Over the next few weeks, be on the lookout for a bug - a bug that will emerge in epidemic proportions! Yes, every fall and January this bug population surges, but, rest easy, this bug is actually good for you and typically welcomed. So, get ready because the “organizing bug” is in the air!

You may wonder why I know this bug is on its way. Every year, as summer comes to a close, fall never fails to bring with it the feeling of a fresh new start which likely leaves you with a new found optimism about gaining control of your house and your life. This is a completely normal and common way to feel this time of year. So, this fall, seize the opportunity to get organized while the motivation is there.

To be successful, make a plan. First, sit-down and make a list of what you would like to organize, and circle three items on the list that you want organized the most. Next, designate the order in which you wish to accomplish them by simply writing 1, 2, or 3 next to each item. If you lack free time, the first item you start with should be the one that will give you more free time once completed. For example, if you waste time looking for papers, work on setting up a paper management system first. This way the end result will be less stress and more free time. That is more free time to work on the next organizing project.

If you can’t seem to get organized on your own, please don’t waste that new found desire to get organized. Consider asking a friend or relative to be your “organizing buddy” like you would have an exercising buddy. Then in turn help your friend with a task they struggle with, perhaps gardening or exercising. If you are not up for having an “organizing buddy,” then consider hiring a Professional Organizer to get you on your way.

I wish you organizing success!

Over the past few years more and more retail stores and restaurants are offering coupons. This is great for the consumer but it can be a daunting task keeping these coupons organized.

First of all, don’t mix grocery store coupons with non-grocery store coupons. Grocery store coupons should have their very own organizer and a totally different type of organization that isn’t being covered here.

Now for your retail store and restaurant coupons (like Bed, Bath, & Beyond and TGI Friday’s), keep them together in an organizer that allows you to have dividers with alphabetical separations. You’ll want to organize your coupons alphabetically by the name of the retail store or restaurant. A coupon for Chico’s would fall behind the letter “C” while a coupon for Macy’s would fall behind the letter “M” and a coupon for TGI’s Friday would fall behind the letter “T.” You can group 2 or 3 alphabetical letters together, i.e., AB, CD, EFG.

If the store begins with the word “The” don’t file it under the letter “T”, instead use the next main word. You will find that some coupons are so large that they need to be trimmed on the sides. Use an organizer similar to the one pictured above. You can find this particular organizer at Office Depot. There are 13 divided compartments and 13 small paper tabs that group alphabetical letters together.

Now that you have taking the time to organize your coupons, you’ll want to make sure that you use them. To increase your chance of using the coupons, I highly recommend keeping your coupon organizer in your car at all times.

Please note, if you use the type of organizer pictured above, place a tiny piece of Scotch™ tape on each side of the clear tab to hold the white paper tab inside. If not, when the organizer is tipped, the paper tabs may fall out.

Happy coupon cutting,

As Professional Organizers, we often get asked how long to keep a particular type of paper. Online there is an easy to follow record retention guide. On this chart you’ll find that Bank Rate recommends keeping your check stubs for “One year, and then when you receive your annual W-2 form from your employer, make sure the information on your stubs matches. If all information matches, shred the stubs; if not, demand a corrected form, known as a W-2c.” 

Remember to record the direct deposit in your account register as soon as possible so you can reconcile it with your bank statement or online records.

I wish you organizing success!

I had the pleasure of speaking to the PSEA-Retired. The subject of organizing was so well received that patrons of the restaurant of where we were started asking if they could come sit in our banquet room (in other words asking to crash the party). The room was already filled to capacity with an audience of nearly 70 men and women.     

With well deserved time on their hands, these retired teachers are ready to get organized. Or at least they have no excuse now! I provided them simple steps to getting organized and a 21 day plan to jump start their organizing success. Whether it is organizing your belongings, or managing your paper or time better, the end result will be saving time, money, and space. Who doesn’t want that?

I was able to share some of my favorite products with the audience. Each attendee received a pack of 3M Command™ strips. If you have never tried a Command™ product before, be sure to print out a coupon for one.  Each attendee also received a keychain measuring tape from All Bright Ideas.

This event was sponsored in part by The Heart Care Group. I would like to extend a big thank you to this wonderful full-service practice of 19 cardiologists.  At the end of the day, The Heart Care Group and I have the same goal. We want to reduce our patient’s/client’s stress and give them an opportunity for a long and fulfilling life.

If you attend this wonderful event, please share your organizing successes or struggles. How is your 21-day plan going?

On Saturday I had the privilege of presenting Organizing Made Easy to over 40 women who were very eager to get organized.  Not only was this an energetic audience, but they were quite innovative too. Typically the event coordinator reads a bio to introduce me. But the coordinator of this group, Cindy Ward, used her imagination and creativity. Cindy, along with her “costar”, performed a lengthy skit to introduce me. I couldn’t top that! Hats off to Cindy!

Amid the laughs and chuckles, this group absorbed the information like a sponge. I showed them the simple steps to getting organized and staying organized. Throughout our 2 hours together, I could see they “got it.” Before the day was over, they each had a simple 21-day plan for getting organized in just 10 minutes or less. The plan is a life-long plan, which I know will be easy for them to stick to.

You go girls! Please share with me your successes and bumps along the way.

Diane