Organization consultant Louise Kurzeka offers various tips for running an efficient family household.
- Conduct family meetings, using a notebook for agenda and minutes. Rotate chairperson duties among all family members. Use it as an opportunity to discuss and plan family responsibilities in the house, upcoming family vacations and any other events.
- Create a family communication center with a dry erase board, markers and self-adhesive notes. Separate the board into sections labeled for each family member. Use self-adhesive notes to pass on telephone messages or other information.
- Make a voice-mail logbook, using a spiral notebook with an attached pen. All family members can use this book to record messages. Keep in one location near the main phone, perhaps attaching it in some way to the area so that it doesn't get lost. This saves time by keeping the information all in one place.
- To avoid the habit of talking too long on the telephone or Internet, set a timer each time you place a call or receive one. You'll be much more aware of how much time is eaten up by so-called "quick calls.
- Do more than one thing at a time when possible. Following are some examples:
- Pay bills while watching television.
- Load the dishwasher while talking on the phone.
- Listen to self-help tapes while exercising.
- Catch up on your reading while waiting for your children in the car.
- Clean up the kitchen as you prepare the meal, instead of all at the end.
- Plan for tomorrow, today. Set out clothes for all family members (with their participation) the night before. Also, check backpacks and briefcases to ensure things are ready to go. This saves the time and stress of the morning "rush hour."
- Use a greeting-card organizer in a binder form to hold cards that you have purchased ahead of time for people. Use pocket dividers for each month, along with dates of special events to keep you from forgetting someone's birthday and from searching for that great card you bought months ago.
Guests Louise Kurzeka
Organization Expert, Everything's Together Organizing Services
Minnetonka, MN
Phone: 952-939-8080
Website:
www.everythingstogether.com Also in this Episode
