Sometimes It Comes Back....

Dun Dun Dunnnn!!!

Earlier this week, I was asked why there is a need to tackle the same space over again, and over again. I think the conversation even ended on a "won't it ever stop!?" kind of note. There are a couple reasons that spaces may need occasional reorganization.

First and foremost, if the items in the area are consumable, then chances are as inventory is used up and replaced, the area may need some touch-ups. Think of a kitchen pantry. As jars, cans and boxes of food are used, they are replaced with other items. Sometimes with more boxes of the same product. But, other times we realize we don't want the same groceries in the house. We didn't like that brand or flavor. Our diets change, and so do our menus. Therefore, the amount and shape of items stored in the kitchen pantry tend to change. It might mean adding a bin or moving a shelf. It could mean simply needing more space for the bottles of juice or boxes of cereal. This is totally normal and is to no fault of anyone. Well, maybe your stomach....

Another major reason spaces need reorganization is frequency of use. If I reach in to my coat closet every single day to grab my coat, shoes and bag, chances are I'm going to move some things around. Probably, I'm going to throw something else in there from time to time, too. A lunch box or book that I was going to toss in my bag, but forgot. Simply because I visit the space so often and regularly means that the odds of things getting less-organized are much higher than, say, my china cabinet.

What I try to work most on with my clients is, lastly, habits. If for three years I have been stacking my mail on the dining room table, it's going to be a bit of a challenge for me to get in the habit of putting the mail in a paper sorter in the office on a daily basis. Maybe the system should be adjusted if this is an unrealistic goal. But, if in all honesty, sorting my paperwork in the office is not only realistic, but more logical to how and when I use the papers, I should be trying my best to create this new habit. And, if other people use the same office or bring mail in from the box, they should be helping to support this new habit. Hopefully, we've both discussed where items will go now and how often. It will be awkward and maybe even a pain at first. But, after awhile it will become habit. Habits are just as hard to make as they are to break.

Prepping for Tax Time

I realize it's a bit early for most people when it comes to preparing for tax time. However, when your paperwork is organized, it can be done in a snap!

Since 2013 is done, it's a great time to cull your files and purge what you won't need for taxes and 2014. Go through each file, one at a time to assess it's contents. First pull out any information you'll need to complete your 2013 taxes. Ask your accountant/lawyer/tax preparer what exactly you'll need (These ideas are all examples and your situation may be different. Believe it or not, my word is not law!). But, a good rule of thumb is that if you were audited, what would you need to prove your income, deductions and expenses? Set these items aside in your 2013 Taxes folder or file.


Once tax items are pulled out, assess the file for anything you can now get rid of simply because enough time has passed. Anything no longer relevant or expired should be recycled or shredded. If you have files for utility bills and financial accounts, most of these papers can be shredded, as well. For example, unless there is a dispute with your service provider, you don't really need copies of the past year's utility bills. Unless the statements prove something you need for tax purposes, banking statements from checking, savings and credit/debit cards might also be eligible for shredding at the end of the year. Investment accounts should be sending a year-end statement. Some will even provide 1099s. These year end documents should likely be saved with your tax papers. Once you have those, and there are no disputes to it's contents, the monthly or quarterly statements you received during the year might also be added to the shred pile.

Now that you've pulled out anything no longer useful (think about it - when was the last time you really needed to check an electric bill from 12 months ago?) your files should be nice and empty - ready to take on 2014. Thankfully, as a side benefit, you've also managed to collect (hopefully) most of the paperwork you'll need for taxes this year. Hooray! Fingers crossed for a nice, big refund!

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