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Posted: 24 Jan 2012 12:00 AM PST
Welcome to day 12 in our Clutter-Free Challenge.
Today we get to talk about my favorite room in the house – the kitchen. And it’s actually a room I spend most of my time in now that I purchased a laptop computer and started working at my kitchen table. I get to stare out the window and rest my brain periodically. Here’s my view:
Actually there are also some pretty pink roses in front of the bird feeder that aren’t shown here. And this was taken last spring, so the grass isn’t green right now.
My kitchen also needs the most work to stay organized. Right now six of us live in this house, plus my husband and I both work here. My front door should be a big hotel revolving door with the flow of people in and out all day. As my loved ones move through the house, personal property gets set down in the most convenient spot … convenient to them, that is. This normally means a kitchen counter. Can you relate?
Here’s the problem with a disorganized kitchen as I see it. When there’s no room to work, I’m discouraged from starting anything. Instead of making an affordable and healthy dinner, I am tempted to pick something up. Instead of being creative in the kitchen, I choose something simple. It just takes too much mental energy for me to overcome clutter.
Not only does clutter drain energy from me, but there is no room for anything beautiful. It’s hard to appreciate a bouquet of roses from my garden if it’s set on bills, report cards and dirty dishes.
So, in order to bring in more beauty, peace and order, I have declared a war on clutter. If that appeals to you, here are some suggestions for how to de-cluttering the kitchen.
First, gather some boxes to store items that will be removed, whether to sell or give away. Next …
1) Sort through and remove all clutter from on top of your counters.
Put away, recycle, toss and file those items you know what to do with. If you don’t know where to start, pick a spot and work your way clockwise. If you need to make decisions on other items, put those in a large box for later decision making. Wash and put away dishes. Clean your counters and sink. Now stand back and survey your accomplishment with joy! (clap, clap, clap … that’s from me).
2) Move many of your kitchen appliances out of sight (toaster, bread maker, waffle iron, etc).
Clear counters will refresh you, and give you a clean palate for creativity. You might need to work on step 3 at the same time so you have room to store these items. I know this is optimistic, but use it as a goal.
3) Eliminate extra, unwanted, broken, chipped and incomplete items.
This will take time, but start with one cabinet or shelf at a time. Completely remove every item from that shelf or cabinet. If you don’t use it, make a decision on what to do with it and put it in the giveaway, sell or garbage can. Be honest and ruthless. I know this will be hard, because many of us are well intentioned. I really intended to make fondue for my family … someday. But I had to be honest with myself.
Clean the shelves with warm soapy water and return the items you want to keep, including those items that were previously stored on your counter.
4) Store seldom-used appliances elsewhere.
Can you store larger items outside your kitchen? If you are holding out hope that you will start to use your waffle iron, then consider a shelf in an outside storage cabinet, extra bedroom or linen closet. I have a shelf in my garage for larger items I don’t often use. Another option is to purchase extra kitchen storage, like a free-standing cottage-style pantry or rolling island. Consider buying something with doors to reduce visual clutter.
Here are a few of my favorite random kitchen de-cluttering tips:
1) A bread box. I have a charming bread box that does not hold bread. Instead, it holds vitamins and medication. If you’ve got lots of little bottles in view consider repurposing a bread box. We store bread in the refrigerator.
2) Message center. Most of us have phones in our kitchen. Make sure you’ve got a pretty holder for notepads and pens. It can also be a temporary holding place for invitations, directions, etc.
3) Bulletin board. I put a bulletin board in my laundry room to keep coupons for restaurants or activities. I put them here instead of on my refrigerator.
 Here's what I have on my counter right now.
Once you’ve got your kitchen de-cluttered, put together some charming displays. Do you love coffee or tea? Create a hostess station with pretty mugs, tea bags, and a cream and sugar bowl. Are you a flower gal? Splurge and buy yourself some flowers from the grocery store, or better yet, plant some and harvest your own blooms.
There are lots of other organization tips I could share for the kitchen, but I want to stay focused on de-cluttering. Once you have trimmed and slimmed down your kitchen, research great ideas for organizing your cabinets, drawers and pantry. I hope you’ll be inspired to keep going.
And I also hope this sparks your creativity for cooking and enjoying more meals together with friends or family. If your schedule is crazy, try aiming for one night a week to reclaim as your own.
Tomorrow we will address bedrooms and baths. Then day 14 we’ll tackle our closets. And on Friday I’ll wrap up this challenge with general tips on managing clutter and some encouraging words.
Grace & Peace,
Glynnis
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Please remember this Clutter Free Challenge was posted by Glynnis earlier in the year. Any reference to the January dates of the challenge, and her book or gift card giveaways, etc. no longer apply.
Of course you are always welcome to subscribe to Glynnis' blog. You can find her at www.glynniswhitwer.com |
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Day 12 - Clutter Free- Reclaiming your kitchen!
Monday, July 16, 2012
Day 11 - Clutter Free Testimonies and Embracing Your Authority!
Hi girls!
Welcome back to our final week of Glynnis Whitwer's Clutter Free Challenge!
I hope this Monday finds you inspired to make some new organizational changes around your home, in your daily planning, and even in your thinking.
I honestly think our minds need de-cluttering THE MOST!
Now for a few of my own de-cluttering testimonies:
#1: In the spring I recently cleaned out my very messy garage. Let me tell you...THAT was a challenge for me!!
In doing so, I came up with a plan for all of those "dreaded" boxes and bags of papers and keepsakes I haven't had time to deal with. I stacked up a neat pile of boxes and bags in the corner of my garage where I can easily get to them. Then I made this deal with myself. At least 1 or 2 times a week, whenever I decide to relax and watch a movie in the evening after dinner, I have to go pick at least 1 box to go through as I sit in my recliner. And you know what? For some reason dealing with 1 box at a time - from the comfort of my easy chair - while watching a movie...works like a charm for me. You have to understand, these are boxes that have been collecting dust in my garage for YEARS! Sweet freedom!!
#2: I love to ask the Lord to show me a way I can bless someone with something I already have in hand.
The other day, as I felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit, I opened up my linen closet and began pulling out sets of sheets, pretty pillow cases, lace doilies, a quilt, kitchen towels, and even some fun Country Living magazines! It was a perfect opportunity to organize my closet! When I was finished - I called a friend up and asked if I could drop by - sharing that I had some goodies I thought she might like for her guest room in her home. She then proceeded to share that my call had come at just the "right time", uplifting her very overwhelmed and frustrated heart. When I ran by her office a little later that morning to drop off all of the pretty things ...she had a bounce in her step and a gratefulness in her smile. She felt cared for and pampered and it showed.
The most amazing part was how God used this experience to bless MY HEART! I was aware that morning that the Lord was using me at just the "right time" to remind this beautiful woman of His faithfulness, His goodness, and how He was watching over her and it was such a cool experience.
#3: Finally, about 2 months ago I cleaned out my closet, getting rid of all sorts of clothes and shoes that I donated to a thrift store. A week later a dear, sweet friend called me up saying she had been cleaning out her closets, and was going through her clothes and shoes and wanted to know if I had need of anything. She buys only beautiful, quality brands! She said she had LOTS of nice pieces she would like to me to come over and try on and that we could make a fun girl's day of it.
After I got off the phone with her that day I just broke down and cried.
God knew and was providing for my needs AND desires!
I hadn't bought anything new for myself in quite a long time. You ladies understand this....many times we women buy for our kids or even our husbands, before purchasing what we may want and need. Well that was the case for me and to be honest I just didn't have the funds to buy myself anything new. Since I quit my job a year ago to be at home with my daughter...well money just isn't viewed the same. When the Lord provides ...it is normally for food and bills...not pretty new clothes, or shoes.
Well my friend blessed my socks off... to say the least!!!
It was surreal....like walking into a department store with tons of beautiful clothes and shoes and walking out with sacks and sacks of beautiful treasures without paying a dime!
I am not exaggerating. I know I made it home that day with about 20+ new outfits and 8 new pairs of shoes! I cried all the way home! I felt so cared for and pampered. Sounds familiar doesn't it? Lol! God wants to bless us just as much as He wants to use us to be a blessing to others!
So, the moral of my story is this: clean out and make room... for God's wonderful increase and blessing in your life! He has SO much in store for you!
Happy Monday!
Brandy
Welcome back to our final week of Glynnis Whitwer's Clutter Free Challenge!
I hope this Monday finds you inspired to make some new organizational changes around your home, in your daily planning, and even in your thinking.
I honestly think our minds need de-cluttering THE MOST!
Now for a few of my own de-cluttering testimonies:
#1: In the spring I recently cleaned out my very messy garage. Let me tell you...THAT was a challenge for me!!
In doing so, I came up with a plan for all of those "dreaded" boxes and bags of papers and keepsakes I haven't had time to deal with. I stacked up a neat pile of boxes and bags in the corner of my garage where I can easily get to them. Then I made this deal with myself. At least 1 or 2 times a week, whenever I decide to relax and watch a movie in the evening after dinner, I have to go pick at least 1 box to go through as I sit in my recliner. And you know what? For some reason dealing with 1 box at a time - from the comfort of my easy chair - while watching a movie...works like a charm for me. You have to understand, these are boxes that have been collecting dust in my garage for YEARS! Sweet freedom!!
#2: I love to ask the Lord to show me a way I can bless someone with something I already have in hand.
The other day, as I felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit, I opened up my linen closet and began pulling out sets of sheets, pretty pillow cases, lace doilies, a quilt, kitchen towels, and even some fun Country Living magazines! It was a perfect opportunity to organize my closet! When I was finished - I called a friend up and asked if I could drop by - sharing that I had some goodies I thought she might like for her guest room in her home. She then proceeded to share that my call had come at just the "right time", uplifting her very overwhelmed and frustrated heart. When I ran by her office a little later that morning to drop off all of the pretty things ...she had a bounce in her step and a gratefulness in her smile. She felt cared for and pampered and it showed.
The most amazing part was how God used this experience to bless MY HEART! I was aware that morning that the Lord was using me at just the "right time" to remind this beautiful woman of His faithfulness, His goodness, and how He was watching over her and it was such a cool experience.
#3: Finally, about 2 months ago I cleaned out my closet, getting rid of all sorts of clothes and shoes that I donated to a thrift store. A week later a dear, sweet friend called me up saying she had been cleaning out her closets, and was going through her clothes and shoes and wanted to know if I had need of anything. She buys only beautiful, quality brands! She said she had LOTS of nice pieces she would like to me to come over and try on and that we could make a fun girl's day of it.
After I got off the phone with her that day I just broke down and cried.
God knew and was providing for my needs AND desires!
I hadn't bought anything new for myself in quite a long time. You ladies understand this....many times we women buy for our kids or even our husbands, before purchasing what we may want and need. Well that was the case for me and to be honest I just didn't have the funds to buy myself anything new. Since I quit my job a year ago to be at home with my daughter...well money just isn't viewed the same. When the Lord provides ...it is normally for food and bills...not pretty new clothes, or shoes.
Well my friend blessed my socks off... to say the least!!!
It was surreal....like walking into a department store with tons of beautiful clothes and shoes and walking out with sacks and sacks of beautiful treasures without paying a dime!
I am not exaggerating. I know I made it home that day with about 20+ new outfits and 8 new pairs of shoes! I cried all the way home! I felt so cared for and pampered. Sounds familiar doesn't it? Lol! God wants to bless us just as much as He wants to use us to be a blessing to others!
So, the moral of my story is this: clean out and make room... for God's wonderful increase and blessing in your life! He has SO much in store for you!
Happy Monday!
Brandy
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Posted: 22 Jan 2012 08:47 PM PST
Welcome to Day 11 in our Clutter-Free Challenge.
Only five more days to go. As we wrap up our time together, I want to remind you of something I said in the beginning. I never expected anyone to be able to do this in 15 days. However, I do hope I given you encouragement to make some immediate changes in how you process your responsibilities, manage your schedule and de-clutter your home. Even one change will make a difference.
Before I get into today’s challenge, I want to announce the winner of my book, “I Used to Be So Organized.” Based on a random selection, I’m happy to announce that Kimberly, who posted a comment January 20th at 8:30 p.m. is the winner. Thank you to everyone who posted and all the fabulous ideas. I will have another giveaway at the end of the week. Kimberly, I’ve sent you an email.
Today we are going to talk about our main living areas. If your house is like mine, there’s a lot of living going on in these spaces, and lots of clutter that gets left on tables, chairs and the floor. It requires daily maintenance to keep these areas de-cluttered. But it can be done. And once you make some foundational changes it will be easier.
In Proverbs 31:11 says “Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.” Whether you are married or not, conveying confidence to those around you happens over time. Confidence is built up through consistently doing what we say we will do. You cannot demand someone trust you; we all see past words and evaluate actions.
However, a woman who quietly brings order to her home conveys confidence and authority without ever saying a word. Our husbands’ trust grows when we can find the passports before a trip. Children can tell mom is in control when she pulls out the permission slip from a handy file. We all have been given some level of authority over our homes, even a college student renting a room. Do we manage with authority or is there chaos? Are we conveying trust or insecurity?
The second principle which motivates me is based on the parable of the talents found in Matthew 25:14-30. I won’t take the time to summarize, but please review the passage when you have time. The verse that rings in my head is 23: “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”
I’m convinced God is watching to see how we handle every responsibility He gives us. He longs to give all of us more responsibility, but we must prove ourselves faithful with what we have – no matter how little or how much. I apply this verse to my health, my finances and my home. I can wish I had more all day long, but if I squander what I have, I’m simply not a good investment.
Having said all that hard stuff, I am SO THANKFUL FOR GRACE. I’ve fallen short so many times. At the end of the day, I’m just a dressed-up mess. Instead of giving me what I deserve, God generously showers me with good things. He forgives my sin and sympathizes with my weaknesses. And it’s in my weakness that His strength is revealed. So if you are feeling weak today, please invite God to be your strength. He is faithful.
I know I got off subject there, but I believe the Lord wanted me to share that. If that message was for you, I’d love to know.
Let’s move on to some practical tips for de-cluttering your living spaces. There are two main reasons for clutter. The first involves items that have a home but aren’t in their home. An example would be remote controls sitting on the table next to the box you bought for the remote controls. (ahem – yes, this happens in my house) This is a discipline problem, not a clutter problem.
The second is items that have no home. This problem never gets better on its own. And the older you get the worse it gets, what with all the tchatchkes we collect and are given. What to do with it all? Here are some ideas for common clutter items:
Little treasures
Remote controls
Blankets
Craft supplies & games
These items can take up lots of space. Store them in boxes you can stack to make the most of your space. Consider storing games behind closed doors of an armoire or entertainment center to minimize visual clutter. If the game box is damaged, transfer game boards and pieces to specially designed plastic game-keepers sold at specialty organizing stores.
For crafts, consider a rolling organizer with multiple drawers that can be tucked in a closet while not in use. A cubby system with boxes covered in wallpaper to match your design could fit nicely in a niche. Make labels for each drawer or box.
Toys
Unless you have a designated playroom, keep most toys in bedrooms. For a quick pick up, keep a large basket with a lid in the living room. Rolling bins make clean up fun when a child can roll it back to her room.
Multi-media
Plastic boxes multiply like rabbits at a home with growing children. Whether it’s a CD, DVD or video game box, it needs to be stored in a crush-proof place. Consider adding pull-out drawers to deep shelving so that items in the back can be easily seen. A specially-designed media tower protects boxes and keeps the titles visible.
Framed photos
Consider a collage of photos on the wall instead of cluttering the surface of an end or sofa table with frames. Choose a common frame color, and complementary matting to make a design statement.
Extra storage options
Make furniture do double-duty. Invest in accent tables with shelves and drawers. If that’s not an option, store items in large baskets tucked under tables. A chest can serve as a coffee table, or a bench with cushions. And go vertical when you can.
That was a lot for one day. Thank you for sticking with me to the end. Please join me tomorrow when I talk about cleaning out your kitchen. Fun stuff!!
Grace & Peace,
Glynnis
Heavenly Father, thank You for entrusting me with a place to call home, a body to care for and finances to manage. I admit that I often fall short of where I want to be in many areas. Sometimes I grow weary dealing with the same issues every day, and need a fresh breath of Your Spirit to fill me up. I long to be a woman who stewards well her responsibilities, and know I’m in desperately need of Your help and strength. In Jesus name, Amen.
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Please remember this Clutter Free Challenge was posted by Glynnis earlier in the year. Any reference to the January dates of the challenge, and her book or gift card giveaways, etc. no longer apply.
Of course you are always welcome to subscribe to Glynnis' blog. You can find her at www.glynniswhitwer.com |
Friday, July 13, 2012
Clutter Free - Day 10 - Does your front entrance say "Welcome"
Hi Ladies,
Thank you so much for hanging with us for this 15 day challenge. I hope you are finding this information helpful and reassuring. Today we are 2/3 of the way through to the finish of the Clutter Free Challenge!
As the clutter comes under control, I'm praying peace for you in your mind, as well as your home. God has amazing blessings in store for you!
Happy Friday!
Brandy
Please remember this Clutter Free Challenge was posted by Glynnis earlier in the year. Any reference to the January dates of the challenge, and her book or gift card giveaways, etc. no longer apply.
Of course you are always welcome to subscribe to Glynnis' blog. You can find her at www.glynniswhitwer.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Clutter Free Day 10 - Does your front entrance say "welcome"? by Glynnis Whitwer
Posted: 20 Jan 2012 12:00 AM PST
Happy Friday and welcome to day 10 in our Clutter-Free Challenge. For the rest of our time in this challenge, we will work our way through the living areas of our homes. And we’ll start with the front entrance. Your front entrance sets the mood and first impression of your home. Will it be one of peace and rest? Or should there be flashing red lights and signs reading “Danger”? Does your entry way convey confident authority or disordered anarchy? Your family and guests will immediately receive the unspoken message. Without a plan, entryways can become a dumping ground. Family members kick off shoes, drop bags and toss keys. Most often, that happens because there isn’t a place for those items. With a bit of rearranging, you can create a beautiful front entrance, one that offers a “Welcome home” for your loved ones and their possessions. Before I start listing tips, I want to suggest a new way for you to look at your home. It’s amazing what I notice when I take this approach. And I think you’ll have great ideas for your own home. Years ago I worked at a retirement center. Before any public event, like an open house, we took a “Do you see what I see?” walk. The marketing staff and I started at the street entrance, and walked through the entrance from the street. Our eyes scanned the parking lot, the building, windows and landscaping. We looked with fresh eyes to see what a visitor would see. It was always interesting how noticeable the chipped paint, cobwebs and dead bushes were from that viewpoint. We walked past them every day, never noticing. On that day, with intentional eyes, we saw what needed changing. Often it didn’t take much to correct the problem. Armed with clipboards, paper and pens, we recorded every item needing attention and created a master to-do list. Sensory adaptation is to blame for numbing us visually to things in our home as well. It’s a God-given gift to adapt to our surroundings. Otherwise, we might be overwhelmed with aromas and sounds. It also can mean we live with more messes, chaos and clutter more than we should. Unless we perform our own “Do you see what I see?” walk, we’ll miss small areas of our home that could be de-cluttered with little effort. So sometime this weekend, I’d like you to walk up to your front door as if you were a guest. Open the door and walk in. Let your eyes see what a guest would see. But don’t feel badly about piles of shoes and broken toys. Just determine to do a bit of de-cluttering. Here are some tips for common clutter items that most of us have around our entryways. Keys Provide a key hooks or key racks within a few steps of the door. Make sure there are enough hooks for each member of your family. It’s a good idea to store extra sets of all keys, but not at the front entrance. Invest in a key storage box and put it in your laundry room or hang hooks inside a cabinet. Don’t forget to label extra keys.  Back to the front entrance. If you’ve got room, consider getting an attractive wall-mounted holder with hooks. This might be a shelf, which you could also use to hold small items such as a wallet, money clip or cell phone. Or it could be a letter holder with hooks at the bottom. This could hold incoming or outgoing mail, or small items to grab on the way out. You might also consider a message board, and add hooks for keys. There are multiple possibilities for getting double duty out of a key holder, so don’t limit your imagination. Purses, backpacks, bags The goal is to get purses, backpacks and miscellaneous bags off the ground. To that end, position a coat tree or coat rack near the door. If you have little ones, include a child size’s coat rack, or a double row of hooks with one row low enough for little arms. A hall tree (a bench with storage, a back and hooks) is a great place to store items, plus provide a seat.  If you have an entry closet, make sure it’s not jam packed. Add shelving for purses, and hooks for bags. Loose items  For books, mittens, iPods or small bags, consider cubbyholes with baskets. Label a basket for each person in the family. This can serve many purposes, and it’s an excellent way for everyone to keep track of little items. A table or small chest by the front door can be multi-functional. Place a basket on top for keys and use the drawers to store those little items that easily get lost.Shoes I know many people like to keep shoes by the front door. In case you do, some options include cubby holes or baskets, instead of having them loose on the floor. However, may I respectfully recommend discontinuing that habit? Dirty shoes can mar your guests’ first impressions – both visually and with a less-than-pleasant aroma. By providing adequate shoe storage in bedrooms, family members can remove shoes at the door, and take shoes directly to their closets. Hall closets Perhaps a good place to start with a hall or entry closet is to define your purpose. Would you like to use this as a place for guests’ coats? Do you use it every day for your own items? Sometimes this little gem is overlooked, and it becomes a haphazard storage place for that grab-and-dash cleaning some of us do right before company arrives. With a bit of planning, your hall closet has great potential for being a one-stop organizing center for items that get brought in and taken out on a regular basis. For example, you could add additional shelves and store camera equipment. Hooks on the inside of the door could be used for purses and bags. Cubbies or stacked baskets on the floor could hold books, backpacks, shoes and gloves. Install hooks on the inside of the door for keys. What is cluttering your entryway? I’m sure you can find some creative solutions to your clutter. I’d love to hear about them if you do. In fact, I’ve got another copy of my book, “I Used to Be So Organized” to give away this weekend to someone who comments. To leave a comment, click here to be taken to my blog. Then, scroll down to the bottom of the post and click on “comments”. Next week, we’ll make our way around our homes as we wrap up our 15-day Challenge. And thank you SO MUCH for all your kind and gracious comments to me personally these past few weeks. You have been such shining examples of God’s love. Grace & Peace, Glynnis |
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Day 9 - Clutter Free - Miscellaneous Paper
Please remember this Clutter Free Challenge was posted by Glynnis earlier in the year. Any reference to the January dates of the challenge, and her book or gift card giveaways, etc. no longer apply.
Of course you are always welcome to subscribe to Glynnis' blog.
You can find her at www.glynniswhitwer.com
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Clutter-Free Day 9: Miscellaneous Paper
Posted: 19 Jan 2012 12:00 AM PST
Welcome to Day 9 in our Clutter-Free Challenge.
Before jumping in to the last day of dealing with paper clutter, I want to share a thought.
I’ve spent a lot of time this past week reading your comments and emails, and have loved your words of encouragement to each other. For some who shared a tough situation, those kind words mean more than all my tips put together. Thank you for being vulnerable, for reaching out and showing Christ’s love. Ministry is happening right here on this blog.
Today was we wrap up paper clutter, I’m going to share some tips for some of the papers that sit in a pretty basket somewhere in your home until they overflow. Then you go find another basket and fill that up too. Or perhaps you’ve got little slips of paper taped on the fridge and sticky notes spread around and you have no idea where to put that information. And if you have children … well … enough said.
Special cards, papers and letters
If you’re like me, you love to hold on to birthday cards you’ve received, a love note from your spouse or a drawing from a child. Those items hold precious memories for me, such as the self-portrait my eldest son did in kindergarten – it was a rainbow.
For notes and small drawings, I have another three-ring binder with acid-free plastic page protectors. I write the date on the back, slip it into a page protector and it’s done. (Yes, I like 3-ring binders)
For special cards and other mementos, I have a lovely memory box in my closet. For example, I date birthday cards and store them in gallon zip lock plastic bags. I do the same for my children, however, I add information about their birthday party, such as what we did, who attended and what gifts they received. These bags are stored in memory boxes in each child’s room.
Memory boxes
As your child grows, you’ll want to save mementos, figurines or special outfits. Purchase plastic storage boxes specifically for these items. As you remove items from your child’s room to place in the memory box, be sure to identify the significance (if it isn’t obvious) and wrap them securely in bubble wrap or clean wrapping paper. Photographs should be placed in acid-free envelopes. Store these boxes in a dry, cool place. If you have more than one child, clearly mark each box and each item to remove confusion in years to come.
Children’s school papers
With our first child we saved everything! Every handprint made into a turkey and coloring page is priceless. Unless you have lots of storage, this may get difficult as the years go on, and as you have more children. To keep your kids and you clutter-free, here are some tips that work for us.
1) Purchase a colored pocket folder for each child.
Every year we get welcome letters from the teacher, classroom rules, student lists and a school handbook. To keep that information handy, yet organized, I purchase an inexpensive colored pocket folder for each child. These folders lie flat in a kitchen drawer, ready for easy access.
2) Create another file for school items you want to save.
In our permanent file drawers each child also has their own hanging file. Because it’s not feasible to save everything, I have some criteria for what gets saved:
* Something that shows my child’s development at that age
* Papers with teacher notes of praise
* Papers that show an area of struggle (but not “failure”)
* Something that shows my child’s uniqueness, such as drawings, stories and poems.
3) At the end of the school year, purchase 9”x12” see-through expandable plastic envelopes from the office products store. Most school papers fit inside this envelope. Put your child’s school picture in the front, along with a piece of paper stating the school year. Store this envelope in a plastic storage box specifically for school papers.
4) To help out-of-state grandparents or other family members keep in touch with your child’s development, consider sending some of the school papers and drawings to them. To ease the process, keep a 9”x12” addressed envelope addressed at the ready, and mail once a month. Another tip is to write a letter on the back of the drawings, making it into a home-made card.
Phone numbers, addresses and passwords
Because I do most of my work on the computer, I use Outlook to store all kinds of information. I use the calendar for appointments and reminders of things like friend’s birthdays, due dates for bills, and when to call for an annual appointment. I schedule many things as recurring monthly or annually so I only enter them once, and I color code special dates like birthdays and speaking events. I’m thankful to have a smart phone and sync those calendars.
In addition to Outlook, I also have a Rolodex address box. That’s the kind with the removable cards. I use this for business cards and contacts that just don’t work well in Outlook. For example, I have one card for our kid’s college accounts and I have each child’s account number and password listed on the same card. I also keep low risk passwords in this file.
I feel like I’ve just dipped my toes in the pool of paper clutter. I’m sure there are many things I haven’t addressed, like homeschooling, scrapbooking supplies and photos. But I want to move on to other areas of the home since we only have six days left on this challenge to enjoy less clutter in our minds, schedules and homes. Thank you for joining me on this journey.
Grace & Peace,
Glynnis
Heavenly Father, I praise You for your unchanging nature, for Your goodness and for Your faithfulness. Thank You for loving me in spite of my many weak areas, and for seeing my potential when I don’t see it myself. Help me to see that my clutter and disorganization don’t define me. My value is found in my position in Christ and what He did on my behalf. Thank You! In Jesus name, Amen.
Of course you are always welcome to subscribe to Glynnis' blog.
You can find her at www.glynniswhitwer.com
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Clutter-Free Day 9: Miscellaneous Paper
Posted: 19 Jan 2012 12:00 AM PST
Welcome to Day 9 in our Clutter-Free Challenge.
Before jumping in to the last day of dealing with paper clutter, I want to share a thought.
I’ve spent a lot of time this past week reading your comments and emails, and have loved your words of encouragement to each other. For some who shared a tough situation, those kind words mean more than all my tips put together. Thank you for being vulnerable, for reaching out and showing Christ’s love. Ministry is happening right here on this blog.
Today was we wrap up paper clutter, I’m going to share some tips for some of the papers that sit in a pretty basket somewhere in your home until they overflow. Then you go find another basket and fill that up too. Or perhaps you’ve got little slips of paper taped on the fridge and sticky notes spread around and you have no idea where to put that information. And if you have children … well … enough said.
Special cards, papers and letters
If you’re like me, you love to hold on to birthday cards you’ve received, a love note from your spouse or a drawing from a child. Those items hold precious memories for me, such as the self-portrait my eldest son did in kindergarten – it was a rainbow.
For notes and small drawings, I have another three-ring binder with acid-free plastic page protectors. I write the date on the back, slip it into a page protector and it’s done. (Yes, I like 3-ring binders)
For special cards and other mementos, I have a lovely memory box in my closet. For example, I date birthday cards and store them in gallon zip lock plastic bags. I do the same for my children, however, I add information about their birthday party, such as what we did, who attended and what gifts they received. These bags are stored in memory boxes in each child’s room.
Memory boxes
As your child grows, you’ll want to save mementos, figurines or special outfits. Purchase plastic storage boxes specifically for these items. As you remove items from your child’s room to place in the memory box, be sure to identify the significance (if it isn’t obvious) and wrap them securely in bubble wrap or clean wrapping paper. Photographs should be placed in acid-free envelopes. Store these boxes in a dry, cool place. If you have more than one child, clearly mark each box and each item to remove confusion in years to come.
Children’s school papers
With our first child we saved everything! Every handprint made into a turkey and coloring page is priceless. Unless you have lots of storage, this may get difficult as the years go on, and as you have more children. To keep your kids and you clutter-free, here are some tips that work for us.
1) Purchase a colored pocket folder for each child.
Every year we get welcome letters from the teacher, classroom rules, student lists and a school handbook. To keep that information handy, yet organized, I purchase an inexpensive colored pocket folder for each child. These folders lie flat in a kitchen drawer, ready for easy access.
2) Create another file for school items you want to save.
In our permanent file drawers each child also has their own hanging file. Because it’s not feasible to save everything, I have some criteria for what gets saved:
* Something that shows my child’s development at that age
* Papers with teacher notes of praise
* Papers that show an area of struggle (but not “failure”)
* Something that shows my child’s uniqueness, such as drawings, stories and poems.
3) At the end of the school year, purchase 9”x12” see-through expandable plastic envelopes from the office products store. Most school papers fit inside this envelope. Put your child’s school picture in the front, along with a piece of paper stating the school year. Store this envelope in a plastic storage box specifically for school papers.
4) To help out-of-state grandparents or other family members keep in touch with your child’s development, consider sending some of the school papers and drawings to them. To ease the process, keep a 9”x12” addressed envelope addressed at the ready, and mail once a month. Another tip is to write a letter on the back of the drawings, making it into a home-made card.
Phone numbers, addresses and passwords
Because I do most of my work on the computer, I use Outlook to store all kinds of information. I use the calendar for appointments and reminders of things like friend’s birthdays, due dates for bills, and when to call for an annual appointment. I schedule many things as recurring monthly or annually so I only enter them once, and I color code special dates like birthdays and speaking events. I’m thankful to have a smart phone and sync those calendars.
In addition to Outlook, I also have a Rolodex address box. That’s the kind with the removable cards. I use this for business cards and contacts that just don’t work well in Outlook. For example, I have one card for our kid’s college accounts and I have each child’s account number and password listed on the same card. I also keep low risk passwords in this file.
I feel like I’ve just dipped my toes in the pool of paper clutter. I’m sure there are many things I haven’t addressed, like homeschooling, scrapbooking supplies and photos. But I want to move on to other areas of the home since we only have six days left on this challenge to enjoy less clutter in our minds, schedules and homes. Thank you for joining me on this journey.
Grace & Peace,
Glynnis
Heavenly Father, I praise You for your unchanging nature, for Your goodness and for Your faithfulness. Thank You for loving me in spite of my many weak areas, and for seeing my potential when I don’t see it myself. Help me to see that my clutter and disorganization don’t define me. My value is found in my position in Christ and what He did on my behalf. Thank You! In Jesus name, Amen.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Clutter Free - Day 8 - What to Keep!
Congratulations to "Ben"- with your comment on July 10th @ 2:37 pm. for being our 1st Clutter Free Challenge giveaway winner!
Clutter-Free Day 8 – What to keep - by Glynnis Whitwer
Posted: 18 Jan 2012 12:00 AM PST
Welcome to Day 8 in our Clutter-Free Challenge. Today we are going to continue to deal with paper clutter. If you have paper under control, I hope you’ll consider sharing some of your tips in the comments on my blog. You can do that by clicking on the title of this email.
Yesterday, I shared my practice of sorting papers into similar stacks. This helps me break down an overwhelming project into smaller pieces. My overloaded brain needs that! Now, I want to share some tips for managing paper that we need to keep, and identifying paper we don’t need to keep. I know some people are striving for a paperless file system, but that’s just not realistic for everything. And so I’ll be presenting ideas for what to do with a hard copy of paper and an electronic copy.
A filing system is critical for keeping your home and office free of paper clutter. Filing cabinets don’t have to be clunky gray metal. They can be lovely pieces of furniture. Purchase one larger than you think you need, and solid enough to not break when full.
Then, invest in a combination of hanging files for categories, and individual files for specific items. The key is to buy enough so you don’t feel stingy with them. Then, create file folders for papers you need to keep. If you are just starting to file, I suggest you label your files in pencil in case you want to make changes as you go along.
How you create categories and individual files is completely up to you. It just needs to make sense … to you. Where will you go looking for your auto insurance documents? In the “Auto” category or “Insurance” category? Where will you look for health records for your puppy? In the “Pets” category or “Health” category? Don’t try to work against the way you think … work with it.
Regarding saving documents electronically. This is a practice I started last year for certain documents. One of them being bank statements. My bank only makes monthly statements available in my account for 18 months. However, I need to keep them for seven years for tax purposes. So, I download a PDF of my statement each month and save it on my computer. Some people scan documents and save them. This works for papers that don’t need to be originals.
If you want to eliminate paper statements, create a folder in your documents for “Statements.” Then, create subfolders for each account you maintain (bank, investments, credit cards). Then create another subfolder for each year, and store statements by month within the appropriate year.
But what if my computer crashes? you ask. Good question. For years, my husband and I backed up our computers to an external hard drive once a month … when we remembered. That was until we learned about Carbonite.com. Now we pay an annual fee (well worth it) for a remote back up that works constantly. So in case my computer dies, I’ve got all my work, photos and more (within a few hours of when saved) backed up safely. And I can access it remotely.
If you want to reduce the paper you need to file, this is an awesome way to safeguard electronic files. To learn more about the options for online backup, here’s an article on PCMag.com reviewing different options.
For the rest of this post, I’m going to address some common items of paper and how long they should be saved – whether paper copies, scanned copies or PDF statements. Please note, these recommendations do NOT apply to a business. And they may not apply to unique situations. I used IRS.gov for some information and my accountant for the rest. If in doubt, please check with your own accountant.
Tax Returns (and supporting documents, including bank statements): Keep for seven years.
Initial investment records: Keep until you withdraw the money entirely, as these will be needed for tax reporting.
Receipts for purchases If you purchased the item with a credit card, save the receipt until it has shown up correctly on the statement. Once you have been correctly billed, shred the receipt, unless:
1. you need it for the warranty or service agreement.
2. it’s an item of value. Then either keep the receipt or record the purchase price in a ledger book in case you need it for an insurance claim.
3. it was for a gift, or item that might be returned. Save it until you are certain the item won’t be returned.
Investments/Banking/Retirement Statements: Keep the quarterly statements until you receive the year-end statement. Keep year-end statements with tax documents.
Paycheck Stubs: Keep for a year until you get your year-end W-2. If everything is correct, shred the paycheck stubs
Medical Records: Save for seven years with tax documents. However, it seems I’m occasionally wanting to remember when something happened and have had to go back through past year’s documents. But what I should have done years ago is keep track of illnesses, surgeries and procedures in a record-keeping book of some kind. If this idea appeals to you, look for record-keeping journals, or just buy a few smaller spiral notebooks.
Home Records: Keep all purchase and sale documents. Keep all home improvement expenses and those related to selling your house. When you sell your house, you’ll want these documents for tax purposes.
Automobile Expenses: Keep all purchase documents and major repair receipts in case you sell the car. You’ll want to pass these along to the new owner.
Permanent Storage: There are always documents you want to store in a secure fire-proof location. This list can change based on your individual situation. But experts generally agree on the following:
* Birth certificates
* Will
* Marriage certificate
* Adoption certificate
* Passports
* Social security card
If you can believe it, we are halfway through our Clutter-Free Challenge. I know this is a lot of work. But I can promise you that once you make the effort to create a good filing system, maintaining it is a fraction of the work.
Please join me tomorrow when I wrap up the section on paper clutter with some tips on miscellaneous items.
Grace & Peace,
Glynnis
Heavenly Father, I’m starting to feel overwhelmed again. You know how many times I’ve tried to get control over the paper in my life and have given up. Help me to break this problem down into manageable pieces and show me what to do first. With Your help, I can bring de-clutter and bring order to the paper in my office and home. In Jesus name, Amen.
Please remember this Clutter Free Challenge was posted by Glynnis earlier in the year. Any reference to the January dates of the challenge, and her book or gift card giveaways, etc. no longer apply.
Of course you are always welcome to subscribe to Glynnis' blog.
You can find her at www.glynniswhitwer.com
Clutter-Free Day 8 – What to keep - by Glynnis Whitwer
Posted: 18 Jan 2012 12:00 AM PST
Welcome to Day 8 in our Clutter-Free Challenge. Today we are going to continue to deal with paper clutter. If you have paper under control, I hope you’ll consider sharing some of your tips in the comments on my blog. You can do that by clicking on the title of this email.
Yesterday, I shared my practice of sorting papers into similar stacks. This helps me break down an overwhelming project into smaller pieces. My overloaded brain needs that! Now, I want to share some tips for managing paper that we need to keep, and identifying paper we don’t need to keep. I know some people are striving for a paperless file system, but that’s just not realistic for everything. And so I’ll be presenting ideas for what to do with a hard copy of paper and an electronic copy.
A filing system is critical for keeping your home and office free of paper clutter. Filing cabinets don’t have to be clunky gray metal. They can be lovely pieces of furniture. Purchase one larger than you think you need, and solid enough to not break when full.
Then, invest in a combination of hanging files for categories, and individual files for specific items. The key is to buy enough so you don’t feel stingy with them. Then, create file folders for papers you need to keep. If you are just starting to file, I suggest you label your files in pencil in case you want to make changes as you go along.
How you create categories and individual files is completely up to you. It just needs to make sense … to you. Where will you go looking for your auto insurance documents? In the “Auto” category or “Insurance” category? Where will you look for health records for your puppy? In the “Pets” category or “Health” category? Don’t try to work against the way you think … work with it.
Regarding saving documents electronically. This is a practice I started last year for certain documents. One of them being bank statements. My bank only makes monthly statements available in my account for 18 months. However, I need to keep them for seven years for tax purposes. So, I download a PDF of my statement each month and save it on my computer. Some people scan documents and save them. This works for papers that don’t need to be originals.
If you want to eliminate paper statements, create a folder in your documents for “Statements.” Then, create subfolders for each account you maintain (bank, investments, credit cards). Then create another subfolder for each year, and store statements by month within the appropriate year.
But what if my computer crashes? you ask. Good question. For years, my husband and I backed up our computers to an external hard drive once a month … when we remembered. That was until we learned about Carbonite.com. Now we pay an annual fee (well worth it) for a remote back up that works constantly. So in case my computer dies, I’ve got all my work, photos and more (within a few hours of when saved) backed up safely. And I can access it remotely.
If you want to reduce the paper you need to file, this is an awesome way to safeguard electronic files. To learn more about the options for online backup, here’s an article on PCMag.com reviewing different options.
For the rest of this post, I’m going to address some common items of paper and how long they should be saved – whether paper copies, scanned copies or PDF statements. Please note, these recommendations do NOT apply to a business. And they may not apply to unique situations. I used IRS.gov for some information and my accountant for the rest. If in doubt, please check with your own accountant.
Tax Returns (and supporting documents, including bank statements): Keep for seven years.
Initial investment records: Keep until you withdraw the money entirely, as these will be needed for tax reporting.
Receipts for purchases If you purchased the item with a credit card, save the receipt until it has shown up correctly on the statement. Once you have been correctly billed, shred the receipt, unless:
1. you need it for the warranty or service agreement.
2. it’s an item of value. Then either keep the receipt or record the purchase price in a ledger book in case you need it for an insurance claim.
3. it was for a gift, or item that might be returned. Save it until you are certain the item won’t be returned.
Investments/Banking/Retirement Statements: Keep the quarterly statements until you receive the year-end statement. Keep year-end statements with tax documents.
Paycheck Stubs: Keep for a year until you get your year-end W-2. If everything is correct, shred the paycheck stubs
Medical Records: Save for seven years with tax documents. However, it seems I’m occasionally wanting to remember when something happened and have had to go back through past year’s documents. But what I should have done years ago is keep track of illnesses, surgeries and procedures in a record-keeping book of some kind. If this idea appeals to you, look for record-keeping journals, or just buy a few smaller spiral notebooks.
Home Records: Keep all purchase and sale documents. Keep all home improvement expenses and those related to selling your house. When you sell your house, you’ll want these documents for tax purposes.
Automobile Expenses: Keep all purchase documents and major repair receipts in case you sell the car. You’ll want to pass these along to the new owner.
Permanent Storage: There are always documents you want to store in a secure fire-proof location. This list can change based on your individual situation. But experts generally agree on the following:
* Birth certificates
* Will
* Marriage certificate
* Adoption certificate
* Passports
* Social security card
If you can believe it, we are halfway through our Clutter-Free Challenge. I know this is a lot of work. But I can promise you that once you make the effort to create a good filing system, maintaining it is a fraction of the work.
Please join me tomorrow when I wrap up the section on paper clutter with some tips on miscellaneous items.
Grace & Peace,
Glynnis
Heavenly Father, I’m starting to feel overwhelmed again. You know how many times I’ve tried to get control over the paper in my life and have given up. Help me to break this problem down into manageable pieces and show me what to do first. With Your help, I can bring de-clutter and bring order to the paper in my office and home. In Jesus name, Amen.
Please remember this Clutter Free Challenge was posted by Glynnis earlier in the year. Any reference to the January dates of the challenge, and her book or gift card giveaways, etc. no longer apply.
Of course you are always welcome to subscribe to Glynnis' blog.
You can find her at www.glynniswhitwer.com
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Day 7 - Clutter Free - Devotional and project management planner example
Hi Ladies!
Yesterday you read a great post from Glynnis sharing how to organize your ideas and thoughts in one place. So today I wanted to share about my project management planner and how it has literally changed my life! I have tried many different calendars and planners throughout the years but this one definitely beats them all.
Here is a picture of the various components of my planner. Since I run a company along with a household I decided to keep several different calendars to keep my sanity. Lol!
So I have:
* one calendar designated for plans, activities, and school lessons, etc. all linked to my daughter Symphony
* one calendar linked to our overall family plans, household bills, important events and dates, etc.
* one calendar related to my company - upcoming orders, events, shows, etc.
* a page showing our meals for a week at a time (I have a 3 week rotation.)
* and finally a neat little journal I bought that keeps track of upcoming birthdays, anniversaries, etc. It even has a pocket for each month to hold all of the cards I buy up in advance 4 times a year for these special celebrations. I love...love...love how it's all in one place!
In my project management binder I have a pocket in the front for inspiring pictures and quotes I love - that I tear out of magazines and read from various books. At the end of the month I file these away in my "Creative Idea" folders. This is something I started in January and I'm excited how I can easliy go back now and find exactly what I am looking for - within a minute or two.
I have the main "TO DO" list at the front of my binder and usually organize it a week at a time. I simply take all of my info from my various calendars and get it onto my "TO DO" list. I am one of those people who LOVES to cross things off of her list after completion. Are you? I guess I just love to celebrate the feeling of accomplishment.
I have the MASTER list at the front of my binder that Glynnis speaks of and then my tabs are:
Projects
Prayer Requests and Answers!!
Meals
Ideas - for brainstorming
Gifts - (I normally try to buy up all of the b-day gifts, we need 4 times throughout the year. I also plan ahead in buying for Christmas too, but I will talk in detail about that in a few weeks. My mom, Irene, is simply amazing when it comes to gift buying, AND being frugal. She is going to guest post on my blog in August with all sorts of helpful ideas for you!!)
A Year From Now... a place for goals and things I want to accomplish, a timeline, and how I need to break them down into smaller chunks to make them a reality!
I also use Pinterest as a source of inspiration and my pin boards really help to organize things I am planning to create. I have run across many women lately who have never been on Pinterest before. If you haven't ...I want to encourage you to check it out. Having your own bulliten boards and the ability to pin and store your ideas is very liberating for the mind. Go to pinterest.com to see what all the fuss is about!
I definitely agree having my thoughts and committments all written down in one central location has really freed my mind and allows me more time for creative thinking. I used to feel like I was in a constant state of overload and panic trying to juggle all of my responsibilites and hardly slept at all. Now things are very different for me and I owe it to my sweet friend Glynnis and her genius organizing abilities!
Today's GIVEAWAY!!!!
I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas regarding your own project management planner. Leave a comment about what you are already doing or plan to do and a winner will be randomly selected on Wed (7/11).
Here's the prize:
A gray plastic coupon organizer, a Mary Engelbreit journal, clear push pins, Mead pagemarker paper clips, Scotch page sticky organizers, Mary Engelbreit sticky notes and sticky tabs
Thanks!
Brandy
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Please remember this Clutter Free Challenge was posted by Glynnis earlier in the year. Any reference to the January dates of the challenge, and her book or gift card giveaways, etc. no longer apply.
Of course you are always welcome to subscribe to Glynnis' blog.
You can find her at www.glynniswhitwer.com
Two-for-one: Clutter Day 7 & She Stands Alone Devotion
Posted: 17 Jan 2012 12:00 AM PST
Today I have the pleasure of welcoming two groups to my blog. The first is my faithful group of new friends who are de-cluttering their lives through my 15-Day Clutter-Free Challenge. We are on day 7 and we are going to take a look at paper clutter. I’m also welcoming Encouragement for Today devotions readers who read “She Stands Alone” today. Finally, I’m also announcing the winner of Karen Ehman’s book “The Complete Guide to Getting and Staying Organized” and Target gift card. It’s a busy day, but I’m going to do my best for you. If you are just here for my comments on “She Stands Alone,” feel free to jump to the end of the post.
First a winner of Karen’s giveaway package. Based on a random selection method, Michelle posting a comment January 13, 2012 at 2:38 p.m. is our winner. Michelle, send me an email at editor@proverbs31.org with your mailing address.
CLUTTER-FREE DAY 7
Next, I’ll address our paper clutter. One would think given the digital age we live in, managing paper wouldn’t be a problem. But it is! Organizing stacks and piles, papers and files is an ongoing challenge for women. Especially those of us who grew up pre-computers.
Years ago I saved anything I thought might be handy in the future. Especially information on paper. I saved every bill, receipt and magazine. For years! My approach was filled with “just in case” and “what if” thoughts. Because maybe, just maybe, I might someday need to know how many times we changed the oil in our vehicle. Ahem. (probably not)
It took years before I realized the paper I was trying to manage, was really managing me. I was over-cautious, overly sentimental, and much too optimistic. Plus, sometimes I just didn’t know what to do with all that paper, so I postponed making a decision. And the piles grew.
Maybe your reasons for amassing paper are different. But whatever the reasons, too much paper affects our productivity, creativity and causes underlying anxiety from the visual clutter. So today we’ll start addressing the paper-based items in our homes. Remember, we aren’t going to focus too much on organizing, just de-cluttering. Although I’ll throw in a few of my favorite tips here and there – I can’t help myself.
I’m dividing this topic into three days due to the amount of different types of paper we all have. Today I’ll talk about what to do with informational content like books, magazines, brochures, and the like. Tomorrow I’ll address the types of paper we tend to file, like bills, receipts and reports. Finally we’ll talk about miscellaneous things like children’s schoolwork, artwork and phone numbers on little pieces of paper.
Before we get started, I want to remind you of something. As I go through the next steps, please know I don’t expect you to do all this in one day. This could take weeks. My hope is that by breaking down the tasks, you can work on de-cluttering your paper as you have time.
Okay – enough introduction. Whenever I start trying to de-clutter paper items, it helps to have some supplies handy. With paper, a recycling bin is critical. So get something big enough or you’ll be frustrated fast. You might also want to get some plastic tubs or boxes to carry things out of the house.
Once I’ve got my supplies handy, the second step is to sort items into similar groups. Pick one area of your space to tackle. This might be a kitchen counter, your desk or the table by your bed. I don’t recommend trying to address your entire house at once. But if you are up for the challenge, pick a room.
Then, sort all the paper into like stacks. For instance, books in one stack, bills in another and bank statements in another. You could have five, 10 or 20 stacks depending on the variety of papers you have. As you do this, put paper you know you don’t need (old newspapers, envelopes, etc) in the recycling bin. Do not recycle anything with your name, address or account number. Tear off that section of paper, and shred it. Then recycle the rest.
If you are overwhelmed with paper, this approach may not work for you. You may want to just pick one item to sort at a time. This will keep this process simple and focused. Maybe you are only going to gather bills right now and that’s okay. Do what works for YOU!
Once you have like items together, you can start de-cluttering. That might start with putting things where they belong or throwing damaged items away. I think you’ll have great ideas now that you’ve broken down the problem. But in case you need some help, here are some tips for what to do with a few common items:
Books – Books were made to be read. If you have extras, please share them with someone else.
* Donate to local library
* Sell used books on Amazon to make some money
* Sell at a used-book store
* Host a used-book sale at church to raise money for a mission project
* Donate children’s books to a homeless shelter or school
Magazines – Do I really need years of Victoria Magazine? Really?
* Donate to local elementary school for art projects
* Clip things you want to save like recipes, decorating tips or craft projects and put in an “idea notebook. I use a three-ring binder with plastic page protectors. Then donate the rest to a school.
* My library accepts donated magazines and sells them. Check with yours.
* Take them to your next family or friends get-together and give them away.
Brochures/Menus/Ideas
I created a “Family Fun Book” to keep track of papers I wanted to keep, but didn’t want to file. Using a three-ring binder with page protectors and tabbed inserts, I keep things like takeout menus, brochures, ideas for family activities, movies to see and more all in one handy place.
I know this is just a small portion of what causes paper clutter, but I hope the idea of sorting first makes this more manageable. When I take the time to sort, it’s so much easier to make decisions. Plus, I see how much I really have. Tomorrow I’ll address more types of paper, including what you really need to keep and how long.
Heavenly Father, some days it feels like I’m drowning in paper. I have so much anxiety of how to manage it and what I need to keep. Help me to take this one step at a time. I want to be a good steward of my time, energy and space and I know that means addressing the paper in my life. Help me release my grip on things that others could use. In Jesus name, Amen.
Finally …
SHE STANDS ALONE
In my devotion today, I shared about a bold woman I saw standing firm for what she believe God called her to do. I can still see her little figure standing there holding a Bible, her head lowered.
Her devotion to her beliefs challenged me to look at myself and my commitment to stand for what God has called me to do. No matter how hard it gets. No matter how much I question myself. In my devotion, I promised to share a personal challenge. I hope that by doing so, you’ll be encouraged in your own hard place.
Six and a half years ago, my husband and I heard God clearly call us to adopt. We already had three biological children, but we knew God wanted us to care for orphans. And it shocked us when God told us our daughters were waiting for us in Liberia, Africa. This hadn’t even been on our radar screen.
But we obeyed and brought two little sisters in our hearts and homes. It didn’t take long to realize our daughters had suffered greatly from their upbringing in a war zone. We knew they would need tender care, but the depth of their cognitive and emotional damage was challenging – especially since they each have unique issues.
There have been many times in the past six and a half years when I have felt like I was drowning in their complex needs. I have felt unqualified to help them overcome the hurt and scars of their past. And my husband and I underestimated the cost we would pay to care for these precious children. Let’s just say that no one is lining up to make a movie about our great success story … at least not yet.
In spite of the daily, often painful, challenges we face, nothing else in my life has driven me to my Heavenly Father like this calling. My utter helplessness to heal their brokenness has made me dependent on God like never before. And we are learning the power of the name of Jesus to still the storms like we never did in the calm.
Years ago a friend shared this quote with me: Don’t doubt in the dark what you know to be true in the light.
This is what I know in the light:
* We were hand-picked to parent our daughters.
* God knew their brokenness.
* God knew our limitations.
* He never planned for us to do this alone.
Are you facing a mountain that seems too big to climb? You were never meant to climb it alone. But you are meant to climb it. Will you join me in putting one foot of obedience in front of the other? Will you join me in asking for God’s help when we feel too weak to take another step? He is faithful. And I can testify that you will experience the reality of God like you never have before when you turn to Him for help.
Thank you for joining me today. And if you want to join me on this clutter-free challenge, please sign up to receive my blog updates by email or RSS feed. You can read last week’s posts by clicking on “Clutter Free” in the categories.
Grace & Peace,
Glynnis
Yesterday you read a great post from Glynnis sharing how to organize your ideas and thoughts in one place. So today I wanted to share about my project management planner and how it has literally changed my life! I have tried many different calendars and planners throughout the years but this one definitely beats them all.
So I have:
* one calendar designated for plans, activities, and school lessons, etc. all linked to my daughter Symphony
* one calendar linked to our overall family plans, household bills, important events and dates, etc.
* one calendar related to my company - upcoming orders, events, shows, etc.
* a page showing our meals for a week at a time (I have a 3 week rotation.)
* and finally a neat little journal I bought that keeps track of upcoming birthdays, anniversaries, etc. It even has a pocket for each month to hold all of the cards I buy up in advance 4 times a year for these special celebrations. I love...love...love how it's all in one place!
In my project management binder I have a pocket in the front for inspiring pictures and quotes I love - that I tear out of magazines and read from various books. At the end of the month I file these away in my "Creative Idea" folders. This is something I started in January and I'm excited how I can easliy go back now and find exactly what I am looking for - within a minute or two.
I have the main "TO DO" list at the front of my binder and usually organize it a week at a time. I simply take all of my info from my various calendars and get it onto my "TO DO" list. I am one of those people who LOVES to cross things off of her list after completion. Are you? I guess I just love to celebrate the feeling of accomplishment.
I have the MASTER list at the front of my binder that Glynnis speaks of and then my tabs are:
Projects
Prayer Requests and Answers!!
Meals
Ideas - for brainstorming
Gifts - (I normally try to buy up all of the b-day gifts, we need 4 times throughout the year. I also plan ahead in buying for Christmas too, but I will talk in detail about that in a few weeks. My mom, Irene, is simply amazing when it comes to gift buying, AND being frugal. She is going to guest post on my blog in August with all sorts of helpful ideas for you!!)
A Year From Now... a place for goals and things I want to accomplish, a timeline, and how I need to break them down into smaller chunks to make them a reality!
I also use Pinterest as a source of inspiration and my pin boards really help to organize things I am planning to create. I have run across many women lately who have never been on Pinterest before. If you haven't ...I want to encourage you to check it out. Having your own bulliten boards and the ability to pin and store your ideas is very liberating for the mind. Go to pinterest.com to see what all the fuss is about!
I definitely agree having my thoughts and committments all written down in one central location has really freed my mind and allows me more time for creative thinking. I used to feel like I was in a constant state of overload and panic trying to juggle all of my responsibilites and hardly slept at all. Now things are very different for me and I owe it to my sweet friend Glynnis and her genius organizing abilities!
Today's GIVEAWAY!!!!
I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas regarding your own project management planner. Leave a comment about what you are already doing or plan to do and a winner will be randomly selected on Wed (7/11).
Here's the prize:
A gray plastic coupon organizer, a Mary Engelbreit journal, clear push pins, Mead pagemarker paper clips, Scotch page sticky organizers, Mary Engelbreit sticky notes and sticky tabs
Thanks!
Brandy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please remember this Clutter Free Challenge was posted by Glynnis earlier in the year. Any reference to the January dates of the challenge, and her book or gift card giveaways, etc. no longer apply.
Of course you are always welcome to subscribe to Glynnis' blog.
You can find her at www.glynniswhitwer.com
Two-for-one: Clutter Day 7 & She Stands Alone Devotion
Posted: 17 Jan 2012 12:00 AM PST
Today I have the pleasure of welcoming two groups to my blog. The first is my faithful group of new friends who are de-cluttering their lives through my 15-Day Clutter-Free Challenge. We are on day 7 and we are going to take a look at paper clutter. I’m also welcoming Encouragement for Today devotions readers who read “She Stands Alone” today. Finally, I’m also announcing the winner of Karen Ehman’s book “The Complete Guide to Getting and Staying Organized” and Target gift card. It’s a busy day, but I’m going to do my best for you. If you are just here for my comments on “She Stands Alone,” feel free to jump to the end of the post.
First a winner of Karen’s giveaway package. Based on a random selection method, Michelle posting a comment January 13, 2012 at 2:38 p.m. is our winner. Michelle, send me an email at editor@proverbs31.org with your mailing address.
CLUTTER-FREE DAY 7
Next, I’ll address our paper clutter. One would think given the digital age we live in, managing paper wouldn’t be a problem. But it is! Organizing stacks and piles, papers and files is an ongoing challenge for women. Especially those of us who grew up pre-computers.
Years ago I saved anything I thought might be handy in the future. Especially information on paper. I saved every bill, receipt and magazine. For years! My approach was filled with “just in case” and “what if” thoughts. Because maybe, just maybe, I might someday need to know how many times we changed the oil in our vehicle. Ahem. (probably not)
It took years before I realized the paper I was trying to manage, was really managing me. I was over-cautious, overly sentimental, and much too optimistic. Plus, sometimes I just didn’t know what to do with all that paper, so I postponed making a decision. And the piles grew.
Maybe your reasons for amassing paper are different. But whatever the reasons, too much paper affects our productivity, creativity and causes underlying anxiety from the visual clutter. So today we’ll start addressing the paper-based items in our homes. Remember, we aren’t going to focus too much on organizing, just de-cluttering. Although I’ll throw in a few of my favorite tips here and there – I can’t help myself.
I’m dividing this topic into three days due to the amount of different types of paper we all have. Today I’ll talk about what to do with informational content like books, magazines, brochures, and the like. Tomorrow I’ll address the types of paper we tend to file, like bills, receipts and reports. Finally we’ll talk about miscellaneous things like children’s schoolwork, artwork and phone numbers on little pieces of paper.
Before we get started, I want to remind you of something. As I go through the next steps, please know I don’t expect you to do all this in one day. This could take weeks. My hope is that by breaking down the tasks, you can work on de-cluttering your paper as you have time.
Okay – enough introduction. Whenever I start trying to de-clutter paper items, it helps to have some supplies handy. With paper, a recycling bin is critical. So get something big enough or you’ll be frustrated fast. You might also want to get some plastic tubs or boxes to carry things out of the house.
Once I’ve got my supplies handy, the second step is to sort items into similar groups. Pick one area of your space to tackle. This might be a kitchen counter, your desk or the table by your bed. I don’t recommend trying to address your entire house at once. But if you are up for the challenge, pick a room.
Then, sort all the paper into like stacks. For instance, books in one stack, bills in another and bank statements in another. You could have five, 10 or 20 stacks depending on the variety of papers you have. As you do this, put paper you know you don’t need (old newspapers, envelopes, etc) in the recycling bin. Do not recycle anything with your name, address or account number. Tear off that section of paper, and shred it. Then recycle the rest.
If you are overwhelmed with paper, this approach may not work for you. You may want to just pick one item to sort at a time. This will keep this process simple and focused. Maybe you are only going to gather bills right now and that’s okay. Do what works for YOU!
Once you have like items together, you can start de-cluttering. That might start with putting things where they belong or throwing damaged items away. I think you’ll have great ideas now that you’ve broken down the problem. But in case you need some help, here are some tips for what to do with a few common items:
Books – Books were made to be read. If you have extras, please share them with someone else.
* Donate to local library
* Sell used books on Amazon to make some money
* Sell at a used-book store
* Host a used-book sale at church to raise money for a mission project
* Donate children’s books to a homeless shelter or school
Magazines – Do I really need years of Victoria Magazine? Really?
* Donate to local elementary school for art projects
* Clip things you want to save like recipes, decorating tips or craft projects and put in an “idea notebook. I use a three-ring binder with plastic page protectors. Then donate the rest to a school.
* My library accepts donated magazines and sells them. Check with yours.
* Take them to your next family or friends get-together and give them away.
Brochures/Menus/Ideas
I created a “Family Fun Book” to keep track of papers I wanted to keep, but didn’t want to file. Using a three-ring binder with page protectors and tabbed inserts, I keep things like takeout menus, brochures, ideas for family activities, movies to see and more all in one handy place.
I know this is just a small portion of what causes paper clutter, but I hope the idea of sorting first makes this more manageable. When I take the time to sort, it’s so much easier to make decisions. Plus, I see how much I really have. Tomorrow I’ll address more types of paper, including what you really need to keep and how long.
Heavenly Father, some days it feels like I’m drowning in paper. I have so much anxiety of how to manage it and what I need to keep. Help me to take this one step at a time. I want to be a good steward of my time, energy and space and I know that means addressing the paper in my life. Help me release my grip on things that others could use. In Jesus name, Amen.
Finally …
SHE STANDS ALONE
In my devotion today, I shared about a bold woman I saw standing firm for what she believe God called her to do. I can still see her little figure standing there holding a Bible, her head lowered.
Her devotion to her beliefs challenged me to look at myself and my commitment to stand for what God has called me to do. No matter how hard it gets. No matter how much I question myself. In my devotion, I promised to share a personal challenge. I hope that by doing so, you’ll be encouraged in your own hard place.
Six and a half years ago, my husband and I heard God clearly call us to adopt. We already had three biological children, but we knew God wanted us to care for orphans. And it shocked us when God told us our daughters were waiting for us in Liberia, Africa. This hadn’t even been on our radar screen.
But we obeyed and brought two little sisters in our hearts and homes. It didn’t take long to realize our daughters had suffered greatly from their upbringing in a war zone. We knew they would need tender care, but the depth of their cognitive and emotional damage was challenging – especially since they each have unique issues.
There have been many times in the past six and a half years when I have felt like I was drowning in their complex needs. I have felt unqualified to help them overcome the hurt and scars of their past. And my husband and I underestimated the cost we would pay to care for these precious children. Let’s just say that no one is lining up to make a movie about our great success story … at least not yet.
In spite of the daily, often painful, challenges we face, nothing else in my life has driven me to my Heavenly Father like this calling. My utter helplessness to heal their brokenness has made me dependent on God like never before. And we are learning the power of the name of Jesus to still the storms like we never did in the calm.
Years ago a friend shared this quote with me: Don’t doubt in the dark what you know to be true in the light.
This is what I know in the light:
* We were hand-picked to parent our daughters.
* God knew their brokenness.
* God knew our limitations.
* He never planned for us to do this alone.
Are you facing a mountain that seems too big to climb? You were never meant to climb it alone. But you are meant to climb it. Will you join me in putting one foot of obedience in front of the other? Will you join me in asking for God’s help when we feel too weak to take another step? He is faithful. And I can testify that you will experience the reality of God like you never have before when you turn to Him for help.
Thank you for joining me today. And if you want to join me on this clutter-free challenge, please sign up to receive my blog updates by email or RSS feed. You can read last week’s posts by clicking on “Clutter Free” in the categories.
Grace & Peace,
Glynnis
Monday, July 9, 2012
Clutter Free - Day 6 - building your own project management planner
Welcome Ladies,
There are so many helpful and practical ideas coming your way this week, I can hardly wait to get started. Week 2 of Glynnis' Clutter Free Challenge is amazing. This is where we get into the "nuts and bolts" of what it means to be Clutter Free! I would love to hear about how you plan to use these time saving strategies to help you in your day to day life. Leave a comment this week sharing your thoughts and ideas of how to make these strategies work best for you.
Beginning tomorrow, I will share ways I have incorporated Glynnis' ideas/helpful hints myself with my #1 all time favorite being my Project Management Planner!!!
I can't wait to share about it. I finally found something that works perfectly for ME!
Blessings to you!
Brandy
Clutter-Free Day 6 – Creating a project management planner - by Glynnis Whitwer
Posted: 16 Jan 2012 01:00 AM PST
Welcome to Day 6 of the Clutter-Free Challenge.
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. It’s my hope and prayer that you feel lighter now that we’ve tapped into the wisdom of God, aligned our hearts with His through prayer, done a personal assessment of everything we have to do and started the editing process to trim down an overwhelming schedule.
Last week I promised we would do something with that list of tasks and responsibilities you’ve been creating, and that’s our focus today. I’m going to share an approach that has truly revolutionized how I organize my tasks and responsibilities.
For years I tried to manage all I had to do on one list. I tried to prioritize that to-do list using various methods, all without success. I had huge projects next to phone calls. It was just too much to put on one sheet of paper. It was like trying to squeeze my size 9 feet into cute little size 6 shoes. It wasn’t happening.
With one to-do list, I never had an accurate view of all my responsibilities because I instinctively knew certain things didn’t belong there And so I kept piling more on to an already overloaded schedule.
I bought planner after planner, hoping another professional system would help me organize my life. But I couldn’t customize them to my needs, and I ended up investing in a stack of expensive pretty binders. Project management seemed like the answer at one point, and I checked into specialized software – but that wasn’t what I needed.
Finally, inspired again by David’s Allen’s Getting Things Done philosophy, I created something to meet my needs. I made a project management notebook using a 3-ring binder. This book contains everything I need to do – now and in the future – my project list. And then I invested in an inexpensive spiral notebook for my to-do list. I’ve been using this system for about a year and it is perfect for me. Let me explain how it works.
In the front of my 3-ring binder I have a master list of projects. A project is anything that requires more than one step to complete. For me, that includes things like organizing the writer’s track at She Speaks, putting together the next issue of the P31 Woman or planning a fundraising night for my youngest son’s wrestling team. Those are just a few of the things on my radar right now.
Behind that, I have full sheets to keep notes for individual projects (included on the master project list) depending on their complexity. This notebook has evolved into a place to keep prayer requests, ideas for future devotions and blog posts, and lists of things I want to do in the future. Basically it keeps lists of things I don’t want to forget. All this is my Project Management Planner.
My to-do list, which is in a cute spiral notebook,
only includes the next task needed to move a project forward. And only what I can manage that day or week. These are one-step tasks I choose from the project list based on deadlines. For example, right now I need to email a publisher, follow up on an article by Lysa and Renee for April’s issue and email the wrestling coach to confirm the date for the fundraising night. These are on my to-do list for next week.
By only pulling tasks that I have to get done, my to-do list stays manageable. But I never forget what has to be done because it’s on the project list.
Then, once a month (or as needed) I update my master list of projects – crossing some off and adding others. Once a week (or as needed), I pull out my current project list notebook and create a to-do list.
Does this sound like it might help you? It’s affordable and it becomes a place to store all those little pieces of paper with scribbled on notes you’ve got cluttering up your fridge, desk and kitchen counter.
You might not need a binder. Maybe you just need that spiral notebook and can dedicate one page to your projects and the following pages to-do lists. Really it all depends on how much you have to do. The concept can be applied in many ways.
So in summary, here’s a step by step approach for you:
1) Get some fresh paper (or blank page on the computer if you insist) and start listing the major projects you’ve already identified and put on your master list. For you this might be put away Christmas decorations. Or organize 2011 taxes. These are your project titles.
2) Then list tasks relating to that project below the heading. You may not have all the tasks identified and that’s ok. But if you do, put them with this project. Then go to the next project.
Some things might not seem like a project, but they are similar enough to qualify for one. Let’s say you have lots of mending, and you listed 10 things that need to be mended. Make “Mending” your project heading and list your items under that. Or you might have lots of phone calls. Make “Phone Calls” your project and list who you need to call under that. You also might have one list for random one-step tasks that don’t have anything in common. All this comprises your Project List.
3) Once that’s done, pull 5-10 tasks to put on your to-do list for that day or week depending on the task and how much you can get done.
Using this system, you can add pages for anything you want to remember … books you want to read (or write) someday, places you want to visit, projects you want to tackle someday. This notebook becomes your “safe place” for all those notes you don’t want to forget. And it’s so personalized! If you are really creative (which I’m not) you can even decorate the cover.
I hope this idea is helpful. My friend Julie tried it for herself and here’s what she told me: “I’ve implemented your project notebook idea. … I absolutely love, love love it! It’s helping me stay focused and organized and keeps all my ideas in one place. It’s literally changed my life.”
Tomorrow we are going to tackle paper. So warn your stacks and piles … they won’t be there much longer. Until then …
Grace & Peace,
Glynnis
Heavenly Father, I start this new week in the Clutter-Free Challenge and offer it to You. Help this week to be about Your will and not mine. Help me to love like you love and to keep all this de-cluttering in perspective. I want to bring more order into my life, but for the right reasons. Help free me from clutter in order to be free to serve You. In Jesus name, Amen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please remember this Clutter Free Challenge was posted by Glynnis earlier in the year. Any reference to the January dates of the challenge, and her book or gift card giveaways, etc. no longer apply.
I will have some fun giveaways this week of my own...so be watching!
Of course you are always welcome to subscribe to Glynnis' blog.
You can find her at www.glynniswhitwer.com
There are so many helpful and practical ideas coming your way this week, I can hardly wait to get started. Week 2 of Glynnis' Clutter Free Challenge is amazing. This is where we get into the "nuts and bolts" of what it means to be Clutter Free! I would love to hear about how you plan to use these time saving strategies to help you in your day to day life. Leave a comment this week sharing your thoughts and ideas of how to make these strategies work best for you.
Beginning tomorrow, I will share ways I have incorporated Glynnis' ideas/helpful hints myself with my #1 all time favorite being my Project Management Planner!!!
I can't wait to share about it. I finally found something that works perfectly for ME!
Blessings to you!
Brandy
Clutter-Free Day 6 – Creating a project management planner - by Glynnis Whitwer
Posted: 16 Jan 2012 01:00 AM PST
Welcome to Day 6 of the Clutter-Free Challenge.
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. It’s my hope and prayer that you feel lighter now that we’ve tapped into the wisdom of God, aligned our hearts with His through prayer, done a personal assessment of everything we have to do and started the editing process to trim down an overwhelming schedule.
Last week I promised we would do something with that list of tasks and responsibilities you’ve been creating, and that’s our focus today. I’m going to share an approach that has truly revolutionized how I organize my tasks and responsibilities.
For years I tried to manage all I had to do on one list. I tried to prioritize that to-do list using various methods, all without success. I had huge projects next to phone calls. It was just too much to put on one sheet of paper. It was like trying to squeeze my size 9 feet into cute little size 6 shoes. It wasn’t happening.
With one to-do list, I never had an accurate view of all my responsibilities because I instinctively knew certain things didn’t belong there And so I kept piling more on to an already overloaded schedule.
I bought planner after planner, hoping another professional system would help me organize my life. But I couldn’t customize them to my needs, and I ended up investing in a stack of expensive pretty binders. Project management seemed like the answer at one point, and I checked into specialized software – but that wasn’t what I needed.
Finally, inspired again by David’s Allen’s Getting Things Done philosophy, I created something to meet my needs. I made a project management notebook using a 3-ring binder. This book contains everything I need to do – now and in the future – my project list. And then I invested in an inexpensive spiral notebook for my to-do list. I’ve been using this system for about a year and it is perfect for me. Let me explain how it works.In the front of my 3-ring binder I have a master list of projects. A project is anything that requires more than one step to complete. For me, that includes things like organizing the writer’s track at She Speaks, putting together the next issue of the P31 Woman or planning a fundraising night for my youngest son’s wrestling team. Those are just a few of the things on my radar right now.
Behind that, I have full sheets to keep notes for individual projects (included on the master project list) depending on their complexity. This notebook has evolved into a place to keep prayer requests, ideas for future devotions and blog posts, and lists of things I want to do in the future. Basically it keeps lists of things I don’t want to forget. All this is my Project Management Planner.
My to-do list, which is in a cute spiral notebook,
only includes the next task needed to move a project forward. And only what I can manage that day or week. These are one-step tasks I choose from the project list based on deadlines. For example, right now I need to email a publisher, follow up on an article by Lysa and Renee for April’s issue and email the wrestling coach to confirm the date for the fundraising night. These are on my to-do list for next week.By only pulling tasks that I have to get done, my to-do list stays manageable. But I never forget what has to be done because it’s on the project list.
Then, once a month (or as needed) I update my master list of projects – crossing some off and adding others. Once a week (or as needed), I pull out my current project list notebook and create a to-do list.
Does this sound like it might help you? It’s affordable and it becomes a place to store all those little pieces of paper with scribbled on notes you’ve got cluttering up your fridge, desk and kitchen counter.
You might not need a binder. Maybe you just need that spiral notebook and can dedicate one page to your projects and the following pages to-do lists. Really it all depends on how much you have to do. The concept can be applied in many ways.
So in summary, here’s a step by step approach for you:
1) Get some fresh paper (or blank page on the computer if you insist) and start listing the major projects you’ve already identified and put on your master list. For you this might be put away Christmas decorations. Or organize 2011 taxes. These are your project titles.
2) Then list tasks relating to that project below the heading. You may not have all the tasks identified and that’s ok. But if you do, put them with this project. Then go to the next project.
Some things might not seem like a project, but they are similar enough to qualify for one. Let’s say you have lots of mending, and you listed 10 things that need to be mended. Make “Mending” your project heading and list your items under that. Or you might have lots of phone calls. Make “Phone Calls” your project and list who you need to call under that. You also might have one list for random one-step tasks that don’t have anything in common. All this comprises your Project List.
3) Once that’s done, pull 5-10 tasks to put on your to-do list for that day or week depending on the task and how much you can get done.
Using this system, you can add pages for anything you want to remember … books you want to read (or write) someday, places you want to visit, projects you want to tackle someday. This notebook becomes your “safe place” for all those notes you don’t want to forget. And it’s so personalized! If you are really creative (which I’m not) you can even decorate the cover.
I hope this idea is helpful. My friend Julie tried it for herself and here’s what she told me: “I’ve implemented your project notebook idea. … I absolutely love, love love it! It’s helping me stay focused and organized and keeps all my ideas in one place. It’s literally changed my life.”
Tomorrow we are going to tackle paper. So warn your stacks and piles … they won’t be there much longer. Until then …
Grace & Peace,
Glynnis
Heavenly Father, I start this new week in the Clutter-Free Challenge and offer it to You. Help this week to be about Your will and not mine. Help me to love like you love and to keep all this de-cluttering in perspective. I want to bring more order into my life, but for the right reasons. Help free me from clutter in order to be free to serve You. In Jesus name, Amen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please remember this Clutter Free Challenge was posted by Glynnis earlier in the year. Any reference to the January dates of the challenge, and her book or gift card giveaways, etc. no longer apply.
I will have some fun giveaways this week of my own...so be watching!
Of course you are always welcome to subscribe to Glynnis' blog.
You can find her at www.glynniswhitwer.com
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