The Queen of KAOS @Home

by Maria GraciaTake a look at your To Do List. If you had to categorize each task or project into work or fun, in which direction would the scale tip? For most people, To Do Lists contain work affiliated activities–whether they are business related or household chore related.When you’re making your To Do List, don’t only include those items that you have to do. Rather, scatter some things that you want to do. Maybe you would like to write a letter to someone you haven’t been in contact with. Put it on your To Do List.

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by Maria Gracia The clothes closet is one of the least respected areas in the house. It’s often stuffed from floor to ceiling with clothing, briefcases, purses and shoes. Valuable clothing rod space has been taken over by vast armies of mis-matched hangers. Books and magazines have managed to somehow sprout out of nowhere. Bed linens are mixed in with towels, umbrellas and shoes. You can barely see the floor. Before you know it, your closet has become clutter central!Here’s some friendly advice. Heed the old saying, “Less is more.” You’ll save an enormous amount of time, money and stress by thinning out your huge wardrobe.

1. GET THE PROPER SUPPLIES. Buy a starter set of 30 hangers, or 60 if the closet is shared by two people. Get the sturdy, plastic ones. They’re inexpensive and can be obtained at a homegoods store. Buy all one color for uniformity (or if you’re sharing closet space with someone, get one color for yourself, and another color for the person you’re sharing space with.)While you’re at the store, pick up a few sturdy skirt and pants hangers. Vertical skirt hangers with clips that hold 5 to 6 skirts on one hanger are a great choice. In addition, pick up an expandable shoe rack and a tie rack if you wear ties.

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by Maria GraciaWhoever thought you’d be able to get organized in just 10 minutes?! Here are a few simple ideas.

1. 10 MINUTE CHORE BOX: Rather than spending hours organizing, and doing it all yourself, create a 10 minute Chore Box for yourself–and one for each family member, if applicable.Each person’s box would contain specific chores or tasks that need to be completed. The chores are written on slips of paper, and take a maximum of 10 minutes each to accomplish.

   You can gear the tasks towards the person’s abilities (e.g. while older kids can help out with vacuuming, a 3 year old may instead be responsible for putting away his/her toys.)

   Each day, as a chore is completed, that slip of paper is placed in a holding envelope until the Chore Box is empty. Then, when empty, the boxes are refilled, and the system starts over again. This also works well at the office!

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by Maria GraciaIf you haven’t balanced your checkbook in awhile, or you lose your incoming bills before they’re paid or you put off filing your tax returns because it’s just too difficult to get everything together, than it’s probably time to organize your finances. Here are 5 quick ideas:

1. Consolidate your credit cards. Rather than having a bunch of different credit cards, consolidate all of your expenses on one single credit card, preferably one that has a low finance rate, and perhaps one that offers cashback or airline mileage on every dollar you spend. This can result in less confusion over which card to use, it can give you a better idea of how much debt you’re accumulating, it may give you more back for your dollar, and you’ll only have to write out one payment check per month.
2. Use a bill paying system. As soon as you get bills in the mail, they should immediately be placed into a bill paying system. All of your pending bills are then ready to be paid once a week, or once every 2 weeks, etc. Use that same bill paying system to store paid bill summaries, being sure that each category is in its own folder or envelope. Doing this makes it very simple to look something up when necessary.
3. Organize your expenses, as you spend. Want to know how much you spend each month, so you can determine your monthly spending budget? As you spend, just record that expense. This can be called your Expense Summary. A computer program like Quicken or a simple spreadsheet is great for this purpose, or you can certainly do this with paper and pen.
4. Balance your checkbook monthly. In order for you to have a good idea of how much money is sitting in your checking account, what checks have cleared, and any errors that you, or your bank, may have made, you must balance your checking account. It really doesn’t take that long if you balance your checkbook the same day your statement and cancelled checks arrive back from the bank each month. In fact, if you use a computer program like Quicken, you can do this task even quicker.
5. Keep your tax-related stuff together. Before tax season, you’ll start to receive tax related information from your job, your bank, etc. Keep all of these tax-related papers in a labeled file folder. This way, when you’re ready to do your taxes, you won’t have to search for the papers you need.

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by Maria GraciaStart off each day in an organized way, and you’ll get more done than you can imagine. Here are 5 simple steps.

1. MAKE A TO DO LIST. Make a list of the things you have to do tomorrow, the evening before. Prioritize and organize each item in the sequence that it should be accomplished. Consolidate similar tasks together. When you wake up in the morning, you’ll have a clear-cut guide detailing everything that must be done.
2. BE CAREFUL OF GETTING DIVERTED. Very often, a schedule gets thrown off track due to distraction. If you find that you constantly get off track, get a watch with a timer and set it so it goes off every 30 minutes. Every time it sounds, be sure you’re working on what you originally said you would. If you’re not, stop what you’re doing and get back on schedule. Most distractions are not emergency situations.
3. CALL BEFORE YOU LEAVE. If you have an appointment during the day, always call to confirm before you leave your home or office. This will ensure that the person you’re meeting did not forget about the appointment. Also, if there is going to be a long waiting time, perhaps you can do something else first, before you leave.
4. CHECK OFF ITEMS AS YOU COMPLETE THEM. Every time you finish something, cross it off your To Do List. This will give you a sense of accomplishment throughout the day.
5. DO A FINAL CHECK. At the end of the day, take a look at your list. How many items were you able to accomplish? Are there only 1-2 things left undone, or many? If there were just a few undone, simply move them to tomorrow’s To Do List. If there were many undone, and you worked diligently on everything all day, then you probably had too many things on your list to begin with. Re-think how much you can possibly do in a given day. Remember, you only have 24 hours, and you should be using a third of those hours to sleep!

by Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now!â„¢
Want to get organized? Get your FREE Get Organized Now!â„¢ Idea-Pak, filled with tips and ideas to help you organize your home, your office and your life, at the Get Organized Now!â„¢ Web site
http://www.getorganizednow.com

by Maria Gracia‘Spring Ahead. Fall Back.’ That little saying always helps us remember whether we should set the clock ahead or back one hour. Similar little sayings, are also great for helping you to get and stay organized. Here are just a few:

1. A HOME FOR EVERYTHING AND EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE. Every item you have, no matter what it is, should have a designated home. For instance, the home for your magazines might be your magazine holder, which is located on your bookshelf. Or your home for your extra file folders and labels, might be the top shelf of your office supplies cabinet.If an item doesn’t have a specific home, it’s considered to be ‘homeless.’ Something that is homeless, tends to get lost.

   Designate a specific home for all of your stuff. Then, be sure that everything taken, gets returned to its home when done being used.

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Does the thought of getting organized sap your energy? It doesn’t have to. Here are 5 energizing ideas.

1. TAKE A DEEP BREATH. Getting overwhelmed just looking at the clutter is one of the greatest excuses not to start. Take a deep breath and focus on one small area. Once that area is done, there will be plenty of time for the rest.
2. EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL. There’s no doubt about it. Organizing your home or office does take some energy. That’s why knowing your peak energy level is so important. If you’re an early bird and your energy level is very high in the morning, that’s the best time for you to declutter. If you have more energy at night, organize during that time instead.
3. KNOW YOUR LIMITS. Some people are at their best when they work in long, marathon sessions. Others can only work for 15 minutes at a time. Determine your limits and set your organizing schedule within that timeframe.
4. EAT HEALTHY, GET ENOUGH REST. Not eating nutritious meals regularly, and/or not sleeping enough, both highly contribute to feeling sluggish and disoriented. Most people need 3 nutritious meals per day (stay away from foods that can make you sleepy such as white flour and sugar), and require at least 7 hours of sleep or more per night. You may be amazed at how much more you can get done if you adjust these two areas.
5. MEGA MUSIC. Listening to cheery, upbeat music when you’re organizing can really get you moving, and keep you alert. Don’t play it so loud so that it’s a distraction. Keep it at an enjoyable, background level.

by Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now!â„¢
Want to get organized? Get your FREE Get Organized Now!â„¢ Idea-Pak, filled with tips and ideas to help you organize your home, your office and your life, at the Get Organized Now!â„¢ Web site
http://www.getorganizednow.com

These ideas apply to everyone, they are that good!  See which ones you can put into practice today.  Jan Ferrante 

20 Ideas To Help Students Get Organized - Maria Gracia

You have a bright, new school year ahead of you, ready once again to help prepare you for your future. Now is the perfect time for you to start off on the right foot, and get organized. Here are a few tips to help you manage your time, avoid clutter, set goals, and stay on an organized path to success.

1. GOALS. Set realistic goals at the beginning of the school year, and break those large goals into mini-goals. Write these goals down on index cards and keep them in a highly visible place where you can see them every day. Writing down your goals makes them more concrete, and motivates you to keep working towards them.
2. DON’T RUSH. Wake up early enough for school to arrive well ahead of time. If you need 30 minutes to get up, shower and dress, pad that time by waking up at least 45 minutes prior to your departure. To ensure you don’t turn off your alarm clock and go back to sleep, place your clock at the far end of your room. This way, you actually have to get out of bed to turn it off, and you’re most likely to stay up.
3. PREPARE YOUR WARDROBE. Before you go to bed each night, choose, iron and lay out your clothes for the next day. This way, you’ll be all set to dress and go in the morning.
4. AVOID CLUTTER. At the beginning of the school year, you have no clutter. Be careful not to build clutter as the year progresses. Create separate folders for school announcements, tests that have been graded, papers you must give to your parents and so on. As papers become outdated, such as an event that has passed, toss them immediately.
5. MAKE TO DO LISTS. Always spend a minimum of 15 minutes per day, preparing your To Do list for tomorrow. In doing so, you will know exactly what tasks you have to accomplish the next day.
6. EFFECTIVE STUDY AREA. Designate a quiet, well-lit area for studying. Don’t study in front of the television, or in an area of your home where you’re bound to be distracted. Hang a Do Not Disturb sign on your door. If you can’t find a quiet spot at home, go to the library. In addition, you should study while sitting at a table or desk. Avoid studying in a very comfortable chair or a bed, which may cause you to feel drowsy.
7. GET YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP. Get a good night’s rest. This will ensure you are alert and ready to learn the following day.
8. AN APPLE A DAY. Eat three healthy meals each day, along with fruit for snacks. Don’t overload on sweets, which cause many people to feel tired.
9. AVOID OVERLOAD. While you may sign up for extra school activities, such as basketball or cheerleading, don’t take on too much. First determine how much study time you need. Then, choose one or two recreational activities that you enjoy.
10. USE A STUDENT PLANNER. Use a good student planner or organizer. The ones that have pocket folders, dividers and planning calendars are ideal.
11. USE ONE CALENDAR. Use one calendar to plan all of your school and personal activities, rather than two or more. When you use more than one, you run the risk of scheduling conflicts and missed appointments. This is very important. Heed the old proverb, A man who wears two watches, never knows the correct time.
12. COLOR-CODE. You may consider color-coding similar activities on your calendar. For example, highlight all upcoming tests in yellow, study time in green and recreational activities in pink.
13. WRITE IT DOWN. When you learn of an upcoming test, event, or anything you must prepare for or attend, immediately jot it in your planner. Don’t wait for later, or you may forget about it.
14. BREAK UP YOUR STUDY TIME. Determine how many study hours you need, and schedule study time in your planner. For example, if you need six hours of time to study for a test, you may break that time up into six sessions, of one hour each. Choose the six days, and make a Study Time notation in your calendar.
15. SCHEDULE CONSISTENT STUDY TIMES. Set aside time every day for study, and make it consistent. For example, set your study time for each afternoon from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Whatever you do, avoid last minute studying and cramming.
16. BREAK IT UP. Break up big tasks, into smaller, bite-sized jobs. For instance, if you have to study three chapters in your history book, study one chapter at a time each day. If you have to work on a project, break it down into three or four stages.
17. EAT YOUR BROCCOLI FIRST. Imagine eating your dessert before your brocolli. What would be left for you to look forward to? Just the same, do your homework for your most difficult subjects first. Then, everything else will be a breeze, and therefore, more enjoyable.
18. GET ASSISTANCE. If you don’t understand a lesson, immediately ask for help. Don’t let it get to the point that you’re totally confused. A sibling, friend, parent or teacher can be a lifesaver.
19. WHOOPS! If you find yourself getting off track, simply take a deep breath and get back on track. It is better to get slightly off the path, rather than giving up.
20. REWARD YOURSELF. Designate enticing rewards for each goal you set, such as a night at the movies, or a quiet, relaxing walk in the park. As you achieve each of your goals, reap your rewards. This will keep you motivated throughout the year.May this school year be your best ever!

by Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now!â„¢
Want to get organized? Get your FREE Get Organized Now!â„¢ Idea-Pak, filled with tips and ideas to help you organize your home, your office and your life, at the Get Organized Now!â„¢ Web site
http://www.getorganizednow.com

It’s funny how taking a minute to think about the main purpose of what ever you are doing, and the outcome you would like to see, can make a huge difference in how you do something, and the outcome and usefullness of it.

By making a small distinction between a “junk” drawer, which is also giving it a negative label, making you more likely to use it that way, and a “help” drawer, you have completely changed the purpose of the drawer with the smallest shift of mind.

Really, do you want a JUNK drawer?

Not likely, who wants to keep junk? Or do you want a HELP drawer, something that you can use to quickly locate miscellanious items of use to you, without having to sort through the JUNK? I vote for a HELP drawer!

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“Clean your room.”
“Ugh! Oh, Mom. I’ll do it later!”This same dialog is shared by millions of parents and their children all over the world. Do you suddenly have the driving urge to get your child’s room in order? Where do you start? Here are a few ideas:

1. SCHEDULE. Schedule a specific date and time to clean out your child’s room. Your daughter or son, if she or he is old enough, should be there to help.
2. DUMP OR DONATE. Have a large box on hand for items you will be donating to your local charity or selling at a rummage sale. Also, have a large plastic garbage bag–maybe two or three–for everything you will be disposing of. Your son or daughter can help here. Let them know that every item that is of no use to them, that they donate, will be helping another child. Also, tell them that it’s important to discard anything that will never be used, to make room for new, useful items.
3. CLOTHES CLOSET. The clothes closet is usually a good place to start. Pull everything out until it’s completely empty. Then, the only items that should be returned to the closet are those articles of clothing or other items that are going to be used again. This should eliminate clothing that doesn’t fit, is worn out, and so on. If you’re not sure if an item fits your child anymore, have him or her try it on right now.
4. BASEBALL CAPS. Hang a baseball cap rack on the back of your child’s bedroom door to keep all caps neat and organized. Ensure it’s at a reachable level for your child and that he/she understands the proper way to hang the caps on it.
5. SHOES. A shoe rack can keep children’s shoes organized, easily accessible and in one place. Show your child how to organize shoes, keeping all pairs together and separating dress shoes from casual.
6. STUFFED ANIMALS, TOYS AND GAMES. Put up shelves in children’s rooms. This is usually a better solution for toy storage versus containers, because the toys won’t get crushed and will be easily obtainable. Make sure the shelves are at a reasonable height so that your child can reach wanted items.
7. PAPER. Create a filing system for your child, to keep artwork, rock star photos, blank paper, notes from family and friends, etc. Use a portable filing container that is capable of holding hanging files and that can be transported to someplace else if necessary. The ones with handles are nice, since they can be transported to different homes, on vacation, and so on. Some of these containers have snap-shut compartments for pens, pencils, clips, and more.
8. RESPONSIBILITY. Teach your children to clean and organize as soon as they’re old enough to do so. If you help them do this now, you will be helping them when they’re old enough to move out on their own. Devise a simple daily checklist for maintenance. If you have two children sharing the same room, divide the room in half with an imaginary line. Describe this imaginary line to each child. Assign each one the responsibility of keeping their side clean and organized.

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