Flourish Organizing

Kick your Paper Clutter!

10/1/2019

With fall in full swing, this is a great time to get your papers in order!

Simplify!
The simpler your systems are, the more likely it is that you will follow through and use them. Don’t make things more complicated than they have to be!

Give Everything a Home
Think about all the categories of papers that you will have and decide where those papers are going to go.

White vertical file organizer with pink dots manila folders and orange folder

Have ONE Inbox for Papers
Go for simple – have one single place in your home for incoming papers. All papers will go here… paper mail from the mailbox, handouts from meetings, bills to pay, etc. Do not place any papers on your desk, counter, etc. All papers always go into the inbox.

White file box on wood table with bookshelf

Go through your Inbox regularly:
Pick up one paper at a time and do one of the following:

Step 1: Don’t need it? Recycle it. Shred it. Toss it.

Step 2: Is it quick? Do it now.

Step 3: Triage your papers
(Put them in the correct file using a simple vertical file box)

To Do
To Scan
To Call
To Keep Temporarily: (ex: invitation to a wedding, tickets to the ballet, gift card, this month’s exercise calendar from the gym, etc.)

Add other folders as needed, but keep it as simple as possible.

To Do Items:
Set aside time to complete the To Do items, To Call list, and other ongoing projects. Put it on your calendar. Don’t allow yourself to forget to complete these tasks!

For some, it works well to pair paperwork with another task, such as laundry.

Black floral file folder with To Do writing

Are you ready to tackle your papers? Set aside a few minutes and get started today!
~Laura

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Simplicity this Summer

7/2/2019

Happy Summer! :)

I hope that you are enjoying this season! For many, this is a time to slow down and spend some quality time at the pool, beach, or on vacation. A little planning can make getting ready for these events less stressful. Here are a few organizing tips to help make things go a little more smoothly this summer!

Three colorful towels folded on white wicker stand

Are you ready for the beach?

If you frequent a specific location like the beach, pool, or gym, dedicate a specific bag for it. The easiest thing is to keep it packed and ready to grab and go. When you return, simply wash and replace the items so that the bag is ready for your next outing.

If there are items that you do not use exclusively for this outing, such as your sunglasses, you can create a Checklist for the bag. Before you head out, run down the Checklist to ensure that you have what you need. Keep the Checklist in the bag and re-use it each time you go.

Are you headed on a trip?

Consider folding your clothes and packing them vertically in your suitcase just as you could in a drawer. I know that this may sound crazy if you’ve never tried it before. I was very skeptical as I had always used the “unfold and flatten everything” type of packing in the past. However, I decided to give it a try, and now I actually prefer it! I am amazed that I can easily fit just as much in my suitcase.

According to Marie Kondo's KonMari Method™ for organizing, the best way to pack a suitcase is to keep items vertical, compartmentalized, and easy-to-see. By packing this way, you can remove or add articles of clothing without ruining the rest. You can also see everything at a glance when you open the suitcase.

Suitcase

This client used the suitcase to the left for over a month as she travelled from one spot to the next. She simply removed and added things as she used and cleaned them.

If you are staying in one place for a while, it is also easy to remove a whole row of folded clothes and put them just like that into a drawer.

Ready to get started?
Take a moment to consider your current storage methods and packing plans this summer. Think creatively about solutions to make your life simpler and easier.

If you need some help, send me a note or give me a call to schedule an organizing session!

Best wishes for a joy-filled summer! Laura

Certified KonMari Consultant
Professional Home Organizer

From the desk of Laura

Kick your Paper Clutter!

Simplicity this Summer

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