Dear Jessica,

How do YOU do it?  You're always on time, have time for yourself and seem to flow through life...really how do you do it?

-Michelle P.

Dear Michelle,

Believe it or not, I get this question from just about everyone I come in contact with.  It gives me a chuckle because everyone makes it seem like this big life secret, but it's soooo easy to be on time, know where things are, take guilt free time for myself, not to mention the many other benefits of living well organized. 

1. I have specific place for everything in my home, office and car.  If  something new enters my life that doesn't have a home, it gets one immediately!
2. Everything makes it to its home each day.  I spend a few minutes (yes, only minutes) each evening to do a quick pick-up.  I love starting each day fresh and orderly!
3. I only keep what I use and/ or love!  I definitely live by the Love It, Use It or Lose It® rule.  I can't stand to shuffle or dust around things I'm not using.
4. I write everything down.  I make sure all appointments, errands to be run, tasks to be done, etc are in my day planner.  If applicable I give myself specific deadlines to accomplish tasks. I plan errands by location.
5. I open my mail immediately getting rid of the junk (although I hardly get any junk mail) and the outside envelopes.  Three years ago I took the time have my name removed from all junk mail lists...almost the best thing I ever did!  You can do it too!
6. I tackle my To Do List like it's nobody's business!  What's the point in putting off the inevitable?  It just stares up at you from the paper...it feels so much better to cross it out with big black marker and know it's finito!
7. I don't let anything pile up.  Papers, leaves, dishes, laundry are attended to what seems like constantly.  It makes tasks so much easier when they don't appear daunting.  That really is the only way to stay on top of things.