Create good habits: dealing with mail on a daily basis or a few times a week will prevent an overwhelming buildup of mail from forming. At minimum, devote five minutes to dealing with your mail soon after you get home by ‘opening and ironing’ it. This means, doing a quick sort to get rid of junk mail, opening envelopes, and unfolding the contents so it can be placed in your inbox to be dealt with later.
Go to your mailbox less often: if possible. check your mail every 2-3 days. This will allow you to consolidate the number of times you have to deal with your mail. Worried about thieves? Look into security mailboxes at The Home Depot or at LockingSecurityMailbox.com.
Accept that dealing with mail is a necessary 'evil': no matter how much you dislike dealing with mail, realize that it will never go away. You can make attempts to reduce the amount, but at some point it must be dealt with.
Go digital: like dealing with email better than regular mail? Earth Class Mail offers a service that scans your mail so you can view it electronically. You decide what to have scanned, recycled, shredded, or what you would like to physically receive in your mailbox.
Get less mail: although it is impossible to get rid of all junk mail, there are many ways to reduce it. Visit PrivacyRights.org for information and links to get off of numerous types of mailing lists. CatalogChoice.org is another resource to stop unwanted catalogs from reaching your mailbox.
Say ‘no’ to freebies: often times the word ‘free’ makes us automatically want something, whether we actually need it or even like it. It’s not inherently bad to take freebies, just ask yourself if it is something you really like and will use before accepting it.
Use cloth bags: do you have a stock-pile of shopping bags in your house? Get rid of the clutter and be kind to the environment by deciding to only use cloth bags for any shopping excursion. Keep a few in your car to remind yourself to use them the next time you go shopping.
Shop with a list: we all know what happens when you go the grocery store when we’re hungry. Take a list with you for any type of shopping trip to reduce or eliminate the number of impulse purchases made.
Give your item the 3rd degree: see something that catches your eye? Ask yourself these questions before making a purchase; do I really need it? Will I use it? Do I really love it? Do I already have something else that I can use instead? Getting in the habit of asking these questions will help reduce the amount of stuff that comes into your house that ends up becoming clutter.
Implement a waiting period: tend to be an impulse buyer? Wait a few days or a week to see if you still truly need, want and can afford to purchase the item of your desires.
While stuck in traffic: make rush hour more pleasant by expanding your knowledge or enjoying your favorite author by listening to a book on CD.
While stuck on hold when sitting at your desk: do routine tasks such as checking email, filing paperwork, or mailing bills.
While sitting in a waiting room: carry a file full of articles or newspaper clippings with you to read in order to fill your time.
While stuck on hold when you?e at home: cross a few chores off your to-do list by starting the laundry, doing dishes, dusting, and picking-up things that are lying out and returning them to their homes.
While waiting for an appointment: carry a notepad and a pen to make your to-do list for the following day. Taking 10 minutes to plan your schedule the day before can save you nearly two hours in productivity the next day.
5 Tips for Making Your Resolution to Get Organized a Reality
Visualize how you would like things to be: It's hard to get motivated when you can't picture the end result. Having a vision will also help you determine the steps you need to take to achieve your goals.
Make a plan: Nothing gets done unless it's scheduled. Whether you're a weekend warrior or want to commit to 15 minutes of organizing a day, carve out time in your Day Planner to make headway on your project.
Tackle one project at a time: Organizing is a 'messy' process. Rooms often get messier before they get organized. By focusing on one project at a time, you'll save yourself from having multiple areas uprooted all at once, and you'll be able to accomplish things more efficiently.
Find support: Have a friend work with you or support you through the organizing process. When deciding on whether to keep something, it's always easier to get an opinion from an unbiased third party.
Reward yourself for a job well done: Everything's more fun when there's a reward at the end. Treat yourself to trendy new organizing supplies or a new pair of jeans for the 5 pairs you decided to donate. Rewarding yourself along the way will keep you motivated to continue organizing!
Have a plan: avoid wasting time and making unnecessary trips to the store by preparing your menu, making shopping lists, and adding events that you plan to attend to your calendar.
Don't wait until the last minute: send out cards and shop early to avoid the rush so you have more time to relax and enjoy the season.
Give 'consumable' gifts: instead of adding to someone else's clutter with a gift you're not sure they would like, give consumable items such as cookies, special coffees, or gift cards.
Simplify your schedule: it's okay to not attend every party, potluck, dinner, gift exchange, and cookie bake-off to which you are invited. Saying 'no' to some things gives you more time to do the things you love most.
Remember the true meaning of the holidays: instead of focusing on creating the 'perfect' holiday, remember to enjoy celebrating the days with the people you love.
Have a plan: make a guest list, plan your menu, and take an inventory of dinnerware, spices, and other kitchen staples to eliminate unnecessary trips to the store.
Simplify your menu: consider whether having five kinds of pie and ten appetizers are necessary. If it is, ask others to contribute.
Shop early: head to the store at least a week in advance to beat the rush.
Prepare food in advance (when possible): many desserts and appetizers can be prepared in advance to help create a more relaxed Thanksgiving Day.
Remember the big picture & count your blessings: instead of focusing on the small details that could go wrong, remember to give thanks for all that you have!
