Organizers Inc | Tips and FAQs




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	Tips & FAQs

	1.	Where do I start organizing?
	2.	How can I help my kids be organized?
	3.	What is the best tool for organizing?
	4.	How do I handle all this paper and mail (including e-mail)?
	5.	Is my mess the worst you've ever seen?
	6.	Why do I feel stress?
	7.	Is it your experience that once you set up a system for someone that they are able to maintain it, or do the clutterbugs generally fall back into their old habits?
	8.	Where do I donate things?

	Where do I start organizing?
		When decluttering a home begin in the most used and favorite rooms. If your garage is a mess and that is your main access to the house declutter and organize the garage first or second to set the tone for an organized day and home. When clearing a desk, begin on the top surface directly in front of the chair area. Proceed to the left, above the drawers then clockwise around the writing area. After completing the desk, start just inside the entrance and work around the room clockwise. Do not skip spots, piles, or other clutter, work through each item & paper as you encounter it. When de-cluttering a room, begin just inside the main entrance and work around the room clockwise. Just as in an office do not skip spots, piles, or other clutter, work through each item & paper as you encounter it. Be sure to have a box for things to return to their homes outside the room. Do not leave to return something to its place (this may cause you to get sidetracked). back to the top

	How can I help my kids be organized?
		The first thing to do is set a good example for your children. Set aside 15 minutes per day to focus on picking up, preparing for the next day, or tying up some loose ends. Involve the kids by giving them a box of their things to 'return home'. Start by giving them some simple responsibilities. (A 3-year-old can fold small towels and washcloths, help you make his bed, clear the table, pick up playthings, empty waste baskets.) Add a responsibility every few months. Always explain why you do what you do and begin by showing a child how to do an activity or chore patiently and thoroughly. back to the top

	What is the best tool for organizing?
		Actually we have found two things to be very useful. First is the trashcan. Yes, use it frequently. Second I advocate using a timer. You can do anything for 15 minutes so set the timer and let nothing distract you from your de-cluttering or organizing efforts for that time. You will be pleased with how much you accomplish when you focus! After 15 minutes move on to something else and schedule another 15-minute session soon. back to the top

	How can I handle all this paper and mail (including e-mail)?
		I suggest you S.T.R.A.P.© all your papers. S - Stop it from even reaching you by getting off mailing & distribution lists for reports, catalogs, 'special offers', and other materials you don't have time to read. (See links on the right.) T - Toss things that just aren't important - be brutal here, you're saving yourself valuable time! R - Read & Write - if a paper can be read in less than two minutes, read it immediately and write the next action on it (or your master list). A - Act. If you can complete the action related to the paper in less than two minutes, do it immediately. Actions include passing this paper to someone else (delegate), filling out a form, and writing a quick reply. A related phone call that may take 5 or more minutes should be put in your 'to do' file for completion after processing your papers. P - Put the paper somewhere. A key destination is the trash if you are done with it. Second choice is a file. (Remember 80% of what we store is never retrieved or used.) Pending files hold projects that are not complete. For example, 'to read' file holds items requiring more than 2 minutes to read, the 'hot file' holds things that must have your attention immediately, and general category files hold related papers such as 'medical' or 'business plan' materials. For more filing tips and techniques attend one of our workshops or seminars. back to the top

	Is my mess the worst you've ever seen?
		Probably not. And, a mess is something we like to see as only an organizer can. We see potential in what is there and are eager to develop that potential. back to the top

	Why do I feel stressed?
		Generally we feel pressure because we have too much in our lives; too many commitments, too many things, too much information. The first step to reducing pressure is reducing the obligations, stuff, and paper in our lives. back to the top

	Is it your experience that once you set up a system for someone that they are able to maintain it, or do the clutterbugs generally fall back into their old habits?
		Since we set up systems with clients based on their way of working we find that many of the routines and procedures we implement are natural and effortless for clients. The new skills that are straightforward and make life easier are the ones that become habits the quickest. Other new skills or procedures need time and practice to become permanent. Afterall, those ineffective habits took a lifetime to develop. For this reason I often have ongoing ?checkups? with clients where I return every month or two to reinforce the things that work, modify the things that don?t, and address new issues. back to the top

	Where can I donate things?
		Click here for "Donations Destination" document. back to the top