Avoid Organizing Mistakes (Part 3 of 3)

Source:   http://tracys-day.blogspot.com/

For the past two weeks, I have been writing about how to avoid the most common organizing mistakes. 


The last and most common mistake of the three is trying to buy our way out of disorganization. 

Purge First, Buy Later

I strongly believe that organizing is about what you do, not what you buy. While it is tempting to head out to your nearest big box store when you are ready to get organized, hold off on buying new organizing tools until you are near the end of your journey. 

About 90% of my clients never need to buy any organizing products while we are working together. When you let go of the excess in your life, you no longer need so many containers to hold your stuff. 

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. 

Avoid Organizing Mistakes (Part 2 of 3)

Last week I shared the first of three ways to avoid the most common organizing mistakes. 


Today, we are going to talk about moving forward without regret when it comes to organizing. 

Keep Moving Forward

It's no surprise that many clients feel shameful of their past mistakes that have lead to disorganization. It is really difficult and very important to let go of the past. Let's call this mental clutter.

Maybe you overstocked your pantry, indulged in retail therapy a bit too much or let the mail pile up for weeks. Holding onto mental clutter can be a real roadblock to getting organized. 


We all make mistakes. Just moving forward a little every day can open up wonderful clutter free possibilities.     

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. 

Avoid Organizing Mistakes (Part 1 of 3)

Summer is a busy time. 

With all the activities on the calendar and less structure, I find it more difficult to stay organized in the summer months. Does this hold true for you? 

That being said, I believe even a little organization can take us a long way in the busy month of July. 

Today I am sharing the first of three ways you can avoid the most common organizing mistakes. 

Follow these tips and you can take in all those activities guilt free, without worrying about disorganization.

Do a Little at a Time

Many of us think that if we just had one weekend (or if you're a Mom, maybe one hour) we could really get things organized. The problem with this thinking is that for most of us these large chunks of time are few and far between.

While spending a weekend on organizing can lead to amazing results, if you do not have a plan to keep the area organized, it won't be long until you are in the same predicament again. Taking baby steps when it comes to organizing is the long term way to keep clutter at bay. 

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. Carolyn will be presenting the hands on workshop "Tame the Paper Monster" at My Urban Toddler in Saline, Michigan on July 20, 2012 (childcare is available, check with My Urban Toddler for details).

Kitchen Organizing Tips

Enjoy Summer's Bounty with a Tidy Kitchen

 

Summer is officially here! My favorite thing about summer in Michigan is our abundance of fresh local produce. With an organized kitchen you can enjoy the foods of summer even more.

 

Here are some quick and easy ways to keep your kitchen organized and clean:

 

1) Clean Up After Every Meal

Organization breeds organization. You (and hopefully, your family) will be more likely to keep a tidy kitchen when you clean up after every meal. Wash or put dirty dishes in the dishwasher and wipe down counter tops.

 

2) Know What You Have

Before heading out to the grocery store or local farmers' market, check your refrigerator and pantry. Base your meal plan and shopping list on what you already have on hand. This will save you money and eliminate food waste.

 

3) Wipe Down Your Refrigerator

A 2010 Wall Street Journal article reported that most Americans clean their refrigerators only once or twice a year. Why wait until it gets gross? If you shop weekly your refrigerator should be nearly empty the day before. This is a perfect time to wipe down your refrigerator. An old rag with vinegar and water works great.

 

4) Put Paper in its Place

It is a fact of life. Paper is going to end up in the kitchen. Find a designated place for papers to land in your home away from food preparation. I have a desk in my kitchen where papers land temporarily. In addition, I utilize a 3M Command spring clip on the wall for papers related to upcoming events or deadlines.

 

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. Carolyn will be presenting the hands on workshop "Tame the Paper Monster" at My Urban Toddler in Saline, Michigan on July 20, 2012 (childcare is available, check with My Urban Toddler for details).

Guest Post: Moving with Kids (Part 2 of 2)

Mommy blogger, Allison Stanton, of Ally's Helpful Hints for Mommies, recently moved with her two preschool aged children in tow. Ally shares her moving experience and organizational tips to make moving with kids easier. 

Thanks to Carolyn for letting me guest post!  She asked me to share some tips with you on moving with small kids. Check out last week's post for tips on preparing for moving day. 

The last couple of days before moving I packed up everything except what we would need for a couple of days. It was like staying in a hotel. I had as much as I could in our dining room after moving our table out of the way and stacked it all up in one spot so it was easy to get at.

This made room in the bedrooms to take apart the beds as much as we could before our help showed up to load it all up. We allowed several hours to disassemble beds, to pack up bedding and to pack last minute items before our help came.  

We also sent the kids to the grandparents house the morning we moved and the first night in the new house so we could get everything set up. If Grandma and Grandpa can take the kids longer than that I would recommend it!

To save the cost of a moving company, we got help from our church. The volunteers did a good job with minimal damage on the big items.  Make sure to have a small treat and drinks for your helpers. :)

One tip I have for unloading is to have one person telling everyone where to put the boxes.  It can be overwhelming with them coming in two doors or a bunch at once, but this way 80% of your items will be in the right room. I stood and told everyone where I wanted items and the boxes that were not labeled well I made a pile in our living room and went through it right away and put things where they needed to go.  

I am still going through things and giving items away to downsize pots, extra bowls, decorations and the like. It really helps to keep things simple. I still have a room that has some boxes in it but we are slowly organizing and putting things in place.  

The biggest thing that has helped me is to not hold on to items thinking "I may use this one day". If you haven't used it in awhile and do not think you will use it again soon, get rid of it! You can find yard sale groups on Facebook and Craigslist in your town. 

Happy moving!  What is your biggest tip when it comes to moving?

Who is Ally? My name is Allison Stanton and I am a stay at home mom of two boys: 5 and 2 years old. We live in Ormond Beach, Florida. I love connecting with other mommies and helping each other out. I pass along hints for mommies and I receive help at the same time.  You can find me at my website at http://www.allyshints.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/allyshelpfulhintsformommies.  

Guest Post: Moving with Kids (Part 1 of 2)

Mommy blogger, Allison Stanton, of Ally's Helpful Hints for Mommies, recently moved with her two preschool aged children in tow. Ally shares her moving experience and organizational tips to make moving with kids easier. 

Thanks to Carolyn for letting me guest post!  She asked me to share some tips with you on moving with small kids. 

We only moved a few miles away but we still packed up everything really well because we had help to do it. 

I started out a couple months before the move date going through as much as I could and getting rid of items we did not need anymore. I gave clothes my youngest did not wear to a friend. Other items we no longer used were given away to friends that wanted them and things that were not usable were dumped.   

I boxed up a bunch of things in the beginning that we did not use everyday to get a head start on packing.  This included decorations, pictures and extra clothes. It was basically anything I knew that we did not need right away. I stacked boxes in corners of our small apartment and had a wall in my boys room that was stacked up to get things out of the way.

As I was packing I made sure to label the boxes to find things easily after moving.  It does pay to mark the boxes on all sides as this helps the guys bringing in boxes know where to put them.

Next week I will share more tips to prepare for moving day. 

Who is Ally? My name is Allison Stanton and I am a stay at home mom of two boys: 5 and 2 years old. We live in Ormond Beach, Florida. I love connecting with other mommies and helping each other out. I pass along hints for mommies and I receive help at the same time.  You can find me at my website at http://www.allyshints.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/allyshelpfulhintsformommies.  

Book Review: ADHD

Book Cover Courtesy of www.hazelden.org

We all get distracted from time to time, but for folks with ADD or ADHD getting and staying organized is a major challenge. 


Some of my clients have been diagnosed with Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Other's have children that have been diagnosed and think they might have it too. And in a few instances, I have had the pleasure of working with children and teens diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. 


In order to further my personal education on the subject, I recently read Kevin Roberts' new book Movers, Dreamers and Risk Takers: Unlocking the Power of ADHD. 


Of all of the books on ADHD that I have read, this is the most personal and entertaining account of how to maximize the benefits of a mind that functions differently. 


Roberts shares many anecdotes from his own life growing up and attending 12 years of Catholic school. It is interesting to note that he was not officially diagnosed with ADHD until 1997, as an adult. Roberts is also a recovered video game addict and the author of Cyber Junkie: Escape the Gaming and Internet Trap. 


In Movers, Dreamers Roberts goes into great detail on techniques that he uses to help coaching clients and the members of the study groups he administers for students. Of the many gems, I was happy to learn that changing the venue is one of the recommended tips. When working with with ADHD clients I implement this tip by taking paper piles to an outside patio or another area of the home. 


The information in this book is backed up by solid scientific research that is well documented throughout the work. Movers, Dreamers is a great reference for ADHDers, the people who love them and individuals in the helping professions. 


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. 

An Easy Decluttering Project

Photo courtesy of www.ewashtenaw.org 

Over the years, several clients have expressed their desire to properly dispose of collections of old paint (typically stored in basements here in Michigan). Letting go of old paint can be a really easy decluttering project with the potential to free up a large amount of space. Every house I have ever lived in has had paint cans in the basement, many left from previous owners.

If you do not plan on using extra paint around your space, please be sure to dispose of it properly to protect our environment. Check the label on the can to see if the paint you want to get rid of is latex or oil/solvent based.

Most household paint used these days is latex based. To dispose of latex based paint simply leave the lid off (away from pets or children) so the remainder dries up. Alternatively, you can add kitty litter to the can. The kitty litter will soak up the remaining paint and solidify. Once the latex paint is dry you can dispose of it with your household trash.

However, if you have oil or solvent based paint, stain or other household toxins, you will need to dispose of these properly at a collection site in your community. In Washtenaw County, Michigan, there is a collection site for residents on Zeeb Road just north of I94 (see photo above). From April through November 2012, the home toxins collections center is open from 9 a.m. to 12 noon the first three Saturdays of every month (excluding holidays). For more information in Washtenaw County, click on the Home Toxins Reduction Program.

If you have other common household items that you are ready to part with, but are not sure what to do with, please feel free to contact me for some ideas. 

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. 

Organizing Quick Tips for Families

Carolyn speaking to MOMS of Northville

On Monday, May 21, 2012 I had the wonderful opportunity to speak to the MOMS of Northville group at Northville, Michigan's First United Methodist Church. 


This was my second time speaking to this group and it was great to be asked to return! I shared my "Organizing Quick Tips for Families". 


While family life can be stressful, with a little planning you can organize your days for maximum fun. Here are my five simple tips to help your family stay on track:


1) Cherish Routines and Rituals
Simple routines and rituals will keep you organized and happy. 


2) Less is More
When it comes to your household space, the less you have the less you have to maintain.


3) Planning is Doing
Using a calendar or simple notebook to plan your time keeps the household running smoothly. 


4) Get Help When You Need It
Help can come from a family member, friend or paid expert, such as an organizer. 


5) Enjoy the Journey
Getting and staying organized is a process, not an event. Enjoy the ride!


Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. Looking for a speaker for your women's group? Contact Carolyn to learn more!

Simplified Gift Giving

Over the last few years spring and summer have brought birthday parties, bridal showers and weddings to my family. This year seems to be the same, which gets me thinking about simplified gift giving. 


Some folks love the whole process of shopping, buying, wrapping and giving gifts so much that they have whole rooms devoted to the process. For me, and I assume many readers, it is more like a corner of a closet. 


I recommend shopping for gifts as you need them to avoid wasting money on a stockpile with no recipients. Remember, that "on sale" item won't be a bargain if it sits in a closet unused. 


Keeping a running list of gift ideas in the notes feature on my iPhone and in Outlook on my PC helps when it is gift giving time. The cloud application Evernote could also be used for this. 


To save time shopping, I have standard clutter free gifts (usually something consumable like nice chocolates) that I like to give. For bridal showers and weddings, I typically check the registry on-line as soon as possible and then go into the store to purchase both the shower and wedding gift while there is a good selection in my price range. 


To save time gift wrapping, I always ask if the store has free gift wrap and take advantage of that service. This is a perk that you will find at many locally owned specialty stores and gift registries. 


For those gifts that I need to wrap myself, I keep one roll of gender neutral, all occasion gift wrap on hand. This avoids the need to store multiple rolls of gift wrap. In addition, I have a ribbon bin (which always entertains my kids while I am wrapping gifts) and a collection of gift bags. Most of the ribbons and gift bags are the best ones salvaged from previous gifts. 


These gift giving tips help keep my life simple and save money for my family. 


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. 

Sleep Makes All the Difference

I wish every morning went as smoothly as today. Being an organizer, things are generally laid out for the morning routine; but typically someone is tired, whiny and basically uncooperative. That someone is sometimes me, which is really not how I like to start a new day. 


So what was the difference today? We all (including myself) had a good night's sleep!


In my "Secrets of a Simply Organized Life" seminar and essay (sign up here to receive a copy) I talk about how getting enough sleep impacts our executive function tasks which include reasoning, planning and decision making. These are tasks that are crucial in order to organize our time and our physical surroundings. Without enough sleep, we flounder in personal organizational tasks (not to mention that it makes us really whiny). 


So, if you want your morning routine to function better, take a close look at your evening routine. On a good day, my evening routine (including getting my kids ready for bed) starts at least two hours before I go to bed myself. 


Here are some simple tips for getting a good night's sleep:

• Create a tranquil escape by eliminating clutter where you sleep. 
• Turn off all electronic devices (including the television) at least an hour before you want to sleep. 
• Prepare for the day ahead by checking your calendar, laying out clothes and preparing the next day's breakfast or lunch. 
• Stick to a consistent bed-time routine. This helps children and adults sleep better. 

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. Carolyn will be presenting "Secrets of a Simply Organized Life" at My Urban Toddler in Saline, Michigan on May 18, 2012 (childcare is available, check with My Urban Toddler for details).

Crazy Ways to Simplify Your Life (Part 2 of 2)

Carolyn at an organizers' luncheon.

In 2012 living a simple life is easier said than done. Many of us are overwhelmed by the vast amount of information and stuff in our lives. We crave organization and simplicity, but often do not know where to start.

Here are some crazy ways to simplify your life. With these tips, I hope you will find maintaining organization a little easier. 

1) Create Empty Space

This is meant both literally and figuratively. Carving out empty space in our homes, offices, schedules and minds can be very freeing. For the month of May, pick one small area in your home or office that you can empty out. Be careful not to overbook your calendar and leave some empty space, just for you.  

2) Limit Distractions

There are so many ways to limit distractions in daily life, but we overlook most of the them or perhaps feel the need to be distracted or "busy". Some of the distractions I try to avoid include: multitasking, text messaging (see last week's post), recreational shopping, television and magazine subscriptions (although I am a huge fan of the free magazine exchange at my public library). 

3) Learn to Say "No"

This one is particularly difficult for those of us who are people pleasers. I have seen it over and over again, where wonderful people (mostly women) take on too much at their own expense. Taking on too much can run you ragged and leave little time to maintain organization at home or work. 


Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. For more organizing tips and a free gift sign up for Carolyn's monthly e-newsletter, "Your Simply Organized Life". Carolyn will be presenting "Secrets of a Simply Organized Life" at My Urban Toddler in Saline, Michigan on May 18, 2012 (childcare is available, check with My Urban Toddler for details). 

Crazy Ways to Simplify Your Life (Part 1 of 2)

Carolyn presenting
"Secrets of a Simply Organized LIfe"

How can it be that May is already here?

April was a busy month in my household. We celebrated Easter, a birthday and had three sets of house guests; including a surprise visitor from Germany, who arrived in the night. The whole family was sleeping and I thought someone was trying to break into our home!

During a recent conversation with our latest house guest, this time an Italian, I mentioned that I choose not to utilize text messaging and have requested the feature be disabled by my cell phone provider. I think our visitor was astonished by my stone age views and perhaps many of you reading find it crazy too. 

Now, I am not asking you to stop text messaging, particularly if it serves a purpose in your life. For me, I find texting a distraction and unneeded extra expense; both of my time and my money. It is an easy way for me to simplify my life.

Next week I will include other crazy ways to simplify your life. Give one or two of the ideas a try. You might just find yourself more organized and more happy too!

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. For more organizing tips and a free gift sign up for Carolyn's monthly e-newsletter, "Your Simply Organized Life". Carolyn will be presenting "Secrets of a Simply Organized Life" at My Urban Toddler in Saline, Michigan on May 18, 2012 (childcare is available, check with My Urban Toddler for details). 

Organizing Tips for Quilters

On Saturday, May 5, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Piece-Makers quilting group from St. Andrew's Church in Dexter, Michigan will be hosting their 9th Annual Quilt Show. 

In honor of the Piece-Makers, who create quilts for sick children at the University of Michigan Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, I am sharing five simple tips to keep quilters organized. Even if you do not quilt, these organizing tips can be applied to other hobbies. 

5 Simple Tips to Keep Quilters Organized:

You enjoy your craft, but wish you had more time to quilt! Being organized can help you spend more time on quilting and less time searching for things you know you have, but cannot find.

1)    Keep the Quilting Stuff Separate

You will know what you have if you keep all of your supplies in one place, even if you do not have a separate room for quilting.

2)    Buy Only What You Need

Organizing starts in the store! Remember it’s not a bargain if you do not need it and will not use it.

3)    Donate What You Do Not Need

If you haven’t followed tip #2 in the past, you are forgiven. There are many great non-profit organizations that can use your excess supplies.

4)    Make a “Date” For Quilting

Set aside a regular time to work on your quilting projects. You can even make an appointment with yourself in your calendar.

5)    Put it Away When You are Not Working On It

This is particularly important if you do not have a separate room for quilting. Put things away with your next quilting “date” in mind. 

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. For more organizing tips and a free gift sign up for Carolyn's monthly e-newsletter, "Your Simply Organized Life". 

Avoiding Food Waste

Faith in Action Volunteers, Dexter, Michigan

Waste of any kind bothers me, but I am particularly sensitive with regard to food waste. Perhaps this comes as a result of my rural upbringing, the fact that both my parents were raised on farms or that my oldest brother is a farmer. Farm life isn't easy and farmers work really hard to put food on our tables. 

I have been working with clients in kitchens lately. Since founding Simply Organized Life in 2005, on average, a kitchen organization results in about four garbage bags of waste. This makes everyone feel bad. I am not there to judge, but to help clients move forward in a positive way. We cannot change our past, but we can change our future. 

Here are some simple tips to avoid food waste in your kitchen:

1) Buy only what you need between shopping trips. This means that if you go to the grocery store once a week, buy only what you need for the upcoming week. If you are not sure what you use in a week, a simple way to track your usage is to write the date you open an item on the container. For example:  Upon opening up a box of cereal, mark the date on the box and see how long it lasts. 

2) Resist the urge to stock up on sales. This is where folks get into trouble. Something might be a great deal, but if it ends up spoiled or expired, it really is not a savings in the long run. Stocking up can also create clutter, making it difficult to see what we have in our pantries or refrigerators. 

3) Keep an eye on what you have. Take five minutes once or twice a week to scan your refrigerator for things that need to be eaten up before they go bad. Scan your pantry or food storage area about once a month. Most non-perishable foods have expiration dates printed somewhere on the package. 

4) Donate excess. Perhaps you shopped hungry, or just could not resist some sales at the supermarket or warehouse club. It is okay. Remember, we only look forward, not back. In the Ann Arbor, Michigan area we have wonderful resources for helping those in need of food. In Ann Arbor, donate excess food to Food Gatherers. Residents of Dexter or Chelsea can donate to Faith in Action. 

These tips will help keep your kitchen clutter free and save lots of money for your family. 

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. For more spring cleaning and organizing tips sign up for "Spring Clean Your Clutter" to be held at Ann Arbor Rec & Ed on Friday, April 27, 2012. 

Organizing Cosmetics

The Clinique counter at Macy's in Ann Arbor

It is Clinique bonus time at Macy's (until April 15, 2012 or until supplies last). I do not wear much make-up, so I can pretty much get by on purchasing my favorite powder and the samples from the bonus bag. 

Most of us are pretty good at stocking up on our favorite cosmetic bonuses, but not so good at letting go and organizing our make-up. Cosmetics do have a shelf life and it is important to throw out old or expired items. 

The same day I made my bonus purchase, I took everything out and wrote the purchase date on the individual items in permanent marker. This gives me a good indication of when I need to throw out old items and how long cosmetics last so I do not overbuy. After dating the new purchases, I throw away the old duplicates. This is also known as the "one in, one out rule" in maintaining organization. 

I keep my cosmetics laid out in a bathroom drawer in the order that I apply each item. This saves precious morning time. I also keep a makeup bag (a "free" bonus of course!) in the drawer, so that when I travel everything is easily placed in the bag. In addition to the cosmetics' bag, I have a couple of cups holding brushes, a nail file, nail polish; as well as a small organizer for lip stick, mascara and small brushes. 

This is a really easy way to organize cosmetics, which saves time and money!

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. For more spring cleaning and organizing tips sign up for "Spring Clean Your Clutter" to be held at Ann Arbor Rec & Ed on Friday, April 27, 2012. 

Super Simple Spring Cleaning

First sign of spring:  forsythia in bloom.

The last few weeks here in Michigan we have had winter, spring and summer...not necessarily in that order. 

If the thought of spring cleaning overwhelms you, relax, here are some super simple spring cleaning projects:

1) Refrigerator Clear Out

Before you shop for groceries, take about 15 minutes to clear out your refrigerator. Check to make sure you do not have any science projects growing in the back and plan a meal around something that needs to be used up. Remove everything that is left, one shelf at a time, to wipe down the inside of the refrigerator. I like to use a vinegar and water mixture for non-toxic cleaning near the food. 

2) Shredding Be Gone

Do you have piles of papers that need to be shredded? Recycle Ann Arbor is offering secure document shredding the second Saturday morning (9 a.m. to 12 noon) of each month from April to October. There is a $10 minimum charge per car with a 20 box maximum.  

3) Dispose of Medicine Properly

Saturday, April 28, 2012 is National Take Back Drugs Day. Through the Drug Take Back Network, you can properly dispose of medicine on April 28th and on most days in many communities throughout the United States. Take about 15 minutes to sort through your medicine cabinet this month.

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. For more spring cleaning and organizing tips sign up for "Spring Clean Your Clutter" to be held at Ann Arbor Rec & Ed on Friday, April 27, 2012. 

Cut Electronic Clutter

In the March edition of "Your Simply Organized Life" I shared a bit more about my New Year's Resolution to keep my e-mail in-boxes near zero. 

Electronic clutter, particularly e-mail, is very much like paper in that it just keeps coming at us.

Here are some super simple tips to organize your electronic files:

1) Automate Backups

Let's face it...stuff happens. Backing up your electronic files is the first step in getting organized electronically. Most people are not very good about backing up their files regularly, so buy lunch for your favorite techie (or hire a computer service company) and have them set up automated backup. This can be done with an external hard drive or a cloud solution such as CrashPlan or Carbonite. 

2) Set Up Electronic File Folders

Although search features have come a long way, I still recommend setting up electronic file folders that mirror your paper file folders (assuming those are in good order, if not, I can help). The vast majority of us need file folders in our e-mail program as well as on the drive where we keep other electronic files. For digital photos, set up file folders based on how the photos will be used (i.e. by subject or time). 

3) Delete Early and Often

While a ton of files on your computer is not exactly like a cluttered desk, the key issue in both cases is retrievability. The only reason to keep anything (electronic or otherwise) is to be able to somehow use it or refer to it in the future. The more you let go of, the easier it will be to find what you really need. 

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann is a public speaker, organizing expert and founder of Simply Organized Life. For more organizing tips and Carolyn's free "Secrets of a Simply Organized Life" report, sign up for the April 2012 edition of "Your Simply Organized Life".