10 Ways Using a Label Maker Can Save Time In the Office

I was asked to review the DYMO LabelWriter 450 Twin Turbo and found some great ways this gadget can help you work more efficiently. Here are some ways the LabelWriter can save you time in the office:

1. The Dymo LabelWriter prints file folder labels (9/16 x 3 7/16) and hanging file labels (9/16 x 2) so you can stay ahead of the paper deluge that clutters your desk.
2. If you use information from 3 Ring Binders, clearly label the spines to find frequently used information in a flash. Lots of labels to print -- no worries, it has thermal printing so there is no expensive toner and ink to purchase!
3. Create professional looking name badges for meetings or visitors. Print individually or up to 71 labels per minute!
4. Use this labeler right at your desk for printing postage, quick and easy. No running across the office or extra costs involved. It connects to your computer, easy software (PC & Mac) installed, type and print.
5. Don't waste time putting blank CD's/DVD's into the computer to check what's on them, rather, create CD labels promptly with all the information you need right on the label.
6. Is your storage area a maze? Purchase plastic stacking containers and label them with details of the contents. No more searching for days in a cluttered space.
7. Scouring that pile of cords for the right connection? Wrap a label around cords with the name of the gadget they connect to.
8. A well marked label on your printer with specific operational instructions will save all the users time and aggravation.
9. Are there numbers you repeatedly fax to? Place labels with frequently dialed numbers right on the front of the fax machine.
10. The Dymo LabelWriter 450 Twin Turbo installs as an Add-in for Quickbooks, making payroll a snap.

The Dymo LabelWriter 450 Twin Turbo is a little work horse. I'm used to using a battery powered labeler that I type into. I loved the software and the ease of use. Thumbs up for the Dymo LabelWriter 450 Twin Turbo!

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Dymo. I was asked to blog about ways this product can help you save time in the office. I was compensated and given the Dymo 450 Twin Turbo to evaluate.

Friday Favorite...iPhone

My personal Friday Favorite is without a doubt, the iPhone. Although the list of new and creative apps are never ending, there are some very basic applications that are an important part of my own daily routine. Here are the top ten reasons why I love my iPhone:

1. iCal helps keep my entire family on schedule with frequent reminders to upcoming events.
   
2. Mobile Me keeps all contacts and calendars perfectly synced with my computer.
3. Alarm clock not only wakes me every day, but the timer keeps me on task for many things.
4. Weather always gives me my morning update so I'll be prepared for the day.
5. Social Media tools allow me to post my daily organizing tips and status updates on the go.
6. I love having family photos handy to take and share with great quality.
   
7. I rely heavily on Maps because I'm navigationally challenged.
   
8. Games keep my kids occupied when we're out and waiting on something.
9. The Find My iPhone app helps find my lost treasure on GPS or by signal to the couch!
10. Did I mention it's also my phone--hello!

Friday Favorite...Stepstool

This nifty little step stool is terrific. They are great to hang in a closet or pantry to help you reach anything that's just a bit too high. If you're vertically challenged, I recommend keeping them handy all around the house! They fold flat, are lightweight and easy to hang up on a simple hook. They are also sturdy, holding up to 300lbs.

My daughter loves the one shown here in her closet. I love it too because it enables her to hang up and (sometimes ;) put away her clothes that hang on the higher rod. It's easier to keep things organized if you can make the put-away process as simple as possible. This step stool does just that. No more searching around for the step stool, it can fit anywhere. You can find these step stools online, just search EZ Foldz Step Stool or pick one up at Bed Bath & Beyond. You will soon have easy access to all sorts of things that were once out of reach.

Leah's Friday Favorite Website 41pounds.org

This is a post from Leah, our terrific organizer in Atlanta, always filled with useful organizing ideas--thanks Leah!

One of my absolute favorite websites for organizing is a group that stops junk mail and catalogs. It is called 41pounds.org. 41pounds fittingly is the amount of junk mail the average American receives each year! The easiest way to organize your 'stuff' is to not even have it come into your house in the first place. I have been using 41pounds for about 2 years, and have gone from several catalogs a day, to a few a month (only the ones I really want). It is very easy to navigate, and at anytime you can email 41pounds to stop other junk mail or catalogs that are coming in (some companies are very persistent). It is much easier to remove yourself from the list and not receive the junk mail, than it is to spend time sorting through it all. There are added benefits, I'm not ordering as much from catalogs which saves money and, it helps to keep my house clutter free!

Friday Favorite: Box Bottom Hanging File Folders

These are a Chaos To Order staple that we have always used with our clients when helping them create new filing systems. Many people have hanging files in their file drawers, however, few know about the benefits of box bottom files. They come in 1/2", 1", 2" and even 3" sizes. You can get them in either letter or legal size, and they are perfect for files that need to house many papers. You can even put catalogs and booklets into them without the "pop up" you get from regular hanging folders. Another benefit is that if your file drawer is stuffed full, using box bottom hanging folders will actually help to save space because you need fewer folders. Be careful that you use the right size box bottom file, if it's too large, you can loose space in the file drawer and the papers can also slump down. We prefer to only use what we have large categories for with the box bottoms and use regular hanging files for the rest. When creating your file system, we suggest you use the hanging file folders as the category and put manilla file folders inside of the hanging files for the sub-categories. This way your files are easy to update and rearrange. Happy filing!

Clear Handled Storage Baskets

It's time for Friday favorites. Our organizer Maureen just loves these clear handled storage baskets! They come in two great sizes and the handle in front makes them so easy to grab. They are great in the kitchen, bathroom, or any area you need to store some smaller things. We get them from our friends at The Container Store. Getting organized is all about putting like things together, and these storage baskets make that easy to do!