Part II of The Clutter Recovery Plan (because Part I was getting too cluttered with ideas)

    I used to keep track of all the things I needed to do in my head. For me, that was easy...until I forgot to do something very important.

    My kids had an after-school activity scheduled. Instead of riding the school bus, they were supposed to wait for me to pick them up. I planned to pick them up on my way from work so we could ride home together. The day I forgot to pick up my kids at school -- was the day I became a List Maker.

    Now, without my list, I'm lost. Making a list gives me a sense of control and it keeps some of the clutter out of my life. You can use a Planner, a tiny spiral notebook, a calendar, a scratch pad, a Post-It note, a piece of notebook paper -- it doesn't matter. When you actually take a pen or pencil and write something down -- that makes a difference. The chances of you forgetting things -- drops dramatically when you have a list.

    A friend shared the way she keeps her grocery list. This is no ordinary list. She categorizes the groceries she'll be buying by the physical layout of the store. When she goes into the store, she starts shopping on the left side, where the fruit is located. Her written list has the fruit items listed first. In the store, the vegetables are located after the fruit so the vegetables she needs are next on her list. She says it saves her time and money. She's in and out of the store faster. She saves money because she doesn't spend money on things she doesn't need.

    Here's a good way to keep a list for the entire family. Get a piece of paper and put it on the frig with a magnet. Everyone can write down the things they want/need from the grocery store. You can write down all the things you need to keep track of in one place. You can also get a plastic message board where you can wipe-on and wipe-off messages and keep it in the kitchen -- a good location. 

    I handle many phone calls from people who are searching for attorneys to help them with their legal problems. I also get lots of calls from folks who are looking for other resources. If I have someone calling who needs another resource, I can respond to the customer quickly. On my computer, under "My Favorites" in Internet Explorer, I have a separate folder for those things and they're labeled "Lawyer Referral Service Resources". I use it daily. I also have information in a hard copy in a bright green folder that I can put my hands on. The folder is labeled "Resources". I know that sounds too simple, but if you've never tried it -- you may find it useful.

    Try to arrange your work area where you can physically reach things quickly. The phone book that I use has Post-It notes on the sides (like an index) with the pages marked that I frequently use. It's within easy reach. Put your letterhead and your envelopes near your printer. If you use a Legal Directory, keep it within hand's reach.

    Most frequently called numbers -- or numbers you give out to customers -- can be placed in a bright red or other colored folder. Most of the folders I use are the manila folders, but those bright colors stand out. Situate it in your office or cubicle where you can reach it fast.

    If you use a computer at home, and suddenly you remember you need to do something for work and you don't want to write it on your list -- send an email to your work email address and when you get there -- you'll have an email reminder waiting for you in your Inbox.

    If you have a junky desk drawer full of different sized binder clips or paperclips all in one pile or you can't grab a paperclip quickly, you might want to think about getting some small baskets, ceramic dishes, or small plastic containers for the office supplies you use all the time and keep them on your desk within easy reach.

    Here's one more time saving technique. Everyone has occasion where they'll wind up late for work -- a traffic accident, a flat tire, etc. However, if you're constantly late for work -- you have a problem. You need to figure out how to keep your end of the bargain. There's no excuse for being habitually late. Try setting your alarm clock a half hour earlier (or an hour if you need to) and get out of bed and get moving. If you have to play mind games with yourself (as I do), set your clocks 20 minutes ahead and you'll think it's later than it really is. It works for me!

Comments

[Traci]

I also do the grocery list by store layout and it really does save a lot of time.

I check my work e-mail first thing when I arrive to the office each day, so if there is something I need to be sure to remember, I find that sending a text from my cellphone to my work e-mail address works for me. That way, the e-mail is waiting in my in-box when I arrive at the office and I'm sure to open it right away.

Also, I found a calendar that I love to use -- it's called a "MomAgenda" (www.momagenda.com) and what's cool about it is that it has different sections for each person in your family so you can track multiple people's calendars and activities. I like the week-at-a-view format and there's a section for just me, then several blank sections (I use one for my hubby, one for my son and one for errands). I love it and it helps me keep track of everything for the week at a glance.

[Suzanne Creech]

Hi Ladies ~ Thanks for taking the time to send comments! I never thought about using an envelope to put coupons in and list on the outside -- OR -- to leave myself a message on my answering machine! Great tips! (P.S. Yes, Teresa, that's real. I didn't realize they were sitting up at school until I got all the way home. They still remind me every once in a while. It's my Mother's Confession.)

[Sandra Laurich]

I like the idea of categorizing a shopping list by the layout of the store. In addition, if you use those 'handy-dandy, money-saving' coupons, use an envelope to put them in and write your list on the outside of the envelope. Works for me!

[Teresa]

Oh my gosh! You actually forgot to pick up the girls? Ha!

I do my grocery list in the layout of the store, too. Keeps me from backtracking and I love to get in and out of there fast.

I also call my house and leave messages for myself on the answering machine - that way when I get home I know what I need to do!