September | 2018 | Organize to Simplify

Organizing doesn’t have to be incredibly time-consuming or daunting.

Here are a few quick projects that can get you motivated.

Create A Calendar

Find a calendar that fits your needs and style: wall calendar, day planner, custom spreadsheet, etc.
Fill in non-negotiable obligations.
Create an area to document tasks to get done during the month.
Categorize tasks by A/B/C priority.
Schedule tasks around non-negotiable obligations.
Check/update calendar on a daily basis.

Clean Out A Drawer (pick a drawer, any drawer)

Take everything out.
Sort items by purpose (do they even belong there?).
Throw away anything that isn’t functional; donate items that are functional that you don’t use.
Thoroughly clean the drawer.
Containerize like items together as much as possible.

Clean One Refrigerator Shelf (or pantry shelf, medicine cabinet shelf . . . you get the idea)

Take everything out (seeing a trend?)
Check expiration dates; throw out anything past expiration date.
Categorize items by function: condiments, snacks, salad dressings, etc.
Thoroughly clean the shelf.
Containerize like items together as much as possible.

Create A Mail Station

Choose a place: Your mail station should be wherever you regularly open the mail.
Put a recycling bin and shredder as close to the mail station as possible.
Create an area to put items that need further work: bills to pay; invitations to respond to; filing, etc.
Place any important dates on your calendar.
Ongoing: Unsubscribe from unwanted catalogs or direct mail items using: http://www.catalogchoice.org/, http://www.dmachoice.org/, http://www.yellowpagesgoesgreen.org/, and http://www.optoutprescreen.com/

Clean Out Your Purse/Wallet/Briefcase

Take everything out (there it is again!)
Vacuum/wipe out the inside; wipe the outside down with appropriate cleaning agent (vinyl can tolerate antiseptic wipes, leather cleaner, etc.).
Reorganize by function: sunglasses/reading glasses in one section; small cosmetic bag in another; wallet in another. If the purse/briefcase doesn’t have sections, consider investing in an organizer.
Scan front/back of important cards/documents in case the purse/wallet/briefcase is lost or stolen.

Clean Out Car Interior

Remove all the garbage.
Wipe down surfaces with a duster or soft rag. Use mild detergent where appropriate and safe for surfaces.
Clean windows and vacuum seats.
Create a place for a small garbage can/bag.
Containerize like items: one container for reusable shopping bags; others for emergency kits (see below), etc.

Create Emergency Kits: 2-Part Project

Part 1:

Check for dealer-supplied items already stored in the vehicle/home.
Find appropriately sized containers for the available space.
Gather the following supplies for the “Everyday Situations” kit: paper towels, granola bars, water, blanket, coat, gloves, flashlight/batteries, etc.
Gather the following supplies for “Emergency Situations” kit: first aid kit, flat tire repair kit, flares, jumper cables, etc.
Make a list of needed supplies and containers.

Part 2:

Acquire needed supplies and containers.
Add them to the kit.
Create a list of items in each kit and check semi-annually for expiration dates. Replace anything used or out of date.

Create a Meal Plan

Check refrigerator to see what needs to be used within the near future.
Create a meal plan for the week.
Plan at least one day for leftovers.
Post meal plan for the entire family to see.
Create a weekly master shopping list.

Clean Out The Linen Closet

Take everything out (Darn! There it is again!)
Sort by function: sheets, towels, etc.
Secondary sort by sheet/towel size.
If possible, designate shelves by function; label sheets and towels by size if possible.
Donate any items no longer used to a local charity. (Note: your veterinary office may want some of your cast-off towels.)

Create A Household “To Do” List

Make a list of tasks you perform on a regular basis.
Consult with others in the home who perform regular maintenance and include their items on the list also.
Separate tasks by frequency: weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, etc.
Create a spreadsheet or other document capturing regular tasks.
Designate responsibility across appropriate household members.
Review list weekly.

Even small projects can have a large impact.

Cindy Jobs, COC, ACC

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National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals, Seattle Chapter Vice-President

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Professional Resource Member

Coach Approach for Organizers

Institute for Challenging Disorganization

Level I Certificates earned in Chronic Disorganization; ADD; Client Administration; Time Management; Mental Health; and Hoarding.

Level II Specialist Certificates earned in Chronic Disorganization and AD

Manager to a team member: “Please graph 2^nd quarter sales, this year to last year.”

Sibling to sibling: “When you go see Mom, please water the flower boxes.”

Spouse to spouse: “Can you stop and get milk on the way home, please?”

Parent to child: “Before you go out to play, please unload the dishwasher and set the table.”

One of the most tried and true ways to get more done is to delegate effectively.

Note I said “effectively.” We can’t just delegate willy-nilly, we need to ensure we are delegating fairly, responsibly, AND we need to follow up accordingly. (For those of us that might have some control tendencies, delegating requires us to take a deep breath and take a leap of faith.)

What does it mean to delegate?

1: to entrust to another

delegate authority
delegated the task to her assistant

2: to appoint as one’s representative

Do delegate . . .

. . . assignments you aren’t good at and/or don’t like to do.

. . . things that you don’t have time for.

. . . repetitive tasks.

. . . chores that need to get done, but not necessarily by you. Just because you’ve always done them, doesn’t mean you need to continue to.

. . . responsibilities that will empower others.

Don’t delegate . . .

. . . things you love to do. Even mundane tasks can be rewarding. Personally, even when I had an awesome, capable team, I still loved to file.

. . . one-time tasks where your expertise can get it done quickly and efficiently.

. . . responsibilities that require your personal attention (don’t delegate a presentation when someone has requested you as the presenter, but do delegate compiling the slides and handouts).

. . . things that require a level of expertise only you possess (no delegating that brain surgery!)

. . . things where only you can ensure the confidentiality of sensitive information.

Some things to delegate:

Business reports
Meeting organization
Tax preparation and filing
Laundry and cleaning
Grocery shopping
Errands
Household maintenance and repairs

Delegation doesn’t require a team of employees. Look around. See what needs to be done. Prepare a list. Ask for assistance. Empower others to learn and grow. Give yourself more time to do what you do best.

What can you delegate to make room for what’s most important?