Hello everyone!

I've been lurking on GON for a while now, becoming a little more familiar with the system. From my perspective at this point, it seems very detailed and involved. That's not meant to be as negative as it sounds. I'm just curious to know how many of you have fully implemented it into your daily routine. I'd especially love to hear from those of you who work full time+ outside of the home. I work two jobs (one full time+, one part time) that I LOVE, but they consume most of the hours in my week.

Thanks in advance for your input!

When you first start using GON and read everything, it does seem overwhelming. That's why most of us take the baby-step approach. It's not really a system, no one expects you to post and follow through with everything that is on here. You'll notice that some people post a lot on the Organizing you family forum, but they don't on the Organizing Papers, Files and Computers very often. Speaking for myself, there are lots of things I use, but some don't fit into my life. You need to pick the things that you feel are most important, especially since you have two jobs. I don't work from the home, but many of these ladies do, I'm sure they'll have more ideas for you.

Thanks for your reply. I edited my post because I had written that my jobs consumed most of the "house" in my week, instead of "hours". LOL...I guess the other would sometimes fit, too!

Bethany.....first.....a BIG goner welcome to you!

There are many of us, like me, who found this years ago, and still struggle to get organized. The idea is to help you first of all, focus on the things you want to get done. What this site has done for me, besides being a phenominal support system of wonderful folks, is to make me accountable for what I want to get done. Don't get me wrong, I am not going to be punished for what I don't get done.....rather it is a place to post my accomplishments, my struggles, and get directions on what I am not sure of.

I have been on this site for over 3 years now, through several homes, jobs and now a divorce, and the great ladies here help with the focus. I still struggle with many of the things that I started with, but in a different way....but I do see the progress!

By the way, I work a full time job outside the home, have 2 start up businesses, and 3 four legged kids to care for, so I understand the "no time for cleaning/organizing".

This site can really be a help if you just start with baby steps. What I mean by that is to sit down and identify the things that really are the biggest frustrations to you. What would your ideal house, bedroom, kitchen, living room, dining room, closets, etc......look like??? Which areas are the most important to you? Is there a time frame to get these things done??? By looking at these items, it can help you determine which areas you want to get involved with on the site. Don't feel you need to be everywhere....that will just add to what you are feeling already. Pick one area to start with and build from there....the most important things to remember are to keep up with what you started....PUPA and ETE!!!

Pick Up and Put Away.....and Eliminate The Evidence

It will be a long journey but it is for all of us too, and know that we will be here to help and encourage wherever we can!!

Bethany, Welcome! We are glad you joined us! I am someone who works full time away from the house. I work Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., with a 1 hr. commute each way. So, I am away from the house 10+ hrs. a day.

I have a Master List of all the projects I want to do. These then implemented through baby steps. For example, one of the projects on my master list might be to organize my bedroom. A baby step might be to get the dresser organized - if the whole dresser is too much, I might break it up into even smaller baby steps and do one dresser drawer at a time.

Sometimes we don't have as much time as we'd like to work on a project. But we can usually manage 15 mins. - or 10 or even 5. You'd be amazed how quickly these small bits of time add up over a day or a week and how much we can get accomplished!

Do try some baby steps of your own and see how they work for you. Looking forward to hearing from you, again.

I think, overall, any system may sound complex, but in reality, here's how it boils down for me (I work from home, we have four kids, and homeschool):

I have a system of weekly things that need to get done, and use a daily list to keep me on track there, and delegate as necessary.

We try to use ETE and PUPA to stay on top of the detritus of daily living. I'm willing to spend (total) an hour a day on household stuff.

When we stay on top of it, there's very little excess to take care of on the weekends, for example.

I use master lists and project lists to keep myself mentally clear on what my goals are, and how I want to reach them.

And that's about it!

It's VERY possible to pick-and-choose, and implement portions to suit your needs without using every method other people might use.

I'm just loving all your inspiring ideas! It's SO helpful to hear from you. Thanks a bunch for replying.

Welcome Bethany. If you have too much stuff to take care of it can be overwhelming. Nibbling away at whatever is bothering you most - 20 minutes at a time will make a difference. To stop adding stuff, we implemented a 'new in - old out' system. If I buy a new pair of shoes, and old pair must go to trash or if in excellent condition...to a thrift shop. Can you imagine how shocked I was to discover that 80% of the time we wear only 20% of our clothes?

It's getting easier and easier to relinquish items that are no longer used, loved or serving a need no matter the category.

Hi Bethany:
WELCOME TO GON! The ladies gave you some wonderful advice.

If you can Eliminate the Evidence (ETE) each evening before bed, and PUPA (Pick UP and Put Away) You wake up to a new morning with a clean start.

Babysteps are invaluable!

Bethany - Welcome! As you can see, we each pick and choose those techniques and tips that work for us and leave the rest. I created a household binder and in it I put my daily routines, weekly routines, etc. in sheet protectors with a checkbox beside each item. I use a wet erase marker and check off each item as it's completed. In the front cover (view binder) I put my daily routines checklist - that way, I can keep the binder closed and check off items that way - no need to keep an open binder on the counter.

The single most important thing that DH and I have adopted is to ETE - Erase/Eliminate the Evidence. By picking up things and putting them away as we use them, things don't get out of control.

You'll find the techniques that work best for you and it may be trial and error for a while. But, don't overwhelm yourself - there's no right or wrong way to do things - just find the methods that work best for you and your family.

So glad you joined us!