I was reading this article that claims yes you are wasting your time if you organize. It talks a lot about creating folders in gmail or just using the search feature. The search feature will save time.
I’ve seen pantry organization that looks like it belongs in a museum it’s so pretty. But, if you don’t have much time you might not want that as your goal. When it is you get stuck on, "My pantry just isn’t as lovely as theirs. I decluttered it and organized it and it still looks like a pantry." If it is usable that is the important thing right?
The same goes for complicated time systems. When the upkeep takes so much time, is it worth it?
I know people that are so particular in their filing that some files only have 1 or 2 pieces of paper in them. Broad categories are usually more efficient.
Where in your life has the quest for organization gotten out of hand? What is a simpler solution?
Years ago I realized that if I tried to neatly file paperwork and receipts for taxes, those important papers would get lost on my desk, waiting for me to get them in the just-right category. Now I have a little tote bag under a desk, and any paper that pretains to taxes I toss into the bag, uncategorized. Sometimes I might write something like, “2011 Medical” at the top, or I might circle the date. But mostly I just toss it in. When we are ready to do taxes, the bag is ready for us, and we seldom have to hunt for anything else.
I am happy with my present “working” filing system. I have a file cabinet with several drawers. I have found that if you make your own system too complicated, likely you won’t use it. What matters is that it is functional! Of course, I am always interested in hearing other’s tips and seeing if it would be something that works for me. I remember at one time, alphabetizing my CD collection. It was a waste of time for me, as I did not return them to the rack alphabetized in the end. Live and learn.
I AGREE! Your pantry doesn’t have to be so clean and organized it scares your kids to even open the door and mess it up. As long as it is still functioning as a pantry, it works. I’m so tired of seeing all these “designer” looking pantries….who has time for that. NOT ME!!! Love your post.
Amy
crazyclutterlady.blogspot.com
I stand at the trash to sort the mail. Get rid of what you don’t need or want. I do not open anything (with a window!!! I only open personal letters)until I am paying bills – one day a week – I know the gas,phone,light bills will come and I have to pay it so do I really need to know how much it is before I am paying it.
I used to run a tickler file system that had 31 daily files and 12 monthly. Now I run 4 weekly and 12 monthly. When i find something great for Mother’s Day I put it in the file month prior to Mother’s Day (APRIL) so next April I will find it in time. I do the same with the bills and birthday notes, event schedules-whatever.
Sunday during football playoffs I sat with my recipe file next to the fireplace. If I haven’t made it yet, it might get a try this week – otherwise it went in the fire. If I don’t want to make it or like it I won’t be passing it down to a friend or daughter anyway!
I typed up a quick list with the category (heading) of each file folder in the cabinet. (Auto, Bank etc). I put that list into a plastic sleeve in the front of the file folder drawer. Makes it easy for anyone to find whatever they need.