 Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.6402366 http://www.energizeandorganize.com  Many adults can handle their personal paperwork, but don’t have a clue when it comes to helping their children get theirs under control. School calendars, lunch menus, homework assignments and odd-sized art projects can all contribute to a mountain of paper. Here are a few tips to help you help them get organized...
• Papers that need to be referenced daily or weekly might work well attached to the refrigerator or to a kitchen bulletin board (e.g. lunch menus, calendars, sports schedules). • Start an art project box for each child. Oversized professional artist’s portfolios work great. Your local art or office supply store will have a variety of sizes and materials (leather-bound, cardboard) — as well as prices— to choose from. As projects come home, save the favorites in the portfolio. At year end, select only the top five (or ten) to save. Place in underbed storage boxes (which can be stored anywhere in the house; perhaps the basement) labeled with the years or grades of artwork they contain. • If your child comes home with papers that need to be read, signed, or require payment, adopt a simple “in/out box” concept straight from corporate America. Label a box (or basket or cubby or clipboard) for each family member. Store conveniently in the kitchen. Instruct children to place papers that need parents’ perusal in their box. Parents should check their boxes each evening and place completed paperwork in the appropriate child’s box for retrieval. This eliminates mad-dash mornings! • To get your children in the habit of managing schoolwork with ease, set up a desk or workspace just for them. Stock drawers (or clear storage boxes) with basic supplies such as paper, pens, pencils, scissors, glue, Post-it notes, etc. Help younger children empty their school bags in the afternoon, and allow them to make decisions about which papers to keep and which to toss. This will get them in the habit of dealing with paperwork regularly and saving only those things that are precious to them. © 2016 Articles on Demand™ Remember, if your child needs support to thrive and succeed in school, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com Energize and Organize: "Life is Like a Box of Chocolates" When You Get and Stay Organized!3/29/2016
Did you ever stop to think that there is a lesson to be learned while enjoying a box of chocolates with your family and friends? No?
Well, take a good look and notice how every piece of candy is in its place! No searching for your favorite piece. No little pinches in the bottom of the candies or bites into the candy ends to find your favorite flavor. Home Sweet Home. Life is sweet, let's keep it neat. (My mother contributed that insight!) Remember, if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office organization, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  Photo Credit: decoist.com "Where do we begin?" is a first, frequently asked clothing closet question from clients. Have you ever asked yourself the same question about the closet(s) in your home, too? Let's get started ...
1. What do you actually wear?
2. Group like with like!
3. Seasonal and Infrequently Worn Clothing
4. Closet Layout Considerations
Remember, if you need assistance and support with your clothing and closet organization, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  Photo Credit: Silver Moon Bakery Wishing you and yours deepest well being and happiness today and every day! Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com
 Sippewissett Marsh, Falmouth, Massachusetts Getting organized is a multi-faceted process and it takes time. Remember that the clutter and chaos that you are tackling did not appear overnight but rather represents days, weeks, months and in many cases years of accumulated personal history.
Enjoy these three inspirational quotes as you celebrate your wonderful progress and success. You are well on your way to creating harmony and balance in your life and surroundings. Well done! Do small things with great love." -Mother Teresa "A place for everything and everything in its place." -Ben Franklin "All you need is less." -Anonymous Remember, if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office organization, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  What shape is your filing system in?
Are your filing drawers stuffed so full that it’s nearly impossible to get another piece of paper into — or out of — them? Once or twice a year, you should take time to review your files and purge as much as possible, leaving room for next year’s papers. 1. Determine what to keep. As you sort through papers, ask yourself, “When will I really need this again?” “Can it be easily recreated or retrieved elsewhere?” Don’t hang onto things unless you have a really good reason! Be ruthless — remember, 80% of the things you file will never get referred to again! 2. Keep records retention guidelines in mind. Your accountant, attorney, or professional organizer can tell you which documents you should keep for legal purposes. 3. Keep only day-to-day paperwork at your fingertips. For rarely-used files that must be kept, archive them in an out-of-the-way area, such as a closet, basement, or off-site storage facility. 4. Some things can be immediately tossed. Instruction manuals for products you no longer own, old research materials, previous drafts of letters, out-of-date magazines and articles, and receipts for items past their return date can be discarded. 5. Stash important documents in a safety deposit box. It is imperative that you stock your safety deposit box or home safe with the following papers: adoption and citizenship papers; passports; birth, death, and marriage certificates; deeds; divorce decrees; insurance policy papers; lease agreements and loan documents; mortgage papers; personal property appraisals (jewelry, collectibles); Social Security cards; stock and bond certificates; vehicle titles; copies of wills; and powers of attorney papers. And don’t forget to LOCK your home safe. It is NOT fireproof unless the lock is engaged. © 2016 Articles on Demand™ Remember, if you need assistance and support with your paper management and/or office organization, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 http://www.energizeandorganize.com Energize and Organize: Cape Cod Hazardous Waste Collections and Disposal Map by Zone and Schedule3/24/2016
 Graphic Source: Cape Cod Cooperative Extension www.capecodextension.org Springtime brings out the best in all of us ... best time to clean out the attic, the basement and the garage, best time to clean out home and office ... best time to spring ahead with our organizational goals and achievements!
Spring is the best time to take inventory of what we need to keep and what we need to discard in our homes, garages, sheds and offices. Remember, when trashing old products, one must be careful that the hazardous materials do not end up in the weekly trash! Fortunately, here on Cape Cod, the outstanding Cape Cod Cooperative Extension has created the 2016 Hazardous Waste Collections (by Zone) map and the 2016 Cape Cod Household Hazardous Products Collections schedule list by Town, Location, Time and Date. Go to http://www.capecodextension.org and take a good look at the map and schedule to determine when and where you are able to safely dispose of your household hazardous waste in your community. Remember to set a good example for others and help keep planet Earth green! While you are visiting http://www.capecodextension.org, be sure to click on the content rich information and programs found on their 4-H Youth Development, Hazardous Waste and Water Quality, Horticulture, Entomology and Ticks, Marine Programs, Natural Resources and Nutrition, Education and Food Safety links. For additional Green information, contact the exceptional resource people at the Barnstable County Hazardous Materials Program 508-375-6699 • 1-800-319-2783 Cape Cod Cooperative Extension • PO Box 367 • Barnstable, MA 02630 • 508-375-6690 Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 http://www.energizeandorganize.com  Do you ever find hidden in the back of your fridge, like long lost treasures, unopened food items or barely consumed food items that have past their expiration date simply because you couldn't see or reach them? A turntable is likely just what you need!
Today I came across these two turntables at the local Home Goods here in Falmouth. I'm sure you can find turntables in most kitchen stores and the homeware departments of the big box stores. It took less than 10 minutes to check food expiration dates, throw out the old food and get these two organizing turntables set up. With an organized fridge, you will cut down on your grocery bills and have more time to enjoy the food that you purchase and prepare for yourself, family and friends. Bon Appetit! Remember, if you need assistance and support with your kitchen organization, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 http://www.energizeandorganize.com  Photo: Houzz The average desk worker has 36 hours of work on his or her desk and spends three hours per week sorting piles trying to find the project to work on next. Sound familiar? If you’re struggling through mountains of desk clutter, realize that by becoming more organized, you’ll not only help your business run better, but you’ll reap multiple personal rewards as well.
You’ll increase productivity once you have an organized and efficient schedule to keep you on track. You’ll be amazed at how much you get done in shorter amounts of time. And by focusing on your priorities and goals, you’ll be able to finally move ahead toward reaching them. But the benefits don’t stop there. Once you’re organized, you’ll have a positive self-image and ditch the shame. Your organized office will allow you to present a professional image to coworkers, clients, and superiors. A clutter-free environment is also easier to manage. Your stress level will decrease dramatically. When you can find what you need, are on top of your to-dos, and arrive on time, you’ll feel calmer and have more peace of mind. No more feeling overwhelmed by life — you’ll be the one in control. You’ll also discover more time for yourself. When you’re organized, your days go as planned, and you get a lot done. That leaves more time to indulge in a little “me time.” Now doesn’t that sound nice? © 2016 Articles on Demand™ Remember, if you need assistance and support with your office organization, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 http://www.energizeandorganize.com  Plan for tomorrow at the end of today. Take 15 minutes at the end of every day to create tomorrow’s to-do list.
This habit of planning will give you the gift of focus, allowing you to get a jump-start the next morning. In a sense, you’re creating a map for the following day. By writing down everything that needs to be accomplished tomorrow, you can prioritize so urgent needs get done. When you walk in the door the next morning, you won’t have to waste time shuffling papers and trying to figure out what to do first. The process of writing (or typing) down your thoughts will help you relax at home as well — you’ll think about work a lot less knowing it’s all down on paper. It’s also a great exercise that allows you to reflect on the great work you accomplished today, so you can leave work feeling proud. © 2016 Articles on Demand™ Remember, if you need assistance and support with your office organization, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 http://www.energizeandorganize.com  Clear the clutter out of your brain. The average desk worker spends three hours per week sorting piles trying to find the project to work on next.
Take the first step to getting your work under control — clear the clutter out of your brain by taking pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and allow to-do’s and brilliant ideas to become more concrete. You’ll relieve your brain of remembering tedious details, allowing new, creative thinking to develop. Free yourself from having to remember mundane but necessary tasks.
Another benefit to making a list of all your responsibilities is that you may find some jobs that you could delegate to others. Are there any you hate doing, or do you know someone else who could do it quicker or better? Sometimes we say “yes” because we want to appear productive and energetic. But it’s important to know how much work you can realistically handle. © 2016 Articles on Demand™ Remember, if you need assistance and support with your office organization, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 http://www.energizeandorganize.com  Your desk is piled high with to-do’s. It’s easy to stall out when you don’t know where or how to begin. Follow these guidelines to increase productivity and tackle your projects big and small!
Do the hardest thing first. When you arrive at the office, you may be tempted to first check your messages, rifle through the day’s mail,or plow through some easy administrative tasks. Instead, try doing the hardest, most challenging (or least enjoyable) thing earlier in the day. You’ll be attacking it when your energy level is high and your mind is clear. By carving out a chunk of time each morning to tackle heavy-duty projects, you’ll also avoid the procrastination often associated with large jobs. Then, save your easier tasks for later in the day, when your energy level is lower. Another way to look at this is to set your mind to “proactive” in the morning so you’ll have time for the “reactive” moments that are sure to pop up throughout the day. For example, if you begin your day attending to your “must-do” tasks, you’ll feel more comfortable stepping away from your desk when afternoon emergencies materialize. You’ll know that your most pressing projects have been handled. Remember, it may not always be easy to start with the hard stuff, but you’ll get the momentum going when you start it out right, and you’ll feel accomplished all day long. © 2016 Articles on Demand™ Remember, if you need assistance and support with your office organization, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 http://www.energizeandorganize.com  You’d think that with the advent of computers and e-mail, we’d be using a lot less paper. But, in reality, paper use is rising exponentially each year.
What’s a person to do? Learning how to effectively handle your papers is key. Paper management isn’t difficult. (Really!) The hard part is finding and dedicating time to just do it. Whether your paper piles are at the office (invoices, client information, memos, research) or at home (bills, receipts, magazines, family documents), setting regular and consistent times to sort through papers is key. Once you set up an efficient, effective filing system (ask your professional organizer for assistance!), ten to 30 minutes of daily paper management is all you’ll need. Depending upon your personality, decide when to schedule it. • First thing in the morning It’s a nice start to the day and helps you prioritize today’s tasks. • At the end of the day This gives you closure at the end of the day and lets you jump right into action the next day. • Immediately as papers enter your home or office This is good for those who just want to get it done ASAP. If you set aside this little bit of time each day, you’ll never wind up with huge paper mountains to tackle. However, you’ll still need to schedule a “mega-manage” once or twice a year. "Mega - manage" is the time to peruse your current filing system, tossing old documents and entire files you’ll never need. For example, at home, you might want to toss outdated appliance and software manuals, old receipts, and catalogs and magazines more than one year old. At work, you’ll want to consider tossing multiple versions of reports (just save the final copy), old research materials, unimportant memos, and projects that never materialized. This purge will provide breathing room in your filing cabinet and make it easier to retrieve and insert new papers. © 2016 Articles on Demand™ Remember, if you need assistance and support with your paper management work, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 http://www.energizeandorganize.com  Just think, moving is the only time that you have to literally touch and make decisions about EVERYTHING in your place of residence! Attics to basements, garages to sheds, room to room and every space inbetween, do you find your residential nooks and crannies filled to capacity in your home?
Yes? Are you wondering what to do with all of your "stuff" and how to even get ready to pack and move? Have you planned ahead and left ample time to begin, work through and complete the decluttering process in your home and/or office? While researching this move management organizational topic, I came across many terrific Internet articles about decluttering before and during your move. I've included a few excellent resources for you to read and review. How to Declutter Before Your Move www.centomoving.com/how-to-declutter-before-your-move/ How to Declutter and Downsize Your Home Effectively www.moneycrashers.com/declutter-downsize-home-tips/ Follow these Five Key Rules to Declutter During Your Move www.rodalesorganiclife.com/home/declutter Remember, if you need assistance and support in your move management work, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 http://www.energizeandorganize.com  Boxes, boxes, and more boxes! Did you ever think that you would need SO MANY boxes to move? As you know, all sizes of boxes are available for purchase from a number of sources including your moving company and local office supply stores. You may also purchase boxes from online stores. Have you wondered where to get those boxes for free? Try any of the following ...
Once you have gathered all the boxes you need, be sure to label them! As you know, well labeled boxes will speed up your move and your unpacking time! A well organized move is one with every box labeled for correct placement in your new residence and/or office. Remember to ...
There are many moving box labels resources on the Internet. A couple of free move management labels are ... Space Max Storage – Moving Labels http://www.spacemaxstorage.com/moving-labels/ Martha Stewart – Moving Labels http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/web/pdfs/2008Q2/la_0408_movinglabeles.pdf?xsc=eml_org_2010_08_24 The Storage Labels, Apartment Moving Labels and Moving Labels pictured below are examples of moving box labels available for purchase at your local organizing and craft stores. Remember, if you need assistance and support in your move management work, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 http://www.energizeandorganize.com  The spring real estate market here on the Cape is beginning to get busy! Freshly posted For Sale and/or For Rent signs are visible on lawns and in residential windows all around town.
Excited buyers and renters will soon be traveling OTB (over the bridge) to enjoy the sand dunes, salty air, quaint little villages, lobster stew and ocean views immortalized in Patti Page's Old Cape Cod. With spring in the air, it's definitely time to get prepared and organized with these informative move management tips! ***************************************************************************** Is your moving day fast approaching? According to the Employee Relocation Council, moving to a new home is the third most stressful life event (following death and divorce). To ease the transition, follow these tips to make your move smooth. • Consider “staging” your home. This process of neutralizing, decluttering, organizing, and beautifying allows potential buyers to picture themselves living in the house by tapping into their emotions. Staging also starts the “letting go” process for the sellers, as they transform their beloved home to a more neutral-looking home. Staging will help you sell your home quickly, at the best possible price. • Plan your move date at least four to six weeks ahead. The most popular times for moves include May through September and the very beginning and end of each month. So if you’re hiring a moving company, contact them soon. Call family and friends for trusted mover recommendations. • Start packing seldom-used items now. Ask your grocery store to set aside cardboard boxes for you. Pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes. • Organize your boxes. Number each box and label which room it belongs in. Keep a separate list indicating the box number and its contents. When you get to your destination, unpack everything as soon as possible. • Fill out change-of-address forms at the post office or at www.usps.com. And be sure to update important documents which include your address and phone number (e.g. driver’s license, checks). Bring your current phone books to your new home in case you need to contact people in your old town. • Move valuables yourself. Irreplaceable family photos, heirlooms, and financial and legal documents should be packed and transported by you instead of your moving company. • Send out postcards to family and friends with your new address and phone number, along with a photo of your new home! © 2016 Articles on Demand™ Remember, if you need assistance and support in your move management work, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 http://www.energizeandorganize.com  One of our neighbors has been super busy these last few weeks preparing for her big move this past weekend. You know how that works ... seemingly endless boxes, furniture and more to gather, pack and load into vehicles for delivery to your new residence.
With your change of address comes the responsibility to notify all kinds of people, businesses, houses of worship and agencies of your move. Here's a helpful reminder list to assist you as you organize your move from your old home to your new home in a timely manner! Change of Address Notifications 1. Associations 2. Bank accounts 3. Cable TV 4. Car registration 5. Clients 6. Credit cards 7. Community groups 8. Coworkers 9. Driver's license 10. Family 11. Financial professionals 12. Fitness center 13. Friends 14. Hair stylist 15. Home care providers (lawn service, snow removal service, septic service, pest control, etc.) 16. Insurance (car, health, life, property) 17. Investment accounts 18. Legal professionals 19. Magazine subscriptions 20. Medical care providers (doctors, dentist, chiropractors, Visiting Nurses, etc.) 21. Medicare/Medicaid 22. Newspapers 23. Place of employment 24. Post office (www.usps.com) 25. Retirement accounts 26. Social Security 27. Subscriptions 28. Utility companies (phone, gas, electric) 29. Veterinary office/Groomer 30. Voter registration - VERY IMPORTANT THIS YEAR! As you know, moving is a BIG job. As you can see, this is a BIG list! Likely you have ideas about additional change of address notification contacts so start gathering and filing all of this paperwork information weeks or months before your intended moving date. When you are well organized, your move management will be a smoother transition for you and your loved ones. Remember, if you need assistance and support in your move management work, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 http://www.energizeandorganize.com  This tip will help you stop procrastinating and get clutter reduced in your home. Inspire and motivate yourself and your loved ones with the “Quick Start” project. It should take no longer than 10 minutes. Next, try the “Keep Going” tip to really put clutter and chaos in its place!
Quick Start: Every evening, set a timer and have the family do the “Ten Minute Tidy-Up.” Holding an empty laundry basket, each person grabs anything out of place, and returns it to its correct home. Keep Going: Limit clutter with the “new item in, old item out” rule. If you buy a new toy or clothing, donate or toss at least one old one. © 2016 Articles on Demand™ Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 http://www.energizeandorganize.com  Daylight saving time starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November, with the time changes taking place at 2:00 a.m. local time. Of note, in the United States, Arizona (except Navajo Nation), Hawaii and five overseas territories do not observe Daylight Savings Time. With a mnemonic word play referring to seasons, clocks "spring forward and fall back"—that is, in springtime the clocks are moved forward from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m., and in fall they are moved back from 2:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Source:wikipedia ***************************************************************************** Twice a year Daylight Savings Time serves to remind us of the importance of being well organized in our homes and offices. Here's a handy list for you and your loved ones to use as you get organized and welcome spring and all its glory! Time-Keeping Devices - Manual Adjustments Likely Alarm clock, Answering Machine, Car Clock, Coffee Maker, Indoor Light Timer, Microwave, Outdoor Light Timer, Oven, Security System, Sprinkler System, Television, Thermostat, Travel Clock, Wall Clock, Wrist Watches Spring Daylight Savings Time - How to Be Well Organized for the Next Seven Months 1. Check and replace batteries in carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors 2. Check and replace interior and exterior light bulbs with LED bulbs as needed 3. Check and replace car, home and office flashlight batteries 4. Reverse your ceiling fan direction for the air to blow down (counter clockwise) in the summer and up (clockwise) in the winter 5. Check and replace air conditioning and furnace filters, schedule service as needed 6. Clean dryer filter and hoses 7. Check out your lawn equipment to ensure that it is all in working order (lawn mower, hoses, clippers, etc.) 8. Check and replace expired items from your Emergency and First Aid kits, review family emergency plan 9. Check fire extinguisher pressure, replace extinguisher if past expiration date 10. Check and replace windshield wiper blades and do other car maintenance as needed Remember, most computers and cell phones automatically adjust to the D.S.T. change twice a year. You likely have other devices that are self-regulating as well. Time flies when you are having fun! Daylight Savings Time reminds us that there is no time like the present to get our time management devices, homes and offices well organized now so that we will have more time to relax and play with family and friends in the warm and welcoming spring and summer seasons. Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 http://www.energizeandorganize.com  This tip will help you stop procrastinating and get clutter reduced in your garage. Inspire and motivate yourself with the “Quick Start” project. It should take no longer than 30 minutes. Next, try the “Keep Going” tip to really put clutter and chaos in its place!
Quick Start: Set a timer for 30 minutes and toss/recycle dried out paint and chemicals, and anything broken, musty, or moldy. Keep Going: Sort the space into zones. For example, a garage might have areas for sports, tools, gardening, and recycling/garbage. Group like items in those zones. Use appropriate storage containers and label clearly. © 2016 Articles on Demand™ Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 http://www.energizeandorganize.com   Gather Supplies
First, gather file folders, hanging file folders, a felt-tip pen and large garbage (or recycling) bags or boxes. Every household or office also needs an appropriate type of file cabinet or box; the size will depend on the amount of papers you must keep. Make a commitment to work on this project for at least one uninterrupted hour. Enlist a friend or professional organizer if you need help or encouragement. Determine Where to Start Start on desktops, countertops or urgently-needed surfaces. Your most recently-received papers will be here. Resist the urge to start with the papers on the floor or stuffed in paper bags or boxes. Identify Determine the types of papers you receive on a regular basis as you start sorting. Create a neat pile of the papers on the surface you're working on. Pick up the top one. Ask yourself, “What is this? Do I need to keep it? Do I need to take action on this? Or do I just need to file it in case I need to retrieve it later?” Toss as much as you can. Sort As you encounter papers that need to elicit an “action,” put them in a folder labeled “TO DO” (i.e., class to sign up for, RSVP to send, etc.) As you encounter bills to pay, separate them out by putting them in a folder labeled “BILLS TO PAY.” (Tip: Try a bright red folder.) As you encounter papers that simply need to be read and then disposed of (magazine articles you clipped, newsletters, etc.), put them in a folder labeled “TO READ.” (Tip: Take this folder with you when you’ll be waiting in lines (e.g. doctor’s office, dentist, bank, mechanic, etc.) As you encounter papers that need to be discussed with your significant other or co-worker, put them in a folder labeled “DISCUSS WITH XXXXXX". Everything else should be either thrown out or filed neatly according to subject. Sort into simple categories that make sense to you. For example, some home categories might include: medical, pets, taxes, hobbies, outdoor activities, utility bills, car, home improvement, credit cards, insurance, 401K, education, projects. Continue and Toss Work on getting all surfaces clear of papers using the above techniques. Then, conquer the remaining piles (if any) from the floor or elsewhere. You should find these piles contain more papers for your "toss" category. Remember, only 20% of the things we file will ever be retrieved again. When in doubt, throw it out! Maintain From here on out, manage paper daily. Sort mail immediately. Toss out junk mail. Put remainder into “TO READ,” “TO DO,” or “BILLS TO PAY” folders. (Keep these folders in an easily-accessible spot, i.e., the kitchen.) Make time every week to file everything else in your filing cabinet or box. © 2016 Articles on Demand™ Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 http://www.energizeandorganize.com  Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366, www.energizeandorganize.com  Yesterday afternoon Terri, Janey, Debbie and I gathered at the beautiful home of Debbie, "Countess of Grantham", and Jeff, "7th Earl of Grantham", for a lovely luncheon and Downton Abbey DVD viewing of the Season Six grande finale. Sisterhood "Gal Pals", Kathy, Laurie, Lee, Marcia, and Nancy were unable to attend but were with us in Downton Abbey spirit! Debbie set a gorgeous dining room table with her ancestors' beautiful china and exquisite linens. She served a scrumptious British luncheon featuring fine finger sandwiches and delicious tea. It was a "most proper" gathering of dear friends who share a cherished friendship and love of all things Downton! For a basic table setting, here are two great tips to help you–or your kids–remember the order of plates and utensils from www.emilypost.com
In addition to the basic table setting, the informative www.emilypost.com site details organizational information for informal and formal table settings and a fabulous Youtube video of a Downton Abbey Table Setting competition held at the Essex Resort and Spa in Essex, Vermont. You may view the video at ... https://youtu.be/J66CzYwJaHw Farewell to the much beloved Crawley family! It's been an extraordinary six seasons for viewers around the world! Wishing my blog readers and your families/friends deepest well being and happiness today and every day! Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 http://www.energizeandorganize.com   Would you like to learn a bit about the history of the pencil? Check out the following sites for interesting information ...
Pencil Museum http://www.pencilmuseum.co.uk/ Visual History of the Pencil | Museum of Every Day Lifemuseumofeverydaylife.org/exhibitions.../visual-history-of-the-pencil Does your child need an ergonomic writing aid for correct handwriting positioning? Do you know that there are many types of pencil grips including crossover, pinch, pencil, bumpy, jumbo and writing claw? Visit www.thepencilgrip.com for specific details about writing tools for students of all ages. Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts Contact: 617.640.2366 http://www.energizeandorganize.com |
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