7 Habits of Highly Organised People – according to Creative Surrounds
- Set timeframes on your to-do list. This makes you more accountable and likely to complete them.
- Group like things on a to-do list. For example, phone calls to make, bills to pay, things to buy. This way you can do the grouped items together, saving you time.
- Get your outfits for the family ready the night before. Check the weather forecast to be properly prepared.
- If you have multiple handbags/satchels, keep them in one area of your closet. When you arrive home, empty the everyday contents into a bowl, ready for the next outing.
- Sort mail out before you even enter the house. Open all the envelopes. Discard any ‘junk’ mail and the empty envelopes straight in the recycling bin. Anything that comes inside is an item to action – bill to pay, magazine to read, statement to file. Organise accordingly.
- Ensure you have adequate storage systems. It’s essential to have zones for all your items so you can always know where to find them.
- Outsourcing. Look into outsourcing tasks like cleaning, ironing, gardening, and carpentry work. Compare the cost of paying a professional to the stress and time for you to do them.
The Environment
Australians generate waste at a high rate as compared to other OECD countries. The main method of disposal is landfill. This causes many environmental issues such as toxic material leaks and gas emissions. In fact Australia accounts for 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which, considering we only make up 0.3% of the world's population is a pretty high figure. Creative Surrounds is committed to reducing Australian landfill. So what do we encourage people to do with their unwanted items?
What to do with Unwanted Items
Recycle
- www.recyclingnearyou.com.au
Brilliant website where you select the item you wish to recycle – from computers and oil, to tyres and x-ray film – then select your state and postcode. The website then provides you with a list of places to either send or drop off items, or give details to arrange a pick up. Extremely user-friendly site.
- www.mobilemuster.com.au
Recycle your old mobile phone, battery and charger. This website can inform you where your local drop off address is, or alternatively, download their mailing label to post free anywhere in Australia.
- www.freecycle.org.au
One person’s junk is another person’s treasure! This is a ‘classifieds’ website without any exchange of money. You list your items and arrange for the new owner to pick them up, or arrange a delivery. Great for those odd items not suitable to donate to the local Salvo’s, e.g. plants, firewood, pavers, or automotive items.
Donate
- www.lifeline.org.au/learn_more/locations
Clothing, toys, books and household items can be dropped off at a Lifeline store. Donated goods are sold to raise funds to operate services such as the 24-hour telephone counselling service and other community projects.
- www.rspca.org.au/localsites.asp
Towels and blankets are welcome at your local vet or RSPCA. The NSW RSPCA also has a ‘wish list’ www.rspcansw.org.au/ways_to_help/shelters_wish_list for other animal related items such as dog beds and toys.
- Magazines
Rather than going straight into recycling, why not pass them on at your local doctor’s waiting room, retirement village or kindy for cutting out images.
Swap
- www.clothingexchange.com.au
The Clothing Exchange host events across Australia where you literally swap your clothes for someone else’s. Your only cost is an admission fee. The different events include ‘My Sisters Wardrobe’ for the ladies, ‘Curvy Sisters Wardrobe’ for the curvier lady, a ‘Mums and Bubs Wardrobe’ for mums and their little ones up to 3yrs old, and a ‘Walk-in-Wardrobe’ for the guys and girls.
- www.eSwap.com.au
An Australian owned and operated online swapping and auction site.
Sell
- www.ebay.com.au or www.tradingpost.com.au
Both these sites offer a similar classifieds service. Just make sure to photograph your item in the best light and always be honest about its description.
- www.yellowpages.com.au
If you’re not too confident with online selling you can always find a secondhand store that might be interested in buying your goods. Just type in ‘secondhand’ in the Business Type and your location. There you’ll find a list of stores to call, including ones specialising in books, designer clothing, and antique furniture.
