Organizing Tips, Resources, and Products for Simplifying Your Life
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| Bobino Cord Wraps |
In need of a really simple way to backup your computer? Use a large capacity USB flash drive (4 GB, 8 GB, or 16 GB). It's so easy anyone can do it! Need even more storage? Buy 2 or 3 and use one for data files, one for music files, and one for your digital photos. You'll never have to worry about losing valuable information again. Backup your computer files regularly (once a day, once a week, and every time you work on a big project) and designate a safe place to store it after each use. It's portable, very affordable, takes up very little space and it's a good idea to keep a second one in a location outside of your home in the event of a fire, flood, earthquake, or even theft. Peace of mind is priceless!
Are you tired of starting each day with a cluttered desk? A desk with piles of clutter is a huge distraction making it very difficult to get things done. It's time to take charge and to do something about it. Sweep everything into a box, do a quick sort, and only put back the essentials. Create homes for pens, important papers, To Do or Action items, office supplies, etc... everything needed to get you through the day. Make sure things you use frequently are within arms reach and all flat surfaces are clear with the exception of computer equipment and just a few other essential items. What to do with everything else? Get rid of it (recycle, shred, trash or donate) relocate it to another room if not office related, or (if office related) store it in your office further away from your desk (out of arms reach). Enjoy starting each day with a clear desk and a clear mind! How to keep it this way? Get in the habit of taking a few minutes at the end of each day to put things away.
To prevent identity theft, I highly recommend a shredder for every household and small business. What to shred? Credit card applications, canceled and voided checks, medical and legal papers (if no longer needed), expired charge cards, anything with an account or credit card number on it, and certainly anything containing your signature or social security number. You don't want any of your pertinent information landing in the wrong hands. So shred, shred, shred! Not sure whether or not to shred? Shred anyway... it's always better to be safe than sorry. (Exception to the rule: Birth/Marriage/Divorce/Death Certificates)
Are your cords and cables behind your desk in a tangled mess? There are all kinds of products on the market for organizing cords these days. However, if you're not up for going that route, try organizing your cords with simple twist ties (found in most boxes of trash bags that you get at the grocery store). Don't have any? Small black zip ties will work, too.
Did you know Best Buy recycles old electronic equipment? Yes, it's true! It doesn't matter where you bought it, they'll recycle it. How cool is that? They recycle TVs, DVD and MP3 players, cell phones, CDs, audio and video cables, computers, monitors, home stereos, car audio, fans, vacuum cleaners, and more. It's absolutely FREE in most states (with a few restrictions) and they allow you to drop off 3 items per household, per day.
Are you an avid list maker, but still nothing ever seems to get done? In need of a new system for managing your To Dos? Sometimes creating lists on paper just isn't enough, especially if you're a visual and kinesthetic learner and struggling with managing your time. Check out this Panel System I recently created for a client. It's simple to use and easy to set up. 
e everything out of the drawer and sort by grouping similar items together (i.e. post-its, binder clips, rubber bands, etc.). Toss all trash and put things that go in other rooms aside for now.
drawer organizers and put items back into the drawer. The drawer organizers will keep everything in its place. Aaaah...Much better!
Does your mailbox look like this? According to CatalogChoice.org, "on average, we get 900 pieces of unsolicited mail per yer." Unbelievable! Interested in reducing that amount? Think of all the time and trees you'll save! I'm happy to announce that CatalogChoice.org is not just for catalogs anymore. They're now a resource for stopping all kinds of junkmail, such as credit card offers, coupons, letter size direct mail, other unsolicited marketing offers, and even phonebooks. How cool is that? To get started go to www.CatalogChoice.org and set up an account. It's fast, simple to use, and it's free!
st and easy way to organize shopping and ATM receipts while on the go? Take a standard white envelope and cut off the flap. Place the envelope in your purse. After making a purchase always ask to be handed the receipt (never leave it in the bag!). Immediately slip the receipt into the envelope in your purse (writing notes on the receipt as needed). If feeling rushed at the check out counter, take the receipt in hand and slip it in the envelope first chance you get (even if it's in your car). Use the envelope for ATM receipts, as well.
Looking for a nice, stylish way to label your bins? These self-adhesive storage bin labels sold by Simplify101 are the way to go. They are sold in sets of 5 and each set includes self-adhesive vinyl pockets and label inserts. You can use your printer for the labels or hand write them yourself (A Microsoft Word template is provided). They come in a couple different sizes (3" x 5" and 1 1/2" x 3 1/2") to suit your needs.
Are you wondering how long you need to keep financial documents? Check out these helpful guidelines provided by Suze Orman (America's expert on personal finance), "Financial Clutter, What to Keep and What to Get Rid of." Keep in mind, you can be audited by the IRS for no reason at all up to three years after you filed a tax return or two years from the date the tax was paid - whichever is later. If you omit 25% of your gross income you can be audited up to six years. Therefore, to be on the safe side, it's recommended to keep all financial documents relating to taxes for at least seven years. For more information visit www.irs.gov.
