Time Management Archives - Page 6 of 6

Getting It Together FAQ’s – Part 2

Thank you for all of your questions. You know I love hearing from you. The interesting thing is that most people share very similar questions and concerns when it comes to clearing the clutter and getting organized.

Please keep those questions coming. Together we can help each other.

Q- What should I do with those plastic bags that a set of sheets comes in? I hate to toss them because they have the zipper closure and look so handy.

A- You are right! They can be handy. I have used those bags to store my good round baking tins. I find by putting them in the bag they do not get scratched. They are easy to see and store. I have also used those bags with my clients. We put all electrical cords in one. Again easy to see.

I don’t know about you but I have NEVER been able to get the set of sheets back in those bags. Have you?

Q- How can I tell my friends and family to stop buying me presents? I just do not need anything and I am trying to downsize.

A- Most grownups do not “need” anything. We are all so blessed. Many years ago I sent a letter to all my friends explaining that I was no long going to give gifts. Instead I wanted to make memories with them. They were all so happy to get this letter because they never knew what to buy me or their other friends. Now we get together for lunch, a movie, or have our nails done. Anything that is memory making and consumable. Be the first to start a trend. Think consumable!

Q- How many sets of towels should I have?

A- This depends on the number of people in the house. I would recommend 2- 3 bath towels per person, 1-2 hand towels per person and 5-7 face cloths per person. Most homes have a washer these days. If you go to the laundromat then you might want a couple of extras. Use one bath towel per person per week. It is better for the environment and laundry bill. Use one face cloth per person per day. The common used hand towel can be changed every few days.

I can never figure out how the hand towel can get so dirty when we are drying our clean hands! I keep a few “older” towels on hand for when we are heading off to the pool or beach.

Q- What can I do with all the recycling my local garbage company does not pick up?

A- Do you live in the Metro Vancouver Area? If so, you know your local company only picks up plastic, tins, glass and paper. Here are a couple of options. Call BC Recycling Hotline 604-RECYCLE (604-294-7972) or take your items to a local recycling depot. There is one in Burnaby at 4800 Still Creek Ave or once a month you can go to Britannia Center in Vancouver. Check out their site at http://www.pacificmobiledepots.com/Mobile-Depot-Info-Rates.html

Treat yourself to a nice coffee after.

Q- How can I tell if I am disorganized?

A- The rule is if you cannot find what you are looking for in 20 seconds or less you are considered disorganized. This might sound harsh. What it means is that if your keys are on the hook you’ll find them right away. If they are not then you might go searching. If your eye glasses are always put away in the same spot you will be able to find them. If they are not, it might take you longer than 20 seconds to find them.

What is your burning question? What is your biggest organizing obstacle? Inquiring minds want to know. Please leave a comment below or contact me at www.gettingittogether.ca for a FREE 30 minute phone consultation. We will discuss your burning question and how you can move forward with clearing the clutter.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00April 2nd, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization, Tax Organization, Time Management, Travel Organization|2 Comments

How to Increase Productivity: 5 Proven EffectiveTime Management Tips

You can have more time AND get more done! How is this possible?

Below, I am going to share with you 5 simple and proven effective time management tips and you will watch your productivity soar.

The more organized you are the more time you will have.

“If you don’t take the time, time will take you.” Make time to plan.

Please watch this quick video on how to increase productivity.

Tip #1: Create a ‘to-do’ list with your six most important items.

Many years ago when I first started off in business I learned this tip. Each night before going to bed write out the six most important things you want to do the next day. The experts say that six items on a list are not so overwhelming. Any more than that and a person might become paralyzed by the magnitude of tasks. I like to have a list for work related tasks and one for personal.

Make item number one your least favorite thing to do. Get it over with right away. For example it might be to call the leads you got from the latest trade show you did. If you do not get all your most important things done in one day then transfer them over to the next day. You might have overestimated your time.

Tip #2: Focus your time.

Take 4 or 5 colour markers and block off time in your datebook/family calendar or computer for work, personal, family,and spiritual. Do this at the beginning of each month. I block off all the times I want to work in green. Family time is in pink etc.

When a client calls to book an appointment I look for any green spots that are still open. When a family member calls for a dinner date I look at any pink spots that are free. When you see all the coloured squares at a glance you can see how balanced your life is. Do you have too many green squares and not enough pink?

Tip #3: Take 15.

End each work day by taking 15 minutes to clear your desk off and prepare for the next day. Take 15 minutes at the end of the night to prepare your kitchen for the next morning. These 15 minutes will save you hours in the long run. There is nothing worse than walking into your office and finding a pile of papers left from the day before. Or walking into your kitchen and finding all the dinner dishes from the night before.

Tip #4: Time Busters.

Be mindful of any time busters. Do you use a timer when going on the computer? Have you thought to yourself, “I’ll just quickly check emails” and 2 hours later you are still sitting there? Do you get interrupted? Do you answer your phone when you are in the middle of a meeting or high priority project? These can be some common time busters. Stay focused on each task and you’ll be amazed at how much more time you have.

Tip #5: Relinquish control.

The need to do it all. Delegate with confidence. Trust that the job will get done. Look at all the things you do in a day. Delegate what you can. For example your kids can make the beds. They might not look the way you would do it but they are made. Is there a person at your workplace that can help you with some tasks?

Still feeling like time is running away from you?

I would love to share with you my weekly plan sheet and help you with effective time management tips.

You and your family will love how simple and easy it is to use. . We will discuss your time busters and how to move forward without them. You will feel more in control of your time. Contact me TODAY for your FREE 20 minute session. https://www.gettingittogether.ca

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00March 1st, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Self Care Organization, Time Management|0 Comments

Organizational Frequently Asked Questions

One of my favorite things to do is travel. I’ve been blessed to see a large part of our globe. When traveling I always meet people at airports, train stations, restaurants, golf courses, ski hills, etc.

Once we get to chatting and they find out what I do, the questions start. Good thing I love talking about organizing tips and how to get organized. I thought it would be fun to share with you some of the most frequently asked questions I have been asked.

Q- I live with a clutter bug. What can I do about it?

A-The number one rule is “you never clear someone else’s clutter unless they have given you permission to”. The best thing you can do is live by example, send them to my website or buy them my CD!

Q- What can I do with all my papers?

A-This is a BIG question. I have several articles/blogs on this. In short it is best to try and stop as much paper as you can from coming into your house. For example get all your bills online. Put a “no junk mail” sticker on your mailbox. This will stop any mail that is not personally address to you or someone in your household. Register yourself with www.reddotcampaign.ca. Within 6 weeks you will no long get any “current occupant” junk mail. If I ever receive a piece of mail for “current occupant” I return to sender.

Q- What shall I do with my grown children’s baby clothes?

A- I know, you saved them because you thought your kids would want them for their kids. This did not happen for whatever reason. Save one or two of you most favorite items and donate the rest.

Q- I have year’s worth of canning jars. What should I do with them?

A- My first question back to that person would be “do you can?” if so, how many canning jars does a gal need? Keep what you need. Donate the rest. If you no longer can donate them ALL!

Q- I love books. What shall I do with all the ones I have read? I think I might re-read them one day.

A- Can you get books from the Library or download them? If it is a book that is not available then buy it with the intention of donating. Human nature is such that we think we will re-read our books. 90% of people do not re-read their books. (unless it is a text book or study manual) Pass your books on with love. Share them with family and friends. Get a Kindle.

Q- My children have toys everywhere in the house. What can I do?

A- It is very important to have “zones” for kids. Pick one “zone” in your home and have all the toys in that place. When you tell your children to go play they will know exactly where to go. If there are toys everywhere they will get confused and not know which zone to go play in.

What is your burning question? What is your biggest organizing obstacle? Please leave a comment below or contact me at www.gettingittogether.ca for your FREE 30 minute phone consultation. We will discuss your burning question and how you can move forward with clearing the clutter.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00February 6th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization, Time Management, Travel Organization|0 Comments

Global TV interview with Rowena List Professional Organizer and Speaker

One of my goals is to be on TV more. I love the idea of sharing organizing tips and produtivity ideas. It was so much fun and a real honour to be on “Global TV“.

Global TV is a Vancouver based newsroom.

They like to focus on news about town,events and showcasing local talent.

Check out the cool idea they asked me to share with their audiance. The response was very good.

I get my clients to do this.

Are you going to try this? Are you going to tell all your friends and family about this cool idea?

Let me know your response in the comment box below.

If you like this video on Global TV please click the “like” button and then share it with your friends.

Have you had your FREE 20 minute sesion yet? Why not grab a java and book your time now.
https://www.gettingittogether.ca

And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list. You’ll get instant access to a free ebook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your home in 15 minutes or less.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00January 24th, 2012|Home Organization, Media Appearances, Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization, Time Management, Travel Organization|0 Comments

How to Live to 100, or More

How well are you taking care of yourself? Are you organized enough to prepare healthy meals for yourself?

Do you exercise daily?

Are you expecting to live to at least 100?

I am sure many of us would love to live to 100 or more as long as we are healthy in our minds and bodies. Well that is one of the tips.

Below are the top tips I have discovered to help you get the most out of a long life:

Keep your body active. No matter what age or fitness level you are right now, KEEP moving. A slow 15-30 minute walk everyday and a little stretching is a great start. Maintain a healthy weight.
Keep your mind active. A great way is staying up to date with technology. Reading and playing card games are another way to keep a sharp mind.
Eat a wide variety of well balanced foods. Lots of fruits and veggies, (as much raw as possible) moderate amounts of meat, chicken and fish and low amounts of carbs. Carbs meaning bread, pasta and rice.
Keep your portions moderate. When we were younger we could all eat like a horse and it not show. As we age our metabolism slows down. Eat smaller portions. Your digestive track will love you for it.
Listen to music. Have a wide variety of tunes. You might not like some of the most modern music of today however listening to it once in awhile will keep you young at heart. You’ll also know what your grandkids and great-grandkids are up to.
Meet new people. Get out and attend social events. Join your local senior centre.
Hang out with friends and family. You might not feel like cooking big family dinners anymore, however you can still have them. Order in, have a potluck or take everyone out to dinner.
Do your hair. Just because you don’t go out of the house everyday does not mean you do not have to comb your hair. Add a little lipstick (for the ladies who are reading this). Get dressed including accessories. You never know who might show up at your door!
Keep your independence. Drive for as long as it is safe and you feel comfortable.
Keep intimate relationships. Happily married people live longer. Sexually active seniors live longer. They are healthier and happier.
Give to others. Volunteer in your community. Help a friend in need.
Hang out with younger people. Younger people want to learn from us older folks. We are here to share our wisdom.
Stay positive and grateful. Hang out with positive people, read positive books and know that the world is a better place because YOU are in it.
Get and stay organized. You do not want to trip and fall over clutter. You could break a leg or hit your head. You’ll also want to stay organized in case you need hired help in your home. Housekeeper, nurse etc.
Downsize early. Don’t wait until it is too late for you to do it yourself. Downsizing frees your mind and your home of unwanted clutter.
Here is to all of us living long, healthy, happy lives. Celebrate in style and be sure to invite me to your birthday party!!

For more detailed information on health and longevity please call for a FREE 30 minute phone consultation.www.gettingittogether.ca

We will discuss your personal fitness level and where to start. Your eating habits and how to improve them and any other lifestyle changes. We can even discuss downsizing and what that looks like to you.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:50+00:00January 23rd, 2012|Home Organization, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization, Time Management|1 Comment

5 Simple Steps To Get Your Tax Receipts Together

Are you self employed?

Do you have a pile of receipts on every corner of your desk, in every pocket or purse?

Have you ever wondered how to organize your receipts for taxes.

There is no time like the present to get a solid system in place. This system will save you hundreds of dollars in bookkeeping fees, hundreds of dollars in professional organizing fees and will save you loads of stress at tax time.

Below are my 5 simple steps to creating a receipt filing system to get you completely prepared (early!) for tax season!

Tip #1: Get yourself a basic accordion file box.

I have used the same one for almost 3 decades. It is called “canceled check file”. Make labels of the appropriate tax deductions for your business.

Some common ones are:

Entertainment (taking clients out for coffee or a meal)
Car expenses (includes fuel, repairs, insurance)
Parking
Supplies (pens, paper, envelopes and so on)
Phone (including mobile devices)
Rent or Mortgage Costs
You may have other expenses. These are only a few of the main ones.

The key is to file all your receipts every other day or at least at the end of each week. I file mine while I have my phone headset on, taking to a friend or family member. Yes I can do both tasks when it comes to this one.

Tip #2: Your next step is to add up all of your receipts. It is best if this is done at the end of each month. This is where people get themselves into trouble. They leave it for months or even years on end then the task becomes overwhelming.

Take all your entertainment receipts, add them up, and staple them together with the total on the front. Do this for each file you have set up.

Tip #3: Send all your collated receipts to your bookkeeper. They will then do all the data input and have spreadsheets ready for your account. I send 3 months worth at a time to my bookkeeper.

If you are totally electronic you can do this step yourself and simply input your receipts in the computer program you are using. Even basic computer programs like Excel will do all the totals for you.

Tip #4: Once a year, yes that is right once a year, pay a visit to your accountant and get your taxes filed on time. One of the most common items I come across while conducting hands-on organizing is overdue tax returns. The tax department does not like it when people do not file their tax returns. There are huge fines involved and BIG red flags go in front of your name.

Tip #5: Store all receipts and tax returns in an out of reach area. (Check out my video on crawl spaces for some tips, click here.) I like to put them in a plastic container so they do not get dusty, wet or moldy. The requirement in most countries is to keep your past records for 7 years. Once you put in a new year take out the oldest year and shred it. If you are applying for a mortgage you might be asked to show your last 3 years of tax returns. This is another great reason to be organized.

How would you like a FREE downloadable List of labels of all the appropriate tax deductions for your business? Please contact me and we will set up a complimentary no-obligation 30-minute phone call on how to move forward with your dreams, goals and resolutions. If you arrange your FREE call with me, I will send this FREE list to you so you can get on the right path to organization.

www.gettingittogether.ca

Here’s to your success!

Rowena@gettingittogether.ca
604-520-9550

www.gettingittogether.ca

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:50+00:00January 9th, 2012|Home Organization, Tax Organization, Time Management|0 Comments

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