This is my desk at the moment. There are piles of papers and things that need to be done. Our dining table (as I mentioned in our seating configuration post) also has piles of things on it, and there is a big box full of more, on one of the chairs. The box is the result of a recent hidey-up (I love this term from Christie at Childhood 101!) and needs to be sorted. There are a few more piles in the kitchen. The rest isn’t too bad!
So, I have to change a few things. It’s time to get realistic and work out some strategies, because the strategy of piling-the-things-on-my-desk-so-that-they’re-under-my-nose-and-will-get-done isn’t working! They’re just getting buried.
Here are some things I’m trying!
1. Be realistic about my To Do List
I really struggle with this one, and then get disappointed every night because it was a crazy list to start with! I want to spend time with my boys, not telling them constantly that I’ll be with them in 5minutes. At the same time I don’t want them to feel cluttered by my clutter!
2. Visit The Organised Housewife more often!
Kat’s site is full of amazing tips, and there are photos and videos to make them easy to put in to action. She has several posts on Organising the Home Office with such valuable advice – like taking the little bit of extra time to put something in the right place, rather than dumping it for later, and creating clutter.
3. Have a place for everything
This leads on from the last one. In the areas of the house where I have taken the time to organise things, like in the pantry. There is a place for everthing. So it’s easy to put things away in their box or basket. I just need to do that on my desk now!
4. Use a good diary or calendar system
I was sent a Personal Planner and you can win one here! I have a calendar on the fridge and use my Outlook one, and the one on my phone. This planner is so gorgeous, that I plan to have it with me everywhere I go, so I can be super-organised!
You can design your own cover (so of course a photo of Wombat Will and Bilby Ben from our ShellBells photoshoot is on it!), choose your colours, text and design for the covers, elastic and inlays, and best of all, you can choose the layout of the pages when you order. You can have space for the weather, your task list, ideas….you choose! They come in different sizes too. I love the fact that unlike a diary, you choose the start month and year. You can create your own notebook on their site too!
You can choose what to use the back pages for too. One of the options is colouring pages! Will thinks this is the bees knees! There are all sorts of different pictures to keep him occupied when I’m on the go. The picture on the right is the superfun packaging that it comes in. You’ll want to hug the postman!
To win one, just leave me a fabulous organising tip comment, OR how much you’d like to win one of these oh-so-fabulous planners, and the lovely people at Personal Planner will pick the winner.
Here are some tips from when I asked for help on the Mm is for me Facebook Page:
Tammy: Label everything, use clear storage containers and A4 ziplock bags from Officeworks for instruction manuals.
Sam: Sort and categorise everything so it’s easy to find. Use a filing cabinet.
Chris from Creata Learning Direct: Check out 33 days to tidy challenge from Cooker and a Looker‘s blog.
Bec from Gay Forth and Multiply: labelled stackable trays you can sort papers into, scanning documents to a USB to reduce paper;
Annie from Glasshouse Designs: Shelves in the garage; (Mum’s done this too. It works a treat!)
Janine from Crafty Cooks South Suffolk: If you’re not expecting anymore babes – get rid of the outgrown clothes and toys asap. You could even make a bit of money on them if you take them to a second hand shop. Keep a list of things that you need close to hand. I keep our grocery list on our microwave with a pen attached. If you haven’t used it in a year – you probably won’t need to keep it (besides things like Xmas decs!).
Lorelle: Use Pinterest, Planning With Kids, and Kidspot for inspiration
So…I am now armed with all of these tools, I just have to get it all done! So keep a look out for the ‘after’ photos!
Good luck for the giveaway! The prize value is AU$45 – which allows you to choose any of the sizes for your planner. It is open to Australian and overseas entries! YAY! You have until Sunday 29th July to get your entries in! I can’t wait to read them.
Ash x
Disclaimer: I received a personal planner to review for this post.
PS Can you see how tidy Bren’s side of the desk is?!
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