Stress Management: Session Eight – Organisation Tips

Hint

Make sure that you have a place for everything. Cubbies near the door labelled with each family member’s name are a good start. As well, take time each day to put clutter away.

In the long term, clean out the garage and closets every six months and donate unneeded items to charity. Throw out broken items and recycle old electronics.

Hint

First, decide on a main repository for each type of file. For paper files, this might be a filing drawer in your desk or a filing cabinet. For electronic files, we recommend keeping all files in an easy-to-access location like My Documents, the Documents library, or a folder right on the C drive. Then, set up folders and sub-folders for both your paper and electronic files. Folders should be named according to a client, project, or task.

Keep naming consistent in both electronic and paper systems. Examples:

• If you are a marketing consultant, you would have folders for each client you work with.
• If you are a writer, you would have a folder for each book that you are working on.
• If you are an administrative assistant, you might have folders for the various managers you support, with folders inside each manager’s folder.
• At home, you might have folders for each person, banking, warranties, house information, etc.

Hint

Think about what it will cost you to perform the unpleasant task. Half an hour of your time? Money on new storage items? Some patience? Then, think about the benefits. Regardless of the cost, you’ll feel a sense of satisfaction at getting an unpleasant task off your to-do list.

Another trick is to split big projects into small parts and make them more enjoyable. Perhaps playing lively music will help motivate you to clean. Or promise yourself a treat after each small part of the task is complete.

Finally, projects are always more fun when you do them with others. Try involving your family in that garage cleaning project!

Hint

Here are a few tips to help with pets and kids.

• Having a schedule for pets and kids can make everyday tasks a lot easier!
• Use other parents as a resource.
• Host alternating play dates to give each parent a break. Or, have one family take children to sports practices or to school while another family picks the children up.

Hint

Always plan for the next day the night before. This means laying out clothes, ensuring homework is completed, packing backpacks and briefcases, and ensuring transport money is ready.

Have an information centre in a convenient location. It might be the nook off the kitchen or the closet in the entryway. Put a bulletin board here, a calendar, pen and paper, and a basket for each family member.