"D.R.A ~ Daily, Reference, Archive ~

Today, while working with my client, it was made very apparent to her how much paperwork she actually had. As we went thru these large stacks, she kept saying; "Why did I keep all this?"
Because she had me with her, her fear of tackling this feat was reduced to a few sighs here and there. She also felt more at comfortable throwing away half or more of what was in front of her, because of the some of the ways the internet could work for her
As we enter further into the computer/internet world, so many pieces of mail we receive can be eliminated. For example; she had every single electric, water, and trash bill from 4 years ago. She did not know unless you can write off these amounts thru a business, it is NOT necessary to keep the paper copies anymore. It is very easy to go online, register with your utility companies, and request paperless bills. You can also sign up with your bank to pay those bills directly. The process is quite easy once you get started. Just a note ~ It is very easy to request any copy of any bill, when and IF you ever need it.
Lets discuss the "3" types of file categories: Daily ~ Reference ~ Archive
For paperwork you wish to keep, but never need to look thru, unless there is an audit, etc., purchase plastic file boxes. These are considered "Archive"
Because you have used plastic containers, they do not need to be kept in "controlled/air conditioned" environments. Place those containers in your basement, attic, or garage. Get them out of your daily work area.
The second category is "Reference". These files contain insurance information, mortgage statements, family medical histories, etc. Keep these files nearby, in a closet in the office, or tucked away that would be easy to access. But they do NOT need to be in your file drawers, unless you have the room. You can use "bankers boxes" for these files. These files will be kept in air conditioning therefore you won't need to worry about moisture/mildew, unless you choose to use plastic containers. That is your choice.
Lastly, but certainly not least important are your "Daily" files. This category can contain whatever you use on a daily/weekly basis. You can structure what goes in each category based on your personal scenario.
This strategy will dramatically reduce your paperwork overflow. Try it and see!!

"Don't trust your feelings!"

This topic is so valuable personally, when I need to bring my life back in "Order".
Just like you, I get overwhelmed. Mine may not be Organization, BUT I have many other things that "get to me"!
I recall one particular episode, back in May of 09...I was walking around the block, almost in panic attack about the economy, and my finances. You see I went outside because I was "feeling" claustrophobic. I had not had an appointment in over 6 days, and to preserve gasoline, I stayed home this whole time. If you are a "do'er" you understand that sitting at home, on a weekday, is very frustrating, and upsetting! Your mind starts to panic,, and you begin to imagine the worst possible scenarios about your future. After 3 days of this...I was "beside" myself!

During that season of my life, I did not know how I was going to survive the next WEEK, much less the next DAY!
Have you experienced such a day??

Here's the key that changed my life(in addition to LOTS of prayer)that even though I "FELT" like giving up, to overwhelmed to even see hope or possibility, I knew that "feelings" are just that, feelings. They are NOT fact, or reality, only our perception of it.

I urge you, at that moment, regardless of all the thoughts trying to bombard your mind, make one decision, say to yourself "Feelings are NOT truth, or fact"! This WILL bring your mind to back to Order, over time. With that, remember back, at various moments in your life, how fast you have gone from "Happiness to Sadness", "Excitement to Disappointment.." Apply this knowledge to your current scenario, and realize just as fast as panic can come, it can dissiminate, if you are just patient!

The moral of this story ~ I am still here, 8 months later! I survived! I made it thru. It seemed like an impossibility then!
On top of that, I have experienced so many miracles since that time. I know if I had not experienced that, I would not appreciate all the gifts I have been blessed with.

Don't give up. There is ALWAYS hope my friend:)

"Order is for Pets too!"

It seems over the past few years I have noticed part of a home's disorganization is with the family pet.
Not only is consistency, and habits good for the two legged members of the family, it also works for the four legged ones as well.
Crate training is a wonderful tool for your pet, and it's never too late to begin, if your pet has difficulty with behavior or training.
Animals love their own space, and if used in the right way, and with the right tools, your beloved pet, will be a well adjusted member of the family.

Tip 1 ~ Buy a metal wire crate for home. Do not use plastic travel carrier except for travel.
Make sure your pet can stand up and turn around in the crate, with ease.
Tip 2 ~ Never open the crate when your pet is crying or barking! This will reinforce that barking
will open the crate door. Wait til your pet is quiet before opening door.
Tip 3 ~ Do not use the crate as punishment! This will suggest that every time your pet has to go
inside, it has done something wrong.
Tip 4 ~ Do not talk to your pet while in the crate. It is quiet time for your pet, and needs to be
left alone.
Tip 5 ~ Only leave your pet in the crate for as many hours as months old. EX: 3 month - 3 hours
at a time, but no longer than 7 to 9 hours for an adult.
Tip 6 ~ Make sure you keep the crate in the same room you are in. It is important for your pet
to feel a part of the family, even in it's crate. Hearing you is not enough for a pet in
training.

Your pet deserves a place of his/her own too. Even if your pet is well trained, all pets love their own "safe" place they can go and rest. Leave the door open all the time, and that pet will go in there to relax.

"What a start to the New Year!"

I hope everyone had a safe, and happy New Year. I promise I will get back on the bandwagon, and write everyday, but I just got over the worst Stomach virus, that I wouldn't wish on ANYONE!
It amazes me how fast your energy can be stripped from your body, and you feel if you stand up, even for a minute, you will fall over from exhaustion.
My sweet animals had no idea why mom is sleeping all day, and won't play with them, since she is home, and available? And to even describe "climbing the stairs" in my home, was. LOL!
I am so thankful for my mom during that time!! She helped me with what to eat(saltines, Gerber banana's, and chicken broth, and Gaterade!)
Well enough "Woe is ME" stuff. I hope you all missed out on the winter "bugs & flu's" that have been going around.
On a positive note, and I am one to focus on such a thing, my appreciation for "Health" is immeasurable! No money, possessions, or relationships, can replace the gift of health!
With that being said, consider starting this new year off, and purging items from your home you do not use. There are many less fortunate. They would just love that coat or sweater this time of year!! Blessings:)

The "Light at the End of the Tunnel"

I have had the privilege of being invited into many homes, and share my "gift" of organization & encouragement to people who feel like they are in it all alone.
Let me share that you are NOT alone in your clutter/mess. There are many in your shoes. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. If you choose to invite a professional organizer to assist you, or simply share with a friend your frustration, you are taking steps to work thru it. Don't give up!!
This is a temporary situation, it is not permanent. Do not be afraid to share your situation with someone, there is nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone has issues, Everybody has something they are dealing with.

We are all in this together!