Do you use an organization system or are you freestyle?
I have a hard time sticking to a system so I’ve incorporated a few elements from each organizational system into my own. I love the GTD "Weekly Review" and Do it, File it, Delegate it.
Do you use a tool or device for organization?
I like to write things down so my organizing star is a Weekly Planner by Moleskin. One side of the page is a weekly calendar and the other side is lined for notes. I am a devotee of the Little Black Book school of organizing and the Moleskin is my preferred "catch-all."
What items are always on or in your desk?
A good desk lamp, jar of multi-colored sharpies good scissors, large wall calendar nearby, scotch tape, In-Box for paper, several pin boards, and Japanese masking tape that I just like the look of!
How do you organize your task or to-do list?
I rarely do a daily list, I just use my calendar. If I am swamped or am starting to feel out of control I will organize list based on action: phone calls, emails, drafts to write. I get into moods when I hate making phone calls so doing them all at once really helps.
Do you have habits that helps you feel more organized?
Every day I make my bed, make a (very rough) to-do list using my calendar, carry and small moleskin notebook, check my bank balance, and I always, always no matter how tired I am, do the dishes before I go to bed. You can read more about my daily organization habits under Top 5 Daily Organization Habits.
Weekly I organize my wallet and the ‘launch pad’ in my kitchen where I leave my keys, gum, handbags, mail, etc. Once a week I do laundry and go through my mail at the same time.
I love GTD's Weekly Review (reviewing you email, calendar and papers in one sitting) but I do this about every two weeks.
How do you organize papers and paper clutter?
I try to keep it as simple as possible an I divide paper into two categories:
ARCHIVE aka, Papers I Can’t Throw Out But Don’t Need to See: I have a small file box that I use for very boring things like health insurance information, pay stubs, user manuals, old tax returns, etc.
CURRENT aka, Papers I Want Accessible: I have big files for each of the following:
- Story Ideas - magazine clipping, business cards, etc.
- Upcoming Events - this is where I throw invitations, driving directions for upcoming events, travel confirmations, event tickets, etc.
- Apartment Ideas - color swatches and pictures of products I’d like for my apartment.
- In - I go through my mail everyday and most of it I recycle, this file is for the mail I need to read, respond to or shred and I go through this on laundry night.
What I'd Do Differently
- I think the chalkboard is great for people with kids, but for me, I love my new pin board habit. I think to organize visually (see: big wall calendar near my desk).
- When it’s time to organize a a project, I use a series of pin boards visually file articles and ideas together until the project is complete. I bought 12 modular linen pin boards from Pottery Barn for this purpose. This may sound tedious, but it’s more fun and just as easy as filing. Bonus: It creates an interesting, original decor piece in my office.
