Wednesday, August 26, 2009

8 Ways to Take Control of Your Universe


As to be expected, the new school year always comes with a slew of articles about "getting organized." (yawn) To save you the bother, I've compiled a list of fabulous ways to not only de-clutter your home, but also de-clutter your life, and take control of your world...for good.


1. Stop the junk mail

Americans spend way too much time sifting through the ads and credit card offers. Make it stop once and for all (and save a tree or two). Concerned that you will stop getting coupons and your favorite catalogs? Just knock out the credit card offers.

Credit Bureau - 1-888-5-OPTOUT.

Catalogs - www.abacus-us.com/About_Abacus/Opt-Out

Pick which catalogs you want to decline: https://www.catalogchoice.org/

Direct mail marketing -https://www.dmachoice.org/MPS/mps_consumer_description.php

(this service costs $1 and is only good for 5 years)


2. Silence telemarketers

Still not on the "no call" list? What are you thinking? Go there now, and (almost) never be interrupted at the dinner table again. https://www.donotcall.gov/

Good news: Now registration never expires.


3. Clear the inbox

Only keep emails in your inbox if you need to "take action" on them. An overflowing inbox is too much for our brains to process, and important emails are easily lost in the shuffle. If you are overwhelmed by the task, schedule yourself a 5-10 minute appointment each day to sort, delete and file (or delete 5 messages every time you check your email). Make sure you have a comprehensive set of file folders, and go to town.

4. Guilt yourself into de-cluttering your closet

While you are putting away that new cashmere sweater that your mom bought you, sort through the rest of your closet. You know those pieces that you haven't worn since Ross and Rachel starting dating? Somebody less fortunate could be using them. Hit up your local Goodwill, get a receipt, and write those bad boys off of your taxes.

For a list of common values for donations: http://www.salvationarmysouth.org/valueguide.htm

For a Goodwill near you: http://locator.goodwill.org/

5. Purge paper bills

Stop the clutter from even entering your home. Receiving bills by snail mail is like - so 2005. Switch to all e-statements (even I am guilty of not doing this one), and purge any bills, bank statements etc. that date before last summer.

*Doh! Alert* -don't throw away anything that you might need for tax records!

Don't fret! Many companies offer e-statements in pdf format on the company's web site. Download and save them each month on your computer in a folder named for the company. You can safely keep years of statements on the computer for easy access any time.

6. Freshen your air

There was a study done at Washington State University three years ago examining the impact of plants on people. They found that having house plants made the indoor air healthier, reduced stress, improved productivity, and enhanced moods. So why not bring your leafy friends in? Febreeze only goes so far.

7. Auto-organize

Take your old jalopy to the car spa and give it some TLC. A little interior detailing, wash and wax will give you a fresh start for the new school year. It's also fun to invest in some car organization products. Trunk organizers, over-the-seat trash cans, and mobile office stations (thanks mom!) allow you to "live" out of your car, without it looking like a teenager's room. For some great options check out www.containerstore.com

8. Prepare for the worst

I know, it sounds so dramatic! It isn't likely that disaster is headed your way, but just in case, it is nice to know that you have all of your information in one place. TheNest.com and Real Simple Magazine have some fabulous worksheets to get you started. You can find anything from a birthday sheet organizer to a monthly budget worksheet, but here are a few of my favorites.

The Ultimate Contact Sheet

http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/web/pdf/family/rsf-phoneresource.pdf

Emergency Supply Checklist

http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/web/pdf/0506/emergency.pdf

Emergency 411

http://images.thenest.com/pdfs/worksheet/NWKST1_emergency411.pdf

Document Tracker

http://images.thenest.com/pdfs/worksheet/NWKST2_doctracker.pdf

Got another organizing question? Just give me a holler!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for taking the time to condense my universe into 8 helpful steps and giving me all of the contact info. for follow up.
Great job!

Sweet 'n Sassy Baby said...

Well I just did the closet last week so that's one of the list! A lot to go! I like all those contact sheets, lists, etc in #8. Thanks!

Houston's Weekly Chic said...

Hooray for conquering the closest:) So glad you found the article helpful!