http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogList.asp?sort=organizer&schedule=9 No matter what your office setting, you can be organized! There are organizing solutions for every type of environment that I'll be discussing: business office at home, cubicle environment, on the road, in a private office, home office (personal), and more. My emphasis will be on paper management and use of space. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:45:26 EST en-us http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2744 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2744 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:30:00 EST The Smithsonian Institute is a well-known and established cultural icon in the U.S. with an array of museums. The institution helps to preserve history. They are known for their wide variety and collection of objects. What you may not know is that they have very well established Records Retention Guidelines. Records Retention Guidelines provide guidance on maintaining the records of an organization from the time they are created up to their eventual disposal. This may include classifying, ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2705 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2705 Mon, 9 Nov 2009 08:30:00 EST What a great weekend I had! I had the opportunity to take a top-rate training class in New York City through the Julie Morgenstern Organizing Institute. The best part was spending quality time with the organizing guru herself, Julie Morgenstern . I have always used her organizing method, which centers on developing custom designed organizing solutions which meet the client's needs. Instead of trying to change all of a client's habits, the client will have better success in ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2696 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2696 Mon, 2 Nov 2009 08:30:00 EST My blog for this week is an update to my blog from 10/05/2009 on Project Management SaaS. I did additional research on each of the project management tools and posted the information. If you have used any of these software packages, please share your ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2685 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2685 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:30:00 EST The following are some theories and concepts from David Allen's book Getting Things Done . It's so popular now that people refer to his method as GTD. If you find any of these ideas thought provoking, please check-out his book and see how you can start applying his productivity principles. "Anxiety is caused by the lack of control, organization, preparation and action." - David Kekich David Allen's goal is teach people how to have a "positive sense of relaxed control." No ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2672 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2672 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:30:00 EST This week Time magazine predicts that by the end of 2009, for the first time in U.S. history, women will outnumber men in the workforce. …wow! This is a result of the number of men who have been hit hard by layoffs. So if the dynamics in your household have changed or are about to change, it is time to get your home office in order. Systems need to be set-up and processes need to be in place to transition tasks and make sure things are running smoothly. If you're on a budget, ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2625 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2625 Mon, 5 Oct 2009 08:30:00 EST Last week I this blog focused on basic Collaborative Software, and during the week I updated the blog based on user comments…check it out… click here. This week we are going more advanced…there is a sub-set of Collaborative Software available called Collaborative Project Management Tools (CPMT) that has more advanced functionality for management project and provides specific features such as project schedules with gantt charts. For more information about the differenences between the two ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2615 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2615 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:30:00 EST Not only can Collaborative Software , or groupware, help run a project, it can also help organize a small business or association. I've had clients ask for advice in this area, and I've also been doing research for a new course that I'm teaching "Project Management for the Professional Organizer." This is not an extensive list, but is some of the most popular collaborative tools on the market. Note: this list does NOT include software with traditional project management ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2607 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2607 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:30:00 EST A To File pile for an individual is not a good thing. The To File pile represents papers that you're going file in the future. It is generally a procrastination step. A far better goal is to establish a file system within arm's reach of your office chair. You need to be able to sit in your chair and file a paper. It must be that convenient. And the file drawer cannot be too full! If you struggle to get a piece of paper to fit in a folder in your file drawer, than your drawer ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2593 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2593 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:30:00 EST As a Professional Organizer I provide solutions so you can find what you want, when you need it. I also provide space planning so your environment can flow and you can have easy accessibility to what you need. I don't pick out paint colors, drapes or bedspreads; therefore, I know quite a few Interior Designers and Home Stagers. I recently helped one of my Interior Design colleagues; she was working on an office decorating project and needed attractive storage solutions for the wall – ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2572 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2572 Mon, 7 Sep 2009 08:30:00 EST At this website there is a wealth of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) solutions for an organized office. With summer vacation over, it's time to get back to work. For budget conscious solutions check out these resources on OnlineOrganizing.com. In the Organizer's Toolbox you can access checklists for the following category topic: Creating Order at Work Taking Control of Your Paper Technology Solutions Under Local Organizing Seminars in Your Area ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2553 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2553 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:30:00 EST Last week I posted my interview with one of the most highly sought-after speakers and Professional Organizers in the U.S., Jocelyn Coverdale . This week I'm taking an excerpt from the interview, and I'm highlighting the principles and tools of Lean Office for SOHO businesses. Q. How can a small office/home office (SOHO) business benefit from Lean Office? A. Coverdale - Small offices (and to a certain extent, home offices) can apply the 5S Lean Office principles to improve ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2529 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2529 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:30:00 EST I had the opportunity to interview one of the most highly sought-after speakers and Professional Organizers in the U.S., Jocelyn Coverdale . Her company Ballantrae Solutions provides answers to your organizing challenges and designs custom training to boost your effectiveness in personal productivity. We spoke about the hot topic of "Lean Office." Q. What is Lean Office? A. Coverdale - Based on the principles of Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing processes that evolved out of ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2515 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2515 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:30:00 EST I have highlighted the organizing support group Clutter Anonymous before. See prior post with improved links. There are also other options available to you via declutter.meetup.com/about . These are groups nationwide who meet and motivate each other about organization. You can find a support group in your area by entering your zip code. There are also specialty groups which focus on topics such as adult ADD. You are not alone in your quest to get ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2502 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2502 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:30:00 EST Recently I was speaking with a client about hiring a junk hauling company to remove a couple of couches that had some damage and could not be donated to charity. He asked the questions "where do they haul the items?" I LOVED this question! Why? The concept of Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse is finally becoming household knowledge on the East Coast. People want to know where their trash is going. They are actually thinking…"hmmm, can this item be reused." And to top it off, I felt guilty ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2478 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2478 Mon, 3 Aug 2009 08:30:00 EST The photo below shows my recommended type of filing – straight-line tab filing. With this method your system will not get overly complicated once you start adding and deleting file folders. The alternative method using a left tab, middle tab, then right tab is a pattern that is difficult to maintain. In addition, quickly scanning left, middle, right row after row can make some people feel dizzy. If you want to differentiate a sub-category of files, use the opposite tab – far right ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2468 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2468 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:30:00 EST David Allen , productivity guru, states there are 3 different choices once you have decided what the action is. In action management you can: Do It Delegate It Defer It If the action item (a paper you just reviewed, an email you just read) can be completed in two minutes or less, do it now. Two minutes is the efficiency cut-off, because that is the point in which storing and tracking an item takes longer than just completing the item. You can see dramatic ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2459 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2459 Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:30:00 EST Where are 1 billion unused cellphones? July 12, 2009 PARADE Magazine sates that, "more than 1 billion unused cellphones have made their way into landfills or are collecting dust in America's closets and drawers." Based on my job and what I've seen, I believe it! PARADE mentions that the size of the phone is the reason for non-recycling. The phones take up very little space in your office compared to a giant TV. However, a cellphone still contains dangerous substances like ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2416 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2416 Mon, 6 Jul 2009 08:30:00 EST Every week I find better cheaper ways of getting rid of unwanted, unused office stuff! All of my organizing clients get a free "Donation & Disposal Guide," so I'm constantly looking for the best solutions. Here are my Picks of the Week: FREE recycling of Dell technology at Staples – Typically, you can recycle electronic equipment for free except for the monitor; there is usually a fee for monitors because of the toxins inside. However, at Staples you can even bring in ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2389 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2389 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST With almost every client that I work with on an office organizing project, we find an unused piece of technology cluttering their office. It could be a computer that is not quite working, an old cell phone from a previous provider, an old fax machine, etc. This electronic equipment is causing clutter in the office. Why? As Barbara Hemphill likes to state, "clutter is postponed decisions." Most people don't know what to do with this unused technology, so they do nothing and the ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2377 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2377 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST I am a big fan of the basic green hanging folder. There is now a revolutionary green hanging folder called Find It Tab View Hanging Folders . This basic office staple just got better, because the Find It brand has lowered the top rail of the hanging folder allowing you to easily see the tabs. A picture is worth a thousand words, check it out. I've personally used them in my office, and have been very satisfied. I've also demonstrated the product in my course, and the ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2365 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2365 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST Julie Morgenstern is the most famous Professional Organizer in the U.S., and in her new book When Organizing Isn't Enough SHED Your Stuff, Change Your Life not only does she discuss heaving physical attachments but also habit attachments. One of the habits she highlights is workaholism. To change your workaholism Morgenstern recommends that you first raise your awareness of your habit. Most workaholics have a "witching hour" which is a point in the day when they know they should ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2358 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2358 Mon, 8 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST When organizing your office you want to first analyze the space to determine what is working and what is not working. Next, you'll want to complete a functional design which highlights the priority activities for your office, the supplies you need, and storage units. The last step is the Hands-Organizing which consists of the steps below. It is important for you to complete these steps in order : Prepare – Gather supplies such as cleaning materials, garbage bags, empty ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2345 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2345 Mon, 1 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST I've read quite a few articles where an office or a family tries to reduce their carbon footprint, and one of the first actions she trys is to unplug their electronic equipment when it is not in use. The individual gets very frustrated, because it's not as easy as it seems – too many cords with lots of different purpose To reduce your energy use, first you must organize your cords into the following categories: 1) Equipment that needs a constant flow of energy all the time 2) ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2326 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2326 Mon, 18 May 2009 08:30:00 EST There are 2 methods for finding your electronic files fast: Traditional and Non-Traditional Approach TRADITIONAL APPROACH – FINDING FILES Save electronic files in an organized structure by subject, just like paper files. Do not save electronic files by method of delivery (e.g., AOL downloads), and do not save electronic files by the program that created the files (e.g., all MS Excel files in one subdirectory and all MS Word files in a different subdirectory) Use ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2315 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2315 Mon, 11 May 2009 08:30:00 EST Whenever you get a new laptop or computer, it always comes with a bunch of extra "stuff." You'll get extra disks (some you have no idea what they do), instruction books, extra cords, warranty information, etc. There is no one globally recognized storage solution for this stuff. I've seen people store it every which way: In a file folder in a hanging file In a zip lock bag In a shoe box In the original laptop box All over their desk (the stuff has no home) ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2305 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2305 Mon, 4 May 2009 08:30:00 EST You've probably heard of the new popular "Staycation" by now. Because of the recession, this year instead of spending thousands of dollars on a travel vacation, people are staying home spending time locally which is termed, staycation. Some people are using their staycation to complete low-cost home projects that they have never had time for in the past. Why not dedicate your staycation to complete the home office reorganization project that you've been thinking about doing ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2298 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2298 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:30:00 EST I was sent a link to the article The Office Guide to Going Green , and I want to pass it along. I like the article because I believe these are very realistic changes that offices can easily make. Often clients won't begin an eco-plan because they get overwhelmed with all the variety of things they can do. This article provides simple, straight-forward ways of making your office green. One idea is to establish recycling stations. Avery provides free downloadable templates ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2289 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2289 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:30:00 EST Last week I blogged about the new eRecycling program in my community which now provides free curbside pickup of old electronics for recycling. This has got to be one of the best programs around; however, there is still one thing they don't offer that holds my clients back from getting rid of their old computers, cell phones, etc….they utter, "How can I get rid of this computer/cell phone? It has all of my old data/phone numbers still on it!" You need to find a company that provides ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2278 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2278 Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:30:00 EST I'm a Professional Organizer living in Arlington, VA (right outside of Washington DC), and I have to applaud Arlington County Environmental Services. Arlington has always been very forward thinking in their recycling program, but as of April 1, 2009, they out did themselves and probably every other city in the U.S…..They now provide curbside electronic recycling free-of-charge! I specialize in office organizing, and almost every client I have has a piece electronic waste lying around. ... http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2259 http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=2259 Mon, 6 Apr 2009 08:30:00 EST In December 2008 my company began offering Financial Organizing through the use of Quicken software. I was well-positioned to provide these services after spending 10 years of my career implementing financial software for business clients and being a Quicken user for 15 years. This has been a popular service offering since it was launched 4 months ago. Many are watching their money more tightly and want to establish and track a household budget. Quicken has made some changes that will ...