Entries by Janine Cavanaugh, CPO®

Out of sight, out of mind

The phrase out of sight, out of mind is very common. We fear that if we put things away we’ll forget about them. So, we leave tools on the counter to remind us to fix a cabinet. Borrowed things pile up on the chair so we don’t forget to return them. Paper litters our desk […]

Sort mail immediately

The best way to stay on top of the incoming mail is to sort it immediately. Sort it into the 4 categories listed below and have a specific spot for each category. Junk – recycle or toss it Shred – shred or put in box to be shredded later Action required – take action or […]

Use containers as your guide

Allow the container to determine the limit of how many you can keep. You maintain control of what you keep and the container serves as a guide for the quantity of what you keep. For example: use your shoe rack to help you determine how many shoes to keep. By only keeping the amount that […]

Busy organizing in spring

Happy Spring!

Are you as happy as I am to welcome the colorful season of spring? It’s been a cold, windy winter, and I’m ready for the change of season. But before we leave winter behind, I’d like to share some of the projects I’ve been helping my clients with during the snowy weather.

Packing up holiday decorations:  Realizing what decorations no longer make the cut, and preparing for a time saving set up for the next holiday season were important steps in this project.

Need this paper?

We tend to keep paper because we’re unsure what else to do with it. Ask yourself, ‘When would I actually need to present this document?’ Consider all possible situations where it might be necessary. If you can’t think of a good reason, it’s time to get rid of it. Related tips: Paper! What to keep […]