Janine Cavanaugh of North Attleboro, a certified professional organizer, sees a messy home office as an opportunity. The Vermont native says she’s always been organized, and likes things orderly, with “streamlined routines, efficient systems and simplified habits.” Cavanaugh helps clients get organized, find what they need faster and get back to work.
There are definitely folks out there buried under piles of paper on their desks. To dig their way out, where should they begin?
They should start by sorting their papers into five major categories: To do (for example, to call, to enter in an address book, to email, to pay); to file (in a pre-existing file); to read or reference; to recycle or toss; and the last pile is to shred. Schedule time for sorting. Treat it like an appointment that can’t be changed or rescheduled. I would also suggest that they pull all papers into one pile and sort from only one pile. This helps prevent distraction … and helps prevent subcategories from starting.
Once you help a client with organization, how can they keep it going after you’ve left?
There is a natural flow to organizing: We create order. Then work happens, life happens and mess happens. Then it’s time to reclaim order. The key is to not let too much time pass between creating order and reclaiming order. … Reclaiming order takes less time and effort than creating order. [For instance], take five to 10 minutes when entering your home to organize what you brought in with you.
Any good tips on using a daily planner to stay on track?
It doesn’t matter whether someone uses a paper or electronic daily planner, it’s important to … write down what needs to be done and list what is a priority. This helps with time management by providing a visual queue. In addition to writing down what needs to be done on a specific day, write down reminders. For example, if you have an important meeting on the 15th, note it on the 15th, but also write a note on the 8th, that reminds you, that you have a week to prepare for the meeting. •
