Monday, March 30, 2009

Preparedness

With everything going on in the world today it makes us wonder how prepared we really are. Even if an emergency isn’t constantly at our doorstep, our lives will run a lot smoother and we will feel a little more in control with some proper planning.

Office

Make sure you have a back up system that is in place and check it sporadically
Be aware of evacuation procedures
Keep a first aid kit in your office
Be able to quickly find documents of ownership and entitlement to property
Have access to your bank records and account numbers
If possible let employees know where and when they can be contacted


Home

Does your family have a plan for abnormal situations?
Can you quickly put your hands on all vital documents?
Do you have cash on hand in your home in case you need to leave?

Car

Make sure you have a full tank of gas and put together a small bag of supplies in the corner of the trunk for emergencies:

Warm hat and mitts
Small blanket
Flashlight with spare batteries
Bottled water
First Aid Kit
Sanitation Supplies
Rope
Salt or Sand
Candle

Friday, March 20, 2009

Never Lose Your Cell Phone Again!

Never Lose Your Cell Phone Again!

Here are some tips to help you never lose your cell phone again.

-When you are out, always store your cell phone in the same pocket of your coat, purse or briefcase so that way it will be in the same place each time.
-As soon as you get home or at the office place your phone in a cell phone holder so you will know where to grab it when it rings or when you are on the way out the door.
-Set up your cell phone holder by an outlet which you will always use to charge your phone.
-Keep your phone in a case with a clip, so you can attach it to your pocket or your purse.
-Have you ever lost your phone under the seat in the car? Remember to take your phone off silent or vibrate as soon as you are out of meetings.
-Make sure your phone is always well charged.
-Always check for your cell phone when leaving a public area such as a restaurant or public washroom.

Following these tips will simplify your high tech life. A little extra thought and planning can save you time and frustration later.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Take the Ten Minute Challenge

Instead of wasting a small amount of time like 10 minutes, take the 10 minute challenge! Try some of the following suggestions when you have a few minutes to kill. You can even get the kids involved by setting a timer and making it a game.

  • Make a list of the first few steps you need to take for a large project and, if you have time, you can start the first step.
  • Make an appointment with the dentist, doctor or other practitioner.
  • Sort through the mail, open everything and discard all the envelopes and non essentials to recycling.
  • Tidy up your email- deleting and filing.
  • Straighten your desk.
  • Look at your schedule for the next month and find a good time that you could see a friend you haven’t seen in a while.
  • Decide on your meals for next week and make a grocery list.
  • Organize your briefcase, purse, book bag, or gym bag.
  • Grab a donation bag or box and look around the room or in a closet for a quick pick of some things you no longer use or love and pass them along.
  • Use commuting time to read a book or learn a new language.

The ten minute challenge is a great way to squeeze a little more activity into your busy schedule!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Memories or Maybe - What's Your Clutter?

The most important things in our lives are those that are with us in the present: those items we use frequently and enjoy regularly. Being stuck in the past or dreaming of the future creates mental and physical clutter.

Do you hear yourself saying?

I can’t let that go, it belonged to…
That was a gift, so I have to keep it…
I loved that…
I used that all the time…
That was my favorite…
I paid a lot of money for that

These are statements related to your past. Our emotions tied to our past or someone else’s in the case of inherited goods leads us to cling to these items.

When you say:

I’m going to do that...
As soon as _____, I’m starting that...
I could use that sometime…
What if my ____ breaks – then I will need this.
It would be really nice to …
Just in case…
I should ….

These are future statements. If you hang on to extra things, “Just in case” you will have a harder time finding and using the items you do need today.

Take a look around your home and see where you are living: past, present or future.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Like to find some money? It pays to get organized.

A recent poll by the US based National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) found that an impressive 78% have found money or un-cashed checks during an organizing project and a fairly remarkable 26% of respondents have found $1000 or more. It proves it literally pays to get organized!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

How to Sleep in a Half an Hour Later Each Day

Here are some tips to get you that extra shut eye and reduce the anxiety in the morning hours.

The night before…
-Set table and prepare breakfast items.
-Have vitamins and medications ready to be taken.
-Use a coffee pot with a timer.
-Prepare lunches when making dinner.
-Have a basket by the door labeled for each family.
-For children, get home work together and in knapsack
-For adults have briefcases, purses, gym bags at door.
-Know where your keys are.
-Create checklists for different bags or activities.
-Review your calendar and know what’s up for the following day.
-Prepare the clothes to be worn the next day.
-Take a shower or bath the night before.
-Get to bed at a reasonable hour.

Also try…
-Simplifying your toiletries or cosmetic routine.
-Carpooling or sharing some other duties
-Getting a real sense of how much time things take.
-Organizing closets, bathrooms, kitchen cupboards and pantries.

Start your day off on the right track with some new organizing tips and tricks that give you the extra sleep you and your family crave.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Being Organized Takes the Sting Out of Tax Time

A few simple reminders to save you money:
  • If you plan to seek expert advice during the tax season, look early
  • If using an expert, bring everything related to your taxes, including last year’s information
  • Have a system to separate all your paperwork- this could be envelopes, an accordion file or file folders
  • After you have organized your papers and receipts in categories, flatten them out and have them upright to save time for you or the expert.