A new year is beginning. It feels like the right time to set up the home so that it is open to all the new offerings the year will bring.
The reality is that it would be overwhelming to tackle the whole house, so this January I will begin with my office. I have been using the Zone Plan for many years and by the end of this year I will have touched everything in my home. (http://timespaceorg.com/services/)
Over the past year, my files have gotten overfull, project bins need to be updated, new items have come into my office and now the office is feeling a bit crowded. Now is the time to follow the program and work my plan on the office.
1. What is bothering me in my office zone?
Loose paper that is not filed
Project bins that hold old projects and new projects lying around
Files too full
Items lurking on my desk and in the back of my credenza all shouting “Do me!”
2. How do I want my office to look and feel?
Look and feel inviting – a place that I enjoy
Empty spaces in files and on surfaces that allow for growth
Clean and uncluttered
Feel productive and energized by the space
3. What do I need to do to make this vison come true?
Clean out files
Shred and archive papers
Clear out desk drawers
Purge project bins and update them with current projects
Deep clean the room
4. Schedule time for each task.
Review calendar and see what times are available
Schedule reasonable times for each task
Write times to work on the calendar and honor that commitment
By the end of the month, I will call whatever has been accomplished “good enough” and move on to the next zone. The office is now ready for regular maintenance until next January. I always reward myself by buying a fresh flower for my desk.
Jonda S. Beattie Professional Organizer