What are some Organizing hacks?

Answer 1

You say "stay organised", so that implies you already are. Many people are not so lucky.

Several things to note:

1. Set goals - "what do you want to do?"
2. Identify tasks - "what has to be done?"
3. Identify subtasks "what has to be done to achieve task X?"
4. Set timescales and possibly deadlines.
5. Prioritise tasks
6. Use automation, and get some tasks done routinely. Example - pay all bills directly from your bank - don't go to the bank, and don't write cheques if you can use direct payment methods.
7. Use tools where appropriate - they can save time. However don't get too fixed on tools. Some people know a lot about tools, but never produce anything.
8. Try to get other people on your side, so that they can make things easier for you. If you work alone you might find it harder. However if you upset other people they might make things more difficult for you. You probably don't want to be the guy working for everyone else, so figure this out.
9. Some people appear organised, perhaps because they have neat and tidy desks. Maybe they are - maybe not. Image may make a difference. Think about what you want your office to look like, and why - is it important for you?
   

Theory is one thing, practice is another. Some people recommend lists of things to do, or other structured methods, such as GTD (Getting Things Done- Dave Allen - http://www.davidco.com/). Sometimes things go wrong. You may get too much to do - and if you don't have control over everything you have to do you might find that things you want to do get squeezed out by things you need to do (e.g to keep your job and get paid ...). It things don't look feasible revise goals, priorities and schedules. Do this periodically.

If your desk is a mess, then buy a filing box or filing cabinet, and use it.
Alternatively file paperwork in folders. Find a method which suits you.

Be opportunistic. Schedule more than one activity for different times - but so that one can always be done. Example - fill in tax form or mow the lawn. Then if it rains the tax form gets done.

Don't let others organise your time if you really want to stay on top. If your partner is allowed to make appointments make sure that you limit this, otherwise you might find that every time you want to work you will have to go out and your work will fall behind. If this is a problem block out or negotiate time slots in advance.

If you fall ill or have other problems don't be too hard on yourself. Do what you can, and reschedule everything when you feel better.

Try to get some things done ahead of time in order to avoid surprises. Otherwise someone is sure to drop a couple of extra urgent jobs on you just at the time when everything else is really busy.

You could also try to do some jobs really fast, or take training in how to do them. For example, if you spend an hour a day answering email you could learn to type, or use voice recognition software to speed up responding. Another, possibly bettter (!!) solution is to block out email that isn't important, and never answer email unless really necessary. There is a danger that if you actually get good at something others will notice, and your work load might increase. Maybe the message here is to only be good at things you really want to do. If you don't like cooking offer to make dinner and produce overcooked scrambled eggs. No-one will ask you again. In return you should help others with things you're good at and want to do.

Note: it's always easier to give advice than to receive it. My desk is a mess!

Answer 2

I know in my own living room I have some great secrets! I have so much closed storage, ottomans are great! Small, and movable, great for guests to sit on and you can place a truck load of stuff inside of them! Other great ideas are shelves with doors, get some cheap baskets at Wal-mart or the Dollar store and fill them up! On the main floor in my house I have the 15 min rule, I clean as much as I can in 15 min everyday... it doesn't seem like a whole lot but over the whole week that's one hour and 45 min! You can vacuum one day, dust the next ... and my biggest secret put things back right after you are finished! And you will have a spiffy house in no time at all!

Answer 3

You can find tips on house organization on websites and television shows such as HG TV. Ask friends and neighbours for ideas and suggestions. Declutter your house and have storage areas available.

Answer 4

Keeping yourself organized is easier if you have fewer possessions to organize. You may need to label drawers and boxes to hold things and make lists of bills to pay and things to do.