Seeing is believing...

Happy Fall!

Yesterday, I decided to buy a shelf @ Home Depot to hold all of my clear, plastic storage bins. What a significant difference it makes in saving time & space, having everything in 1 place. "Seeing...really is believing!"

My recommendation when storing away items, whether it be holiday decorations, clothing, or special keepsakes - make sure to label each storage box & keep an inventory of your items close by.

I haven't finished my project just yet, but when I do, I hope to see 6 clear, well organized & labeled storage boxes sitting neatly on my new shelf! I encourage you to create a storage system that will serve you and your needs too.

Enjoy the process...remember, persistence is key when you're beginning to get organized. Encourage yourself in the small tasks & the bigger ones will be easier to handle. You can do it!

Don't let tax time become too "taxing" for you...

As you know, W-2 forms have either already arrived in your mailbox/inbox or they on there way to you. In an effort to make filing your taxes less "taxing" on you, here's what I recommend:

(1) Create a tax folder
(2) Place all of your W-2 forms, receipts, and other important tax-related documents into the folder (e.g. charitable contributions, medical receipts, etc)
(3) Make an appointment with your accountant and/or your tax advisor (this could be you!) to file your taxes on or before April 15, 2010 to avoid any unnecessary fees
(4) Create a "wish list" for any returns you may be expecting (placing your return into a savings and/or IRA account are good ways to save for future wishes you may have!)

Become your own best friend by creating a system that works well for you and your family...so that you have more time to get out there and enjoy life!

Decorations in disarray?

As we trim the Christmas tree and adorn our homes with festive decorations, are you finding your "decorations in disarray"? If so, why not try something new this year. When you go to pull out your holiday items, take a quick inventory of your decorations. Grab a sheet of paper and make a list of the boxes & the contents in each box. While you're at it, make sure you are packing up your precious heirlooms in water resistant containers, so they will be protected over the years. I recommend using a clear storage container(s), so that you can visually see the contents. You can then take a sticky label and list out the contents. Your list inventory will serve as a "roadmap" to what decorations you have and where they are located. For example, one label might read:

Box 1: Living Room Decorations
--Angel music box
--Candles
--Christmas book
--Garlands

You may find that having this inventory "system" in place, will help in the long run...as it will save you time and hassle when you go to decorate because everything will be accounted for and in one place. You may also consult your inventory list for easy pack-up and storage until the next holiday season.

Season's Greetings

Holiday Returns Got you down...

As we get into the swing of the holidays (a.k.a. holidaze), it can become quite overwhelming with all the shopping and hussle & bussle the season brings. Today's focus is on "holiday returns". While it is still early and Christmas is 3 weeks away, you can create a system today for your holiday receipts, so that when it's time for the inevitable return, you can go to 1 place and find it. I recommend creating a holiday receipt envelope. You may choose to clip it up to your refrigerator or store it with your other receipts (perhaps within your "bill" folder, see blog from last month for more details). Or, another option, is to give your gift recipient a gift receipt (you just need to ask the cashier at the checkout) so that they can exchange their gift on their own time. However you choose to do it, I hope you'll enjoy a stress-free holiday!

Got Clutter? I can help!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be clutter free? To walk into your workplace and see your desk neat & organized? If you're tired of moving papers from one side to the other and want the freedom without all the hassle, let me create a system that is customized and tailored to you. I will work with you to understand your needs so that your new system will raise your level of productivity and give you a new found confidence to face the day! If you're interested in learning more, please email me at cluttergal@hotmail.com.