Tackling Paper Clutter

This morning I am catching up on some of my own paper clutter using these techniques, originally posted in September 2012. 

Speaking at Multiple Births Canada National Conference, Oct. 2011

Since founding Simply Organized Life in 2005, the question I am most asked is "What to do with all those pesky paper piles?"

After a busy summer filled with lots of activities outside the home, I found myself with some sizable paper piles in my office. I made the piles go away and am only left with my current project folders on my desk. Here's what I did: 

1) Set Aside the Time

Being a professional organizer, I know how to handle paperwork and (gasp) actually enjoy it. However, several rounds of house guests and our busy summer schedule kept me away from my home office where the paper piled up. At the first opportunity, I scheduled time in my calendar to deal with the paper on my desk. 

2) Just Do It

Paper piles can be pretty intimidating. It is much easier (and more fun) to check your e-mail, surf Facebook or do just about anything other than sorting through the papers. What I find works for me is to set a timer for a short amount of time (say 15 minutes) and just starting dealing with the paper pile top down. If a bill appears, I pay it. If project papers appear, I schedule time in my calendar or create a project file. Most people can handle those types of action papers, but what about those pesky papers that you *might* need to refer to in the future? 

3) Put it Away 

Everyone needs a system for those little bits of paper that we want to refer to in the future. The thing is that if we cannot retrieve those papers when we need them, what is the point of keeping them? 

I utilize a combination of paper files, like the family binder I referred to in my "Get Organized for Back to School" post, and am slowly shifting to a paperless system for other things. For my children's artwork I either take a photograph or scan the items. These things are stored by month and year with our digital photos. For other things, like interesting magazine articles or websites, I scan and save to Evernote, which I can then search at a later date.  

Source:  www.evernote.com

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. Carolyn will be presenting "Spring Clean Your Clutter" at Ann Arbor Rec & Ed. on May 10, 2013. Register now with Ann Arbor Rec & Ed. Please note that Carolyn was not compensated by any vendors for this blog post. 

Seminar: "Spring Clean Your Clutter"

Archive Photo: Carolyn Speaking on Organization

The evening of Tuesday, April 9, 2013 I had the pleasure of speaking to one of the women's groups at Dexter United Methodist Church. This is a great bunch of ladies and I was honored to be asked for a return visit. I first spoke to this group in December of 2011.

Just in time for the church's spring rummage sale, I shared four simple steps to clear clutter anywhere in your home or office. If clutter is holding you back from reaching your goals, here's where to start:

Step 1: Pick Your Project
Write down the first area that comes to mind and your vision for this space. 
Please feel free to share your project area or ask questions in the comments!

Step 2: Break It Into Small Steps
Consistent small blocks of time yield amazing results and keep you organized. 

Step 3: Set Goals
Use a calendar to aid in making sure your goals are measurable and attainable.

Step 4: Get Going
Keep it if you use it, you love it and it makes you feel good. Everything else can go!

Would you like more details on how to "Spring Clean Your Clutter"? Check out my May 10, 2013 seminar with Ann Arbor Rec & Ed. 

Do you need a speaker for your group? Check out the seminars page on the Simply Organized Life website. 

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. Do you need to conquer the clutter in your space? Carolyn will be presenting "Spring Clean Your Clutter" through Ann Arbor Rec and Ed on Friday, May 10, 2013. Register with Ann Arbor Rec and Ed. 

Planning for International Travel with Kids

For all of you headed overseas this summer, here are some helpful tips originally posted in August 2012.

Photo Source: List Mama, www.listplanit.com

Do you have family overseas? Do you dream of expanding your vacation horizons, but worry about traveling internationally with your children? 

Check out my guest blog on planning for international travel with kids over at ListPlanIt, a membership based website full of any list you could imagine. Why reinvent the wheel?

My guest blog is a time-line based list of steps for any family planning a trip overseas. Many of the steps can apply to domestic travel as well. Enjoy!

Spring Clean Clutter

Photo Credit:  Carolyn Anderson-Fermann

As a result of our long Michigan winters, the rebirth of spring seems so much sweeter. It's a fresh start. If you have been reading this blog or my newsletter for any length of time, you know that I love fresh starts.

Spring is a great time to give ourselves a fresh start when it comes to clutter. The thought of a traditional spring cleaning can be really overwhelming. These quick tips are intended to get you moving in the right direction without a major overhaul. 

Do you have "stuff" that is blocking your way both physically and mentally? Perhaps it is clutter on your bathroom counter that makes it difficult to clean? Or maybe those papers everywhere draining your energy? 

If you have clutter stopping you in your tracks, try these quick tips to help you spring clean your clutter:

1) Pick One Flat Surface

Select one flat surface in your home or office that really bothers you when cluttered. Now schedule time in your calendar to clear this clutter. Once you have a clear surface, declare this sacred space and set aside 5 to 10 minutes daily to maintain clarity.  

2) Shred the Old

If piles of old papers are bogging you down, do a little spring cleaning and sort out everything that needs to be shredded. From Saturday, April 13, 2013 Recycle Ann Arbor will once again be offering shredding services. The charge is $6 per banker box or $4 per grocery bag. Readers outside of the Ann Arbor area can check with their local recycling authority, credit union or bank to look for shredding events in their area.  

3) Dispose of Medicine Properly

Saturday, April 27, 2013 is National Take Back Drugs Day. Through the Drug Take Back Network, you can properly dispose of medicine on April 27th and on most days in many communities throughout the United States. Search (top left) the Simply Organized Life blog for more tips on organizing and disposing of medicine.

If you need a little extra help decluttering your home or office, please contact Carolyn to schedule a complementary telephone consultation and be your best in 2013. I work throughout Washtenaw County in person and also offer virtual services over the telephone, Skype or Facetime.

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. To receive a free copy of Carolyn's "Secrets of a Simply Organized Life" and a monthly subscription to the e-newsletter "Your Simply Organized Life" sign up here.