"Get Organized, Dinglecheese!"

[Gemini Cricket]

That's my new manta anyway. I'm so unorganized.

I have a little black book for all of my phone numbers and addresses, my cellphone has some, too... I don't keep a calendar, although I should...

My desk at work is organized, but my home isn't.

Any suggestions on how to organize myself? Are there any online programs or something that could help me? What do you do? Are you an organized Felix or an Oscar like me? I know there are Felixes on this board. I know it.

I just saw Google Calendar... should I use it?

And please remember that I'm a Luddite. Me not good with technology, but I'll try...
:)

[Ghoulish Delight]

It's amazing what a pen can do. I am by no means Felix Unger, but there are two changes I've made that have helped immensely. 1) I acquired a very good pen to use at work, which has me writing down more and more stuff. All of my meeting notes are well organized, work results available. Simply because I take the time to write them down in a structured manner. 2) I've started carrying my man bag. Which, in the end, means I always have pen and paper anywhere I go. Being able to write something down at any time has made a huge difference. If you're anti-purse, just try to carry a pen and a small pad of paper.

They aren't magic bullets, but I've found the simple use of pens to be a good catalyst towards organization.

[MouseWife]

I am horrible with organization. I try but am usually overwhelmed.

Do you mean on a daily basis? I have used an appointment book but then would forget...

What helps this household is using white boards. We keep one for the work schedules and one on the fridge for daily reminders. We also have a big calendar that covers the whole year and put down important dates. Anyone can forget or be confused so it is good to have it down for everyone to see.

Yeah, this is for families but it it's all I got!

Oh, and to get rid of things right away that you don't want/need. It will give you clutter and ruin your organized situation.

I also love to keep a pen and paper handy. If I remember something, I write it down. Or, if I have a few moments I'll pull it out and start doodling and things will come out that I have forgotten.

Good luck!

[Snowflake]

Pen and paper, absolutely.

As fgor organizing my contacts, since I use outlook for email, I use outlook for contacts/birthdays/and important reminders.

I also print a couple of hard copies of my contact list/address book and keep one at the office and one in my desk at home, should the day come when the PC crashes or something and I can't access anything online.

I'm afraid I am an Oscar Madison at heart and am generally very disorganized (and a sloppy housekeeper) my desk is primarily covered with useless paper. I've gotten better at not accumulating loads of paper, but that has been a lifelong losing battle.

MG's suggestion of a white board is a good idea too. But to me, that would take valuable space off the wall for art...... so I do fridge magnets with pieces of paper and lists of all sorts.

[katiesue]

I had a plam pilot but never seemed to use it much. I'm better with a good ole calendar. I get the smaller ones with the hard covers. There's room in the back for notes, addresses etc.

I also went through my cell a while ago and wrote out all the numbers. Half of them I don't have anyplace else and if I were to loose or totally crash my phone I'd be doomed.

I use outlook for all my addresses, easy to print off lables for christmas cards etc.

[€uroMeinke]

One of the first rules is to use only one calendar - Technology is great in that you can sync various calendars, but if you have trouble keeping that up to date, you should check out Franklin Covey, or Filofax, and just keep hard copy. Get something small enough that's easy to carry with you, and just use that as your central calendar/to do list.

[Moonliner]

My favorite bit of advice was always "Only touch a piece of paper once". Whatever it is, get it taken care of the first time you handle it.
I use it as more of a guideline than an actual rule but it does seem to help.

[Gemini Cricket]

I like the idea of a man bag. Or a messenger bag or something. It gives me the excuse to shop. As does getting a small calendar, address book or organizer.

I tried the white board thing and didn't use it at all. I just ended up donating it to a grade school in Carmel.

At work, I'm mega-organized. But outside of work I can't seem to get my head straight. :shrug:

[tracilicious]

I'm so an Oscar. So no help here. I think the only hope for me is a maid. (Or better yet a hot butler. :evil: )

[Gemini Cricket]

(Or better yet a hot butler. :evil: )
Best idea yet! :D

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I'm going to reiterate what Chris said - one calendar only. I've taken to writing/typing everything 4 times at work and not only is it too much work, it means I have 4 incomplete points of reference. I have to pick a medium, but I'm not sure yet which.

Whatever you do, make sure to berate yourself into keeping it going, every single day. Get on it, dinglecheese!

[€uroMeinke]

There is also a theory that if you can do something consistantly for three weeks you can turn it into a new habit. So yeah press on with what you choose and see if it sticks.

[Not Afraid]

I HAVE to be organized withmy work. I got files, keys, appointments,meetings, deadlines, emails and contacts all to keep handy and well organized. My Entourage/MS Office calendar is my primary calendar and I sync it with a Dell Axim daily. I also duplicate my work emails on my Axim so I always have them as a reference.

As for files and keys, they all go into a portable file folder that I got a Target. It is BRIGHTLY colored, so I rarely loose it in other mess. I have one for clients and one for marketing. I always have them handy and they also include a pen, blank paper and the forms I need for clients. I rarely miss a beat, even when I am swamped, so it seems to work.

I also keep a running to do list that I update each morning so I know what I need to get done each day. This includes non-calendar things like grocery shopping oil changes, dry cleaners, etc. I then order these things into a "route" so Im not running all over town. Just the act or writing a small list helps me keep organized each day.

[katiesue]

Dinglecheese is my new favorite word.

[Gemini Cricket]

Dinglecheese is my new favorite word.
Everyone on the road with me as I drive is either a "dinglecheese" or a "fvckstick". :D The latter, btw, was used in "The Departed". It's good to know that I'm not the only one who uses that word.


I went through my basement last night to sort through some books and CDs. I decided to only take one box of books with me and no CDs. I will download the ones I love.

I also decided that I have too much stuff. Bleh.

I'm going to look for a good calendar during lunch today.

As for a good pen, I love my Pilot G2 O7 Gel pens. I don't have any fancy ones... I'm no Euromeinke. :)

I also acquired a messenger bag/computer case for my laptop. I'll find a man purse for my stuff soon.

[RStar]

That's a great start!

Getting rid of clutter is good, it' helps you find things faster.

As already mentioned, the key to getting organized is making new habits for what you need done. If finding a bill or piece of paper seems to be your problem, always do the same thing with it when it comes in. File it, place it in a stackable to be filed, or some other system. Pick a day to always do your filing, place it on your calander. BTW, I don't have an electronic calender (I would forget to look at it), but I do have two that I maintain pretty well. One at work facing me on the wall at my desk, and one in a central lokation by the main counter at home where everything comes in at (mail, everything I bring home and place there until I do something else with it, ect.)

I don't set things down in odd places. My keys, glasses, and wallet are always on my person, or on my dresser. Never anywhere else. This means I have never lost them (with the exception of resently when I leaned into a large box that I was putting one of my gift baskets into and my glasses fell out of my shirt pocket. I mailed them to Florida! But I realized it and emailed him. He found them and mailed them back!)

I also have to right things down. I use sticky notes placed in my wallet. I don't often carry a pen on me, but I have them all around at work, home, in my car, or someone with me usually has one.

I also carry a really small black book in my wallet that has loads of info besides addresses and phone numbers.

Good luck!

[MouseWife]

I have to say, this is GC's thread but I am picking up on things.

Hanging my head in shame but still picking up things.

I have been totally trying to do just that with my mail, RStar. It would work if I could stick to it.

I can't believe you sound so calm about your glasses situation! I would freak! But, yes, misplacing glasses is the worst! You can't see them to find them! And, if, ahem, your home is a bit cluttery, you will have a worse time.

GC, great idea about cd's. :snap: That is a new way of thinking for me but it is what I did on our recent road trip. I haven't uploaded all of my cd's {which the Hubster doesn't understand why and I may take some off but....} but I did get nice surprises from cd's I'd forgotten about.

Ugh. A system for paying bills on time? I try and it usually works...any tips?

[Not Afraid]

Ugh. A system for paying bills on time? I try and it usually works...any tips?

Set up scheduled E-pay from your bank.

[MouseWife]

That may be what I do. Hadn't even considered it previously because our old computer was so messed up but this one has a pretty good security program so maybe.

Thanks, NA. And by the way :snap: :snap: to your organizational skills!! But I think we all knew that from how you coordinate meets, etc. You shine. :cool:

[Not Afraid]

It's funny, but I'm VERY organized with work - or with any project that involves "outside" responsabilities. When it comes to my house, closet, car, etc., I'm a mess. I like things organized but I absolutely abhor cleaning and usually have to have a "responsability" to get be to do it (usually having guests).

[MouseWife]

That's funny you say that, NA, cause before we left on our trip, one thing I really wanted to do was to leave the house as clutter free and clean as possible so that the kids {dah, 21, 19 today and 23} couldn't use the clutter as an excuse to let it get worse. {I do pick up the clutter but I like so much of it: books, toys, cds, pictures, I keep them around}.

Anywho, so I was working on this and it was looking pretty nice. My son in law to someday be said 'Oh, are we having company?' :rolleyes:

But yes, the house looks great for parties, guests, etc. But we use it full on every day. Probably could consider it my big giant purse?

[RStar]

I can't believe you sound so calm about your glasses situation! I would freak! But, yes, misplacing glasses is the worst! You can't see them to find them! And, if, ahem, your home is a bit cluttery, you will have a worse time.Well, I am only slightly near-sighted and only need them for reading street signs from a distance, and watching TV or a movie. Other than that I don't wear them (which is why they were in my pocket rather than on my head). Plus I have a second pair, which on the same day.... BROKE! On of the arms just fell off. A screw gave out or something, and the springy thingy is long gone. Brand new (4 months) and now I need to send them in for repairs! But at least at home I could wear them to watch TV with just one arm.



Ugh. A system for paying bills on time? I try and it usually works...any tips?

Try this:

When a bill comes in, sit down and fill it out, write the check, and put the mailing date you want to send it in the spot for the stamp, and put them in my out going slot. I get paid on the 1st and the 15th, so I have bills set up to be due on the 5th and the 20th. So I pull the group out for the 15th at that time, put the stamps on the dated area, seal the envelope, and off they go. I'm salery so my checks are always the same, and I know my budget, so it's a matter of doing the work. By doing it as they come in you spread it out. I also have douplicate checks, and when I'm sending them out, I go to the doups and enter all the checks at that time.

[MouseWife]

Try this:

When a bill comes in, sit down and fill it out, write the check, and put the mailing date you want to send it in the spot for the stamp, and put them in my out going slot. I get paid on the 1st and the 15th, so I have bills set up to be due on the 5th and the 20th. So I pull the group out for the 15th at that time, put the stamps on the dated area, seal the envelope, and off they go. I'm salery so my checks are always the same, and I know my budget, so it's a matter of doing the work. By doing it as they come in you spread it out. I also have douplicate checks, and when I'm sending them out, I go to the doups and enter all the checks at that time.

That is a very good idea. I need to try this. I am so forgetful, I forget the dates. The Hubster is also salary so I also know how much we are getting but I think we need to work on the budget part....:blush:

I am pretty nearsighted then I guess because I put on my glasses when I wake up. I probably could manage without them but I am pretty klutzy so I worry I will break another toe...that hurt!

Thanks!

[RStar]

You're welcome, and yes, put on the glasses and don't break any more toes!!!

[MouseWife]

You're welcome, and yes, put on the glasses and don't break any more toes!!!

For sure!! It isn't so easy to wear some shoes anymore....I can't imagine what would happen if I broke another one! Yikes!

[tracilicious]

Anywho, so I was working on this and it was looking pretty nice. My son in law to someday be said 'Oh, are we having company?' :rolleyes:

Lol, my three year old see's me cleaning and says, "Who's coming mommmy?" Makes me feel real good! :p

[MouseWife]

Lol, my three year old see's me cleaning and says, "Who's coming mommmy?" Makes me feel real good! :p

Yeah, I am not sure how to take it. Part of me laughs and part of me wants to pop them upside the head.

[jdramj]

www.flylady.net

I love this website and they send reminder e-mails (ok a lot, but she says you can delete the ones that don't apply). She says some of the same basic things you guys have already mentioned. I do find that when I get behind, she gives out motivation that helps get me going again. One of her writers has some great dinner receipes too!

[Gemini Cricket]

I bought a cool address book today. I'm transferring info now. :)

[tracilicious]

Yeah, I am not sure how to take it. Part of me laughs and part of me wants to pop them upside the head.

Lol, I just feel sorry that he got stuck with such an unorganized Mommy! I was hoping that by the time he got to this age I'd be better. Le sigh...always hope for baby Jade I guess.

[MouseWife]

Lol, I just feel sorry that he got stuck with such an unorganized Mommy! I was hoping that by the time he got to this age I'd be better. Le sigh...always hope for baby Jade I guess.

Amazingly, my kids are pretty organized. The pre-teen, early teen years were not so tidy but then it was 'I don't want THAT in my room! Yuck! I want my room clean!'

I have to say, I still have a pre-teener and am at that 'I don't care what is on the floor/table/blinds...'.

good luck with the transferring, GC!