Continuing with our “Office” theme this week I wanted to share a tip for email efficiency. Aim to reply to e-mails within a couple days of reading them. This is something I have never been great at, BUT this is one of my personal New Years Resolutions. In my case, I often sit down to read them when I don’t have time to respond right then. The problem is that you then aren’t thinking of responding the next time you log on and read something else! I have seen the error of my ways and have resolved to not read e-mails until I have time to respond as well. It is far better to write people back in a timely matter - it shows that you are on top of your TIME as well as your belongings.

One of the great things about belonging to a community like the Savvy Organizer, is that we can help support each other in all areas of organization. Sometimes I am in need of support too - so feel free to offer suggestions and support this way as well! Good luck (for me and the rest of you too!!)

My find this week works in the office, is likely stored there, but has uses all around the house! It is a personal laminator and I had wanted one for ages and finally got one before Christmas. Let me tell you - I LOVE IT!!! It is one of those things that once you have it, it is surprising how many times you think to use it.

I used it to laminate my care sheet for the laundry room, a small sign at the front door asking people to knock first, kids activity schedules, favourite, often used recipes (stick on the back of your spice cupboard door for easy access), crafts… There are so many uses that it will be one thing once you own, you will wonder how you got along without it for so long. The sheets can be fairly pricey though, so try not to go TOO crazy - I had to hold myself back just a little! Enjoy!

This is a great laminator by Fellowes>

This week we are going to be talking about the office. This can be a trouble spot for many people, as things tend to pile up and having 10 spare hours to deal with it at once never seems to come… The solution is to work at it for 30 minutes a day until you have it all caught up. Once it is caught up (and this is the ultimate trick), spend a few minutes a day filing receipts, bills, info from the kids school… just dealing with all that paper mess that comes into your house everyday.

It hardly takes any time and is very important in keeping things tidy, and your sanity intact!! If you would like more information on this, check out show #10 - Dealing with Paper. Good luck!