Are you a compulsive hoarder? Maybe you have a loved one who is suffering with this disease. Either way, hoarding is a serious problem that can quickly spiral out of control if it is not dealt with.
Hoarding is defined as: Excessive collection and retention of items to the point it interferes with daily functioning (home, health, family, work, social life, etc.)
Compulsive hoarders usually have taken their internal emotional clutter and have given it an external manifestation. The reason they surround themselves with things is to try to fill a void. They may also seek to surround themselves with a bubble of security and comfort. Clutter and disorganization cause stress not only for the cluttered person, but family, friends, and co-workers as well.
There is no need to be embarrassed. Hoarding is typically a life-long psychological problem that can’t be solved overnight. The best advice anyone can give someone suffering from compulsive hoarding is: SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP!
Contact me and I can meet with your or your loved one and I can also recommend specialists who can be of further assistance.
You can find additional information and resources on compulsive hoarding (and related material on OCD and OCPD) and treatment at various websites. I've included links to them below.
Are you a natural procrastinator? Everyone experiences the desire to procrastinate at some point in their lives. For one reason or another, nothing is harder than doing the one task that needs to get done. People go to great lengths — create excuses, find other work, or even hide — to avoid a dreaded task. Usually time spent procrastinating is simply wasted, but it doesn’t have to be.
When managed effectively, the desire to avoid one job can be used to get other things done. This strategy is called structured procrastination. Rather than doing nothing at all, take care of business that normally gets forgotten. This is a great way to deal with mundane chores. Use your desire to avoid real work to force yourself to work harder at something else!
My favorite structured procrastination activities include:
Organizing my work area
Networking
Scheduling
Tying up loose ends
Meetings
Running errands
Clearing out my inbox
Helping others
Getting up to date
Of course, structured procrastination doesn’t always work. There will be times when you can’t stand to do anything work related. Usually this is a sign that you need to take a break and recharge.
Rather than forcing yourself to work when you aren’t up for it, embrace procrastination completely. These activities cure procrastination by rejuvenating energy and creativity:
Go to lunch
Exercise
Take a walk
Cat nap
Creative thinking
Read a good book
Of course, there are many other excellent alternatives for both structured and unstructured procrastination. The key is experimenting until you find what works for you. Hopefully these suggestions will help you think of new ways to get things done even when you don’t feel like it.
Stressful holidays are not fun for anyone. At the end of yet another hectic holiday season, several of my clients promise themselves that "next year will be different!" If you are tired of saying something similar to yourself each year, try getting yourself organized NOW for the upcoming holiday season. Here are some suggestions to try:
Get a binder and fill it with paper. Also get dividers, labels, page protectors, pens, and a calculator. Use this as your Holiday Organizer. Shopping lists, gift ideas holiday recipes, guest lists, schedules, etc. can be located easily.
Buy your Christmas cards as early as possible. Also buy stamps. Make sure you have enough cards the first time so you don’t have to do this task again. Keep cards with you and fill them out whenever you have spare time, such as your child's soccer practice, waiting in your car for your child to come out from school, vet's office and just whenever you have a few free minutes. Try setting aside time every evening to get some cards done. Stamp as soon as you have sealed a card. This year you will be ahead of the game and can get your cards mailed out early instead of just before New Years.
Try to do as much of your holiday shopping online and mail order. When you do need to go to the mall for holiday shopping, it is best to go early in the morning or early afternoon. Try to avoid weekends and late afternoon/evening times.
Keep all gift-wrapping supplies in one location, or better yet, a portable container of some type. Have gift tags, tape scissors, ribbon, bows and whatever else you might use in wrapping your gifts inside. This is a great way to not waste time searching for the tape! Also, if you wrap as you buy, I guarantee Christmas Eve will be more relaxing!
If you will be going out of town for the holidays, make a master packing list early. If you will be flying, do not bother wrapping gifts. They will be unwrapped at the airport. It is best to mail presents ahead of time, so they will be there when you arrive.
We’re all concerned about finances right now and looking for ways to save money. It strikes me that making some basic organizing principles part of your daily life can have a big impact on your ability to cut costs in your household. I often tell my clients that getting organized is really just a matter of making simple organizing habits a routine part of your life. Think about using these concepts to help you save money in your home.
Simplify – One obvious way to save money is to cut back on how much you spend on acquiring new things. By getting organized you reduce the number of times you go out and buy new items that you may already have but just can’t find. It’s also a basic organizing principle that the less “stuff” you have, the easier it is to organize and stay organized. Try focusing on keeping only the things you truly love or realistically need. You’ll be less overwhelmed by clutter you otherwise need to store, clean and maintain. And you’ll have more time and energy left to do other things.
Plan Ahead – Planning ahead can help you save time, effort and money in so many areas. Take just a little time each day, or at least a couple times a week to plan ahead on things like your meals for the week (reduce the number of times you grab something on the go), make a list before you go shopping (stick to the list and reduce the amount you spend on impulse buys), complete errands grouped by location (save on gas).
Establish Systems – Simple systems can help you save money. Set up a location to keep bills and schedule a date to pay them (avoid late charges). Keep coupons in your purse, wallet or car so you have them with you when you’re likely to use them. Assign homes for things so you know where to find things (you won’t have to purchase replacements).
Identify Priorities – When you’re looking for ways to simplify and cut expenses, you’ll likely have to identify priorities and make choices about what is most important to you. Think about what you spend money on, what you spend your time on, and what takes up space in your home. Anytime our resources (time, money and space) are limited, it can be especially helpful to keep only those things that you need and/or love in your life.
The holidays are fast approaching which means extra stress is also just around the corner. If you are a person who is easily stressed out, follow the 5 steps below to instantly de-stress your life and your holiday season.
Exercise: walk, jog or go to the gym for 30 min. 4 to 5 times a week. This small amount of exercise will give you more energy throughout the day and help you maintain your weight throughout the holiday season.
Get Enough Sleep: yes...even you should get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night! A restful night sleep will not only give you more energy and make you less irritable, it is also proven to help regulate your metabolism...which we know the affect that can have on our weight!
Learn to Say "NO": have you built up resentment because of your inability to say "no" to everything that comes your way? Face it, you can't do it all! Start saying "no" to small things and then work up to the bigger things.
Take Time for Yourself: you are a busy professional, soccer mom, wife, chef, maid and taxi service...you deserve a little time for yourself! Block out a 15 to 20 min period, when the kids are in bed, just for you. Take a bath, read, flip through a favorite magazine or cookbook. These activities will instantly de-stress you after a long day.
Utilize a Support System: if you start to feel overwhelmed or on the verge of a meltdown, contact a friend or family member to ask for help or just to talk. Sometimes all you need is another person's perspective on the situation to calm you down and get you back on track.
Don't wait for the holiday's...integrate one or more of these de-stressing ideas into your daily routine today and enjoy the stress-free week ahead.
october 26 -- november 1, 2008 this weeks "tip of the week" was sent from Lucy in Hillsboro, NH Lucy writes: "I purchased a small portable file box with a cover and added three different-colored hanging files to it--one for each of my school-aged kids.
When they empty out their backpacks, I look over their artwork and graded papers, and then have them immediately file them in their specific file folders.
During the holiday break we go through each child's folder, only keeping the best items. We do this again at the end of the year.
When school gets out for the summer, I put the 'keepers' into a large envelope labeled with the class year. The packet is then transferred into the child's own plastic covered bin for safekeeping and placed in storage for another year."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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.
So you are ready to get started on that organizing project that has been hanging around for several weeks (or even months). But where do you start?
This question—where should I start—is one of the most common I hear when talking to people who want their homes and lives to be more organized. I have written about it before, but now more than ever I realize that people want what an organized home and life bring—less stress, less late fees, more peace of mind, and a greater sense of control, not to mention how great an organized home looks. So here’s my official answer: there is no single right place to begin—the important thing is just to do something. Start somewhere. Start anywhere. Just start.
Set a timer for 15 minutes and make it a game. See how much you can get done in that time and do the same thing tomorrow...and the next day...and the next! Over the course of one month, you will have accumulated 7.5 hours of organizing. Over an entire year, you will accumulate 91.25 hours (almost 4 days). Just imagine how organized your home could be with only 15 minutes a day for one year!
Do you ever get discouraged about getting organized because you don't think you have enough time? Many people have started exactly where you are. The truth is that it doesn't take lots of time for every organizing project.
Here are a few organizing projects that you can complete in about 2 minutes. Come along with us as we take a 'two minute at a time' organizing trip.
1. Clean up one drawer.
2. Sort the medicine cabinet.
3. Clear coffee table clutter.
4. Straighten out on shelf or compartment in the fridge.
5. Straighten your sock drawer.
6. Clear off your night stand.
7. Pick something up and put it away.
8. Decide what you will wear tomorrow. (This usually takes me more than 2 minutes!)
9. Sort through your coupon folder.
Whether it is the mail being delivered to your door, paperwork brought home from school and work, medical forms, magazines, receipts and more, paper piles continue to grow on a daily basis. Here are a few ideas to lessen that pileup of paper and keep it manageable before it gets the better of you.
1. Include it in your schedule and set aside a certain amount of time each day to process paperwork. Open and sort mail on a daily basis. Immediately recycle anything you do not need. Keep and handle all important documents in one designated area. Divide the papers into main categories of action whether it is to Read, Pay, File or simply Do.
2. Make decisions when it comes to your paperwork. Do not put papers into a big pile and say you will deal with it later. Decide to do something with it now and take action, whether it is to read it, pay it, file it, do it or toss it.
3. Computers have not lessened the amount of paper clutter. In fact, in many cases, they have increased it. People are printing out a lot of things that do not have to be printed. If it is not critical, do not print it out. That information will more than likely still be online to reference again.
4. Evaluate your current magazine and newspaper subscriptions. Consider keeping only the subscriptions that you read on a regular basis. Donate old magazines to senior centers, shelters or doctors offices after you have read them. Keep in mind that more and more magazines these days carry many of their articles, if not the whole issue, online.
5. Sign up to pay your bills online with your financial institution. This eliminates the need for envelopes and postage, thereby saving money and time. You can have your statements sent electronically as well.
Holiday shopping doesn't have to be a stressful occasion. There are several ways to simplify your gift list and get everyone something they will enjoy. Below are a list of ideas!
Buy the same gift for everyone...It works and saves tons of time. Let's say your family enjoys outdoors sports. You can buy everyone a colored scarf in their favorite color. You can even have each monogrammed to further personalize them.
Another possibility is a Christmas ornament for everyone. It's easy to purchase one for each person on your list, and even easier to find ornaments for every personality and style.
Yet, another thought is sticking with a theme, such as movies. Everyone on your list gets a new DVD and/or 2 movie tickets, and a box of theater-sized pop corn or.
Finally, you can always opt for the perfect gift...and gift card! It's not the most personal option but you can definitely find one for every person on your list this year.
For more organizing and time saving ideas, visit my website: www.andreadekker.com
There is something so powerful about a central place to store all of your ideas, thoughts and to-do items. You don't feel distracted and scattered because everything's in one place.
Whenever I start feeling overwhelmed, I make a master to-do list of everything I need and want to do. My current list contains emails I have to send, projects I'm working on, errands that need to be run, several appointments and gifts I need to buy.
So why a master to-do list? What's wrong with the back of an envelope and millions of post-it notes?
Writing it all down frees up your brain for big picture thinking so you don't have to concern yourself with remembering details.
It eliminates all those bits and pieces of paper, post-it notes, backs of envelopes, etc.
There is something about the act of actually putting pen to paper that seals things in your mind.
Once you see it in black and white, you can deal with reality so much better rather than imagining how bad it all is.
You can choose the exact number of tasks you want to tackle every day (I don't recommend more than 6) without feeling overwhelmed. Move these 6 tasks to your daily to-do list.
My challenge to you:
* Use a paper-based master to-do list or an electronic version if you prefer. The method doesn't matter much; what matters is that you have a central place to collect your tasks.
* First, write down everything you can think of - go wild; you can sort it out later.
* Now, make categories and then start attacking that list.
Start with the highest priority task first. Often our natural inclination is to start with the easy stuff and build confidence by checking something off our list. But not only does this build confidence, it also builds stress as the deadline for the higher priority item looms ever nearer. Next time, tackle the highest priority item first, especially if it’s the longest task on your list. You’ll tackle it when your energy is the highest, and you’ll build even more confidence than with smaller tasks.
october 19 -- october 25, 2008 this weeks "tip of the week" was sent from Dorothy in Fort Worth, TX
Dorothy writes: "I use an inexpensive coupon organizer in my car glove box. One pocket holds my insurance information, another my car registration and another my most recent oil changes and car work information. Now I no longer have to hunt through a messy glove box to find what I need!"
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.
As the Holiday season draws near, many of you might be wondering how you can afford to buy gifts this year...considering you still haven't finished paying off last years bills! Today more than ever it is crucial that you get your finances organized before the Holiday season to avoid overspending again!
There are lots of creative ways to have a wonderfully inexpensive Holiday...which will also save you much unneeded stress! Here are some suggestions to get you started!
instead of several gifts for each child, do one gift for the family such as a night out on the town or at a favorite restaurant
eliminate gifts all together and participate in a service project as a family
hand make holiday cards and tags for gifts (the average card is $4.00!)
wrap gifts in butcher block paper...it's very cheap and looks great with twine ribbon
send holiday newsletters via e-mail...you'll save ink, paper, envelops and tons on postage
give the gift of food...everyone loves home made goodies and the cost is very low
One thing to remember before you hit the malls is to set a budget and stick to it! If you have trouble with impulse purchases create an envelope system and put all the cash or gift cards you will use for Holiday shopping in one envelope. Once the cash is gone, you are done!
This list is by no means exhaustive but here are 5 great ways to reduce the clutter in your life.
1. Have a place for everything
Clutter builds up because you (or your family) don't know where to put it.
2. Before you buy something, decide where it will go
Right there in the store, while you're admiring IT, decide exactly where that thing you absolutely must have will go.
3. One in, one out
If you buy 3 long-sleeved tops, get rid of 3 from your closet when you unpack your purchases.
4. Contain your stuff to the storage space
It's very tempting to expand to more cupboards, more closets, buy another chest of drawers or yet another storage container. I say that's a perfect time to declutter! (Become ruthless when things start overflowing.)
5. Make a regular decluttering time for maintenance…You don't need hours—just get started.
While your computer boots up, tackle a file. Or better still, take the file and sort through it in front of the TV.
Make a date to go through your particular problem areas just 15 minutes every week. You'll be surprised how quickly your mountains of clutter become mole hills!
If you like to decorate for the seasons, use your seasonal décor change-out as an opportunity for some quick and simple decluttering.
This year, when you pull out your fall or Halloween décor, keep this simple rule of thumb in mind: If an item doesn’t make it out of your storage container and out on display—let it go! Why let the item take up space in your home any longer?
If you donate your seasonal items while they’re still in season, you’ll lighten your load and brighten someone else’s season, too!
Today I participated in a "Holiday Stress Buster" event in for GROW (Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women). I was a table facilitator and spoke about different ways to reduce the stress that comes along with the Holiday season. I've listed some of the stress busting tips below. Implement these into your pre-holiday routine and you will eliminate a lot of stress in the next few months!
1. Delegate. There is a lot of difference between "I do it" and "It gets done." Which is more important to you? I hope, "It gets done." Sure it's fun to do it all, but that may be an impractical goal that only serves to frazzle and stress you out. Share the shopping, cooking, cleaning and other responsibilities with others. You don't have to do it all yourself. It would be nice if we could, but there is only so much time. And people generally appreciate the opportunity to participate in the preparations.
2. Set a Budget. Nothing can create more stress than bills and debt. We want to be generous during the holiday season, which makes it easy to fall prey to impulse buying and go all out with the credit cards. Then, we experience the post holiday blues, when the bills arrive in January. Plan what you will spend before you go to the stores, and then stick to that budgeted amount when you are in the stores.
3. Have a Don’t Do List. Pick five or more things and decide NOT to do them. Ask your kids what they didn't like last year -- such as stringing lights on the shrubs or hand-making cards -- and skip these things. There is no need to spend time doing things that don’t interest you or your family. Spend that time doing things you actually enjoy…like baking or going ice skating.
4. Plan Ahead. See if you can visit one house on Christmas Eve and another on Christmas Day, for example. Or perhaps visit one family on Thanksgiving and another on Christmas. Perhaps your family might even be willing to celebrate on odd days, like the 23rd or 26th--you don't know unless you ask. Another possibility is just having everyone over to your house. If you don't want to cook, you can always have it catered, or ask everyone to bring a dish to pass.
Having too much clutter affects you in many ways – whether you notice it or not. Clutter takes up space and keeps you from being able to use that space for things that you really do need. It gets in your way and takes up time. It also affects you financially. Letting go of clutter will free you from the stuff that gets in your way and make room for you to have what you truly need and want in your life.
“When you being to make room for what you want, it will begin to appear in your life as if by magic.” ~ Linda Miller
Check out this link from Better Homes and Garden from some GREAT fall and Halloween ideas. They have recipes, indoor and outdoor decorating ideas, crafts and fun costumes for your kids!
this weeks "tip of the week" was sent from James in Newport News, VA
James writes: "I made sure that the cell phone I purchased had a voice recorder and I set it up so that it has a 'one button record' so I don't have to hit multiple buttons to record.
If I hear a phone number or web address on the radio I want to keep, I can reach down, hit the record button and just talk. It records so I have it for future use.
Plus I almost always have my phone with me, so I can do the same anywhere I am and keep numerous items until I can save them to my computer or phone log later.
Having a short memory, this has been a wonderful asset."
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.
The weather is getting cooler...which means it's probably a good time for a seasonal closet make-over to keep your closets in order and free from overflow. It's time to put away the shorts and t-shirts and bring out the sweaters, coats, boots, and other cold weather essentials.
Go through all your closets and remove clutter. Make one pile of clothes for thrift store donations, one pile to pass on to friends or to the next child, and make one pile to store over the winter. Make sure your seasonal clothing is stored properly so it will still be wearable next spring!
Going “Green” is a big deal now days…not just because it’s good for the environment but also because it is good for our health and our family. Below are a couple things to think about when you set out to clean and organize your home!
Consider purchasing organizing products from companies that adhere to environmentally sustainable manufacturing practices.
Consider buying products that are good for the Earth, such as clothing with natural fibers, like cotton and wool. Look into paper and other items that have been made of recycled materials.
You may not think it is a big deal to go green when you clean. However, many commercially available chemicals persist in the environment without breaking down. Use recycled and biodegradable products whenever possible. Products like white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide work for safely cleaning most surfaces in your home.
Adapting a go green lifestyle is about being conscious of the environment and taking care of it in all that we do to organize our lives.
For more organizing tips, log onto my website: www.andreadekker.com
I love this time of year when all the calendars and planners for the next year start appearing in the stores. There is such a wide selection that the choice can get really overwhelming.
So how do you choose the best one?
Here are a couple of factors to consider:
1. Paper or electronic? Do you prefer paper or electronic? Don't feel pressured to use an electronic diary just to keep up with your friends if you're actually a paper gal.
If you are techno-savvy, use it happily. Please just remember to back up your data regularly.
2. Size Your planner has to be portable if you're going to use it most effectively. Decide on a comfortable size and stick to that. If your planner is HUGE, no matter how cute it is, you're not going to use it unless you're strong!
However, don't go for a small size especially if you have big handwriting!
3. Space per day Do you like a week-at-a-glance or a page-a-day format?
I like the weekly format because I do weekly planning. But more than that, I like space for notes, not just appointments.
4. Monthly tools Do you need a monthly event calendar and a budget form? What about a monthly goals form?
Or is that not an issue for you?
5. Other tools Do you need lots of name and address pages? Or note paper at the back?
My advice to you is to decide on your non-negotiable and make peace with the rest. And make sure you LOVE your planner so that you WANT to use it. For more organizing tips, visit my website: www.andreadekker.com
Not what we have, but what we use.
Not what we see, but what we choose.
These are the things that mar or bless
the sun of human happiness.
--Joseph Fort Newton
We often need to remember those words as we strive to constantly have 'bigger' and 'better'
If you never have a chance to enjoy the holidays because you're always running from one home to the next, it's time to do something about that this year.
Avoid stress by planning holiday visits early, so everyone in the family is aware of who will be where, and when.
See if you can visit one house on Christmas Eve and another on Christmas Day, for example. Or perhaps visit one family on Thanksgiving and another on Christmas. Perhaps your family might even be willing to celebrate on odd days, like the 23rd or 26th--you don't know unless you ask.
If you must visit two homes in one day, how about suggesting a holiday breakfast at one, and a holiday dinner at the other--in doing so, you get to see everyone, but there's enough time in between to relax.
Another possibility is just having everyone over to your house. If you don't want to cook, you can always have it catered, or ask everyone to bring a dish to pass.
october 5 -- october 11, 2008 this weeks "tip of the week" was sent from Kim in Manassa, VA
Kim writes: "I have a basket in my car that holds both a full tissue box and the empty one (for trash). It's within everyone's reach and we never have trash accumulating all over the floor of the car."
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.
Some people question the real benifits of getting organized. The obvious benifits are easy to see...less clutter, more free space, and knowing where everything is. There are, however, many other benifits that might not be as obvious. Below, I've listed several of these benifits. Think about which one of them would benifit you and your family...then make the decision to get organized!
Save time by not spending time looking for things
Save money by not buying items you already have
Instill confidence by knowing where things are in the home
Reduce stress related to lost items and information
Manage many activities and deadlines more efficiently
Gain valuable storage space
Have more energy because of your organized home and time
Have more time to do things you really want to do
Have a home that is comfortable and relaxing, a place you want to be
Pride in a job well done
Improve your health by getting organized: Clutter can cause a reduction of air quality
I found the following poem as I searched the internet. I thought it might be fitting for many of you as you enter the business of the holiday season! Enjoy...
There is so much clutter around me....
Clutter created by things that I have been adding and adding to my world which if subtracted will make no difference to my truth and reality and which if deleted will simplify my life will multiply my joy and will divide my stresses.
Look at this clutter of powders n cosmetic eye shadows n lipstick when all I need to wear is a genuine sincere smile on my lips along with truth and twinkle of hope in my eyes.
Look at this clutter of calendars and clocks diaries and fancy management tools when all I need is to engage myself in things which my heart most desires for time goes by so quickly and I remember very well when I do things that I truly love and enjoy and tend to forget things that I hate to do.
Then there is the clutter of materials accumulated from the past and materials accumulated for the future when all I need is just the things that will help me live fully in the here and now. I often ponder how simple and blissful my life could become if only I could get rid of so much clutter around me..... ~Anonymous
Notes, cards, magazine clippings, recipes, coupons, letters, mail, receipts, statements, sticky notes, newspapers, school papers, newsletters, warranties, instruction manuals--is it any wonder that most people feel as if they're drowning in all their paper?
Here are 10 simple tips to keep your paper under control and to help maintain your sanity.
1. DO A DAILY ATTACK.
Rather than allowing papers to pile up for days, attack them throughout the day. This will ensure the piles never get overwhelming. Five minutes spent sorting through papers each day, will save hours later.
2. CURTAIL THE MAIL.
Handle mail every single day. Open it over the recycle bin, and immediately get rid of anything you don't need. Then, sort through the rest of the mail, being sure to put:
a. bills into a bill paying system.
b. papers that need to be referenced into a filing system.
c. papers that need to be read in a To Read basket/folder.
d. papers that should be distributed to other family members in folders or trays designated for each person.
3. FREE UP YOUR FILING SYSTEM.
When was the last time you weeded out your filing system? If it has been awhile, you can probably reduce its contents by 50 percent or more. Set aside a few hours over the next week, and go through each folder one by one. Recycle anything that is, or anything that no longer interests you.
4. MANAGE THE MEMORIES.
I know. I know. I've heard it all before. You just can't bring yourself to toss your sentimental papers--old love letters, kid’s artwork, a card from a dear friend, vacation post cards, programs from every family member's graduation, wedding invitations from weddings you attended years ago. And guess what? I don't recommend you toss all of these things. However, I do recommend you put a limit on your sentimentality. Limit yourself to 2 small boxes. Once the boxes are full, discard the papers that have the least sentimental significance. This way, the papers you keep are those dearest to your heart.
5. NIX NEWSPAPERS.
First, if you're getting a regular subscription each day, week or month, be sure you actually have time to read it before the next issue comes. If you simply don't have time, reduce the paper build-up by canceling your subscription. You can always get news, tips, recipes, etc. on TV, the radio or the Internet. If you do enjoy reading your subscription, set aside time to read it each day or week, and recycle that issue before the next issue arrives. This way, your newspapers won't turn into paper piles.
6. CLIP AND TOSS.
When you read a magazine, you're bound to find an article or recipe you may reference later. When this happens, whatever you do, don't keep the entire magazine for those one or two pages that interest you. Instead, clip the recipe or article you wish to keep and file it in your filing system, under Pending Recipes, or Pending Home Projects, or Pending Business Ideas, etc. This way, you'll know where to find them, but you won't be hoarding piles of magazines.
7. TURN OFF YOUR PRINTER.
Once computers came to be popular among the masses, there was talk of a paperless society. Last time I checked--and this number has probably increased -- there were 600,000,000 plus pages printed from computers every day! While it is occasionally necessary to print something you get on your computer, 99% of the e-mails and computer documents we receive on a daily basis do not need to be printed. Instead, delete anything you don't need, and store any electronic documents you do need to keep on your computer hard drive or portable storage device.
8. CONSOLIDATE.
If you keep your To Do lists, schedules, calendars, instruction checklists, notes, and other lists and information on paper, then be sure you're using a system that will consolidate all of this information into one binder, or an active filing system. Loose papers can easily get misplaced. Papers in an efficient system will get used and will be easily accessed when needed.
9. CURB COUPONS.
First, if you never use coupons, stop clipping them. This may sound obvious, but I know lots of people who clip 'em, sort 'em, store 'em--but never use 'em. If you do use coupons, don't toss them all in a shoebox. Instead, use a coupon sorter, which you can pick up at most grocery stores. When you're clipping, be careful of coupon duplicates and triplicates as most of the time, the expiration dates run out before you have a chance to use them.
10. BECOME DOCUMENT SAVVY.
Sometimes it's difficult to decide what to keep and what to toss, especially when it comes to bank and credit card statements, tax returns, cancelled checks, ATM transactions, receipts and so on. Every person has his or her own individual financial situation, so it's always advisable that you speak with your accountant or financial adviser to determine how long you should keep certain papers. However, the average person who is not in danger of being audited, can generally:
a. toss paid bills for non tax-deductible items and utilities after 1 year (only keep if you purchased a big- ticket item).
b. get rid of day to day receipts for credit card purchases and ATM receipts once the monthly statements have arrived.
c. recycle monthly stock or other financial statements once the annual statements have arrived. (However, if you're going to be applying for a mortgage or a loan in the near future, it's a good idea to have at least 6 monthly statements on hand.)
d. ditch cash receipts for small-ticket items, like groceries, video rentals, shoes or outfits you don't plan on returning, restaurants (as long as you don't need to claim these for business purposes.)
By the way, lately, there have been more and more reports of people having their identity stolen, from thieves who have found old credit card receipts, bank statements and personal documents in the trash. It is highly recommended that you buy yourself a shredder--very inexpensive and you can get one at Target, or an office supply store--and shred all documents that contain any personal information before you toss them..
For more tips on dealing with paper clutter, visit my website: www.andreadekker.com
