Last week I gave you a shopping list of items to pick up if you did not already own them. The list included a filing drawer or bin, hanging files (at least 20), tabs and a paper shredder. In addition, I challenged you to do a quick toss of paper clutter that you absolutely knew you did not need to keep.Â

This week we are going to work on what you need to keep in your file drawer and for how long. Following are the files that I keep. You may need to add or take away from my list to best suit your needs. The following information is not to replace the advice from a financial expert, so please use this just as a guide. Please check out this link: http://www.irs.gov/publications/p552/ar02.html for information on what to keep and for how long. Please consult your tax professional for specific questions and guidelines. Read the rest »

Days 1-7:Â Destination: Toss-Out

There are many aspects of de-cluttering a home that can seem quite daunting. My experience has shown that paper clutter tops most everyone’s list. As it is nearing tax time, perhaps this problem is becoming more evident. Like most everything else, you need to come up with a system. You need to toss immediately what you don’t need, and sort and file the important papers. Don’t allow the clutter to build up.

Materials needed for Days 1-7: Read the rest »

There were many resolutions this New Year’s. Resolutions to lose weight, exercise more, and start a new career are just a few. Did you know that becoming organized could help you achieve nearly all your goals and dreams for yourself? I am going to list the steps to start controlling the clutter in your life. Clutter can take many forms and only one of them is material. In addition we clutter up our time and our mind. As you read through the following steps, you may see examples of stumbling blocks that you have put on the pathway to becoming clutter controlled in the past in your own life. This is the year to make these small changes, which will have a huge impact not only on your life, but also on the life of the ones that you love.

1. Stop with the blame and guilt- Often we live our lives out of fear, guilt, blame, and shame. Try very hard to realize that you cannot control what you did yesterday, but you most certainly can change your tomorrow. If you spent more than you should of at Christmas, now is not the time to beat yourself up! Read the rest »

Last week I asked you to look at your current situation and take inventory.   I suggested you take a camera and walk around your home and take pictures. It is very enlightening to look at your possessions through different eyes. In addition, I suggested you take inventory regarding other aspects of your life. In order to start where you stand; you have to know where you are at.

I have often heard that succumbing to today’s wants may keep you from achieving tomorrow’s needs. This is made a bit easier when tomorrow’s needs are not even known. What are your priorities? What do you want in life? What are your hopes and dreams? Read the rest »

Here we are at the end of our Christmas Missions. Hopefully you have found some inspiration in these missions and your Holiday season is just a tad bit less stressful! This week we will be focusing on cleaning, organizing, relaxing, and enjoying this wonderful time of the year…

Week #4: FINALE

Here we are at the end of our Christmas Missions. Hopefully you have found some inspiration in these missions and your Holiday season is just a tad bit less stressful! If you have not finished your shopping, hopefully your list is not too great. If you are finished, stay away from the malls and the temptation to buy more! This week we will be focusing on cleaning, organizing, relaxing, and enjoying this wonderful time of the year! Read the rest »

What’s in your oven? There is nothing like a batch of homemade cookies baking in the oven to invoke the holiday spirit. Spend some time in the kitchen this week and create special memories for your children and share the bounty to fill the tummies and warm the hearts of those around you….

Week #3: WHAT’S IN YOUR OVEN?There is nothing like a batch of homemade cookies baking in the oven to invoke the holiday spirit! If you are involved in a cookie exchange you have a whole lot of one type of cookie to make.  Resist the temptation to not want help during the baking and decorating process. I know it would be a lot easier to bake without little hands getting in the way, but these memories will last a lifetime to the little ones in your life! Make sure you snap a few pictures, as these photos will be greatly treasured in years to come. Read the rest »

Before the packages are opened and your home is overwhelmed with new things, take this challenge to clear out the clutter now. A super simple system to let go and purge. Also, the three most important reasons to do this now…

Week #2:Â PRE-CHRISTMAS PURGE

We are on our Holiday home stretch. This week continue to work on your Christmas list, get your house decorated and mail out your holiday cards. Your list hopefully is dwindling, but if it is not- stop the madness if you are holding onto grand plans of finishing projects that will really stress you out in the weeks to come. It is so not worth it! Stop trying to impress others at Christmas! Give from your heart and give what you can really afford…not what you want others to THINK you can afford. If you are finished with your list, beware of the ever-present temptation to buy more. Read the rest »