Organisational tip #4

Hi everyone!

If you don't already have a box file for your important papers then I have no idea what you do or how on earth you get by! So I'll write with the assumption that you have one.

To clarify- I'm talking about expanding pocket box files like the pic below. Best to get ones without letters on the tabs so you can write tab categories on them.

Whenever you start a new box it's best to have a good think first about how to categorise your paperwork. Don't just rush in, otherwise you'll regret it later. You might go for tab names such as 'Car', 'Tax', 'Pets' etc. Don't be so specific that you only end up with three pieces of paper under one tab as it's a waste of a file, but at the same time ensure the categories are distinct from each other enough that you don't have to think 'Did I put that under A or B? It could be either.' 

Pretty obvious, but put the paperwork you access most frequently at the front for an easier life. If you're anything like me, it's 'Car'. Why are cars so expensive?!

Each week, collect any important paperwork you want filed in one safe place and then at the weekend make sure you file it. Don't procrastinate or you'll end up with a massive load of filing - and who wants that on a weekend?!

One more thing: clear outs. It's amazing how time flies and before you know it you've got paperwork dating back 4 years. I recommend a clear out once every 3-4 months. And of course, before you throw it - be sure you don't need it! 

Anyway, I hope this was helpful. 

More organisational tips coming soon!

Amy xxx

Organisational tip #3

Hi all

If you get a lot of emails and it sometimes feels like a constant onslaught, do not fear, Amy is here! LOL. 

Create two sub-folders to your main inbox, one called 'High Priority Inbox' and one called 'Low Priority Inbox'. 

Whenever you receive an email in your main inbox, drag it into one of these two folders. Making the choice between the two folders can be a little tricky at first. You need to figure out the way you prefer to work in order to make this the most practical tool for you.

In Microsoft Outlook you can right-click on a folder and under Properties ask it to show you the total number of items in that particular inbox. This is useful for your two priority in-boxes so at a glance you can see how many items you need to deal with at any given time.  

Once you have dealt with an item in one of the two in-boxes, you can then drag it out and place it into another sub-folder. Having sub-folders is a great way of organising mail for when you need to find it again. Before I did this, I used to spend a ridiculous amount of time trying to find stuff using the search facility. But now I have topic folders, and under each topic there are several sub-folders for its sub-topics.

For example, if you go to a variety of different meetings at work, your topic folder can be called 'Meetings' and its sub-folders can be the names of each of the meetings. All agenda papers, meeting minutes etc can be found under each meeting's folder. 

This is what works best for me. Do you have any other helpful ways of organising your inbox to share? 

Amy 

xoxo

Organisational tip #2

To scan or not to scan...

A personal favourite tip of mine. Simple and easy but makes a whole lotta difference. 

Any paperwork you don't need to have in hard copy - scan it and save the PDF copy in one of your folders.

Consider every single sheet that comes across your desk. I personally find that around 80% of what I want to keep, I can keep electronically. 

Now instead of having piles of paperwork on my desk to drive me to distraction, it's all in the virtual world.

But of course with any type of storage, virtual or not, it needs to be organised, and they'll be a future article on organising folders. Stay tuned! xxx

Organisational tip #1

Hi lovelies

This is the first of a series of organisational tips coming your way. Personally I'm quite lazy, finding it a challenge to get motivated to organise, but when I do it puts me in a really good mood. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that having a well organised space saves time and has a relaxing effect. It's good for the soul! And if you're still not convinced, an article in The Journal of Neuroscience by researchers from the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute says (in oh so many complicated sentences) that clutter has a negative effect on our ability to focus. (Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).

Decide what needs organising. If it's everything, don't despair! Just write a list of what needs organising and prioritise. You can group it into rooms or drawers or whether it be at work or at home. Whatever works best for you. 

Source: www.apartmenttherapy.com 

Then the best way to start is to identify the time of day you're most productive. It took me a few days to figure this out. Everyone is different, so it's best to self-analyse and take note of when you find your attention slumps and you feel tired and also when you feel energised and motivated. Designate some time during the latter for organising and set yourself realistic targets. 

More organisational tips coming your way soon. 

Good luck!

Amy xxx