1.) Find your Organizational Personality.
Each person has their own way of looking at things. Me personally, I'm a stacker. I'm a very visual person so if I can't see it, it doesn't exist in my mind.
2.) Claim the Space.
What do I mean? It's simple, really. You've got to make the room something you'll want to spend time in. For instance, my office. When I moved in my father had painted it a dark blue, (which was great for him, but I hated the color) so I repainted it light green. I love the color now!3.) Purge.
Simple, right? Not always. Usually we hold on to things for three reasons. The "Sentimental" person holds on to things because of the memories. The "Maybe" personality holds on because they might be able to use it in the future. The "For Someone Else" personality holds on because they want to pass it down to kids/grandkids or friends. A good rule to consider when purging, if it's been sitting untouched for six months you don't need it.
Yes, you can organize your room for cheap. Luckily here in Oregon we have a dollar store in almost every city. The dollar stores are your friends. So is goodwill and family and friends. Once you know how you see things, you can create the storage solutions you need. I tend to use smaller containers with lids for things I don't need everyday, for instances my inks and stamps. For my paper and scrapbook pages I use office stackable paper holders. When I first moved in I had a bunch of mix match storage devices that didn't work. Once I realized that I need more consistent storage shelves I put together a wooden shelving set my mom had way before I was born, (and had dragged to every place we'd moved to) and set them up.
What are some things you do to stay organized?
4 comments:
I love your simple, no-nonsense approach, Mae! I'm purging after I finish revisions on the darned book. I'm a "Maybe" person - thanks for the insight!
My tip is to have a file folder labeled 'Writing Taxes' and shove each receipt into it right away. Label them if it's not obvious what the expenditure was for, specifically. Print online receipts for things like dues and paypal immediately and file in your tax folder. If you want to get fancy, you can have sub-folders for each category (Meals and lodging, professional organizations, etc.)
Your office is beautiful - love the color and the window!
Thanks Sarah! I like your idea for the taxes. My mom learned the hard way this last year with having to scramble to put everything together. I'll definately push her to do your filing this year. It makes it so less stressful.
Hi Mae,
I've been a blend of all three - with a collection of 'sentimental' and then the stacks of 'maybe' and another stack 'for someone else'. This past year I made some decisions and while I still have my stash of sentimental letters and cards, pictures, etc. I'm much better about not adding to it. I've become better about the 'maybe' and ruthless' about tossing for 'someone else'. The compromise I've made is I'll take the article and mail it to them if I really think they should have it.
This year I'm going to enter my tax information into the computer program as the year progresses. I've already done through early Feb. and plan on adding to it in May.
Also, I'm an 'envelop' person. I've a manila envelop for each month of the year and I keep receipts for the month there. I also keep track of all my cash expenses. It adds up to a couple of hundred dollars or more and helps me see where my money goes.
Thanks for a great post and inviting pictures!
Mae, These are great organizing suggestions.
My organization comes from purging and then putting things in a place that seems appropriate.
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