If your family is anything like mine the price increase at the pump is a big factor in your day to day life. In the past few years we have seen the gas price jump from 99 cents a gallon to over $3.50 with no end in sight. I am frustrated, unnerved and annoyed! What is a person to do?

I have a proposal for others in the same predicament; get more organized!! Yes, you can gain some of the control back, and the savings will add up! Here are some suggestions: Read the rest »

Throughout this month, I have been giving you tips on what to do with all your paper clutter, but now we need to work on how not to let clutter build up in the first place. First you need to see where you find paper clutter accumulating. Next, determine what papers consists of this clutter.

For me, I found that the clutter was mostly my children’s school papers. What works best is I have a basket on top of the refrigerator to put papers that I don’t want to throw away. Every month I go through this basket and toss some but the rest I add to the lidded hanging file containers that I have for each child. Inside this container I have large hanging files, one for each year, and I place art and school projects inside. I wish I could keep every paper/project that my children ever touch, but I don’t want my good intentions to become their clutter down the road. Instead, I have a great representation of each year of their lives. Read the rest »

This month we have been working in the area I refer to as the home office, but is actually the area where you store your paperwork; whether it is an actual office in your home, a desk in your family room, or simply a cabinet in your kitchen. I realize what an overwhelming task this can be, but need to stress how very important this is to your family. If you have questions, please contact your tax professional or attorney.

Last week we worked on the large filling drawer to keep important papers. These papers, although quite important, are not as imperative as the items I am going to ask you to keep in your smaller folio. Once completed this smaller folio will contain everything you need in case of an emergency. In addition, it is extremely important to instruct your family members as to where this folio is in case you are unable to get it. I suggest purchasing a fire box to keep these items: Read the rest »

Last week I gave you a shopping list of items to pick up; (if you did not already own them) filing drawer, small folio, basket/bin that can fit bills, and 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. Finally, I asked you to collect your unpaid bills, open and toss out the envelope and filler.

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 to 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. If you have any specific questions please contact your accountant or lawyer, as I am neither. Read the rest »

If I were asked which area my clients find the most daunting, I would definitely say paper clutter. As we are in the midst of tax time, this problem area becomes more evident. Paper accumulates quite rapidly, it is easy to stash, and there can be great apprehension to toss (with good reason).

Like 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. This is step #1.

Prior to our home fire, I literally hoarded all types of papers. I kept all paid bills, used duplicate style checkbooks, receipts, magazines, years of pay stubs, and piles of insurance papers (medical, house, and car). I kept everything because I really did not have a clue what I needed to keep and for how long. In addition to not knowing what to keep, I also had an ineffective filing system. If I needed to find something, it was nearly impossible because it was buried in a pile of clutter. After the fire I realized 99% of what I had kept was really not necessary. Read the rest »

Have you ever watched the organizing shows on television? Do you watch in awe that a space can completely be cleared out, renovated, and revealed in a one hour (or less) show and be completed in real time in less than 2 days? Want the secret to getting the same results in the same amount of time? The truth of the matter is that unless you have a carpenter, professional organizer, interior decorator and about 10 other trained professionals (or more), and a hefty budget, you are going to be disappointed if you want your space done in the same amount of time with the same results. Don’t be too disheartened, sometimes when you have to work a little extra hard you end up with better long lasting results. Also, the television shows often miss the most important step.

So, what is this step that I am talking about? What step could help keep your room looking great for months to come? You’ll have to wait a bit longer while I review the other steps in organizing your space. Read the rest »

This month we have been focusing on de-cluttering your bedroom. If you have not completed the de-cluttering you may want to continue working on that before you begin the cleaning process. If, however, you are ready to get down and clean the dirt, yet you are so stretched for time… this is my answer for you. Each day set your timer for 10 minutes and see how much you can tackle. During the 10 minutes don’t answer the phone, don’t even go to the bathroom, you will be amazed at how much you can accomplish in a little amount of time! Some of these challenges may be done under 10 minutes and, depending on your own situation, some may need more time. If the timer rings and you are not done with your challenge, simply reset the timer for 10 minutes. One final warning: don’t obsess, do the best that you can do! Read the rest »