The Complete Idiot's Guide to Organizing your Life, 4E

by Lockwood, Georgene

• ISBN13: 9781592574131
• ISBN10: 1592574130
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-10-04
• Publisher: DK Publishing, Inc.

Summary

You're no idiot, of course. You know how difficult it is to keep your home and work environment organized. The information age has only added to the barrage with an endless stream of electronic clutter that requires as much attention-if not more-than your physical piles.

Author Biography

Georgene Lockwood, author of The Complete Idiot-'s Guide to Simple Living and The Complete Idiot-'s Guide to Beading Illustrated, conducts workshops and lectures about organizing and writing.

Table of Contents

Part 1: What Do You Mean ``Organized''?	1	(52)
The Big Picture: Setting Goals	3	(14)
Growing Up Is Hard to Do	4	(1)
You Can't Have (or Do) Everything	5	(2)
Superwoman and Superman Are Myths	6	(1)
How Organized Are You? A Self-Test	7	(1)
How Would You Change Your Life?	8	(1)
Setting Your Personal Organization Goals	9	(1)
Wish-full Thinking	10	(3)
Narrowing Your List	11	(1)
Setting Priorities	12	(1)
Commit or Fail	13	(1)
The Master Plan: Keep It Flexible	14	(1)
You Deserve a Break Today	15	(1)
Putting the ``Resolve'' in This Year's Resolutions	16	(1)
It's All About ``Stuff'' and ``Time''	17	(12)
How Did You Get All This Stuff?	18	(3)
Why We Buy	19	(1)
How to Control the ``Gotta Have It'' Habit	20	(1)
Buy! Buy! Buy!	21	(1)
Less Stuff, More Time	22	(1)
The 10 Basic Laws of Stuff	22	(3)
The 10 Basic Laws of Time	25	(4)
Excuses! Excuses!	29	(10)
How Habits Help or Hinder	30	(1)
Excuses for Stuff	30	(3)
I Might Need It Someday	30	(1)
I'm Just Sentimental	31	(1)
More Is Better	31	(1)
I'm Saving It for My Kids	32	(1)
It's Really Old	32	(1)
It's Still Perfectly Good	33	(1)
It Was a Bargain	33	(1)
They Call It a Time-Saver	33	(1)
The Big Put-Off	33	(2)
Pulverizing Procrastination	35	(1)
Making Time	36	(1)
But I Don't Have the Money to Get Organized!	37	(1)
So Stop Making Excuses and Go!	37	(2)
When Stuff Rules Your Life	39	(14)
Hoarder's Disorder and a Case of the Messies	40	(1)
Are You a Compulsive Clutterer?	41	(1)
Attention Deficit Disorder and ADHD	42	(1)
Shopping When You Don't Need More Stuff	43	(1)
Other Disorders and Conditions	44	(1)
Never Fear---Help Is on the Way!	45	(3)
Hoarder's Disorder	45	(1)
Other Disorders	46	(2)
Finding a Local Group	48	(1)
Going Online	49	(4)
Mailing Lists	49	(1)
Newsgroups	50	(1)
Other Online Resources	50	(3)
Part 2: Stuff Simplified	53	(38)
Utterly Uncluttered Space	55	(14)
Getting Started	56	(1)
Step 1: Empty the Space	57	(1)
Step 2: Use It or Lose It	57	(3)
Step 3: Get Rid of It (Now)	60	(1)
Step 4: Group Like Things Together	60	(1)
Step 5: Consolidate and Compress	61	(2)
Step 6: Go for Quality, Not Quantity	63	(1)
Step 7: Think Multipurpose	63	(1)
Step 8: Alphabetize	63	(1)
Step 9: Label It	64	(1)
Step 10: Put It Away	64	(3)
And Now What?	67	(2)
Mastering the Paper Monster	69	(22)
Idea 1: Stop It!	70	(3)
Idea 2: Decide Now	73	(3)
Sorting Into Three Categories	74	(1)
Don't Open It!	74	(1)
Move It Along	75	(1)
Idea 3: Purge, Sort, and Systematize	76	(5)
Dealing with What Remains	76	(1)
Personal Action Items	77	(2)
Reading Material	79	(2)
Idea 4: Distinguish Between Short and Long Term	81	(2)
A Three-Category System	81	(2)
Idea 5: File So You Can Find It	83	(3)
Don't Forget Computer Records and Documents	85	(1)
Paper with Deadlines	85	(1)
Idea 6: Keep It Where You Need It	86	(1)
Idea 7: Tailor Systems to Special Needs	86	(1)
Idea 8: Use Computers to Cut Paper, Not Make More	87	(1)
Idea 9: Put Paper in Its Place	88	(1)
Idea 10: Create Mobile Paper Systems Where You Need Them	89	(2)
Part 3: Systems for Getting Stuff Done	91	(58)
Creating a Command Center	93	(14)
A Room All Your Own	94	(1)
Stocking Up: Basic Life Management Supplies	94	(1)
You've Got Mail (or Other Messages)	95	(1)
This Is the Captain Speaking!	96	(1)
Schedules, Lists, and Time-Management Systems	97	(6)
Planner/Organizer Essentials	98	(3)
Electronic Planner/Organizers	101	(1)
The Master of All Lists	101	(1)
The Calendar	102	(1)
Backing Up Is Smart to Do!	103	(1)
A User Manual for Your Life	103	(2)
Personal Management for Road Warriors	105	(1)
Make It So!	105	(2)
People Who Need People: Interpersonal Systems	107	(16)
Who's Looking Out for You?	108	(1)
``Unstuff'' Your Relationships	108	(3)
Take a ``People'' Inventory	109	(2)
Creating a Quality Circle	111	(1)
You Remembered!	111	(2)
Letters! We Get Letters!	113	(1)
Escalating E-Mail: How to Keep Up	114	(3)
The Benefits of E-Mail	115	(1)
Things to Watch Out For: ``Netiquette''	115	(2)
Putting People in Their Place	117	(1)
Scrapbooks and Other Memory Devices	117	(2)
Scheduled Spontaneity?	119	(1)
People Time, Alone Time	120	(1)
If You Can't Have Fun, Why Get Organized?	120	(3)
Work Systems: Getting Ahead Without Getting a Headache	123	(26)
Goal Setting Fine-Tuned	124	(2)
Unstuffing: Work Version	126	(2)
Your Files Aren't Another Trash Can!	128	(1)
And Speaking of Paper	129	(4)
Stop It!	129	(2)
Decide Now	131	(1)
File So You Can Find It	132	(1)
Back Up or Else!	133	(1)
Life Management Center: Work Version	133	(2)
Designing Your Work Environment	135	(3)
People Power	138	(2)
Shortcuts	140	(1)
Ring Around the Workplace: Phone Control	141	(1)
Business Correspondence Made Easy	142	(2)
Taking It On the Road	144	(1)
When Home Is Your Office	145	(2)
On the Lookout for Your Next Job	147	(2)
Part 4: Room by Room	149	(90)
Bathroom Organization: Methods for Your Morning Madness	151	(12)
Unstuff the Bathroom!	152	(3)
Out It Goes!	152	(2)
Stow It! Bathroom Storage Solutions	154	(1)
Get a Routine	155	(1)
Morning Makeup	156	(2)
Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Rituals	158	(1)
Give Your Handbag a Hand	159	(1)
Beauty Is Happiness and Good Health	160	(3)
The Kitchen: Systems for Getting Your Daily Bread	163	(22)
You Are What You Eat	164	(2)
Unstuff Your Kitchen	166	(2)
Make Your Kitchen Do the Work	168	(4)
The Preparation Center	168	(1)
The Cooking Center	168	(1)
The Serving Center	169	(1)
The Cleanup Center	169	(1)
Advanced Kitchen Storage	170	(2)
Paper in the Kitchen	172	(1)
The Junk Plop Rock	173	(1)
Shop but Don't Drop	173	(1)
Crafty Cooking Strategies	174	(7)
Cook Once, Eat for a Month	174	(4)
Quick Cooking, Easy Cleanup	178	(1)
Slow Cooking: Ready-and-Waiting Meals	179	(2)
Freezer Science and ``Refrigology''	181	(1)
Food Storage for Emergencies	181	(1)
Handy Recipe Rationale	182	(3)
Recipe Binder	183	(1)
Recipe Box	183	(1)
Recipe File	183	(1)
Recipe Database	183	(1)
Organizing Your Cookbooks	184	(1)
The Bedroom: Making a Haven for Your Spirit and a Home for Your Clothes	185	(20)
Bedroom Savvy for Masters	186	(3)
Back to Basics, Bedroom Style	187	(1)
Adding Furniture	188	(1)
Behind Closed Doors	189	(9)
What's Your Style?	189	(2)
Clothes, Clothes Everywhere and Not a Thing to Wear!	191	(3)
A-Shopping We Will Go	194	(2)
The Great Hang-Up: Closet Design Basics	196	(2)
It All Comes Out in the Wash	198	(4)
Stain-Busters	199	(1)
Ironing, Mending, and Other Unfamiliar Subjects	200	(2)
Dry Cleaning Made Simple	202	(1)
Finishing Touches	202	(3)
Rooms for Living	205	(18)
The ``Living'' Room	206	(2)
Setting Up Zones	206	(1)
Contain and Control: Furniture That Works	207	(1)
A Room of Another Sort	208	(14)
High-Tech Horror Show: Wires and Cords	209	(1)
Composing Your Music and Video Collection	210	(2)
Toys in Tow	212	(1)
Life's a Game and a Puzzle!	213	(1)
Gaming Goes Digital	213	(1)
Computer Time	214	(1)
Dealing with Books	214	(2)
Photo Finish	216	(2)
Crafty Solutions	218	(2)
Collection or Clutter?	220	(1)
Dining in (Organized) Style	221	(1)
Keeping Your Cool	222	(1)
Kids' Stuff: Organizing with Little Ones in Mind	223	(16)
Taking the Time Will Save Everyone Time	224	(1)
Babes in Toyland	225	(2)
Clothes	227	(1)
Little Paper Monsters Soon Become Big Ones!	228	(3)
We Have Liftoff!	231	(1)
Chores and To-Dos	231	(4)
Rewards	235	(1)
Share and Share Dislike!	235	(1)
Child's Play: Planning Great Parties for Kids	236	(3)
Part 5: Money and All That Stuff	239	(32)
Winning the Money Wars: Guerrilla Budgeting	241	(14)
Facing Facts About Finances	242	(3)
Budgeting Baby Steps	242	(2)
Difficult Decisions	244	(1)
Back on Track: Creating a Household Budget	245	(3)
What Are the Details?	245	(1)
What Do the Details Tell You?	246	(2)
Budget Review	248	(1)
Computer Finance Tactics	248	(2)
Don't Let Santa Blow Your Budget!	250	(1)
Credit CPR	251	(1)
How to Avoid Credit Fraud and Identity Theft	252	(2)
Types of Credit Fraud	252	(1)
Avoiding Fraud	253	(1)
Frugal Living Is Fun!	254	(1)
Tax Tactics and Advanced Money Maneuvers	255	(16)
The Tax Man Cometh	256	(3)
The Not-So-Tender Tax Traps	256	(1)
Tax Records Demystified	257	(2)
How Long Is Long Enough?	259	(1)
And While You're at It: More Records to Keep	259	(2)
Get the Most from Your Insurance	261	(2)
Setting Up	261	(1)
Always Read the Fine Print	262	(1)
Stake Your Claim!	262	(1)
Having a Will Gives You a Way	263	(3)
Initial Considerations	264	(1)
Other Issues	265	(1)
Saving for a Rainy Day	266	(1)
Do You Need a Financial Planner?	267	(2)
Do You Need an Accountant?	269	(2)
Part 6: Getting People Involved	271	(24)
Nobody Said This Would Be Easy	273	(10)
If They Don't Know, They Can't Do It	274	(1)
Listen Up!	275	(1)
Work Within Your Sphere	276	(1)
What About the Kids?	276	(1)
Your Spouse Is Not Your Child---Really!	277	(1)
Caution: Work Zone!	278	(1)
Roommates and Other Strangers	279	(1)
Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously	280	(1)
If You Organize It, They Will Come	281	(2)
Calling In the Cavalry: Hiring Others	283	(12)
When Do You Hire a Pro?	284	(3)
How to Hire Happily and Avoid Getting Ripped Off	287	(1)
Don't Clean for the Cleaning Lady	288	(2)
Maybe You Just Need to Move!	290	(1)
You're Hired, Kid	290	(1)
The Benefits of Bartering	291	(1)
When Do You Need a Professional to Organize You?	291	(4)
Part 7: Now That You're Organized, Let's Keep It That Way!	295	(32)
Maintaining and Managing Your Progress	297	(14)
Here's the Bottom Line	298	(1)
Get Regular Tune-Ups for a Smoother Ride	299	(1)
Taking It a Step Further	300	(1)
Lists, Schedules, and Files Revisited	301	(1)
If Things Start Breaking Down	302	(2)
Terminating Time-Wasters, Overcoming Organization Ogres	304	(1)
Can Your Computer Keep You Organized?	305	(1)
Aesthetics Essentials	306	(1)
You Have a Dream!	307	(1)
Let the Seasons Tell the Time	308	(1)
Make Maintenance a Celebration	309	(2)
Organization Styles for Different Lifestyles	311	(16)
All by Yourself	311	(4)
Young and Single	312	(2)
Older and Single	314	(1)
Single-Income, Dual-Parent Families	315	(2)
Dual-Income Couples	317	(1)
Dual-Income Families	317	(1)
Single Parents	318	(2)
The Empty Nest	320	(1)
Caregivers and Extended Families	321	(1)
Blended Families and Dual-Custody Arrangements	322	(1)
The Road Warrior	323	(4)
Part 8: You're Ready for Prime Time	327	(52)
Healing Trends: Organizing for Health and Fitness	329	(14)
A Healthy Dose of Organization	330	(1)
Take Stock of Where You Are	330	(2)
Set Realistic Goals	330	(1)
Decide on Actions to Achieve Your Goals	331	(1)
Divide Major Actions into Manageable Steps	331	(1)
Put These Steps into Your Overall Plan	331	(1)
Evaluate Your Progress	332	(1)
Reward Yourself and Move On	332	(1)
Finding Time to Get Fit	332	(3)
Be a Sport!	335	(1)
Storage Shopping List for the Garage	336	(2)
Grow Smart: Setting Up a Garden Center	338	(1)
Managing the Medical Morass	339	(4)
Gathering Information	340	(2)
Other Considerations	342	(1)
Wrap It Up: Holiday Planning Made Easy	343	(36)
Goal Setting, Holiday Style	344	(1)
Write Yourself a Book: Your Personal Holiday Planner	344	(2)
Making a List and Checking It (at Least) Twice!	346	(1)
Finding Time to Get It All Done	347	(1)
Christmas in July (and Other Time-Savers)	348	(1)
You Shouldn't Have! Giving Great Gifts	348	(3)
Stellar Strategies for Holiday Entertaining	351	(1)
Finessing the Family Tug-of-War	352	(1)
If You Must Travel	353	(1)
Holiday Storage Snags	354	(1)
Finally, It's All Up to You	355	(2)
Appendixes
A. Resource Guide	357	(18)
B. Bibliography	375	(4)
Index	379