If there's one word that's counter-productive to an organized life, that word is 'miscellaneous.'

In the dictionary, miscellaneous is described as: consisting of members or elements of different kinds, of mixed character, having various qualities, aspects, or subjects. I like to define miscellaneous simply as 'a mish-mash of random stuff.'

A file folder, bin, box, container, email folder, or anything labeled or considered to be 'miscellaneous' is, basically, a catch-all for stuff you don't know what to do with, and in many cases, the contents are not worth keeping.

In nearly every filing system I've ever helped a client plow through, there has been a miscellaneous file folder...jam-packed with random paperwork, 99.9% of which we normally decide to recycle.

In early every home I've ever helped a client organize, there has been one or many boxes marked 'miscellaneous' or 'stuff.' Same goes for items stored in garages, attics, and offices. I've seen boxes marked 'miscellaneous' or one of its many other pseudonyms: 'junk,' 'stuff,' or 'things.'

On each occasion, I ask the client what's in the box. They never know. We open it each time...and I've gotten responses ranging from:

'I've been looking for that for years!'

'Oh, I completely forgot I had that.'

'These are some items from great-grandma I acquired after she passed away.'

'Oh goodness, those sweaters have been stowed so long that they are moth-eaten!'

'Those are my old college text books, papers, and letters. I wanted to pull them out last month when my daughter from out-of-state was here, but with all these unmarked boxes everywhere, I couldn't find them at the time.'

Typically filed under miscellaneous as well are old photographs. Trust me, going through a box of 'miscellaneous photos' and trying to sort them later can be extremely frustrating and time consuming.

Another big miscellaneous culprit: the dreaded 'junk drawer' filled with miscellaneous thing-a-ma-jigs...most homes have one or more of these.

In light of all this:

a) drop 'miscellaneous' from your vocabulary

b) take the time and energy to keep 'like-items' together from the get go, rather than tossing them in a heap of random stuff, ending up in piles of clutter that can potentially take hours, days, months, or years to find and/or sort through later.

c) take the time and thought to specifically label file folders, cardboard boxes and such (i.e. grandma's china, college memorabilia, Jimmy's sporting gear, camping supplies, etc.)

Just a very quick shout out to let you know that my latest issue of Anything and Everything is now available. It's the NOVEMBER 2018 issue and I know you're going to love it. Check it out:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

If you don't already receive it, it's a great time to get your hands on a full year of Anything and Everything because, when you do, we're giving away 10 Bonuses, AND All of the back issues...complimentary!

Here are the topics in the November Issue...

Sometimes a Change in Routine is Just What We Need
5 Non-Digital Organizing Things I Love
20 Places You Might Forget to Clean
Thanksgiving Then and Now...and The Changes We've Seen
Cookie Exchanges...it's Not Just About the Cookies
Recipe: Green Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Pepitas
Recipe: Quick Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili
A Dozen Ways to Take the Stress Out of Gift-Giving for the Holidays
Craft a Turkey Pumpkin 1-2-3
Blessings in Disguise

If you don't already subscribe to my 'Anything and Everything' resource, you can learn about how to do so here:

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We have thousands of readers who LOVE it...and I'm certain you will too!

Maria

P.S. BONUSES...Only Until 11:59 p.m. on November 9th: When you sign up for your Anything and Everything Subscription, you will receive tons of bonuses, plus ALL the BACK ISSUES COMPLIMENTARY!

GON My Life: I count my blessings...instead of sheep
getorganizednow.com/mylife-count-blessings.html



GON Dirty Little Secret: I keep clutter from taking over my house with this easy idea...
getorganizednow.com/dirty-little-secret-clutter-taking-over.html



In ADDITION, on my home page, you'll also find lots of NEW and featured STUFF including...

* Purpose: That's the theme of the two quotes on my home page this week. Check them out, be inspired, and focus this 'word of the week' on yourself

* GON November Monthly Checklist: Haven't had a chance to see our NEW November 2018 Organizing Checklist yet? You can easily catch up!

* GON November Mini Challenges: Get your challenge done for Week 1 and see what's ahead

* Social Media Feature: Hosting Thanksgiving this year? Here's a planning checklist so you find yourself ahead of the game

Access all of the above on my home page. Visit:
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'Miscellaneous is always the largest category.'
--Joel Rosenberg




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And remember...Being organized creates a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

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