Clutter is anything you don't love, don't use or that doesn't make you feel happy. We should not keep clutter around…yet we all do! Why??? I don’t know, but if you are looking to get rid of a little more clutter, here are 5 tips for you!
1. Have a home for everything
Clutter builds up because you don't know where to put it. Next time you're tempted to just dump something, STOP and put it back in its place.
2. Before you buy something, decide where it will go
Right there in the store, while you're admiring IT (whatever it might be), decide exactly where the thing you absolutely must have will go. If you can't decide, wait and go back another day once you've been home and figured out a home for it.
3. One in, one out
If you buy 3 long-sleeved tops, get rid of 3 from your closet.
4. Contain your stuff to the storage space It's very tempting to expand to more cupboards, buy another chest of drawers or yet another storage container. I say that's a perfect time to declutter!
5. Make regular decluttering time for maintenance
You don't need hours and hours to get started on decluttering, you just need 15 minutes here and 15 minutes there.
Start today and you’ll be a little less cluttered tomorrow!
If you’re looking for quick and simple ways to transform your home into an organized and supremely functional space, our Clutter Control workshop is for you! In just 3 hours you’ll learn how to completely organize your home, making it easy to find and access everything inside! Say goodbye to jumbled piles of papers, clothes, and stuff and say hello to organized bliss!
The class is tonight so contact me immediately if you want to register!
Implementing systems helps to save you time, space, energy and money…and those are a few things that we all want a little more of!
For me, I like to focus on saving time…because time is one of my most valuable resources.
So what are some systems you can put into place to save some time?
Use A Planner:
We have a household calendar in our kitchen where we mark off any commitments like church, meetings, gym, socials, and so on. The nice thing about this visual system is that when there's too much writing, we know we're too busy. I also mark off the recycling pick-up days, when the meter reader is due and of course, things like birthdays.
When I do my business planning for the week ahead, I add the commitments from the household calendar and then add any tasks that I need to or want to work on, like writing articles, e-courses, newsletters and so on.
Time saved every week: 1 hour
Plan Your Meals:
I love meal planning because it saves me time. When I say this to people, they think I'm crazy because "how can all that planning save you time?" It's quite simple - a twenty-minute planning session on the weekend saves me time Monday to Friday, when I need it most. No more standing in front of the open fridge wondering what to make for supper. I know what I need to defrost or buy for the week ahead and I know how much time I will need each night after I get home from work to make the meals.
You can still be spontaneous within the plan. I plan meals for the working week but if I don't feel like having a particular meal that day, I change it around and cook another day's meal.
Time saved every week: 3 hours
Schedule a Decluttering Time:
We've discussed the importance of having a regular time to declutter your home and office. This regular time gives you the opportunity to get rid of things you no longer need/use and make space for anything new that has accumulated.
I tackle an area in our home every weekend. It doesn't have to be a huge exercise. While you're busy cooking or baking, you can sort out a cupboard or two. When you factor in just 15 minutes' decluttering and organizing every weekend, you can easily maintain your organized home.
Time saved every week: at least 1 hour
Create a Launch Pad:
A launch pad enables you to hit the ground running every day.
Your launch pad is the place where you can keep all your morning essentials so you don't run around looking for your keys, wallet, bag, etc.
Every evening we put our lunches in a specific section of the fridge and we put our bags, keys, to-do lists, etc. on a bench by our back door so that in the mornings all we do is grab and go. In the morning, I simply walk to the fridge to get my lunch, grab my stuff from my launch pad and I'm out of there!
September 27 – October 3, 2009 this week’s "tip of the week" was sent from Hollie, from Jamestown, MI
Hollie writes: “I started this last year. I collect email addresses for the people on my Christmas card list. By Christmas I had half of them.
Come Christmas, I wrote a nice Christmas letter with pictures attached and sent it to all these people instead of paper cards. Almost everyone liked the idea and, at least half of those used email this year. Whether they wrote a letter or sent an email card from one of the many places on line, it certainly lessened the amount of paper coming in. The cards we did receive will become package tags next year.
Savings? Cost of cards, stamps, paper and ink to print my Christmas letter and less trees being cut down to make that paper.
It also helps to ensure the cards make it to the recipients before Christmas. Sent electronically, the greeting is nearly immediate.”
Do you have an organizing or time management tip that you would like to share? Click here and your tip could be the next one featured in our newsletter, our blog or on our website! For more organizing tips, check out www.andreadekker.com. It is full of great organizing tips for every area of your life.
Time truly is the deciding factor. We all have to recognize the fact that we cannot slow it down nor can we speed it up. We all have the same amount of time--365 days in each year and only 24 hours in each day.
In the end, it is all about personal choice. We all have the right to choose how we will spend our time. If you want to have more time for the things you enjoy, keep reading all week long for lots of tips that will save you lots of time!
Time saving tip # 9: Make and use checklists
A. Checklists for children can help them learn their morning or evening routines, for example, brushing their teeth and combing their hair. If your little one cannot read yet, post pictures as well as the words.
B. Checklists can be useful when packing for a trip, a day out at the park or picnic, having a babysitter or friend sit for the kids, among many other opportunities.
Time saving tip # 10: Create a lost and found
Every home needs a lost and found which can take many forms including a box, bin, basket, drawer, container, or even a laundry basket. When a family member finds a stray item on a counter top, in the middle of the floor, etc. they can toss it into the 'lost and found'. It's a great way to clean up the clutter and misplaced items in your home. And therefore, it should become the first place any family member looks for a misplaced item instead of searching everywhere for the item.
Time truly is the deciding factor. We all have to recognize the fact that we cannot slow it down nor can we speed it up. We all have the same amount of time--365 days in each year and only 24 hours in each day.
In the end, it is all about personal choice. We all have the right to choose how we will spend our time. If you want to have more time for the things you enjoy, keep reading all week long for lots of tips that will save you lots of time!
Time saving tip # 7: A consistent spot for must- needed, everyday items
A. Do you know how much time people spend/waste looking for everyday items?
B. Everyday or essential items should be kept in the same spot every day. For example, place your keys and cell phone in the same location so when you need to grab them tomorrow, you will know exactly where to find them. You might want a table, basket, or tray where you can leave these items and empty your pockets daily. The kid's homework, shoes, and book bags need to have a home.
Time saving tip # 8: Post and use a family calendar
A. An earlier tip suggests using one of many websites to set up an electronic calendar; this may not work for every family. So if it doesn't then you will need to use a paper calendar or one designed on a wall using chalkboard or magnetic paint.
B. Make sure it is in a central location where everyone can see it and use it.
C. Make sure all appointments, meetings, get-togethers, after-school activities are put on the calendar. Transfer over to a pocket calendar, organizer, electronic organizer or even leave yourself a voice mail on your cell phone.
Time truly is the deciding factor. We all have to recognize the fact that we cannot slow it down nor can we speed it up. We all have the same amount of time--365 days in each year and only 24 hours in each day.
In the end, it is all about personal choice. We all have the right to choose how we will spend our time. If you want to have more time for the things you enjoy, keep reading all week long for lots of tips that will save you lots of time!
Time saving tip # 5: Plan ahead
A. A meal plan- you save time each night figuring out what to eat a half hour before you make supper.
B. Shopping list- will save you time at the store.
C. Get out your clothes for the next day- will save you time getting dressed in the morning.
Time saving tip # 6: Do things in bulk
A. For example, if you are cooking lasagna for supper, how much harder is it to make a second one to freeze for a busy night in the future?
B. Bulk cooking or a once a month cooking fest can save you time in the long run.
Time truly is the deciding factor. We all have to recognize the fact that we cannot slow it down nor can we speed it up. We all have the same amount of time--365 days in each year and only 24 hours in each day.
In the end, it is all about personal choice. We all have the right to choose how we will spend our time. If you want to have more time for the things you enjoy, keep reading all week long for lots of tips that will save you lots of time!
Time saving tip # 3: Use your computer to save time
A. Check directions before leaving.
B. Online calendars and appointment reminders that can be sent to other people.
C. Correspondence with family and friends.
D. Order gifts, flowers, books, groceries, etc. online--no waiting in lines, travel time, etc.
E. Paying bills online- no trips to the bank, no mailing costs.
F. Wide variety of lists, for example, medications.
G. Read the news online.
H. Email reminders and notes.
I. Photographs.
J. Address and phone number list.
K. Folders to separate important information, for example, packing lists, immunization record, list of doctors.
L. Recipes, among many other uses.
Time saving tip # 4: Have a routine and stick with it
A. Having a routine can help you save time, if you work for an hour a day at chores around your house; you will not have to spend all weekend cleaning up and instead can spend some time with family and friends, for example.
B. Having a routine is also very useful for children. They know what to expect and when. Bedtimes, chores, errands, and homework time will all run smoother.
Time truly is the deciding factor. We all have to recognize the fact that we cannot slow it down nor can we speed it up. We all have the same amount of time--365 days in each year and only 24 hours in each day.
In the end, it is all about personal choice. We all have the right to choose how we will spend our time. If you want to have more time for the things you enjoy, keep reading all week long for lots of tips that will save you lots of time!
Time saving tip # 1: Save time on errands
A. Designate an errand day (do all your errands on one specific day. Also try to plan the time of day that stores are less busy.)
B. Map out the locations, so that you are not driving back and forth.
C. Delegate errands for other family members.
D. Share or trade errands with a neighbor, fellow mom, or a local teenager.
Time saving tip # 2: Multi-tasking
Make it work for you, not against you.
A. Only multi-task simple tasks.
B. No new, difficult, or tasks that require lots of attention.
For example, load a dishwasher while talking on the telephone, dust the house while listening to music or the television, cut coupons out while watching television, exercise while listening to a book on tape
Time truly is the deciding factor. We all have to recognize the fact that we cannot slow it down nor can we speed it up. We all have the same amount of time--365 days in each year and only 24 hours in each day.
What is time? Time is a system or method of measuring or reckoning the passage of time
In the end, it is all about personal choice. We all have the right to choose how we will spend our time.
If you are always feeling like there is not enough time. Ask yourself the following two questions and right your answers in two separate lists.
1. How do you spend your time? Create a time chart and record how you spend each day for a week.
2. What are your priorities? What do you want to spend your time on?
Compare these two lists. What can be cut, delegated, etc. from list #1 and allow you more time for those items on list # 2?
I guarantee that if you can remove things from list #1 and have more time for the things on list #2, you will be much happier and have less stress.
So give it a try…and check back for the rest of this week. I will give you lots of ideas on how you can learn to use your time more efficiently and make time for the things on your 2nd list!
September 20 – September 26, 2009 this week’s "tip of the week" was sent from Gerrie, from Gradville, MI
Gerrie writes: “Many of you are rushing to various places, meetings, clients, kids' activities, personal appointments and social engagements. Information is always coming to you almost 24 hours a day (even during sleep). An idea slips in while waiting for your dentist, getting gas or during some down time. What to do?
Keep a little notebook with you at all times. This is your master list. Put that idea down, write that phone number, or add that new e-mail address someone just gave you, or even a wish!
Later, you can transfer it to where it belongs and then cross it off your master list. Some things will just stay in the notebook at your fingertips, but do make a clean page for the leftover information, and dispose of your crossed-off list.”
Do you have an organizing or time management tip that you would like to share? Click here and your tip could be the next one featured in our newsletter, our blog or on our website! For more organizing tips, check out www.andreadekker.com. It is full of great organizing tips for every area of your life.
As you embark on your decluttering and organizing journey, ask yourself this question:
What am I creating space for?
Decluttering isn’t simply about getting rid of stuff for the sake of getting rid of stuff. It’s much more than that. It’s about letting things go so you can have more space, time, order and joy.
If the things in your home are weighing you down, creating space will allow you to feel uplifted and joyful. If you spend too much time dealing with your stuff, shuffling things around because things don’t have an “away,” then creating space will let you spend your time on more meaningful and enjoyable activities.
When you connect with the end result—your underlying reason for letting things go—decluttering becomes a simpler process, and a more enjoyable one, too
Many people email or call me because they know they want to get more organized, but they don’t know where to start. They're feeling overwhelmed and don’t have a clear plan for where and how to begin. Here are some ideas to break through that “stuck” feeling and get started creating an organized home you’ll love.
Step 1: define your end result.
Get as clear and specific as possible about your vision for your space and what you want to create. Pull out a notebook or a three-ring binder and assign each room to be organized its own page in the notebook. For each room, answer these questions:
What's bugging you about the space?
Are there things in the room that don't belong?
When you're done, how will the space look?
When you're done, how will the space feel?
When you're done, how will the space function?
Step 2: create an action list.
Based on the answers to your questions, create a list of all the projects you plan to do. Then, plot out the steps to get from where you are to your ultimate vision. Be sure to list items you'd like to move from one room or storage area to another. The general rule of thumb is to store things where you use them, or as close to those areas as possible. For storage items like extra light bulbs, cleaning supplies, batteries and other consumable items, consolidating to a central location will make it easier to know how much you have on hand.
Step 3: take action.
Once you have a list of all the things you'd like to do, pick one thing and start! If general de-cluttering is needed in many of the spaces on your list, this is a great place to begin. First, go on a scavenger hunt and find all the things you know you no longer use, need, or love. Grab a box (or two or three) and set a timer for fifteen minutes. See how much bulk you can eliminate before the buzzer dings.
Your goal for the scavenger hunt is to make quick and easy decisions to eliminate as many unneeded things as quickly as possible. Be sure to get these items completely out of your home. (Putting them in a box in a basement, garage, or other storage area in anticipation of a garage sale doesn't count!) By getting these items out of your home, they're completely off your radar screen. This will energize you to move on to the next phase of your project.
Step 4: concentrate on one space at a time.
After the scavenger hunt phase, focus on one space at a time. Once you've de-cluttered each room, select containers you love that are appropriate for the items that will remain in the room. By waiting until late in the process—after de-cluttering and defining which items will go where—you can feel more confident in selecting containers that will work in your space and be worth your investment. Add labels to your containers so it's easy to maintain your new organizing system.
Step 5: continue to make progress.
From here it's a matter of continuing to tackle one space at a time while maintaining order in the spaces you've already completed.
Start by defining the end result. What do you want to keep, where do you want to keep it, and what will your rooms be like when you're done? Then go through each space and do an initial sort and edit, without digging too deep. Basically, get rid of the surface clutter and move things to where they will ultimately live. This will give you breathing room and motivation to do the deeper purging. Once you've done the deep purge and have things where you want them, buy your containers. There is definitely a bit of moving things from point A to point B in organizing. The key is to decide where you want point B to be before you start the process. This keeps you always moving in the direction of your desired end result.
For those of us who live in the Northern states, fall means that we are heading back inside. If you’re at home, and you’re happy to be spending more time inside because your home is calm, soothing, and clutter-free, then you welcome autumn with open arms. On the other hand, if you find yourself with a bit of clutter and backlog from the summer (or perhaps even pre-dating the summer), then it’s time to take action and create some change. This September, get started turning your home into an organized and restful haven, a place you love to be. Here are three ideas to help you get started.
Idea #1: Sign up for my Clutter Control workshop next week Thursday. You’ll find out how to overcome your organizing roadblocks and let go of the clutter, learn the best strategies for purchasing storage containers, complete an organizing project using a simple process that can be applied to projects of any size and scope, and create a customized organizing plan. Best of all, you’ll be taking action and creating change in your home.
Idea #2: Take advantage of the changing seasons, and organize your closet! The cooler weather means that you will need to resurrect your fall and winter items out of storage. Take the time to get rid of all the spring and summer stuff that you will not wear or don’t need. Also, look over your fall and winter items and see if there is anything you can part with.
Idea #3: Take action creating a space you love. You will be spending more time inside and once the holidays hit, you will probably have several guests over to your home. Make it a space that you love being in and a space that will welcome others. Carve out time on your calendar to get organized, and before you know it, you’ll be looking forward to spending more time indoors!
I just recently heard of a company who is promoting a new line of storage...called the Clever Container Company. They are very similar to Tupperware in that they sell their products through parties and catalogs...not in stores. The main difference is that the Clever Container Company specializes in storage solutions to help you control your clutter and better organize your home and office.
The other day, while pondering clutter (something I do quite often), it occurred to me that the reason clutter accumulates for many people is that they don’t have an exit strategy for their stuff. They haven’t thought through when and how the things they bring into their home will ultimately leave. The entrance strategy is simple enough: go to store, buy stuff, bag it up, and bring it home. But from there—there is no plan.
The truth is, without an exit strategy for your stuff, you will very quickly find yourself in an unfavorable situation—surrounded by clutter.
So here’s a thought for today: Create an exit strategy for your stuff.
Think about this… what do you do/have that no longer benefits you? Sometimes we fill our lives with activities and things “just because”…even though they don’t benefit us.
It seems crazy but we all do it…sometimes out of a habit we have formed, sometimes out of fear and sometimes…we are just lazy!
Let me explain:
Scenario #1: Your work is really busy for a specific time period so you have to stay late every night for a month or two. After the busy time is over, you continue to stay late because it’s a habit…it’s not something you need to do, nor is it benefiting you. You could be enjoying the extra time at home with your family, exercising, taking up a new hobby, etc.
Scenario #2: You volunteer to serve on the board for you school, church, or community. You enjoyed doing the work for several years but now you feel more passionate about other things so you get involved in other things but never quit the original commitment. Before you realize it, you are stressed out because you are too busy and over committed. This commitment is no longer benefiting you.
Scenario #3: You have a bookshelf full of books you don't like or need to have…and 5 sets of bed linen for your guest bedroom (which only gets used twice each year). These items are no longer benefiting you.
We are already pressed for time and have plenty of things to think and worry about so there is no room for anything that doesn’t benefit us.
I know there are always things that we have to do…but really don’t want to do (like laundry) but if you really think about it, most of those tasks actually benefit you (you get clean clothes!)
What we need to focus on are the activities that we really don’t have to do…and don’t want to do, and the things in our lives that we no longer need… and rid our lives of those get those activities and things. You will thank yourself for doing it!
September 13 – September 19, 2009 this week’s "tip of the week" was sent from Karen, from Des Moines, IA
Karen writes: “I found that making my bed was one job that did not get done. I now make my bed right after I get up and finish dressing. Since, I'm usually the last one up; I don't have to wait for someone else to get out first.
The only time this doesn't work is when I have to go somewhere and have to be up before my husband, but then he makes it when he gets up.
Our bedroom is located right off the living room, so if I had surprise visitors, I had to shut the bedroom door before answering the door. Now I don't have to worry about that.
It also looks so nice when I do go into the bedroom later on.”
Do you have an organizing or time management tip that you would like to share? Click here and your tip could be the next one featured in our newsletter, our blog or on our website! For more organizing tips, check out www.andreadekker.com. It is full of great organizing tips for every area of your life.
Do you constantly have toys, homework, clothes, shoes, bags and stuffed animals lying around your home? Have you tried (and failed) to teach your children to be organized and clean up after themselves? The importance of teaching your children how to organize their things, their time and their life is often taken for granted and over looked until they go off to college and find that they have no idea how to prioritize and manage their life.
It's never too early to start teaching your children responsibility for themselves and their belongings... and the best way to teach them is by modeling organization and creating organized spaces for your children. Below we've included several ideas for organizing your childrens' spaces. Don't feel like you you have to achieve them all in one weekend. Pick one to start with and see if you can implement it successfully before you move onto the next space. Over time, organization will become second nature to you and your children!
I recently heard someone explain that they were “sending up an S.O.S. for help” I asked what they meant by that, since we were no where near water or boats and it didn’t really make sense. They said, “We need help to Shed Our Stuff!” Pretty clever!
If you are also looking to shed some of your stuff, keep reading. I’ve put together a list of 10 ways to get started on your quest to S.O.S!
Start with a short 15 minutes decluttering session daily.
Recognize it won't happen overnight. It took time for clutter to take over your house.
Make a plan of attack and stick with it. Daily and weekly to-do lists can be helpful.
When dealing with clutter, ask yourself the following questions:
Do I love it?
Do I need it?
Is it easy to replace?
Does it love me back?
Create a home for everything…yes especially the new things you buy.
Use is the 1 in, 2 out principle. For every new item you get, two old items leave.
Try using the four container method to sorting clutter:
Box 1: Trash
Box 2: Give away- items that others can use
Box 3: Put away- items that need to be put away into another room in the house
Box 4: Keep or toss- items that you are unsure what you want to do with right now. Give yourself a time limit on how long those items will sit in the box before a decision is made.
Try the RAFT method for sorting paperwork:
R: Read- papers you need to read
A: Act on it- papers that need an action from you
F: File- papers that need to be filed like
T: Trash- papers such as junk mail, flyers, and old coupons
Have a decluttering partner or friend who will help keep you on track.
Get your family and friends on board…or contact a professional organizer to get your going in the right direction.
***Keep in mind that getting rid of items around your home can be very emotional. However, the memories associated with some items are often more important than the actual objects. If this is the case, take pictures of the items to make into a scrapbook. It will keep the memories alive while allowing you to let go of the items…and all your stuff!
If I had less stuff, I would be/feel/do______________________. What would happen if you had less stuff in your house, in your life, in your mind?
Now think about the reasons why you want a less cluttered home. Here are a few reasons that I came up with…however, the list is practically endless!
·Clutter wastes time: Imagine…no more wasted time searching through clutter?
·Clutter wastes money: When you lose an item in a mountain of clutter, it is often easier to just buy a new one then actually find the old item.
·Clutter wastes energy: You have to clean it, work around it, or move it. You also waste a lot of energy thinking about your clutter and feeling defeated because you haven’t dealt with your clutter yet.
·Clutter is dangerous: It can cause household accidents, like stepping on a piece of Lego in the middle of the night. Clutter also gives dust and bacteria more places to sit…which can aggravate allergies and create an unhealthy living environment.
What other reasons can you think of??
The reality is clutter in your home equals a cluttered life and clutter in your mind. All this clutter means your life feels like chaos and stressful. So clear out the physical clutter and watch the mental and emotional clutter vanish.
Start Today!
Do you want more tips to eliminate clutter? Check out tomorrow's blog for 10 tips to help you shed your extra stuff or visit my website: www.andreadekker.com
Did you know that the definition of organized is being able to find anything within a minute or two. This is from items in your home to an email, document or photo on your computer. Some people think that in order to be organized, you have to put everything in clear plastic bins or matching baskets with tags. Nope, not the case! If you love to have piles lying around…but can still find what every you need in a few moments, you are organized…not baskets needed!
As many of you have already assumed, I am an organized person and yes, I can find pretty much whatever I need in my house, office, kitchen, closet, car and computer in a matter of seconds because I know where everything is. For those of you who might not be as organized, I'm going to let you in on some of my own secrets and also those I've observed from watching fellow “born organized” people.
Super organized people:
1. Plan their lives
Set aside time every weekend to plan your activities, events and meals for the week ahead. Before you finish up your work for the day, take 5 minutes to quickly plan your main priority tasks for the next day.
2. Have a place for everything and everything is in its place
Everything in your house should have a specific home. The goal should be that if anyone asks, "where do I find the _____?" you should be able to tell them immediately. I'm talking about paper too!
3. Have effective systems, and are willing to change systems if necessary
A system tells you what to do when something happens. For instance, as you run low or finish foods, they immediately go on your shopping list. That's a system.
4. Write things down
As the saying goes, "a blunt pencil is better than a sharp mind." The truth is when you write things down, it clears your mind so you can focus on more productive and creative thoughts.
5. Declutter regularly Make time to go through your clothes and other possessions and then get rid of anything you don't love or use regularly. Make a regular date to also declutter your documents and emails. (I just did my kitchen and got rid of 7 huge bags of stuff!)
6. Put things away
If you take just a few minutes to put things back where they belong (see number 2) every day, you always have a home that's comfortable and ready for company. In the office, take two extra seconds to file or delete an email immediately.
7. Do regular maintenance
Preserve your organizing systems by doing a quick touch-up when you see things start to go awry. It's like touching up your roots every 6 weeks ;) Don't wait and let it get so bad that you have to totally rehaul your system.
Start building just ONE of these secrets into your daily routine every week until you create a habit and you too will be Super Organized
Here in Michigan, today is the first day of school for the year...so my husband is officially back into "school mode." I don't know about you but I LOVE back-to-school time...yes, I always have...even as a kid! Maybe it's because school starts in the fall and I love everything about fall: cooler nights, huge harvests from my garden, the beautify colors in Michigan, apples, outdoor activities, and looking forward to the holidays.
Or maybe I love back-to-school time because it is filled with newness and possibility, a time to make fresh starts and try something new. Why not tap into the excitement of this time of year by taking a class—just for fun? Sign up for a yoga class at your local fitness center. Or join an art class and nourish your creative side. Explore something completely new, like the foreign language of a land you’d love to visit. Or dig deeper into a subject you’re already knowledgeable and passionate about. Check your local library, adult education programs, or a community college for course ideas or take an online course.
If you are wondering what class to take, check out my website for the list of classes I have lined up this fall. You can learn about clutter control, productivity, holiday planning and even learn how to preserve your food!
Revitalize your spirit and embrace the energy that comes from going back to school!
Enjoy that last official weekend of summer...and enjoy a day off from laboring. Yes, that always confuses me too...why do they call it "Labor Day" if we all get the day off work??
September 6 – September 12, 2009 this week’s "tip of the week" was sent from Kathi, from Chicago, IL
Kathi writes: “I frequently run errands on my lunch hour or stop for takeout on my way home from the office, but would get frustrated when I'd discover that the coupons and receipts I needed were left at home or crumpled up somewhere in my wallet or purse.
To solve this problem I purchased a small photo album from the dollar store. Mine has 20 pages, which is 40 sleeves. I made labels on the computer for the stores I frequently shop at and stuck them on some of the pages, plus I left some pages unlabeled.
I grouped them together logically, such as restaurants, crafts, auto, household and errands (photo pickup, video, dry cleaners, store receipts for items to be returned, etc.).
Now, as soon as I clip something out, I file it in the album. When I drop off photos or dry cleaning, the receipt immediately goes into its designated pocket. No more frantic searches through my wallet at pickup time.
For some of my favorite stores, I make a list on a piece of paper of the items that are on sale in the flyer and file it in one pocket, with the coupons in the opposite pocket. I also keep a list on one page of the clothing sizes of family members.
This album is compact (4 1/2 inches x 6 1/2 inches) and doesn't take up much room in my handbag. It goes everywhere I go, so I am always prepared, even for a spontaneous dinner treat.
And best yet, when the pages get worn or ripped (as they eventually do from constant use), I can easily replace it with another album from the dollar store. A very effective, low cost, low tech solution to a vexing problem!”
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