Strategies for Getting Organized

Digital maintenance is essential for problem-free computing and cybersecurity. Below is a list of tasks and articles to help implement them. Review the checklist monthly to avoid computer problems and assure cyber safety.  Checklist Create a password management system Adjust accessibility features Authorize account access to trusted individuals in case of death or disability Check adequacy of storage Contain cost of cable, Internet, and phone Checklist Keep contacts up-to-date Organize streaming services Scan for malware and adware Set up computers for remote access Turn on 2-factor authentication Turn on privacy settings Update all software Use automatic backups Articles Checklist for Cybersecurity Cloud Computing Computer Maintenance Digital Maintenance Monthly Maintenance Tech Tips Books Cybersecurity for the Home and Office Lawyer's Guide to Automation Troubleshooting and Maintaining Your PC Checklists Computer Maintenance  Network Maintenance U...

Below are tips from for organizing desks, closets, and pantries.  Organizing facilitates quick and easy access to your things. Get helpful tools from the Container Store and Target and Uline . Get more tips by reading articles about organizing pantries and de-cluttering  files ,  homes , and photos .   Tips for Organizing Closets, Computers, and Desks Sort, toss and Donate Fill shelves back to front Group items of like kind  Use reusable containers Create in-cabinet solutions

Organized people get things done with calendars, journals, and to do lists. These tools help users to prioritize and track status of personal and business matters. Follow the tips listed below to be effective and avoid stress. For more ideas, see the articles, apps, and books that follow the tips.  Tips Medium - determine whether paper or digital tools work better for you Prioritize - assign due dates to tasks and prioritize Review - review status weekly and reassess priorities Set a limit on the number of tasks scheduled per day Tech - Use a digital app for access on all of your devices Tools - keep tasks on a calendar, journal, or to do list Timing - schedule tasks as you think of them Articles Calendars Checklists Journaling Project Management To Do Lists Selecting a Tool Apps Calendars Checklists To Do Lists Journals Project Management Paper Products Calendar Journals Planners Books Getting Things Done Habits of Highly Effective People

Below are several organizing ideas from an article that appeared in  Good Housekeeping Magazine .  Click here  to read the article and get more ideas with photos. Prioritize the ideas so you can implement them in small steps, one at time.   ORGANIZING TIPS Create a command station on the side of refrigerators with monthly calendars or whiteboards Use a shelf riser Add a towel rack to linen closets Use drawer organizers Fold towels and shirts upright Use tiered shelving Use colored folders to organize files to make visible and save space Discard something old when you buy something new Hang pots and pans Use old trays and bowls to organize things Use clear canisters for storage Transform an entryway with hooks and shelves Use storage pockets on the back of car seats Put storage bins on the inside of cabinet doors for brushes, tools, etc. Add a cord-keeper to appliances Use a bracket to store yoga mats below a shelf Store pet food in a covered bin  Create sto...

Organizing your paper and computers files enables you to find them fast and management information. To manage your files, avoid saving unnecessary documents, follow a consistent method for naming them, and separate ongoing projects from completed worik. Avoid overfilling folders by creating subfolders. Scan  paper documents to go paperless or create digital backups. For more tips, read articles about the art of filing , computer files ,  office files , and personal files . For in-depth study, read books like Creating an Effective File System ,  Getting Things Done  and Organizing Files and Directories , and Taming the Paper Tiger . Visit the Smead Website for an archive of articles about organizing home and office files.

Get more done in the New Year by creating a calendar system, decluttering your desk, stopping notifications and taking notes.  Get more tips by reading Karla Eckart's article about  How to Get Things Done  or David Allen’s book about  Getting Things Done . Also read Steven Covey’s  Seven Habits of Highly Effective People .

The New Year provides an opportunity to improve your career, finances, and life. Get started by doing a year-end assessment and then create goals for the New Year. Consider taking action to automate tasks, balance work/life, control budgets, de-clutter desktops, and manage time. Below are links to resources to help you get organized for the New Year. Apps Calendaring Note Taking Project Management To Do Lists Articles Cutting Resolutions to Size Finding Joy Getting More Done Goal Setting Organizing Your Life Personal Development Plans Resolutions for Lawyers Volunteering Year-End Planning Strategizing Checklists Companies Individuals New Year Personal Finance   Goals Business Career Home Investing Life Organizing Podcasts  Career Life   

Help your children succeed at remote learning by nurturing their education and providing an inviting learning environment. Use whiteboards to remind them about class schedules and partitions to separate them from distractions. Hire a tutor to boost their confidence and improve their skills in language arts and math. For more tips and implementation strategies, read  articles about Creating Study Spaces , Hiring Tutors ,  Home Schooling , Monitoring Screen Time , and   Working When Kids are Home .   Also see the CDC's Checklist for Successful Home Learning  and Lifehacker's List of Learning Websites . 

Organize for comfort and efficiency whether working in an office or remotely from home.  Organizational strategies include color coding files, creating stations for mail and printers, optimizing wall space, and using containers. For ideas and implementation tips, read HGTV's article about Hacks for Organizing Your Office  and CAP's book about The Organized Lawyer .

Organizing your file systems can eliminate stress and speed workflows. Analyze existing systems for deficiencies and consider going paperless.  Adopt a records retention policy, improve filing techniques, and switch to space-saving file cabinets. Learn more by r eading articles about  filing , organizing , and paperless offices .  For in-depth study, read ABA books about going paperless  and   records retention . Also read CAP's book titled The Organized Lawyer  and WSBA's Document Retention Guide .

Whiteboards are an inexpensive and reusable surface for creating checklists, keeping calendars, and writing notes. Use them at home and in your office to get organized and be more productive.   They are available in a variety of different sizes and styles. As such, you can utilize whiteboards almost anywhere, helping to increase your productivity in a number of settings. Read articles   about   benefits of whiteboards , digital whiteboards ,  and   tips for using whiteboards .

The Coronavirus situation has forced everyone to consider their mortality and prompted many to create or update estate plans. Take advantage of this trend by reminding clients about the need for organizing their personal information and important documents. The benefits Include appreciative clients and referrals.  For more information, read articles about estate planning for digital assets , helping clients get organized , and planning while you can . 

A legal supply checklist tracks supplies needed to work remotely or in your office.  The checklist can include paper supplies, online services, and marketing materials. Click here for a sample checklist and read articles about legal supplies , s tarting a law office ,  remote working ,  reopening offices , a nd   using checklists .

Organizers are binders that contain a combination of documents and information needed in case of a disaster or disability.  Organizers are helpful after physical disasters (e.g. fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes) and health events like early onset dementia and strokes. Organizers help advisers, caregivers, and family members.  Click here for an article about how to create an Organizer to be prepared for whatever the future may bring.

Smartphone and tablet apps can help organize your work and your life. Many popular apps are free and are available for both Apple and Android devices. Click here  for an article about organizational apps like Calendy, Evernote, and ToDoIst.

Journaling can improve mindfulness, record events, and set reminders. Notes can be j ournalized on a daily, weekly or occasional basis.  Journaling can be done  on a digital device or on paper.  Following are resources to help you improve your well-being with a journal.    Apps   Apple Journal Evernote Microsoft Journal Articles Benefits of Journaling Enhancing We’ll-Being With a Journal How NFL Players Use Journaling Journaling Apps Books Effortless Journaling Journaling for Dummies The Art of Journaling Tools Notebooks Planners

To-Do Lists are a great way for keeping projects on track to completion.  They help users think more clearly, sort information, and set dates for getting things done.  Create them on paper or use Apps to add them to your phone or computer. Click here for an article with tips for using To-Do Lists. And click here for a list of best apps for To-Do Lists.

Periodic self-assessments help lawyers evaluate their practices and procedures to assure effectiveness. Solo lawyers and firms of all sizes can use managerial assessments to implement best practices in the office and the courtroom. Click here to learn more about assessments and resources for conducting one at your firm.

Decluttering your home can improve its appearance and make your life easier.  Click here for an article with 10 tips for organizing your home.

You can be more effective at work and at home by adopting habits to keep organized. Even a disorganized person can learn how to be organized by planning, keeping a to-do list, and de-cluttering. Click here to learn how to change your habits and get organized to lead a better life.