Always running around looking for your phone? Do you have to search madly for you cell phone when it rings? Here are some tips to help you never lose your cell phone again:
1) 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. It sounds simple but deciding on this designated place and sticking to it will save you time, frustration, panic and maybe even money. No one wants to bother with the expense of replacing your phone not to mention the issues associated with losing your phone’s private information.
2) 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.
3) Set up your cell phone holder by an outlet which you will always use to charge your phone. The outlet should be visible. Be careful when creating this docking station at home to make sure there is no chance of water reaching your phone. Many homes today have multiple users and the docking area to recharge is scattered around the kitchen, don’t forget that just a few drops of water can sometimes ruin a phone.
Keep your phone in a case with a clip, so you can attach it to your pocket or your purse. This often forces you to keep it in the same place every time and you also are more likely to notice if it is not there.
4) Have you ever lost your phone under the seat in the car? Keeping your phone on silent or vibrate is often a great idea for meetings and at lunch but this causes real havoc if you are trying to locate it. Remember to return your phone to normal mode as soon as possible.
5) Make sure your phone is always well charged. If your phone goes dead you won’t be able to call it. Having an additional charger in the car is a handy way to get the recharging you need and doesn’t leave you stuck without communication on those long road trips.
6) Always check for your cell phone when leaving a public area such as a restaurant or public washroom. And speaking of washrooms many a cell phone as taken an unfortunate dip into the toilet bowl and the results of this voyage are nothing to write home about.
Following these tips will simplify your high tech life. A little extra thought and planning can save you time later. Now you can actually run out the door without running around looking for your phone first.
About the Author:
Colette Robicheau is a consultant, coach, and public speaker with Organize Anything offering corporate, residential, and personal organizing services. Contact Colette at info@organizeanything.com or visit www.organizeanything.com.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Get Ready to Recycle!
Most people really want to recycle but often find it difficult to make it happen. The first step to organizing your recyclables is to get all the materials you need in one place. Here are some items you should have on hand:
String or twine
Bins, trash cans
Grocery bags
Washing supplies
Paper shredder
Deodorizer, baking soda
Blue or clear bags (if applicable)
Bin liners, boxes for organics (if applicable)
Your recycling should be in a confined area that is easy to get to but out of sight. Think about where each of these activities occurs and select a location for storing your recyclables that is convenient based on where your recyclables come from (kitchen, office, living room, etc.) and where they go (basement, garage, straight to the curb).
Select appropriate sized bins for each type of recyclable and the room they are needed in. Label bins so that household members and guests are clear on where to dispose of items. For those unfamiliar with your city’s recycling system have a list of items that go in each bin and be sure to list things that should not go in (e.g., used tissue). Post this in your recycling area. Try sprinkling baking soda in the bottom of trash cans and recycle bins to keep odours down. Sprinkle some in each time you change the bag and just add hot water when it is time to clean them out.
Select a spot to put bottles that need to be rinsed before recycling and do so at the end of washing you dishes each day. You can also opt to wash things right away. If you don’t have a small green bin for your kitchen, an ice cream or cat litter container are great air tight receptacles to prevent fruit flies and odour. Be sure to empty your bins regularly to prevent the growth of mould.
Have a shelf or container with scissors, string, bags, and bin liners nearby. This will make the recycling process easier. Keep a box of baking soda in your recycling area to keep things fresh. Try to break down boxes right away to save space and store them alongside your bins. Any paper with personal information on it (credit card offers, bank statements, addresses) should be shredded. Put a blue bag right in the shredder receptacle to make emptying it easier.
The most important part of keeping your recyclables organized is to create a routine. Set a time or day where you empty bins, bundle cardboard, empty the green bin, and remove recyclables to their larger holding spot. Be sure to keep track of your next pick up day and alternative pick up dates for holidays.
Recycling can be simplified when you involve the whole family, and everyone knows the systems and sticks to the routine. Encourage children to get started and teach them the recycling routines. You are never too young or old to learn how to reduce waste and practice proper recycling.
If you enjoyed this article, please check out my website for more helpful information and tips! You can sign up for our newsletter and see what other services we offer.
String or twine
Bins, trash cans
Grocery bags
Washing supplies
Paper shredder
Deodorizer, baking soda
Blue or clear bags (if applicable)
Bin liners, boxes for organics (if applicable)
Your recycling should be in a confined area that is easy to get to but out of sight. Think about where each of these activities occurs and select a location for storing your recyclables that is convenient based on where your recyclables come from (kitchen, office, living room, etc.) and where they go (basement, garage, straight to the curb).
Select appropriate sized bins for each type of recyclable and the room they are needed in. Label bins so that household members and guests are clear on where to dispose of items. For those unfamiliar with your city’s recycling system have a list of items that go in each bin and be sure to list things that should not go in (e.g., used tissue). Post this in your recycling area. Try sprinkling baking soda in the bottom of trash cans and recycle bins to keep odours down. Sprinkle some in each time you change the bag and just add hot water when it is time to clean them out.
Select a spot to put bottles that need to be rinsed before recycling and do so at the end of washing you dishes each day. You can also opt to wash things right away. If you don’t have a small green bin for your kitchen, an ice cream or cat litter container are great air tight receptacles to prevent fruit flies and odour. Be sure to empty your bins regularly to prevent the growth of mould.
Have a shelf or container with scissors, string, bags, and bin liners nearby. This will make the recycling process easier. Keep a box of baking soda in your recycling area to keep things fresh. Try to break down boxes right away to save space and store them alongside your bins. Any paper with personal information on it (credit card offers, bank statements, addresses) should be shredded. Put a blue bag right in the shredder receptacle to make emptying it easier.
The most important part of keeping your recyclables organized is to create a routine. Set a time or day where you empty bins, bundle cardboard, empty the green bin, and remove recyclables to their larger holding spot. Be sure to keep track of your next pick up day and alternative pick up dates for holidays.
Recycling can be simplified when you involve the whole family, and everyone knows the systems and sticks to the routine. Encourage children to get started and teach them the recycling routines. You are never too young or old to learn how to reduce waste and practice proper recycling.
If you enjoyed this article, please check out my website for more helpful information and tips! You can sign up for our newsletter and see what other services we offer.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Healthier Workplace Leads to Healthy Returns
You know that the key to a long and happy life is good health, but it also makes good business sense. Consider this: Physically fit employees not only take fewer sick days, they also are more productive, and that helps to keep your bottom line healthy too. While you can’t push your employees to adopt a healthier lifestyle, you can encourage and provide them with opportunities to get and stay fit, such as:
- Take stock of your office vending machine. Replace high-fat and high-calorie items like pop and chips with more healthy and nutritious snacks.
- Do you have an office cafeteria? Look at adding health-smart items to the menu.
- When it comes time for a team-building retreat or exercise, why not choose a program or location with physical activity opportunities?
- Reward employees who make healthy choices. For example, sponsor your company’s softball team.
- Office events and parties are great opportunities to promote healthy living while having fun, like a skating party.
- Create a team of executives and employees to look at and promote the benefits of good health in your business.
- Install a water cooler. Drinking more water is essential to losing weight and staying healthy.
- Offer a weekly lunchtime program where employees can learn how to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Make it fun and interactive; have cooking classes with a local chef where employees can learn how to prepare more nutritious meals, and then sample them for lunch.
- Make your office more exercise friendly. Install a shower for employees who bike to work or jog at lunch.
- Because fitness club fees can be expensive, look into corporate rates to give your employees added incentive to get fit.
- Make physical fitness a contest between departments. This is a great way to build team spirit in your company. Start a walking or running club and keep a weekly tally of weight lost or kilometers walked and offer a monthly prize to the team with the best overall performance.
When it comes to changing your employees’ lifestyles and habits, think of it as an investment. It takes considerable time, effort and dedication, but it’s one that will result in significant returns for your employees (an improved quality of life) and for you (improved profitability and profits).
If you enjoyed this article, please pass it along to others who would find it useful and sign up for our Organize Anything newsletter on our homepage at www.organizeanything.com
- Take stock of your office vending machine. Replace high-fat and high-calorie items like pop and chips with more healthy and nutritious snacks.
- Do you have an office cafeteria? Look at adding health-smart items to the menu.
- When it comes time for a team-building retreat or exercise, why not choose a program or location with physical activity opportunities?
- Reward employees who make healthy choices. For example, sponsor your company’s softball team.
- Office events and parties are great opportunities to promote healthy living while having fun, like a skating party.
- Create a team of executives and employees to look at and promote the benefits of good health in your business.
- Install a water cooler. Drinking more water is essential to losing weight and staying healthy.
- Offer a weekly lunchtime program where employees can learn how to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Make it fun and interactive; have cooking classes with a local chef where employees can learn how to prepare more nutritious meals, and then sample them for lunch.
- Make your office more exercise friendly. Install a shower for employees who bike to work or jog at lunch.
- Because fitness club fees can be expensive, look into corporate rates to give your employees added incentive to get fit.
- Make physical fitness a contest between departments. This is a great way to build team spirit in your company. Start a walking or running club and keep a weekly tally of weight lost or kilometers walked and offer a monthly prize to the team with the best overall performance.
When it comes to changing your employees’ lifestyles and habits, think of it as an investment. It takes considerable time, effort and dedication, but it’s one that will result in significant returns for your employees (an improved quality of life) and for you (improved profitability and profits).
If you enjoyed this article, please pass it along to others who would find it useful and sign up for our Organize Anything newsletter on our homepage at www.organizeanything.com
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
When a Shoe Thing is No Longer a Good Thing - When to Say Goodbye to Those Extra Pairs
Many gals have a shoe thing. A shoe thing is more than just having a reasonable amount of shoes to wear, it’s about collecting them and not letting any of them go. It’s hard to let go of items that have memories attached, cost a lot of money or were a gift from a loved one. Most people, however, do not have enough closet and storage space for shoes that are not being worn. Discard any that are damaged, and donate pairs that are too small or unstylish to you. Now’s the time to give old boots the boot and kick those broken high heels to the curb once and for all.
It’s a good time to retire a pair of shoes when:
1. They are scuffed up and worn so they lack support and tread and cannot be repaired.
2. Your toes can’t move in them and the last time you wore them left you in pain and having to rush for a chair.
3. You are waiting to stretch the shoe before you can actually leave your home in it.
4. You really can’t walk in them properly no matter how hard you try.
5. You are waiting for the style to come back.
6. You are regularly hiding your shoe purchases from your partner.
7. The odour your shoe gives off arrives in the room before you do.
8. You are holding onto certain footwear for sentimental reasons.
9. You have dozens of shoes for every activity known to man. The problem is you don’t do half of those activities.
It’s a good time to retire a pair of shoes when:
1. They are scuffed up and worn so they lack support and tread and cannot be repaired.
2. Your toes can’t move in them and the last time you wore them left you in pain and having to rush for a chair.
3. You are waiting to stretch the shoe before you can actually leave your home in it.
4. You really can’t walk in them properly no matter how hard you try.
5. You are waiting for the style to come back.
6. You are regularly hiding your shoe purchases from your partner.
7. The odour your shoe gives off arrives in the room before you do.
8. You are holding onto certain footwear for sentimental reasons.
9. You have dozens of shoes for every activity known to man. The problem is you don’t do half of those activities.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The Law of Subtraction
We live in a world where bigger is better and more is all the rage. When we are trying to get the life we want, it often involves adding something new: a new routine to lose weight, exercising more, taking a class or starting a new activity. Also, we are always looking for more time–most of us want to spend more time with our friends and family. Lately, we have heard many promises that if you just put out the intent, then it will all happen for you. In our business we have found that this simply is not true for most of our clients. Our clients’ lives are so packed full already that adding just one or two more things in to the mix or the thought of adding anything else is just too overwhelming. Simply willing something you would like to happen is not enough.
We live in a high pressured, busy, success driven, in search of perfection and not excellence type of world. Often you can’t get what you really want because your current lifestyle is so jam-packed with things you don’t want, that there is just no room for anything else.
So before you contemplate adding anything else in your life, practice the law of subtraction. Remember, when you say “yes” to something you have to say “no” to something else. So let’s say “no” to some things, so we have the space to say “yes” to things we want.
You can do this in many ways:
-If your boss is piling more tasks on an already full plate – ask what could get postponed or handed off to someone else.
-If you are making impromptu purchases of clothing, furniture and accessories – ask yourself what you are going to let go of that you already own.
-If you start worrying about a future event – ask yourself what nice things you won’t have time to think about as a result of this worrying. Are you willing to give up those nice thoughts for something that may not happen, alter your mood and cause frustration?
Stop spending time with toxic people who don’t make you feel good and find more time to spend with the friends that empower you and make you feel great.
-You no longer do your children’s laundry or pack their lunches and have more time to do the things you would like to around your home.
-You spend less time sitting in front of the TV or your computer and you find the time to get moving and do some exercise.
-You say no to extra volunteer activities and have more time for activities with your partner.
It has been my experience that less is really more.
You don't always have to say "yes", even if it is something that you feel you are obligated to do. Saying "no" makes room for the things that matter most in life. Practice the Law of Subtraction and less can actually make you happier and healthier.
Colette Robicheau, President of Organize Anything, is a consultant, coach, and speaker who helps people set priorities, stay focused, manage time, and transitions so they can achieve their goals, grow their business and be more successful. Contact her at www.coletterobicheau.com and sign up for her newsletter of useful tips at www.organizeanything.com.
We live in a high pressured, busy, success driven, in search of perfection and not excellence type of world. Often you can’t get what you really want because your current lifestyle is so jam-packed with things you don’t want, that there is just no room for anything else.
So before you contemplate adding anything else in your life, practice the law of subtraction. Remember, when you say “yes” to something you have to say “no” to something else. So let’s say “no” to some things, so we have the space to say “yes” to things we want.
You can do this in many ways:
-If your boss is piling more tasks on an already full plate – ask what could get postponed or handed off to someone else.
-If you are making impromptu purchases of clothing, furniture and accessories – ask yourself what you are going to let go of that you already own.
-If you start worrying about a future event – ask yourself what nice things you won’t have time to think about as a result of this worrying. Are you willing to give up those nice thoughts for something that may not happen, alter your mood and cause frustration?
Stop spending time with toxic people who don’t make you feel good and find more time to spend with the friends that empower you and make you feel great.
-You no longer do your children’s laundry or pack their lunches and have more time to do the things you would like to around your home.
-You spend less time sitting in front of the TV or your computer and you find the time to get moving and do some exercise.
-You say no to extra volunteer activities and have more time for activities with your partner.
It has been my experience that less is really more.
You don't always have to say "yes", even if it is something that you feel you are obligated to do. Saying "no" makes room for the things that matter most in life. Practice the Law of Subtraction and less can actually make you happier and healthier.
Colette Robicheau, President of Organize Anything, is a consultant, coach, and speaker who helps people set priorities, stay focused, manage time, and transitions so they can achieve their goals, grow their business and be more successful. Contact her at www.coletterobicheau.com and sign up for her newsletter of useful tips at www.organizeanything.com.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Time or Task? You choose How to Get Things Done
When it comes to adding things to the "To Do" list think in terms of describing your goal as a time or a task. Remember we can’t do a project. We have to break it down in to smaller manageable pieces.
Time is when you designate an amount of time in hours or minutes and you simply stop when you are complete. You are free to stop because you have reached your goal and then you can get on with your day or weekend.
Task is when you describe what needs to get done by just one specific area, location or job. This goal is complete when that individual task is finished. It is vital that you are very specific as to what your task goal looks like.
We are often overwhelmed when we approach our goals because everything just looks too big. We spend so much time worrying about getting it all done and we get nothing done.
To avoid this try the following:
1. Think about how you can break things down in to smaller and smaller manageable pieces that are easier to get you started.
2. What are the beginning and the end of the job?
3. Decribe your time or task so you are able to say “yes” or “no” to whether you completed your goal.
Here are some examples of some ways you can approach you’re to do list for different areas of your life:
Garage
Time: Two hours, Saturday morning before noon.
or
Task:
-Sort all sporting goods
-Throw out broken items
-Donate unused
-Store the rest
Bedroom closet
Time: 15 minutes each time I put the laundry away
or
Task:
-Organize all pants on pant hangers by colour, length and season
-Repeat for shirts
-Donate unused items
Desk
Time: 15 minutes at the end of each day
or
Task:
-File two inches of paper from a pile to be filed
-Repeat
By setting your goals by time or task you can free yourself by creating more of a sense of completion to those somewhat overwhelming projects. Do the allotted time or perform the allotted task. It’s your choice.
Time is when you designate an amount of time in hours or minutes and you simply stop when you are complete. You are free to stop because you have reached your goal and then you can get on with your day or weekend.
Task is when you describe what needs to get done by just one specific area, location or job. This goal is complete when that individual task is finished. It is vital that you are very specific as to what your task goal looks like.
We are often overwhelmed when we approach our goals because everything just looks too big. We spend so much time worrying about getting it all done and we get nothing done.
To avoid this try the following:
1. Think about how you can break things down in to smaller and smaller manageable pieces that are easier to get you started.
2. What are the beginning and the end of the job?
3. Decribe your time or task so you are able to say “yes” or “no” to whether you completed your goal.
Here are some examples of some ways you can approach you’re to do list for different areas of your life:
Garage
Time: Two hours, Saturday morning before noon.
or
Task:
-Sort all sporting goods
-Throw out broken items
-Donate unused
-Store the rest
Bedroom closet
Time: 15 minutes each time I put the laundry away
or
Task:
-Organize all pants on pant hangers by colour, length and season
-Repeat for shirts
-Donate unused items
Desk
Time: 15 minutes at the end of each day
or
Task:
-File two inches of paper from a pile to be filed
-Repeat
By setting your goals by time or task you can free yourself by creating more of a sense of completion to those somewhat overwhelming projects. Do the allotted time or perform the allotted task. It’s your choice.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Take the Ten Minute Challenge
When you only have a few minutes before going to lunch, attending a meeting, or leaving for an appointment, it often seems useless to start any important or involved task. But those few minutes could be a great start to getting yourself organized or chipping away at a larger project.
On average this “transition time” can add up to about 40 minutes a day. This can be even more for those who commute. Think of how much you could get done with an extra 40 minutes every work day!
Instead of wasting this time, 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. This could be making a list of materials you need or notes on who you need to call. You can take a few minutes to gather everything you will need so that the next time you have another few minutes you can dig right in and start another step with ease.
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. Make a quick call or email to see if they are available.
Decide 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.
Waiting time can also be used to further your life goals. For example you can use commuting time to read a book or learn a new language (on audio for those who are driving). Research a topic of interest on the internet, start the plans for your next vacation or check schedules for a recreational activity you were only pondering.
The ten minute challenge is a great way to squeeze a little more activity into your busy schedule!
On average this “transition time” can add up to about 40 minutes a day. This can be even more for those who commute. Think of how much you could get done with an extra 40 minutes every work day!
Instead of wasting this time, 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. This could be making a list of materials you need or notes on who you need to call. You can take a few minutes to gather everything you will need so that the next time you have another few minutes you can dig right in and start another step with ease.
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. Make a quick call or email to see if they are available.
Decide 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.
Waiting time can also be used to further your life goals. For example you can use commuting time to read a book or learn a new language (on audio for those who are driving). Research a topic of interest on the internet, start the plans for your next vacation or check schedules for a recreational activity you were only pondering.
The ten minute challenge is a great way to squeeze a little more activity into your busy schedule!
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