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Trying to cram in as much as you can…

April 13, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Art, Art & Design, Inspiration & Education, Productivity, Wellness & Mindset Leave a Comment

We all have more ideas, hobbies, dreams and wishes than we may realistically ever be able to achieve. Though if your like me your trying to cram in as much as you can! In the past week I’ve taken some time off of work to do something I always love to do at this time of year, garden and garden related volunteering (I’m a Master Gardener!). 

I value the freedom and flexibility of owning my own business so that I can shift gears when I need to and escape to pursue a passion or hobby that may not be related to Organizing or even my Art! But we creative’s can be very tempted by bright shiny objects, new ideas, new materials, the latest gadgets and tools…and they don’t necessarily help us execute our creative ideas in a more fulfilling way.

Sometimes, more is just a big distraction and excuse to not get to work on our own making and art.

I am totally guilty of this as my brand new sewing machine sits in my studio barely used and a warp is on my loom, only barely begun with a new weaving project. There are also times when stepping away from what we work on daily to “Take a Beauty Break” (as my friend Lisa would say), is a great way to reset the soul and give us clarity and focus again!

I’m not suggesting that we should not ‘invest’ in new tools and materials when we need them but as any gardener, quilter or knitter knows, sometimes you have to use up the stash before buying more!

Casting our ideas and creative focus in too many directions can leave us scattered.

Having too many creative pursuits, ideas and materials around us can be a distraction. A tip I often suggest is to pack up one or more different materials (supplies) and put them away for awhile (a few months or longer). Allow yourself to focus on one or two burning creative ideas! If your a writer, you can collect thoughts for future writings into a “NEXT” folder (the suggestion of a great PR person I recently met). If you find that you are not called back to these supplies, then donate them, sell them or give them to a friend. They may be just the inspiration someone else needs to set their ideas on fire!

cram in as much as you can

By setting some of our ideas and creative pursuits aside, we make space to focus on what we really want to be creating. We distill our creative energy to be  more potent and concentrated. Have you ever had to say no to some of your creative ideas for awhile in order to focus on your current creative direction?

Organizing using the 5S Methodology

March 28, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Organize, Paper management, Productivity, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources 1 Comment

Long before the Kondo Method came along…the Japanese were using the 5 S Methodology

Learn how it can help you Get Organized! It’s so simple it’s brilliant!

The 5 S Methodology

This post was originally published Oct 19, 2011. I recently learned about a fascinating methodology used in Japan for organizing the workplace. I found this long before the currently popular Kondo Technique and books came along. Perhaps she had read and learned something of this technique too! I have a love of most things Japanese and this methodology is one I feel could be effectively implemented by many business’s or individuals even though it’s primary application seems to be in the manufacturing sector (Toyota and Canon are examples of Japanese companies that have implemented this system).

I tend to better remember systems that employ a simple name mnemonic‘s. I think the Japanese agree!

The 5 S Methodology works by sorting, straightening, systematic cleaning, standardizing and sustaining.

  • Seiri or Sorting

  • Seiton or Straightening (setting in order / stabilize)

  • Seiso or Systematic cleaning

  • Seiketsu or Standardizing

  • Shitsuke or Sustaining (sustaining the discipline or self-discipline)

It’s so simple it’s brilliant!

The main objectives in the 5S methodology include improve productivity and quality.

Another benefit is that this system encourages each person to take ownership of every item and their surroundings.

This is where personal creative participation should be encouraged (whether it be getting the children involved or the employees!)  Health and safety improvements can be included as additional benefits.  As with all systematic changes that individuals or companies may choose to adopt, they must be clearly understood by all and there should be clear goals associated with the implementation of such a system for it to be effective.  If you would like to learn more about this methodology check out

If you’d like to learn more about this methodology check out Wikipedia to start with.  From there you can find many other informative articles related to “lean principles“.

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DIY Device Cleanup

January 31, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Digital Organizing, Organize, Productivity, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

DIY Device Cleanup

DIY Device CleanupDIY Device Cleanup doesn’t have to be a challenge but you can’t just ignore and hang onto everything digital forever! I’ve recently had conversations with friends, fellow organizers, and clients about cleaning off old electronic devices in order to recycle/donate or resell them.  This is something I am constantly addressing because people are intimidated or don’t know how to clear off their data.  Privacy is a critical issue to most of us these days and I’m not saying what anyone should or shouldn’t do.  Let me preface by saying that decisions about our privacy are very personal and so each of us has to make a decision based upon your personal level of comfort.

[Read more…]

Get organized in 2017 with these 9 Posts of 2016

January 27, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Organize, Productivity, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources Leave a Comment

As we close out the first month of 2017 I wanted to give you a quick review of some of the favorite posts of 2016.

It’s always helpful to review where you have been and close the door as you step into new directions!

2016 Artist Studio Round Up

Creative Posts

  • I consider every one of my artist interviews a Favorite so if you want to find them all in one spot check out this post.
  • Learn how to create a Capsule wardrobe for yourself or your kids.
  • The Three C’s of Getting Organized.

Capsule Wardrobe

Productivity Posts

  • Check out these great Apps for business and personal Productivity.
  • Essential Documents everyone needs to have and be able to locate.
  • The Art of List making.

 

Organized Home (& Car) Posts

  • Helping Family members downsize with ease.
  • Maintaining order when saving sentimental items.
  • On the Go-On the Go-Car Organizing.

I’m looking forward to sharing lots of great new organizing posts, ideas and tips this year! This isn’t all there was but this list highlights some of the most helpful and favorite posts from the past year. Is there a subject you would like to see me cover this year? Leave me a comment below and I’ll do my best to cover it in an upcoming post!

Here’s to your most organized year ever!

Creative Filing Systems

January 19, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Digital Organizing, Organize, Paper management, Productivity, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources Leave a Comment

Is your filing system in total chaos?

These creative filing systems may be just what you need to transform your paperwork (and digital files)!

Creative filing systems

“Filed Away” by Allison Koch (Charleston, SC- Installed at Artfields, 2016)

You’ve identified your filing mistakes, you’ve whittled down your paperwork to keep only what you need and your ready to set up your new creative filing system. Not every filing system has to be the same. Use your creativity to create a system that you’re more likely to maintain. If your files are digital rather than paper, many of these ideas will still work!

Creative Filing SystemGet a handle on volume! How much paperwork do you need to keep versus toss?

Do you have just the essentials or a whole cabinet full of paperwork? The first step is to find storage to suit your style and space needs. There are tons of beautiful and creative filing cabinets, boxes and more to choose from. Here’s my latest roundup.

In the organizing industry, we refer to “filers” and “pilers”.

If your not into a re-purposed or disguised file cabinet and are looking for something different, a binder filing system might be right for you. Some people can’t stand filing papers!

Someone who tends to “pile” papers might be more suited to a binder system. nstead of a drawers you use a series of binders. I’ve created lots of these systems, some color-coded (by  pereson or category), others with all the same color and labels.

Creative Filing SystemBroad filing categories should be broken down further by accounts, dates or sub-categories.

  • For example, “Investments 2016” might include several brokerage accounts.
  • Determine the volume you have for each category (this post might be helpful) and what you need to keep before purchasing and setting up your system.
  • Three-hole punch the paperwork individually or use clear sheet protectors to keep papers in place.
  • Use binders for visual things you reference but don’t need as often.
  • It’s a great system to use for files that need to be transported frequently or referenced by many! I recently learned about the Trio (3 in 1) Organizer by Samsill (while attending NAPO Conference) and love the idea of a binder and loose accordion pockets all in one. There are 7 sections which you could use as a modified “tickler” system (more below).  It’s a new product and I really like it, just wish it was a hardcover instead of the more flimsy plastic outer.

Have you ever heard of the tickler system? You’ve probably seen in use somewhere (& I don’t mean in the bedroom…;).

  • The original and most well-known is the 43-folders system includes 31 numbered “day” folders and 12 folders for the months of the year. This system is based on getting things done on time or at least on target.
  • A great system for someone working with projects, on deadlines or managing productivity and finances more tightly.
  • Simplified versions use 4 folders, one for each week of the month-use to keep on top of tasks that need to “get done”.
  • This system doesn’t really work for “archive” or files that need to be kept but not handled but it’s a great productivity system!
  • Think of it as a daily (weekly or monthly) “inbox” for all your to-do items.
  • As more and more of us get away from handling “paperwork” you might want to consider setting up a “digital tickler” system for your inbox. More can be found about the tickler system at Life Hack.

I can’t do a post on Creative filing systems without mentioning color coding!

Colors might be by category, person, project, date or any classification to help you to quickly identify what you’re looking for. I like to ask what colors people use to identify with each category. For example, if your home is yellow, you might use yellow folders for anything related to household. Likewise, financial papers might be in green folders or binders. You get the idea if your visual, color matters!

Creative Filing System“We are all primarily visual, color is first, symbols second, numbers are third… and words last.” Graphic Design USA

Using file indexes is another great creative tip that I don’t see a lot of people using these to their advantage. Indexes can be for either folders or binders and can include color coding, categories, sub-categories and more. It’s helpful to have an index with binders or file drawers (in the front). Keep a backup index with your essential documents so that you have a record of everything in case you ever need to recreate what you lost. I hope these creative ideas help you tackle your filing with renewed enthusiasm!

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