“Whether you’re an homemaker or a business owner, managing your paper is likely to be your biggest single organizing challenge. The sheer volume of paper that modern life seems to generate makes it difficult for almost everyone.“ [Organizing for the Creative Person · Dorothy Lehmkuhl & Delores Cotter Lamping, C.S.W. · 1993 · Three Rivers Press · Chapter 11 · Page 140]
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- What’s Your Home Office “Must Have?” (dallisonlee.com)
- 4 Easy Ways To De-clutter Your Desk (hellobeautiful.com)
Who said that organizing products have to just be functional? Not guest author and Pro Organizer, Jeri Dansky! Check out these fab and interesting products that she’s found…
Organizing products are available all over the place — including dollar stores, Goodwill and other thrift stores, and large chain stores such as Target, Home Depot, Staples and The Container Store.
But sometimes you want something special, something unique — something that will inspire you to stay organized. Here are just a few examples of such products — some of my latest finds.
1. Baskets from Heart of Alamor
Baskets come in a huge range of styles, shapes and sizes. Debbie Norton’s has been in the basket business since 1976,and her pine needle baskets look stunning.
2. Knitted Felt Bowls from Home Woolens
Lots of people are making lovely felted bowls nowadays; they can be useful for storing all sorts of odds and ends. This is one of my recent favorites.
3. Address books from Rag & Bone Bindery
While many people are keeping addresses and phone numbers on their computers and cell phones, some people still prefer a paper address book. Rag & Bone Bindery, based in Rhode Island, provide handcrafted books that would be a pleasure to use.
4. Pencil box from Strong Arm Bindery
This lovely box could also be used to store jewelry.
5. OneLessFile from Heckler Design
Want an absolutely stunning hanging file holder for your floor or desktop? Take a look at this one, available in five standard colors — and custom colors, too. Personally, I love the buttercup — so cheerful!
Photo Credit: MacWorld.co.uk
6. Leash Hooks from These Creatures
You can get 2-hook or 3-hook designs — and of course these could hold more than just leashes! They’re also sold by Red Sail.
7. Ballerina Memory Board from Betty
Here’s a ribbon board that could be perfect for the right little girl — or perhaps someone not so little!
You’re not going crazy. There were 8 products profiled, however, the final item was removed today at the request of the maker. The good news is that there are lots of interesting products that can help you maintain order. If you’re looking for something in particular, let us know. -Deb, 7.30.10
About the Author
Jeri Dansky is a professional organizer, helping people whose clutter is driving them crazy —and helping the mostly organized do even better. She works primarily with those in the San Francisco Bay Area, but has clients around the world. Contact Jeri at 650.726.0456 or jeri [at] jdorganizer [dot] com.
Connect with Jeri Online: Website | Blog | Twitter
In the quest to achieve goals and just plain old GTD, what is the biggest defeater of such ambitions? I submit to you, the deadly act of procrastination. I must confess that for years, it has been the sole reason (within my own control) that I haven’t been able to successfully stay on track to achieve the Holy Grail of GTD.
While justification often is the cousin of procrastination, those two family members often, if not always, make it difficult to knock those things off your list. “Never put of to tomorrow, what you can do today.” Such a simple adage, right? Why isn’t it heeded more in the general sense?
For me, like many, I think it’s because we take for granted that tomorrow is promised, when it truly isn’t and, secondly, if we move said task, we can do something more valuable (necessary?) in it’s place. I heard a phrase last year that says something like “It takes three weeks to successfully create a habit” (good or bad). I test this theory out on some simple tasks like collecting the trash from rooms in my home the night before versus the morning of trash pickup. After doing it for three weeks, voila! The habit was formed.
It’s time that I apply this same adage to procrastination. Procrastination is time thief. I plan to defeat it to the best of my ability. Come along for the ride (if you dare!).
Have a great day!
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If you’re married to your PC or laptop, you likely have files that you tend to use often. Why not keep those files close at hand? I’ve been using a folder that I named Frequently Used Dox, though you might call yours Stuff I Use All the Time or Files I’m Always Looking For. Whatever phrase works for you, that’s the one you should use since that’s what you’ll look for.
The next step would be to figure out where to keep it. I keep mine on my desktop (bottom, right hand side) so I can find it easily. There would be nothing worse than creating a folder system to contain your most used documents and not being able to find said folder. 
Currently, there is a combination of Word documents (10), Excel (1), pdf (1), and picture (7) files stored inside. I try to keep the number of files low, and when I realize that I’m not referring specific documents on a regular basis, I remove them. What I love is that I don’t have to do a scavenger hunt to find what I’m looking for. We all know how much fun that can be <insert sarcasm font here>.
Test out this system and let me know how it works for you. If you use a different trick to manage your most used files, I’d love to hear about it.
The one room in my home that tends to get cluttered is my home office. Actually, it’s my desk that takes the biggest hit when I’m in super busy mode. It’s gotten a bit out of sorts lately, and in my quest to regain order, I discovered a few things in my office that I absolutely had to get rid of…along with a few that I definitely “must have.”
Well, it turns out that I have quite a few “must have” items. To start, I’ve listed four of them below…more to follow in a later post.
I keep all my important papers and sensitive information that clients give me (e.g., credit card numbers) in my safe. I love that I can use hanging files to separate specific categories and easily find what I’m looking for. Buy a Hanging File Safe
Paper piles and receipt mountains can quickly take over any office, including mine. Books don’t ever seem to be the problem as they sit nicely on a shelf, but paper, well, that’s a different story. The NeatDesk is very helpful at keeping the paper monster at bay, including the business card types. The NeatWorks software organizes the papers you scan and creates searchable pdf files. This will make your life easy, especially come tax time. Yes, it’s coming again…soon. Buy Neat Desk
What office would be complete without a way to back up electronic files? You never know when your PC or laptop will get temperamental or go on a permanent sabbatical, so having another way to access your files is critical. The model pictured on the left is the one most similar to the one I use, though you may want to check out the Western Digital 2 TB unit and SentrySafe HD that is fire safe and waterproof. Buy a Hard Drive
Alright, so Dropbox isn’t an actual thing in my office, but I definitely recommend it as a great way to access and share files from any PC. I used it this year to share docs my CPA needed to prepare my taxes. The added bonus: when you make changes to the shared files, all edits are updated for everyone (i.e., automatic sync). What’s even better? Each time you refer Dropbox to a friend who signs up, you get extra storage space free. Sign Up for Dropbox
What can’t you live without in your office?
“As long work-hours introduce conflict between work and family into many dual-earner families, couples often resolve conflict in ways that prioritise husbands’ careers.” [Women 'Give Up Careers Because of Unhelpful Husbands' · Laura Roberts · Telegraph.co.uk · 02 April 2010]
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Check out these 5 simple tips from Financial Organizing Expert, Nanette Duffey, on how to better manage your finances and protect your identity while on vacation.
An enjoyable vacation awaits you, but being charged overdraft fees, being buried with medical bills, or dealing with identify theft should not be part of anyone’s post-travel routine. With these five quick tips you can organize your finances, put your mind at ease, and recharge your batteries during your time away.
Tip #1: Lose weight by clearing out our wallet. Gather up your current wallet and then find a comfortable seat with a flat surface such as a table or counter. Begin by emptying out 100% of the contents. Discard out-dated items, return items you’ve been carrying for others, and remove unnecessary paper bits. Be honest, do you really want to carry 14 days of credit/debit card purchase receipts in your wallet? Finally, replace those items you need on a weekly basis to your wallet. Not convinced you can live without it? Try going 2 weeks with a lighter load and you’ll never look back.
Tip #2: Avoid fees by signing up for text alerts from bank & credit card issuers. These tiny reminders are now readily available from most major issuers. Start by logging onto your bank and card issuer. Sign up for alerts that notify you when you’re entering a “danger zone” such as low balance on your checking or over the limit on credit card accounts. With the average American now carrying 3.5 credit cards, according to a Federal Reserve Bank of Boston study, a low balance alert will be the best text you get all week if it helps you avoid just one $29 fee or notifies you of fraudulent activity.
Tip #3: Exercise caution when withdrawing cash at ATM. Your relaxed attitude makes you more prone for ATM PINs at risk for scams, and unfamiliar ATM machines make it easier for thieves to use skimming devices to steal your personal data.
Tip #4: Verify your health insurance cards are current. Nobody likes a health emergency, but in the unlikely event you are injured while away from home, having your current coverage and contact information becomes critical. Leaving on a vacation tomorrow? No problem, many major health insurers (Blue Cross, Humana, and United Healthcare) allow you to print replacement cards online. Having current coverage info means faster access to care and you also avoid the hassle: claims filing, billing headaches, and follow-up calls.
Tip #5: Stop identity thieves at your mailbox. A full mailbox broadcasts broadcasts “I’m NOT Home” and rolls out the welcome mat to potential identity theft. Next time you have travel plans, stop mail in less than 30 seconds. This is especially important for those who still receive paper bills and home-based business owners.
With these five easy tips for organizing your finances, you gain time and peace of mind to enjoy your trip without worries about managing your finances. Now you’ll have plenty of time to review your photos, share memories, and begin daydreaming of your next big adventure!
About the Author
Nanette Duffey, Daily Money Manager & Professional Organizer, is an award winning entrepreneur, speaker, and self-described numbers gal. She created Organized Instincts to share her organizing talents and personal finance knowledge with the world. She helps people quickly and effectively manage any activity that has financial ramifications. Nanette is passionate about helping busy adults who need “practical organizing advice and solutions that work in the real world!”
Connect With Nanette: Web | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn
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One of the main complaints I get from my clients about technology is that it’s too complicated. This can be true in some cases, but for me yesterday, it couldn’t have been more simple.
I called a client who happened to be driving and he asked me to call him back in 15 minutes. There were a few things I could have done to remind me to call him…
• Put a reminder post-it on my laptop (btw, I love post-its!…best low tech product ever, especially when used with Sharpies.)
• Put a note on my digital calendar with a pop-up reminder
• Use my iPhone timer
• Tie a string around my finger
I’m out of string, so I went with the timer. ;) Not only is the timer easy to set, it also gives you a visual countdown and blares when time is up (though you can choose which “blare” you like).
The time frame was short so I wasn’t worried that when the timer went off that I would forget what I was reminding myself to do. Any kind of timer can help keep you focused, but I really I like this iPhone feature. Is it a reason to go buy an iPhone? No, but if you have one, why not make the most of it and use as many features as possible? …especially one that’s simple and easy to use?
Of course, things don’t always work as planned. When I called the client back in 15 minutes, I got his voicemail. =)
Simple and easy… Do you use a low or high tech timer?
P.S. My colleague and tech expert, Lauren Halagarda, would probably cringe at notion of putting a task on a calendar. =) As she says in her presentations, calendars are for appointments, not tasks. She’s right, and if I had a to do or task app with a reminder feature, that would have been another viable option. I know there are a couple apps out there that can do this, so more on that in a later post.
Image by Andrei Z via Flickr
I have a client who does a pseudo-clothing swap with a friend at the end of each of our organizing sessions. How does it work? After we do our sorting and purging, she takes “special” pieces that no longer fit her or that she doesn’t like anymore to a specific person. The catch: she’s not allowed to come home with anything from that friend!
You don’t have to be quite that strict with a movie swap, but why not find a friend or two that love movies just as much as you do, and trade them? Set a regular swap date…maybe watch a few together. You’ll see the movies you’re interested in and keep your core collection from taking over your home. It’ll be easier on your pocket, too. Win-win, yes?
Today is the official observance of the 4th of July and many of us in the US have the day off. Usually, we re-post one of our favorite articles on a holiday, but instead we’re sharing a product review. If you’ve used this Smead Stadium File, please leave a comment telling us how you like it.
Who doesn’t have paper clutter? It’s one of the more popular reasons why clients ask for my help. There are many systems that can help control paper, and I was recently asked by the nice folks at Buttoned Up to review* a new one: Stadium File™ by Smead. They also sent Super Tab® folders and Viewables® labels, but I primarily focused on the stadium file. Here’s my report…
What I Like
- Color. So, who cares about color? What does that have to do with with paper clutter? Well, if you like the look and feel of the product, you’re more likely to use it and also maintain it. It’s Open. It’s not closed (like a file drawer) so it’s great for those of us who are visual learners. You’ll be able to see exactly what’s inside without having to open a lid or drawer. Note: This can be con…if you don’t keep your system neat, you’ll see that, too.
- Flexibility.
(a) You can use it with file folders or simply put papers in the appropriately labeled spot.
(b) Use it for frequently used documents (i.e., action files)…
(c) or use the entire system for docs related to a project you’re working on.
(d) You can even use it just for bills.
(e) This might be a good option to collect incoming mail instead of having piles on the kitchen counter. Use name labels help you filter mail to appropriate person.
(f) Business owners could use it for client follow up or lead files.
- Pre-printed Labels. This system comes with labels for just about anyone: alpha, months, numbers, and names of popular categories (e.g., banking, receipts, utilities, insurance, credit card, medical, etc.). There are also blank labels so you can create categories specific to your needs. That’s a great opportunity to use your label maker, yes?
- Tiers. It’s tiered (hence the name stadium) so that you can easily see the tabs on file folders…or the stadium tabs which are located on the left, center, and right. This allows you to put labels wherever you prefer.
- Size. The unit is small enough to move easily to any spot that you intend to work. It’s the right size for the top of your desk, too.
- Green. It’s blue but it’s green, too…well, partially. It’s made from 10% recycled materials.
What Would Have Made it Perfect
- Portability. Though it’s small enough to move around your office (or to the kitchen table), when filled to capacity, it may be a bit heavy or cumbersome. I like to visit my other “offices,” a.k.a. Panera & Starbucks, so it would be nice if it had handles to make it more portable. Perhaps handles could be placed on the front and back??
Last Word…
…about the Viewables® labels…
- Why I like them: The biggest plus is that you can see the labels from the top of the file. Being able to view label names immediately helps you find what you’re looking for more quickly. Also, the labels now come in a variety of colors. You can use colors to connect similar categories of files. I used them quite a bit in my previous work life and wish I had color options back then.
- Why I don’t like them: To make the labels, you need to download software AND you need your PC to make them. I think a labeler is much more efficient. I also sometimes found it difficult to keep up with the system…though that could have been because I was a bit of a perfectionist. I had to make sure the labels were on completely straight!
Disclosure: This is sponsored content which means that I was compensated for doing this review. What was my prize? A $20 Target gift card. Not a huge prize but one that can come in handy. =) Remember, OTR authors don’t give positive reviews for anything we do not believe in. Our content was not edited or directed in any way by Smead or Get Buttoned Up.
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