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I was teaching an adult education class to some very bright, very busy adults and we were playing a game I called "Why I can't get organized". All ten students said their biggest problem in clearing the clutter was they didn't have time. Fortunately I have 9 tips that will help you find the time when you are organizing clutter.
1. Cook in bulk. I have a friend who cooks all day one day a month making frozen T.V. dinners for her family for 30 days worth of meals. The rest of the month all she has to do is take out a dish from the freezer, let it defrost and pop it in the oven. This is a huge time saver for her. When you are preparing a meal make several extra portions and freeze for later. There is little extra time and effort since you are already cooking. Cut up onions and peppers and freeze to be used later. And if it's onions your cutting you get the crying done all at one time.
2. Plan meals one week at a time. Write on the calendar what you will have every night, the name of the cookbook and the page number of the cookbook. On your grocery list write the ingredients you need to buy. This not only saves time, but it can save money as you won't eat out as often and you won't be running to the store as often.
3. Pre-treat laundry stains. This will save time you will not be spending later trying to get out the stain. After washing remember to check the area where the stain was before putting it in the dryer because stains are set in the dryer.
4. Have a laundry schedule. Clearing the clutter in the laundry room is easier if you stay on top of your laundry. As soon as children are old enough (about eight, depending on the child) teach them to do their own laundry. After putting in a load leave the room and do something else. Set a timer to remind you to change out the clothes to the dryer and set it again as a reminder to take the clothes out of the dryer.
5. Take clothes out as soon as they are dry. This will cause fewer wrinkles which will save you time later as you won't need to rewash or iron the clothes.
6. Consolidate your errands. This not only saves time but it saves money on fuel. Make a list of errands in your planner and number them in the order you will do them according to location to make the best use of your time.
7. Schedule one or two days a month to pay bills. Have all of the necessary supplies together in one place. Want to save more time? Pay your bills on line. You can do this through your financial institution.
8. Plan what you are going to wear the next day the evening before. When clearing the clutter clear out the clothes you don't like, never wear, and don't look good in. By clearing the clutter from your closet you will save time because you won't have to hunt for something to wear.
9. Get a day planner and use it. Schedule what you have to do and schedule time for things you want to do. Scheduling saves a lot of time.
Declutter your life by thinking about what you do every day and figure out if there is a more efficient way of doing it to save time that you could use to get organized or help at your child's school, go to lunch with a friend, create something, volunteer in a soup kitchen or curl up with a good book.
Marilyn is a professional organizer, a sought after public speaker and author who is passionate about teaching ways to organize your life and how to reduce clutter. She works with women in their homes and offices. On her web site she teaches you to get rid of clutter by using her Lights On Organizing System. She provides practical information on how to declutter your home, office and life. In her blogs, articles, and videos she gives timely tips on how to clear clutter and how to declutter everything in your home and office. She is the author of a book called Go Organize! Conquer clutter in three simple steps which will be in major bookstores in December 2009. Marilyn invites you to visit her website www.marilynbohn.com
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