We continue to see a multitude of cases where people are disorganized and living in disordered surroundings.
Amazon.com sells 304 different books about clutter and there are 217,086 books related to home organization. That would fill rows of shelves in a library, not to mention the number of hours it would take to read all of them!
With all the books on the subject, there are still people who read about getting organized yet maintain a disorganized lifestyle. And, there are people who buy the books to get organized, but never read them (probably can't find them after they get home).
In some cases, it can be concluded that people are getting the "know how" to get organized but don't have time to do it, or not inclined to incorporate such a task into their daily life. It can even be assumed that the particular books they read didn't include a "quick start" checklist, or some such, so that they could tackle it in steps or sections.
For the do-it-yourselfers who find it difficult to tackle a project on their own, HandyGirl Organizers put together an "Organized Lifestyle Makeover Program" that will take a person through the steps of getting every area of their life organized. The program is customized for each individual, and consultation is provided every step of the way.
It's never easy to go at a big project alone, no matter how much knowledge a person may have about doing it. But usually, with a little guidance and push and companionship (from a friend, relative or even a professional organizer), we can start to make those desired changes in our life.
Whatever it takes, just know that you don't have to be alone ... even if you're doing it on your own.
When I started this blog one year ago, it gave me an avenue to provide regular tips and commentaries about getting organized. It's been like having a regular column, but I only have to write short tid-bits.
I can see from the growing number of subscribers that people are reading this, and I'm happy to know that I just might be making a difference for many of you out there.
Let's toast to more years of blogging for me and more organized living for you!
In an article in the Arizona Republic -- "Making a Home Office Work" -- it gives advice to setting up or remaking your home office.
"With an estimated 4.5 million people working at home in 2003, the latest figures available, according to the U.S. Census' "American Community Survey" and an increase of 1.1 million since 1990, home offices have become an integral part of our homes."
Doing an Office Makeover "A well designed office will work efficiently and effectively with proper placement of its furniture and equipment."
Maximize Your Effectiveness at Work in 10 Easy Steps "Here are 10 easy ways to maximize your effectiveness at work. Hopefully, by integrating some or all of these ideas into your life, you will leave work each day with a sense of satisfaction knowing you completed everything you intended to."
A video "Spring Cleaning Tips and How to De-clutter" shows how to tackle your mess.
And, if you really want to see how spring cleaning is really done, click here to watch this video. It will show you that even a child can do it ... literally!
If boxes of forgotten photos sit in hidden drawers or closets, scanning your photos may be the way to go to get your photos organized so you can share and appreciate them.
With digitized photos, a trip down memory lane is easy. This type of project can be time-consuming, however. But, worth all the effort.
The latest issue of Domino Magazine has advice to offer your things a new home and make a difference in "Clear clutter, help others."
For books, it says you can send them at a special low rate (U.S. media or library mail) to Books For Africa (booksforafrica.org): 253 E. 4th Street, St. Paul, MN 55101.
"They will funnel your reading material into schools and libraries in regions where it’s desperately needed."
For furniture, your items can go to needy people referred to the National Furniture Bank Association (NFBA) by social-service organizations.
"The National Furniture Bank Association accepts chairs, tables, beds, cribs, and more...There are currently 34 furniture banks (in Atlanta, Chicago and Seattle among other cities), but there will be 62 by year’s end....For the nearest furniture bank, check the website and click on "Help1Up Locator" at thenfba.org."
Housewares and clothing can go in a Goodwill bag, the article suggests.
"When you upgrade your toaster oven or coffeemaker, pass along the still-functioning old model. Goodwill has more than 3,000 drop-off spots across the country.-- goodwill.org."
Before I go, let me suggest reading my latest newsletter feature article "Recycling Your Stuff." And, if you should care to subscribe to this quarterly newsletter, you can subscribe on this page.
I was quite pleased to find a good Personal Information Management (PIM) software that is easy to store and index your notes and information.
I found that the Personal Knowbase by Bitsmith Software does this for me. I downloaded it yesterday and was in full use of it within minutes. That I liked!
It comes with a free trial and costs $39.95 if you should decide you want to purchase it.
I’ve tried numerous ones in the past, but the index feature of this one seems to make it easier to retrieve my notes quicker.
I found that the