Article : Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes, and Remedies, of Organizing

By CHRIS McKENRY

There is never only one correct way to get organized, and likewise, there are several incorrect ways to proceed. How many times have you been shopping and stumble across a storage container too good to pass up? Then, you get home and it does not fit or work as you had envisioned. Often, our first thought is how to contain our “stuff” when at first we should be examining what we have. Identifying and then clearing clutter are the first steps to getting organized.

Recently a client asked, “Can you recommend a good system for keeping all the small pieces of paper I have written notes on?” Soon she realized her real question was, “Why do I use these many small pieces of paper?!!” Instead of making notes to yourself on small pieces of paper, keep a running To-do list. Record your phone calls, activities, and goals for next few days on an 8 ½ x 11 note pad. By keeping one list, and keeping the list in your Day Planner, you will ensure you won’t overlook anything important.

Another common mistake in organizing and space planning is using something just because it is there. It is wonderful to discover a new use for an old item, but be sure you are fully utilizing the space it occupies. An old typewriter stand may hold a printer, but is the space underneath wasted? How convenient it would be if shelves were there for storage of related items, such as printer paper or ink cartridges. There may be a unique table you found in a yard sale or antique store and you think it would make a fine desk. But will you be able to access needed drawers for your supplies, files and other items? Can you mount a keyboard drawer under the table for proper ergonomic use? Moreover, is the surface accommodating enough to perform all of your daily tasks, or will you feel crowded?

Offices need to be functional in order for us to be at our most productive. A cluttered environment costs both money and stress. If you need to make a change, do not overwhelm yourself. Spend just 10 minutes a day de-cluttering and before you know it you will Get It Together!

Chris McKenry, professional organizer and 2003 recipient of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s President’s Award, helps successful people get organized for better productivity in both their home and office. If you would like to make your life easy call Chris TODAY!