Return to o-Tips Archives It's Get Organized Week Volume 2 Number 9 October 2004   Reasons to Get Organized Organizing Facts Over 150,000 books will be published this year. Most of us spend 30 minutes a day sorting through email. We only have 10% of the information we will acquire over the next ten years. This week, members of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers, volunteered their skills at Project Angel Food. This worthwhile charity provides over 1,000 free meals every day to those struggling with life threatening illnesses. Meals are prepared and delivered by a largely volunteer staff. Over 35 Professional Organizers created filing systems for staff members, offered new space plans in offices and storage areas, and help trim the clutter so much the dumpsters overflowed. Increase your productivity and Get Organized this Week! Organizing Tips in this issue   Prepare for the Unexpected Making A Workable List Removing the Organizing Obstacle If You See It, You Will Wear It Making A Workable List by Ann Gambrell Creative Time-Plus Founder, National Association of Professional Organizers Are you a list maker? Do you have an endless pile of lists; To Do, To Read, To Order, To Buy, To See, To Write, To Visit and more? And still things don't get done? Take heart, you're not alone. Making a list for future reference is one thing. Making a list of action items is quite another. List making is an essential step in getting organized. However, writing it on paper does not make it happen. List making is an essential step in getting organized. However, writing it on paper does not make it happen. You can save time and frustration by learning to make a WORKABLE list! So get out your yellow pad, steno or spiral notebook, and let's make a list that works and that you can work! 1. A very common problem with lists making, aside from having too many of them, is making an unrealistic or lengthy list. This usually occurs when you become overwhelmed with projects and just writing them on paper seems to help. And it does help. I call this "draining the brain". Getting it out of your head and committing it to paper to actually see the reality of it all. 2. The key to a workable or manageable list is to learn to time the items on the list. That is, to estimate how long you think each listed item will take to accomplish. Will it take two days a week, a day, 2 hours, 20 minutes, etc.? Jot that time at the side of each item. Total the times and see if you have enough time planned for this list. You will see that many items need to be broken into smaller pieces done at regular intervals. This is forming a plan for it all. 3. Now that I have made a plea for a shorter and more realistic list, let me tell you about making a very long list I call a "Master List." This is an ongoing list of the things you want and need to do. It is ongoing because you will be adding to it and deleting from it on a regular basis. This list should be on a clipboard (so as not to "loose" it on your desk top of papers) or write it in a spiral notebook. You could make the list in your computer, but remember to look at it every day. Sit down once a week, or anytime things seem to be piling up, and write what's on your mind on the list. Again, "draining the brain". For information on Ann's October Workshop click here Removing the Organizing Obstacle How many obstacles do you have? Keep it SIMPLE. If your hobby is decoupage, do not have every possible decal in your kit. If your craft room is overflowing, the next time you are in a supply store, leave immediately! Keep supplies where they are used, and conveniently located. Do not stack materials in front of cabinet doors or drawers. Remember the one motion rule to organizing. You can not perform a task in one motion with obstacles in the way. If You See It, You Will Wear It Jewelry comes in beautiful packages, but the boxes are for presentation. Display your jewelry in trays in shallow drawers. With everything visible, the bracelet he gave you will never be forgotten. Need help getting organized? Closets Designed by Get It Together LA! We design closets to meet your needs. We provide all the elements for luxury. We organize your wardrobe and provide all finishing touches. Your Get It Together LA! Closet is a click away or call 323-525-0678 Prepare for the Unexpected   Volcanoes in the north, hurricanes in the east, and earthquakes in the west; emergencies can happen at anytime, anywhere. If home is in California, Tennessee, or in another country are you prepared for the unexpected? Keep emergency supplies of water, non-perishable foods always on hand. Battery powered radio, flashlights, batteries, first aid kits should always be easy to reach. In a fire-proof safe keep important documents such as birth certificates, certificates of ownership for cars, boats, etc. Social security cards, insurance policies and wills, along with a copy of your household inventory should be kept safe from possible destruction. Create your own Emergency Manual and keep it in a safe place. This manual should consist of contact information for emergency services and hospitals. Insurance agencies and insurance policy numbers, along with the phone numbers of utility companies should also be included. List phone numbers of family and friends. Important medical information, including prescription information is essential. Vehicle identifications numbers, bank account information including contacts and account numbers will be important should the worst ever happen to your family. Organizing Calendar October Get Organzied Week - October 4-11 Take Back Your Time Day - October 29 Gambrell's Home Organizing Workshop - October 30 November McKenry's Holiday Workshop - November 9 Thanksgiving Day - November 25 Buy Nothing Day - November 26 For more emergency information... Services of Get It Together LA! Closet & Wardrobe Organizing Kitchen Organizing Office Organizing Moving Services Speaker Contact Chris McKenry   Chris McKenry will create a presentation to get your business or group organized. Join our mailing list! email: chris@getittogetherla.com phone: 323-571-2134 web: http://www.GetItTogetherLA.com   Home Organizing Workshop   Saturday · October 30th 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Ann Gambrell, founder of the National Association of Professional Organizers, invites you to tour her home for a unique learning experience. See how one of the organizing industry's leading professionals stays organzied at home. The event will also feature Chris McKenry, of Get It Together LA!, presenting Papers Under Control for the Home Office. Space is limited, register today! Click here to register or call 323-525-0678