Posted on: Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Get organized and be rid of wasted time

Gannett News Service

Fitness Magazine's get-it-together guide is packed with tips, tools and strategies to help you streamline every aspect of your life, from work to home to play.

Your home

Obey the one-minute rule. If a task will take less than 60 seconds, do it now. Whether it's rinsing a cup or putting away shoes, this is an instant Rx for heading off messes.

Prevent piles. Streamline areas where you notice junk accumulating. For example, place a dish on an entryway table for keys, install hooks for umbrellas near the back door, and buy closet footlockers for sneakers.

Choose double-duty tools. When it's time to buy new kitchen gadgets or appliances, choose only those that serve more than one purpose.

For example, opt for a wall-mounted spice rack that features hooks for hanging cooking utensils and potholders, or a coffee machine that also grinds the beans.

Your office

End junk mail. Avoid drowning in unwanted correspondence by having your name removed from contact lists. To find out how to do this, visit dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailinglist. If a repeat offender still keeps getting through, send the source a "take me off your mailing list" postcard.

Keep accessories accessible. Ask yourself which office essentials you reach for most often: Envelopes? Your stapler? Tape dispenser? The phone? Arrange your desktop so that those items are easily available. Things you don't need daily, like thumbtacks or labels, should be stashed in a drawer.

Create a sane office space. Take a few minutes each week to clear off your bulletin board, tidy your desk drawers and file papers you're not using. You'll be more productive because you'll find what you need (memos, phone numbers) and be less distracted by mess, so you can focus on the task at hand.

Your downtime

Combine grooming and gossiping. Streamline your schedule by socializing and getting glam at the same time — enjoy manicures and massages with Mom and blow-outs with your best friend.

Create a "control center." Keep tabs on your family's social comings and goings by placing a calendar and an erasable memo board in the kitchen or front hallway. Tell everyone they're responsible for keeping their schedules up to date.

Last-minute errands and spontaneous plans can also be jotted on the memo board.

Be an early bird

Maximize your downtime by going out when the crowds aren't crazy.

Malls and boutiques are usually slower early in the week, on Mondays or Tuesdays; if you have to shop on the weekend, start when the stores open (you can always nap later!).

Gyms have a lull after the morning and lunch rushes, so schedule your workouts for 10 to 12 or 1 to 3. If you're just looking to kick back with a friend and a cup of joe, late morning and early afternoon are best for avoiding the hectic coffee-shop scene.