3 Practical Tips For Getting Rid Of Clutter

I remember when I worked in an office someone had the brainstorm that we as workers would every 15 minutes write down what we had been doing. Let me tell you this was exhausting and for me a big timewaster.

At the time I was a child abuse investigator and between interviewing children, transporting them to shelter care, talking to the police, parents, school personnel and typing up reports I was extremely busy. I couldn't believe someone had the nerve to suggest that every 15 minutes we were to report what we were doing.

This idea didn't last long as it was disruptive and in my way of thinking disrespectful to us worker bees.

As a professional organizer I inspire woman as I organize with them in their homes to get rid of clutter. These 3 simple tips to get rid of clutter can help you not only get more done but like it too.

1. I can't stress enough how important it is to use a planner. A planner whether it is paper or electronic is an absolute must to keep track of appointments, to-do lists, contact information and activities. Everyone is busy no matter how old they are or how their lives have changed as they have become older.

One of the uses of a planner is to write down everything you want to accomplish. Create a master list in the front of the planner. This is where you list all of the things you want to do but they don't have to be done right now. It could be return a book to the library, polish shoes, make a phone call, buy a certain book, or check out a web site and on and on.

Daily write down things you want to get done that day including any scheduled appointments. When you accomplish it either cross it off or put a check mark by it. When you don't get everything done (life happens) simply move it ahead to a day you think you will be able to do it. Include things from your master list to move to your daily to-do-list.

By creating lists you don't have to remember everything and you will be reminded of things you had been putting off doing. You will be 100% more effective in the things you get done.

2. Give each task a certain amount of time to accomplish that task. For instance plan a certain amount of time to run errands. It is actually fun to see if you can accomplish something within the time you have set for yourself. This is only meant to help you so if you don't get it done within that amount of time it is o.k., it just gives you something to strive for.

3. Use the mighty timer. Something so tiny and yet so helpful is not just to be used in the kitchen anymore. When you have planned a time to get rid of clutter take that timer and set it for 20 minutes. I am often asked why set it for such a short time and the reason is I don't want you to get burnt out. When we have a huge project we want to do rather than thinking it has to all be done at one time it is better to do it a little at a time.

Setting a timer gives us permission to stop when the timer rings as that is the amount of time we have allowed for a certain project. If you are in a good rhythm and have the energy then set your timer for another 15 to 20 minutes and keep on going. But don't keep going until you are too tired or burnt out. You can always come back and finish later or even another day.

Using these three simple organizing tips you can get more done in less time. Getting rid of clutter won't feel like a never ending chore anymore and you will have more free time to do what you really want to do.