Business & Finance :: February/March 2007
When a Neighbor Stops By Unexpectedly, Organization Can Be Your Best Friend
The door bell rings. A friend stops by to borrow some sandals for an event. You’ve had a frantic week, and the place is a mess. Your stomach drops as you open the door. Your attitude is unintentionally less than welcoming.
Now, imagine that the neighbor you rushed out of the house the other day stops by to return the sandals. This time, your welcome is wholehearted. While chatting, you both walk through the house to put the sandals back. Your home looks lovely; you know where everything is. She says, “Wow, you have a great place.” Your confidence soars because you’ve regained control.
If your home is organized you feel ready for anything. Preparing for your day takes a few seconds because you know exactly where to find everything. Getting the children ready is easy because their lunch is packed and their clothes are all set. You have time to spare, so a little traffic is no big deal.
Here are a few of my favorite guidelines to get the organizational ball rolling:
- Sorting things into four categories: to keep, to go elsewhere, to donate/sell, and to toss.
- Break big projects down into small ones. Organize the top of the dresser, each drawer, the closet, and anything on the floor. Voilà! The room is finished.
- Establish a convenient “home” for everything you use.
- Scrutinize everything. If you haven’t used an item in a year, consider letting it go.
- Use the ‘fifteen minutes a day rule.’ Pick a high-energy time to maintain order. Involve the whole family. Add some music and make it fun.
If getting started, staying on task, or maintaining order is a problem, you’d benefit from working with a professional organizer. Once you learn a few easy techniques, you’ll be surprised how quickly organizational challenges can be overcome.
Susan Frost graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in Human Resources Management. She is also a graduate of the Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc. Dale Carnegie Course.
Organize My Life is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), NAPO – Greater Philadelphia Chapter, the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Women Business Owners, and the Delaware Press Association.
For more information, please call (302) 594-0844 or (302) 690-2144 or
email info@organizemylife.net. Information is also available at www.organizemylife.net.
