Trying to hunt down a document you need in a sea of unorganized piles of paper is a frustrating experience.

Whether it is the power bill that is due today, five years of mortgage statements for a refinance, or just the warranty for your lawn mower that broke, disorganization can lead to more than stress.

It’s costing you real money and time because you may be:

1. Replacing your appliances and electronics that are still under warranty because the booklet/receipt is lost.
2. Losing tax deductions because of lost receipts and paperwork.
3. Racking up late fees due to misplaced bills.
4. Missing opportunities to use the coupons buried in a pile on your desk.
5. And most importantly, wasting your precious time looking for documents.

How much is your time worth?

Would you agree that investing a few hours into organizing all the paper in your home is worth gaining the ability to quickly find any document you need in less than a minute?

If you are drowning in piles of paper and ready to make a change, my book “Crawl Out From Under the Paper” will help you get a filing system that is easy to manage set up in no time. I even give you preprinted file labels that cover almost anything you could need to file.

BONUS chapters include how to organize your bills, organize files on your computer, a family chore chart, and other time-saving tips.

In honor of January, the time to make resolutions to get organized, the ebook is only $5.99 to download for a limited time. PLUS this year $1 for every book purchased will go to Kiva.org. Get the book here and make 2012 the year you get organized.

One of the biggest problems that home owners face is not utilizing space properly.

From overfilled rooms to cluttered corners, spaces seem to become smaller every single day. If you fall into this category, chances are that you aren’t making the most of the space in your home.

The following tips will be beneficial in helping you take back your space.

• Get rid of stuff you do not need.

  To make the most of your space, this step is a MUST. You have to go through all the “stuff” you have and get rid of things that you don’t need. If you haven’t used it recently, or do not particularly care for it, get rid of it!

• Get organized.

  Staying organized is the key to making the most of any space in your home. Spend the day getting organized. You will feel immediate relief once you know where everything is. Find a home for everything and make sure it stays put.

• Bring in more storage.

  Making the most or your space involves finding storage solutions. You can actually purchase storage binds, organizers, etc. to add to your space that will give it a neat, classy look. While it may take up some room, the space will feel larger because things are put neatly away.

• Utilize unused spaces.

  Are there any wasted spaces in your home? Many times, bedroom closets, stairwells, and alcoves can be culprits for wasted space. Make sure that you are utilizing each and every inch of your home. Add in shelves for convenience and storage.

• Find a creative way to position furniture.

  Furniture will undoubtedly take up the most space in your home. Finding a creative way to position furniture will leave your space feeling larger and more organized.

• Think outside of the box in terms of furniture.

  When choosing pieces for your space, be sure to get the most out of it. Thinking outside the box is sometimes necessary, especially if your space is really small. Instead of using end tables, use night stands with storage. This is just one example.

• Choosing the right color.

  Color can make a huge difference in your space. For smaller spaces, choose light, soft colors to make the room appear larger. Dark colors tend to make a room feel drab and closed in.

• Adding in mirrors.

  Mirrors do wonders in small spaces. Large mirrors help the room seem more spacious. A mirror is a must have for any space.

• Lighting counts.

  How is the lighting in your home? Changing up lighting can have a dramatic impact and help you get the most out of your space. Lighting that is bulky or too large will draw attention to the ceiling. Be sure to scale the lighting to fit your space.

• Keep toys where they belong.

  If you have little ones running around, it can be difficult keeping the toys where they belong. Toys usually end up in every single room in the home. Teach your kids where the toys belong. The toys should have a designated space.

• Keeping the space clutter free.

  Rooms filled with tons of stuff can seem stuffy and unorganized. Keep the space clutter free for a clean, spacious feel. Limit knick knacks, wall art, etc. to just a few simple pieces if the room is overly small.

• Allow for open space.

  Get out of the mindset that every single corner in your house has to be filled. Leave a few walls open so that the room doesn’t have a crammed look. Open and airy is the way to go.

• Invest in book cases.

  Book cases can do far more than just store a few hundred books. They are the ultimate storage solutions and can be used in any room in the house. In kitchens, they can serve for a lack or cabinet space to organize dishes. In bathrooms they can hold towels, washrags, soap etc. There are limitless uses for book case. However, you must keep them clean and de-cluttered for them to effectively serve their purpose of making the most of your space.

• Make sure the space is comfortable and livable.

  What is the use of creating a space in your home, if your family or friends cannot be comfortable in it? Make the most of your space by creating a comfortable atmosphere that people will want to enjoy. Use comfortable fabrics. Going overly fancy will not be inviting.

• Maintain the space once you are satisfied.

  Once you get the space the way that you want it, it is important to maintain it. Don’t do all the hard work only to have to do it over again in the near future.

The tips above will help you make the most of any space in your home. How long will you wait to get the space that you truly desire? Get started today!

Marina is on online entrepreneur and co-owner of artificial flowers and plants website located at 1001ArtificialPlants.com

The tax deadline is quickly approaching.

How can you make next year’s tax time less stressful?

Create two files in your filing cabinet called “Current Year’s Taxes” and “Last Year’s Taxes”.

Current year’s tax file

This is your catch-all file for anything you will need for filing taxes such as:

• Donation receipts – place copies of your checks, donation thank you letters, or even hand scribbled notes as reminders of the donations you made. Include the receipt if you donated items you purchased.
• End-of the-year forms such as W2s, mortgage interest statements, etc. File them immediately when you receive them so they don’t get lost in a pile of paper.
• Any other information you will need for filing your taxes.

When it comes time to file your taxes, everything you need can be found in this file. No more hunting around for receipts or trying to remember what donations you made throughout the year.

Last Year’s Tax File

Keep the past year’s tax folder for easy reference when filing your taxes.

Tax time can be a little less stressful with some simple organization.

These household supplies can cause injury or death not only if swallowed, but also if improperly handled. You must store these cleaning supplies properly in your home to ensure the health and safety of your family. Though many cleaners sold today are called “green” because they are made from all-natural ingredients, this only lessens the chance of harm and does not completely eliminate it.

No matter which type of household cleaning supplies you keep in your home, you must store and dispose of these products in a safe manner. An added benefit is that proper storage will prolong the useful life of your cleaning supplies.

Here’s a list of the ten most useful tips for storing cleaning supplies in your home.

• #Tip 1. Always place cleaning supplies far out of reach of children by placing the containers in storage cabinets mounted high above the floor. Even though it is handy to do so, do not keep your dish washing liquids and dishwasher detergents in a cabinet under the sink.
• #Tip 2. Install child-safety locks and child-proof latches on all floor-level cabinets in the bathroom and kitchen, even if you’ve stopped storing cleaning supplies there (chemical traces may still linger from when you did store the supplies there). Don’t forget about the cabinets under the island counter top.



• #Tip 3. Store all cleaning supplies in their original containers. If the original container is ripped, broken, or otherwise compromised, throw the container and its contents away according to the dictates of your local trash disposal laws. Never store cleaning supplies in other containers, especially any that were originally made for food or drink – a child may see a soda bottle full of bleach and think it’s a bottle of soda!
• #Tip 4. Read the warnings on the labels of all cleaning supplies to determine which ones might be flammable. Keep flammable cleaning supplies in a cool dry location in your house, and never near a flame, an electrical ignition source, or in sunlight. Keep these flammable cleaning supplies in their marked original containers in a locked storage cabinet.
• #Tip 5. Another potential problem can also be averted by reading the label. Never ever store cleaning supplies made with a base solution (such as ammonium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide) next to cleaning supplies made with an acid solution (such as acetic acid (lemon or citrus cleaners), sulfuric acid, or hydrochloric acid). Acids and bases are substances that are totally incompatible with each other – if an acid solution comes in contact with a base solution, the disastrous result will be toxic fumes and, possibly, an explosion.
• #Tip 6. Use cleaning supplies only in a place that has proper ventilation. If not stored properly, some cleaners may emit fumes that can overwhelm you when you open the container. Be sure that the place where you will be working is properly ventilated. If, while working, you begin to feel light-headed or faint, seal the container and go outside for some fresh air.
  
  
  Make sure the storage space you are using to store your cleaning supplies is also ventilated. If you smell an overwhelming odor when opening such a storage space, move away and open doors and windows to ventilate the area. A container may have burst and might be leaking – check back later with breathing safeguards and dispose of the broken container properly.
• #Tip 7. Never ever leave a bottle or container of cleaning supplies open and unattended while you’re doing your cleaning. Always close and put away the cleaning supply if you are interrupted. You do not want any temptation sitting around that may harm your child out to explore what you had been doing.



• #Tip 8. When cleaning, take only the proper amount that you need from the container, seal the container back up, and store the container away immediately. Use the proper equipment for handling the cleaning supply material, as recommended on the label. Do not ignore any warning that says you should use such protective gear such as gloves or goggles.
• #Tip 9. When you are all done with cleaning, properly dispose of the materials that touched the cleaning chemicals. At this point, rags and paper towels may now be very flammable. Government safety standards (again, on the label) will tell you how to dispose of this waste material in the least dangerous manner.
• #Tip 10. Know what to do if a problem arises with human or animal contact with these cleaning supplies. Based on the information on the warning labels of the cleaning supplies, create and keep nearby a first-aid kit that includes any emergency-wash liquids.
  

  Keep a list of telephone numbers in the kit for:

  

  • National Poison Control (1-800-222-1222)
  • Your doctor
  • Your nearest hospital
  • Your local ambulance service

James Adams writes and is a reviewer at SparesNextDay.co.uk, suppliers of the cheapest hoover bags.

Is a cluttered and disorganized office space getting in the way of your productivity?

Is the task of straightening up your desk daunting?

Organizing office paperwork can be intimidating, but getting the job done opens up the opportunity for much greater achievement and a far more pleasant office. An organized office us really worth it, so find the time to work through it, and apply these organizational tips to your own situation. Once you have clean, tidy and organized, make it a habit to keep your office neat. Of course it will be hard work, at least initially, but the final result will be satisfactory.

1. Set Apart Time to Organize Everything

Make time to tackle the job of organization. By doing it all at once, you will finish the project sooner, and be able to enjoy a clean workspace right away. Plan on having to take more time than you think you will. Be careful when working to not let yourself be distracted. Do take breaks at set times throughout the process, and reward yourself when you complete it.

2. Clean Off the Desk

Keep your desk area clean. Put away all papers. With everything filed, you will be able to find what you need more easily than if it were sitting in a stack on your desk. Organize drawers to have the most used items nearest to you. Keep important items, like the computer, printer, telephone and card file on the desk, but put all papers and other tools away. You will be more productive with less distraction and more space to spread out.

3. Thoroughly Organize Your Files

If you don’t have one already, set up an organized filing system. Label filing cabinets and files alphabetically. Sub-divide files as needed. Put every paper into a file that is accurately labeled and easy to remember. Use a color coding system, if it will help you. If files are exstensive, keep a list of the names handy.

4. Throw Away Anything Unneeded

Don’t keep clutter you do not need. Throw out scrap paper and old printed emails and memos that are no longer important. Toss junk mail as soon as it comes in. However, be careful not to throw away papers that are important. If you are unsure about something, set it by in a designated place to ask about.

5. Set Up a System for Dealing with Incoming Papers

Have trays to sort incoming papers. Create separate spaces for papers that need filing, ones that need immediate attention, and ones that need to be passed on to someone else. Empty these trays into the correct files regularly. Sort through incoming mail as soon as it arrives. This will save on time otherwise wasted in looking for things, sorting through unimportant documents, or working too close to deadlines.

6. Work on One Project at a Time

If a project is not actively in the works at the present, put the papers into the file. They will be easily retrievable when the time comes to use them. This will keep files from getting lost or disorganized, and it will keep you from being distracted. By having one project on your desk, you will be able to give it your full attention.

7. Clear Your Desk Daily

At the end of every work day, clear off your desk. You will be able to start every morning fresh. Important documents will not be lost or misfiled. You will stay on top of your organization, because you devote time to it every day.

8. File Papers Immediately

When papers come in, don’t let them stack up. Place them in the correct trays, and deal with them immediately. Put files into their folders and binders. You may have to let them pile up in a tray for a short time, but never let it get out of hand. Think about whether it takes more time to sort the papers into files now or later. Find out which is more efficient, and go with that process.

9. Store Boxed Files Annually

Files will accumulate. Every year, pack up the ones that are not used regularly and store them out of your work space. With more room to work in, you will save time by not having to deal with the clutter of unused, though organized, files.

10. Be Strict about Keeping to the System

Do not slack off on keeping everything organized, even when you are busy. Letting the system you have set up go for even one day could send you back to where you were when you started. Save that time and the discouragement that would come by taking the effort to put things in their place. Organizing your office will reward you!

John Brook is a writer who works at OfficeKitten.co.uk, a leading supplier of stationery online for businesses located in the UK.

How secure are the passwords you are using?

If you are using your name, your birthday, or anything that is a word, your password is not secure. Real words are easily hacked.

A password should use a random set of letters, numbers, and a special character or two.

Create a phrase

Think up a silly sentence that you can easily remember.

For example:

That dog is always eating my 3 peppers! Is it yours?

Now take the first letter of each word and the punctuation to make this password:

Tdiaem3p!Iiy?

Now you have a password that is easy to remember and includes special characters, but is much more secure than Bob1970.

Find additional advice about password security in the article “Fourteen Hints To Keep Your Password Safe”

To-do lists make you more productive with your time.

A simple tool, they are used to keep track of the things to do during a given day, week, or month. To-do lists act as a reminder of the tasks you need to accomplish.

By using an electronic to-do list, you have much more interactivity than a piece of paper. Here are ten to-do list applications which will help you organize your life and increase your productivity.

1. Now Do This [Free]
   Now Do This does away with all of the bells and whistles that you will find in other to-do list applications. Type in the list of things that you need to do, and check your items as completed. When you are done with your list, the program will tell you that you are done with your tasks of the day.
   
   
2. Voo2do [Free, $6.95 per month]
   With Voo2do, you can create to-do lists, edit them and write notes. Project grouping allows you to conduct and manage several projects simultaneously. There is collaboration support, enabling you to assign tasks to other users. The interface is extremely easy to use.
   
   
3. Bla-Bla List [Free]
   Account creation is simple and can be done in a matter of minutes. You can create lists, share your lists at an address of your choice, and collaborate with other users to complete your projects. Create an RSS feed of your list to let others know that you have been working.
   
   
4. Remember The Milk [Free, $25 per year]
   This to-do list manager is feature packed. It will email you reminders, coordinate with your Google accounts, and allow you to manage your tasks from anywhere in the world. You can efficiently search your lists, collaborate with others to complete projects, and quickly add new tasks. This to-do list application is quite popular because of its many functions.
   
   
5. Ta-Da List [Free]
   At Ta-da List, you can create several lists, reordering them as you please. You can share your lists with others, add and edit tasks, and use your iPhone to track your progress. This task manager does everything that you need it to accomplish.
   
   
6. TaskToy [Free]
   There are many options available for your lists. You can color code them, access them with your mobile device, and share them with others. You can create place-dependent lists which will let you view only work or home activities. This to-do list manager was created as a personal project from a developer who was inspired by the Getting Things Done system of task management.
   
   
7. Google Tasks [Free]
   Google created a simple task manager for use with the Mail and Calendar functions. You can create, edit, sort, and share your projects. Your Calendar will be automatically updated to remind you of upcoming events. You can create folders for your lists and maintain multiple projects.
   
   
8. Rough Underbelly [Free]
   Most to-do lists are a task management system where the reward comes from crossing an item off of your list. Rough Underbelly takes that idea one step further by offering a points system. You assign a point value to each item, and receive those points when you complete the task. There are performance graphs for you to track points received on any given day.
   
   
9. Nutshell [Free]
   Nutshell is a simple to-do list which allows you to add and edit your tasks. You can add notes to each of your activities and create multiple lists. This site has integrated search functions, allowing you to search YouTube, Google, or other sites with a quick click.
   
   
10. Todoist [Free]
    Todoist is a clean and efficient online task manager which allows you to create simple to-do lists. You can add items to your calendars, create sub-lists, and receive email reminders with this application. Your information is stored safely and securely through regular backups and encryption.
    
    

Your electronic to-do list can email reminders, track progress, and keep your life in order. Get yourself organized with a to-do list.

Contributed by James Adams, a writer who works at a printer supplies store where he writes detailed reviews of LaserJet cartridges. Follow James on Twitter.

The Spice Stack is a wonderful way to organize your spices.

This has been a particularly frustrating clutter problem for me due to an extensive spice collection.

For years I’ve searched for the perfect solution without any luck, so I was thrilled to discover the Spice Stack.

3 Advantages of using the Spice Stack:

• Not knocking over bottles while searching for one
• Finding the needed spice with ease
• Eliminating the purchase of duplicates

The Spice Stack holds 27 regular jars in three easy-to-pull-out drawers. I wasn’t concerned that the large, bulk-sized versions don’t fit since I only have a couple of them.

A sheet of pre-printed labels for commonly-used spices, as well as a sheet of blank labels, is included. Assembly is nothing more than adding your labels and spices.

You can place your spices in the drawers alphabetically or according to their use. I opted for organizing them alphabetically because I have so many. That is when I realized there were many duplicates simply because I didn’t know what I had.

The Spice Stack is made to fit in a cabinet, but I’m using it in the pantry. If you need more than one, they stack nicely.

I like how the drawers smoothly slide out and can then be lowered at an angle so you can get to them easily and they won’t fall out. The following video shows how easily they slide:

Another spicy tip

Write the month/year you purchased your spices on the bottom of the jar so you know when to replace them. They tend to lose their flavor over time.

Due to the number of jars I have, I’m ordering a second Spice Stack.

While you are on the road, you need to keep your business receipts in one place. You are required to turn in an expense report to reimburse you for work-related expenses. Your saved receipts are scattered all over your glove box, your wallet, your briefcase and your car. How do you tame the paper trail? Here are some suggestions.

1. Invest in a Filing Cabinet

Your receipts will ultimately come to rest in a filing cabinet. Invest in a good locking filing cabinet and fill it with hanging folders, manila folders and small envelopes. Create a hanging folder for each month, placing labeled manila folders inside. Place the information that you have sent your accounting department into that folder. Include the printout of the PDFs, the actual receipts, and any copies of your accountant’s paperwork. This will provide proof in case anything gets lost.

2. Start a Spreadsheet

A spreadsheet can help you keep your categories organized. You do not have to use elaborate accounting software. All you need is a simple spreadsheet program which separates information into cells. Enter your pertinent information into the spreadsheet, including date, category, place, purpose, and amount. Keep a separate tab for each month.

3. Scan Your Receipts

Scan your receipts, one at a time, into PDF format. Use pertinent information in the name of the file. If you’ve got a gas receipt for October, label the file ‘October – Gas – 101010 – 2485.’ After you have scanned your receipts, put the originals into a single folder for that month. At the end of the month, create a single file of PDFs for that month and combine it with the information from your spreadsheet.

4. Shoeboxed

Shoeboxed will organize your receipts into an easy-to-use format. [Free, Plans start at $9.95 per month] If you do not have time to scan your receipts, place them into one of the postage-paid envelopes that Shoeboxed provides and mail them. Shoeboxed will scan your documents and organize them. For those businesses with backlogged receipts, Shoeboxed offers special plans to assist their customers.

5. Be Regular

Take a few moments every week to scan and file your documents. This keeps you from being faced with a mountain at the end of the month. The entire process of scanning, noting, and filing should take no longer than an hour. This process will save frantic searches and scrambling to get your expense reports filed on time.

6. Keep a Folder in Your Briefcase

While you are on the road, it is sometimes not feasible to scan and file your reimbursable receipts. Keep all of your receipts in one place by carrying a manila folder in your briefcase. This folder should have stapled edges. You should carry a single envelope within the folder for the smaller receipts. Nothing will get lost, and you can provide notations on the outside of the folder.

7. Know Your Accountant

Accounting departments will inevitably issue rules for reimbursement practices. Find out their requirements before you establish your personal filing system. Do they want to receive physical receipts? Are they just as pleased with scanned documents? Do you need to hand write everything for authenticity? For larger companies, there is usually a requirements list. Is there anything that will expedite the process?

The best way to handle the clutter of paper receipts is to attend to them immediately. When this is not possible, set aside a regular time each week to scan, sort, and put away your receipts. You will no longer have to worry about tiny slips of paper populating your wallet, billfold, or purse. If you are organized, your accounting department will reward you with faster reimbursement.

James Adams writes for Cartridge Save, but contributes guest posts regularly to other blogs. He analyzes and reviews Dell ink cartridges among other printer cartridges.