Decluttering is one of the most important tasks one can do whether it’s before a move, before a renovation, as quarterly maintenance or as a form of self-care. We are constantly asked to share our tips and tricks on ways to easily declutter spaces.
We recently spoke with Bustle and shared some tips on how to tackle paper piles and the thought process behind one of our favorite decluttering techniques - trial separation.
Eeek! April 18th is fast approaching. (Yes, the deadline to file federal tax returns is Tuesday, April 18th this year)
We know, we know. We dread it too.
But you can eliminate some of the stress of tax prep by creating systems that keep your tax documents organized and easily accessible.
We share some organizing and storage tips for your electronic files and physical files below and encourage you to implement these tips throughout the year so you’re not scrambling the night before.
Your tax advisors will thank you.
Use A Cloud Based Storage Service
We recommend using a cloud based storage service (like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) so the files can be easily accessed without needing your computer. Plus it makes it easy to share files with your accountant or if multiple people are contributing to the files.
Create Subfolders
We do not recommend cresting one folder for all tax files. Instead create subfolders within the main folder (labeled by tax year). Your subfolders can be categories like receipts, tax forms, deductions, invoices, charitable contributions, etc.
Use A Naming Convention
Consistent naming conventions for the files are key. We like to use something like this “Year_last name_category_subcategory”. This makes sorting and locating files a breeze.
Download A Scanner App
Using one of the many scanner apps speeds up the prep process. We’ve been using ScannerPro for years. Scan the document using your phone and upload to whatever cloud based storage program you use.
Update Regularly
We also encourage clients to update this folder monthly or quarterly (depending on your lifestyle and need) so you are not scrambling at the last minute come tax time.
Use An Accordion File Folder
If you prefer physical files, grab an accordion file folder and dedicate it solely to tax files for that year. Label the sections of the accordion file (ex. receipts, tax forms, deductions, invoices, charitable contributions) and file the documents as they come in.
disclaimers:
product photos from Amazon.
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A client recently asked us to share some of our go-to productivity tips (both personally & professionally). As members of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals, and as owners of an organizing business, we love getting these kinds of questions. Here are 6 quick Tidy Nest approved productivity tips that we use every day.
1. Create a to-do list (every night)
Always end the day by creating a to-do list for the next day (whether it’s for work or for personal tasts) in order of priority. This way you’ll know exactly what needs to be done before you wake up. There’s no wasted time figuring out what needs doing or coming up with the day’s schedule. Wake up and dive right in!
2. Designate time slots
At the office, designate time slots for answering emails otherwise you will be answering emails all day....think proactive vs reactive! At home, designate time slots for your self-care practice...if your mind and body are not recharged, your productivity will suffer the following day.
3. Take breaks
There’s no rule for the amount of time you should work and break - just do whatever works for you. Shannon likes to work for an hour and take a 10 minute break. Taylor likes to work for a few hours and take a longer break and Jared takes breaks based on project completion, not necessarily specific timing. Just have some sort of break factored into your day!
4. Identify time traps
Try to identify time traps - what takes a long time to accomplish? Can someone help lift the burden? Is there an app / program / system to help streamline the process? Is the task a good use of your time? Everyone is super busy so it’s important to weed out the unnecessary tasks so you have more room for the important items on your agenda (and more free time for yourself/family/friends).
5. Only touch something once
When tidying, only touch something once. Otherwise you may find myself moving the item from room to room or even counter to counter and never actually dealing with it. You can apply this to tasks at the office - get a project or task done first before moving on to something else.
6. Tackle Quick Tasks First
If a task can be done in less than five minutes, tackle it immediately. Don’t add it to your to-do list for a later date. As Benjamin Franklin (and Shannon’s grandma) would say “don’t put off until tomorrow, what you can do today.”
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