Eliminate Clutter and Organize Real Estate Agents!
Kick Clutter to the curb! Organizational tips to kick mental and physical clutter to the curb
If clutter is dragging down your business, then the first most important thing to know is being organized is not a one-size-fits-all skill. Clutter can drag your Real Estate Business into the ground and what works for one person may not work for another. This is because organizing is not just about “a place for everything and everything in its place.” It’s about having a system that makes you more efficient and less stressed. The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) directly links being organized to being more productive.
Even if you’re responsible for numerous tasks, it’s possible to stay focused and get the job done without losing yourself in the process. You just need to develop your organizational habits. This doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking.
Here are some clutter elimination tips to help you get organized so that you and your business can thrive:
One Place – Forbes notes that an executive wastes over a month a year searching for lost information. Keep reminders and to-do items in one spot. It might be a special notebook, an app or a certain folder.
The point is that any information you’re looking for can be found in this one place.
This limits your risk of losing items and of tasks falling through the cracks. It also cuts down on clutter in the form of numerous paper scraps and random sticky notes.
Go Paperless – Keep paper clutter to a minimum. If you haven’t already done so, go paperless wherever possible. You can get bank statements, bills, receipts, etc. online and opt out of receiving the paper versions in the mail.
You can download one of the many free software programs designed to scan paperwork for free using only your phone, or you can invest in something like EverNote. This keeps all of your paper clutter in one virtual place.
Designed for You – Don’t make the mistake of copying someone else’s method. If you try to force your own habits into someone else’s system, you might as well be trying to squeeze into a pair of jeans two sizes too small. It won’t work and you’ll just feel miserable.
The system you choose to organize your workstation and tasks needs to be custom made for you, like a tailored suit. This is the only way to ensure a perfect fit. Try out your system for a few weeks to see how it works out. It will most likely need some tweaks to get it just right, but in the end you’ll be happy you made the change.
Prioritize tasks – There’s no doubt that as a real estate agent you’re juggling many tasks at once. If you try to keep it all up in the air all of the time, balls are going to drop. You need to prioritize your tasks in order of importance and desired completion.
Focus on the top priority. Devote your time and energy to this task before you move on to the next. This will keep you from becoming overwhelmed and missing deadlines. You may also try the technique of starting with the most complicated task first, to get it out of the way.
Have a Game Plan – Once you have prioritized your tasks, make a plan to complete each one. Stay focused and set timers to help you stay on track. Divide the task into small chunks instead of looking at it as one big project.
Be realistic about the time you need to complete assignments. You don’t want to be in a situation where you are racing against the clock. Build in time to take frequent breaks and reward yourself to stay motivated.
Grab a Partner – Ask a friend or colleague to be present with you when you’re working. He or she can do small tasks like stapling papers or stuffing envelopes while you concentrate on larger tasks. The simple act of being there with you will help you stay focused.
If you need to declutter your space, another person can offer an unbiased opinion of what you really need. Plus, being accountable to another person will always make you more efficient. If you find yourself really short on time, consider outsourcing tasks that do not need your complete focus.
One In, One Out – You may have heard this “rule” of organization. The concept is simple. Every time you bring something new in, then you need to send something else out. This helps keep clutter at bay. Also, check for repeats. Do you really need four staplers?
Elsewhere Box – Here’s a handy tip to help save time when you are clearing out your space. As you come across items that belong “elsewhere” in your home or office, it is tempting to go put them away at that moment. This can eat away at your time.
Instead, have a box that you toss these items in as you come across them. When you’re done with your clean-out project, then take a few minutes to go distribute the box contents where they belong. This will let you spend more time on your actual goal.
Tame Virtual Clutter – Take some time to delete unnecessary emails each day to keep them from getting out of hand. Organize your emails into folders to help find things easily. Also, it’s a lot less overwhelming when your inbox doesn’t have a thousand emails staring back at you.
You can do the same with files and pictures. Sort them into labeled folders on your desktop to make items easy to find. This will keep your virtual desk from getting crowded.
Prepare Yourself – Are you always scrambling at the last minute to pull on a jacket and find your keys? Is it hard to get out of the door on time in the morning? Then this tip is for you. Take the time to prepare the night before!
Lay out your outfit and gather any needed items into your briefcase or folder. If you bring your lunch to work, then make it before you go to bed. Have your keys in a designated place, for example, a hook by the door. This lets you take time to get ready and also allows you to start your next day calm and collected.
Basically, if you need a little extra assistance with getting organized these tips can definitely help. It will take practice and dedication, but over time you can incorporate them into areas of your life where you need the most support. When you’re organized you’re less stressed and get more accomplished. This gives your business room to grow.
For more tip and resources to help you with different areas of your business check out www.CindyBishopTraining.com. If you commit to being a lifelong learner, you will be headed for success in all you do!