Life is complicated enough.
I have found that people tend to make their schedules and tasks much more difficult than they have to be. While there are hundreds of things you can do to organize your life, I believe these seven tips alone can help.
1. Simplify your morning routine. Take a shower and select what you are going to wear the night before. Go for a more natural look and use less cosmetics to save time. Get an simple hairstyle that requires very little work and is easy to maintain. Set the breakfast table the night before. Wake up a little bit earlier so you can feed the kids, walk the dog and/or have a cup of coffee without the need to race to work.
2. Simplify your schedule. Stop doing the activities that you are no longer interested in doing. Delegate. Consolidate your errands to save time. Pad each errand, appointment or task by about 15 minutes and you will stop rushing from one thing to the next. Don't fill your calendar to the max. Leave some time open for fun and relaxation in between your work-related or chore-related tasks. Stop saying "yes" to everyone and everything. Learn to say "no" sometimes!
3. Simplify your processes. Is it taking too long to accomplish certain things? If so, take a look at those tasks. For example, if it's taking you an hour to balance your checkbook, you might want to consider using a computer software program to manage your money instead. Are you tired of waiting in line at the post office for postage? Consider ordering it online. If it's taking you forever to file your paperwork, perhaps it's time to revamp your filing system. It just might not be the best system for you.
4. Simplify your possessions. Remember, when it comes to possessions, quality is more important that quantity. It's better to have a few very nice things than tons of not-so-nice things. Do you have more shirts than will fit in your drawer or closet? Do you really need that many? Donate clothes you never wear and you'll be helping someone less fortunate while simplifying your wardrobe. Weed out your kitchen cupboards. Reduce the amount of plastic containers. Get rid of the small appliances or cooking utensils you no longer use. Have a yard sale. Before you go shopping, get rid of something you no longer need. Use the "one in, one out" rule. If your kids are off on their own, you may even want to simplify and downsize to a smaller house. Remember, less is more!
5. Simplify your finances. Consolidate your credit cards. Most people can get by just fine with just one or two major ones. And, don't spend beyond your means! In fact, if your credit card bills run very high each month, consider paying for purchases in cash instead. Pay your bills online whenever you can. Balance your checkbook each month, so you don't fall way behind. Set up a monthly spending budget and stick to it so you don't go overboard with purchases each month.
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Do you want an EASY way to budget your money? Are you tired of those complex systems that you can't maintain from month to month? If so, the U Can Do It Budgeting System is for you. You will be able to download this e-book onto your computer within minutes and be ready to create your own personal budget in less than one hour! Simply go to the Budgeting System tab right on this website and download it today!
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6. Simplify your cleaning. Clean as you go, and you'll never have to deep clean. Rinse dirty dishes and put them in the dishwasher immediately after each meal so you don't have big pile-ups in the sink. (Remind your family of this rule, as well.) Use only one or two cleaning products to clean your entire house--you don't need ten! Create a cleaning schedule. You may choose to do a chore each day, such as vacuuming on Mondays, dusting on Tuesdays, etc. Or, you may prefer choosing a room a day, such as kitchen on Mondays, bathrooms on Tuesdays, etc. Divide up the cleaning duties among each member of your household. If your budget will allow, get a cleaning person to come in and clean once a week, or once every few weeks.
7. Simplify your meal planning. Choose one day each week (include your family, if you'd like)to decide what you will have for dinner the next seven nights. Write those meals down and make a grocery list of the items you need to purchase to make match those meals.
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STAY TUNED - THE U CAN DO IT GROCERY SHOPPING LIST is being launched in September 2009!
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This is much easier than worrying about what you're going to make for dinner each day. Choose meals that take less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook. Make double, so you only have to cook every other night! Learn how to use a slow cooker so dinner is ready to eat when you get home from work.
Please keep in mind that with any plan, maintenance is the key. By utilizing these tips regularly, I guarantee you will have A BETTER SPACE.
If you need further assistance with this or any other organizational issue, please contact me at A BETTER SPACE. I will be more than happy to help.
Enjoy the last days of August!
