Getting organised starts with clearing the clutter!

The steps to decluttering whether it is the shed, office or home are the same. It can be difficult to know where to begin clearing the clutter but it can be a good idea to start in an area that does not need a lot done to it. This will take less time but it will give you a start.

The following are some steps to get you decluttering:
§ Have a plan
§ Know how you are going to organise the stuff while you are going through it
§ Use a systematic approach
§ Gather boxes and suppliers you will need, such as boxes or containers with the following labels
keep in this area
elsewhere
donate
recycle
micro sorting
and rubbish
§ The elsewhere box is for any object that belongs elsewhere [in the house or office] to stop you leaving the room you are working in
§ Keep your shredder handy to shred old paper on the spot

“I never have the time”.
In reality you do, just start with an area or space that you know you have enough time to complete and start decluttering. It may be a desk draw, a shelf or a filing draw. Take 5, 10 or even 15 minutes each day and you will make progress.

Each time you do spend some time decluttering you are moving towards your goal. See how much you can accomplish each time you spend decluttering and take notice of how good you feel.

Micro sorting
When you are sorting an area you will come across something that needs further sorting such as photos, business cards, meeting minutes etc. Place these into another container for micro-sorting. These are things you can sort another day.

Double check
Before you place everything back into place question yourself once more whether you really need it or should it go into one of the other boxes.

If you want to give yourself a real boost and see how successful you had been take some before and after photos.

Reward
You can also reward yourself after each milestone you reach. Big or small every bit is a success – celebrate your success.

When your space is clutter free you begin to save yourself TIME. This will make you more productive and be a small step to creating a better balance in your life.

LifeStyle Refocus is a Melbourne based personal assistant, corporate concierge and lifestyle management consultancy. They are all about saving you TIME. By taking care of your “to do or wish list” so you can spend time doing the things that are truly important to you. For more information go to www.lifestylerefocus.com.au or contact Silvana on 0417 595 744 or Michele on 0437 311 802.

Do You Have Your Tools?

Every day we all want to achieve more and “get on top of things”. However most people feel that the “to-do” list grows daily rather than achieving what we intended. We will endeavour over the next few weeks to develop habits which will help you be more organised and actually make progress on your action items list.

One of the best places to start is your desk. You can waste a lot of time at your desk looking for basic tools like pencils, stapler and even important documents. The plan is to keep your desk tidy.

§ Put all pens and pencils into your pencil cup or draw
§ Remove all cups and food items
§ Throw away all the bits of rubbish and junk mail from the top of the desk
§ Put any receipts into a receipts folder / file
§ Place the papers you are working on right now next to you
§ Put all the other papers AWAY from your desk

Like a good trade person, we need to have our tools with us so ensure your stationery draw is stocked don’t waste time at home or in the office looking for basics like a sharpener, sticky tape or staples.

LifeStyle Refocus is a Melbourne based personal assistant, corporate concierge and lifestyle management consultancy. They are all about saving you TIME. By taking care of your “to do or wish list” so you can spend time doing the things that are truly important to you. For more information go to www.lifestylerefocus.com.au or contact Silvana on 0417 595 744 or Michele on 0437 311 802.