Tips from Hellen to organize your life

February 22, 2011

By Hellen Buttigieg

Quick tips on organizing your home

Drop the top-sheet

If beds go unmade every morning because it takes too much time, consider eliminating the top sheet and trading several blankets for a duvet instead. Take one or two seconds to straighten out the duvet every morning and you’re done. While on the topic of bedding, try washing/drying the sheets and putting them back on the bed that same day. This saves time and energy because you’ve eliminated the need to fold it and put it away.

Keep rooms tidy in two minutes or less

Items that don’t belong in a room are the main contributors to visual clutter. Get into the habit of removing “move elsewhere items” when you leave the room and placing them on their way to where they do belong. For example, if something belongs upstairs, place it at the bottom of the staircase and take it to the proper room the next time you go up. You’ll be amazed at how effective this technique can be in keeping rooms tidy with minimal effort.

Past, present or future – Where do you want to live?

Holding on to reminders from your past keeps you stuck there, preventing you from moving on with your life. Keeping things just in case you may need them sometime in the future may be preventing you from creating the inviting home you want right now. Both of these excuses for keeping clutter are fear based. Are you willing to feel the fear and let them go anyway? All we really have is the present moment.

Quick tips on organizing your office

Be on time

If you find you lose track of time in the office, choose a large clock and place it within easy view (you can see it from where you are sitting without turning your head). As simple as this may sound, it goes a long way in helping you monitor your time and avoid running late. You might also consider using a timer for tasks that seem to consume you, i.e. surfing the net, responding to emails, or writing and editing a report.

Never misplace your tickets again

Ever wonder where to file all those “pending” items so you can find them quickly and easily when you need them? Things such as plane tickets, concert tickets, invitations and directions to upcoming events, etc. Here’s a fail-safe method I swear by:

Step 1: Create a file called “pending” (or whatever title makes sense to you) and always place them in this spot.

Step 2: (very important – don’t skip this part): On your calendar, make a note of the item on the date that is attached to it. For example, if the flight is on March 1, go to that day on your calendar and write “plane tickets in pending file.”

Quick tips on organizing your life

A gift of “no thing” says “I love you”

More people are seeking a simpler lifestyle; this year, consider giving gifts that won’t clutter up your loved-one’s life or weigh them down. Get creative and think outside the chocolate box; ideas include: theatre or concert tickets, a weekend getaway, and gift certificates for spa services, dance lessons, horse-back riding lessons, or art classes. Other creative gifts that don’t collect dust or take up space are: memberships to art gallery or museum, a ride on a hot air balloon or a winery bike tour.

Take action to diminish anxiety

Inaction can breed anxiety. It often takes more energy to avoid doing what needs to be done, than actually doing it. Is there a project you’ve been putting off working on, a difficult conversation you’ve been putting off having, or a problem you need to deal with but have been avoiding? Relieve the anxiety and enjoy some peace of mind by taking one small action step in an area of your life that is screaming for your attention.

Hellen Buttigieg CPO, is a Certified Professional Organizer, life coach, TV Host and owner of We Organize U. She is the author of the bestseller, Organizing Outside The Box, now available on Amazon. For tips on organizing your home, your office and your life, visit WeOrganizeU.com and sign up for Hellen’s free newsletter. To contact Hellen or for information on hiring a We Organize U organizing specialist, call 905-829-2219 or email info@WeOrganizeU.com

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