[Organise It] 4 ways to banish e-clutter for good

4 ways to banish e-clutter for good
By Marcia Francois

You know how when the seasons change, the shops start stocking gorgeous, new clothes?


I get very excited; don't you?


Dion and I have a house rule - we have to get rid of some things BEFORE we bring new stuff into the house. Or if we really couldn't resist, then as we pack the new clothes away, we have to
unpack some other items to give away.


That is my number ONE decluttering tip - one in, one out.

Because of the August Decluttering Challenge on my Organising Queen blog, I've decluttered things every single day of the month. I do the happy dance when I can give things away - seriously!


The thing is, I use the exact same principles to keep my inbox, digital photos, PDF and other
documents under control.

Here are some other tips to eliminate electronic clutter:

1. Make time daily to delete emails. I've told you before that my goal is to delete 100 emails daily
so I go through my inbox, sent items, folders, etc. every couple of days.

2. When you download photos from your digital camera, choose the best ones there and then and delete the rest. I don't know about you but I usually take about 3 or 4 pictures if I can (if the subject is not moving) so that I can choose the absolute best pictures.


**Bloggers, once you've published your post, delete the photos from your hard drive.

3. If you download checklists, forms, recipes and e-books regularly (like from my site), set aside
some time to regularly go through your folders (!) to delete the ones you no longer find useful.


When I read e-books, I make a note of the ideas to implement and then delete the PDF file unless it's really something WOW or I've paid for it :)


This tip applies to PDF files, Word and Excel documents. The only things I don't delete with such ruthless abandon are the tools, checklists and e-books that I've created ;)

4.Make a date with yourself for 15 minutes every week (starting this week) to eliminate your
electronic clutter.

Your challenge this week is to spend at least 30 minutes decluttering electronically.

Are you up for it?

Want to use this article in your ezine or on your blog? You may, as long as you include this complete blurb.

Marcia Francois Marcia Francois is a time management and organising coach who empowers small business owners and other busy professionals who want to make the most of their time. You'll get simple, practical organising and time management secrets to help you work less and enjoy life more! Visit http://takechargesolutions.org for your free Organising Success Pack.

[Organise it] Organise your home office today

Hi everybody


I’ve had a FABULOUS week since I last wrote to you – new clients, lots of book sales ;) and a GREAT coaching call with my own coach.

I hope you’re also keeping track of YOUR business and personal successes. If not, here are the forms for download (I use these same ones every week):
http://takechargesolutions.org/bus.pdf
http://takechargesolutions.org/pers.pdf

One of my goals for the year is “3 speaking engagements every month” and after tomorrow night, I can cross another one off my to-do list ;)


SKYPECAST
Are you joining me tomorrow to hear the 7 THINGS YOU MUST DO TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS?

I'd love you to be on the call. All you need is an internet connection and if you want to talk and ask questions, a microphone too ;)


*****IMPORTANT*****
I am bringing the call time in South Africa forward by ONE HOUR because of daylight savings time!!!
That’s 7PM South Africa time/ 1PM New York time (Eastern Standard Time)

Please check out the time on YOUR side of the world – this is the link to the World Clock site
http://tinyurl.com/35tk9l

You can read more and get your handout here, and I’ll “see” you on the call tomorrow!
http://tinyurl.com/yrmjd5


GIVE YOURSELVES A HAND ;)

I want to applaud you for stepping up and taking back your time. That really is awesome since we all know that successful people TAKE ACTION ;)


HELP! I Need More Time
(a step-by-step guide for busy people who want to FINALLY take control of their lives)

Check it out here: http://helpineedmoretime.blogspot.com


HOW TO BE A PROFESSIONAL ORGANISER - group coaching programme

Are you passionate about organising?
Do you want to turn your uber-organising skills into a business?

The PO group coaching programme is just for you and starts on 20 March. This is the ONLY time this programme will be offered at this pri.ce – you have my word on it!

You can check it the details and reserve your place here:
http://tinyurl.com/2gzulg


I found out that yesterday was Organise your Home Office Day. Isn’t that fun?!

This week’s article is dedicated to organising YOUR home office. If you don’t have a home office, then apply the tips to your desk, okay?

Enjoy the article!



THIS WEEK'S ARTICLE
3 QUICK WAYS TO ORGANISE YOUR HOME OFFICE


It’s hard to be productive when your space is not only a mess, but also disorganised.

60% of people are visual (I am too!) so clutter and “stuff” strewn all over the place will just drive you up the wall!

Before we start, let’s get ready:

(a) put on some upbeat music (not slow love songs – fast music!)
(b) make sure you have a BIG wastepaper basket
(c) get another plastic basket for items that belong in another room


SO WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO?


1. BACK UP YOUR FILES

Do NOT open your email programme before you start or you’ll get sidetracked!

DO put a recurring reminder in Outlook to do this on a monthly basis, or sooner.

Remember last year when I lost EVERYTHING on my flash drive? It only translated to about 2 hours’ work because I’d backed up my computer a few weeks before that.

Now, while your computer is backing up…


2. CLEAN OFF YOUR DESK

You can do this in 30 seconds (that’s why you have the upbeat music). Yes, really. Play a game with yourself and say, “by the end of this song, my desk is going to be clean”. Works for me ;)

Put all items belonging in another room in the plastic basket. Don’t go to the actual room to put away – you’ll get sidetracked!

Throw any cooldrink cans, sweet papers, etc. in the wastepaper basket. Put all the little notes inside your desk notebook (you do have ONE desk notebook, don’t you?) and set to one side.

If you don’t use the item on a DAILY basis, it shouldn’t be on your desk. By the same token, if you use something every day, make a place for it within arm’s reach.

E.g. My headset for Skype calls is on a hook on the wall above my desk – near enough that I can just reach for it, but not taking up valuable real estate on the desk.

See? 30 seconds and you’re done!

I *do* know this is the Quick & Easy – if you want ALL the detail, check out 7 easy steps to organise your office at http://takechargesolutions.org/oyo.html


3. SORT OUT THE PAPER

Take out the desk notebook. I use a spiral-bound notebook with a lovely, bright yellow and lime-green cover because it makes me happy to write my notes in a beautiful notebook ;)

Write down all those bits and pieces – your internet provider’s helpline, website addresses, people to look up on Facebook, etc.

Throw away all the junk mail and paper you don’t need (and take it to your recycling bag later).

Put all the filing in ONE pile – you can do this in front of the TV later!


Now doesn’t that feel better? A nice, neat and organised office!

Did you know you can spend a half day with me in my own office on a Business Organising Intensive? I show you exactly how I set up my own business systems and we go through all the computer and email tricks you could possibly imagine. *email me if you're keen*

Be sure to set aside 5 minutes a day to keep your home office organised.

Have a productive week!

Love and (organising) success
Marcia Francois


P.S. Don't forget to check out "Help! I need more time" at http://helpineedmoretime.blogspot.com/

P.P.S Calling all wannabe professional organisers. Check out http://tinyurl.com/2gzulg

P.P.P.S See you tomorrow on the Skypecast. Read more and get your handout at
http://tinyurl.com/yrmjd5