April 2020
Reduced stress. Increased productivity. Improved well-being.
Forte Organizers helps individuals and families stay organized at home, as well as teaching business people organization skills at work.
In The News...
 
We are living through challenging times.  For the time being, social distancing is our new normal.  While you are spending more time in your home, why not get to work on those projects you have been putting off?  It distracts your mind and keeps your body busy.  Here is one of Lori's throwback articles that will help you make decisions when sorting out the clutter in your basements.
Working From Home...
 
Many of us are now finding ourselves working from home instead of going into the office.  With the kids cooped up at home with us, it is even more challenging.  Here are a few tips that might help you set some boundaries and keep you from getting distracted.
  • Dedicated Space: If you don't have a dedicated home office, find a small space in your home to set one up.  Use a spare room, your bedroom or a quiet corner in the house. This will help keep your business paraphernalia away from your home items.  Plus, it will help you from getting distracted.
  • Office Hours: Set up office hours.  Let your family know that you will be working between these times and shouldn't be disturbed unless it is an emergency.  (Easier said than done with little ones, I know.)  Have your kids even make a "Business Hours" sign for your area to get them invested.
  • Work in Time Blocks: If you can't set up office hours, work in blocks of time.  Set a timer for 90 minutes and attend to your work tasks.  When the timer goes off, you can throw in the laundry or make lunch for the kids. Make a game of it.  Tell the kids when they hear the alarm go off, you can do something fun together, like draw a picture or play a quick game.  
  • Turn off Social Media:  Social media is a major distracter.  During your home office hours, shut down your social media pages or only check them during work breaks.  
  • Declutter electronic files:  Since you can't organize things at your workplace, take this time to sort through your electronic files and emails on your computer.  Clean up the unused icons/apps on your desktop so you can finally see that pretty wallpaper. 
With a little creativity, we all can make due while working out of our homes.
 
Kitchen Clutter...
 
This is also a great opportunity to clean up the clutter in your kitchen.  Start off by doing the following:  
  • Eliminate what you can. Donate kitchen gadgets you don’t use. Eliminate duplicates, for example determine the number of coffee mugs you actually need and donate the rest. Store away seldom used appliances.  Remove paper stacks from counters. 
  • Remove expired food.  Make sure any expired food in your pantry, cabinets and refrigerator is regularly purged. Restock shelves by putting older products in front.
  • Organize by category. Gather like items together; canned soups, fruits, vegetables and tomato products should be grouped together on shelves. In the refrigerator, collect salad dressings and condiments together. You will find items faster this way.
  • Set up stations. Keep items, such as pots, pans, potholders and cooking utensils, near the stove. Cups, plates and silverware close to the dishwasher. Set up towels, washcloths and detergent by the sink. Keep knives and cutting boards near the sink to make prepping fruits and vegetables easier.
Webinar...
 
Since Lori can't hold classes right now, we thought you would enjoy her recent Webinar.  Just click the link below the description to watch it.
 
Organizing Your Way to a Calmer Day: How to Smarten Your Virtual Workspace for Maximum Productivity
Does your virtual environment relive your stress – or add to it? Join The Persimmon Group CEO Bill Fournet and his guest Professional Organizer Lori Firsdon, who will share strategies and tips on setting up your home office space, and staying organized while working/living in the same place. Everyone will benefit from this talk that will give you actionable steps to ultimately increase your productivity and relieve stress.
 
 
Organizing Classes...
 
FREE!  Reflections on Collections
Managing Your Sentimental Stuff
 
Wednesday, July 8, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
Woodbourne Library, 6060 Far Hills Ave, Centerville, OH 45459
Call the library for more information at (937) 435-3700 or click here to REGISTER.  
 
This seminar was orignally scheduled for April 13th.  It will now be held on July 8th.  
 
Community Resources...
 
For those who participate in Washington Township's Super Service Saturday Shred Day and Drug Disposal in April, it has been CANCELLED due to the COVID-19.
 
Resources...
 
 
TerraCycle offers free recycling programs funded by brands, manufacturers, and retailers around the world to help you collect and recycle your hard-to-recycle waste. Simply choose the programs you’d like to join; start collecting in your home, school, or office; download free shipping labels; and send us your waste to be recycled. You can even earn rewards for your school or favorite non-profit!
 
Click the link above to find out more about their program and the items they recycle.  
 
Lose Your Stuff, Find Yourself...
 
In her book, "Lose Your Stuff, Find Yourself," Lori explains where to begin the organizing process.   
"People often ask me where they should start when organizing their home or office. My answer is always the same: in your mind. 
Going from disorganized to organized is no different than any other habit you try to break. You must first open up your mind to change."
 
 
 
Pick up a copy of Lori's book by using this link:   Amazon.com
 
One More Thing...
 
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." To this day, especially in times of "disaster," I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.”  ~Fred Rogers
 
Stay healthy,
 
 
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