1. Don’t leave email sitting in your in box.
2. Admit multitasking is bad.
3. Do the most important thing first.
4. Check your email on a schedule.
5. Keep web site addresses organized.
6. Know when you work best.
7. Think about keystrokes.
8. Make it easy to get started.
9. Organize your to-do list every day.
10. Dare to be slow.

1.     Find a place for every item. 

2.      Play clutter cop. The better you are about keeping things out of your home, the less likely things will pile up inside. Take freebies. It's nice to get a T-shirt or coffee mug, but will you really use it? Enjoy it? If not, decline it. Or let's say you're a voracious reader.

3.     Do some detective work. Periodically scan your home for clutter hot spots, and spend some time figuring out why stuff accumulates there. Often, it's not what you think. Once you understand the problem, you'll find it easy to devise a solution. 

4.     Hold off on container shopping. Clutter victims often think the solution is to stock up on organizing products, so they head to the nearest superstore and stock up on bins and boxes. Big mistake. Shop for storage items only after you've done some de-cluttering -- to understand the scope of the problem, the specific cause, and an appropriate solution. 

5.     Dump duplicates. Why have two nonstick spatulas when one is enough? Why have six hairbrushes or 17 coffee mugs

6.     Beware nostalgia. If you're a doting parent, it's not easy to discard a child's creation, whether it's pastel drawings from the second grade or that cooler-sized medieval castle. But if you're serious about minimizing clutter, you must.  Take a picture of your child with the creation, and letting that be your keepsake.

7.     Weed out your wardrobe. Sort through your clothes, and your children's, at the end of each season. Does a particular garment no longer fit, or maybe it's uncomfortable? Toss it into a box. Then take the box to a favorite charity or a consignment store. And don't hold onto things because you think you might need them someday. One key to de-cluttering is getting rid of things, not simply rearranging them. Tidying up is not the same as organizing.

8.     Look for simple clutter control solutions. Often, there's an easy solution to even stubborn clutter problems. To add storage space in a crowded room, consider adding a shelf just below the ceiling. Overrun with CDs? Take them out of their jewel boxes and store them in a CD binder.

9.     Think home organization "kits." Buy some clear plastic shoebox-sized containers, and use them to create kits where you store all the items you need for a particular task. For instance, you could create a shoeshine kit, a bill-paying kit, a manicure kit, and so on. That way, you can easily find everything you need to accomplish everyday tasks.

10.Stick to a schedule. Some spaces, like kitchen counters, need daily de-cluttering. Others can be tackled weekly or monthly. When that time comes, be systematic. Take all the items in a defined area (a cabinet, a desk drawer), and spread them out so you can see what you're facing. If you're de-cluttering the drawer where you keep kitchen utensils, for example, spread them on the counter, and then sort into two piles: utensils you use regularly and those you don't use. Be patient -- effective de-cluttering takes time. "People tend to underestimate how much time it will take," says Leist. If it looks like a two-hour job, budget four. And don't get discouraged if de-cluttering takes longer than you think it should.

We found this information from WebMD.  They are a GREAT resource.   http://women.webmd.com/home-health-and-safety-9/10-ways-to-cut-clutter-in-your-home

I found this article on Mashable.com.  It had some good information so I thought I would share.  

Enjoy!!!


If you’re a to-do list beginner or just like keeping it simple, Astrid is a great way to get on the to-do train. The free web app comes with pre-set lists that are easy to click on and fill out.

Developing a task system is also easy. Just click the desired list and add items. Users can tweak each list to prioritize and repeat tasks. For the social to-do taskmasters, Astrid also provides a system for users to invite their friends and assign jobs. In turn, Astrid sends weekly completion updates, and the service even tosses a nice complement your way once you’ve finished your checklist.

The free version of Astrid offers the mobile and desktop apps synced through the cloud. For just $5 a month, users can upgrade to premium, which features voice backup, completion charts, and up to 1 GB worth of attachments. Whether free or paid, Astrid is a good entry point in the digital to-do world.

2. The Minimalist: Todoist


If your work style is more focused on getting things done without all the bells and whistles, then Todoist is the low-key tool for you. On the surface, Todoist doesn’t really look like much. Its minimal white platform can look a bit bare, if not daunting. But filling in Todoist is really easy, and offers some big features.

For example, Todoist has enough power to take on a nearly infinite task list, meaning that there’s no data ceiling to hit. Once a project is developed, it can be broken down into sub-projects and those can also be broken into sub-tasks. Each task can have a deadline, and projects can be color-coded for even more organization. Mired in tons of to-dos? Todoist also has a smart “overview” mode, which isolates pressing tasks across all projects and can show how a week will shake out.

Though it’s minimalist, Todoist has plenty of integration with other platforms. The free version of the program adds access from mobile devices as well as plugins on Chrome, Firefox, Gmail, Outlook and Thunderbird. But if you want calendar integration, be prepared to pony up $29 per year.

3. The Multitasker: Remember the Milk


One of the challenges of a to-do list is actually stopping whatever you’re doing and adding a task to the list when it comes up. Switching over to a browser tab or a separate application can discourage on-the-fly additions. If you’re that kind of person then it’s time to adopt Remember the Milk.

Remember the Milk’s free program operates like a standard to-do app. Through the service, users can set tasks, organize them into lists, and get reminders when something is due. But where Remember the Milk really separates itself is the many ways you can connect to it. With widgets and add-ons, you can add tasks to Remember the Milk through Gmail, a bookmarklet, and apps for iPhone, Android and the iPad. In fact, you can even send a task to Remember the Milk through Twitter or Siri. You can also receive reminders for your tasks through nearly any service, including RSS, text, and Skype.

If you’re keen on keeping a to-do list but you need to have multiple access points, then Remember the Milk is the simple and easy way to keep everything in order.

4. The Collaborator: Toodledo


Having a personal to-do list can be easy to keep, but what about managing a project list for a group of people or a family? A seamless platform for group tasks can be a challenge, but not with Toodledo.

Toodledo creates a “workspace” to organize projects and tasks, rather than just a simple list. Users are able to categorize tasks by importance level, edit already existing tasks, and create a customized “hot list” to keep track of pressing concerns. But collaboration is really where Toodledo stands out, enabling users to “invite” others to their workspace instead of sharing tasks or projects. The result is one collaborative space where a group can list all to-dos, rather than delegating among different spaces.

5. The Cloud Champion: Wunderlist


Love the cloud? Then you’ll love Wunderlist, a free to-do list service available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and all smartphones.

Users can develop their own lists through Wunderlist’s web application or a desktop app. Then, with a click of the sync button, Wunderlist automatically updates all lists across all devices that the app is also on. So, all tasks updated through your phone will be sent to your tablet and your computer with no hassle. Users can also share lists through the cloud, allowing friends to access tasks with an easy and secure URL.

If you’re constantly switching between different devices or spend a lot of time on the road, then Wunderlist will help you keep all of your tasks in order no matter where you are.

6. The Kitchen Sink: Workflowy


Perhaps a simple to-do list just doesn’t do it for you. If you’re the kind of person who fills notebooks and notebooks with ideas, projects, objectives and brainstorms, then you should get your hands on Workflowy.

Think of it as a long, continual outline. Users simply drop different sections in and then fill them with tasks, sub-tasks, and so on. Unlike other outline services, Workflowy enables users to collapse each list and focus on the task at hand. Every completed task can also be transferred into a permanent archive of action items and nothing will ever be lost.

Part task list, part brainstorm playground, Workflowy is perfect for those who love to write absolutely everything down.

 

http://mashable.com/2012/08/29/to-do-list-apps-mobile/

We found this checklist from Maria Garcia.  She has some great tips on getting organized in November!  Thanks Maria!!!

http://www.getorganizednow.com

____ Nov 1 Make it an outdoor fall clean-up day. Rake or

sweep any debris from trees, shrubs and garden plants off

of the lawn and/or walkways.

____ Nov 2 Prepare your boots, walking and/or hiking shoes

for winter use. Apply a conditioning polish and then treat

with a water repellant spray.

____ Nov 3 Organize and store your garden tools and

supplies. Be sure to clean tools before winter storage so

they are ready to use in the spring. Also, bring in hoses

from outside.

____ Nov 4 Today turn clocks back one hour to standard

time. Now you have an extra hour in the day to change the

batteries in your smoke alarms. Replace all smoke alarms

every 10 years or sooner if they are not working properly.

____ Nov 5 Today is a good day to take out of storage any

storm doors and windows. Clean them before installing.

____ Nov 6 Today is Election Day. Be sure to vote before

the day is done.

____ Nov 7 Clean your car before hard winter weather

arrives. Take out all trash and remove clutter. Take out

mats and wash, also dust dashboard, clean windows, vacuum

floors and seating. Finally, schedule a winterizing

appointment for your car.

____ Nov 8 If you are preparing Thanksgiving dinner, make a

menu list of all foods you plan to serve. If you are not

preparing the meal this year, call the host today and ask

what you can bring to the meal, whether food or other items

such as extra folding chairs, serving ware, etc.

____ Nov 9 Where do you store your ‘good’ dishes or china?

Now is a good time to take everything out, clean and take

inventory of supplies for upcoming holiday dinners. Check

for chips and cracks. Maybe some dishes need to be

replaced. While dishes are out of storage, thoroughly clean

the cabinet or shelves before replacing the dishes. Replace

only the items you will be using. Put less frequently used

items in the back of the cupboard.

____ Nov 10 Finish storing your summer wardrobe. Be sure to

check clothing before storing for repairs and cleaning. Put

summer items in labeled storage containers.

____ Nov 11 Today is Veteran's Day. Honoring and thanking

anyone who has served in the armed forces is appreciated.

Make a call if you know a veteran. If possible, attend an

activity for this purpose.

____ Nov 12 Check for cobwebs in your home. Look at

ceilings and light fixtures during daylight hours,

especially when the sun shines in a room. A lamb's wool

duster on a long handle works best for the removal of

cobwebs.

____ Nov 13 Take all winter blankets, quilts or afghans out

of storage and wash. Get them ready and handy for cold

winter nights.

____ Nov 14 Take a fall day stroll on a park trail. Notice

autumn weather signs and color. Make caramel apples when

you get home.

____ Nov 15 Organize your table clothes, placemats and

napkins. Take everything out of storage and then sort

putting like items together. Then put back only the items

that you use, love or need.

____ Nov 16 How many hot beverage mugs do you need?  Go

through your supply looking for chips and cracks. Also, get

rid of mugs that are not used or liked. Before replacing

the mugs you love and use to the cupboard, wipe storage

shelf clean of dust and dirt.

____ Nov 17 When was the last time you backed up your

computer? Unless, you have an external hard drive connected

that does this automatically for you, you will need to be

sure and do this yourself. Picture files can be duplicated

on an external source and then stored in another location

such as a locked firebox or a safe-deposit box at the bank.

____ Nov 18  Sort and clean out your purse and wallet.

First empty all of the contents, and then evaluate every

item and sort. Try to make at least two sorting piles. One

sorting pile will include items you need to put somewhere

else or throw away. Another pile will include items you

will return to your purse or wallet.

____ Nov 19 Dusting is great for keeping furniture and

surfaces looking fresh. Dust areas that are more commonly

not covered with a weekly light brushing, for example: door

frames, blinds, valences and under counter top small

appliances and electronics.

____ Nov 20 Vacuum areas that do not usually get cleaned on

a typical vacuum day such as under sofas, coffee tables,

lamps and end tables.

____ Nov 21 Prepare any foods for Thanksgiving that you can

prepare in advance. These might include salads, desserts or

breads.

____ Nov 22 Think of at least 10 things for which you are

grateful. Studies have proven that keeping grateful

thoughts and showing others gratitude makes life happier

and less stressful. Happy Thanksgiving!

____ Nov 23 Today is a day to enjoy and rest, turkey dinner

left overs and family time together. Enlist as much help as

possible with household clean up, and restoring furniture,

etc.

____ Nov 24 Make homemade turkey soup today. Here is a

simple recipe:

* 4 cups chicken broth

* 1 carrot, sliced

* 1 stalk of celery, sliced

* 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper

* 1/8 teaspoon ground dry sage

* ½ cup noodles, uncooked

* 1 cup cooked turkey

Heat broth, carrot, celery, and spices to a boil. Add

noodles and chicken. Reduce heat to simmer cook for 10

minutes until noodles are tender done. Serves 4 to 5.

____ Nov 25 Designate a give-away box to put items you no

longer need or want. When the box is full take everything

to Goodwill. Keep the box in the garage or a closet.

____ Nov 26 Take inventory of all your household cleaning

chemicals. Reduce clutter by purging any chemicals that are

old and/or not used. For environmental reasons, be careful

with disposal. Contact your local poison control center for

this information. Consider using less toxic cleaning

products, such as, vinegar, baking soda and rubbing

alcohol.

____ Nov 27 Check for outdated medications in your medicine

cabinet. These can be prescription and other-the-counter

medications. Place in Ziploc bags prescription medications

that are no longer used or outdated. Call your local health

department for proper disposal.

____ Nov 28 Go through your gadget drawer in the kitchen.

Take out everything. Then replace and organize what you

truly use and need. The rest of the items can be donated to

Goodwill.

____ Nov 29 Is it time to turn the mattress. To be sure

your mattress has even aging, it is recommended that a

mattress is turned every month. You should also flip it

over.

____ Nov 30 Take out all Christmas lighting for tree and

outside. Check for condition and working ability of all

bulbs and wires.