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Eliminate Chaos - Are 18,000 sheets of paper enough?
Paper. In my experience, it is the single most time-consuming 'thing' to organize. Whether it's at home or at your office - you need systems to manage the flow of paper and information that bombards you every day.
Not only time-consuming, paper is also a challenge to organize - because of the 'information' that is contained on the paper. In the end, it's all about being able to "retrieve" the information in a timely fashion, when you need it. If you've saved it, but you can't retrieve it, what good is the information to you?
Did you know that about 82% of paper we file is never referenced again? Did you know that you can fit 18,000 sheets of paper into a 4-drawer filing cabinet? Ouch! That is a lot of paper - especially if you never look at it again! Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating that you need to eliminate all of it, just think about what you are filing...before you file it away.
Here are a few things you may wish to consider when turning your piles into files:
1. Do I need this information any longer?
2. What purpose does this information serve?
3. If I lost this piece of paper, could I find the information someplace else?
4. Do I need to save this information for tax or legal purposes?
Obviously there are certain documents we must keep for legal or tax purposes - whether at home or at the office. Many reasons why people have so many piles of paper is because they have yet to make a "decision" about the information contained on the document and so it is "set-aside" for later or "just in case."
In a conversation I had with someone yesterday, we were commenting how much easier it is to "focus" on your current activities when your desk is not covered with paper and projects that ultimately cause distraction. Working in an environment where you are surrounded by paper or other forms of clutter - causes you to not be present and worry about other things that you've not yet completed.
Set aside 20-30 minutes a day to address the paper piles that have been nagging at you - until you have created a work environment that is less distracting. You'll be surprised at how much more focused you are and how much more you'll be able to accomplish. And remember, once you have gotten the paper under control - you need to ensure you plan enough time into your day or week to "maintain" those systems you've created....or the piles will quickly return.
© 2008 Eliminate Chaos, LLC
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Want to see your name in Laura's next book? E-mail us your best paper organizing tip.
Here is your opportunity to see your name in print!
I'm working on a follow up book to the best-selling Eliminate Chaos: The 10-Step Process to Organize Your Home & Life. I will have it completed by the end of this year and it will be in book stores by early 2010, if not before!
I want to know what your BEST paper organizing tip is that I can feature in my book and I want to give you credit for your brilliant ideas!
Here's what you need to do:
1. Send us an email to: book.tips@eliminatechaos.com that includes your best paper organizing tip.
2. In the subject line, enter: Paper Tip
3. Agree that Eliminate Chaos and the publisher of the book have the right to edit the content you submit, but know that your name will be given credit for the tip.
4. Submit your tip no later than October 20, 2008.
Thanks! I look forward to receiving your tip.
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Residential Organizing Special
We realize that living an organized lifestyle can often be a major investment in your quality of life. We also know that organizing is a "process," not an event. This process may require several sessions in order to complete a project or projects. In order to help you realize the many benefits of being organized, we are offering a special on our residential organizing services.
Choose from our three packages
Organizing Jump Start: Save 10% when you purchase a 12-hour package (2 6-hour sessions) - a savings of $102
Organizing Dream: Save 15% when you purchase a 24-hour package (4 6-hour sessions) - a savings of $306
Organizing Bliss: Save 25% when you purchase a 36-hour package (6 6-hour sessions) - a savings of $765
The Fine Print
Packages must be paid for in full, in advance prior to October 17, 2008. All hours must be used by November 21, 2008 - or they are forfeited. All sessions are a minimum of 6 hours. Special is for Residential services only and does not include home offices. All residential services are performed by our Employee Organizing Specialists, but do not include the services of Laura Leist.
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Home Office Organizing Special
Take Control of Your Life & Business.
Imagine....being able to retrieve information when you need it and knowing how to store and organize it when you're done.
Get your home office organized before the holidays and save 15%! Any home office organizing session you complete before November 21, 2008 is eligible for the savings.
Click here to download our home office brochure so you can see the variety of home office services we provide.
Call our office today at 425.670.2551 to get your home office organized.
The Fine Print
All home office services are performed by our Employee Organizing Specialists, but do not include the services of Laura Leist.
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Seattle Post Intelligencer Article - A game plan for the school year
If you missed my recent column in the Seattle Post Intelligencer, click here to download a copy to read about how you can come up with your own game plan for the school year.
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