How to get organized?

[Lauxa]

My #1 goal for 2007 is organization. I am in a bit of a sad state right now - too much clutter, behind on my filing, no real routines, not very prepared when I go out with the kids, etc. My limiting belief is that it's too hard to get organized with 2 young children (1 and 3), but I know that really it's even more important to get organized so that the children have a sense of order and routine in their lives. Please post your inspirational stories of how you have gotten or are getting more organized in your life, along with your best tips and tricks!

Thanks!

[redmond007]

Getting Things Done

by David Allen is a complete system for organizing your time and life. It takes a while to adapt this book to what works best for you, but is worth checking out. There is also a website and podcast called 43 Folders that elaborates on many of the points described in the book.

[Cron]

I would try HOW TO GET CONTROL OF YOUR TIME AND YOUR LIFE by Alan Lakein. You can read and implement it in two afternoons. No special equipment or products needed. It is a very simple, uncomplicated system. The book is old so you can probably get it from your library or buy it very cheaply.

I've read the reviews of "Getting Things Done" ( I haven't read the book) on Amazon, many of the reviews claim the book is unnecessarily verbose and the system needlessly complex

[searstower]

"It's hard to be organized with 2 kids."

Well, not if you enlist their help. Ok, maybe the 1 year old of off the hook for now, but the 3 year old can definitely help you put stuff away, help you decide where the best place is for stuff, etc. Not only will it benefit you, you'll be using playtime for more good than usual.

Rebecca

[Que]

Why don't you try the pocket chart system they use in most day schools. List/cut a card of the daily routines for your little ones and place each on plastic pocket chart. Flip the card after they've done each activity. This way, they can be visually reminded of the things to do. Label your boxes and organizers at home. You might want to designate a medium size box labeled "missing" where you can just place anything that you can't organize in its proper place yet. When you finally find the time. Sort out the things on the "missing" box.

[RT Wolf]

Originally Posted by Cron

I've read the reviews of "Getting Things Done" ( I haven't read the book) on Amazon, many of the reviews claim the book is unnecessarily verbose and the system needlessly complex

GTD isn't for everyone. However, it can be scaled up or down for your particular workflow needs. It has helped me through times when I had almost nothing on my plate to like two weeks ago when I barely had time to eat.

Allen points this out in his audio seminar, "Your systems have to be as complex as what they're trying to control. That's why todo lists don't work, they're simply not complex enough to deal with the amount and kind of stuff that most of us [mostly executives and managers] deal with every day." (paraphrased)

Another thing is, though, the kind of work you can/are willing to do changes with the tools you have. I've been noticing my thinking changing and becoming even more ambitious since implementing GTD. So while it may seem like overkill for you, right now, by giving you the tools to tackle HUGE projects, you'll find you're taking on more HUGE projects.

[Isabelle]

FlyLady.net: Your personal online coach to help you gain control of your house and home

I'm a work at home mom of 3 and I'm a Flybaby since August 2004. It is absolutely free, easy and so funny !

I recommend it to everybody. My sisters and friends are also flybabies and they love it !

You can not imagine the peace I have today because of her, and because of me ! You will learn so many things. It is not just about cleaning your house, it is about Finally Loving Yourself (FLY). I will never give up on this website, I am addict for life !

[Jes]

Seriously, find a babysitter and take a full weekend to read and implement "Getting Things Done." Yes, it is a little complex and hard to swallow the first time around, but once the weekend is over you will feel like the weight of the world has been taken off of your back. Keep at it for two weeks, and you won't believe how productive and organized every aspect of your life has become. Fantastic, fantastic book.