Get Organized In 15 Minutes!!

By Author: Mary Sigmann
Total Articles: 6
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Got 15 Minutes? Get Organized!

By Mary Sigmann, CPO®

Maintaining an organized and efficient home or office doesn't have to be daunting. You can do it in 5 to 15-minute chunks. Keep this list of small tasks in a notebook or post it on a wall or bulletin board. Whenever you find a few spare minutes during the day, choose one or two tasks and make good use of the time.

IN THE OFFICE:
" Clear the clutter from your desktop.
" Return supplies and file folders to their proper homes.
" Revise and rewrite your daily to-do list.
" Start a box for things to take home.
" Go through and organize a small pile of paper.
" Pick anything up from the floor that doesn't belong there.
" Scan your email in-box for items to delete.
" Read a short newsletter or article.
" Update your voice mail message.
" Make a list of phone calls you need to place or return.
" Jot down a few ideas for your next business meeting.
" Open, read and sort the day's mail.
" Organize receipts.
" Go over and update your Outlook task list.
" Pull out one ...
... or two overstuffed file folders and check for possible discards.
" Review a project checklist.
" Water the plants.
" Organize a desk drawer.
" Stretch your muscles.
" Take a quick walk around the building.
" Make an overdue phone call.
" Transfer contact information from business cards to your computer.
" Check over your calendar or appointment schedule.
" Write a thank you note.
" Practice deep breathing.
" Create a mission statement.
" Enjoy a healthy beverage or snack.
" Take stuff to the building's recycling center.
" Organize your briefcase.
" Relax and think beautiful thoughts.

IN THE HOME
" Shake out all your throw rugs.
" Clean out a kitchen drawer.
" Wash the mirrors and glass on framed artwork.
" Organize potting supplies in the garage.
" Sweep out the garage.
" Go through your hanging clothes and pull out six things for charity.
" Put a load in the washer and start it up.
" Clear off the front of the refrigerator or the bulletin board.
" Check the pantry or refrigerator for expired foodstuff.
" Organize your purse or briefcase.
" Wash the dishes.
" Clear off the seats and floor of the car.
" Make the beds.
" Fill a bucket with water and vinegar and wipe off the window sills.
" Get out the vacuum and sweep the blinds.
" Sort through catalogs and recycle.
" Pull articles you want to keep from magazines.
" Check coupons and gift cards for expiration dates.
" Wash the fronts of all your cupboards.
" Return CDs and DVDs to their cases.
" Pull off the couch cushions and vacuum inside the couch.
" Check the medicine cabinet for expiration dates.
" Check all your battery run clocks to make sure they are still running.
" Put scattered books, magazines, catalogs into a basket or bin.
" Wash the bathroom, kitchen and entryway rugs.
" Wash off the refrigerator shelves.
" Clear out everything under the beds and vacuum.
" Sort through kid's school papers and artwork. Put keepers in a folder.
" Make a shopping or grocery list.
" Take a walk, a shower or a nap.