Ready, Set….Start Planning
September is the start of the busiest time of year. For me, it’s also the beginning of a lot of planning and organizing that will need to get done in the next 4 months. From now through Christmas, the pace seems to speed up a little, lots of activities, lots of shopping, lots of cooking, lots of family. And if you’re not organized, the stress level can spike rapidly!
So what’s the key to getting, and staying organized? A system…a designated area or space dedicated to scheduling, planning, notes, mail, and the biggest source of clutter, paper. This “system” can be placed in any area of the house, but for it to be most effective, I suggest you consider an area that is visible and accessible to everyone in the family…the laundry room, the mud room or the kitchen.
Here are a few examples to help you get started.
A calendar is a staple in an organization center, because although we live in an age of electronic calendars and planners, there’s no substituting the written word. You can also include a chalk board or a dry erase board, plus the ever versatile cork board…all surfaces for leaving messages for each other and reminders of upcoming events.
You can start with those basics then add solutions for your specific needs, such as slots for magazines, hooks for backpacks, cubbies for pens, etc. You can fine tune the system as you go.
Now that you’ve decided on a system, you have the tools to keep you organized. You’ll need to maintain that organization. Here’s a few ideas to help you do that.
Handle Paper Only Once: you’ve heard that before…if you’re going to handle it, file it where it belongs or throw it away.
Have a Trashcan Accessible: The easiest way to keep your organization center organized, is to open or sort your mail over the trash. All junk mail goes in the trash.
Stop Paper Statements: You can always access the same information online.
Purge Daily: As you add new mail and paper, make it a point to also throw away outdated ones.
The thing is, you need to work at it. As with any new routine, you’ll need to be discipline and consistent. It’ll be well worth it though, it’s such a great feeling to feel organized!
September is here…lets start planning.
Hope I’ve Inspired!
