GO Month

January is Get Organized (GO) Month^SM, sponsored by the National Association of Professional Organizers. Many people make New Year’s resolutions hoping they’ll make better use of their time and money.   

I’ve written before about resolutions and how most people don’t keep them.  Instead, start out this year with a new way of thinking – use January as your planning month and set organizing goals for each month of 2012. 

Practice the monthly goal all month and it will become a habit, then you can add to your new habits each month. 

If you need help determining your goals or making them a reality, call a Professional Organizer for direction.  You also can find guidance in The Clutter Book:  When You Can’t Let Go.

When you know what you have and where it is, you don’t spend time searching for things and you don’t spend money on stuff you don’t need.  Here’s to a productive 2012!

Organized by MarcieTM:  Save time and money by letting go of what you don't need and finding room for what you value
Follow me on www.twitter.organizedmarcie.com and http://www.facebook.com/OrganizedByMarcie
And if you like what you've read, share it using the links below!

GO Month

January is Get Organized (GO) Month^SM, sponsored by the National Association of Professional Organizers. Many people make New Year’s resolutions hoping they’ll make better use of their time and money.   

I’ve written before about resolutions and how most people don’t keep them.  Instead, start out this year with a new way of thinking – use January as your planning month and set organizing goals for each month of 2012. 

Practice the monthly goal all month and it will become a habit, then you can add to your new habits each month. 

If you need help determining your goals or making them a reality, call a Professional Organizer for direction.  You also can find guidance in The Clutter Book:  When You Can’t Let Go.

When you know what you have and where it is, you don’t spend time searching for things and you don’t spend money on stuff you don’t need.  Here’s to a productive 2012!

Organized by MarcieTM:  Save time and money by letting go of what you don't need and finding room for what you value
Follow me on www.twitter.organizedmarcie.com and http://www.facebook.com/OrganizedByMarcie
And if you like what you've read, share it using the links below!

Use What You’ve Got

Yesterday was my nephew’s 7^th birthday.  He got loads of presents, which didn’t surprise me.  What I found unusual was the fact that most of the gifts didn’t come with a standard birthday card.  Some of the gift givers made their own cards, some parents used note cards they already had and one ingenious mom made stickers that she put on the gift wrap.  One gift had the giver’s name and the birthday boys' name written right on the wrapping paper. 

This time of year can be so hectic that buying a birthday card gets forgotten or isn’t important enough to make a special trip for.  I hope that the moms (let’s be honest, it’s usually moms who do this stuff) didn’t feel like they were falling down on the job if they didn’t get to the card shop.  Using what you have on hand or allowing your child to create something is just as meaningful as a store-bought specialty card. 

When you find yourself unprepared for an event, don’t try to squeeze in one more errand.  Make use of what you already have and, instead of feeling like you’re not doing your best, take a moment to think about how you would rather spend your time – racing the clock to do one more thing or showing up and feeling relaxed?

How have you used what you have on hand in an unconventional way?  Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

Organized by MarcieTM: Save time and money by letting go of what you don't need and finding room for what you value
Follow me on twitter and facebook And if you like what you've read, share it using the links below!

Use What You’ve Got

Yesterday was my nephew’s 7^th birthday.  He got loads of presents, which didn’t surprise me.  What I found unusual was the fact that most of the gifts didn’t come with a standard birthday card.  Some of the gift givers made their own cards, some parents used note cards they already had and one ingenious mom made stickers that she put on the gift wrap.  One gift had the giver’s name and the birthday boys' name written right on the wrapping paper. 

This time of year can be so hectic that buying a birthday card gets forgotten or isn’t important enough to make a special trip for.  I hope that the moms (let’s be honest, it’s usually moms who do this stuff) didn’t feel like they were falling down on the job if they didn’t get to the card shop.  Using what you have on hand or allowing your child to create something is just as meaningful as a store-bought specialty card. 

When you find yourself unprepared for an event, don’t try to squeeze in one more errand.  Make use of what you already have and, instead of feeling like you’re not doing your best, take a moment to think about how you would rather spend your time – racing the clock to do one more thing or showing up and feeling relaxed?

How have you used what you have on hand in an unconventional way?  Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

Organized by MarcieTM: Save time and money by letting go of what you don't need and finding room for what you value
Follow me on twitter and facebook And if you like what you've read, share it using the links below!

Adopt a Shelter Animal

Today’s post is only minimally about organizing.  After much consideration, I decided to foster a cat for the Humane Society.  He followed us home one day and, after a month at the shelter, was still up for adoption.  He has settled in very well and gets along with everyone, which is fortunate for us in the event he doesn’t find another home.  I had no desire to bring a cat into my home, it just happened serendipitously.

What allowed me to make the decision fairly quickly was the fact that my home was ready to accept a pet.  We don’t have clutter that would make the house dangerous for an animal and we have routines in place that allow us to keep doing what we do, even with an additional creature.

He is very low maintenance. So adding the feeding, box cleaning and grooming only take a little work each day.  Just like an organizing project, you have to deal with a pet every day instead of saving it all up for a time that’s more convenient.

If anyone is interested in finding out more about a lovely, well mannered, 5-year-old neutered male cat, please let me know.  He likes kids, but not other cats.  Please help me find him a loving home.

Organized by MarcieTM: Save time and money by letting go of what you don't need and finding room for what you value
Follow me on  twitter and facebook

And if you like what you've read, share it using the links below!

Adopt a Shelter Animal

Today’s post is only minimally about organizing.  After much consideration, I decided to foster a cat for the Humane Society.  He followed us home one day and, after a month at the shelter, was still up for adoption.  He has settled in very well and gets along with everyone, which is fortunate for us in the event he doesn’t find another home.  I had no desire to bring a cat into my home, it just happened serendipitously.

What allowed me to make the decision fairly quickly was the fact that my home was ready to accept a pet.  We don’t have clutter that would make the house dangerous for an animal and we have routines in place that allow us to keep doing what we do, even with an additional creature.

He is very low maintenance. So adding the feeding, box cleaning and grooming only take a little work each day.  Just like an organizing project, you have to deal with a pet every day instead of saving it all up for a time that’s more convenient.

If anyone is interested in finding out more about a lovely, well mannered, 5-year-old neutered male cat, please let me know.  He likes kids, but not other cats.  Please help me find him a loving home.

Organized by MarcieTM: Save time and money by letting go of what you don't need and finding room for what you value
Follow me on  twitter and facebook

And if you like what you've read, share it using the links below!

It’s Okay to Say No

This time of year you may find yourself overextended because you’re trying to attend every event, continue every family tradition and create a holiday season that is memorable.

Staying organized during this time of year takes some effort.  One of the tools you already own is the ability to say “no” to commitments that don’t add value to your life.  Consider which activities are the most meaningful to you and let go of the rest.

I recently saw this article, which is aimed at people who have ADHD, but the message is beneficial for everyone.

Take advantage of one or more of the phrases that the author offers.  Set your boundaries early and often so you have time to enjoy the people and things that are important to you.

Organized by MarcieTM: Save time and money by letting go of what you don't need and finding room for what you value
Follow me on twitter and facebook
And if you like what you've read, share it using the links below!