Without even realizing it, it's easy to add unnecessary steps to everything we do.

For instance, do you grab the mail from your box (Step 1), bring your mail into your house (Step 2), place it on the kitchen table (Step 3), move that mail to the counter later that day because you haven't had a chance to look at it and you need the table space for dinner (Step 4), then bring that mail back to the kitchen table after dinner (Step 5), then sort the mail as needed (Step 6), and then walk the outer envelope and inserts to the recycling container (Step 7)? This is a lot of steps.

A more efficient system may have you grab the mail from your box (Step 1). Then stop, open the mail, and toss the outer envelope and any inserts at the recycling container (Step 2). Then, bring the mail into your home (Step 3). Then sort as needed (Step 4).

The second scenario saves three steps.

The reason we're taking unnecessary steps is often because we aren't really thinking through what we're doing, which is natural with things we do all the time. But those unnecessary seconds and minutes can really add up at the end of each day.

A few other examples:

Rather than each family member putting his or her clothes into a clothes hamper in his/her bedroom, and then you going around the house retrieving each one, and then you sorting laundry before you wash, how about this instead? Have each family member bring his or her dirty clothes directly to the laundry room and they sort everything into the laundry sorter. When you're ready to do a load of wash, it will all be there and sorted.

When you're ready to call a business associate, take the time to write down all the questions and go through them one-by-one during your conversation. This way, you don't forget something...forcing you to call back (and probably deal with phone-tag).

When I have groceries to put away, I don't first put all the items on the counter and then move them again to their storage spots. I put the items in their storage spots directly from the grocery bags. Note: I always make sure all my frozen items are bagged together, as well as all of my refrigerated items. This way, the freezer/refrigerator doesn't have to be opened and closed several times.

Be mindful about what you're doing today and count the number of steps it's taking you to do it. Can it be done in less? I'd love to hear how you reduced the number of steps in something you've been doing. So...when you've made something more efficient, drop me a note describing it, and I'll share what you accomplished in a future issue.

Just a very quick shout out to let you know that my latest issue of Anything and Everything is now available. It's the MAY 2019 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 May Issue...

Stop Giving All Your Money Away
You wouldn't throw your money in the toilet, right? But, you may be emptying your wallet on these, without even thinking about it

An Organized Way to a Safe Home
An organized home is not only about keeping things picked-up and put away. It's also about keeping you safe. Here's why

Mother's Day Gifts that Don't Add Clutter
Your mom probably doesn't want, or need, more clutter, but you may still want to buy her a nice gift. These gifts don't add to your mom's clutter. They just add joy to her heart

Are Your Subscriptions Creeping Up on You?
Gym memberships, beauty boxes, movie subscriptions...oh my! These days, typical subscriptions are draining our bank accounts

The Case for Orchids
In case you think growing orchids is way too hard, think again. These days, orchids can be grown by anyone, even if you don't have a green thumb

May Recipe: 3-Cheese French Bread Pizza
If you're looking for a very quick dinner that your entire family will love and ask for again and again, this is it

Picture Frame Vase
This craft is easy to make, showcases a favorite photo, and looks beautiful anywhere you display it--home or work

Writing a Letter is Good for You
Sure, it's quick and easy to send an email. but writing a letter by hand benefits you and your recipient so much more

Mom-isms
In celebration of mothers everywhere, here are my top 20 mom-isms. How many have you said over the years?

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

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

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 May 11th: When you sign up for your Anything and Everything Subscription, you will receive tons of bonuses, plus ALL the BACK ISSUES COMPLIMENTARY!

GON Storage Solutions If you store plastic grocery bags for one reason or another, it's very easy for a pile of these to look super messy. Here are easy ideas for storing these so they're easy to access when needed...
getorganizednow.com/storage-plastic-grocery-bags.html


GON Dirty Little Secrets These 4 words are the reason TO DOs often don't get done...
getorganizednow.com/dirty-little-secret-4words-todo.html


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

Awwww...Snoopy If you love Peanuts comics as much as I do, check out this featured comic of the week

Morning is my featured theme of the week, and the two quotes on my home page reflect this theme.

Facebook Feature Dishwashers get dirty. Here's how to clean them...

GON Monthly Checklist: May Follow our May Organizing Checklist. It has an organizing task for you to complete each day, already thought out for you!

GON Challenges: May Our May challenges are focused on Organizing Outside. Meet the challenge for Week 1 this week.


Access all of the above on my home page. Visit:
getorganizednow.com

'I knew I could control one thing, and that is my time and my hours and my effort and my efficiency.'
-Ryan Seacrest


I'd love to hear from you.

Comments, suggestions, or just to say hello. Just REPLY to this email with a short note.

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

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

getorganizednow.com

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