Barbara Hemphill states "clutter is postponed decisions" in her best selling book Taming the Paper Tiger . During Clutter Awareness Week, make use of trash bags and quit putting off the decisions of what to do with mail and other items.

Take advantage of this is the day and begin the process of making your home office a working oasis, not the place to avoid. Start on your desk. Take scattered papers and place in one pile. Then ask how important each paper is. If you can live without it, if there is a copy elsewhere, or if it is out of date introduce it to the trash can. As this process continues, sort papers into appropriate files.

Then, attack other piles and make them disappear.

Statistic: 80% of corporate papers are never look at after they are filed.

You have assistants at work and committee members in your club, but it seems you have no time at home. Remember the same delegation skills used in the office can be applied to in the home.

Post a calendar in the kitchen (you know the board room of the house) with duties to be shared. Include the person and task on the day chores should be done. The youngest child can even help by just returning their toy when finished.

If this is new to the family, make it a game. Stars can be marked when the work is done. Then at the end of the week, reward the family with a trip to the park.

“Busy Parents, Organized Homes, and Juggling a Career”
Tuesday, March 28
Private Presentation

High Point Academy
Pasadena

Rushing to soccer, preparing meals, meeting with clients, assisting with homework, cleaning the house; does your schedule leave you overwhelmed? Being organized reduces stress and allows more time in the day for you and your family.

Chris McKenry, professional organizer, shares simple organizing principles to help you, your home, and your entire family in this interactive presentation. From the kid’s rooms to the kitchen, from your car to your calendar, learn the skills needed to make your life organized and show you how to instill these qualities in your children.

from last month's Label Your Cables

"The only thing I would suggest is that you have a photo showing metallic key tags on electrical cords. I’d strongly recommend that nothing metallic be used to identify any wires, 110 volt or otherwise. A simple crack in some insulation and you’ve got an avenue for electricity to flow to your fingers or to another component that’s not designed for it. Plastic identifying tags or P-touch labels are superior around electrical equipment."

-Michael King
Novell Computer Consultants

Chris McKenry:
President, National Association of Professional Organizers, Los Angeles Chapter
Founding President, Business Network International, West Hollywood Chapter
Board Member, West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

Recipient of:
2005 Leading Edge Award, NAPO-LA
2003 President's Award, West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce