I just reviewed an organizing book on my book blog. Although I found it lacking (especially the one-week idea!), it did give me some continued inspiration.
It also helped me kick up my brutality a notch. Last night I was decluttering in our family/play room, which is inevitably getting trashed. Nicholas (4) had gotten into the games closet again and dumped a lot of games on the floor. Many of these got recycled or dumped into a "donate" bag. So did many toys. An acquaintance recently gave us a child's work bench and a basket of wood pieces, thinking our boys would like it. Last night I suggested to my husband that we donate it to Nicholas' preschool because our kids have hardly touched it since it first arrived...and the wood pieces end up getting scattered around the floor. I'm determined to conquer the "SMALL PIECES PROBLEM"! Well, at least tame the monster a little bit.
And yes, I realize if I were a better mother, I would engage my children in giving away these toys and games, and I would find a way to convince them that this is going to result in a simpler, saner home. But anyone who suggests that either has children who are saints or does not have children. I'm taking the easy way out. Out of sight, out of mind.
Showing posts with label organizing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label organizing. Show all posts
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
20 iPhone apps to help you get organized!
I joined the iPhone revolution last summer after some initial skepticism. What made me take the plunge was that my company changed its cell phone policy and began requiring employees to take on their own cell phone accounts. (Previously I had a BlackBerry.) In addition, I wanted to have a way to combine my iPod with my cell phone, plus have enough memory to keep all my music on one device. (I couldn't do this before with my iPod Nano.) When the iPhone 4s came out, the prices for 3GS phones began to come down. Now I have a 16-GB iPhone 3GS.
Because I'm so cheap, I haven't purchased many iPhone apps--I tend to go for the free ones. About the only ones I've bought have been BlogPress and Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything. I'm using a free iPhone app to record what I eat--it's called "Lose It!"
So I'm always on the lookout for great free apps that will help me become more organized. Working Mother magazine has just released its "20 Best iPhone Apps," many of which I've uploaded. CardStar lets you store loyalty and library cards in one place, and Tango Card keeps track of your various gift card balances (and reminds you to use them)!
The one I think I'm most excited about the app that allows you to take photos of your sales receipts, Shoeboxed. I can't stand the amount of paperwork we seem to collect in our house, so this could go a long way toward eliminating that.
Because I'm so cheap, I haven't purchased many iPhone apps--I tend to go for the free ones. About the only ones I've bought have been BlogPress and Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything. I'm using a free iPhone app to record what I eat--it's called "Lose It!"So I'm always on the lookout for great free apps that will help me become more organized. Working Mother magazine has just released its "20 Best iPhone Apps," many of which I've uploaded. CardStar lets you store loyalty and library cards in one place, and Tango Card keeps track of your various gift card balances (and reminds you to use them)!
The one I think I'm most excited about the app that allows you to take photos of your sales receipts, Shoeboxed. I can't stand the amount of paperwork we seem to collect in our house, so this could go a long way toward eliminating that.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Biggest mistake you can make when beginning to declutter
I just spotted this article on Yahoo: it says that the biggest mistake you can make when beginning to clean and declutter is to hit The Container Store and stock up on plastic bins without developing any kind of plan.
The purpose of the article is to talk about how important it is to be organized in one's approach, but I thought it was an interesting point because one of the things I've discovered in my decluttering is that we now have an excess of plastic containers, which we had collected over the years to store our clutter!
As we've been purging and decluttering, the containers have been piling up! I take that as a great sign!
The purpose of the article is to talk about how important it is to be organized in one's approach, but I thought it was an interesting point because one of the things I've discovered in my decluttering is that we now have an excess of plastic containers, which we had collected over the years to store our clutter!
As we've been purging and decluttering, the containers have been piling up! I take that as a great sign!
Monday, March 30, 2009
March, Week Two: Save Time
Oh yes, I know I am WAY past Week Two. I have fallen behind, I confess. But as I posted a few weeks ago, I knew this month was going to be difficult. We returned yesterday from nine days on vacation, and before that I was working a lot of overtime in the evenings and weekends (my organizing time).
I expect to be working on my study until well into April, because it's the biggest project in the house at the moment.
So...Week Two focuses on how to save time.
Multitasking
First, Regina Leeds discusses multitasking and offers suggestions on how to multitask effectively. I'm a major multitasker already; in face, I am one of those who should probably multitask LESS. For example, I'm known for reading while I'm walking. (Yes, it's true. I've only fallen once--and I ripped a hole in the knee of my trousers! Did I stop? Well, no...) Leeds talks about the art of multitasking...and the healthy way to multitask. (She would probably frown on my reading-while-walking habit...as many safety-conscious people would!)
Delegation
Could someone else do the mundane tasks that I do? I definitely could delegate more effectively, and that includes engaging my children more in the cleaning and organization of our house. As for the initial organization and decluttering, however, I do feel that I need to do this alone. My children are notoriously horrible at getting rid of things. Our oldest son cried when we had a new roof put on and the roofers carted away the old roofing materials! (This was many years ago, but it illustrates his sentimental attachment to things.) So my strategy is to do the decluttering and organizing myself and set up systems and processes so that they will be engaged in future cleaning efforts. I wish I could engage them in the decluttering, too, but trust me...that would not be an effective strategy. It would take me five years instead of the one.
In a total turnaround in our personalities, years ago Mike thought we should engage the kids in identifying things to donate to charity. I wanted to do it behind their backs. (This is a turnaround because I'm much more likely to be the one who wants to be up front and honest with the kids on a variety of topics.) He has now recognized that it's much more effective and quick to do it behind their backs. Most of the items we get rid of they never miss. Occasionally they do, and if they ask us "where did my N-Gamer magazine from May 2003 go?" I can blithely say "I have no earthly idea." It's not a lie, as I've explained to Mike.
Leeds talks about a woman she knows who is more caretaker than parent for her children, who never clean, do laundry, wash a dish, or have to pick up after themselves. Personally, I know we could improve in this area...I would like to engage my children in choosing menus and helping prepare the food in our house, for example. But we haven't gotten ourselves organized enough to do so. Perhaps that's on the list for next year, after we get our house organized. I do not want to raise sons who are incapable of doing laundry or cooking. I do not want their future partners to curse us! We have only 6 years left to get Chris trained in these areas, so we'd better get cracking!! He does clean, when prompted, but he could do more...as could Kieran. They are not the type of fantasy children who are dying to clean things (like one of my nephews), so it's really up to us to engage them more in this area.
Saying No
I've become much better at this...for example, I rarely commit to things that involve evening or weekend meetings. I have to spend a lot of time at work in meetings, and I have realized that I have a low tolerance for meetings after hours. I am trying to only engage in activities after work that enrich my life, are fun, or add value in some way.
Saying No to Electronic Pests
Leeds reminds us that we don't have to reply to every voice mail or e-mail that comes our way. And that we don't have to answer the phone each time it rings. Caller ID has been a huge godsend in our household. We never answer the phone unless we recognize the name AND want to talk to that person right at that time.
Have you ever phoned someone who picks up the phone and announces that it's a really bad time to talk? WHY DID THEY ANSWER THE PHONE??? It's beyond me. I think some people have a very difficult time just letting it ring. Just say no to answering the phone when you are busy!
Leeds also recommends using e-mail versus a phone call to communicate with people who are notoriously chatty. This can be a big time saver. She also reminds us that we don't have to be polite with telephone solicitors. That's why I don't answer the phone unless I know the person who is calling. I am polite to people who are soliciting for organizations I support, but for other purposes, I ask to be taken off their call list.
Visualizing Our Goals
Leeds advises that we take a few minutes and visualize what we want to see in our lives. This advice dovetails nicely with an article I read recently, in the "Everyday Cheapskate" newsletter. Author Mary Hunt talks about how many Americans feel poor right now, and advises ways to feel richer. One of these recommendations is curbing clutter. "If you have clutter, it's pulling you down." Amen, sister!
I need to continue to visualize a clean, organized house. Visualization works for me--it helped me to keep my hope alive when I gave birth to a 24-weeker, 1-pound, 6-ounce baby who had to stay in the NICU for 117 days, and it will propel me to keep decluttering and organizing.
What Really Matters?
Leeds suggests that we set a short-term goal and a long-term goal. So here goes:
Short term (to accomplish in the next year): Finish organizing each room in my house according to the One Year to an Organized Life book.
Long term (to accomplish in the next 5 years): Teach my children how to cook and do laundry.
I expect to be working on my study until well into April, because it's the biggest project in the house at the moment.
So...Week Two focuses on how to save time.
Multitasking
First, Regina Leeds discusses multitasking and offers suggestions on how to multitask effectively. I'm a major multitasker already; in face, I am one of those who should probably multitask LESS. For example, I'm known for reading while I'm walking. (Yes, it's true. I've only fallen once--and I ripped a hole in the knee of my trousers! Did I stop? Well, no...) Leeds talks about the art of multitasking...and the healthy way to multitask. (She would probably frown on my reading-while-walking habit...as many safety-conscious people would!)
Delegation
Could someone else do the mundane tasks that I do? I definitely could delegate more effectively, and that includes engaging my children more in the cleaning and organization of our house. As for the initial organization and decluttering, however, I do feel that I need to do this alone. My children are notoriously horrible at getting rid of things. Our oldest son cried when we had a new roof put on and the roofers carted away the old roofing materials! (This was many years ago, but it illustrates his sentimental attachment to things.) So my strategy is to do the decluttering and organizing myself and set up systems and processes so that they will be engaged in future cleaning efforts. I wish I could engage them in the decluttering, too, but trust me...that would not be an effective strategy. It would take me five years instead of the one.
In a total turnaround in our personalities, years ago Mike thought we should engage the kids in identifying things to donate to charity. I wanted to do it behind their backs. (This is a turnaround because I'm much more likely to be the one who wants to be up front and honest with the kids on a variety of topics.) He has now recognized that it's much more effective and quick to do it behind their backs. Most of the items we get rid of they never miss. Occasionally they do, and if they ask us "where did my N-Gamer magazine from May 2003 go?" I can blithely say "I have no earthly idea." It's not a lie, as I've explained to Mike.
Leeds talks about a woman she knows who is more caretaker than parent for her children, who never clean, do laundry, wash a dish, or have to pick up after themselves. Personally, I know we could improve in this area...I would like to engage my children in choosing menus and helping prepare the food in our house, for example. But we haven't gotten ourselves organized enough to do so. Perhaps that's on the list for next year, after we get our house organized. I do not want to raise sons who are incapable of doing laundry or cooking. I do not want their future partners to curse us! We have only 6 years left to get Chris trained in these areas, so we'd better get cracking!! He does clean, when prompted, but he could do more...as could Kieran. They are not the type of fantasy children who are dying to clean things (like one of my nephews), so it's really up to us to engage them more in this area.
Saying No
I've become much better at this...for example, I rarely commit to things that involve evening or weekend meetings. I have to spend a lot of time at work in meetings, and I have realized that I have a low tolerance for meetings after hours. I am trying to only engage in activities after work that enrich my life, are fun, or add value in some way.
Saying No to Electronic Pests
Leeds reminds us that we don't have to reply to every voice mail or e-mail that comes our way. And that we don't have to answer the phone each time it rings. Caller ID has been a huge godsend in our household. We never answer the phone unless we recognize the name AND want to talk to that person right at that time.
Have you ever phoned someone who picks up the phone and announces that it's a really bad time to talk? WHY DID THEY ANSWER THE PHONE??? It's beyond me. I think some people have a very difficult time just letting it ring. Just say no to answering the phone when you are busy!
Leeds also recommends using e-mail versus a phone call to communicate with people who are notoriously chatty. This can be a big time saver. She also reminds us that we don't have to be polite with telephone solicitors. That's why I don't answer the phone unless I know the person who is calling. I am polite to people who are soliciting for organizations I support, but for other purposes, I ask to be taken off their call list.
Visualizing Our Goals
Leeds advises that we take a few minutes and visualize what we want to see in our lives. This advice dovetails nicely with an article I read recently, in the "Everyday Cheapskate" newsletter. Author Mary Hunt talks about how many Americans feel poor right now, and advises ways to feel richer. One of these recommendations is curbing clutter. "If you have clutter, it's pulling you down." Amen, sister!
I need to continue to visualize a clean, organized house. Visualization works for me--it helped me to keep my hope alive when I gave birth to a 24-weeker, 1-pound, 6-ounce baby who had to stay in the NICU for 117 days, and it will propel me to keep decluttering and organizing.
What Really Matters?
Leeds suggests that we set a short-term goal and a long-term goal. So here goes:
Short term (to accomplish in the next year): Finish organizing each room in my house according to the One Year to an Organized Life book.
Long term (to accomplish in the next 5 years): Teach my children how to cook and do laundry.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Discovered: a Fellow Aspiring Organizer!
This new humble blog of mine has attracted two interesting developments:
1. The author of the book I'm using, Regina Leeds, the "Zen Organizer," found my blog and commented here. Very exciting!
2. Today I received a comment from another aspiring organizer, mom of three, and grad student, Jennifer. She is also using the book and blogs about her progress at The Year of Living Obsessively (love the title), Broken Bananas, and Global Mother. Even better: she's an Obama supporter living in Arizona! :) I'm very happy to have a partner in crime, and am hoping we can cheer each other on in our efforts to get ourselves and our families better organized.
Still thinking about a plan to get my kids engaged in (strike that: bribe them to help with) my organizing adventures. That post will be next!
1. The author of the book I'm using, Regina Leeds, the "Zen Organizer," found my blog and commented here. Very exciting!
2. Today I received a comment from another aspiring organizer, mom of three, and grad student, Jennifer. She is also using the book and blogs about her progress at The Year of Living Obsessively (love the title), Broken Bananas, and Global Mother. Even better: she's an Obama supporter living in Arizona! :) I'm very happy to have a partner in crime, and am hoping we can cheer each other on in our efforts to get ourselves and our families better organized.
Still thinking about a plan to get my kids engaged in (strike that: bribe them to help with) my organizing adventures. That post will be next!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
I Can Only Get More Organized!
In other words, things can only get better.
I saw Regina Leeds' One Year to an Organized Life in a bookstore a few months ago and pointed it out to my husband. He thoughtfully purchased it for me for Christmas.
Instead of using the old-fashioned journal method Leeds recommends, I thought I'd try blogging instead. As an active blogger, I've found that blogging has finally gotten me to journal regularly, after all these years!
I am not horribly disorganized, but there is vast room for improvement. As the working mom of three boys, and with five members of the family who love books and paper, combined with the fact that I was raised by very thrifty parents and find it difficult to throw things away...I've got several things stacked against me!
I've been decluttering off and on for the past couple of years. But the battle continues, and I'm determined to be more methodical about it.
I'm hoping this book will help me. I will take "before" and "after" photos to chronicle my progress. This afternoon, I reorganized my upstairs and downstairs linen drawer and cabinet, and they look fabulous! (I forgot to take "before" pictures, though...) I'm determined to reduce the amount of possessions I have and to organize the ones I keep, so I don't continue to lose things (or buy more than one of something because I cannot find it or I forget that I already have one).
Tomorrow is the last day of 2008...and my organizing year starts the day after that. However, given the fact that we are having a dinner party for New Year's Eve, I suspect that I will be doing some cleaning and decluttering before my official project starts as well.
Onward and upward!
I saw Regina Leeds' One Year to an Organized Life in a bookstore a few months ago and pointed it out to my husband. He thoughtfully purchased it for me for Christmas.
Instead of using the old-fashioned journal method Leeds recommends, I thought I'd try blogging instead. As an active blogger, I've found that blogging has finally gotten me to journal regularly, after all these years!
I am not horribly disorganized, but there is vast room for improvement. As the working mom of three boys, and with five members of the family who love books and paper, combined with the fact that I was raised by very thrifty parents and find it difficult to throw things away...I've got several things stacked against me!
I've been decluttering off and on for the past couple of years. But the battle continues, and I'm determined to be more methodical about it.
I'm hoping this book will help me. I will take "before" and "after" photos to chronicle my progress. This afternoon, I reorganized my upstairs and downstairs linen drawer and cabinet, and they look fabulous! (I forgot to take "before" pictures, though...) I'm determined to reduce the amount of possessions I have and to organize the ones I keep, so I don't continue to lose things (or buy more than one of something because I cannot find it or I forget that I already have one).
Tomorrow is the last day of 2008...and my organizing year starts the day after that. However, given the fact that we are having a dinner party for New Year's Eve, I suspect that I will be doing some cleaning and decluttering before my official project starts as well.
Onward and upward!
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