make sure that you have access to any snow shovels or anything else such as salt for those snowy days.
Some people might still be able to use their lawnmower a few more times before the snow falls, but plan on having your lawnmower winterized and empty it of any liquids according to your manual.
By organizing your garage before the weather gets really bad you will save yourself a lot of headaches in trying to find everything when the bad weather hits.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Monday, October 3, 2011
Winter Is Coming Soon ....Is Your Car Ready ?
It might only be October and some people really don't want to think about the cold and bad weather that comes with winter. But ignoring the fact that winter is just ahead won't make it stop coming.
So – the question is ..... are you prepared ?
Now is the time to stock your car with winter essentials.
In your backseat:
* Snow brush
* Ice scraper (or two – various sizes)
* Blanket
* Gloves (keep extra’s in your car)
* Hat
* Scarf
In your glove compartment:
* Paper
* Pen
* Matches (in something waterproof)
* Candle (in a tin) – this can be used if your flashlight doesn’t work or for extra heat
* Tissues
* Hand wipes
* Cell Phone Car Charger
* Flashlight (make sure the batteries are good – or get a windup one)
In your trunk:
* Salt or something to throw under your tires if you get stuck
* Extra Windshield Fluid
* Extra Antifreeze
* Spare Tire
* Shovel
* Jumper Cables
* First Aid Kit (basic)
* Towel (this can also be used as an extra blanket)
* Rope
* Bungee Cords
* Duct Tape (so many uses!)
* Tire Gauge
* Tire Repair kit
* Road Flares
* Fire Extinguisher (small one)
* Plastic Garbage Bags
If you are going to be driving outside of the city limits I would also suggest that you keep water and snacks in your car, especially if you have kids. You never know when an accident might keep you tied up for a long time and you will need water to keep you hydrated and snacks to keep the kids occupied.
Being prepared is always the best defense. Now relax and embrace the weather.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
So – the question is ..... are you prepared ?
Now is the time to stock your car with winter essentials.
In your backseat:
* Snow brush
* Ice scraper (or two – various sizes)
* Blanket
* Gloves (keep extra’s in your car)
* Hat
* Scarf
In your glove compartment:
* Paper
* Pen
* Matches (in something waterproof)
* Candle (in a tin) – this can be used if your flashlight doesn’t work or for extra heat
* Tissues
* Hand wipes
* Cell Phone Car Charger
* Flashlight (make sure the batteries are good – or get a windup one)
In your trunk:
* Salt or something to throw under your tires if you get stuck
* Extra Windshield Fluid
* Extra Antifreeze
* Spare Tire
* Shovel
* Jumper Cables
* First Aid Kit (basic)
* Towel (this can also be used as an extra blanket)
* Rope
* Bungee Cords
* Duct Tape (so many uses!)
* Tire Gauge
* Tire Repair kit
* Road Flares
* Fire Extinguisher (small one)
* Plastic Garbage Bags
If you are going to be driving outside of the city limits I would also suggest that you keep water and snacks in your car, especially if you have kids. You never know when an accident might keep you tied up for a long time and you will need water to keep you hydrated and snacks to keep the kids occupied.
Being prepared is always the best defense. Now relax and embrace the weather.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
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