Working From Home

As One Organized Mama continues to grow I realize how necessary it is to create a work space in my home that is dedicated to my business. The space allows me to focus on my company and most importantly I am the only one who may use it. It helps create a professional and organized environment for One Organized Mama!

I found a corner in my home that is tucked away and gathered a few items to create a space without spending a dime!

I found the chair sitting in a corner of my bedroom and took a credenza that was near the front door.

Note that this space is used ONLY for my business. This is away from my actual home office where we pay bills and where kids do homework.

I reclaimed this old file cabinet and found a home for it in a closet near my office. Although it's an eyesore it is certainly functional and was completely free!

If you work from home consider having One Organized Mama help you create a space in your home that you can dedicate to your business!

-Janel
oneorganizedmama

Conquering The Second Shift!

It's five o'clock and whether you work outside the home, from your home, or home is your full time job.....it's likely you have a full evening ahead of you!

The "Second Shift" defined by Slang Dictionary is the "shift" of work handled by women at home, consisting of housework. (The "first shift" being their job.)
http://onlineslangdictionary.com/meaning-definition-of/second-shift

How do you get a healthy dinner prepared, homework completed, kids shuttled around town, and everything else completed?

Well take a deep breath One Organized Mama has some suggestions!

• Plan Meals- I plan only 2-3 meals max ahead of time and make frequent "quick trips" to grocery store to pick up items during the week.
• Dinner Preparation- While I'm preparing tonight's meal I am doing as much prep work as possible for tomorrow night's dinner. Recipe calls for chopped onions?? Well I chop ONCE, use tonight, then save rest for tomorrow!
• Prepare Lunches- Dinner prep/clean up is a perfect time to pack those lunches! You're already in the kitchen and often times leftovers can go from table, to container, to your lunch box!
• Turn Off the Television- For heaven's sake there's already enough noise and chaos.....the less distractions the better!
• Get Everyone Involved- Not just for setting the table and clearing it....although that's a must for kids in our house. Get older sibling to help younger ones with homework. You'd be surprised at the fights this has stopped with my two older ones!

-Janel
oneorganizedmama

Quick Tip: Luggage Storage

Here's a easy solution for stroring your travel gear:

Nest suitcases inside one another for easy storage!

Duffel bags, make up travel bags, and other smaller items can be nestled in as well!

Zip it up and you've saved a lot of space!

oneorganizedmama

How Long To Keep Paperwork

Another question I'm asked frequently is, "how long do I keep paperwork?" Well I've done the research for you and here's a quick and simple guide:

 

Keep Forever

ü  Adoption Papers

ü  Birth/Death Certificates

ü  Contracts *

ü  Divorce Decree

ü  Education Records

ü  Immunization Records

ü  Life Insurance

ü  Living Wills

ü  Marriage License

ü  Military Service (DD-214)

ü  Passports **

ü  Power of Attorney

ü  Real Estate Records

ü  Retirement Investment Paperwork

ü  Social Security Cards

ü  Tax Returns

ü  Trust Paperwork

ü  W-2’s

ü  Wills *

*Until Updated

**Passports must be renewed every 10 years (5 years for children under age 15)

7 Years

ü  Cancelled Checks

ü  Tax Return Documentation

1-2 Years

ü  Pay Stubs

ü  Retirement Plan Statements

Until New One Arrives

ü  Bank Statements

ü  Investment Records

ü  Social Security Statement

ü  Utility Bills

Until Paid Off or Sold

ü  Auto Loan Statements

ü  Mortgage Statements

ü  Student Loan Statements

As Long As You Own

ü  Appliance/Electronics Manuals

ü  Receipts for Large Purchases

ü  Service Contracts

ü  Vehicle Title

ü  Warranties

Remember to SHRED any documents that you are discarding.

 

-Janel

oneorganizedmama

 

Mission Statement

One Organized Mama provides hands on assistance organizing your home or small business. You will be treated in the highest regard with respect, dignity, while maintaining your privacy.

One Organized Mama is passionate about organizing and teaching you time management skills. I appreciate the impact my work has on your home, business, and life.

One Organized Mama strives for excellence professionally by continuing education, and training to excel industry standards.

-Janel Ashurst
One Organized Mama
Owner