Clear out unneeded emails in your inbox and email folders. Try saying goodbye to at least 25 messages.

A: Assess your computer(s) and/or laptop(s): Are they still serving your needs or do you need to upgrade? Essentially, if your computer is running slow, constantly rebooting itself, or giving you other issues, a problem is present. Have your computer person evaluate and repair if necessary. Otherwise, buying a new computer/laptop may be required.

B: Back up your hard drive: It's not a matter of IF your computer is going to die. It's a matter of WHEN. If you care about your files (including photos and music), be sure you're backing up every day. Use a Cloud-based service. I use Carbonite.

C: Corral cords and be sure they're clean: Check to make sure none of your cords are damaged. Use cord labels for easy identification. By the way, cords get super dusty. Be sure you clean off the dust with a microfiber cloth regularly.

D: Delete any files or folders that are no longer needed: This will clean up some useable and much needed hard drive space. I delete 10 files a day from my computer (documents, spreadsheets, digital photos I no longer need, music files, old Power Point presentations, PDF documents, text files, etc.) This keeps the clutter under control.

E: Email: Keep it under control. If you don't, it can turn into a huge issue. Empty your inbox by the end of each day.

F: Find files and folders easily: Make sure that all your files and folders are clearly named and dated. In other words, no files labeled 'stuff' or miscellaneous.'

G: Google is your friend when it comes to mysterious computer issues: A simple search helps me 9 out of 10 times. When all else fails, I then contact my computer repair company.

H: Handle any computer problems immediately, whether you do it yourself or get a professional. Computer problems don't often resolve on their own, and DO often end up with lost programs and files...and lots of frustration.

I: Icons: Delete any computer desktop icons that are no longer useful to you. Organize the ones you do use.

J: Junk: Get it off your computer desk. This means dead plants, old soda cans, food wrappers, and other trash.

K: Keyboard cleanliness: Clean using Q-tips, a damp cloth, a compressed can of air, and keyboard cleaner.

L: List all your computer supplies: Make sure you are not running low on printer ink/toner, printer paper, or thumb drives. Inventory regularly.

M: Mouse clean up: Wipe off your mouse and make sure it is not full of dust and hair, which is especially important with older ones that have the ball.

N: Never write down passwords or tape them to the computer: Do you really want the person who is house or pet sitting for you to have access to all your bank account passwords?

O: Organize files like you organize paper: When you file paper, it goes into folders in your filing cabinet. When you file a digital file, it goes into digital folders in your computer's 'filing cabinet.' This kind of thinking can help you organize your files.

P: Photos and videos: Get all the photos, that are living in your computer, organized into labeled computer folders. If you have a lot, consider using a photo storage service. I use Smug Mug.

Q: Quiz yourself: Ask, 'Am I able to use most of my computer programs easily or am I constantly struggling?' If you're having any difficulties, search for an online tutorial or a class in your area to increase your knowledge.

R: Run your different scans regularly: I use a program called CC Cleaner that is easy to use and is a huge help with these types of tasks.

S: Surge protectors: Use them. A surge protector can protect computer damage during a storm.

T: Thumb Drives: Use them to store files, rather than having every single file taking up space on your computer. You can also use thumb drives to conveniently share files with others.

U: Unfollow: Stop following social media friends and organizations that are no longer relevant to you or no longer resonate with you. Think quality over quantity.

V: Virus scan: Update your virus program and run your scan at least every couple days in order to protect your computer.

W: Wipe your monitor or laptop screen: with a clean cloth and cleaner that is made specifically for your device.

X: eXamine: the time you're spending on your computer. Is it mostly productive or wasted time? Consider using social media or watching fun YouTube videos as a reward for getting your priority TO DOs done.

Y: You are responsible: for keeping your computer in tip-top shape and the area surrounding your desk clean and orderly. Be choosey about whether or not you allow the kids/grandkids on your computer. You may be better off having an extra laptop for the kiddos, especially if your main one is a work computer.

Z: Zoom: and other virtual options are here to stay. To use it, you'll need a computer or laptop with speakers, a microphone, a computer video camera, a good Internet connection, and a quiet room so that your kids or pets can't be heard in the background.

P.S. Get the insider secrets to getting organized...like the pros. You're going to LOVE my I'm Finally Organized Toolkit!

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To fast-forward to My Oh-So-Organized Filing System Deluxe, visit:

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If you're sick and tired of the piles of paper taking over your home and your life, I have great news. I have the perfect solution for you to get it all organized once and for all, in no time, with little effort!

My Oh-So-Organized Filing System Deluxe, sold exclusively on my Get Organized Now! web site, is ready to help you get your piles of paper organized. It will help you get your papers in perfect order AND ensure that you can find what you need within 10 seconds or less.

In fact, it's not just a filing system. It's actually a Filing System AND an Organizing System rolled into one. And the best part is...no thinking required. I've thought of the easiest method for you to follow, along with all the categories you'll need and then some!

PLUS, ..until FRIDAY, April 29, when you get your hands on a copy of My Oh-So-Organized Filing System Deluxe, you'll also get 7 COMPLIMENTARY eBook BONUSES, all created by me.

P.S. Get rid of your paper clutter and get your paperwork in order once and for all. Don't miss out on your COMPLIMENTARY BONUSES. For more details, visit:
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___ 1. Do today's task on my April Monthly Organizing Checklist. The April 23 TO DO focuses on the inside of your car. Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access my April Monthly Organizing Checklist.

___ 2. Vote in my web poll. 'Your dryer cycle just ended. What do you do with the clothes afterwards?' Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to vote and to share any personal comments. Results will be shared soon in this newsletter.

___ 3. Determine if your laptop is helping you or dragging you down. Laptops can be pricey, but if yours is very old and isn't pulling its weight, consider looking into a new laptop. Otherwise, bring your old laptop to a computer repair shop and get any issues fixed.

"I work on a laptop specifically so I can work in cafes and pretend I'm part of the human world."
-- Jonathan Lethem

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And remember...there's no better time to get organized, than to Get Organized Now!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!
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