Confessions of an Organizer

Having run an organizing business for almost 20 years, I would like to consider myself among the organized, but I have a confession to make, this new Efficiency Campaign has unveiled my hidden chaos! While creating a worksheet to use with our clients on home efficiency, I have gratefully been the guinea pig. The other day I called ATT, they are the service provider for my office phone, internet and cellular. I told the woman that I needed to find a way to cut some costs. Without any delay, she asked no explanation, told me to hold on, and went right to work. Five minutes later, I had a credit on my ATT bill of $945.99! I was in shock! She explained that the package I had signed up for had expired, and the charges had become a-la-carte. She also said that from time to time local area yellow page companies can tack on charges without my specific knowledge. This has really fired me up to help each and every customer live leaner, and bring order to all types of chaos. This was chaos I didn't even know I had! Companies are more willing than ever to help customers trim costs and create loyalty.  When I think about the fact that I've been spending so excessively on my ATT bill, I really see the value of regularly checking the deals we've signed on for.

5 Steps to Efficiency

With the economy in a downward spiral, and at the urging of our new President, it's time for all of us to take responsibility and work towards being more efficient. At Chaos to Order we have spelled out 5 steps that can lead us to a more efficient and organized life.

1. Spend Wisely - Chaos to Order has developed a Home Efficiency Program (for more information call (847) 825-8400). It's guaranteed to help you cut costs on household expenses. There are so many ways to economize and now is the time to do it. Trim down on everything from storage locker space to cable bills, Chaos to Order has a step by step guide to help you get the best deal.

2. Cut The Clutter - When we were on The Oprah Winfrey Show with Suze Orman, she reinforced to us how much excess we all have. We helped weed out the home of her client, thus enabling them to be more efficient and streamlined. A good place to start: Arrange for a charitable donation to come once a month to pick up give-aways. Knowing you have a set date can motivate you to go through the house and regularly fill a bag for them. Bonus - you will get a tax deduction for getting rid of your clutter!

3. Create a Time Management System - Two items that are necessary in every household: calendar & filing system. Whatever type of calendar you use, make sure it's big enough for all tasks and appointments. A working filing system is the other absolute necessity. Have a place for everything, even if it's only temporary, and stop wasting time sifting through papers and mail.

4. Don't Overschedule - to avoid overscheduling, I suggest you actually schedule downtime. Our lives are moving at such a busy pace that unless we work to create time to balance out, we will continue to feel hurried and tired. Taking time out will actually make you more productive because you will be relaxed and focused.

5. Create Good Habits - I talk to clients who say that when our organizer arrives, they will finally start to get organized. I tell them not to wait, start right now creating good habits of putting away as you go. Chaos to Order is happy to help you get things organized, but to keep it organized is a constant process!