organizing Archives - Page 6 of 6

Organizing Your Inbox: 15 Minutes to Freedom

How do you feel when you look at your email inbox?

Are you overwhelmed by the number of emails you receive every day?

Do you wish you could tame your inbox?

Become a pro at organizing your inbox?

Would you like to be more productive?

I use to pride myself on getting my inbox to zero by the end of each day. As time went on and life got busier, I began to feel comfortable with having 20 unread emails still in my inbox. Then it went up to 40. After writing this article I am committed to getting it back down to zero.

Every day I get calls or requests for organizing emails. I think many of you, like me, have a love/hate relationship with our inbox. What was life like before email? It is so hard to remember. Email can be a real time buster however, it can also be a real time saver if used properly.

I think of how I used to “snail” mail my newsletters and now with a click of a button I can send out thousands. Since the computer is here to stay why not try these-

Simple tips on organizing your inbox

Please let me know how you do with these tips on organizing your inbox. Write your comments in the box below.

Tip#1 Exercise control. This is a tough one for me. I am so use to checking emails first thing in the morning. The more I learn about productivity the more I can see how this is a BIG time buster. Do you catch yourself checking emails and then wondering off to social media or the internet? Before you know it an hour or 2 has gone by. To be the most productive, check emails 2-3 times per day at most unless your job requires otherwise. I am committed to doing this. Please join me. Most importantly turn off email notifications!

Tip#2 Unsubscribe. Take a close look at all the newsletters you subscribe to. Are they of importance in your life right now? For example, you might have subscribed to “child care” newsletters when your children were first born. Now that they are older, is that information relevant? When your organizing your inbox set up a “to read” folder for all other newsletters you enjoy and find helpful. Immediately move them from your inbox to your folder. Or you can set up a RRS feed in Google Reader. Put a filter to go straight “to read”. Once a week or on your lunch break go through the folder. If you find your “to read” folder gets overloaded then it is time to reassess.

Tip#3 Action Folder. Create an action folder. Store all emails that you need to take action on. These are not important or urgent emails. Take 15 minutes a day and deal with each email one by one. Can you delegate any of the “actions” or can you delete them?

Tip#4 Important Folder. Pick the top 10-15 most important emails and move them to this folder. Deal with these right away. Because they are in this folder you will not get side tracked. Once you have dealt with those 10- 15 then move another 10-15 over and deal with those.

Tip#5 New Policy. Every new email that comes in will follow this new policy of being filed. Say goodbye to inbox overflow and hello to 15 minutes of freedom. Let people know you will only be checking emails 2 – 3 times per day and that you will get back to them in a timely manner unless your job/personal life requires different. Ask friends and family to take you off their “joke” list. Yes it is fun to get them and funny to read however it is not productive and again it is so easy to get sidetracked. If you absolutely love getting jokes then set up a folder for them. Read them at the end of the day or on weekends.

80% of what we file never gets looked at again!!

Try to keep your outgoing emails short and to the point. One subject per email. Be mindful to change the subject line if you have changed subjects in a reply. I like to give as much information in the subject line as I can. For example: “Birthday Party for Sue on Friday night 7 pm-please confirm.” This is so helpful for filing purposes and quick references. When necessary pick up the phone. Things can get lost in email translation.

Are you still feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of emails? Pick up the phone and get your FREE consultation.

I will support you in moving forward with organizing your inbox

We will discuss strategies that will be best for you and your inbox situation. You will be so much more productive and stress free.

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By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:46+00:00July 9th, 2012|Organizer, Time Management|0 Comments

Moving Checklist

How many people love to move? I have yet to meet anyone who gets excited about moving.

The key to a stress free, successful move is “ORGANIZATION” and good labeling!

The other key to a successful, stress free move is proper planning. Give yourself enough time to do all the tasks. Do not leave things to the last moment. Be ruthless with your sorting, purging and donating.

Follow this moving day checklist and be the envy of everyone who has every moved.

4-6 weeks before moving day

1. Start collecting boxes and packing paper. Your local produce store will have beautiful apple boxes. Having all the same size boxes makes for better packing. If you would like to use “green” boxes be sure to check out http://www.frogbox.com.

2. Go around your house with post it notes. Label all large items that WILL NOT be going with you. Be ruthless. Consider having a moving sale, use a consignment store, Craigslist, or donation. (I can help you with this is you do not feel comfortable doing it yourself.)

3. Start purging your clothes closets and storage areas.

4. Begin the process of contacting “People to Notify”:

Electricity and gas
Water and milk delivery
Telephone and internet
Cable TV
Home and auto insurance
Drivers License and Passport (change of address)
Newspaper and magazine subscription
Doctors and Dentist (get referral in new neighdorhood)
Banks and credit cards
Post office (change of address) www.canadapost.com

5. Decide if you will pack/move yourself or if you are going to hire professionals. (I work with some very reputable movers.) Only use well known movers who will come to your home and give you a quote.

6. Start really downsizing your deep freeze. The goal would be to have it empty by move day. If your move is local, your frozen food can be packed in a cooler. If your move is long distance, you will need to make arrangements for any frozen food left. This is a great way to get to know your neighbors!

3 weeks before moving day

1. Pair down your pantry. Use up canned goods and dried goods. Toss out all outdated spices, baking supplies, stale cereal, etc.

2. Cleaning supplies, flammables, and aerosols cannot be moved by professional movers. Use these up until move day and then leave behind for the new tenants.

3. Decide what you would like to do with any or all plants. Indoor and outdoor ones. Will you be moving them or donating them?

4. Dismantle gym equipment, patio furniture, trampolines and large power tools.

5. Do any of your appliances need services? Now is the time to do it.

6. Pack (unless you have hired professionals) all items you do not need. Seasonal clothing, most of the kid’s toys, seasonal cookware/platters, books, CD’s, sporting equipment, etc.

2 weeks before moving day

1. Pack a suitcase for each family member. Include a towel, toilet paper, hand soap, special medications, toiletries, fresh set of sheets, toys/books and a few clothes. Just enough stuff to get your through the first 2 or 3 days in your new place. This saves on opening boxes and trying to find the favorite toy or pillow.

2. Arrange transfers of any school records.

3. Check to make sure your insurance covers you while moving.

4. Return library books, pop/beer bottles and any borrowed items.

5. Pack as much of the house as you can. When we moved I had 2 special boxes. One had the plastic cups, plates, etc. and the other had the champagne and non-perishable snacks. As soon as we got our keys I set up a little celebration area.

6. Make any travel arrangements.

7. Accept all help. Do your friends want to cook for you? Do they want to help pack? Say “yes please” and “thank-you”.

8. Be sure to do some self care. You do not want to strain your back. This is an important time to keep up your yoga, walking and hot relaxing baths.

1 week before moving day

1. Take down drapes, and blinds.

2. Dismantle TV, desks, and any other furniture you do not need this week.

3. Make sure all the laundry is done. Do you have any dry cleaning to pick up?

4. Make arrangements for any pets. Keep their food close at hand along with leash and blanket.

5. Pack everything except for the bare necessities.

6. Use up all the food in your fridge (as much as you can).

7. Do you need to do a run to the dump or will your local garbage pick-up do?

One day before

1. Make arrangements for your kids to be at a play date/sleep over. This will help lower the stress level. It is also safer for little kids to not be under foot.

2. Do all last minute cleaning.

3. Defrost freezer and wipe down inside of fridge.

4. Put the self clean on your oven.

5. Unhook your computers, radios, coffee maker, phones, etc.

6. Go out for dinner to a friends, family or local café.

7. Check the house for any last items that need to be packed. Hopefully there is nothing left.

8. Say goodbye to your neighbors.

Moving Day

1. Load the truck or get your professional movers to do it for you.

2. Have cold drinks and snacks on hand.

3. Load your car with what you can. Use a cooler for any last minute items from the fridge.

4. Leave the keys and your contact information with your landlord or Realtor. Your contact info is handy if there is any mail that does not get redirected. It is also handy if the new tenants/owners have any questions about your house/condo.

5. Collect your kids and pets.

6. Prepare for a new start. I trust it is a happy, joyful experience.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of packing, moving or unpacking?

Please allow me to support you in this process. Have you taken advantage of my FREE 30 minute phone consultation? If not, than contact me today. We will discuss a plan of action to help you have a stress free, ORGANIZED move.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:46+00:00June 22nd, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move|2 Comments

How to organize a coat closet by Rowena List Professional Organizer and Speaker

When was the last time you organized your coat closet? When the season changed? Four seasons ago? When you moved in? Not sure how to organize a coat closet?

Has your closet become a dumping ground for more than coats? When doing my hands on organizing I find some of the most interesting things in the hall coat closet. After you learn how to organize a coat closet I would love to hear what your best find is. I’m guessing you’ve got something interesting hiding in there too! image via M I T C H Ǝ L L

Please take a moment to watch this short video on how to organize a coat closet.

These quick and easy tips can be done in 15 minutes or less.Why not set the timer and go for it.

I get asked to help organize a lot of coat closets. It is a favorite spot for dust bunnies not to mention old, non fitting coats,boots,hats and mittens.

Be sure to donate any items that are no longer serving you or your family members.Feeling stuck? I’ll come and help you. All you have to do is ASK and book me.

I’ll show you in no time flat how to organize a coat closet.

What is the most interesting thing you have found in your coat closet? Please leave your comment below in the comment box.

If you like this video, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends. And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list. You’ll get instant access to a free ebook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your home in 15 minutes or less.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:48+00:00May 15th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization, Time Management|0 Comments

How to Organize Your Golf Bag

How much do you love to golf?

Are you ready to golf at the drop of a hat? Part of being able to do that is having your golf bag organized at all times. Doesn’t sound like fun? You would do it -if you knew how to organize your golf bag easier?

This short video will give you some tips on what to carry in your bag and how to organize your golf bag.

Take a look.

As many of you know I have golfed all over the world. It is a neat way to pick a travel destination. For example who would have thought that Egypt had golf? We know they have endless amounts of sand which I found myself in some of the time! Egypt is by far one of the most exotic places I have golfed.

Knowing how to organize your golf bag is even more crucial when you travel.

How about you?

Please leave your best golfing story below in the comment box. I would love to hear them.

Any extra tips on how to organize your golf bag? I would love to hear those too!

If you like this video, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends. And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list. You’ll get instant access to a free ebook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your home in 15 minutes or less.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:48+00:00May 9th, 2012|Organizer, Travel Organization|3 Comments

How to organize a Medicine Cabinet

When was the last time you thought about how to organize a medicine cabinet?

Most medicine cabinets have everything shoved in them.

There are many items that have expired.Many items that are no longer needed by you or your family members and many itmes that have spilled over.

That is the sticky yukky stuff that is on the medicine cabinet shelf.

Check out this short video on how to organize a medicine cabinet.

Be sure to leave your comments in the box below.

I like to collect funny stories and I am thinking you might have one.

Not wanting to face your medicine cabinet alone………contact me for a FREE 30 minute phone consultation. I’ll walk you through the steps on how to organize a medicine cabinet. What to keep, what to toss and how to put everything back in it’s right place.

If you like this video, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends. And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list. You’ll get instant access to a free ebook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your homein 15 minutes or less.

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By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:52+00:00January 31st, 2011|Home Organization|0 Comments

Helpful moving tips – part 1

How would you like some helpful moving tips?

Are you one of these people who likes to move? OK, I need to meet you because I have yet to meet anyone who loves to move. I moved after 22 years in the same place. I actually did not mind moving…………but that was because I was organized! You knew that was coming.

Why not check out this short video on helpful moving tips.

I’ll bet you will really like these tips and will use one or 2 of them on your next move.

If you are still not getting excited about packing and moving I can come to the rescue.

Call today for a FREE phone consultation. We will discuss your move, packing and downsizing. I even work with some excellent moving companies. You could go away and have your new place all put back together. Now that is stress free moving.

If you like this video, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends. And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list. You’ll get instant access to a free ebook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your homein 15 minutes or less.

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By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:52+00:00July 8th, 2010|Home Organization, Organizer|0 Comments

Living with a Clutter Bug

Are you living with a clutter bug?

This is one of the top questions I get asked.

What can I do with my husbands,partners,kids clutter? They are clutter bugs and it is driving me crazy.

Check out this video on living with a clutter bug for all of your answers.

We know the number one rules it you can not clear anyone else’s clutter unless they give you permission to.

What you can do is give them my contact info! Send them over to https://www.gettingittogether.ca/services

Give them a gift certificate for my services.

And lead by example. Once you start to clear your clutter you might find that other family members want to do the same thing.

Have you got a good clutter bug story?

Please leave it in the box below.

If you like this video, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends. And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list. You’ll get instant access to a free ebook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your home in 15 minutes or less.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:53+00:00March 10th, 2010|Home Organization, Organizer|0 Comments

How to organize Spices

Fess up. What does your spice cupboard look like?

How many poultry seasonings do you have?

Check out this short video on how to organize spices.

You’ll be excited to get started right away.

I have a friend who organizes her spices alphabetically. Even I do not do that! I have mine on a small “lazy susan.”

About three times a year I clean off the lazy susan,wipe it down and refil my spice containers.

How about you? What is your system?

Please leave me a comment in the box below.

Have you taken advantage of your FREE phone consultation? Contact me to set up a date. You’ll get a few of my secrets to getting and staying organized especially the ones on how to organize spices.

If you like this video, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends. And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list. You’ll get instant access to a free ebook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your home in 15 minutes or less.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:53+00:00February 9th, 2010|Home Organization, Organizer|0 Comments