Showing posts with label Start Organizing today. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Start Organizing today. Show all posts

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Clutter and disorganization happen to us all....What are you going to do about it? and can it be prevented?

Although we would like to think knowledge makes us immune or protected from bad habits, that is not realistic.  Any break in the system or deviation from the plan can result in reduced performance or lower standard in our efforts to maintain order and efficiency.  Organization and Utilization are choices and require discipline and planning.  When the plans are not carried out as written and are not monitored, deviations allow the undesirable results, CLUTTER and DISORGANIZATION!!!

I am confessing, things have been crazy and my personal areas and plans have not been maintained or monitored and I discovered an unsettling result.. I am DISORGANIZED and I have stuff that is not being used, is in the way of storing the things I NEED and WANT to complete plans and projects in my master list, and the conflict is preventing me from accomplishing tasks and enjoying my space.

WHO DO I CALL?????   I NEED HELP!!!!  oh wait, I AM the Organizer!  so this was twice a traumatic, since I KNOW Better! and I teach others how to keep this from happening.  

First I dig out my list... WHAT,  WHEN, WHO,HOW, WHERE, and WHY ...

How I can quickly restore order to the chaos:

WHAT is wrong???  This is not put away and I can't get to my desk to do what I really want to do.  I went to look for an important phone number and it wasn't where it is supposed to be. WHEN did things get so out of order???  the last few weeks have been busy at work and I haven't been maintaining the plan and maintaining the space like I usually do, been working elsewhere and busy.. (NOTE TO SELF! Schedule "Personal time at the end of the day to Clean up the current day and Set up for the next day!)
 I got my to-do list out and it is several pages and I don't know where to start... I only have hours not days???  oh forget it I am going back to bed.. If something is found that was placed by someone else (WHO) call them and review the right place for the item, (etc., mending items do not belong in my office, they go under the sewing machine in the MENDING basket! and write me a note you need this done ASAP!)  as they move the item to the correct place, write down the task on your to-do list.

WAIT don't give up!!!  Just like we do with the kids when their rooms make you grab the phone to report a vandalism.  STOP!!!  Find something right!  There has to be a positive encouraging spot to start...  One pair of socks in the draw.. okay lets find the socks and put them in the drawer.. WHAT?? that is the only clean pair of socks in the room.. How did that happen??? oh, you didn't put your clothes in the hamper, instead they are under your bed.  Hmmm.. okay where is the hamper???  oh you needed somewhere to put the stuff out of your backpack last week so you could use it for the weekend...  okay, let's get the hamper cleaned out and get the dirty clothes picked up and in there and out to the washer.  Viola' the room looks like it belongs in your home again.. and miraculously clean clothes were found and the closet is utilized for the proper items, backpack has the books in it and things are being put in there place.

IT WORKS!!!  Now apply the same thing to your ADULT stuff, look at your office, or storage closet and see what is right??  What is there that should be somewhere else???  Move things out and put the right things in their place.. If you see a to-do, write it down but put the stuff where it needs to be stored until you have time to do the task or project. 

Viola'  things are right in your space and life again...

When you have things arranged and planned WRITE THEM DOWN, where things are stored... then it is easier for everyone that comes into the space to replace items in the right place.

Do you need help making a plan... figuring out the Schedule and Placement of items to be stored until they are used.  Space and time are not renewable, if you are using them for things that are not in line with your priorities and your action plan toward your goals then you are going to discover dissatisfaction and conflict.  You can't have order and organization if "everything does not have a place and is not in that specific place".  If you are storing items that have not and are not planned to be used, you are blocking progress and wasting a valuable resource; SPACE and your PROGRESS!.  Distractions must be managed and reduced to make you more efficient.

Call me!  Dot Wiggins, ~ Uniquely Dot,
Uniquely Organized and Utilized  on Facebook & Google +
http://uniquelyorganizedandutilized.com



Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Organizing and utilizing are processes and can be accomplished even in challenging situations IF you commit to doing something everyday!


I often get messages and calls asking, "How can I get organized when I am....
.(sick alot,
unable to lift stuff,
have SO MUCH clutter,
have health issues,
have ADD/ADHD and just can't stay focused,
and the all time defeated statement:  
              "No one else in my office or home will help and keep it organized???????????

All of these situations are challenges and obstacles to being organized but they cannot prevent it, unless you give up.

Perspective and expectations are the real threats to any plan or desire to accomplish a goal.

We see pictures all over the internet of these spaces and file systems that are streamlined and pretty and when our system or space doesn't look like that we feel unorganized.

Organization is more about the functionality of usage and storage.  Arrangement helps with the appearance of the system or space.  Having a few items makes it easier to look organized than if there are a lot of items.  More care is necessary to the planning and arranging of the storage when there is a lot of stuff to be used and stored but it is still possible. **(Cleanliness is a separate issue, if the space needs cleaning that is a health concern and is a basic task that has to be done first before other activities are done, if this is an issue time management needs to be looked at and cleaning needs to be put as the first thing, these services can be done but are separate and conditions apply, if needed mention that in your message).

DIVIDE and CONQUER are key elements of dealing with space and stuff.

Think about the activity, purpose and usage of the space being used.  Our magic key elements come into play here also, (Who, When, What, Why and How is the space used.)  Where does the particular activities take place is also important to consider.  Think about door swing, traffic pattern and electrical outlets.

If the printer has to be connected to the computer by a cable you must locate it within the range of the cord for the most efficient use.  Also if the electrical outlet is full and only has 1 socket available that is an issue since you have 2 items needing power.  If you have to move things to use them, that effects your efficiency and effectiveness of your work.  You are likely to get interrupted or distracted and unable to "clean up" the setup area and that is the beginning of clutter and disorganization.

Very simply the secret of organization is EVERYTHING has a place to be used and stored and is returned to the designed storage area when not in use.

It is that simple no matter what limitations and challenges you have, there is a way for you to be able to do what you need to (want to do), be efficient and purposefully productive with your items and space.  If you need more specific ideas to your situation send me a picture of your space, and give me some information about how you want it to work for you.  I will give you a suggestion.  OR schedule a 30 minute Consult and lets see what we can do together.

See the website "What We Do" tab for the photo gallery, for ideas of simple QUICK fixes to accomplish functionality & productivity.Click here to go to the website

Use the "Contact US" tab to send me a question or to ask for a consult either by appointment or via email.
Click here to go to the website tab

Looking forward to hearing from you and seeing your challenges! 
Remember "Where there is a WILL, there is a way!"
Dot Wiggins, Uniquely Organized and Utilized
919-219-2650

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Making Over our Business, Office and Website ~

Well as with any plan, marketing and business some re-evaluation and adjustments are necessary.  We launched Uniquely Organized and Utilized in August of this year (2012) however, I have been doing unique organizing and utilizing work forever and in many ways. 

I launched a Website to make things a little more "Professional" and to have an easier way to share documents, pictures and other files and being able to have everything in one place.  An overview of the website to help you navigate and find information:

The UniquelyOrganizedandUtilized.com is the greeting page for the website. The first tab at the top of the page "WHAT WE DOhttp://uniquelyorganizedandutilized.com/What_we_do.php   Explains some of the What and shows examples. There is a contact tab which is a form to send me an email.
 "BLOG POSTS" is this blog on the website so you can get all the information in one place. :)

As I get feedback and stat reports I try to use the information to make things clearer and more concise so that in 5 minutes you can see how I can be of use to you or someone you know.  I use a very simple model and try to make it simple but some are still asking the basic W' & H questions (WHY?? What, Where, When, Who and How).  Well, simply answered it is in order to live what I believe (order, purposeful arrangement and usage), anytime, onsite or at my house depending on the project and needs, I am the entire company most of the time.  I have some qualified and vetted friends and family that I refer people to, the person is a 1099 (independent contractor or a straight referral depending on what we arrange. How is proprietary and individualized to each client.  Basically, I listen, ask some questions, listen some more, make recommendations, type up an action plan and agreement, the client reviews it, makes suggestions of changes, if needed it is retyped and signed and the work begins.


To make it easier to understand, a little background concisely stated:

WHO: Dot Wiggins,
I have been Unique since birth!  I think different, learn different and play differently than most.  I enjoy doing as much as possible and it relaxes me to create and share things.  I have always been a helper/assistant.  I have "worked" since I was 16 and plan to work until I am ascending to heaven.  I have worked for/with and learned  from some interesting people.  I have an extensive work history and knowledge base.  I constantly update and research things of interest or needed resources or skills.

WHY: I created the Uniquely Organized and Utilized method by trial, tear and error to fulfill my own needs/goals.   I am a very passionate and MAJORLY sentimental person.  I use to have a memory recall that was stellar and because of health & other issues the memory is not quite what it use to be.  I am a tactical learner and supplement with visual to increase the likelihood I will recall the event efficiently and correctly.  My husband is VERY VERY O.C.D and despises "clutter" of any kind 3 or more people stress him out because they throw off the spacial balance of a space.  Think MONK!  and we have a son that is very smart, creative, easily distracted and takes after me (visual and needs to see things to remember to do them!) so you can see finding a way to organize, arrange and maintain order in our household took some thinking, creativity and UNIQUE measures.  Well not to much trouble if you have money and/or space.  Oh no that would make things too easy.  We have a small, strangely arranged house with little sensible storage and little to no discretionary budget.  We also had a lot of family treasurers and heirlooms that needed to be placed and/or used.   This was not my profession nor was it how I brought money into the household budget, I worked part-time mostly or full-time a few times when health would permit.

WHY State the Business: Trying to market myself for employment in new areas with the flexibility I needed I discovered that many of my skills and abilities were special and Uniquely helpful and not readily found at the price point and accessibility I can provide.  Tried to join some organization and ministries that offer these services and one awesome person looked at everything and made a life changing suggestion instead of rejecting me.  "You should start your own business, you have everything you need to work or yourself and she even connected me with the Community College to get some assistance.  Finally, someone was helping me, help myself and I could finally use all of my passion, resources, skills, and talents.

WHAT: I can do many things to help the client (the person that wants the service or works with the area/items) identify their goals/needs, develop a plan to achieve/meet them, find/gather the supplies and resources and skills needed, encourage and assist as needed to get the plan into action, then help them access and evaluate progress and make modifications as needed, and then plan, access and evaluate maintaining the progress.  See the "WHAT WE DO" tab on the website for some of the projects I have done, http://uniquelyorganizedandutilized.com/What_we_do.php

Specialize in finding the possibilities and adjustments when it seems as nothing will make a difference and the goals or needs are unattainable.  As long as they are committed and willing to work, I can assist them in finding the solution to THEIR situation.  Sometimes it is as simple as realizing natural boundaries or needs to change or gain additional knowledge, skills and/or resources.

A listening ear, an objective view of what is being thought, and a little encouragement and cooperation can be life changing!  It was for me and I want to help someone else enjoy the freedom and fulfillment of being able to access and achieve THEIR goals/needs/wants.  

HOW: I offer a free consultation (up to 30 minutes) to meet the client, listen to what they need/want and see if I can offer the services/products myself or if I can find them in my database of friends and associates.  I give a proposal and if the like what they SEE written out, we look for any details that need to adjusted and sign the agreement to proceed. If someone knows they want to start a project we can meet and get started as schedule permits.  (2hrs =$30.00 to give them the 1/2 consult and 1 1/2 hours of work time)  We will hand write the assessment and agreement.

If you have a need/goal/project/event or idea and want to discuss it and see what I can do.  Email me and I can send you a form to get some details and then call and schedule a meeting either at Online (Google meeting or Skype) my home, the space being organized, your home or office or a public restaurant, whichever is more convenient for you.

Dot Wiggins
Uniquely Organized and Utilized
Email Form/  http://uniquelyorganizedandutilized.com/Contact_Us_Widget_2.html

Please share with your friends, Refer someone and if they purchase services you get rewarded, and I have a reward program for Frequent Referrals & Frequent Purchases. 

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Holidays are Here!!! Order and Thoughtful Arrangement Will Make You Jolly!


December 1st! Did someone hear "Ready, Set, GO!
this month seems like it gets busier and more hectic every year and this year has more "challenges and joy steelers" than usual, however with Determination, planning and a little creativity this season can be just as enjoyable and memorable regardless of the budget, it can still have the special things, or new things that are special. 

Three simpl
e things can make decorating enjoyable and easy for everyone  to keep things in order.

 
 1) as you are beginning to decorate, get an empty box or laundry baskets work great! to place the "everyday" items that you are moving to make room for the Christmas or Holiday decorations.

2) Unpack the decorations, one box at a time... (if you haven't already made lists of what is contained in the box and which compartment it goes in (if they need a special placement) make it NOW, it will make repacking when you undecorate much faster and easier for whomever does it. Tape the list inside the lid or on a flap, also label the outside of the box (Tree decorations- Top or whatever is applicable). This set also helps when you take your decorations to another location! :)

3.) place the everyday items in the box for the decorations you just replace them with. This accomplishes two things... keeps the items safe and in a place that will not get in the way during the holidays, the boxes were full of the decorations and you have to store them somewhere, so 2 for 1 effort. Also when you undecorate you get the boxes out and you have all the stuff to put in place with one motion. Efficient use of space & time!

                                                             ~&~ Joy to All! ~~~~
 If you have a challenge or something that stumps you on how to organize (Order, arrangement) and/or Utilize (Usage/display) post or message me if you want to remain anonymous just state that are the end of your post and I will reply "Dear Anonymous" :) Looking forward to your questions...
Want help getting things done, call me, 919-219-2650 for an appointment or email me.. dotwigg@gmail.com

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

KITS or Keep It Together Somewhere... are very efficient and effective in protecting productivity.

KITS or Keep It Together Somewhere bags or boxes are so effective and efficient for activities, projects and survival.  These can be store bought or for most effective and money saving benefits they can be homemade or personalized.

Examples of popular KITS:

Exercise & Sports bags that have all the necessary items contained in a portable bag.
Sewing Kits containing needles, thread, buttons, scissors, etc...
Writing Kits containing paper, pens, stamps, etc.
Baking Kits containing flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa, sugar, etc.
Nail care Kits, containing nail clippers, emmoryboards,  base coat or clear nail polish, nail polish remover
Car Care Kits, containing flares, jumper cables, water, windshield wipe fluid, antifreeze, defrost spray, small bottle or gas can.

Tool boxes

Well you get the idea.  KITS contain necessary items in a portable container for easy use wherever the activity is needed.  Being able grab numerous items at one time, have everything necessary for the task and then be able to cleanup and return all the items to one place and put away quickly for the next use is a HUGE time saver and helps with time management and organizing work spaces.

I personally love and use kits to overcome some health issues and memory issues.  For some activities like First Aid, Writing business letters, and Packing in general I also include a packing list and instructions to use as reference or checklists to increase the efficiency and quality of my work.

Kits can be purchased already made and then, customized for you and your needs. Some kits like First Aid, are actually cheaper to purchase and then customize, whereas, others are better to create completely yourself.  For example, Office tasks like writing letters and cards will be more efficient if you created the kits yourself so you don't have to work with less than ideal items like letterhead, stationary or unwanted items.    Then when you start using them you will want to inventory the items and replace as needed so that the kit is always complete and ready for the task.  Getting the kit out to perform a task and discovering you need to refill or replace an item cuts into the time allotted for that task and can totally throw off a schedule and force an easily completed task into the uncompleted category which lowers your productivity and can jeopardize goals and the highly desired completed to-do list.


Do you need some KITS to help organize some of your necessary items for activities?  Call me this is another service I offer.  I can look at your task/activity make the list of items, gather the items and arrange them in a kit you will be effective and efficient using.

Use the contact form on the website, http://uniquelyorganizedandutilized.com to get more information or to schedule an appointment to get started.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Calendar Panic!! November 1st is upon us, and the holidays too!

 I was working on a few projects that needed some timing and a few appointments scheduled and got the shock of my life!!! Tomorrow is....
 November 1st.  

 Wow!!!  Mind started racing, heart pumping...Election Day, Veteran's Day, Festivals and shows, THANKSGIVING!!!, Black Friday & Saturday, CHRISTMAS Shopping, decorating, and Baking...

Time to take a break, update my progress sheets and make any notes necessary and put a few things away to get ready to pull out the Holiday plans and schedule. 




Are you ready for all the holiday happenings...????  Need to review and plot your activities in your schedule or do you need to make a schedule and form a plan.

Make a list of what you have to get done, anything already scheduled, a calendar and the phone!  CALL ME and let's figure out a plan and help you enjoy your holidays.  Remember the building blocks of organizing answer the questions What, Where, When, Who, Why, and How  and soon you will be ready for anything.

Need a hand in packing up things to make room for holiday decorations?
Need to get guest rooms cleaned up and ready?
Remember the College Kids will be home for the holidays, is their room ready?

Call today to schedule an appointment. ~~~~~~~~~~ 919-219-2650  see the contact form on the Website www.uniquelyorganizedandutilized.com and send me a message and I can email you a starter sheet to have ready for the consult.

Want to dig in and get started...  $30.00 for 2hrs.  We will do a quick 30 min consult to review the plan, sign the contract and away we go....Larger projects are easy too... We will prioritize the tasks and get a small one done and start something you can work on until I come back.  If schedule allows we can book 2-3 days at a time with a deposit.


Sunday, July 26, 2009

Customized organizing and closet planning

Space is a premium these days, are you getting the most out of yours? Do your closets and storage areas work for you? If not, do you wish they could? Well, they can and for minor investments too!!


Customized organization and closet planning is all about using what you have to maximize the efficiency and storage capacity. With some creativity, flexibility and some storage containers it is possible to improve efficiency and gain storage capacity.

Stacks of papers, books and binders, odd shaped items are space takers and efficiency obsticles. But, placing these items in standard shaped containers can improve their function and allow for better planned placement.

Want to see what a Planned closet of your stuff could be, but do not want to commit to changing? Call me and schedule an appointment for a trial shelf makeover. I will bring the containers and place your stuff in a planned organized system and let you try it out for a day for $10.00. If you choose to keep the system then that is applied to the cost of continuing the rest of the area. If you choose to not keep the system I will remove the containers and return your stuff to your regular organization system or your shelf will be better organized. We can work on one shelf at a time or at whatever pace you like.

Sterillite containers offer great value and a wide variety of a cohesive style that can easily be expanded and adjusted as needs change. These containers also allow for efficient portability of items in an organized manner and easy return to the proper place. I can provide the containers at a savings by ordering in bulk and we can purchase just the right container for the contents. Show offs are great for items like craft materials, files, projects, ect.. they can be portable carrying cases when needed and then return to the shelf or closet for long term storage.

Call me or email for an appointment and lets begin organizing and improving your space today.

Monday, June 30, 2008

You are unique so your organization should be also.

We all have a method to our madness. There is a reason why you like things the way you do. That is part of who you are. If you like, cluttered, unorganized, unhealthy areas of your home, well I will pray for you and we can meet at my house. However, if you are just terrified of losing your prized collections of magazines you want to read, pictures, notebooks, photo albums, scrapbook materials, cropped pictures, and whatever else you hold near and dear and do not know where to begin then I can help.

I am the self-proclaimed queen of (managed) clutter. However, you would never know it unless you stop by unannounced and I am in the middle of working on a project. I am very good at finding a way to compromise orderliness with being able to have my treasures available and have creative ways to display them. My husband will admit to being the local version of "Monk", the Extreme Obsessional Compulsive organizer. His ideal room is symmetrically balanced, avoid of any clutter whatsoever (no knickknacks, books etc.) I am a very sentimental, visual and symbolic person. I love to see my treasures, pictures of family members and special event mementoes often. IMy house is full due to a fear of getting rid of something and then needing it. After many disagreements with my husband, I decided to find a way we could both be happy.

I tried having other people help me organize my home, but that was always awkward and painful to have my treasures devalued and removed from the home. Therefore, I decided to work on a personal solution. I came up with my "technical organizing" method. I utilized my computer skills and devices and was able to accomplish my goal, a house my husband was happy with and an organized storage of my treasures that kept them usable and handy. Eventually, you will get rid of some things but this makes the stress and loss much easier and you can start immediately!


If you want to see how this could work for you give me a call or email me.