| Organizing A
to Z by Maria Gracia Organizing really can be as easy as A-B-C. Here are 26 organizing
ideas--one for each letter of the alphabet:
A: ACT - Don't put it off until later. If you want to do it,
act on it now.
B: BREAK IT DOWN - Anything you have to do is easier, if you
break it down into manageable parts.
C: CONTAINERIZE - Separate and organize your things by storing
them in see-through, plastic containers.
D: DELEGATE - You don't have to do everything yourself. Delegate
to work associates or family members. Use an outside company
to outsource some of your work. Or use technology to your
advantage, by delegating to your answering machine, your
computer, etc.
E: ELIMINATE - Get rid of clutter--both physical and mental.
You'll breathe easier and feel a sense of freedom.
F: FILE - Don't let that paperwork grow into a mountain. File
it away in an appropriate place if you need to refer to it
again.
G: GIVE - Give the things you no longer use or love to a favorite
charity organization, a family member or a friend. There
are many people who will be thrilled to receive your gifts.
H: HOME SWEET HOME - Find a home for everything you own, and
keep it in its place. When you need something in the future,
you'll know its 'address.'
I: IDENTIFY - Before putting items in boxes for storage--or
when you're moving--be sure to identify the contents by labeling
the outside of the box. Identify papers in file folders,
by clearly marking the tab of the folder.
J: JUDGEMENT - Use your best judgement to prioritize your life.
Be sure you're spending the majority of your time on the
important stuff.
K: KNOWLEDGE - Knowledge is power. In order to effectively
organize something, be sure you're using the organizing systems
that will work best for you.
L: LISTS - Make lists for things you have to do now, and in
the future. Master Lists and To Do Lists will help you get
things done. Packing lists will ensure you never forget something
again when you travel. Shopping lists will ensure you get
everything you need at the mall. Telephone lists will remind
you of everyone you have to call this week.
M: MOTIVATION - A huge part of getting organized is motivation.
Once you're motivated, there's no limit as to what you can
accomplish. Get motivated by designating pending rewards
for your accomplishments, involving family members or friends
in your goals, and by making getting organized a game. And
definitely stop by the Get Organized Now!™ Discussion
Forum for lots of inspiration and motivation.
N: NO - It's so easy to get stressed when you have a million
things to do on your plate. If you're beginning to feel burdened
with too much to do, learn to say NO to some of those things.
O: ORDER - Rather than living in clutter and chaos, vow to
live a more orderly life. You'll know where everything is,
and you'll complete whatever you start.
P: PLAN AND PREPARE - While spontaneity every once in awhile
is fun and perfectly fine, having a good plan and effectively
preparing, will help you reach your goals and deadlines,
so you can enjoy maximum accomplishments.
Q: QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY - It is much better to have a few
treasures that you love and enjoy, rather than having lots
of things you don't particularly care for. Always think quality,
over quantity, and you'll simplify your life. Of course,
this doesn't apply to money!
R: REMINDERS - Use little reminder devices throughout the day
to help you stay on track. Alarm clocks, timers, e-mail reminders
and sticky notes are all excellent memory joggers.
S: SELL IT - Why not make some money by selling some of those
possessions you no longer want? Try a rummage sale, consignment
shop or an online auction company.
T: TOSS - If you don't want it, and you can't give it away
or sell it, toss it. Make room for the things that you really
enjoy, or that make your life easier.
U: UNUSED SPACE - Don't forget about the space in your home
or office that is often forgotten about, such as wall space
for shelves or hooks for hanging, or space under the stairs.
V: VISUALIZE - Picture how wonderful your life is going to
be when you're organized. Then strive to put yourself in
that picture every day.
W: WRITE IT DOWN - Don't try to keep everything you have to
remember in your head. Simply write it down and refer to
it when needed.
X: X MARKS THE SPOT - Place an X next to each item you accomplish
on your To Do List. At the end of the day, add up your x's
and celebrate for getting so much done!
Y: YOU - Don't forget to make time for YOU. Remember, an appointment
with yourself--time for you with no interruptions--should
be one of the most important appointments in your day.
Z: ZONE IN - Really define what you're trying to accomplish,
so you have a clear picture in your mind.
by Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now!™
Want to get organized? Get your FREE Get Organized Now!™ Idea-Pak,
filled with tips and ideas to help you organize your home,
your office and your life, at the Get
Organized Now!™ Web site
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