I have heard a lot of people confuse the words "clean" and "organized" lately so I thought it was time to set the record straight....again....
A lot of people have this misconception that being organized and
being clean is the same thing. It's not. You can have a clean house that
is a cluttered mess. Or you can have an organized house that is filthy
and dusty. One does not necessarily have to do with the other.
Organization
is a state of mind. It's subjective. What's organized by some people's
standards isn't necessarily organized by others.
But
dirt...is dirt. It's sort of black and white. Mostly black. I'm sure
that you have all seen the old fashioned white glove test. You can't
argue with black dirt on a white glove.
Just because a
space is organized doesn't mean it's clean. When you are sitting at a
desk and you are wheezing because of all the dust bunnies on and under
the desk...chances are it is not clean.
But when you
get a manager that says "well, no one else has complained" ....obviously
it must be clean and you are just too picky. Right? WRONG !
I'm
sure that you have all seen the "Hoarders" shows. Those people live in
their homes and they don't complain. So does that make it o.k. ? No, is
the correct answer.
Just because everyone around you
doesn't complain doesn't mean your office space is clean. It just means
that they don't mind living and working in a dirty environment. That
doesn't mean that you have to. And your manager should be ashamed of
himself for subjecting you to a dirty working environment and for making
you feel like you are the one that has the problem for speaking up.
It
sort of reminds me of the story "The Emperor's Clothes". Everyone just
went along with the program and no one wanted to rock the boat. Until a
new person came to the palace and said "no, don't see the
clothes....he isn't wearing any".
Taking a stand and
saying that you want a clean and organized work environment is not easy.
Especially when you are made to feel like there is something wrong with
you for speaking up. But your health should come first. And people
will eventually thank you for speaking up and creating a safer and
cleaner work environment.
Remember....being Organized involves being Clean. They are not exclusive.
My Motto: Less Clutter = Less Stress.... in Your Home, Your Office and Your Life (sm)
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
IT's TIME TO CLEAN - INSIDE AND OUT
The warm weather is here and people are starting to spend more time outside. But is your garage and house ready for the change of seasons? Can you easily get to your rake and gardening tools?
While the weather is warm take a few minutes to drag everything out of your garage and give it a good cleaning. Sweep out the leaves and dust. Re-arrange your tools and equipments so that the things that you need for the warm weather are more accessible. Move your snowblower and shovels to the back and bring your rakes and other summer toys out front.
The same goes for the inside of your house. Open all of the windows. Air out the house. Clean the windowsills. Rearrange your winter clothes and put them in the back of the closet and bring out your spring/summer coats and clothes. Be sure to get rid of things that are too small or that you haven't worn.
Put your "winter" toys away (ski's and such...). Find the beach towels and blankets for those great impromptu picnics. I always carry a blanket in my trunk just in case I decide to take an hour to relax and enjoy the great weather outdoors.
Start thinking about all of the "small projects" that you might want to do outside and make a list. Remember, break down all projects into small, manageable pieces.
Putting your projects on your calendar and scheduling them gives you a better chance of actually getting them done than by just "thinking" about doing them.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
While the weather is warm take a few minutes to drag everything out of your garage and give it a good cleaning. Sweep out the leaves and dust. Re-arrange your tools and equipments so that the things that you need for the warm weather are more accessible. Move your snowblower and shovels to the back and bring your rakes and other summer toys out front.
The same goes for the inside of your house. Open all of the windows. Air out the house. Clean the windowsills. Rearrange your winter clothes and put them in the back of the closet and bring out your spring/summer coats and clothes. Be sure to get rid of things that are too small or that you haven't worn.
Put your "winter" toys away (ski's and such...). Find the beach towels and blankets for those great impromptu picnics. I always carry a blanket in my trunk just in case I decide to take an hour to relax and enjoy the great weather outdoors.
Start thinking about all of the "small projects" that you might want to do outside and make a list. Remember, break down all projects into small, manageable pieces.
Putting your projects on your calendar and scheduling them gives you a better chance of actually getting them done than by just "thinking" about doing them.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Excuses for Not Staying Organized
I hear a lot of excuses from people, especially parents telling me that they can't "stay organized" for very long or that their kids won't stay organized for more than a couple of days.
It's an excuse. Very simple. It's sort of like saying " I don't really see the benefit of school so why bother doing homework". Would you let your child get away with that? "No" is the answer.
NO EXCUSES ! Yes, all new "habits" take time. And that's exactly what "organizing" is. A new "learned habit".
Kids love organizing! It's a game to them. "See what piles to put things into". "Learning how to sort". It's a "learning experience" for them.
Even adults need to "re-learn" things. And unfortunately a lot of adults were never "taught" how to be "organized". It's a stange, uncomfortable, "new thing" that they have to do.
It will feel "strange" and will feel "forced" for a long time. It takes 90 days to learn a new habit.
So if after a few days you or your child decide that you are tired of "continuing" the process and "stop organizing" .... then you will have gained nothing except frustration.
Sort of like "dieting". Everyone is hung-ho the first few days and then it's back to eating junk food and sabotaging your health.
For a lot of people it's not easy. Not everything in life is easy.
But eating healthy food instead of junk food keeps you healthy and gives you more energy.
Staying organized keeps you on time, decreases your stress and saves you money.
And if your kids are organized you aren't constantly yelling at them to hurry up and find things and being late for appointments.
Everyone wins.
So.... stop making excuses. Stick with the program. Keep plugging away.... one small pile at a time.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
It's an excuse. Very simple. It's sort of like saying " I don't really see the benefit of school so why bother doing homework". Would you let your child get away with that? "No" is the answer.
NO EXCUSES ! Yes, all new "habits" take time. And that's exactly what "organizing" is. A new "learned habit".
Kids love organizing! It's a game to them. "See what piles to put things into". "Learning how to sort". It's a "learning experience" for them.
Even adults need to "re-learn" things. And unfortunately a lot of adults were never "taught" how to be "organized". It's a stange, uncomfortable, "new thing" that they have to do.
It will feel "strange" and will feel "forced" for a long time. It takes 90 days to learn a new habit.
So if after a few days you or your child decide that you are tired of "continuing" the process and "stop organizing" .... then you will have gained nothing except frustration.
Sort of like "dieting". Everyone is hung-ho the first few days and then it's back to eating junk food and sabotaging your health.
For a lot of people it's not easy. Not everything in life is easy.
But eating healthy food instead of junk food keeps you healthy and gives you more energy.
Staying organized keeps you on time, decreases your stress and saves you money.
And if your kids are organized you aren't constantly yelling at them to hurry up and find things and being late for appointments.
Everyone wins.
So.... stop making excuses. Stick with the program. Keep plugging away.... one small pile at a time.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Monday, April 2, 2012
Are You Really Ready To Get Organized ?
Getting organized is a great idea. For some people the road to even thinking about getting organized is a long one. And even when someone thinks they are finally ready to "get organized" and take control of their life... panic sets in and they take a step back.
A lot of people don't understand the trauma that "organizing" brings to some people. They think "what's the big deal....just clean up already". But that's not how it works.
For a lot of people the thought of "organizing" is traumatic. It brings a lot of stress and emotion into the picture. They think that they are going to have to "throw out" their possessions and they regress. They shut down and won't even contemplate trying to get their home into some type of order.
I have a lot of clients that call me that think they are "ready to organize"....but they aren't really ready.... yet. They might have taken the first step by calling me, but they really aren't ready to proceed.
Organizing involves a "process". Thinking about getting organized is just one step in the process. Reaching out for help is another step. Actually doing it is another step. A really, really big step.
And that's where a lot of people have a stumbling block. But that's O.K. They have acknowledged that they want to change, that they want and maybe need help.
For family and friends the "step back" and not continuing the process and actually "getting organized" is disturbing and annoying.
As a "professional organizer" it's a "normal" part of the "process".
I can wait. I know that you really have to be "ready". It has to be "your idea". Not your families or your friends.
"You" have to be ready. And when you are the process will continue. But it has to be a personal choice and you have to be ready.
No one can force you to be ready before your time.
Being organized is a wonderful thing. It frees up not only your space but your life.
When you are ready.... you will know it.
Organizational Consulting Services
A lot of people don't understand the trauma that "organizing" brings to some people. They think "what's the big deal....just clean up already". But that's not how it works.
For a lot of people the thought of "organizing" is traumatic. It brings a lot of stress and emotion into the picture. They think that they are going to have to "throw out" their possessions and they regress. They shut down and won't even contemplate trying to get their home into some type of order.
I have a lot of clients that call me that think they are "ready to organize"....but they aren't really ready.... yet. They might have taken the first step by calling me, but they really aren't ready to proceed.
Organizing involves a "process". Thinking about getting organized is just one step in the process. Reaching out for help is another step. Actually doing it is another step. A really, really big step.
And that's where a lot of people have a stumbling block. But that's O.K. They have acknowledged that they want to change, that they want and maybe need help.
For family and friends the "step back" and not continuing the process and actually "getting organized" is disturbing and annoying.
As a "professional organizer" it's a "normal" part of the "process".
I can wait. I know that you really have to be "ready". It has to be "your idea". Not your families or your friends.
"You" have to be ready. And when you are the process will continue. But it has to be a personal choice and you have to be ready.
No one can force you to be ready before your time.
Being organized is a wonderful thing. It frees up not only your space but your life.
When you are ready.... you will know it.
Organizational Consulting Services
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Teaching Your Kids Organizational Skills
People always ask me "at what age" they should start teaching their kids some organizational skills...and the answer is "before they are even out of diapers".
It's never too early to start teaching kids how to be organized and how to pick up after themselves. Even a two year old can be taught how to pick up a toy and put it into a basket. To them it's a game. So let it be fun and make it a part of their everyday routine. Play time followed by "putting your toys away time".
But if you didn't start at a young age it's not too late! And don't worry if you aren't the most organized person in the world, you can still teach your kids how to be organized. It all starts with "ground rules". You have to be able to set rules on how things are done and when they are done. And you have to stick to your guns!
Yes, your children will probably say "but you don't XXXX" .... but I'm sure that they already say that about a number of things, so don't let that throw you.
Set some rules:
1) you have to put your dirty clothes in the clothes hamper (instead of on the ground)
2) you have to hang up your clothes in the closet (instead of on the ground)
3) you can only have clothes in your dresser drawers (instead of toys and garbage)
4) your dresser drawers need to be organized by "type of clothes" (socks, underwear, shirts...)
5) you have to put all of your homework in your back pack immediately after finishing it
6) your back pack needs to be set by the door before going to bed (so you don't forget it)
7) your clothes for the next day should be set out the night before school
8) bath towels do not belong on the bathroom floor (they need to be hung up to dry)
9) put your dirty dishes in the sink after eating
10) Mom and Dad are not your maids
Kids need rules. They need structure.
Set some rules. Enforce them. Watch the change.
It takes time but it's worth it to have an organized child. They will be less stressed and on time for school! And you will be less stressed and have time for yourself.
Organizational Consulting Services
It's never too early to start teaching kids how to be organized and how to pick up after themselves. Even a two year old can be taught how to pick up a toy and put it into a basket. To them it's a game. So let it be fun and make it a part of their everyday routine. Play time followed by "putting your toys away time".
But if you didn't start at a young age it's not too late! And don't worry if you aren't the most organized person in the world, you can still teach your kids how to be organized. It all starts with "ground rules". You have to be able to set rules on how things are done and when they are done. And you have to stick to your guns!
Yes, your children will probably say "but you don't XXXX" .... but I'm sure that they already say that about a number of things, so don't let that throw you.
Set some rules:
1) you have to put your dirty clothes in the clothes hamper (instead of on the ground)
2) you have to hang up your clothes in the closet (instead of on the ground)
3) you can only have clothes in your dresser drawers (instead of toys and garbage)
4) your dresser drawers need to be organized by "type of clothes" (socks, underwear, shirts...)
5) you have to put all of your homework in your back pack immediately after finishing it
6) your back pack needs to be set by the door before going to bed (so you don't forget it)
7) your clothes for the next day should be set out the night before school
8) bath towels do not belong on the bathroom floor (they need to be hung up to dry)
9) put your dirty dishes in the sink after eating
10) Mom and Dad are not your maids
Kids need rules. They need structure.
Set some rules. Enforce them. Watch the change.
It takes time but it's worth it to have an organized child. They will be less stressed and on time for school! And you will be less stressed and have time for yourself.
Organizational Consulting Services
Monday, March 19, 2012
Too Much Stuff !!!
How much "stuff" does one person really need? Do you really need 25 pairs of jeans? Or 50 pairs of shoes? Maybe the celebrities do but "everyday, ordinary people" who aren't millionaires really don't. Let's be honest!
"Stuff" overwhelms people. "Stuff" controls people. "Stuff" smothers people.
Don't get me wrong. I like to have nice things. I have things that I collect. But there is a difference between a collection and going overboard and having too much "stuff" clutter up your home and your life.
If you can't find things easily and continually buy the same things over and over again your space is too cluttered. You need some organizational help to get things under control.
But having too much "stuff" and continually buying more is not just a "space" issue but a deeper issue. An issue that is hard for some people to acknowledge and sometimes to understand.
Constantly buying things that you don't need might be fulfilling some emptiness inside yourself. Or it might be a way that you cope because of some things that are happening in your life. It can be an "escape".
Whatever the reason, stuff needs space. And if you don't have the space to properly store your stuff then you end up with clutter everywhere.
Sit down and be honest with yourself and try and figure out why you have the need to continually buys things that you really don't need, don't have room for or can't really afford.
It's not just about the "stuff".
Organizational Consulting Services
"Stuff" overwhelms people. "Stuff" controls people. "Stuff" smothers people.
Don't get me wrong. I like to have nice things. I have things that I collect. But there is a difference between a collection and going overboard and having too much "stuff" clutter up your home and your life.
If you can't find things easily and continually buy the same things over and over again your space is too cluttered. You need some organizational help to get things under control.
But having too much "stuff" and continually buying more is not just a "space" issue but a deeper issue. An issue that is hard for some people to acknowledge and sometimes to understand.
Constantly buying things that you don't need might be fulfilling some emptiness inside yourself. Or it might be a way that you cope because of some things that are happening in your life. It can be an "escape".
Whatever the reason, stuff needs space. And if you don't have the space to properly store your stuff then you end up with clutter everywhere.
Sit down and be honest with yourself and try and figure out why you have the need to continually buys things that you really don't need, don't have room for or can't really afford.
It's not just about the "stuff".
Organizational Consulting Services
Monday, March 12, 2012
Organizing Your Files
Organizing is an on going process. It's not a "one-time deal". And it's not something that you have to set aside an entire day for.
Organizing your files and your paperwork is extremely time consuming because you have to look at each piece of paper and make a decision. It's emotionally exhausting. So why wait until year end to go through that process?
For best results and the least amount of trauma make it a habit to go through your filing cabinet, files or desk drawer and clean out your paperwork at least once a quarter or every few months.
Go through each file and toss anything that you really don't need, anything that is expired (coupons or notices that are past the deadline....) or anything that you have not dealt with. This does not include anything related to taxes or any legal papers.
People tend to keep too much paperwork because they are afraid to get rid of things or because of their "good intentions" of doing something with it.
Make sure that your files are labeled according to what makes sense for you. Don't use a system that is too complex and that you will never use or keep up. It might work for some people but that doesn't mean it fits into your lifestyle.
Make sure that all of your papers are filed at least monthly to keep the mess at bay.
Only keep "current" files in your filing cabinet. Archive old files and store them out of the way. If your filing cabinet is too crowded and you cannot get into the files easily it will give you another excuse for not filing.
Keep it simple. Keep it organized.
Organizational Consulting Services
Organizing your files and your paperwork is extremely time consuming because you have to look at each piece of paper and make a decision. It's emotionally exhausting. So why wait until year end to go through that process?
For best results and the least amount of trauma make it a habit to go through your filing cabinet, files or desk drawer and clean out your paperwork at least once a quarter or every few months.
Go through each file and toss anything that you really don't need, anything that is expired (coupons or notices that are past the deadline....) or anything that you have not dealt with. This does not include anything related to taxes or any legal papers.
People tend to keep too much paperwork because they are afraid to get rid of things or because of their "good intentions" of doing something with it.
Make sure that your files are labeled according to what makes sense for you. Don't use a system that is too complex and that you will never use or keep up. It might work for some people but that doesn't mean it fits into your lifestyle.
Make sure that all of your papers are filed at least monthly to keep the mess at bay.
Only keep "current" files in your filing cabinet. Archive old files and store them out of the way. If your filing cabinet is too crowded and you cannot get into the files easily it will give you another excuse for not filing.
Keep it simple. Keep it organized.
Organizational Consulting Services
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