tip of the week (8/17/08)

august 17 -- august 23, 2008

this weeks "tip of the week" was sent from Beth in Chicago, IL

Beth writes: "Over the years I have come to realize that organization is the key to life. One area of my life and my home that needs constant organization (especially during the school year) is the desk in my kitchen. Piles of paper seem to constantly collect on the desk and cause unneeded clutter and stress in my life. To deal with the clutter, I've created a "Paperwork Rule."

This rule is very simple. There are only three things you can do with paperwork:

1. Act on it
2. File it
3. Toss it

For example, if you get a piece of mail, open it...don't let the unopened mail pile up. After it is opened, you must decide what to do with it. If it is a catalog or a piece of junk mail and know that you are not going to use, toss it, as well as the thought that, “But maybe I will read it later…” If it is a bill, write it out and mail it, or file it in a “bills due”folder. If you receive a memo or note, after reading it, toss it or file it away. If you get a paper back, file it away. This is how stuff clutters my desk. Following this rule is a sure-fire way to eliminate clutter altogether."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Do you have an organizing or time management tip that you would like to share? Click here and your tip could be the next one featured in our newsletter, our blog or on our website!For more organizing tips, check out http://www.andreadekker.com/. It is full of great organizing tips for every area of your life.