Organizing From A to Z

I'm an organizing geek! Not that my home is the most organized in the world...(I just don't have the money for all of the organizing gadgets & containers I would like)  but I actually enjoy learning about how to get organized. (Told ya I'm a geek!)

My personal favorite organizing system is reviewed here  but I just found this article and it was so cute I wanted to share!

Organizing really can be as easy as A-B-C. Here are 26
organizing ideas--one for each letter of the alphabet:

    * A: ACT - Don't put it off until later. If you
    want to do it, act on it now.

    * B: BREAK IT DOWN - Anything you have to do is
    easier, if you break it down into manageable parts.

    * C: CONTAINERIZE - Separate and organize your
    things by storing them in see-through, plastic
    containers.

    * D: DELEGATE - You don't have to do everything
    yourself. Delegate to work associates or family
    members. Use an outside company to outsource some
    of your work. Or use technology to your advantage,
    by delegating to your answering machine, your
    computer, etc.

    * E: ELIMINATE - Get rid of clutter--both physical
    and mental. You'll breathe easier and feel a sense
    of freedom.

    * F: FILE - Don't let that paperwork grow into a
    mountain. File it away in an appropriate place if
    you need to refer to it again.

    * G: GIVE - Give the things you no longer use or
    love to a favorite charity organization, a family
    member or a friend. There are many people who will
    be thrilled to receive your gifts.

    * H: HOME SWEET HOME - Find a home for everything
    you own, and keep it in its place. When you need
    something in the future, you'll know its 'address.'

    * I: IDENTIFY - Before putting items in boxes for
    storage--or when you're moving--be sure to identify
    the contents by labeling the outside of the box.
    Identify papers in file folders, by clearly marking
    the tab of the folder.

    * J: JUDGEMENT - Use your best judgment to
    prioritize your life. Be sure you're spending the
    majority of your time on the important stuff.

    * K: KNOWLEDGE - Knowledge is power. In order to
    effectively organize something, be sure you're
    using the organizing systems that will work best
    for you.

    * L: LISTS - Make lists for things you have to do
    now, and in the future. Master Lists and To Do
    Lists will help you get things done. Packing lists
    will ensure you never forget something again when
    you travel. Shopping lists will ensure you get
    everything you need at the mall. Telephone lists
    will remind you of everyone you have to call this
    week.

    * M: MOTIVATION - A huge part of getting organized
    is motivation. Once you're motivated, there's no
    limit as to what you can accomplish. Get motivated
    by designating pending rewards for your
    accomplishments, involving family members or
    friends in your goals, and by making getting
    organized a game. And definitely stop by the Get
    Organized Now! Discussion Forum for lots of
    inspiration and motivation.

    * N: NO - It's so easy to get stressed when you
    have a million things to do on your plate. If
    you're beginning to feel burdened with too much to
    do, learn to say NO to some of those things.

    * O: ORDER - Rather than living in clutter and
    chaos, vow to live a more orderly life. You'll know
    where everything is, and you'll complete whatever
    you start.

    * P: PLAN AND PREPARE - While spontaneity every
    once in awhile is fun and perfectly fine, having a
    good plan and effectively preparing, will help you
    reach your goals and deadlines, so you can enjoy
    maximum accomplishments.

    * Q: QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY - It is much better to
    have a few treasures that you love and enjoy,
    rather than having lots of things you don't
    particularly care for. Always think quality, over
    quantity, and you'll simplify your life. Of course,
    this doesn't apply to money!

    * R: REMINDERS - Use little reminder devices
    throughout the day to help you stay on track. Alarm
    clocks, timers, e-mail reminders and sticky notes
    are all excellent memory joggers.

    * S: SELL IT - Why not make some money by selling
    some of those possessions you no longer want? Try a
    rummage sale, consignment shop or an online auction
    company.

    * T: TOSS - If you don't want it, and you can't
    give it away or sell it, toss it. Make room for the
    things that you really enjoy, or that make your
    life easier.

    * U: UNUSED SPACE - Don't forget about the space in
    your home or office that is often forgotten about,
    such as wall space for shelves or hooks for
    hanging, or space under the stairs.

    * V: VISUALIZE - Picture how wonderful your life is
    going to be when you're organized. Then strive to
    put yourself in that picture every day.

    * W: WRITE IT DOWN - Don't try to keep everything
    you have to remember in your head. Simply write it
    down and refer to it when needed.

    * X: X MARKS THE SPOT - Place an X next to each
    item you accomplish on your To Do List. At the end
    of the day, add up your x's and celebrate for
    getting so much done!

    * Y: YOU - Don't forget to make time for YOU.
    Remember, an appointment with yourself--time for
    you with no interruptions--should be one of the
    most important appointments in your day.

    * Z: ZONE IN - Really define what you're trying to
    accomplish, so you have a clear picture in your
    mind.

by Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now!

 
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