How Do You Stay Organized?

Check our what our readers have to say...

I have what I call a "Housekeeping Disorder" (one of my friends calls it my "Order Disorder"), and have been trying to get my house ordered and cleaned for years. Only recently have Certified Professional Organizers begun studying and helping people who, like myself are "chronically disorganized". I look forward to reading your issue on staying (or getting) organized. I am hoping you might include resources to help get organized for those of us who are disorganized (chronically or otherwise).
Lezlie, St. Cloud, MN

When I retired from active employment, I knew I wanted to simplify my life. In the workplace post it notes abound. At home, managing lists was my priority. I survive with three.
A monthly calendar for regular, on-going appointments, meetings and classes, volunteer work, social events, birthdays and anniversaries.
These I transfer each week to an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet divided into quadrants, both sides, for seven days of the week and a square marked "Notes." I add for each day phone calls to make, e-mails or letters to write, what to bring to class or a pot-luck, and when to do laundry. The "notes" section is for anything non-routine I absolutely can't forget. I circle each day the tasks not completed and pick them up another day or next week.
The third list is in the kitchen for groceries and errands. In my purse is a small notebook for any "gotta remember that" which I transfer when I get home to one of my lists.
If I forget something, it is because I did not write it down, not because I can't find the list.
Bonnie, Minneapolis, MN

How do I stay organized? There's a very basic and simple answer. I live in a not so big home and the way to maintain an organized lifestyle is to remember to put things back where they're stored, shut the doors behind me, and in general be conscientious of the view as I pan around my apartment. What looks aesthetically pleasing to the eye is interpreted as organized in the mind! That said, simply having developed the habit to return items to their cubbies and shelves it becomes second nature and you may not even realize that your doing the organizing!
Rosemary, Minneapolis, MN - Winner of One Hour Massage!

Next Month’s Question:
How do you make your home cozy?

One of the submissions will win a FREE one-hour massage at River Valley Massage in Shakopee, Minnesota. Send an email with your answer to info@stressfreeliving.org, be sure to include your name, address and phone. Or mail to Stressfree Living, 14070 Commerce Ave. NE, Suite 200, Prior Lake, MN 55372. Must be received by September 20th, 2007.

09/10/07