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Organize Your Desk

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Do you work at your desk? Why or why not?

How many hours each day do you spend at your desk?

Organize and beautify your desk and it will support your best work!

 – Marla Dee

Your desktop is speaking to you – what is it saying? Is it covered in papers and stuff that you can’t see a clear space? Is it holding more items than it needs to? Make your desk the focal point of your workspace and keep it clear and organized so you can find what you need when you need it.

Our Office Steps Guide can help you!

SEE IT – Take a look at where you’ve been and where you are now. Do your best to be neutral and take the observer viewpoint while exploring below:

  • Grab your smart phone and take pictures of your desktop and drawers.
  • When looking at your desk, write the story your clutter tells.
  • Can you even work on your desk? Is it large enough?
  • Take time to write what’s working? You can be specific or general.
  • Is your desktop covered or does it have open working space?.
  • What isn’t working? Where are you stuck and why?
  • What is stressing you the most about your work surface?

MAP IT – Make a written plan for what you want. Have fun and go after what you need and want! Think about how many hours you spend at your desk!

  • Write how your desk will look, feel and function when you’re done..
  • Create an online board of images that reflect what you want most.
  • Create a mind map showing the elements of your ideal work surface. What size, color, type of material, and work area do you want?
  • Now take some time to write a new story. How will you feel when working at your desk? Will you be able to focus and create? Look at our Ultimate Office Checklist for inspiration and ideas.

Make a written plan for what you want. Have fun and go after what you need and want! Think about how many hours you spend at your desk!

  • Write how your desk will look, feel and function when you’re done..
  • Create an online board of images that reflect what you want most.
  • Create a mind map showing the elements of your ideal work surface.

DO IT – Make a written plan for what you want. Think about the big picture and overall goals for your desk. You can work out the details later.

  • Get the size and layout of desk you need to function well.
  • Choose the best spot for your desk by asking – “Where in this room do I want to sit?”. Also, where you have the best light, focus and access.
  • Add an additional surface area (on a side table or behind you) to hold your printer, projects, and papers you need handy, but not at the desk.
  • Organize your supply drawers – one with office supplies and one with your personal items. Organizer Tip: Use containers inside the drawers to keep the items in place and organized. You will be happy every time you open the drawer and can find what you need easily.
  • Keep you active papers/files in a drawer at your desk or near you.
  • Implement our iRAFT System for all your paper and filing needs.

Get the Clear & Simple SEE IT. MAP IT. DO IT.© steps in the Office Steps Guide

Want help with your whole office – go to Organize Your Office

Clear & Simple, Marla Dee, Clutter Clear Your Paper, Clutter Clear Your Office
Your Guides to a simpler life, Marla Dee & Kate Fehr. We love teaching the Clear & Simple Way to live free of clutter and get organized at last.

Clutter Clear Your Office

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A clutter free office helps you focus on your work.

Clutter is delayed decisions

and holding onto the past.

Marla Dee

If you were standing at the doorway of your office with the person you admire most, would you be excited or ashamed? We certainly understand if your work space has become cluttered, disorganized and draining. This is what happens when your work expects more than you can give. You might be spending more time in your work space than at relaxing home. You might even be working from home! We wish more companies would give their employees, and more entrepreneurs would give themselves, at least one day each year just for clutter clearing and organizing.

If you are ready for an office that supports you rather than stressing you, we are here to help. You can start with just your desktop, supply area, or your paper.

Here are three great small projects that can be done in less than an hour. This will get you started and keep you from getting lost in the details. Keep in mind we will take you through SEE IT. MAP IT. DO IT.© for the whole room next. Choose one of the following ideas, schedule the time, turn on music and dive in. Have boxes and bags on hand for what goes elsewhere, donations, trash, and goes to other areas or to other people.

01  DO THE DRAWERS

Clear & Simple, Marla Dee, Clutter Clear Your Paper, Clutter Clear Your OfficeGet ready to have fun! Open your drawers and pull everything out. You can start with the desk catch-all junk drawer or the drawer you dump all your personal stuff in. These tend to be the worst.

After dumping out the contents, sort into general categories such as pens, paper clips, etc. This way you can see how much you really have. Then get rid of the excess or stuff that doesn’t belong there or that you have never used! Honestly, how many pens do you really need? Now, put the drawer back together. Tip – use containers inside the drawer to make organizing and use easier.

02  CLEAR THE DESKTOP OR YOUR WORK SURFACE

Clear & Simple, Marla Dee, Clutter Clear Your Desk, Clutter Clear Your OfficeIt’s amazing how much stuff lands on the top of your desk making it impossible to work there!  It’s time to clear the deck so you can be productive.

Look at what you’re storing on your desktop. The only things that belong here are the active papers you are working on now, active tools, and your computer. If there are papers related to projects, or papers that need to be filed, move to the file drawer area. Supplies you don’t use daily can be moved to a drawer. When you’re done, place one item such as a plant, photo, or inspiration on top.

03  CLEAR THE FLOOR

Clear & Simple, SEE IT. MAP IT. DO IT., Marla Dee, Kate Fehr, Organize Your Office, Organize Your DeskStart at the entry to your office/work area and work your way around the whole area staying focused on the floor. You might be surprised how much has landed here that doesn’t belong or that is now past-time stuff (last year’s financials).

Pick up, bag or box all the stuff that you know needs to leave and get it out of the room! Don’t worry about the other stuff, it comes later. Then grab the broom or vacuum and clear away the old dust and grime. Return to the entry, look around and take in the difference. Just clearing the floor of old items can open space for new to come in.

Done? Take a deep breath. Notice how different your office feels? Now, celebrate what you’ve done.  Find more help below!

Download the FREE Office Steps Guide.

Your Guide Marla Dee.

I love teaching the Clear & Simple Way to live free of clutter and get organized at last.

Organize Your Office

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Does your office support you or stress you?

Most of us spend more time in our office than at home.

Make your office a place where you thrive and do your best work!

 – Marla Dee

Why work in a disorganized office or a space you really do not like? By continually doing so, you decrease your productivity, your ideas, your joy for the work you do. We want to help you by sharing the Clear & Simple Way to having a beautiful work space that you enjoy.

Download the Office Steps Guide

SEE IT – Take a look at where you’ve been and where you are now. Do your best to be neutral and take the observer viewpoint while exploring below:

  • Go around your work space and take pictures. Then take a look at them!
  • Tap into your gut or emotions and write the story your clutter tells.
  • Take time to write what’s working? You can be specific or general.
  • What isn’t working? Where are you stuck and why?
  • What is stressing you the most about your work space?
  • Are you holding onto old furniture or outdated ways handling paper?

MAP IT – Make a written plan for what you want. Think about the big picture and overall goals for your work space. You can work out the details later.

  • Write how your space will look, feel and function when you have the right homes and habits in place for all of the work that comes your way.
  • Create an online board of images that reflect what you want most.
  • Create a mind map showing the elements of your ideal area and systems.
  • Ask – if you could set your office up anywhere, where would it be?
  • Now take some time to write a new story. How do you want to feel when you are working in this space? How might you be open to different (i.e. having less paper, using different systems, or getting help).

DO IT – Take the steps to make it happen. Look on your calendar and set up time for the transformation!

  • Choose an area to start with. We suggest starting small and building up from there. For example, you could start with the desktop and supply drawers, then go to other drawers, files, furniture and end with decor.
  • Go through the S.T.A.C.K.S.© System for the area (Sort, Toss, Assign, Contain, Keep it up, Simplify). By following S.T.A.C.K.S.© the project will be easier and you will save money. Go to www.clearsimple.com/steps.
  • Enjoy shopping for the containers you want and need.
  • Once you complete each area, take time to celebrate. We know you will enjoy working and being in your office. For more fun ideas check out our Ultimate Office Checklist and get something you really need or want!

Download your free Office Guide here.

Clear & Simple, SEE IT. MAP IT. DO IT., Marla Dee, Kate Fehr, Organize Your Office, Organize Your Desk
Your Guides to a simpler life, Marla Dee & Kate Fehr.

We love teaching the Clear & Simple Way to live free of clutter and get organized at last.

Organize Your Road Trip

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Collect your maps. Relive the adventures.

 

We get to experience more of the journey when we feel prepared.

 – Marla Dee

We want you to start with some clutter clearing of the small stuff. It’s surprising how the little things can drive us crazy on the trip but we forget all about them when we return. Do you stash away all those brochures and guides – just in case?

Use this Travel Guide to Organize Your Road Trip well before you head out.

SEE IT – Take a look at where you are now. Answer the questions below for your typical road trips.

  • What has worked? You can be specific or general.
  • What do you like (if anything) about how the car gets packed, whether you have what you need and how you feel while on the road?
  • Are there things you know you want to change?
  • What isn’t working? What don’t you like?
  • Is there stuff that doesn’t belong in your car for road trips?
  • Are you prepared for the unexpected while out on the open road?

MAP IT – Make a written plan for what you really want. We get to experience more of the journey when we feel prepared.

  • What kind of music do you want to play? Maybe you love audiobooks.
  • Plan for the unexpected: make sure spare tire is full, purchase roadside assistance, have extra water and snacks, carry a first aid kit.
  • Have a water bottle, charger, sunglasses, etc. for each person.
  • Are you taking coolers with food or will you be stopping to eat? Or both?
  • List out all of the items, including luggage pieces, you will be putting in and/or on the car. The list will help you be realistic and cover all bases.
  • Do you need cargo racks or boxes for extra space?

DO IT – Take the steps to make it happen. Plan at least a week or two ahead of your trip to be sure you have what you need, that everything fits, and that it will be a sustainable set up for the duration of your travels.

  • Talk with everyone going on the trip to make sure they have what is needed and if there are any special needs. Determine who is responsible.
  • Start by gathering all of the items you are planning to take. For this purpose, your empty luggage will work or can be stuffed with blankets for fullness.
  • Do a trial run of packing everything ahead of time so you know what fits best and where – luggage, food, supplies, etc.
  • Get the physical maps for your journey and highlight the route. You can also put the route in your GPS.
  • Lastly, write down what works and what doesn’t for next time. Have FUN!

Download Your Travel Guide

Clear & Simple, SEE IT. MAP IT. DO IT., Marla Dee, Kate Fehr, Organize Your Travel, Organize Your Travel
Clear & Simple, SEE IT. MAP IT. DO IT., Marla Dee, Kate Fehr, Organize Your Travel, Organize Your Luggage, Container Store
Your Guides to a simpler life, Marla Dee & Kate Fehr.

We love teaching the Clear & Simple Way to live free of clutter and get organized at last.

Organize Your Luggage

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Stop using raggedly old luggage or pieces you don’t like.

 

How many pieces of luggage, backpacks, purses, etc. do you have?
How many do you actually use?

 – Marla Dee

In 2019, the global luggage market was valued at approximately 22.11 billion U.S. dollars. We can’t begin to imagine how many pieces of luggage or travel bags everyone has.

The question is: Do you use all those pieces of luggage or travel bags? Is it time to let go of some?

Let this Travel Guide help you.

SEE IT – Take a look at where you are now. Answer the questions below for your current luggage pieces and packing habits.

  • What’s working? You can be specific or general.
  • What do you like (if anything) about your luggage and packing?
  • Are there things you know you want to change?
  • What isn’t working? What don’t you like?
  • Is there stuff you know you won’t need and take anyway?
  • Breathe deeply and tap into how you feel when you prepare for packing and are on vacation. Do you have more than you need? Do you forget things?


MAP IT – Make a written plan for what you really need and want. We enjoy our trips and have more freedom when we are honest about this.

  • How do you want to feel while packing for and being on vacation?
  • Get inspiration from Pinterest and YouTube and save it for reference.
  • Create a mind map showing all the elements you need and want.
  • Will you be traveling for pleasure? For work?
  • Are you willing to schedule time to plan, purchase, and pack.
  • Is it time for you to purchase new luggage you love and that supports your trips? If so, add this to your plan of action.


DO IT – Take the steps to make it happen. Look on your calendar and schedule the time at least a week ahead of traveling!

  • Just get it done. Start by hauling out all of your travel items; luggage, toiletries, travel kits, toys and tools.
  • Go through the S.T.A.C.K.S.© System on each category of stuff you hauled out (Sort, Toss, Assign, Contain, Keep it up, Simplify). By following S.T.A.C.K.S.© the project will be easier and you will save time, energy, and money. Go to www.clearsimple.com/systems.
  • There will be far fewer items than on typical organizing projects, but they may also feel more loaded because we agonize about being unprepared.
  • Once you complete this project, take time to practice and prepare things. Pack your bags in different ways to find what works best for you. Fill refillable toiletry bottles.

SEE IT. MAP IT. DO IT.© Organize Your Travel Guide

Clear & Simple, SEE IT. MAP IT. DO IT., Marla Dee, Kate Fehr, Organize Your Travel, Organize Your Luggage
Clear & Simple, SEE IT. MAP IT. DO IT., Marla Dee, Kate Fehr, Organize Your Travel, Organize Your Luggage, Container Store

Your guides to a simpler life, Marla Dee & Kate Fehr.

We are passionate about teaching The Clear & Simple Way© to live free of clutter and get organized at last.

Organize Your Travel

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Traveling can be stressful if our stuff and our time is not organized.

Travel can spark new ideas and connect us with different cultures.

 – Marla Dee

Travel – the excitement, the fun, the adventures, the journey!  Travel – the planning, the organizing, the decisions, the overwhelm. 

Use the Clear & Simple Way to organize your travel. You’ll be well ahead of the game by applying our systems to your pre-travel time!

SEE IT. MAP IT. DO IT.© to Organize Your Travel Guide

 

SEE IT – Take a look at where you are now. Answer the questions below for how you typically travel.

  • What’s working? You can be specific or general.
  • What do you like (if anything) about planning, packing, and traveling?
  • Are there things you know you want to change?
  • What isn’t working? What don’t you like?
  • Is there stuff you know you won’t need and take anyway?
  • Breathe deeply and tap into how you feel when you prepare for a trip or vacation? Are you able to relax? Are you really on vacation?

 

MAP IT – Make a written plan for what you really need and want. We take just what we need and enjoy our trips more when we are clear about this.

  • How do you want to feel while planning for and being on vacation?
  • Download apps to support your planning and traveling.
  • Create a mind map showing all the elements you need and want.
  • Will you be traveling for pleasure? For work?
  • Be open to scheduling time to plan and learn new ways.
  • Is it time for you to purchase new luggage that you love and that supports your trips? If so, add this to your plan of action.

 

DO IT – Take the steps to make it happen. Look on your calendar and schedule the time at least a week ahead of traveling!

  • Just get it done. Start by hauling out all of your travel items; luggage, toiletries, travel kits, packing cubes, travel accessories, etc.
  • Go through the S.T.A.C.K.S.© System on the stuff you hauled out (Sort, Toss, Assign, Contain, Keep it up, Simplify). By following S.T.A.C.K.S.© the project will be easier and you will save time, energy, and money. Go to www.clearsimple.com/systems.
  • There will be far fewer items than typical organizing projects, but they may also feel more loaded because we agonize about being unprepared.
  • Once you complete this project, take time to practice and prepare things. Pack your bags in different ways to find what works best for you. Fill refillable toiletry bottles.

 

Download Your Travel Guide

 

Clear & Simple, SEE IT. MAP IT. DO IT., Marla Dee, Kate Fehr, Organize Your Travel, Organize Your Travel
Clear & Simple, SEE IT. MAP IT. DO IT., Marla Dee, Kate Fehr, Organize Your Travel
Your Guides to a simpler life, Marla Dee & Kate Fehr.

We love teaching the Clear & Simple Way to live free of clutter and get organized at last.