Expert-Approved Paper Management Solutions (especially for those with ADHD)

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If you’re overwhelmed by paper piles, scattered notes, or stacks of Post-it notes, welcome to the club! Especially if you have ADHD, you can feel overwhelmed by what to keep and how long to keep it. Having a system and routines makes all the difference. As a Certified Professional Organizer, I love using simple, affordable tools to bring clarity and calm to your desk, office, or command center. Here are a few of my favorite paper-organizing solutions.

 

📚 Magazine Sorters

These upright bins are perfect for sorting by category—think: “To Read,” “Projects,” “Clients,” or “Bills.” Label the front so you can grab what you need at a glance.

 

 

🗂️ Desktop Sorter

This is a great way to keep active files or folders handy. Label each slot for quick access—such as “Today,” “Pending,” or “Reference.”

 

 

 

 

 

🛒 File Cart

Roll it under your desk or into a closet! Use hanging files and file tabs to separate categories like “Finance,” “Family,” or “Meetings.”

 

 

 

 

📎 Hanging File Organizer also known as a Desktop Sorter

Perfect for vertical storage on a wall or behind a door. Label each section so incoming papers or forms land exactly where they belong.

 

 

 

📦 One Single Box

If you’re looking for the simplest paper system ever, try using one single file box for the entire year. Label it “2025 Papers” (or whatever the current year is), and drop in everything you need to keep—receipts, statements, school papers, or important documents—as the year goes on. You can use labeled folders inside if you’d like, or just group items loosely by month or category. At the end of the year, seal it, label it, and store it. Done! It’s a low-maintenance way to stay organized without overthinking your filing system.

 

 

 

✏️ A Few Extra Supplies

  • Label maker

    • Clear labels help you find what you need right away. A visual reminder confirms your system.

  • Letter-size hanging files

    • Stick with one color or use a color-coding system

  • File folders

    • Optional, but great for extra separation and sub-categories inside hanging files

Creating a simple paper management routine also does not have to be complicated. Set up your paper management system with an inbox to gather all the papers in one place. That can be a large box or basket. Drop all papers in there all week. Once a week, sort into your paper management system and toss what is not needed. Now everything has a place,e and you know where to find what you need; you save time, reduce stress, and feel more in control of your day. Start small with just 15 minutes a day. Keep your paper management day consistent, like every Sunday. Have your organized system support you, not overwhelm you. Now with the right tools, a great system, and an improved routine, you can feel less overwhelmed and more productive with your papers.

Want a tutorial on organizing your papers? Check here! 

How to Use ChatGPT for Organizing Your Home

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how to use chatgpt for organizing your home

Every day, we hear about how artificial intelligence (AI) can make our lives easier and better. You can use ChatGPT to help you with the overwhelming task of organizing, too! Whether the organizing task is as small as a junk drawer or as big as a garage, ChatGPT can help inform you, motivate you, and provide structure for your efforts. Here’s how you can use AI to help you.

Create a plan

The hardest part of organizing is getting started. Make it easier by asking ChatGPT to help you create a plan. You can request a customized cleaning schedule based on your organizing needs and lifestyle, the size of your home, and the available time. You can ask, “ChatGPT, help me create a weekly cleaning schedule for a two-bedroom apartment.” ChatGPT can then generate a step-by-step breakdown, ensuring no area is overlooked, and help you estimate the amount of time needed for the area. Remember to keep your plan simple to help you get started.

 

Declutter first

A clutter-free space is your goal. ChatGPT can suggest decluttering strategies such as the KonMari method or the 20/20 rule (if it takes less than 20 minutes to replace and costs less than $20, consider letting it go). You can also ask for a checklist of items commonly accumulated in different rooms to help make the process more systematic. You can ask for a list of places to donate your items to make it easier to drop off stuff. Making decluttering easier is always the best first step.

 

Organize by category or by space

Using context to organize makes this task easier. Working with one category makes it easy to see what you have and decide what to edit. You can ask, “How many (items) of one category do I need at home.” Tackling one room at a time prevents overwhelm. ChatGPT can provide detailed checklists for organizing each space, from the kitchen to the garage. For example, you can ask, “Give me a step-by-step guide to organizing my pantry,” and ChatGPT will outline steps like categorizing food items, using clear containers, and labeling everything properly. If paperwork is a challenge, ask ChatGPT, “How long do I need to keep my insurance papers?” ChatGPT can create a record retention schedule to help you know when to shred documents.

Establish a maintenance routine

Once your home is organized and clean, maintaining it is key. ChatGPT can help you set up a recurring checklist, such as daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. You can even ask for reminders or motivational tips to keep up with the routine without feeling overwhelmed.

Get motivated with challenges and rewards

Sometimes, staying motivated is the hardest part. It is also important to add a smidge of fun to the process of organizing. Ask ChatGPT for organization challenges, like a “10-minute tidy-up” or a “one-bag declutter challenge.” You can also set up a reward system where you treat yourself after completing certain tasks.

 

ChatGPT is a powerful tool to help you stay on top of your home organization goals. By using it to create plans, get expert cleaning tips, and stay motivated, you can transform your home into a tidy, stress-free environment. Start today by asking ChatGPT for a personalized cleaning schedule and take the first step toward a more organized home!

Fun and Easy Holiday Projects to Make or Purchase for Family Holiday Traditions

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holiday homemade projects and traditions

 

DIY, homemade projects are precious keepsakes and create holiday memories. For years I have created a few precious holiday gifts for my family. With a combination of time and resources, it has been a joyful way to bring meaningful gifting to our family.  Here are the gifts that our family has cherished throughout the year. Now is the time for you to start creating your treasures.

 

Annual family photo album

A highlight of the holiday gifts is our annual family photo album. I ask my kiddos to contribute photos throughout the year to Shutterfly.  Photos are uploaded by everyone to create a compilation of photos of travel, birthdays and events from the year. I share a deadline so that everyone is finished by the time I start creating the photo album. I design in Shutterfly and then wait for a coupon. The photo book arrives in early December to be wrapped.

 

Family ornaments

Each year I order one ornament for each of my grandkids. The ornament celebrates a milestone of that year. Over the years, these are cherished as a remarkable way to commemorate events.  One of our family friends also has given ornaments. One of my grand’s favorites is a taco shaped ornament. These are keepsakes that will go on to our grand kids’ families as they celebrate in years to come.

 

Family Calendar

My husband’s favorite gift of the year is from our kiddos. They create a family calendar filled with family photos. We use the calendar all year long and love seeing the precious photos each month. They also populate the calendar with all the birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions so we have this as a reference as well.

 

Holiday traditions + gifts

I reached out on my social media to learn more about what other families do for their family presents.  Here are several ideas that were shared.

  • We are very creative in our family, so we have been doing a holiday craft each year for over 24 years. Each year, we do a different type of craft project. Making gingerbread houses was done for many years when the kids were little. As they got older, I changed it a bit. One year, we made unique paper snowflakes. Another year, we did rock painting, and I have them displayed in my herb garden.
  • I used to get a “safety gift” for the adults in my family. Fire extinguisher, car safety kit, weather radio, tool to cut through seat belt and break window. I did it for about 8 years but then I ran out of safety gift ideas. I think I will restart it now that my kids are adults.
  • Each year I purchase matching Christmas pajamas that our family wears on Christmas Eve. We take photos and share them on our holiday cards.
  • I make a holiday ornament online with a family photo taken during the year. I gift it to each of my kids.
  • My family makes holiday cookie jars. We layer ingredients for cookies, brownies, or hot chocolate mix in mason jars, and decorate with ribbons. The kids decorate tags with the recipe and bring these to friends and teachers.

 

Now is the time to start your projects to be ready for this holiday season.

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving from Ellen!

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Thanksgiving

Grateful. Thankful. Blessed.

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I am grateful, thankful, and blessed by all our connections this year. Wishing you an abundance of blessings this holiday season and into the new year! 

 

Virtual Clutter Support Group February 2021 Conquer Your Paper Clutter

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virtual clutter support group.

 

Conquer Your Paper Clutter

Virtual Clutter Support Group for Individuals with ADHD

February 2021

 

Paper clutter overwhelms us in many ways. We do not know what to keep, we don’t know how long to keep it and we have so much of it coming into our homes and offices.  In addition, we need to know how to triage it, file it and find it again.

 

Join me in February for Professional-Organizer.com’s Virtual Clutter Support Group for Individuals with ADHD. This fee-based group is the starting point for creating solutions for your paper clutter.

  • The Virtual Clutter Support Group meets for three one-hour weekly sessions to learn paper management skills and get support for organizing your papers.
  • We will meet in a small group setting by logging into Zoom on your device.
  • At each weekly meeting there will be skill building instruction and personal paperwork time. I will share skills and concepts. You will bring your paperwork to edit, declutter and categorize.

 

Meeting Logistics

  • Meetings are held online through Zoom link. You can join from a smart phone, smart device or computer. Simply click on the link to join.
  • Meeting dates are Thursdays February 11, 18 and 25.
  • Meeting times are 7- 8 pm central time.
  • No need to purchase products. I will share recommendations that you may already own or can easily purchase to finalize your paperwork process. There are a variety of options that can work for you.
  • Cost is $75 for the three sessions.
  • Group size is limited. Join today!

Register by February 7, 2021.
For information and to register, call 281.360.3928 or

email edelap@professional-organizer.com

The New Organizing Vocabulary and The Home Edit

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New organizing vocabulary and The Home Edit

File fold: to fold your clothes to appear like a file folder in a drawer

 

Decant: to empty items out of the original container to a clear container

 

Roy G Biv: to color code according to the rainbow colors of Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet

 

 

Have you seen the Netflix show, The Home Edit? It’s real life organizing in celebrities’ homes. The show depicts organizing with a glossy final product.

 

This show gives a new spin to organizing.

  • There are new vocabulary words to do with organizing. This updated vocabulary reminds us that there are always new strategies, tools and tips to share with our clients in our work together.
  • We always knew that keeping the final product in mind is important. The impact is clear with this show that cute counts overall.

What’s not new are the basics of organizing.

  • The essential concept is functionality. That’s essential on our new normal to lower stress. The more functional your space, the easier life will be.
  • Keeping the end in mind is critical to organizing success. Know what you and who you work with want to see and feel at the end of a project.
  • Not surprising is that value of labels. Labelling makes it easy to maintain the organizing system you set up.
  • Organizing remains a top priority in the 21st century. We are blessed with abundance and we continue to have a need to keep it edited and organized.

 

Having a new organizing show on Netflix is a happy thing for everyone!

 

 

COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness for Your Papers, Passwords and More

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emergency preparedness for papers and more

 

 

Emergency preparedness goes beyond organizing your stuff. It starts with a will, durable power of attorney and legal documents and moves to online passwords and your digital life.  We all have important documents that we need access to during our lifetime and that our loved ones might need access to in the future. With the time we have, it’s a great time to organize these papers and more.

 

Tools to get organized

In an emergency, the last thing that should be an obstacle is locating paperwork. We need easy access to health insurance details, medical information, and advance directives. Estate plans, financial and insurance information, property and business interests should be documented and organized. Your digital life and passwords are also key to ensuring that information can easily be accessed.

Clients have often asked me how to do this and what is easiest to accomplish what seems like an overwhelming accumulation of data.  There is a comprehensive system called My Life Packet (www.mylifepacket.com.) It is an organizational tool that walks you through what you need to collect, record, and share. (Note I have no financial gain from sharing this tool.)

In My Life Packet,  you can pace yourself to consolidate the documents you need.  By taking inventory of what documents you have and where they are located can save everyone time, money, and stress. It is about peace of mind to have all these documents ready.

 

Time to get organized

Like all projects, take a big picture on organizing your important papers.

  • What do you want the end to look like? Is this an electronic document or a binder with papers?
  • What do already have accumulated?
  • Can you spend an hour at a time assembling these documents?
  • Who else in your family will you share this?

 

Time to share your documents

Documents like these are a gift to yourself and your family.  Take this project on,  like all big projects, as a way to share important conversations. According to Real Simple, there are 4 important family meetings all families need. These include the “Senior Summit” to discuss life documents, care and more. Having a Senior Summit is for all ages, not just seniors.  It’s not a one and done conversation in that as decisions can change and be updated.  Set a date as a deadline to start your first conversation.

 

Here is a basic list of what you will be needing to get started.