OrganizingLA Blog

The Carousel Of Computer Progress

 

Want to simplify the paper in your life? The technology of tomorrow has arrived today.

When I was 13, a birthday trip to DisneyWorld in Orlando, Florida introduced me to the World of Tomorrow and the Carousel of Progress. Carousel was a popular attraction, an exploration into the evolution of electricity and other technological innovations through the eyes of a typical family.

What really caught my imagination was a computer sitting on the kitchen island counter during the final scenes of the show. As a new teenager in 1981, I asked myself what would you possibly use a computer for in the kitchen? Recipes? You’ve got to be kidding.

 

Disney's Carousel of Progress attraction showed a laptop in the kitchen, in 1981!

Fascinating innovations have now been integrated into our daily life. Our professional organizing clients have introduced my team to simple-to-use technology solutions, like simple desktop scanning solutions. Much like the home of yesterday, our paper continues to build up today—with less time to tackle it all.

Fortunately, affordable technology is now firmly in place to help with everyday tasks. The question is; are you taking advantage of the personalization factor? I am.

I’ve been on a mission with myself, and willing clients: we’re making smart technology personal by digitizing paper around the home and small office. We started off scanning the obvious -- receipts and business cards. But now the list has now expanded. Clients are telling me they are reinventing their scanning and document cloud accounts to hold household papers and everyday necessities. Here's a list of some unusual items to scan:

Scan these items and eliminate clutter:

• Love letters
• Fortune cookie fortunes
• Prescriptions
• Wedding notes
• Old birthday cards
• Children’s artwork
• Maintenance receipts
• Old college papers
• Old pay stubs, direct deposit statements
• Directions
• Take out menus

Now, you may not see a need to digitize all these items in your home, but surely, who wouldn’t benefit from a little out-of-the box scanning? How about scanning your birth certificate, social security card, driver’s license, passport, insurance cards and credit cards, in case your wallet is stolen? And you’ll always have a backup in an emergency.

So think of technology as a friend, or personal assistant. When you’re ready, review your paper for its worthiness, scan what is appropriate, tag the file and celebrate that you've halted the paper chase. We now have the technology of the future at our fingertips.

And that’s the real life Carousel of Progress.

 

What did we miss?

 

How have you integrated scanning into your everyday life? How do you organize your personal and family documents?

Image courtesy Santa Monica Pier and Great Escape from NJ blog.

 

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Beyonce Is Working On Tidying Up Her Act

Everyone can clean up their act, even Beyonce

In our experience, it is quite typical that someone who is very organized at their workplace can be quite messy at home.

These folks tend to be:

• Successful
• Accomplished
• Excellent decision makers
• Well respected
• Devoted to a cause or helping others
• Resourceful
• Creative
• Tend to throw extraordinary effort at a problem
• Perfectionists (although they try and deny it)

Media reports often talk about singer Beyonce's passion for perfection in her career and amazing charity efforts. But according to a published article in Self Magazine, her home life (with musician Jay-Z) is quite different. And she's trying to clean up...her "act"...by being more tidy in her clothes closet. It's refreshing to know that in that regard, she's just like the rest of us. While one can be very successful, you really only have so much time to balance life and all its challenges...something's gotta give! The Star has also admitted to extravagant storage needs for the numerous bags of clothes designers sent her each month. She has finally recognized the need to keep up the space and KEEP it tidy.

When asked where she is NOT a perfectionist, Beyonce said in the Self Mag cover interview:

"I could be less messy at home and keep the clothes in my closet and off the floor! I promise I'm working on this."

In your own life, what one thing, space, room or drawer do you wish you can finally keep tidy?

Image credit: Beyonce official website

Read More:

Self Magazine - behind Beyonce's cover shoot

Related Posts:

John and the OrganizingLA blog featured in Self Magazine

Questions or Comments?

What part of your "act" would you like to clean up? What are your toughest challenges? Let us know here in the comment section or you can tweet us @johntrosko on Twitter. You can also check John out on Instagram (@johntrosko).

Like this Topic?

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Like this Topic?

Want to learn smart and practical organizing tips for your home, office and life? Save time by signing up for free topic updates and receive them as soon as they're published. Plus, as a gift receive our exclusive Martha Stewart Living Radio recorded radio interview and transcript, chock full of strategies, tips and resources direct from John.

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Why The F^#@K Are You Keeping That? Lessons from Ruby Gettinger

Why keep anything in your life that doesn't serve a purpose, move you forward, and bring great joy and happiness?

This is a question we ask our clients. The answer may be simple in theory, but the reality is, it's hard. There are different level of parting with your stuff. People can be buried under memories so strong that it's difficult and sometimes downright frightening to explore a different life. And what happens when something you are holding onto is actually holding you back? Maybe Ruby Gettinger can help us.

Box Your Bicycle and Become Bespoken

A bicycle may be the most awkward item to store in the home.

There is a whole industry of organized solutions for two-wheelers. From hanging them on the wall with hooks, stands on the floor, pulley systems to hoist. Bikes can also indeed be a safety hazard if they are not properly stored out of garage foot traffic not to mention the little ones looking for adventure. Here is a neat idea a West Hollywood client turned us onto: a folding bike and a custom bike trunk. Purchase them seperately.

Folding Bikes from Brompton:

UK-based Brompton crafts amazing high quality fold-able bikes (30 seconds to fold!). The company ships them to Canada and the United States.

Bike Trunks from Pinel & Pinel:

Pinel & Pinel, a high-end French company (think 1930's ocean liner elegance and usefulness) created these custom bike trunks (and actually, a slew of other amazing trunks on their website-- so check them out). Wood and leather combined with nickel and brass plated latches steer your way into organized bike bliss in over 51 colors.

Now we just have to actually use the bike.

Images courtesy Rarified and Pinel & Pinel.

Related Posts:

Take a cruise and plan your storage

How to organize your car, be more productive

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