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Use These 3 Steps to Steal Back Time Guest Post: Teresa Hawthorne, www.thawthornelifesolutions.com  Are you being robbed? Willingly?
Here’s how you can tell. Are your thoughts filled with words like later, tomorrow, someday, or eventually? If so, a thief could be carrying away one of your most prized possessions. Do you often wonder how it could be that you’ve been busy all day, but haven’t completed much on your to-do list? If your answer is yes, a thief may be running off with a valuable asset. The thief—procrastination. Your precious commodity—time. Procrastination is the intentional choice to avoid or put off doing something that you know should be done. That’s right, it’s a choice. And if chosen often enough, it becomes a habit. The procrastination habit comes at a cost. In addition to stealing your time, it negatively impacts your emotions and leaves you feeling overwhelmed, unproductive, guilty, and full of regret. It’s also a barrier to your success because it delays the steps toward your goals, causes you to miss opportunities, and results in stagnation. You’re likely already paying the cost if the procrastination habit has found its way into your life. So here is some good news. Habits can change. Before you willingly allow this time-waster to rob you again, arm yourself with these three tactics to help you arrest procrastination and reclaim your precious time. Be On The Lookout It’s often said that acknowledging a problem is the first step toward a solution. That being the case, the next step with procrastination is becoming aware of why. Procrastination shows up for a variety of reasons. Look for these common causes:
Identifying why you avoid or put things off is key to overcoming the habit. To do this, be mindful of your thoughts and feelings. Is your mind filled with what-if scenarios? Do you believe the task is too challenging? Are you unsure of where to start? Do you think you lack the skills? Do you dread what will result from you completing the project successfully? Once you’ve recognized why you do it, you’ll need a way to fight procrastination when it tries to break its way in. Plan Your Defense Taking time to create a plan is your best defense against the procrastination habit. Having a plan gives you a structured approach, helps to identify a starting point, and provides a guided route from beginning to completion. When developing your plan, it’s important to consider your why. If the reason you procrastinate is that you are overwhelmed, for example, your plan should include breaking a project into smaller, more manageable pieces. If your why is that you’re challenged with time management, your plan could be to block time on your calendar and commit to working on your task or project. Of course, your plan will be foiled if you don’t execute it. Your next step is to take action. “The most effective way to do it, is to do it.” Amelia Earhart Jump In and Attack In the words of Amelia Earhart, “The most effective way to do it, is to do it.” You can fight off the time thief by simply getting started. A good way to jump in is to start small. Commit to working on your dreaded task or project for five to ten minutes, then add another set of minutes when you’ve reached the end. Successfully working for short periods will give you momentum to keep going, and before you know it, the task is done. Stealing your time back from a long-standing procrastination habit will take your focused and deliberate effort. Arm yourself with these three actions and you’ll be ready to identify and fight off this time thief when it attempts to creep back in. Procrastination is a time-waster that, left unchecked, can cost you your goals and dreams. Don’t let it! Remember if you need organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth Digital Detox: How to Declutter and Organize Your Digital Life for Improved Productivity Guest Post: Vincent Giacalone www.theorganizedguy.com  In today’s fast-paced world, digital clutter can quickly accumulate, affecting your productivity and mental well-being. Just as physical clutter can overwhelm your space, digital clutter can bog down your devices and distract you from your tasks.
Here’s how to declutter and organize your digital life for improved productivity. Step 1: Declutter Your Digital Devices
Step 2: Streamline Your Apps and Software
Step 3: Digital Maintenance Routine
Paper vs. Digital—Challenge Yourself As you embark on your digital detox, challenge yourself to assess your need for physical paper copies. Consider the following questions to help you decide whether to keep or discard paper documents:
By transitioning to a more digital-centric approach, you can reduce physical clutter and improve your overall organization. Decluttering and organizing your digital life is an ongoing process that requires regular maintenance. By implementing these strategies, you can improve your productivity, reduce stress, and create a more efficient digital environment. Embrace the digital detox and enjoy the benefits of a streamlined, organized digital life. Remember if you need organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  Source: Falmouth Enterprise Remember if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  Tax Time Organization is Key to Peace of Mind
Guest Post by Vali G. Heist, Certified Professional Organizer® [email protected] 610.914.3483 Preparing your taxes can be intimidating, but a little organization during the year is the key. Try not to wait until the last minute, especially if you are filing online for the first time – it always takes longer than you think (been there, done that, paid the penalty). If you need an expert, call a certified public accountant, H&R Block website (www.hrblock.com) or IRS website (www.irs.gov). They have a user-friendly website at www.hrblock.com for just about any tax filer. They provide step-by-step guidance at whatever level you need and some of the advice is free. If online isn’t your preference, go to any H&R Block location near you. Any new tax software or filing online will require copious amounts of patience so leave plenty of time so you don’t miss the filing deadline. Let’s break it down: Getting Organized
Donations and Deductions
Credit Reports
Additional Notes
Remember if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  Remember if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  Make it personal. You’re in your office for nearly a third of your day and even longer for many people working from home. Add personal touches to make it a fun space. Include a few great and meaningful photos. Add artwork to the walls — whether expensive originals or a child’s framed finger paintings. And add a little greenery in the form of a potted plant or fresh flowers. Remember that your office is a reflection of you, so keep it tasteful and simple, and, of course, organized!
Have fun with desk accessories. Think outside the office supply catalog. Even if you have to pay for them yourself, a few beautiful, useful office supplies may make your day more enjoyable. From a high-quality pen to colorful binders and file folders, functionality can be fun. A rubber band ball, funky, patterned clipboard, or vintage wire desk tray will make office drudgery a thing of the past. Some online resources for unique organization supplies include www.seejanework.com and www.russellandhazel.com. Also try www.containerstore.com for a wide variety of products. Please all your senses. Introduce sound by playing some soft music. Delight your nose by spritzing cotton balls with an energizing essential oil like orange or peppermint and placing them in your drawers. Indulge your taste buds by filling a candy bowl with your favorite treats. Your days are sure to be more pleasant when your office looks, smells, and sounds nice. © 2022 Articles on Demand™ Remember if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  May National Geographic Society's Joe Ferguson and Ann Judge and all who perished on 9/11 Rest in Peace and may their loved ones find comfort and joy in their most cherished memories of the love, laughter and light shared together and deeply treasured for all time.
 Neighborhood Falmouth Annual Paper Shredding Event
Date: Saturday, June 8th Time: 9:30 AM - Noon (or until the shredders have reached capacity) Place: Lawrence School Parking Lot Details
Proceeds benefits Neighborhood Falmouth! www.neighborhoodfalmouth.org Neighborhood Falmouth Contact Information Phone: 508.564.7543 Email: [email protected] Remember, if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  Falmouth Seaside Where's a good greeting card when you need one? To avoid last-minute dashes to the store, stock up on a dozen great greeting cards today. Grab some funny birthday cards, a few touching "thinking of you" cards, and a couple of "get-well" and "sorry for your loss" cards. Then, keep them in a handy spot along with stamps so you can send off a quick card in no time.
If you would like to grace your loved ones with positively beautiful notecards you are cordially invited to visit my sister Jennifer LaRoche's nature and fine art photography website at www.stampandnotephoto.com Jennifer is portrait and event photographer and you are also warmly welcomed to visit www.jenniferlarochephotography.com to view her exquisite work! Remember if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  Spring cleaning routines and rituals have begun in many households around town and here on the Cape as we all bid our challenging winter adieu and warmly welcome spring!
Neighborhood Falmouth, dedicated to helping Falmouth Seniors stay safely in their homes, is hosting their annual Secure Document Shredding Event on Saturday, April 7 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Lawrence School parking lot! Come support this wonderful community organization and tackle/eliminate your paper management challenges at the same time! You may choose from two services ...
Additional Details ...
Questions? Contact Neighborhood Falmouth at ... Email: [email protected] Phone: 508.564.7543 Remember if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  Do you often find yourself struggling with too much to do and not enough time to do it?
Could you use help managing your time effectively? Would you like to find more time in your day so you can stop feeling overwhelmed by all you have to do? Look no further as fellow professional organizer and friend Maryann Murphy's outstanding, action oriented book, STOP Wasting Your Precious Time is just recently published and is THE user-friendy, clear, concise and can-do strategy filled resource you need to identify, achieve and maintain your time management goals and resolutions! Maryann is a professional speaker and consultant, Certified Professional Organizer®, former psychotherapist, manager, and entrepreneur who brings all these experiences and training to her recommendations. Unclear priorities? Information overload? Frequent interruptions and distractions? Disorganized workspace? Unproductive meetings? Procrastination? Trying to do it all alone? Special challenges for those working from home? STOP Wasting Your Precious Time is a self-help time management book focused on solving most common time challenges in the workplace. As you know, there is no time to waste and no time like the present to be living the life you envision for yourself! Remember if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  Donna LaRoche became a professional organizer when she retired from teaching but finds her teaching skills apply to her second career as well. Professional Organizer Offers Tips For The New Year
By ANDREA F. CARTER/FALMOUTH ENTERPRISE, Jan 5, 2018 Heralding in the new year for many means committing to a new round of resolutions. Organization is a popular goal this time of year, sending people to the book store or library for advice from professional organizers. Those in Falmouth do not need go far for some tips. Donna LaRoche of Energize and Organize in Falmouth can offer some guidance for bringing in the new year with less clutter. Ms. LaRoche describes her role as a facilitator, working with people in their homes and offices to develop organizational systems and habits. Keeping clutter at bay not only can free up space but also time, bringing a sense of ease and renewed productivity to a person’s life. “We all live very busy lives,” Ms. LaRoche said. “At the end of the day, wouldn’t we all like more time for pleasurable pursuits.” The first step going into the new year is to do away with the idea of a “resolution.” Ms. LaRoche prefers the terms “goal” or “intention” which have more positive connotations. Often resolution can refer to an action people failed to meet the previous year she said. Establishing a goal is more hopeful, looking forward instead of back. “That’s what makes goals and intentions so exciting.” Ms. LaRoche said. “It’s pursuing a new adventure to bring calm and harmony and balance to your life.” Her advice, however, is to start small. Goals must be realistic and attainable. She offers the acronym, “SMART” as a guidepost. An intention should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound. For example she may suggest that clients begin with organizing a closet or even one cupboard. Or if they are tackling a larger space such as a garage or basement, she helps them break down these areas into zones. “Sometimes we lose sight of the fact that the clutter didn’t accumulate overnight and that it won’t unclutter overnight,” she said. The idea of working in zones refers back to her 35-year career as a kindergarten and 1st grade teacher with classrooms that had different stations for reading, writing, painting and block corners. “If people think in zones, they are very successful,” she said. One of the more common concerns among her clients is handling paper clutter. “Paper management is always big, piles to files,” she said. Even in the electronic age, an abundant amount of paper mail is going through houses and offices each day. “Literally some clients have bags of mail unopened,” she said. The more paper builds-up, the harder it is to get started. Her recommendation is to create a three-tiered filing system where papers are organized based on those that need some sort of action, reference materials, such as owners’ manuals, and archived records such as birth certificates or marriage licenses. She also suggests that people stand by the recycling bin while opening mail to toss out the junk mail or empty envelopes immediately. “It’s as simple as those three systems to bring order to all that chaos,” Ms. LaRoche said. “Clutter is really about postponed decisions.” When going through a space such as a closet or cupboard she has the client takes everything out and divide items into categories to keep, recycle or toss out. Bringing the clutter out in the open, however, can be overwhelming. “Getting organized is hard work and requires persistence,” Ms. La Roche said. She also suggests placing like items together in a space, such as a refrigerator, pantry or closet. This allows clients to visualize supplies they need or have enough of. If a client has multiple pairs of black slacks, it is not time to buy more but perhaps time to donate pairs to a clothing drive or to an organization. This can also be a good lesson to share with children. After a birthday when they receive an abundance of new toys, donating items they do not need or use can feel good and teach them generosity and organization as well, Ms. La Roche said. Being organized can save people money. People tend to buy more when they cannot keep track of items at home. She mentioned one client who had eight staplers strewn about the house. Certain clients have run into credit issues because they have lost track of unpaid bills in a paper pile. Ms. LaRoche also lends her expertise to students, whose lack of organizational skills are inhibiting their success at school. She mentioned one student who had received Ds and Fs on a quarter report card. When she met with him, they found a majority of his work still stashed in his backpack. His grades improved after she helped him develop a system to keep track of his assignments and turn them in on time. “This was literally disorganization for this child, who was struggling when he could have been thriving,” Ms. LaRoche said. Her work with elderly clients often involves downsizing from a family home to an apartment or condominium. Ms. LaRoche realizes that one size does not fit all when it comes to solutions. Techniques must fit the personality and lifestyle of the client. Ms. LaRoche added that she is not there to judge or tell a person what to throw away. Just as building on students’ strengths was something she employed as a teacher, she now uses this idea as an organizer to help people develop organizational habits that work for them. “Part of what I am doing is a lot of listening,” Ms. LaRoche said. “The client is telling me what works and doesn’t work for them, and then we devise a plan.” Her suggestions can be a less extreme alternate to some celebrity professional organizers such as Marie Kondo, whose method, which ask if items spark joy, can cut people’s stash by three-quarters or Peter Walsh, who suggests that people discard anything they have not used for 12 months. “That may be too much for some clients,” Ms. LaRoche said. Ms. LaRoche said that patience is required in developing a new habits or behavior, such as storing an item in the same place each day. It can take about 30 days for a behavior to become a habit she said. And there are times when people may backslide but that is expected and okay. A motto she brings from the classroom is “Working toward excellence not perfection.” The variety of people she works with keeps the job interesting. She recommends that people who are pressured to seek her service from family or friends or are not ready to dig into the job should wait for the right time. Often these clients call her back when they are ready. “You need to have ownership for yourself, so it matters to you,” Ms. LaRoche said. Ms. LaRoche always had organizational skills and they were noticed by her siblings when she was growing up. Her sister suggested this second career path to her. Teachers Ms. LaRoche worked with in Belmont also asked for her organizational advice in their classrooms regularly. After discovering the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals online and joining the New England chapter, she took coursework through the organization to become a professional organizer. “I am a lifelong learner,” she said. “The transfer of teaching skills to organizational skills was right there in front of me. For me there is joy in helping people and seeing their joy in attainment.” Ms. La Roche said she also knew that she wanted to move to Falmouth for retirement. She had visited family here over the years. Since arriving she has bought her first home and has become involved in various organizations such as the Falmouth Newcomers club and is playing pickleball. “It feels like coming home to me because I have been coming here all my life,” Ms. LaRoche said. Remember if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  Best to get these wellness supplies out of the bathroom cabinet and well organized! Best Weapons Against Flu: Hydration and Elevation is an informative article published in the New York Times on January 12, 2018. Read on and take action!
Are you and your loved ones prepared for the winter allergy/cold/flu season? There are all kinds of viruses going around at the moment so be sure to take the time now while you are feeling fine to get and be organized in the event you and/or your loved ones do come down with something. Here's how ... Step 1: Gather supplies. Gather all of your medications and medical supplies in one place. Step 2: Sort by category. Categories might include Cold, Congestion and Cough Remedies, Digestive Health Remedies, Fever Remedies, First Aid Remedies, Food Remedies, Miscellaneous Remedies, Prescriptions, Vitamins … Step 3: Examine expiration dates. Carefully read the labels and throw out any items that have expired. To learn where you can safely dispose of your discarded medications, call your local police station and/or visit …. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/ Note: "The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, (April 28, 2018 - 10AM to 2PM) aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. Please check back on April 1, 2018 to locate collection sites near you." Step 4: Containerize and Store. Group like items in labeled baskets and store the baskets in your linen closet, kitchen cabinet and/or other designated location. Remember that prolonged exposure to heat and moisture can affect the effectiveness of medications so be sure to store them away from children and in a location other than the bathroom. Step 5: Take Inventory and Stock Up Do you have a variety of these supplies in your home and/or office? Colds, Congestion and Coughs Remedies
Digestive Health Remedies
Fever Remedies
First Aid
Food
Miscellaneous
Remember if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com Energize and Organize: Envisioning and Creating Harmony and Balance in Your Life and Surroundings1/8/2018
 Remember if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  "Is your email inbox overflowing with junk? Instead of hitting "delete" each time you get junk mail, take a moment to scroll down to the "unsubscribe" link and stop those annoying letters from appearing in your mailbox ever again. If you have them automatically filtering into a "junk/spam" folder, peruse its current contents today and unsubscribe from each and every one." © 2017 Post on Demand™
Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  "Sick of receipts cluttering up your purse, car, or counters? Download the handy app called "Shoeboxed." You'll be able to snap photos of receipts with your cell phone and then ditch the paper receipts. The digitized receipts are archived and searchable in a single, secure location, accessible via web or phone whenever you need them. Visit www.shoeboxed.com or search for "shoeboxes" on the App Store."
© 2017 Post on Demand™ Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  If your to-do list is ten pages long (or worse yet, not written down but cluttering your brain), it's hard to figure out where to start. When the finish line is nowhere in sight, it's often hard to find the beginning. As you're writing your to-do list, make sure to break tasks down into realistic-sized chunks. Completion dates are important, so assign specific tasks to specific days.
© 2017 Posts on Demand™ Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  What exactly is clutter? Clutter is anything unnecessary and extraneous. It can be more than the physical clutter most of us think of. Getting organized means clearing out the clutter in your mind, heart, and life. As for the physical clutter, ask yourself the following three questions about each item in your home. If you can’t answer yes to at least one, it’s probably clutter!
1. Is it beautiful? A stunning piece of artwork enriches your life because it brings joy each time you see it. A gorgeous vase full of fresh flowers reduces stress and energizes your spirit. 2. Is it useful? You use your 12-cup coffee maker every day. You couldn’t make it through the week without it. (Don’t confuse this question with, “Will it be useful someday?”) 3. Is it loved? The antique pocket watch from your grandfather is a precious reminder of him. Your favorite cashmere sweater makes you feel fabulous. You’ll find that as you inventory your possessions, you may be able to answer “yes” to two or even three of the questions above. Those are the things that are most valuable to you. Remember, the goal of decluttering is not to get rid of everything. It’s simply to keep only things that you truly appreciate and use. To stop clutter, prevent it from accumulating in the first place. Don't give clutter a chance to form. As you've probably experienced, once clutter occupies a space, it has a way of multiplying. Always remember to place your emphasis on quality over quantity. In other words, it's not important to have a lot of things, many of which you never use. It's more beneficial to have fewer things, all of which you use and/or enjoy. Think before you buy. Try to look beyond the initial “thrill of the purchase” and see what provides deeper moments of meaning. Before you buy, think about the time you’ll spend in cleaning, storing, and maintaining that item after you bring it home. If you must buy, establish a “new item in, old item out” system where some purging takes place before shopping. Once you rid yourself of clutter and make space only for what's special, you'll find it's easier to get — and stay — organized! You’ll soon reap the benefits of a clutter-free life: more energy, happier relationships, a well-organized home or office, new opportunities, and a better outlook on life. © 2017 Articles on Demand™ Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  According to Harris Interactive, 23% of adults say they pay bills late (and thus incur fees) because they lose them. Ouch! If you're one of these folks, you need a new system to organize, contain, and pay bills on time.
You might consider the "twice a month" payment system. Set aside two 6x9 envelopes. Label one "Due Second Half of the Month: Pay on the 10th" and, as you receive them, place inside all bills due between the 16th and last day of the month. Label one "Due First Half of the Month: Pay on the 25th" and, as you receive them, place inside all bills due between the 1st and 15th day of the month. As soon as a bill arrives, immediately open the envelope, and toss it out (along with any other sales literature that accompanies it). Next, circle the due date. Tuck the bill into the return-mail envelope and stick them into the appropriate 6x9 envelope. For example, if you receive a bill that is due June 20th, you'd put it in the "Due Second Half of the Month: Pay on the 10th" envelope. Then, on the 10th and 25th of each month, take out the 6x9 envelope, and pay your bills. To make this process a little easier, fill a small plastic supply box (or use an empty checkbook box) with office essentials such as pens, checkbook, stamps, stickie notes, envelopes, address labels, mini-stapler, and tape. You’ll never again have an excuse to pay late. After you pay your bills, give thoughtful consideration to the paperwork you decide to keep. If your expenses are business-related, file statements in a “paid bills” folder. If they are non-work related, you can probably get rid of much of your paperwork. Be realistic and ask yourself why you would need to keep them in the first place. (Remember, most statements are available online if you need them later.) If you really want to keep the statements, file them in a “paid bills” folder and empty it out (shred sensitive material) at year’s end, keeping only the past 12 months’ worth of paperwork. If you are computer savvy, you might consider paying some or all of your bills online. This eliminates paper and can save much time. Contact the companies from whom you receive bills and see if they offer online bill paying. You'll receive your statement via email, and payment can be deducted directly from your checking or savings account or charged to your credit card with your approval. You can access your past statements online at any time via your computer, keeping your home clear of paper clutter. © 2017 Articles on Demand™ Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  The word “clutter” derives from the Middle English word “clotter,” which means coagulate. Think stagnant, accumulated... stuck! When clutter invades our homes and offices, it can make us disorganized. We lose things, forget to pay bills, procrastinate, and waste time. So stop contemplating your clutter and dedicate some time to conquering it!
• Define “clutter.” Clutter is anything unnecessary and extraneous. It can be more than the physical clutter most of us think of. Getting organized means clearing out the clutter in your mind, heart, and life. • Start the process of decluttering. Start small. Divide your desk or room into sections. Pick one section (like one drawer or cupboard) and begin decluttering. Try to touch things only once while going through this process — quickly make a decision to keep or toss! • Ask yourself if you consider each item beautiful, useful, or loved. If not, you can probably get rid of it! If you’re still not sure if you should get rid of an item, ask yourself, “What’s the worst thing that could happen if I toss this?” The answer may help give you the power to discard the clutter. • To stop clutter, prevent it from accumulating in the first place. Don't give clutter a chance to form. As you've probably experienced, once clutter occupies a space, it has a way of multiplying. Always remember to place your emphasis on quality over quantity. In other words, it's not important to have a lot of things, many of which you never use. It's more beneficial to have fewer things, all of which you use and/or enjoy. • Think before you buy. Try to look beyond the initial “thrill of the purchase” and see what provides deeper moments of meaning. Once you rid yourself of clutter and make space only for what's special, you'll find it's easier to get — and stay — organized! © 2017 Articles on Demand™ Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  Owning or working in a small business often means wearing many hats. Being organized is the key to managing it all seamlessly. Following are some tips to help you organize many aspects of office life.
• Resist the urge to continually check e-mail or voicemail. Instead, set specific times — perhaps once in the morning and once after lunch — to do this. • Make a schedule. Make a to-do list at the beginning of each day or the evening before. Schedule your time so the most important tasks get done first. That way, if you get interrupted, at least your most urgent needs have been met. • Zone your space. Divide your office into zones. Think kindergarten-style: Walk into a classroom, and it will be divided into different areas to do crafts, eat, take a nap, listen to music, and read. Your office might have a main work zone (usually your desk area); a reference zone of bookcases or shelves; a creative work zone for drawing or writing; and a calling zone, including the phone, headset, and phone book. If you’re having trouble defining your zones, your professional organizer can help! • Make the most of limited space. Try to think vertically, rather than just horizontally. Use your wall space to mount a bulletin board to hang your to-do list and phone numbers. Install pegboard or a wire grid on the wall to hang supplies up and off your desk. Install shelving over your desk to hold books and reference materials. Mount your computer monitor on a swing arm from the wall. If you have a door, don’t forget to use the space behind it — hang a shoe bag, and fill it with office supplies. © 2017 Articles on Demand™ Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  Whether your home office consists of a spacious basement suite or a miniscule bedroom corner, making the best of your space is so important. Location, furniture placement, and ambience will impact the ease and enjoyability with which you function.
First, identify your home office location. Will you be working when others are at home? If noise and distractions are a concern, consider finding the most secluded spot in your home. Any spare room where you can shut the door — bedroom, attic, or basement —is great. If you don’t have an entire room to work with, get creative. If you can give up a closet, consider emptying one and installing a simple work surface inside. Add shelving above for supplies and reference materials. Pull up a desk chair, and voila, instant mini-office! When the work day is done, simply shut the closet door and the office disappears. If you can’t give up the closet space, try sectioning off a corner of any room with a fold-out decorative screen. Next, arrange your office furniture carefully. Consider whether you’ll need lots of surface space and where you plan to put your desk and computer. Other items, such as filing drawers and book cases, can be placed next. Make sure to have good lighting, both indirect and direct. And finally, take the time to add a little “you” to the room. Paint the walls a color you love. Add artwork — whether expensive originals or a child’s framed finger paintings. And add a little greenery in the form of a potted plant or fresh flowers. Now it feels like home (office)! Now that your space is ready, you’ll need to prepare for inevitable interruptions. A day working from your home office can be filled with them from spouses, kids, roommates — even the cat. To maximize your time, consider these tips: • Establish regular office hours and make sure everyone knows and respects them. If necessary, find quiet time by getting up early or staying up late. • For parents working at home with small children, you already know that nap time is your savior. For the waking hours, set up a small play area in your office. Set aside a bucket of special toys to be taken out only when you’re on the phone and need extra special quiet. • Resist the urge to continually check email or voicemail. Ignore the doorbell. Use caller ID to direct your energies toward work-related calls, rather than chatty friends and pesky telemarketers. • Make a to-do list at the beginning of each day or the evening before. Schedule your time so the most important tasks get done first. That way, if you do get interrupted, at least your most urgent needs have been met. © 2017 Articles on Demand™ Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  Smaller spaces — like the office cubicle — have their own unique organizational challenges. In fact, more than 59% of Americans say their messy cubicles affect their work. If you’d like to get your cube under control, try these tips to maximize your small space.
USE VERTICAL SPACE. Don’t rely solely on horizontal (flat) desk surfaces for storage. Office supply stores and catalogs offer a variety of organization products to maximize wall space. Look for basket ladders that hook over cube walls to act as “in” and “out” boxes or to hold current projects or literature. MINIMIZE VISUAL CLUTTER. Smaller spaces look larger when clutter is kept to a minimum. Keep project papers tucked away in file folders. Utilize storage boxes in a variety of sizes to store media and office supplies. If you have a bulletin board, empty it completely and return only those things that you truly love or need. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. If possible, face your computer or most-used work surface away from the doorway so you’re not constantly interrupted by the flow of office traffic. Consider putting up a “do not disturb” sign outside your doorway letting office mates know when you need privacy during peak production hours. © 2017 Articles on Demand™ Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  One great way to increase productivity is to better manage your time.
To begin, get an accurate gauge of the real time it takes to accomplish a variety of routine responsibilities.
Then, become more productive by avoiding interruptions.
Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  Make it personal. You’re in your office for nearly a third of your day. Add personal touches to make it a fun space. Include a few great and meaningful photos. Add artwork to the walls — whether expensive originals or a child’s framed finger paintings. And add a little greenery in the form of a potted plant or fresh flowers. Remember that your office is a reflection of you, so keep it tasteful and simple, and, of course, organized!
Have fun with desk accessories. Think outside the office supply catalog. Even if you have to pay for them yourself, a few beautiful, useful office supplies may make your day more enjoyable. From a high-quality pen to colorful binders and file folders, functionality can be fun. A rubber band ball, funky, patterned clipboard, or vintage wire desk tray will make office drudgery a thing of the past. Some online resources for unique organization supplies include www.seejanework.com and www.russellandhazel.com. Also try www.containerstore.com for a wide variety of products. Please all your senses. Introduce sound by playing some soft music. Delight your nose by spritzing cotton balls with an energizing essential oil like orange or peppermint and placing them in your drawers. Indulge your taste buds by filling a candy bowl with your favorite treats. Your days are sure to be more pleasant when your office looks, smells, and sounds nice. © 2017 Articles on Demand™ Remember if you need professional organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts Contact 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com |
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