What do I do first?
As a new school year approaches or has just begun, are you needing to find your pep again? By “PEP”, I mean Productivity, Effective organization and Prioritizing – of course!
College Life Expert, Kelci Lynn Lucier, suggests these five rules being productive and avoid becoming overwhelmed. Although her suggestions on About Education are geared toward college students, we can certainly use her tips to simplify our lives – even if we are not attending freshman orientation:
- You aren’t alone.
- Do the important things first, even if they aren’t your favorite things to do.
- Make deadlines important and stick to them.
- Allow yourself to do the things you like to do.
- If you need help –ask for it!
Let’s look at number two! So, how do you know what is the most important? Let’s take a tour of your house and give you some examples:
ENTRY WAY
If you don’t make a place for it, it doesn’t have a place. In other words, don’t drop your purse and shoes on the floor when you know you’ll forget where they are later or you’ll trip over them trying to do something else – that isn’t very productive.
KITCHEN
If you use it the most, make it the most accessible. In other words, don’t store everyday silverware on the top self.
BATHROOM
Let’s come clean about bathroom organization – if it isn’t grouped, group it. In other words, whether you have cabinets or can use bins, store like things together (hair products, cleaning supplies, make up, etc.)
CLOSET
If you don’t need it, don’t buy it. In other words, just because it is a “good deal” in the store doesn’t mean storing extra stuff will make you happier in the long run. (If you do buy something you weren’t expecting, taking something out of your closet to maintain an efficient and organized system.)
PAPER
If it junk, don’t give it a place in your home. In other words, don’t even bring in junk from the mail box – just drop it in the recycling bin on your way in the door.
So, when you become overwhelmed, unproductive or inefficient, start with prioritizing with the tips above. Whether it is clutter around your home or an unruly schedule, getting organized has to start somewhere!
Do you have a good suggestion for taking the first step to productivity? We would love for you to share it with us!
Nationally recognized certified organizer, speaker and author, Kathy Jenkins is dedicated to helping her clients simplify their lives by reducing clutter, organizing their homes and offices, and managing their time. She is the President of Come To Order, a professional residential organizing company based in Richmond, Virginia. For more tips, click here to follow Kathy on Facebook.
