Recently we posted product reviews on a few Smead organizing products (the Stadium File and the SuperTab Folders) that were fairly new on the market. Now we want to let you know of a give-away Smead is doing of some of those very same products.

 It is really very simple:

• You want to get organized
• Smead wants to help you succeed
• All you need to do is “like” them on Facebook and simple, bite sized tips and tricks will be coming your way. (Everyone’s a winner of this “prize”.)

So here are 3 reasons to like Smead Organomics on facebook

1. It’s a Zen Thing: Getting organized helps you lower stress and often saves time and money. Who doesn’t want that?

2. Take the !*#? Out of Organizing: It’s easy to do and won’t take a lot of time. Why not try it?

3. Win Some Stuff: “Like” Smead Organomics NOW and you could win an amazing basket of organizing products!

While you’re at it (and on Facebook), don’t forget to stop by the Simply Placed Facebook page and if you haven’t already, “Like” us too for additional great tips and conversation on Organizing and Productivity.

Good luck with the give-away. Here’s to your organized and productive life!

Yesterday I posted about two products I used recently to help someone who was a self-professed “piler” organize his piles of paper. It was his preference to make the piles work, as opposed to file away the paper we were dealing with. It seemed the perfect opportunity to give a couple of PileSmart products I had been sent to review from Pendaflex a test run.

Here are some details on the products, my thoughts, as well as information about cost and where to find them.

Pendaflex PileSmart Organizing Tray and Dividers

Features: The Desktop Organizer Tray is a clear acrylic tray slighly slanted towards a back corner with edges made to hold papers in place and looking neat. The tray comes with six dividers with write on/erase off labels that can be used to categorize and identify papers (either by label or by color).

Pros:

• Both the acrylic tray and the dividers are very durable and feel well made.
• The dividers are thick enough to help easily lift the paper on top of them for viewing what is underneath.
• The dividers have tabs on both the end and the side, making them easy to see and read from either angle.
• For pilers, these dividers will help identify categories of papers and the tray will help keep them tidy

Cons:

• The dividers are 8 1/2 x 11, about the same size as a letter size piece of paper. This means that anything larger that is placed in the pile will cover the divider(s) below it (like a larger envelope, a file folder, or larger piece of paper), making it difficult to see the tabs and labels.
• If a piler has paper that stacks above the defined edges of the tray, the papers can become unruly. Most pilers I know have more paper that they pile than one tray would hold, making multiple trays necessary.

 Cost and Where to Buy: Retail list price is $45.99 but I saw it at Amazon for $20.66. I also saw it on other online stores such as those listed here for a little less.

Pendaflex PileSmart View Folders

• I would prefer a clear front instead of the translucent to make it easier to see what is inside the folder. Made of translucent color poly so you can easily view folder contents.
• When filled to capacity, the tab holding the third side closed begins to fail, potentially causing a situation where papers could fall out.

Cost and Where to Buy: $6.27 on Amazon, $4.99 at Office Depot, available at other online and retail stores as well.

If you’re considering using these products to organize your piles, you may want to check out this handy guide to desktop organization for pilers. You can also follow Pendaflex employee advice or tips through their blog, Facebook Page, or on Twitter. (While you’re at it, don’t forget to “like” the Simply Placed Facebook  page and visit often to participate in discussion or pick up a new organization or productivity tip. You can also follow us on Twitter for some of the same. )

Please comment and let me know what you think of these products. Bottom line: if you’re going to pile, and want a line of products that may help you organize your piles, Pendaflex has some good options.

Disclosure: This is sponsored content and we have been given product samples and a nominal gift card to do this post. That being said, we do not blog about anything we do not believe in and Pendaflex did not edit our post or direct our content in any way.

I’ve been known to urge, “File, Don’t Pile!” I think a well designed, thoughtfully organized filing system is an excellent choice for those who want to put papers away, eliminate the distraction of papers on their desk that they don’t need right now, and who want to be able to find what they need, when they need it.

With that said, I have come across a few clients or seminar participants who really like their piles, they just want them tidier and more organized. They worry about “out of sight, out of mind” and insist on keeping particular paper out right in front of them; especially papers they need to act on.

My husband is one such “client”.  As long as I’ve known him (22 years), he’s been a paper piler. While not my personal preference, I can respect that, for the most part, piling works out o.k. for him. The drawbacks are that the piles become unruly, and that things would get “lost”; important papers buried below unimportant.

When I was sent Pendaflex’s PileSmart products and asked to review them, I knew I had a perfect test case. My “client” and I set aside an afternoon and began with one of his piles.

We went through the process of sorting what was there, tossing the clutter, separating out papers that required action, and filing away a few things that were for reference and that Rob didn’t want to have out. This process alone brought the pile down to a much more manageable size.

From there, we determined the “next step” Rob needed to take on each piece of paper, and sorted them according to categories that made sense to him and corresponded with a particular action. We used the PileSmart Organizer Tray and Dividers to keep things tidy and categorized. The dividers come with labels on both the sides and ends for easy viewing from either angle. They also come with tabs that you can write on and erase, so you’re able to change your mind about the category or easily fix mistakes.

The other product we used was the PileSmart View Folders. These project folders are enclosed on three sides to hold loose papers that are related to each other together. They also have a Write-On Tab for easy labeling. We used these folders to hold together multiple papers related to one project that Rob was going to refer to when he took action on some research he needed to conduct. The only criticism I have of these folders is that when used in conjunction with the PileSmart Dividers, the View Folders are larger and therefore cover up the Divider tabs, making them harder to see/read.

Here’s Rob’s pile “after”. Much, much better. We included a “to do” list on top, capturing reminders of action steps he needed to take that corresponded to papers in the pile. With the papers now categorized based on what Rob needs to do with them, he’s able to find them easily, and can save time by chunking activities, should he choose. For example, all paper that requires a phone call is now together, so that he can make those calls all at once and knock that category out efficiently.

Stay tuned tomorrow for a more formal review of the PileSmart Products, including details about features, cost, pros and cons, and where to find them, should you like to give them a spin.

I know I’ll be keeping an eye on the Piler in my life, to see how these products (and some of the “keep it organized” tips I taught him) work out.

Are you a loyal piler? Is it working out for you? What are products or techniques you’ve employed so that you can find what you need when you need it and that things don’t fall through the cracks? We’d love to hear from you. Comment away!

We recently posted a product review of Smead’s Stadium File. Today we’ll review their SuperTab Folders.

An alternate to a traditional file folder, the SuperTab Folders’ primary differentiating factor is the size of the tab found at the top of the folder. Providing 90 % more space in which to label, these folders allow the user to write larger for increased visibility, and/or include more text on the tab/label than they would otherwise be able.

These folders are available in Letter Size or Legal Size, recycled manila or a variety of primary and pastel colors, and in boxes of 24, 50 or 100. Oversized labels, made specifically to fit to oversized tabs, are also available. A free Microsoft Word label template for use with these labels and on the oversized tabs is also available for download at www.smead.com/SuperTab.

Pros: Larger labeling space allows the user to write larger on the tab/label for greater visibilility. This could lead to the user being able to find the file faster when looking in their drawer or in a tiered file holder. The user can also include several lines of text on a label, where they may otherwise be limited with standard folders/tabs.

Cons: If you intend to mix these in with your traditional 1/3 cut file folders, some will look different (though not much … overall height of the folder in general is about the same as standard folders, just the tab is bigger). Because of the bigger cut away right below the tab, you can see more of the document you store in the folder itself. For some, this may be a negative. For others, it won’t matter.

Where to Buy/Pricing: You’ll find these folders at a variety of office supply stores, including Office Depot or Staples. Price ranges from about $11.99 for a box of 100 manila up to $20.99 for a box of 100 colored folders.

If you try these, let us know what you think. If you know of other new products we should check out or consider reviewing, we’d love to hear from you.

Disclosure: This is sponsored content and we have been given product samples and a nominal gift card to do this post. That being said, we do not blog about anything we do not believe in and Smead did not edit our post or direct our content in any way.

We’re always on the look-out for new products that can help our clients stay organized. Recently, we were asked to review three from Smead. We were sent samples of their Stadium File, SuperTab Folders, and Viewables Labels. We’ll be posting our review for all three products over the next few days. The first will be for the Stadium File.

The Stadium File is a desktop organizer. This organizing tool contains 12 tiered pockets that keep papers and files visible. A great tool for someone who has papers spread out on their desk and worries about “out of sight, out of mind”. This keeps active papers and files (letter size) in front of you, in an organized fashion. Retailing for around $20, the organizer comes with several options for labels – A-Z, Jan-Dec, 1-31 and household subjects.

Pros:

• Price Point – this is a low investment to make to get the piles of paper up off the surface of your desk.
• Compact – it only takes up a corner of the desk
• Good option for active papers to be set up in a tickler file based on when the action needs to happen or categorical file based on what needs to happen with the paper.
• Not limited to an office desk, this product could also be used on a kitchen counter to corral papers needed in a “Household Command Center” with rosters, schedules, frequently used forms, lists, etc.
• Can use pre-printed labels or blank labels that come with the product to customize the files for your needs.
• Can accomodate loose papers or file folders
• While some tiered file holders only support the bottom part of paper or files, this supports the entire width of the paper or file. In some tiered file holders I’ve used in the past, the folders eventually curve. That wouldn’t happen in this organizer.

Cons:

• Made of 10 % recycled and 10% post-consumer material, this is a paper based product and is not completely sturdy. The whole unit may be pretty easy to knock over if you weren’t careful. When the organizer is full, it makes it heavier, and would be less likely to tip over.
• The built in tabs bent pretty easily when I slipped in a manila file folder and then were covered by said folder.

Where to buy: This product can be found at Office Depot, Franklin Covey and on Amazon, among other places.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for an inexpensive solution to help you manage “active” papers and files on your desk top, this is good option. If you decide to give it a try, please let me know what you think.

Disclosure: This is sponsored content and we have been given product samples and a nominal gift card to do this post. That being said, we do not blog about anything we do not believe in and Smead did not edit our post or direct our content in any way.

Want to make it easy to file instead of pile? Learn the stragegies and the system on Wednesday, March 17th.

Come join us for this fun, hands-on workshop where you will learn how to create a new, virtually maintenance-free filing system for your home or home-based business.  You’ll walk away with the system largely in-tact, ready to use for your home or home-based business filing needs.  When you leave class, you’ll be able to:

• Easily locate the papers you need by keeping out the ones you don’t need
• Finish routine filing in 5 seconds or less
• Reduce the time and energy required to file and retrieve papers
• Know when to toss paper – document retention made easy!

Presented by Certified Professional Organizer, Debbie Rosemont.  

Time: 6:30pm to 9:00pm                      

Location:  Beaver Lake Lodge 25101 SE 24th Street, Sammamish, WA 98075                                      

Investment: $149 (includes FreedomFiler kit and light refreshments)

For more information or to register click here!

Class Limit: 12 participants (to ensure individual attention)

Want to get your holiday cards (or “anytime” correspondence) sent out quickly and painlessly with the click of a button?  Send Out Cards allows you to send a real card, with a real stamp, even in your handwriting if you choose, online and easily. You can send a card one at a time, or create a card and send it to a group of people in the same amount of time as it takes to send one card.

When first introduced to Send Out Cards, we thought it was pretty cool, but it wasn’t until we started using it more that we saw the possibilities. We were so excited about how this could help our clients organize their correspondence and make their “keep in touch” efforts easier, that we became a distributor for Send Out Cards so we could help spread the word.

Contact us  for a trial account and send a card or two out on us.  We’re convinced this is a great way to organize and create systems around your correspondence.  Send Out Cards is a fantastic tool to help you get in touch, keep in touch and stay “top of mind.”  Follow through on promptings; build your personal and professional relationships today.  Your life will be richer for it  in many ways. Your business can benefit by using Send Out Cards as a very personal, customizable marketing tool. Stand out from the masses. Who doesn’t like getting a hand written card in the mail amongst all the junk and impersonal mail we normally get. What type of mail do you get excited about and open first when you see it? Point made!

Send Out Cards is efficient, organized, productive and economical. We’d be happy to tell you more about it or answer your questions. Just ask.

Let us know  what you think about this “out of the box” organization and productivity tool that we’ve found beneficial.  We love to share great ideas when we come across them!

That was easy.

When we see a common problem when we’re working with clients, we search for a solution. We’d love to share with you a problem we saw that many of our clients faced and the solution we found to solve that problem.

Problem:

May of our clients had gift cards, significant coupons/offers or frequent buyer cards in various places in their homes or office. We would come across them in drawers, in inboxes, on counters, in envelopes, being used as bookmarks … you get the picture. Some of our clients attempted to carry them in their wallet or handbag, but either found that they got lost in the bottom of the bag or made their wallet too fat so they stopped bothering to keep them in their wallet or handbag.

The pain this problem caused is that when the gift card owner was out shopping they never had the right card with them and the money or offer was often wasted. The cards sitting in various places in the home or office were not being used.

Solution:

The Card Cubby! The Card Cubby® is a stylish, alphabetized mini-card file that fits right into a purse, briefcase, baby bag or car console!

Use the Cubby to Alphabetically File:

• Gift Cards
• Coupons (Fold and File)
• Frequent Buyer Cards
• Discount Cards
• Business Cards
• Player Cards
• Important Contact Info
• Insurance Cards
• And on and on…

 The Card Cubby comes in a variety of colors and styles.  It makes it fun and easy to have the cards you own with you when you shop or intend to redeem them. With the holiday’s right around the corner, it is the perfect time to get your Card Cubby so you have a “home” for all those gift cards you will receive this year.  These also make great gifts.  You can give your friend a gift card to her favorite coffee shop and give it to her in the Card Cubby. 

If you’re interested, order yours here!

We hope you love this solution as much as we do. If you find a new use for the Card Cubby, please let us know. Who knows, it may solve another problem our clients face and we’ll have you to thank!

I’ve been on Twitter for just over 7 months now (@simplyplaced).

I read a great post this morning by a colleague, Janine Adams, who owns Peace of Mind Organizing in St. Louis. She writes about a dozen reasons she loves Twitter. I encourage you to check out her post. I liked it so much I felt compelled to comment. Here were the thoughts I shared on her blog:

It was a friend of mine, “Shannon” (@swallner on Twitter) that talked me into trying Twitter out as well. Like you, it took a while for her to convince me of the benefits. When she first described it, I was confused as to why anyone would want to participate (and how I might grow personally and professionally as a result, as she insisted I would). Finally she wore me down and I signed up for an account.

I can’t imagine not participating now. Like you, I learn, I connect, I’m updated easily and I can share. Twitter, like life, is full of choices. You can choose who you follow, how you view posts (directly in Twitter or through any number of appications or tools, individually or grouped by location, industry, or how ever else I choose to group them), how often you view and post and what you choose to share. I love choices.

Thanks for the great blog post Janine!

Do you tweet? What do you get out of it? How much time do you spend on Twitter each day or week? What do you love (or hate) about Twitter? Do you use it to increase your business or productivity or do you feel like it detracts? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

If you’re not already, we’d love to have you follow us on Twitter. Our “handle” is @simplyplaced and you’ll find us here. Let us know who you are and we’ll look for you too!

With the holidays fast approaching, now is the perfect time to clean out your pantry, refrigerator and freezer to make room for baking ingredients, make-ahead and freeze dishes, and holidays meals and treats!  When was the last time you took time to purge your food products?

When working with our residential clients in kitchens and pantries we often get asked the following questions: “how long you think that is good for?” or  ”is that still safe to eat?”  We recently came across a website that helps us answer these very questions.   www.stilltasty.com will help you determine how long to keep a product and the best way to store it.   Be sure to take a peak!

McCormick also has a website that helps us know the shelf life of a spice.  Check it out here!

Once you have taken the time to purge, it is important to implement a few new organizing habits.  Here are a few quick ideas for you to do now:

1. Group like food items together (ie. baking ingredients, canned goods, cereals, pasta, rice, snack food, etc.)

2. Use shelf organizers to increase visibility.  Ladder organizers work great for canned food and allow you to see what you have without having to spend a lot of time searching. See our post on some of our favorite organizing products for the kitchen and pantry for other great ideas that can help you contain your items and be able to see what you have.

3. Label shelves and/or containers so that all family members know where things go.

3. Always take an inventory of what you have before you make your grocery list.  Take the time to look in your pantry, refrigerator and freezer so you know what you have before going to the store.  This will save you money as you will no longer be buying duplicates of things you already have. Our Meal Planning Made Easy system helps you remember to do this each time and can save you time, money and stress with your meal planning week after week.

4.  Before hosting a dinner party, take time to clean out your refrigerator to make room for prepared food and left- overs.

We hope this will help you as you start thinking about Holiday meal planning and preparation.  Let us know if we can help you get your kitchen or pantry organized. Make sure to take advantage of one of our current special Pre-Holiday Organizing packages if you know you’d like some help. Alternately, you can get lots of other ideas on how to have an organized holiday season in our e-Book, Simply Organized Holidays, and/or our companion Organized Holiday workbook. Purchase them together for the best pricing.