Is there a class called Organization 101? I need it! I realize there are compulsively neat individuals who are unhappy, and I don’t wish to make light of them. But I’m not one and have even considered hiring someone to help me get organized.
Day after day, letters and papers arrive in the mail needing to be sorted, but get stacked in a pile. The counter accumulates crumbs, as does the floor, and dishes gather in the sink because the dishwasher is full from the night before. After my AM walk, I tackle a load of laundry and do a quick cleanup of the kitchen when my biggest challenge dwells one floor above me: my writing space.
Our house doesn’t lack for bookshelves. The problem? They’re all full! Our son’s old bedroom, my writing room, now houses a new bookshelf where I decided to organize papers, padded envelopes for sending out prizes, photography necessities, and much more. If I could just figure out a system.
I’m trying the clear plastic bin method, but my label maker went kaput so I don’t know what’s inside most of the containers. What should I put in which bin and how much should I save? When I think of a possible book title or admire a unique name, I jot it down on a scrap of paper and slip it into a file in a desk. Should I store them in a plastic container instead, where they won’t be forgotten?
The bookshelf was partly purchased to alleviate the mess on my desk, but it hasn’t eradicated the Post-it notes that materialize every day.
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” Albert Einstein once said. No empty minds around here!
Any tips for me, a woman who likes the printed page rather than amassing data in my computer? Is having too much storage space a disadvantage? Where should I start? Must I read every piece of paper before filing it? I’m open to all ideas except the paper shredder. Maybe in the future, I should start to look at digital solutions like the software provide at Filecenter or similar variations that I could find suitable so I can start trying to organize all the files and information that I gain on my computer, as for the physical files… I’m not too sure yet.
Should you wish to win a signed copy of Leaving Lancaster or Pennsylvania Patchwork let me know in your comment. USA or Canada. Winner has one week to respond.
Congratulations to Nyla, last week’s winner of a signed copy of Leaving Lancaster or Pennsylvania Patchwork! Thank you, everyone who left a comment. I read them all to my husband!
To be Released June 1, 2014
I’m in the same position as a reader/influencer, always paperwork coming pics would scare ya…Ahhhhh Not to mention paperwork for our house and personal needs. My issue is needing larger desk with file shorting holder for letter type things till I file them and folding file hangers for sorting things into manilla folders labeled with whats in it. I love the clear bin ideas and I would use a chalkboard or paper label that could be later peeled off if changed. Labels from label makers always dry up and later fall off. I would love to win the first book in your series ! I have it on kindle but would love to have the real deal signed to cherish. I also would love to influence for you Kate.
Blessings
Linda
Faithful Acres Books
http://www.faithfulacres.net
PS: I shared this on my book page on fb…. https://www.facebook.com/FaithfulAcresBooks
Thanks for writing, Linda! It sounds as if you and I are in similar situations. I hope my new label maker does the trick, however first I need to sort … Good luck in the contest!
Would love to win a book.
Thanks for entering the contest, Angela. Good luck!
we have been doing the same thing here. trying to simplify our lives
would love to win your book
You’re entered in the book giveaway, Valerie! Thank you for visiting my blog!
We will be trying to get rid of more things and get more organized too.
Always a daunting task, Juanita! Paper, paper, everywhere! And where did I put that gem of an idea? Thanks for writing!
Hi Kate,
Some really good solutions to getting your papers organized and kept tidey without throwing them out:
1. Use and old book shelf of sorts. Decorate it (paint, varnish, decals, ect..) to match your room that it will be in.
2. Get clear rectangle or square plastic tubs and label them in bright colors.
3. As you get the papers, mail, drafts ect. place in designated tub.
4. Be sure to have one for misc. and important
5. Pick one day a week to go through them and discard anything you know you don’t need.
Yes I would love to win any and all of your books anytime.
p.s. my phone and tablet would not let me post. Thank goodness my internet on the computer came back up. AT&T was working on our lines.
It sounds as though you and I are thinking along the same lines, Joannah! Thank you for the great tips. I’d better buy a new label maker today and get busy. Thanks for entering the book giveaway. Good luck!
Well, all I can say is that if you find a solution that truly works for this problem, please let me know. As a teacher, I’m buried in papers, binders, and books, so I totally sympathize. And I would love to win any of your books!
I can imagine you’d be buried in papers and books, Dali! When I’m working on a novel, I try to put pertinent info in a binder, which helps some. Still, the post-its and scraps of paper accumulate. And I want to save info on the Amish and the names of people who win books, etc. Thanks for entering the contest and good luck!
I wish I had some magic tips but I don’t. I have the same problem as you, Kate! I have way too much paper clutter. However, I would love to win a book.
Thanks for entering the book giveaway, Kathy! If I conquer my chaos I’ll let you know and we can both live clutter-free. Good luck!
oh…to have been born organized. My mom was…she is awesome… Me? I am too thrifty, too sedimental….to unorganized….too distracted, too busy, too tired….. 😛 The solution? Someone to work with you….notice I said WORK WITH…not dictate or do for you…. The other helps I find, are dealing with junk mail as soon as it comes in the house, not collecting magazines, and trying to keep on task. Do I make progress? Some days…. some days two steps back…but never give up!
You sound like me, Nat! My mother was not very organized, but my sister might help me… Thank you for entering the book giveaway and for putting a smile on my face!
i have a file cabent and put mine in… good luck all ..and would love to read one of the books ..please thank you for shareing with us
Thanks for writing and entering the contest, Paula, and good luck! I want you to read one of my books!
Michael’s sells sturdy shoe box size boxes that come in beautiful florals with a metal frame to insert a labeled piece of paper. Lotsa’ bright prints you would love! They’re easy to label and last a long time. I use these for things that cannot be filed. (Camera accessories, pics not in albums)
I do scan most of my hand/outs and type in my notes from writing events and put them in OneNote. It’s so easy to find because the search functionality searches within the body of the document, not just the headlines. Then I back up all my computer using Carbonite, $5 a month.
For the paper stuff I keep, I use a filing cabinet. But, I use a double word system so like items are together. HOME -(house, yard, warranties, etc.) FAMILY – (each member has own file)
I keep a small can for recycle in my office for immediate disposal. I stack stuff on the shredder under my desk so when I get a small pile, I do it at once.
If you do want to hire someone, my neighbor does this for a living. They don’t just come in and tell you what to do, they learn what your needs are and how YOU function and help you come up with a plan that is suitable for your lifestyle. I was surprised to find they deal with paper more than closets!
Best wishes on the project! Despite the fact that I think I am a pretty organized person, my room is piled after conference. Am doing the same thing!
mommamindy@msn.com
Thanks for commenting, Mindy! To write and publish a novel, one must be a multi-tasker, but I keep delaying getting organized. Hiring someone to steer me in the right direction sounds too good to be true. I might contact you for your neighbor’s info. Each day I attempt one small task, but then another cluster of papers appear.
You are a lot more organized than me Kate. It takes me so long to do anything now I am older. I am blessed to have an understanding husband. I would love your autographed books. I enjoy your realistic fiction. It is a blessing to know someone as talented as you.
My husband would like someone to organize our whole house, Carol! I try to keep on top of the never ending accumulation of mail and papers, plus shoes sitting by the back door, etc, but the next day more arrives. I’ve often lamented that we need a utility/mud room! Thanks for entering the contest!
one of the things I do with mail, is I get it in the car, then I never let it come in the house if it’s junk. I go straight to the trash can with work (or use the little trash can in my car)
I’m slowly learning that the less I bring in, the less I have to deal with. It just is…
So that’s a very small way of keeping junk out of the house. IF it MUST come in the house, I have a box at the door for all mail. EVERYTHING, then once a week,. at least, I go through it. Usually the day before trash day.
Organizing seems to be a never ending process. I use 3-ring binders/notebooks for some things. I use empty paper boxes–the kind that come with reams of copy paper OR you can buy similar ones at office supply stores. I use these for things like mailers and large envelopes. I put scraps of paper and other odds and ends in a basket on my desk. When the basket is overflowing, I take care of everything and get it to the correct place.
I would be happy to win one of your books.
You sound incredibly organized, Kay! All great ideas. Thanks for writing and entering the contest. I’d love you to read one of my books. Good luck!
Organization is not something that I am great at but at work I am much better than how i am at home!
Since I work out of my home, your comment makes perfect sense, Carol! Thanks for entering the book giveaway!
I use Journals to make notes. Especially on things I want to remember. So you might get journals, and label the front of them to eliminate the small pieces of paper, also they can be placed on the bookshelf when you are complete with them. You can get them reasonably, and/or make your own. I keep a certain amount with me all the time, 1 for personal ideas, 1 for personal responsibility, 1 for home issues (*bills, ideas, etc, or notes of phone calls where I talked to someone about anything related to the home) 1 for Bible Study and devotionals, and 1 for church/sermon related notes. I don’t carry them all, all the time, but you can usually find me with 2 or 3 at a time, so I don’t buy huge ones usually.
I have found for ME this is the best way to keep things stored. I also use my calendar on my phone for EVERYTHING! and an app called Cozi that I use with my son’s family to keep us with his children and their activities. If I want to remember something very important, I will place it on my phones calendar and give myself a time limit. Like a week or so and set an alarm. I also use alarms, etc.
There are many different ways to use your phone for ideas, notes, etc. Just remember to back it up all the time!
First things First, REPLACE YOUR LABEL MAKER!! once you get it back, label EVERYTHING! I do not have a desk and write in my bed usually, or my car when I’m sitting waiting (kids, take out, dr’s etc) but the key is to organize the little things first and make that routine, then the bigger things will fall into place
I had great success in getting my home organized by using the advice on the Flylady website. It is extensive, but done with a lot of fun. It is geared for those of us that seem to be missing the “organization gene” 😉 Because there is so much information on the site, I just pick and choose what suits me at the time and leave the rest until I need it. Good luck in your efforts. Here is the site address: http://www.flylady.net