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The Organizing Corner
Jody Adams, CPO�        724.850.7282       [email protected]
 

OCTOBER 2009

In This Issue. . .
:: How Can I "Fall" In Love With My Office?
:: What Can I Do About. . .?
:: What's Happenin'?
Greetings!
 
Autumn greetings from The Organizing Corner! 
 
We hope you'll take advantage of the information and resources below to get and stay organized in your home and office so you'll have more time to do what you love.
  
Enjoy!
Jody Adams, Certified Professional Organizer�
Owner of In Its Place
 
How Can I "Fall" In Love With My Office?
Why is this time of year perfect for harvesting a productive office space?
 
To many, the crisp autumn breezes and brilliant technicolor foliage are nothing more than a fleeting transition from the dog days of summer to snow, sleet, and slush of winter.  But fall is a beautiful time of year in and of itself.  It's also an ideal time for taking stock of your space and reorganizing accordingly.  So before we "lose" that hour of daylight, take a little time to look at your office in a new light. . .
 
* Write down all the things you enjoy about your office (there's got to be at least one thing!), even if it's something small like your antique pencil cup or your business card holder.
 
* Make a list of all the things that frustrate you about your office or that you wish worked better.  Include things like your filing system (or lack thereof), paint color on the walls, or the position or location of your desk.  No detail is too small.
 
* Picture in your mind or sketch on paper whatever it is that would help you love your office - how it looks, feels, and functions.
 
* Keep the items you enjoy and figure out what actions need to occur to fix the things that are frustrating to you.  (Remember, you don't have to do everything yourself - you can delegate or hire a professional to do the things you aren't good at or don't know how to do).
 
* If budget is a concern, try to use things you already have and find inexpensive alternatives until you can afford your ideal.  
Example 1: if your desk is no longer functional, consider selling it.  Then use an old door propped on two 2-drawer filing cabinets to create a "new," functional, and space-saving desk surface.  You can even attach a keyboard tray to the underside of the door if needed.   
Example 2: Tired of looking at the wall or having all the furniture crammed against your office walls?  Move your desk to face the window, or put a small bookshelf in the middle of the room to act as a divider, improve work flow, and/or provide a change of scenery.
  
* Continue implementing changes (even if it's just a little each day and it takes you a few weeks) until your space is how you envisioned it. 
 
* Maintain your space, but don't be afraid to adapt accordingly if future events require a change in layout and work flow.
 
 
Need help space planning and putting organizing principles to work in your office?  Call 724.850.7282 or email In Its Place.
 
What Can I Do About. . .?
In Its Place answers your questions about organizing your car.
 
Q.  I'd really like the inside of my car to not look like a tornado just hit it.  What can I do to use this small space wisely and still have room for everything?
 
A.  Treat your car as if it were a closet or a room in your home - identify the functions you perform in the space and the items you need or use, and then set up supportive systems once you've cleared away the the things you don't need or use.
 
If your car is your mobile office:
* Make a list of the supplies you use on a regular basis and decide whether it makes sense to keep them in your car or in your trunk.  Clear out any items you don't need in your car.
 
* To hold office supplies and similar items at hand, consider a front seat organizer like this or this.
 
* If you need to keep the seat empty for passengers, this storage option can keep your frequently-used items handy.  When you have a passenger, just swing it out of the way.
 
* Neatly transporting documents and files can be easy with a cascading file tote or portable file boxFor the serious on-the-road executive, there are also mobile desk options.
 
* If you carry products or small equipment, stow them neatly and securely in your trunk to avoid shifting and tipping over.
 
If you also use your car to chauffeur family members or to run errands: 
*  This helpful trunk organizer is great for groceries.
 
*  Backseat organizers for kids help contain their "stuff" in the car.
 
*  No more lost DVDs or video games.
 
*  Storage options for behind your seat or theirs! 
 
P.S. Don't forget about organizing the glove compartment! 
 
  
Call 724.850.7282 or email Jody Adams with questions or if you need help organizing your car (or trunk or glove compartment).
What's Happenin'?
One of the many benefits of being organized is having more time to get out and experience all our region has to offer.  Click on the links below for more info on these "happenings". . .
 
Saturday, October 17, 2009     10:00 a.m. - Noon (registration starts 8:30 a.m.)
Grab your sneakers and head to Heinz Field to support the American Heart Association's Start! movement in Pittsburgh that encourages a healthier lifestyle and physical activity.
 
Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18, 2009
Fashion shows, cooking shows, workshops, and over 150 vendors show their wares and share their samples at the new Monroeville Convention Center.
 
Saturday, October 17, 2009     6:00 - 9:00 p.m.   
Bring your "ghouls and goblins" out to Indian Lake Park for tricks, treats, and thrills, courtesy of the North Huntingdon Township Department of Parks and Recreation.
 
Saturday, October 24, 2009     6:00 - 10:00 p.m.
For a canned food donation, your 6th-12th grader can participate in a pre-arranged parade route through downtown Irwin streets, followed by entertainment and light refreshments.
 
Saturday, October 24, 2009     6:00 p.m. 
Enjoy a buffet dinner, costume prizes, Silent Auction, and Chinese Auction to raise money for a worthwhile cause. 
 
Sunday, October 25, 2009     1:00 - 4:00 p.m. 
Dress your pet in Halloween attire and head down to Twin Lakes Park to raise money to help homeless animals aided by the Humane Society of Westmoreland County.
  
Currently Showing
If you loved Chihuly at Phipps, don't miss the chance to take in this extraordinary glass installation by world famous flame-work glass artist Hans Godo Frabel. 
 
Weekends throughout October
Get your fill of the crisp outdoors with hay rides,  a corn stalk maze, pony rides, and tons of seasonal refreshments at this Harrison City favorite.
 
October 30, 2009     7:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Don your best costume for a cause!  Hors d'oeuvres, costume contest, live band, raffles and more at Lakeview support this advocacy group for abused and neglected children.
 
October 31 - November 1; November 7-8, 2009 
Support families in need by making donations to volunteers from the Westmoreland County Food Bank at participating Giant Eagle locations.
 
Thank you for spending some time with us.  Wishing you a smooth transition into fall and hoping you have fun using the information in this issue as you put everything in its place!

Jody