Did You Make New Years Resolutions? How to be Successful...

We are now in our 2nd month of 2024. Have you already thrown out your New Years Resolutions?

At the beginning of every year a lot of people "resolve" to start or stop some new or old habits. By February - everything is forgotten.

Why is that?

Maybe it's because the goals we set were unrealistic. We have great intentions but we tend to bite off more than we can chew. Instead of saying (for example) that we are going to lose 50 pounds six months (which could be unrealistic) - we should plan on changing our lifestyle and eating healthier. 

Another reason that people can't meet their goals is that most people need an accountability partner and without one - they will not be successful.

Having goals means making a plan. Making a plan means Time Management. Without time management people tend to get off track. And once people are off track - it's hard to get back on track. Time Management is an important component in being successful in life.

When all of these things don't fall into place - people tend to give up.  And there goes your New Years Resolution.

Being organized in your life means having a goal, then having a plan to meet your goal. Then breaking it down into manageable pieces. Putting those pieces into your calendar and managing your schedule and your time.

And most important of all - having an accountability partner to keep you on track.

Be successful in life by being realistic about what you can accomplish. If you need help - ask for it. Successful people surround themselves with knowledge and are willing to ask for help from people that have more experience then they do. 

If you need help in figuring out to make your goals a reality, or you have problems managing your time or paperwork  - reach out to a Professional Organizer who can help get and keep you on track!

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....   

Decisions to be Made Before You Organize

When some people decide that they want to organize their home - they just start "organizing". They go out and buy some bins and baskets and put random things into these bins without having made some very important decisions.

Such as:

What am I trying to accomplish?

Do I have a specific place for this item to go?

Do I really want or need this item?

Do I have room for this item?

Is this item in good shape - or does it work or fit?

And one very important question that not a lot of people think about ---

    What is the intended use of this room?

You don't start the "organizing process" by organizing - you start the process by decluttering first!

Start by picking up any trash (wrappers or other things thrown on the floor or left out instead of in the garbage).

Next - do a quick pick up of things that don't belong in the room and remove them from the room (anything on a kitchen island or dining room table that doesn't belong there). 

Doing these two things will make a huge difference immediately.  

But - then you need to take a step back and decide what it is that you actually want to accomplish. And you also need to decide what you want each room to function as.

Do you want the living room to be a room where the family watches TV or they play games or the kids do their homework? 

Does your bedroom also need to function as your "office" (since a lot of people might still work from home)?

Do you want your kitchen to also be the place that the kids do their homework or that you use as your "office"?

Is your entryway closet going to be used as a coat closet or as a toy cabinet? It's your home - you get to decide how each room and each space will be used. 

Once you decide how each room and each space will be used - then you need to start the planning process. Unfotunately, this is the step that most people skip over. Take your time and come up with a list of things that you migth need to make your project a success. This will save you time so that you aren't constantly running to the store or to different rooms to get something that you need. Get everything in place before you start.

Then you need to step back and really think decide if the way you set up the room (or space) is really working for you. If not - you need to figure out why. Move things to other areas or drawers. Consolidate all like items in one place. Whatever it takes to make it function better for you.

Start the organizing process by making these decisions before you start doing any organizing! 

Good Luck and Happy Organizing!

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....   

Setting Yourself up for Success - Not Failure!

It's a new year and everyone wants to get Organized! That's great! But where should you start?

The answer is simple:  start with what bothers you the most! There is no right or wrong answer. If an area of your home bothers you - fix it!

Most people don't start an organizing project until things get so bad that they can't stand it any lonoger - and then they go overboard!

They want to do a "whole house" organizing without really thinking about what exactly that entails - and being realistic on how long it takes. They jump right in - without planning anything. Because planning things involves time - and they want to get started right away - while they are "in the mood". 

And things don't go smoothly..... because they didn't take into account how long it really takes and they only have the weekend to complete the project,  what supplies they need, or that they need a lot of extra help with things.

If you want to be successful - you have to have a plan. A realistic plan (based on your abilities) that also includes a realistic time line. Most people underestimate the time it takes to do anything. For example - if you want to organize your kitchen pantry - you have to first take everying out of your pantry, then decide if any of the food is expired and throw that out - or if you actually use or like any of the things in your pantry and then decide if you want to keep it. Here we go again - making a lot of decisions - which all take time.

Once you've narrowed down what to keep and what to purge - you have to decide where it goes. Does where you had it make sense? Is it really conveneient? If not - where should it go? Does your pantry really make the best use of the space? 

Lots of things to think about....   And now you are out of time and everything is laying out all over the kitchen and you have to get to an appointment. 

Being realistic about how long things take (it's different for everyone), what tools and supplies you need, and your ability - is really crucial to your success. 

Set yourself up for success - by having realistic expectations. Time Management is crucial.

Instead of saying that you are going to do a "whole house organziing" this weekend - break it down into smaller projects. Start with one room or one corner of the room. Complete your organizing project and celebrate your success! Then on to the next smaller project. Eventually - you will have completed your "whole house organizing".

Set yourself up for SUCCESS - not FAILURE!

Keep on Organizing......

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....   

Get Organized this GO Month!

January is Get Organized & Be Productive (GO) Month and there’s no better time to consult an organizing or productivity professional.

Clutter and disorganization can drain your energy and contribute to unwarranted stress, frustration, and anxiety. Ready to start the new year off right by getting organized and increasing productivity? Here are our top tips:

·      *   Clear out your files to start the new year off right! Go through each file and get rid of any papers that are not needed for your taxes or are not for any items that you no longer own. Be sure to shred any documents that have identifying information.

·     *    Make a folder for Tax Information and put anything related to your taxes into this folder.

·      *   If you have backup documentation for your taxes – put all of that together into one folder and mark it for the tax year. Keep all of your documents with your taxes in a separate tax box.

·       *   If you have spreadsheets that you use to keep track of anything, like donations or medical expenses – make new spreadsheets for the new year.

*   To make life easier when you are pulling all of your tax information together – make a spreadsheet of everything that you need to give to your accountant. List all the forms that you are expecting – such as W9’s, investment account information, as well as any spreadsheets with donation or medical expense information or anything else that you usually give to your accountant. By having a spreadsheet (or list) – you won’t forget to include things and you will know at a glance what documents you are still waiting for.

As a member of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO), I work to improve my clients’ lives by helping them create environments that support productivity, general health, and well-being. After all, working with a Professional Organizer & Productivity Consultant is no different than choosing an accountant, personal trainer, doctor, or other service provider!

About NAPO

The National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO) was founded in 1985 as a nonprofit professional educational association for professional organizers. Today, NAPO has approximately 3,500 members worldwide, representing the full spectrum of the global industry:  professional organizers, productivity consultants, authors, educators, trainers, manufacturers, service providers and more. NAPO’s mission is to be the leading source for organizing and productivity professionals by providing exceptional education, enhancing business connections, advancing industry research, and increasing public awareness. Visit www.NAPO.net to learn more.

  

Karin E. Fried, CPC, EMT-B, CTACC

Professional Organizer & Productivity Consultant

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Member: National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO)
Member: Institute For Challenging Disorganization (ICD)
Certificate of Study in Chronic Disorganization
Certificate of Study in Basic Hoarding Issues with the CD Client
Certificate of Study in Understanding the Needs of the Elderly CD Client
Certificate of Study in Basic ADD Issues with the CD Client

Certificate of Study in CD Client Administration
Certificate of Study in Life Transitions
Certificate of Study in Time Management and Productivity
Certificate of Study in Interpersonal Intelligence
Certificate of Study in Mental Health Conditions and Challenges Affecting the CD Client
CD Specialist - Level II Certificate

Hoarding Specialist - Level II Certificate

Certified Life & Business Coach

 

 

 

 

 

Simplify Your Life

How Living Simply Can Improve Your Life

 

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the fast pace and complexity of modern life? Maybe it's time to embrace a simpler lifestyle. Adopting a minimalist approach offers numerous benefits for your mental and emotional wellbeing and your overall life satisfaction.

 

Studies show that simplifying your life is the key to leading a more content and fulfilled lifestyle. Living simply allows you to cultivate mindfulness. It also reduces distractions, provides mental clarity, and puts you back in touch with your authentic self without the clutter of external influences.

 

Let’s explore several compelling reasons why living simply can truly improve your life.

 

Boost Your Mental Clarity

 

When you declutter your living space and reduce the number of possessions you own, you also clear your mind. Less clutter in your surroundings leads to less chaos in your thoughts, allowing you to think more clearly and make better decisions.

 

Save Time and Energy

 

Simplifying your life means eliminating unnecessary tasks and focusing on what truly matters. By prioritizing your time and energy, you create more space for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. This leads to a more efficient and satisfying daily routine.

 

Reduce Stress and Anxiety

 

A life full of clutter, commitments, and distractions is a breeding ground for stress and anxiety. Streamlining your life and focusing on what's essential reduces the sources of stress and anxiety, allowing you to find inner peace and tranquility.

 

Improve Your Financial Health

 

Embracing a simpler lifestyle often means cutting down on excessive spending and consumerism. With fewer material possessions to maintain and a focus on frugal living, you can save money, pay off debts, and create a more secure financial future.

 

Enhance Your Relationships

 

When you prioritize simplicity, you'll naturally have more time and energy to dedicate to the people you love. Focusing on meaningful connections instead of material possessions strengthens your relationships and creates lasting memories with your loved ones.

 

Promote Environmental Sustainability

 

Living simply goes hand in hand with being more eco-conscious. When you consume less, reusing and repurposing items while embracing a minimalist mindset, it significantly reduces your environmental footprint and contributes to a healthier planet.

 

Foster Personal Growth

 

Simplicity invites introspection and self-discovery. As you let go of unnecessary distractions, you create space for personal growth and self-improvement. As a result, you'll develop new skills, explore new passions, and evolve as an individual.

 

Now that you know the remarkable benefits of embracing a simpler lifestyle, why not give it a try? Will you take the first step towards transforming your life and experience the profound impact that living simply has on your wellbeing, relationships, and happiness?

 

Remember, the journey to simplicity starts with a single decision – prioritizing what truly matters in your life based on your principles, morals, values, and goals. So, what are you waiting for? Your journey begins now. To get started on the road to simplifying your life, ask yourself: “What can I do without?”

 

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....   

January is GO Month! It's time to Get Organized in 2023!

 

January is Get Organized & Be Productive (GO) Month and there’s no better time to consult an organizing or productivity professional.

Clutter and disorganization can drain your energy and contribute to unwarranted stress, frustration, and anxiety. Ready to start the new year off right by getting organized and increasing productivity? Here are our top 7 tips:

●        Start with the area that bothers you the most!

○        If a stranger took a tour of your home, what would you be the most embarrassed about? What would you find yourself apologizing for? What irritates you the most? This is the area you should start with first. If all of it bothers you, start with the space you see when you open your eyes in the morning.

 

●        Go for a quick win!

○        Choose a small area or topic that can be easily completed. By tackling a small, easy project first, you set yourself up for success and are further motivated to tackle the areas you struggle with emotionally.

 

●        Gather supplies before diving in!

○        Be sure to have trash bags or boxes on hand to sort items into. Suggested categories: Keep, Sell, Donate, Trash. Use black trash bags for trash and white trash bags for donate. Use trash bags to donate soft items and cardboard boxes for heavy, hard, or fragile items. Check the structural integrity of the boxes prior to filling them and always be sure to tape the bottom of the box first!

 

●        Set retention guidelines for specific categories of items!

○        Similar to keeping tax paperwork for 7 years, set guidelines for other items you own. For example, any magazines over 1 year old can be donated or recycled. Clothing in need of repair has a 1-month expiration date. If they are not repaired in a month, the item can go. If a dish is chipped, it can be donated or tossed. By deciding ahead of time, you relieve yourself of decision fatigue and/or emotional attachments.

 

●        Create a home for temporary items!

○        Create a space to store library books, store returns and items that belong to someone outside of your household. These items tend to live on countertops and tables and hinder you from using your space the way you want to. If you create space for items that will only be in your home for a little while, you cut down on the piles that interfere with your living spaces.

 

●        Create positive habits & routines to maintain organization!

○        Think through the areas you organized and how often you should touch them up. Think about ways you can be proactive in life, like packing lunches and setting out clothes the night before. Every day before you leave the office, clear off your desk and stack notes/papers in an empty drawer. Each time you get paid, go through your papers, pay bills, and file items that need to be retained.

 

●        Get family members involved!

○        Set a timer for 15 minutes before bedtime and play fun music while everyone tidies the house. Make a game of it - the person who finds the most items that are out of place and puts them back into their “homes” wins. You have heard the phrase: “Many hands make light work!” Even children as young as 2-3 years old can begin to learn how to match socks or put dirty clothing into the hamper. When the adults’ model good behavior and positive attitudes around organizing, the kids will pick up on it too.

As a member of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO), we improve our clients’ lives by helping them create environments that support productivity, general health, and well-being. When working with a NAPO member, you can be assured you are working with a dedicated professional who operates at the highest standards and has a passion for organizing and productivity.

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more.... 

 

Getting Organized - Tips to Help

Getting organized starts with "starting". That might sound "simplistic" but it's the reality of how a person can become "successful".

People often ask - 'where should I start"? The answer is always "what bothers you the most"?  There is no "one size fits all".  If the kitchen clutter bothers you - start with the kitchen. If the living room bothers you - start with the living room. 

It doesn't matter where you start - just start.

Taking that first step to wanting to clear you clutter and get organized is huge! 

But take a few minutes to create a goal and a plan on how to get there. People have a tendency to just jump into a project without a clear plan. That usually leads to a lot of wasted time and frustration when things come up that you did not anticipate.

One of the biggest mistakes that people make is not being realistic about the amount of time it actually takes to get organized. And they don't realize that it will "look worse before it looks better".  For example, if you plan on reorganizing your pantry, you usually take everything out of the pantry. It has to go somewhere. Then you have to decide what to keep and what to purge. And how to reorganize it so that it fits better and makes sense. 

And then all of a sudden hours have gone by and you have to be somewhere else. And there's a mess everywhere. 

You have to take into consideration how much time you actually have to work on your project and also (and more importantly), you have to leave enough time to clean up or put things away at the end. For a lot of people, leaving things out until the next time you can work on your organizing project, is not something that a lot of people can deal with. They don't want to look at the mess for a whole week before their next session.

Before you start a project, make sure that you are in a good frame of mind to purge things that you haven't used in the last 6 or 12 months, or are broken (no, you probably won't fix it), or no longer need. 

Have a box for donations that you can put things into throughout the year. When it's filled, take it to a  donation center.

Don't go out and buy a bunch of organizing bins and other items because you think that will help. You need to purge and come up with an organizing plan first so that you know what will make the most sense for that particular space.

For more "Tips to Getting and Staying Organized - Do's and Don'ts" - send me an email (kefconsulting@gmail.com) and I will send you a list with 40 tips to get you started!

Happy Organizing!

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....  

Bathroom Organizing - lots of great ideas

 

Organizing small spaces is always a challenge. Read the Redfin article to get some ideas on how to organize your bathroom to make the most use out of your space. We are listed in the article!

See the Redfin article we were featured in:  22 Expert-Approved Bathroom Organizing Ideas to Make the Most of Your Space | Redfin

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....

An Organized Home - Basic Organizing Ideas

You have a vision for your home. You have a goal and a plan to get there. You started by purging all of the garbage and things that you don't want any longer.

Now it's time to Organize!

You ask yourself - what system should I be using? There are so many books and so many different ways of doing things. I'm confused. Which one is right???

The simple answer is - the one that works for you. The one that you are comfortable with. The one who's philosophy matches your own. 

Each persons brain works differently. My clients hear me say that often. You have to find a system that works for you, for how your brain works and how you use your home. For a Professional Organizer that involves asking a lot of questions before starting a project.

Keep things simple. If you try to make things too complicated you probably won't keep up the area once you are done.

Think about the space. What do you want to use the space for. Don't be limited to what you "think" the space should be used for. For some clients with limited space we have to be creative.

Has the way you used your space worked for you? If you are constantly reaching up on a high shelf for an item that you use everyday - change it and put it on a lower shelf! 

Keep things that you don't use often on a higher shelf. 

Think about the contents of each cabinet. Would using bins or baskets keep things in place better? 

What about using a lazy susan in a cabinet to make it easier to reach things?

Group like items together. It's much easier to know if you are out of canned green beans if all of the beans or vegetables are grouped together. 

Another idea is to keep items that you use together - like coffee, creamer, sugar, coffee filters - in one spot. Or flour, sugar, baking powder and backing soda - all in one spot.

Be sure to look at the expiration dates as you are trying to organize (your kitchen, medicine cabinet, make-up....). Toss out any expired items.

Organization is personal. It has to work for you! Don't be stuck on "I organized it this way so I can never change it". If it doesn't work after trying it for a few weeks - tweak it! 

Once your space is organized - set up a maintenance schedule. Maintenance takes a lot less time than the initial organizing.

Don't be afraid to start organizing - YOU CAN DO IT! 

*** Feel free to reach out to schedule a Virtual Organizing session to help you get started on your way to a more organized life!

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....

World Organizing Day is May 20th - Let's Get Organized!

 May 20th is World Organizing Day!  

 Celebrate by getting Organized!

World Organizing Day is a global initiative founded by the International Federation of Professional Organizing Associations (IFPOA) to celebrate the work of organizing and productivity professionals.

Professional Organizers love to get Organized! I know that we probably like it a lot more than our clients! And some of us actually go home after an organizing session and organize some of our own stuff (yes, I've done that!).

Here are some inspirational quotes about clutter and organizing to help get you motivated!

     “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing” (Walt Disney)

      'You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.'     (John C. Maxwell)

     'Organization begins with awareness of what doesn't work for us.' (Unknown)

     'Mess is an unnecessary source of irritation.' (Margareta Magnusson)

    'Clearing clutter, be it physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual, brings about ease and inspires a sense of peace, calm, and tranquility.' (Laurie Buchanan)

     Clutter is anything that does not support a better you, even if it’s organized. (unknown)

      Being organized isn’t about getting rid of everything you own or trying to become a different person, it’s about living the way you want to live, but better.   (Andew Mellen)

    If you want to improve your life immediately, clean out a closet. Often what we hold onto holds us back.     (Cheryl Richardson)

    Clutter is the physical manifestation of unmade decisions fueled by     procrastination. (unknown)

    Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs.     (Henry Ford)

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....

Do You Know Why You are Disorganized?

Not everyone in this world is organized. Some people are very disorganized. But the real question is - "do they know why?".

Most people don't.

So - be honest with yourself. Sit back and ponder a few questions.

Do you know why you are disorganized?

What bothers your about your disorganization?

What is not working for you?

Do you just "not" want to organize - because you don't have the time or don't know how or it's boring or you are just lazy? 

Does it cause you stress?

Do you not know what categories to put things into?

Do you "need" to leave things out - so that you know where they are?

Do you have a filing system in place for your paperwork?

Why do you want to get organized? What need would it fulfill?

 ***

Once you  have some answers to these questions - you can begin the process of coming up with some solutions that will work "for you'.  And that is crucial to your success.  

Organizing is not a "one size fits all".  The solution has to "work for you".  It has to be uncomplicated so that you will actually use it.

For more information on how to get organized - call or email a Professional Organizer. 

We LOVE to ORGANIZE!

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more.... 

 

Getting Organized in the New Year - Some Tips from a few Organizing Experts

 

Getting ORGANIZED in 2021 is more important than ever with so many people working from home. In order to be more productive you have to be more organized - with a space that is functional and clutter free.

This month I was featured in the REDFIN blog.

Read my contribution ---

Change your mindset

With the changes we’ve all gone through in the last year, getting and keeping your home organized and clutter-free in 2021 is more important than ever. Start by changing your mindset. Before you buy anything or bring anything into your home – ask yourself these questions: Do I really need it or do I just want it? Will I really use the item in the next few months? Do I actually have a specific place for the item? If you answered “no” to the above questions then don’t buy it and keep the clutter out of your home. – Organizational Consulting Services

 

Some other words of advice -

Organizing is not a "one and done" process. Even a Professional Organizer has to work at keeping her home organized. One of the things that is really helpful is to keep a "donation box"  handy. As you find things that you no longer wear, use or want - place it in the donation box. When the donation box is full - take it to a donation center. Your home will be less cluttered and you will get the satisfaction of knowing that your items will be used by someone that appreciates them.

Make a habit of going through your closets at least once a season. By purging out things that you don't use anymore you are eliminating the clutter and your closets will look better.

 

To read all of the contributions in the REDFIN blog- visit:

  12 Habits That will Help You Get Organized 

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more.... 

 

January is GO Month! "Get Organized" in 2021

 Organizing and Productivity Professionals Celebrate January’s “GO Month” with Advice for 2021, Reveal their Most Unusual 2020 Client Requests

During 2020, our home and work lives saw a major shift as we turned our living space into workspace - and classrooms, and workout areas, and even quarantine zones – resulting in a call for help to organize, downsize and streamline to professional organizers and productivity experts.

“As we head into the new year, I have seen more people looking for organizing help to make the best of the difficulties around the pandemic,” says Karin E. Fried of Organizational Consulting Services and a member of the National Organization of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO).

“January is GO Month – get organized and be productive – with clients seeking a new or increased focus on being organized and starting fresh.”

NAPO conducted a national survey that found 64 percent saw an increased focus on organizational and productivity needs due to a new COVID-driven norm. The survey reveals that NAPO members, who routinely handle a wide range of client requests, were asked to take on some very unusual tasks in 2020. The most surprising tasks reported include:

•     Organizing one client’s 387 pairs of shoes
•     Overseeing the sale of a large collection of mounted animal heads and  stuffed animal bodies
•     Arranging the sale of 400 Steiff teddy bears
•     Staging a treehouse for a client putting their home on the market
•     Packing up a client’s husband’s ashes to dispose of 
  
•   Organizing a closet packed with hundreds of paper and plastic bags

Looking ahead to 2021 that is already showing promise to be as busy as 2020, NAPO professionals predict that the most requested services will be: decluttering and downsizing (35%); productivity coaching for an in-home work environment (17%); packing/unpacking for a move (16%); and creating a new space for work, home or hobby (13%).

“While we are all optimistic that the pandemic will come to an end this coming year, we are all still adapting to the lifestyle changes and new work-from-home norms,” said Karin E. Fried. “Hiring a NAPO professional to help with changes you want to make in life is the same as hiring a personal training or financial advisor. We abide by a strict code of ethics and discretion. We don’t judge – we help. Who wouldn’t want judgment-free support during this challenging time?”

A Professional Organizer and Productivity Consultant can do more than just organizer your closet (though we love closets!). As a Professional Organizer we can help our clients with not only organizing their space – but also organizing their business, their time, their estate and their lives! And so much more!

Reach out to a Professional Organizer and Productivity Consultant this month and start 2021 Organized and Clutter Free!

 

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

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Getting Organized with Time Management- using the Pomodoro Technique

Getting organized means completing tasks that you set for yourself. But some people find it hard to stay on task. Either they get distracted or they find that their motivation decreases as time goes on.

One way to get the job done is to break it down into smaller amounts of time - with breaks in-between.  Using a timer and working until the timer goes off is one way to get your task completed.

Try it and see if it helps! 

The Pomodoro Technique simplifies time and task management with a single, simple tool: a timer.

Follow these steps to maximize your work sessions with the Pomodoro Technique:

1. Choose your timer. The Pomodoro Technique is based on the tomato-shaped kitchen timer, but any timer will do.
   
   
2. Track your sessions
   

o   Use a sticky note, notepad, scratch paper, or your computer

o   Use check boxes or scratch marks to track each session you complete

3. Set your timer for 25 minutes
   

o   While the timer is ticking, work without distractions

4. When the timer goes off, stop and take a break. Your break should last at least 5 minutes, but should be kept short.
   
   
5. After completing 4 successful Pomodoro sessions, take a longer break
   

o   Now is a good time for a 30-minute break, a snack, or even a short nap to recharge

6. Repeat with sets of 4 sessions until your project or work-day is done

Be sure to focus on the project that you are working on - and don't think about the timer. You will be amazed at how much you can accomplish in short bursts of time.

Happy Organizing!
 
Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

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