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Now that the kids have been back in school for a few weeks now, the papers they have brought home are starting to accummulate. Left unmanaged, these can easily become clutter: an organizing dilemma I often encounter. The key for dealing with school papers is to be prepared! Here are some ideas:
1. Container! Container! Container! This is one area where having a container is absolutely necessary. It can be as simple as a box with a few file folders. Use a wicker basket for a nice decorative touch. I highly recommend purchasing some legal size manila folders (available at office supply stores) to accommodate larger sized items such as artwork. As I was surfing the internet, I came across some Corruboard products that would work well for organizing school papers. Here are some links to check out:
http://www.enasco.com/product/9720884H
http://www.enasco.com/product/WA26884H
Lillian Vernon has a great porfolio that can be used to hold school papers, artwork and keepsakes. Here is a link:
http://www.lillianvernon.com/catalog/product_display.jsp?pdId=777
Today in Joann Fabrics I saw large portfolio cases made out of posterboard that were not only eco friendly, but wallet friendly as well ($9.99 each). Each looked as if it could hold a year plus worth of papers/artwork!
2. Give each child a separate folder. Also, create subfolders within each folder for categories such as homework to be completed, homework to be submitted, school notices (policies, permission slips, upcoming activities), and artwork. This will help keep all paperwork in one area and eliminate time being wasted trying to track things down.
3. Create a routine. Build time into your schedule daily to go through paperwork your children bring home. Also, look through the existing folders to weed out papers that can be tossed or transferred to a filing cabinet for long term storage. Creating a routine helps pass on useful organizational skills to your child. Eventually, they will be able to sort their school papers on their own!
Unleash Your Organized Me!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Time to organize those Kodak moments!
Now that summer is drawing to a close and school is back in session, it is a perfect time to get those photos organized! Whether you prefer to use a digital camera or take pictures the old fashioned way, photos have a way of accummulating quickly. Develop a routine to make sure they become cherished memories and not clutter! (something I see quite often). Here are some suggestions to help get those photos organized:
Transfer digital photos immediately from your camera! (or get photos developed immediately). The longer photos stay stored on your camera, the easier it is that they become forgotten! I usually make sure to transfer my images within a day of shooting. Giving yourself a specific deadline helps "cement" the routine into place.
Create a separate folder on your computer for each photo session. For printed photos, put them in separate envelopes and store in photos boxes by year. This helps tremendously when you are trying to find a particular photo. I like to label mine according to a specific vacation or occasion (ex. Christmas 2008, Las Vegas 2009). Once the photos are on your computer, back them up immediately on a CD. You can use one CD to store many folders of photos: sometimes even a whole year's worth. You can then put the CD in a photo storage box along with printed photos if you like. Keep only recent folders of photos on your computer, otherwise you are taking up memory on your hard drive as well as creating electronic clutter.
Resist the urge to print every photo. I actually like to view my photos on my computer like a slide show. CDs take up a lot less space than paper copies! Also, consider purchasing a digital photo frame or put some photos on your IPod. If you prefer printed photos, try to store them in photo boxes instead of bulky albums to preserve space. Photo storage boxes come in an array of shapes, sizes and colors so they can be used for decorative purposes as well.
Convert paper photos into digital. Today's technological advances allow us to turn those paper photos into digital images. Here are some links to digital converters:
http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=102592830&c=10280
http://www.frontgate.com/jump.jsp?itemID=16646&itemType=PRODUCT&iProductID=16646&path=1%2C2%2C162%2C113%2C116%2C4631
Unleash Your Organized Me!
Transfer digital photos immediately from your camera! (or get photos developed immediately). The longer photos stay stored on your camera, the easier it is that they become forgotten! I usually make sure to transfer my images within a day of shooting. Giving yourself a specific deadline helps "cement" the routine into place.
Create a separate folder on your computer for each photo session. For printed photos, put them in separate envelopes and store in photos boxes by year. This helps tremendously when you are trying to find a particular photo. I like to label mine according to a specific vacation or occasion (ex. Christmas 2008, Las Vegas 2009). Once the photos are on your computer, back them up immediately on a CD. You can use one CD to store many folders of photos: sometimes even a whole year's worth. You can then put the CD in a photo storage box along with printed photos if you like. Keep only recent folders of photos on your computer, otherwise you are taking up memory on your hard drive as well as creating electronic clutter.
Resist the urge to print every photo. I actually like to view my photos on my computer like a slide show. CDs take up a lot less space than paper copies! Also, consider purchasing a digital photo frame or put some photos on your IPod. If you prefer printed photos, try to store them in photo boxes instead of bulky albums to preserve space. Photo storage boxes come in an array of shapes, sizes and colors so they can be used for decorative purposes as well.
Convert paper photos into digital. Today's technological advances allow us to turn those paper photos into digital images. Here are some links to digital converters:
http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=102592830&c=10280
http://www.frontgate.com/jump.jsp?itemID=16646&itemType=PRODUCT&iProductID=16646&path=1%2C2%2C162%2C113%2C116%2C4631
Unleash Your Organized Me!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Great Organizing Product for Barbie Dolls and Hot Wheels Cars!
Hi everyone! I hope you all are having a great summer! Here's a quick post about an organizing product that may help with the seemingly endless chore of picking up those toys!
I recently received a catalog for a company called The Lakeside Collection (http://www.lakeside.com/). I have to confess that I was originally annoyed when I saw it because it is the Christmas 2009 edition! Even though I like to start my Holiday shopping early, it's hard to think about Christmas when it's 90 degrees outside!
Anyway, as I was flipping through it, I saw the most interesting organizing product for Barbie Dolls and Hot Wheels Cars! It is very much like a shoe organizer that you can hang over the door of your child's room. It also acts as a way to display the toys so that your child can see them (unlike putting them all in a bin). Here is the link:
http://www.lakeside.com/details.asp?I=DC3&R=877227025DC34&Ntt=%3FDC3&N=36.
Unleash Your Organized Me!
I recently received a catalog for a company called The Lakeside Collection (http://www.lakeside.com/). I have to confess that I was originally annoyed when I saw it because it is the Christmas 2009 edition! Even though I like to start my Holiday shopping early, it's hard to think about Christmas when it's 90 degrees outside!
Anyway, as I was flipping through it, I saw the most interesting organizing product for Barbie Dolls and Hot Wheels Cars! It is very much like a shoe organizer that you can hang over the door of your child's room. It also acts as a way to display the toys so that your child can see them (unlike putting them all in a bin). Here is the link:
http://www.lakeside.com/details.asp?I=DC3&R=877227025DC34&Ntt=%3FDC3&N=36.
Unleash Your Organized Me!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Top 10 Reasons it Feels Great to Get Organized!
I know getting organized seems like so much work. But believe me, once you get started, it gets easier!
Here are 10 reasons why it feels great to get organized!
1) Organizing is a good form of exercise! I have been known to break a good sweat when I am in the middle of an organizing session. Exercise is not only good for physical health, but emotional health as well.
2) Organizing is a great way to find items that have been forgotten! Many times people find money, new clothing (sometimes with the tags still on), important papers, momentos and much more.
3) Organizing helps you keep a cleaner house! When there is clutter, sometimes dust and mold follow. Clutter is also difficult to clean around.
4) Organizing helps bring a sense of mental calm! Sometimes people have a difficult time concentrating around clutter. Clutter has a tendency to overwhelm the senses!
5) Organizing helps you sell you home quicker! Ever wonder why home staging has become such a big business? Clutter prevents prospective buyers from seeing the potential in your home. Clutter makes rooms appear smaller, unclean and older than they actually are.
6) Organizing helps make your environment safer! I can't tell you how many times I have found sharp objects such as broken glass, nails and razor blades mixed in with a pile of clutter. Just imagine what would happen to a child or pets playing in that clutter. It's a disaster waiting to happen!
7) Organizing helps you save time! Whenever you spend time organizing you almost always get a return on your investment. Less time looking for items you need means more time for other activities.
8) Organizing helps you save money! This one relates to #7 in that time equals money. Saving time means we have more time to be productive. Sometimes the actual organizing leads to finding money. It is not unusual for people to find loose change they had tucked away (not just coins, but bills!). Other times, people find extra canned goods or cleaning supplies which helps them cut back on that week's grocery list.
9) Organizing helps people to develop new habits! There is nothing like a few good hours spent clearing a roomful of clutter to help one commit to change! It motivates people to work on simplifying their lives. Reoccurring piles of clutter can signify a schedule that is too hectic as well as difficulty establishing boundaries with other family members.
10) Organizing helps keep those kids busy! Time and time again, I find that kids always want to help with the organizing process. It is almost like a new adventure! I always give the kids a specific task instead of asking what they want to do. For example, I recently asked one little girl if she could find ten of her toys she could donate to a child that was needy. Within 5 minutes, the mission was accomplished!
Unleash Your Organized Me!
Here are 10 reasons why it feels great to get organized!
1) Organizing is a good form of exercise! I have been known to break a good sweat when I am in the middle of an organizing session. Exercise is not only good for physical health, but emotional health as well.
2) Organizing is a great way to find items that have been forgotten! Many times people find money, new clothing (sometimes with the tags still on), important papers, momentos and much more.
3) Organizing helps you keep a cleaner house! When there is clutter, sometimes dust and mold follow. Clutter is also difficult to clean around.
4) Organizing helps bring a sense of mental calm! Sometimes people have a difficult time concentrating around clutter. Clutter has a tendency to overwhelm the senses!
5) Organizing helps you sell you home quicker! Ever wonder why home staging has become such a big business? Clutter prevents prospective buyers from seeing the potential in your home. Clutter makes rooms appear smaller, unclean and older than they actually are.
6) Organizing helps make your environment safer! I can't tell you how many times I have found sharp objects such as broken glass, nails and razor blades mixed in with a pile of clutter. Just imagine what would happen to a child or pets playing in that clutter. It's a disaster waiting to happen!
7) Organizing helps you save time! Whenever you spend time organizing you almost always get a return on your investment. Less time looking for items you need means more time for other activities.
8) Organizing helps you save money! This one relates to #7 in that time equals money. Saving time means we have more time to be productive. Sometimes the actual organizing leads to finding money. It is not unusual for people to find loose change they had tucked away (not just coins, but bills!). Other times, people find extra canned goods or cleaning supplies which helps them cut back on that week's grocery list.
9) Organizing helps people to develop new habits! There is nothing like a few good hours spent clearing a roomful of clutter to help one commit to change! It motivates people to work on simplifying their lives. Reoccurring piles of clutter can signify a schedule that is too hectic as well as difficulty establishing boundaries with other family members.
10) Organizing helps keep those kids busy! Time and time again, I find that kids always want to help with the organizing process. It is almost like a new adventure! I always give the kids a specific task instead of asking what they want to do. For example, I recently asked one little girl if she could find ten of her toys she could donate to a child that was needy. Within 5 minutes, the mission was accomplished!
Unleash Your Organized Me!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Think outside the list!
I myself am a big fan of lists. Sometimes I just don't have the time to write everything down, especially if I am in a hurry. Here is a little trick I use to help shortcut the process. I place an item strategically as a visual reminder of a task that needs to be completed. For example, recently, I needed to remind myself to make a jello salad for a picnic. After I did the grocery shopping, I put the boxes of jello on my kitchen table. Other examples of times where I use objects as cues are putting the slips for dry cleaning, postal reminders, etc. in a visible area of my car. This also saves me gas because I don't have to run home to get the slips before completing my errand.
One important thing to keep in mind is to be careful not to overuse this trick or you might find yourself creating clutter instead of reminders.
Unleash Your Organized Me!
One important thing to keep in mind is to be careful not to overuse this trick or you might find yourself creating clutter instead of reminders.
Unleash Your Organized Me!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Survey...In need of feedback regarding what characteristics of websites attract attention.
Hi everyone!
I am currently taking a survey for a web design class I am enrolled in. I am looking for feedback in regards to what characteristics of websites attract your attention the most. Here are examples of questions to fuel your thought.
Is it the format? If so, what do you like about how it is organized?
How about the way content is written?
Do you feel that the use of graphics helps or hinders your ability to interact with the website?
Do you prefer websites with multiple pages or do you like content to be arranged on one page?
What features do you feel are most important for website authors to include on their pages?
Any feedback is highly appreciated! Thank you!
Unleash Your Organized Me!
I am currently taking a survey for a web design class I am enrolled in. I am looking for feedback in regards to what characteristics of websites attract your attention the most. Here are examples of questions to fuel your thought.
Is it the format? If so, what do you like about how it is organized?
How about the way content is written?
Do you feel that the use of graphics helps or hinders your ability to interact with the website?
Do you prefer websites with multiple pages or do you like content to be arranged on one page?
What features do you feel are most important for website authors to include on their pages?
Any feedback is highly appreciated! Thank you!
Unleash Your Organized Me!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Make A Rainy Day an Organizing Day!
It's summer in Rochester and there is no shortage of rain! I can almost hear the litany of children's voices singing the "I'm Bored Blues". Rainy days are perfect for organizing! Organizing is like a puzzle! I know there are some of you who are doubting that your children would be interested in organizing. What I can tell you is that most of the time when I am organizing, the children always want to help. Many times, we uncover a favorite item that was believed to be "lost" but was merely underneath a pile of clutter.
With a few supplies and a little creativity, you can keep your children engaged for hours! Here are some suggestions on how to create "kid friendly" organizing tasks:
Start with areas that have items the kids will use. Such areas might be the basement or garage where sports equipment, pool supplies, and toys are often stored. Summer is the perfect time to take an inventory of what you have on hand so that you are prepared for all those barbeques and sleepovers. It is also a good time to set unwanted items aside for garage sales. You can use the proceeds towards a fun summer activity!
Provide an ample supply of different sized storage containers and shelf space. This can be a little painful if you have shelves that are already full. Nonetheless, you will need to clear them. Start with one section so it doesn't seem overwhelming. I am known to literally "dump" everything on the floor and start from scratch. It lets you survey the array of items that need to be organized. It's like opening a new jigsaw puzzle!
Use that rain water! Set some of those dirty garage or basement items out in the rain to help wash them off. While the rain might not get all that grime, at least you are putting it to good use. Keep a garden hose handy for additional rinsing.
Have snacks and beverages handy. Organizing involves physical activity, so people tend to get hungry and thirsty. While you are at it, put some good music on! Before you know it, everybody is having fun and by then, maybe the rain will be gone!
Unleash Your Organized Me!
With a few supplies and a little creativity, you can keep your children engaged for hours! Here are some suggestions on how to create "kid friendly" organizing tasks:
Start with areas that have items the kids will use. Such areas might be the basement or garage where sports equipment, pool supplies, and toys are often stored. Summer is the perfect time to take an inventory of what you have on hand so that you are prepared for all those barbeques and sleepovers. It is also a good time to set unwanted items aside for garage sales. You can use the proceeds towards a fun summer activity!
Provide an ample supply of different sized storage containers and shelf space. This can be a little painful if you have shelves that are already full. Nonetheless, you will need to clear them. Start with one section so it doesn't seem overwhelming. I am known to literally "dump" everything on the floor and start from scratch. It lets you survey the array of items that need to be organized. It's like opening a new jigsaw puzzle!
Use that rain water! Set some of those dirty garage or basement items out in the rain to help wash them off. While the rain might not get all that grime, at least you are putting it to good use. Keep a garden hose handy for additional rinsing.
Have snacks and beverages handy. Organizing involves physical activity, so people tend to get hungry and thirsty. While you are at it, put some good music on! Before you know it, everybody is having fun and by then, maybe the rain will be gone!
Unleash Your Organized Me!
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