Clutter Conversions

Clear the Computer Clutter Now!

Now is the time to clear the computer clutter.  Take a look at your desktop.  Delete old files you have sitting there taking up space or move them to a file within your computer system.  Email.... you should not have any emails sitting in your inbox unless you have not read them yet or you use it as a storage place for emails that need action. Technically you should create a folder for emails that need an action but some people only have a few action oriented emails, so it is alright if you have less than 10.  At the end of the day you should have no more than 10 emails sitting in your inbox.

Clear out the "sent" box! That is a box we often forget about but its contents take up a lot of storage space on our computers.  If you sent an email to another person or client and it was important, copy the email and move it to a file within your filing system in your computer.

Do not forget to clear out the recycle bin occasionally also.

I use yahoo mail and can clear out my boxes by clicking on the "select all" tab and then "delete" and it only deletes those on that page, not my entire box.  Start from the oldest page and work towards the most recent.

While you are at it, take a look at all the items you have stored under "documents".  Are any of them duplicated or no longer needed?

Become friends with the "delete" button and don't forget to "backup" your files regularly!

Classes are coming to Harrisonburg and Rockingham County VA!

Clutter Conversions, LLC Classes and Seminars are coming to Harrisonburg and Rockingham County VA. I have been repeatedly asked, "Kathryn, when are you going to present classes and seminars in Rockingham County and Harrisonburg VA?"
Well, they are now available!
Click on "Upcoming Classes and Seminars" to find a class that suits you and see how to register.
I look forward to seeing you there!

Get Rid of the "I don't have time" mentality!

This is the time of year I hear so many people say, "I want to go on a trip or I want to get rid of of all the stuff in my spare room but I just do not have the time!"  If you do not plan time for it, it will most likely not happen.  No matter what it is you want to do.

Schedule time to do the things you want to do in your planner.  Some of my clients that use their cell phones for scheduling often leave out the little things and do not put it in their schedule.  If you want to do something, no matter how little or much time it takes, mark it in your schedule.  My clients do not think to put things like, running to the grocery store or some alone time in their schedule and then they are surprised when it does not happen.

We all only get 24 hours in a day!  Use it wisely!  Make a list of things you want to do (goals) in the next three months.  Under each item, list the things that need to be done to reach that goal.  Then go through your planner and start scheduling time to do each thing on your list that is going to get you to your goal.

Word of Caution!  Do not schedule more than 50% of your time in your schedule because you must leave unaccounted time for unexpected things to pop up.

 

 

Why do people dread the Holidays?

I find that many people dread the holiday season for many reasons but the most common one is due to having too much stuff to get done and the cost.

I am writing this now because now is the time that you should start preparing for Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

Here are four quick tips but many, many more will be offered in my "Get Organized for the Holidays" class.

1) Create a Christmas shopping list in January. The list should contain the name of people you know you will want to buy things for at Christmas and an idea of what you may want to give them.  Start purchasing items in January and shop throughout the year.

2) Learn to say "NO".  You can not possible attend everything everyone invites you to and you can not do everything all by yourself.

3) Make time for your self!

4) Prepare this year for next year.

 

To register for this class log onto www.clutterconversions.com under classes and seminars.

Check out the Six New Classes we are offering!!! There is a little something for everyone!

Why is this task or project not getting done?

     Most of us have a task or project we want to do but keep putting it off.  If you are a business, it may be that you want to organize your desk, files or storage area.  If your project is at home, you may be putting off painting a room, cleaning out the garage or planting a garden. 
Below are a few reasons that may be stopping you from getting the task or project completed.

• Do not know where to start - generally start with the area that is closest to you on your right and work yourself around the space.

• Overwhelmed - break it down into smaller tasks. Use timers to help you work for short periods of time.
  

• ^{No Plan - answer these questions: what items are needed, who do I need to help me, how much money do I need, what tools is needed and how much time can I spend on it? Once you have answered these questions, mark it on your calendar to do it.}
  

• Do not know how to do the project - research the project or ask a professional for assistance or guidance.

• What to do with items no longer needed - before you begin, figure out how you are going to deal with the trash, where are you going to take donations or how are you going to get items back to the original owners?  Again, you can research local nonprofit organizations or ask a professional.

• Fear - I may not do it perfectly or I may fail to finish or meet someone's approval.  There is no such thing as perfection! If you follow the plan, you will finish. Finally, your approval is all that matters.  What matters most is that you are happy with the process and end results

     Once you have all these questions answered and a written plan, your stress will be decreased and beginning, implementing and completing your task or project will be a huge success!