Use a Basket In Your Car to Help You Stay Organized
Do you have any baskets lying around your home that are not being used? If you do, give them a new life and use one in your car.
Place a medium-sized basket by the door you use to leave the house every day. Anything that needs to go out the door with you gets placed into the basket. When you leave the house take the basket with you and put it in the car.
As you run your errands, anything you receive goes into the basket, such as receipts or dry cleaner slips.
When you get home, anything else in the car (cups, wrappers, etc.) go into the basket and you take the basket back into the house with you. Unpack the basket put all the items into their proper place.
When the basket is empty it is placed near the door and the process begins all over again.
Organization Tip of the Week #14
Mount a long magnet along the back of your medicine cabinet to hold tweezers, little scissors, clippers, and other small metal objects.
Labels:
organization tip of the week,
tools
Organization Tip of the Week #13
Don't rely on your memory. You run the risk of letting tasks fall through the cracks. The best way to never forget an appointment, a deadline, or a detail again, is to write everything down.
Labels:
organization tip of the week
Organization Tip of the Week #12
Here are 13 essentials for completing your spring-cleaning according to Heloise:
- wet mop
- dry mop
- vacuum cleaner
- step-ladder/stool
- trash bags
- paper towels
- sponges/scrubbing pads
- all-purpose cleaner
- bathroom tub and tile cleaner
- abrasive cleanser
- chlorine bleach
- white vinegar
- fabric-softener sheets
Labels:
cleaning,
organization tip of the week
Organization Tip of the Week #11
Heloise, the Queen of Clean, says the secret to spring-cleaning is to keep your focus. Gather your tools and supplies. Then go into one room to clean and don't leave the room until you're done.
Organization Tip of the Week #10
Before you start anything, determine its goal. If you don't know where you're going, how will you ever get there? Set mini-goals and reward yourself for successes.
Labels:
organization tip of the week
Organization Tip of the Week #9
Plan ahead. Make a schedule allowing for more time than you think is needed. It is better to have a few extra minutes than to run behind schedule.
20 Time Savers
- Use a monthly calendar and a daily 'to do' list.
- Maintain a 'contact list.'
- Prioritize your 'to do' list the night before.
- Don't watch television during the day.
- Eat a light lunch.
- Attend all the meetings available to you. Try other people's ideas. See someone successful? Do what they do. Don't reinvent the wheel!
- Set aside unimportant things.
- Use small segments of time productively.
- Do two things at the same time. Listen to the news on the radio while getting dressed instead of reading the newspaper.
- Carry your calendar/datebook/organizer with you at all times. Important information will be quickly accessed.
- Eliminate clutter.
- The phone is your friend. It can save you hours of time. Use it to schedule upcoming events, use it to find an item you need instead of driving from store to store.
- Learn to say "no."
- Handle paperwork once.
- Read mail with a pen in hand. Respond immediately.
- Delegate.
- Concentrate on only one thing at a time until it is done.
- Put 'waiting time' to good use - read, write thank you notes, schedule appointments, etc.
- Don't worry. About 40% of what we worry about never happens.
- Don't waste time regretting what you didn't do.
By effectively using your time, you will end each day with a feeling of well being and you will be energized because you reached your goals for that day.
Just as a building is completed one brick at a time, your dreams are reached one at a time.
Time is precious! Enjoy life!
Labels:
time management
Organization Tip of the Week #8
Use labor saving items. Permanent press clothing is a good example since you don't have to iron the clothes which saves time and electricity.
Labels:
organization tip of the week
Organization Tip of the Week #7
Do two jobs at the same time, such as exercising and watching TV.
Labels:
organization tip of the week
Organization Tip of the Week #6
Be flexible. This may be the key to survival.
Labels:
organization tip of the week
Organization Tip of the Week #5
To use your time wisely, don't just list what you need to do. Write down what you actually accomplished each hour today.
It can be eye-opening to see where your time is really going.
It can be eye-opening to see where your time is really going.
Labels:
organization tip of the week
May 2009 Checklist
Welcome to the 365 Days of Organization monthly organizing checklist. There is a different organizing suggestion for you to do every day of the month -- all easy, down-to-earth, and no thinking 'what should I do?' required. When the month changes, so does our checklist.
May 1
Clean the main bathroom until it sparkles and shines.
May 2
Check your trimmer, clippers, lawn mower, and other gardening tools to make sure they are in working order for the upcoming season.
May 3
Take the time to check your calendar for any birthdays or holidays, including Mother’s Day later this month. Write down and shop for any needed gifts or cards.
May 4
Clean out your underwear drawer. Toss old socks that no longer have mates. Clean out any old or worn out bras and underwear and toss them too.
May 5
Give away 3 books you no longer want or need. Some suggestions include a friend, a doctor’s office, a homeless or women’s shelter.
May 6
Change out your clothes for spring and summer. Make sure everything still fits.
May 7
Make your vacation plans for later in the summer season. Make any needed reservations needed.
May 8
Recycle any old newspapers except for today’s edition, and throw away any catalogues that you are not planning to order from.
May 9
Order mulch and annual plants for the garden season.
May 10
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mom’s out there. Take the time to recognize the strong women in your life. Spend the day with your family and do something special.
May 11
Take the time to write a handwritten note to someone special in your life.
May 12
Wash your summer linens. Clean and air out any blankets and linens from the cold season.
May 13
Clean out your medicine cabinet and safely dispose of any outdated or expired medications.
May 14
Dust off three flat surfaces, such as a bureau, nightstand, desk, coffee, end table, or dining room table.
May 15
Make a double-batch of supper tonight (maybe lasagna, soup, or meatballs, for example). Freeze the leftovers for another night when you are busy with a late meeting at work, swim practice or another sports activity.
May 16
Take your car to a car wash or instead wash it yourself. Get the kids involved and have some fun with the hose.
May 17
Sweep any debris from your front porch, driveway, &/or walkway.
May 18
Weed out ten file folders in your home office. Be sure to shred any paperwork with personal information.
May 19
Wash your automatic coffee maker. Run white vinegar to dissolve mineral deposits in the machine.
May 20
Buy or create a new first aid kit for summer. Include such items as Band-Aids, Polysporin, gauze, scissors, ace bandage, ice pack, tweezers, insect bite medicine and allergy medication.
May 21
Plan a day at the library and borrow some good summer reading books. See if there are any special summer programs for kids and sign them up.
May 22
Toss any junk mail.
May 23
Plan out a meal plan for the week. Try to plan for one night of leftovers.
May 24
Check over your supplies for tomorrow’s celebration. Ensure you have enough paper plates, napkins and charcoal for the grill, and anything else need for a fun time with family and friends.
May 25
Today is Memorial Day in the US. Fly your flag high and proudly. Discuss with your children what this holiday represents. Chat about members of your family who are, or were, in the service. Also mention the wonderful people serving in Iraq and other parts of the world.
May 26
Enjoy some of the fresh spring air. Take a bike ride, go for a jog, run, or walk outside.
May 27
Delete at least 25 email messages from your computer inbox.
May 28
Challenge yourself to do three loads of laundry from start to finish. Wash, dry, fold and put away.
May 29
Use a power washer on the outside of your house &/or deck.
May 30
Return three items that you have borrowed lately.
May 31
Clean or replace make up brushes that can be full of cosmetics and oils.
May 1
Clean the main bathroom until it sparkles and shines.
May 2
Check your trimmer, clippers, lawn mower, and other gardening tools to make sure they are in working order for the upcoming season.
May 3
Take the time to check your calendar for any birthdays or holidays, including Mother’s Day later this month. Write down and shop for any needed gifts or cards.
May 4
Clean out your underwear drawer. Toss old socks that no longer have mates. Clean out any old or worn out bras and underwear and toss them too.
May 5
Give away 3 books you no longer want or need. Some suggestions include a friend, a doctor’s office, a homeless or women’s shelter.
May 6
Change out your clothes for spring and summer. Make sure everything still fits.
May 7
Make your vacation plans for later in the summer season. Make any needed reservations needed.
May 8
Recycle any old newspapers except for today’s edition, and throw away any catalogues that you are not planning to order from.
May 9
Order mulch and annual plants for the garden season.
May 10
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mom’s out there. Take the time to recognize the strong women in your life. Spend the day with your family and do something special.
May 11
Take the time to write a handwritten note to someone special in your life.
May 12
Wash your summer linens. Clean and air out any blankets and linens from the cold season.
May 13
Clean out your medicine cabinet and safely dispose of any outdated or expired medications.
May 14
Dust off three flat surfaces, such as a bureau, nightstand, desk, coffee, end table, or dining room table.
May 15
Make a double-batch of supper tonight (maybe lasagna, soup, or meatballs, for example). Freeze the leftovers for another night when you are busy with a late meeting at work, swim practice or another sports activity.
May 16
Take your car to a car wash or instead wash it yourself. Get the kids involved and have some fun with the hose.
May 17
Sweep any debris from your front porch, driveway, &/or walkway.
May 18
Weed out ten file folders in your home office. Be sure to shred any paperwork with personal information.
May 19
Wash your automatic coffee maker. Run white vinegar to dissolve mineral deposits in the machine.
May 20
Buy or create a new first aid kit for summer. Include such items as Band-Aids, Polysporin, gauze, scissors, ace bandage, ice pack, tweezers, insect bite medicine and allergy medication.
May 21
Plan a day at the library and borrow some good summer reading books. See if there are any special summer programs for kids and sign them up.
May 22
Toss any junk mail.
May 23
Plan out a meal plan for the week. Try to plan for one night of leftovers.
May 24
Check over your supplies for tomorrow’s celebration. Ensure you have enough paper plates, napkins and charcoal for the grill, and anything else need for a fun time with family and friends.
May 25
Today is Memorial Day in the US. Fly your flag high and proudly. Discuss with your children what this holiday represents. Chat about members of your family who are, or were, in the service. Also mention the wonderful people serving in Iraq and other parts of the world.
May 26
Enjoy some of the fresh spring air. Take a bike ride, go for a jog, run, or walk outside.
May 27
Delete at least 25 email messages from your computer inbox.
May 28
Challenge yourself to do three loads of laundry from start to finish. Wash, dry, fold and put away.
May 29
Use a power washer on the outside of your house &/or deck.
May 30
Return three items that you have borrowed lately.
May 31
Clean or replace make up brushes that can be full of cosmetics and oils.
Labels:
lists,
monthly checklist
Organization Tip of the Week #4
File every day. If you only have one or two pieces of paper to file, you likely wouldn't see the task as so daunting.
Labels:
organization tip of the week
Organization Tip of the Week #3
Keep a basket on the stairs for items that belong upstairs.
In our house, everyone has to check the basket prior to going upstairs to make sure there is nothing in the basket that belongs to them. Anyone going upstairs is responsible for getting their own items back to their room.
In our house, everyone has to check the basket prior to going upstairs to make sure there is nothing in the basket that belongs to them. Anyone going upstairs is responsible for getting their own items back to their room.
Organization Tip of the Week #2
When I hosted a baby shower a few years ago, the attendees while at the shower filled out envelopes with their own name and address. When it came time to for the mother-to-be to send her thank you notes, poof, the hard part was already completed for her.
This could be done for a bridal shower also. This simple system can be a great help to a bride-to-be or expectant mommy!
This could be done for a bridal shower also. This simple system can be a great help to a bride-to-be or expectant mommy!
Labels:
organization tip of the week
Which Glue?
Need some glue advice, this interactive site -- This to That -- recommends the best glue depending on what two surfaces you want to stick together.
Labels:
household tips,
links,
websites
Organization Tip of the Week
As a busy mom, occasionally we have to swing through a drive-through for a quick meal in appointments and evening activities. Eating in the car can be hard for kids to manage a drink, sandwich, and fries without making the backseat a total mess.I keep a couple of shoe boxes in the backseat for this purpose. They can lay a napkin on the bottom and it holds their food nicely in their own little tray. Spills of ketchup or crumbs remain in the box--not on my seats. I use plastic shoe boxes that I purchased specifically for this purpose. It is nice, since it can be easily wiped out when you are finished and reused.
Labels:
organization tip of the week
7 Habits to Ensure You're Being Efficient
Efficiency is the new buzz word with increased concern about the environment being energy efficient. But what about our own ability to be efficient both at home and at work? What does being efficient mean to you?
A dictionary defines efficiency as 'the state or quality of being efficient; competency in performance or the accomplishment of or ability to accomplish a job with a minimum expenditure of time and effort.'
Make sure you own time and not the other way around. This article and the ensuing tips are not about striving for perfection, but instead about allowing yourself the opportunity to make better use of your time throughout the day.
Organizing and simplifying your life are important steps to be taken in order to be the most efficient you can be. A well organized office space or home will help you stay efficient.
Above all, when thinking about increasing your efficiency rate, remember to take care of yourself. Good food, plenty of rest, lots of water, and exercise will allow you to function at your best.
1. Schedule your day.
Either at the beginning of each day or the night before, plan out each day. You are only one person and you probably won't be able to do everything. Use a schedule to organize your day into time blocks. Write out a daily to-do list (electronic or in a notebook) and prioritize items by importance.Remember, only schedule around 70 percent of your day. The other 30 percent will be filled with interruptions, travel time between appointments and errands, and, sometimes, emergencies.
2. Prioritize.
List to-do items by order of importance and label each item by importance and urgency. Make items that are extremely important stand out by marking them with red ink, a highlighter, or a star. Only focus on a limited number of actions per day.
3. Multi-task small projects and details.
Although, multi-tasking does not work for everyone or every project (note: I wouldn't suggest trying to multi-task while writing a term paper), cooking supper while talking on the phone, or ironing while watching TV or listening to the radio can be effective. Try reading a book on the subway or bus, or a book on tape while driving to and from work. It's more efficient and a good use of time to do simple tasks simultaneously.
4. Say NO more often.
Recognize what your priorities are. If someone requests something of you that you are unable to do comfortably or does not fit into your priorities, just say no.
5. Delegate as much as possible.
You can't do everything alone. Allow others around you to help out. Allow friends, family, co-workers, your partner, or your children to assist around the house and/or office. Many people find this difficult because they feel they are the only one who can do it right. Start off with small steps. Don't hand over an entire project, but instead a step that will save you time and energy. Make sure you remember to thank these people appropriately.
6. Organize.
The more things that are organized both within the home and work environment, the faster work will get finished and the higher quality your work will be. Make lists for yourself and others.
7. Control your procrastination.
Many of us are procrastinators at heart, although for different reasons. One common phrase used to help combat procrastination is 'do the worst thing first.' At the beginning of each day, do the one item that stands out the most on your to-do list, or your most dreaded item. Set daily goals for yourself and plan lots of rewards.
A dictionary defines efficiency as 'the state or quality of being efficient; competency in performance or the accomplishment of or ability to accomplish a job with a minimum expenditure of time and effort.'
Make sure you own time and not the other way around. This article and the ensuing tips are not about striving for perfection, but instead about allowing yourself the opportunity to make better use of your time throughout the day.
Organizing and simplifying your life are important steps to be taken in order to be the most efficient you can be. A well organized office space or home will help you stay efficient.
Above all, when thinking about increasing your efficiency rate, remember to take care of yourself. Good food, plenty of rest, lots of water, and exercise will allow you to function at your best.
1. Schedule your day.
Either at the beginning of each day or the night before, plan out each day. You are only one person and you probably won't be able to do everything. Use a schedule to organize your day into time blocks. Write out a daily to-do list (electronic or in a notebook) and prioritize items by importance.Remember, only schedule around 70 percent of your day. The other 30 percent will be filled with interruptions, travel time between appointments and errands, and, sometimes, emergencies.
2. Prioritize.
List to-do items by order of importance and label each item by importance and urgency. Make items that are extremely important stand out by marking them with red ink, a highlighter, or a star. Only focus on a limited number of actions per day.
3. Multi-task small projects and details.
Although, multi-tasking does not work for everyone or every project (note: I wouldn't suggest trying to multi-task while writing a term paper), cooking supper while talking on the phone, or ironing while watching TV or listening to the radio can be effective. Try reading a book on the subway or bus, or a book on tape while driving to and from work. It's more efficient and a good use of time to do simple tasks simultaneously.
4. Say NO more often.
Recognize what your priorities are. If someone requests something of you that you are unable to do comfortably or does not fit into your priorities, just say no.
5. Delegate as much as possible.
You can't do everything alone. Allow others around you to help out. Allow friends, family, co-workers, your partner, or your children to assist around the house and/or office. Many people find this difficult because they feel they are the only one who can do it right. Start off with small steps. Don't hand over an entire project, but instead a step that will save you time and energy. Make sure you remember to thank these people appropriately.
6. Organize.
The more things that are organized both within the home and work environment, the faster work will get finished and the higher quality your work will be. Make lists for yourself and others.
7. Control your procrastination.
Many of us are procrastinators at heart, although for different reasons. One common phrase used to help combat procrastination is 'do the worst thing first.' At the beginning of each day, do the one item that stands out the most on your to-do list, or your most dreaded item. Set daily goals for yourself and plan lots of rewards.
Labels:
time management
Avoid Vacation Clutter
When navigating organizational landmines, one of the most explosive are sentimental items like souvenirs from vacations. Tied to our souvenirs are memories of vacations gone by . . . carefree days, exploring new destinations, relaxing.
But truly, how many travel-themed t-shirts does a person need? There must be a better way to hang-on to the memory of a vacation without overstuffing our knickknack shelf or T-shirt drawer. (And there is!) With a smidge of creativity, your travel mementos can fill your home with inspiration, function, and sometimes add a bit of organizational bliss.
Here are some ideas:
Avoid the traditional t-shirt store and instead, look for interesting items in antique shops.
Refrigerator glass or Pyrex dishes. Small, square dishes and their corresponding lids make fun and colorful storage. Use them to corral jewelry in the bedroom or to organize small office supplies in a drawer.
Ceramic bowls. Little bowls are great for storing all sorts of items around the house and since they’re opaque, no one will be the wiser. Anything small can be stashed in a pretty ceramic dish. You could use a ceramic bowl for matches, small make-up items, or hair accessories.
Small wooden crates. Antique wooden crates, once used for items like cheese and Coca-Cola, are organizing gems. The larger crates can be used as a fun and funky in-box in your office or on the kitchen counter, while smaller crates can be used to house seasoning packets in the kitchen.
Antique glass jars. From corralling pocket change to buttons, antique mason jars are an organizing classic—a great find on any occasion. And when they can serve as a reminder of a vacation gone by, even better.
Ceramic trays and dishes.
If carting home organizing containers after your next trip doesn’t sound like your idea of fun, here are some ideas for travel mementos that will help you avoid clutter while holding the memory of your trip close to your heart. Simply look for items that are inspiring to you and that you’ll use and enjoy having in your home.
Artwork. A painting, print, or ceramic tile makes a timeless souvenir that will add a dash of color and inspiration to your home for years to come. If you’re flying, consider purchasing a rolled print and framing it when you get back home.
Charms or other jewelry. Let’s talk about timeless! A charm bracelet is the perfect way to commemorate a lifetime of vacations and other milestones, without adding an ounce of clutter to your home. I have a charm bracelet I’ve been adding to since I was a child, back when we used to travel across the country in our gigantic, brown station wagon. One of the highlights of these vacations was searching for the perfect sterling silver charm to add to my bracelet. Consider starting your own charm bracelet or look for other interesting jewelry pieces you’ll enjoy wearing when you return home.
Coffee mugs. A coffee mug is an obvious souvenir choice—it’s small, traditional and functional. There are times when a traditional souvenir is the perfect choice. Just keep in mind if you need another mug and if you’ll actually use it once you return home.
At the end of the day…here’s the true test of the perfect travel memento -- it’s something that will extend your memory of a wonderful life experience without becoming a clutter burden when you return home.
If you like the idea of searching for creative organizing souvenirs, keep these tips in mind on your next trip:
Consider purchasing one big-ticket item instead of bringing home a bunch of small things. One really great item will create a wonderful and long lasting reminder of your vacation. Plus, chances are if you splurge on one item, you’ll love it for the long haul.
Leave space in your suitcase or bring along an empty one. Keep in mind that airlines change their travel policies from time to time. Make sure you’re aware of current regulations and plan accordingly. You may prefer (and find it less expensive!) to have items shipped from your travel destination back to your home.
Wrap fragile items in your t-shirts and other garments to keep them safe during travel. Or, ask the shop to wrap your fragile items in packing paper to be extra sure.
If you’re flying, reserve your carry-on space for your most fragile and important items.
Remember, a carefully selected souvenir can fill your home with inspiration and sometimes even a bit of organization. On your next vacation, travel safely and shop creatively.
Bon voyage!
But truly, how many travel-themed t-shirts does a person need? There must be a better way to hang-on to the memory of a vacation without overstuffing our knickknack shelf or T-shirt drawer. (And there is!) With a smidge of creativity, your travel mementos can fill your home with inspiration, function, and sometimes add a bit of organizational bliss.
Here are some ideas:
Avoid the traditional t-shirt store and instead, look for interesting items in antique shops.
Refrigerator glass or Pyrex dishes. Small, square dishes and their corresponding lids make fun and colorful storage. Use them to corral jewelry in the bedroom or to organize small office supplies in a drawer.
Ceramic bowls. Little bowls are great for storing all sorts of items around the house and since they’re opaque, no one will be the wiser. Anything small can be stashed in a pretty ceramic dish. You could use a ceramic bowl for matches, small make-up items, or hair accessories.
Small wooden crates. Antique wooden crates, once used for items like cheese and Coca-Cola, are organizing gems. The larger crates can be used as a fun and funky in-box in your office or on the kitchen counter, while smaller crates can be used to house seasoning packets in the kitchen.
Antique glass jars. From corralling pocket change to buttons, antique mason jars are an organizing classic—a great find on any occasion. And when they can serve as a reminder of a vacation gone by, even better.
Ceramic trays and dishes.
If carting home organizing containers after your next trip doesn’t sound like your idea of fun, here are some ideas for travel mementos that will help you avoid clutter while holding the memory of your trip close to your heart. Simply look for items that are inspiring to you and that you’ll use and enjoy having in your home.
Artwork. A painting, print, or ceramic tile makes a timeless souvenir that will add a dash of color and inspiration to your home for years to come. If you’re flying, consider purchasing a rolled print and framing it when you get back home.
Charms or other jewelry. Let’s talk about timeless! A charm bracelet is the perfect way to commemorate a lifetime of vacations and other milestones, without adding an ounce of clutter to your home. I have a charm bracelet I’ve been adding to since I was a child, back when we used to travel across the country in our gigantic, brown station wagon. One of the highlights of these vacations was searching for the perfect sterling silver charm to add to my bracelet. Consider starting your own charm bracelet or look for other interesting jewelry pieces you’ll enjoy wearing when you return home.
Coffee mugs. A coffee mug is an obvious souvenir choice—it’s small, traditional and functional. There are times when a traditional souvenir is the perfect choice. Just keep in mind if you need another mug and if you’ll actually use it once you return home.
At the end of the day…here’s the true test of the perfect travel memento -- it’s something that will extend your memory of a wonderful life experience without becoming a clutter burden when you return home.
If you like the idea of searching for creative organizing souvenirs, keep these tips in mind on your next trip:
Consider purchasing one big-ticket item instead of bringing home a bunch of small things. One really great item will create a wonderful and long lasting reminder of your vacation. Plus, chances are if you splurge on one item, you’ll love it for the long haul.
Leave space in your suitcase or bring along an empty one. Keep in mind that airlines change their travel policies from time to time. Make sure you’re aware of current regulations and plan accordingly. You may prefer (and find it less expensive!) to have items shipped from your travel destination back to your home.
Wrap fragile items in your t-shirts and other garments to keep them safe during travel. Or, ask the shop to wrap your fragile items in packing paper to be extra sure.
If you’re flying, reserve your carry-on space for your most fragile and important items.
Remember, a carefully selected souvenir can fill your home with inspiration and sometimes even a bit of organization. On your next vacation, travel safely and shop creatively.
Bon voyage!
Labels:
collectibles,
traveling
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