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Testimonial
| "Laura, what a blessing you were. There is no way I could have marshaled the emotional or physical energy to do all of that on my own...EVER! Now I want this organization in every corner of my home. A thousand thank yous!
-- J.N., Homeowner
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February 2013
Greetings!
Now that 2013 is well under way, it's time to really dig in and get serious about maintaining your resolutions to get organized and be more productive. In this issue, we'll get started with organizing your photos with tips for handling prints (remember those?). I even have a recommended resource to help you turn your most special photographs into treasured mementos. And, next issue, I'll cover organizing your digital photographs.
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Preserve and Protect: Photo Storage Makeover
Mother of Four Sons Tackles Four Times the Photos
Before Laura Ray Organizing
The Situation: A busy, loving mom of four sons wanted to gift each of her boys with a lifetime of photos, highlighting precious everyday moments and celebrations, from births to graduations. My client had hundreds of prints to be sorted and organized: baby photos and pictures of family vacations, honors and accomplishments, and beloved family pets. Each son would get a set of photos upon their high school or college graduation, which were all quickly approaching.
After Laura Ray Organizing
The Challenge:
I created the challenge! Remember double prints and taking multiple shots to ensure you got the picture? Since my client had multiple copies of many prints, we didn't need to scan or duplicate a single photo while making sure each of her sons received plenty of photos to reflect his life.
How We Did It:
Together, my client and I tackled this project in just three easy steps:
- We set up and labeled 20 shoe boxes for every photo category.
- Next, we spent many hours sorting photos by category.
- Finally, I bought four Creative Memories� Photo Boxes, which each hold 1200 photos and have separate sections. Each section held photos from a specific period of their lives.
Organizing Tips for Print Photos:
If there's little or no organization to your photos, begin by grouping them into "stage of life" categories, e.g. College Life; Before Marriage; Before Kids; With Only One Child; etc. You might also consider enlisting the help of a friend, relative, or even a professional helper who can prevent you from wandering down Memory Lane and keep you on task until the job is done.
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Stop Procrastinating
by Breaking Your To-Do List Down
Laura's Productivity Tip
According to the Wall Street Journal, 20 percent of American adults consider themselves procrastinators. Even go-getters sometimes delay. We put things off because they are unpleasant, we feel overwhelmed, or because of our drive toward perfectionism. So, how can we overcome procrastination?
According to "Getting Things Done" productivity guru David Allen, there are two steps that may help you stop delaying and well...get things done.
First, he suggests defining the value of whatever it is you're working on. For example, are co-workers waiting on you to complete your task, does your image depend on getting it done quickly, or how will a delay impact your family?
Next, he says, you need to determine the "next clear action." In other words, what is the first step in accomplishing your project or task? On your to-do list, write the next action. For example, instead of "Marketing report", you would write the first step such as, "Research widget numbers." Or, instead of "New tires", you would write "Call (Tire company) to schedule". If you include the company's phone number, that may help you procrastinate even less.
I've had great success with this "next clear action" step personally, and many clients are experiencing progress with it, too. So, give it a try!
Excerpt from �2013 Articles on Demand™
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In the News
In January, I had a great time filming a home organizing segment for TRUSTDale TV, which airs Sunday mornings on NBC. It featured me and one of my clients (who invited ME on the show) and will probably run in March. Stay tuned for more details.  | | Laura Ray and Reporter Dale Cardwell |
The show is hosted by Dale Cardwell, an Emmy award-winning investigative reporter based in Atlanta. On a separate note, I was out and about speaking to more than 150 women and parents at local speaking engagements this past month. And, I'm booked to speak with a business group in March and education faculty and staff in April. |
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Laura's Organizing Favorites
From time to time, I find a great vendor who provides a unique  service or with whom I enjoy working because I know I can rely on them. Pixorium is just that kind of service provider! Pixorium is a photo studio with a passion for helping others tell their stories and preserve their memories. Owners Jiffy and Howard launched Pixorium after hearing heartbreaking stories of families who had lost everything -- including their treasured memories -- during Hurricane Katrina. Combining Jiffy's love of photos and family histories with Howard's love of technology, Pixorium allows families to preserve prints, slides, negatives, and even videos, and turn them into legacy items that make wonderful gifts. Jiffy Page is my contact there. Be sure to tell her I referred you. |
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Thank you for taking the time to read this month's issue of Organize Atlanta. I hope you've found some tips and ideas that will help you save time, reduce clutter and simplify your life.
Sincerely,
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Laura Ray
Laura Ray Organizing, LLC
404.630.7212
organizeatlanta.comHelping busy people organize their homes and offices
�2013 Laura Ray Organizing, LLC
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