We are still in the first quarter of the year, the new year new me phase for most.  Probably still feeling the motivation and energy of the new year.  So, that means we have some declutter energy too!  What are three things that you can edit from your space right now?

Be Gone!!!

Old Notes – Many of us take notes at meetings to help remember what our part is to do next. Where are you keeping all those pages of notes?  Typically in notebooks, random pieces of paper, or the black hole of “My Documents” if you thought going digital was going to help. It helped with the physical space but created a new area to go awry.

Piles – Eliminate piles, especially random piles of everything. This includes mail, notes, junk, bills, school papers, parts, etc.

Random parts – You know the ones you put in the “junk drawer” because you are not sure what it goes to, or you “might” need it one day. One day that never comes, ok, rarely comes.  These pieces and parts are a physical representation of ‘delayed decisions” and how clutter really starts. Eventually, we throw them out or let them pile up, and pile up, and pile up.

PRO Notes TIPS

• Have ONE location for all your notetaking. Pick the type that you will use regularly. Physical, digital, or a combination there of. It is about remaining consistent and what that looks like for you may be different for others.  You pick the option that is the best for you. No more post its, notebooks, pieces of random paper, some digital all over the place.  Pick ONE.  I have personally tried several options and I always go back to good ole pen and paper where I maintain my most consistency.  This year I am trying an app on my iPad where I can use the apple pen to write and a digital planner. I will let you know how this goes later in the year.
• Make sure to bring your notebook with you everywhere along with your favorite writing utensil. Take it every place you go.

PRO Action Area Tips

• Designate one area for the papers you need to take action on. I use the Sunday Basket®, if interested in learning more drop me an email at jd@snorganizing.com
• Schedule a time each week to schedule the day and time you will act on these items.
• Store items up instead of flat. Use a desktop file organizer to aide in this. Flat equals a pile that will need to be rifled through to find an item, using the time to work on just to find it.

Random Part Tips

• Just throw them out now. That button, you will never sew on anything let alone the shirt you just bought that it came with.
• If you do decide to keep it, make a home for it. One home, not several (this is how we find it again in order to use it). It you have collected too many for the home designated, it’s time to edit and typically discard.

What area of the above will you tackle first?

Not sure and need help, reach out to us at www.SeasonalNavigation.com . We specialize in getting you functionally organized and reducing overwhelm with systems that work for you in your home, papers and business.