It is that time of year when you here the term "Spring Cleaning" being tossed around. I am not sure how many people actually follow this seasonal tradition, but I think that it is a wise thing to do. It goes along great with the Renewed Feeling that comes along with spring and gets you off to a Fresh Start. So I have decided to do a Spring Cleaning Tidbit Series. I am going to go through all of the typical rooms in your home and give you some Tidbits on where to begin your cleaning quest. I am going to start with the Heart of the Home, the Kitchen.
Everyone seems to gather in the kitchen, and because of this, it is one of the rooms that we should pay close attention to when Spring Cleaning. It has so many components to it and has become such a multi-functional room in every ones home. So here are some Tidbits on how to begin this seasonal tradition and get your Kitchen Ready!
Cleaning Tidbit - Be Wise, Organize and Sanitize.
Counter top - Clear all of your counters of appliances and such, and clean them using a sanitizing solution of 1 cup white vinegar and 1 cup water. Put the non hazardous solution in an clear spray bottle (found at any hardware or dollar store) label and keep on hand for cleaning sinks, tiles and soap scum.
Cabinets - Clean cabinets with a cleaning solution of 1 tsp of a mild dish soap combined with 1 quart of water. If you have wood cabinets, finish off with rubbing some olive oil on the wood to bring back the luster.
Cabinet Tops - Cabinet tops get very dusty. Be careful, get up on a chair and check out the dust factor on top of the cabinets. The best way to clean this area is with a hand held vacuum. If you don't have one, then just dust it the old fashioned way with a damp cloth.
Inside the Cabinets - Replenish your Spice Cabinet (Buy and Save at Christmas Tree Shop, CVS, Walmart Super Store or The Dollar Store) Take out your goods, wipe down the shelves, toss old stuff and reorganize when you are placing them back.
Drawers - Clean and Organize your Utensil drawers, Bread Drawer and Junk Drawer.
Use a Utensil Divider in your Junk Drawer to keep things organized.
If you have a large drawer in your kitchen, near your stove, use it for your cooking utensils. Place a small piece of rug pad (found at any Large Chain Store) in the drawer and line up your cooking tools. The rug pad will hold them in place and keep them organized so you don't have to go fishing for them every time you need them.
Floor - If you have Ceramic Tile, Clean your Grout!
Table and Chairs - Wipe down chair legs and arms with a warm damp cloth. Look under the rim of your table for any food scum and clean it. If you have a wooden set, then replenish your set with some Wood Cream or Oil.
Clean Your Appliances
Refrigerator - While you have your chair out, check out the top of your fridge. If your fridge is not under a cabinet, then chances are it needs to be dusted. Clear off the stuff and clean it with a damp cloth.
Also, the inside of fridge should be cleared and cleaned. Remove all items and check the expiration on your dressings and condiments. Toss any that are out dated. Clean using the White Vinegar Spray. Take out any drawers and wash with warm water and soap.
Take a look at your Freezer Items also and toss any freezer burned items. Clean with a Hot damp cloth.
If you can move your fridge, clean under it and vacuum the coils behind it.
Be sure to add your dated Baking Soda to keep your fridge smelling Fresh and Clean.
Toaster - Open the bottom latch and empty out any crumbs over the sink. Take a small paint brush and brush of any crumbs from the inside. Take a damp cloth and clean the outside of the toaster.
Coffee Maker - Add 1 Cup White Vinegar to the water reservoir and then fill with water. Run your coffee maker, shut it off and let it cool, then Repeat. Finish off the process by running a carafe of clean water through.
Microwave - Clean the inside with Warm Lemon Water. Just squeeze some lemon juice into a cup of warm water and damp a cloth with it. Vacuum the back of the microwave and any vented areas. Unplug and wipe sides with a damp cloth.
Food Disposal - Throw that Lemon into the disposal to clean and sharpen blades.
Oven - Clean your oven, using the automatic cleaner, before it gets too Hot! Use Baking Soda paste (1 Tbsp Baking Soda and 2 Tbsp Water) to clean the oven's inside window, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. Take a slim duster and clean under the oven. (When it's off of course)
Creative Tidbit - Turn the inside of your cabinets into Note Stations. Paint the inside of selected cabinets with two coats of Magnetic Paint and then paint one coat of Chalk Board Paint. Use this new secret station to hang and jot down notes to self.
I know it sounds like a lot, but it's only once a year, Right? Take a week and do it in stages. It will make you feel good, I Promise :) Let's Go Ladies (and Gents) get those Rubber Gloves on, Be Wise, Organize, Sanitize and get your Kitchen Ready!
Showing posts with label Organizing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Organizing. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Be Better On the Go
Mothers spend a good amount of the day in their cars. We are dropping, shopping, and always stopping to do something. Our cars become our home away from home, so I feel like it should have a system like our home. So here are some tips that I use to Be Better on the Go!
Tidbit - Keep you car stocked for the unexpected. What does this mean? It means be prepared for the hungry mom and child, be prepared for the boo boo at the playground, be prepared for the unexpected thunder shower and the whining child.
Always keep some nonperishable snacks in your car. Like a bag of goldfish, some granola or cereal bars. Store them in the glove box or in one of your storage areas in the front of your car. Also keep a box of juice boxes or water under the seats. It is also smart to have some stop whining snacks on hand, like a lollipop, for those breakdown moments.
Make a Kid Traveling Survival Kit - It is always good to keep some stuff in the car that is only for the car. This way your child will get excited for it when needed. When creating it keep in mind occupying your child's senses, such as sight, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling. My suggestions are some picture or reading books also look for some scratch and sniff books, children Cd's, a doddle pad or etch-a-sketch, a small map and some goggles, a kaleidoscope, a magnifying glass, a small flashlight, a Rubik's cube (for older kids) or some other mind and hand toy and of course some snacks. Keep it all in a tote in your car and bring it out when needed. I know that kids today have DVD players and hand video games, but those should only be allowed during very long trips. Kid's today are already stimulated enough.
Car Staples - A box of tissues, a package of wipes for spills and kid cleanup, anti bacterial gel for after every shopping trip, a loaded first aid kit, an emergency kit, a blanket for an unexpected picnic, a ball, a kite, a few diapers, some plastic bags for trash, and a couple of umbrellas. Keep stuff organized in a basket or tote bags, and keep the bigger stuff in the trunk.
If your a coupon mom, keep any fast food coupons, restaurant coupons, oil change coupons and car wash coupons in the car.
Keep your car clean by picking up trash and toys after each trip. Keep a few small plastic bags in your glove box for easy cleaning. Have on hand some empty tote bags just for the car. Tuck them away under your seat for easy access. Restock your car every couple of weeks. Make sure that you hang a great smelling air freshener in your car to keep you energized and Be Better on the Go!
Tidbit - Keep you car stocked for the unexpected. What does this mean? It means be prepared for the hungry mom and child, be prepared for the boo boo at the playground, be prepared for the unexpected thunder shower and the whining child.
Always keep some nonperishable snacks in your car. Like a bag of goldfish, some granola or cereal bars. Store them in the glove box or in one of your storage areas in the front of your car. Also keep a box of juice boxes or water under the seats. It is also smart to have some stop whining snacks on hand, like a lollipop, for those breakdown moments.
Make a Kid Traveling Survival Kit - It is always good to keep some stuff in the car that is only for the car. This way your child will get excited for it when needed. When creating it keep in mind occupying your child's senses, such as sight, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling. My suggestions are some picture or reading books also look for some scratch and sniff books, children Cd's, a doddle pad or etch-a-sketch, a small map and some goggles, a kaleidoscope, a magnifying glass, a small flashlight, a Rubik's cube (for older kids) or some other mind and hand toy and of course some snacks. Keep it all in a tote in your car and bring it out when needed. I know that kids today have DVD players and hand video games, but those should only be allowed during very long trips. Kid's today are already stimulated enough.
Car Staples - A box of tissues, a package of wipes for spills and kid cleanup, anti bacterial gel for after every shopping trip, a loaded first aid kit, an emergency kit, a blanket for an unexpected picnic, a ball, a kite, a few diapers, some plastic bags for trash, and a couple of umbrellas. Keep stuff organized in a basket or tote bags, and keep the bigger stuff in the trunk.
If your a coupon mom, keep any fast food coupons, restaurant coupons, oil change coupons and car wash coupons in the car.
Keep your car clean by picking up trash and toys after each trip. Keep a few small plastic bags in your glove box for easy cleaning. Have on hand some empty tote bags just for the car. Tuck them away under your seat for easy access. Restock your car every couple of weeks. Make sure that you hang a great smelling air freshener in your car to keep you energized and Be Better on the Go!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Focus on the Inside
We are all day dreaming of warmer days and of blooming flowers. Many of us may be starting to think of our back yards and summer nights on the patio. I have already started planning my gardens and flower pots in my head. Although the Spring will be here soon, I don't want to get too far ahead of myself. In my home I like to take advantage of these upcoming months, it is a good time to Focus on the Inside.
Organizing/Decorating Tidbit - Take care of things on the inside before the time comes to focus on the outside.
You can begin this process with going from room to room with a small notebook and writing down what can be Fixed, Improved or Changed in each room. As you walk from room to room, think about whether it is serving it's purpose for you and your family and it is functioning the way that you intended. If you are not completely satisfied with the room then begin to think about what area you want to focus on the most. Such as making it more Organized, De-cluttering, and Cleaning or Painting, Rearranging or Re-Purposing the room.
After deciding what can be done to the room, make a list of supplies that you will need to get the job done. See if you have any of the supplies on hand and then estimate the Time, Labor and Cost of each rooms projects. If you can only do some of the things that you have listed, then start there and keep the list so that you can refer to it later. If you can manage more change and improvement in your home, then set some dates with yourself and plan the budget to get them done.
Extra Tidbit - When looking at each room, don't forget about the Closets, Cabinets, and Drawers. Sometimes getting those organized first can help you focus on what you really want from each room and how you want it to function.
Extra Extra Tidbit - Remember to be realistic about your goals and start with the small things that can be done in each room. Also think of Paint as a great changing tool, it can be used to give any room a Decorative Lift by the use of color on any paintable object, like the wall, Trim, Ceiling, Tables etc. And if your brave enough, be a do-it-yourselfer. It will be gratifying in the end and save you some hard earned cash.
So Get Moving and Focus on your Inside!
Organizing/Decorating Tidbit - Take care of things on the inside before the time comes to focus on the outside.
You can begin this process with going from room to room with a small notebook and writing down what can be Fixed, Improved or Changed in each room. As you walk from room to room, think about whether it is serving it's purpose for you and your family and it is functioning the way that you intended. If you are not completely satisfied with the room then begin to think about what area you want to focus on the most. Such as making it more Organized, De-cluttering, and Cleaning or Painting, Rearranging or Re-Purposing the room.
After deciding what can be done to the room, make a list of supplies that you will need to get the job done. See if you have any of the supplies on hand and then estimate the Time, Labor and Cost of each rooms projects. If you can only do some of the things that you have listed, then start there and keep the list so that you can refer to it later. If you can manage more change and improvement in your home, then set some dates with yourself and plan the budget to get them done.
Extra Tidbit - When looking at each room, don't forget about the Closets, Cabinets, and Drawers. Sometimes getting those organized first can help you focus on what you really want from each room and how you want it to function.
Extra Extra Tidbit - Remember to be realistic about your goals and start with the small things that can be done in each room. Also think of Paint as a great changing tool, it can be used to give any room a Decorative Lift by the use of color on any paintable object, like the wall, Trim, Ceiling, Tables etc. And if your brave enough, be a do-it-yourselfer. It will be gratifying in the end and save you some hard earned cash.
So Get Moving and Focus on your Inside!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Ready, Set, Grocery Shop
Going food shopping is quite a task. There is nothing worse than getting home and realizing that you have forgotten something that you really needed. And then there is the crowds of people, the long lines, and the whining children. Well I have some idea's that will hopefully help you out.
Ready, Set, Grocery Shop!
Organizing Tidbit
In my house we have a magnetic shopping list on the side of the refrigerator. I use it to jot down items when I notice that we are out of it or when it's running out. I also categorize it by the stores I use most often. This is one of my write it and forget it techniques. When it's time to make my shopping list, its the place I start. You can find them in the Stationary Aisle in any store. That takes me to my next tip, write a shopping list.
Look through your cabinets and fridge and clean out whats running out and put it in smaller bags or containers and throw out any out dated food. This is a good time to make the Mix (like the one I had mentioned in a previous blog) of all those goldfish, animal crackers and any other little snacks. My kids also like it when I mix all the remaining cereals into one. This helps make room and keep cabinets organized.
Now if your a coupon mom, you can check the flyer's and plan your meals around whats on sale or by your coupons.
Now your ready to make your list.
I make my list according to the Supermarkets layout. You know Dairy, Deli, Dry Foods, Produce, Breads and Freezer. This helps me get in and out. Also I try to shop on off peak days and hours. Like a Monday night or early in the morning. It's a ghost town and kind of relaxing, but beware of when your stores sales start. Because they run out of those items first, so make sure if you want something that you plan around it.
Now you're Ready, Set, Grocery Shop
Ready, Set, Grocery Shop!
Organizing Tidbit
In my house we have a magnetic shopping list on the side of the refrigerator. I use it to jot down items when I notice that we are out of it or when it's running out. I also categorize it by the stores I use most often. This is one of my write it and forget it techniques. When it's time to make my shopping list, its the place I start. You can find them in the Stationary Aisle in any store. That takes me to my next tip, write a shopping list.
Look through your cabinets and fridge and clean out whats running out and put it in smaller bags or containers and throw out any out dated food. This is a good time to make the Mix (like the one I had mentioned in a previous blog) of all those goldfish, animal crackers and any other little snacks. My kids also like it when I mix all the remaining cereals into one. This helps make room and keep cabinets organized.
Now if your a coupon mom, you can check the flyer's and plan your meals around whats on sale or by your coupons.
Now your ready to make your list.
I make my list according to the Supermarkets layout. You know Dairy, Deli, Dry Foods, Produce, Breads and Freezer. This helps me get in and out. Also I try to shop on off peak days and hours. Like a Monday night or early in the morning. It's a ghost town and kind of relaxing, but beware of when your stores sales start. Because they run out of those items first, so make sure if you want something that you plan around it.
Now you're Ready, Set, Grocery Shop
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Defeating Your Laundry
In my house, laundry is continuous battle. Just when I think that I am all caught up, another Battle Pile appears needing immediate attention or else there will be a War Pile that never ends. As a result I have come up with some strategies for easing the pain. Here are some tips for Defeating Your Laundry.
Organizing Tidbit - Defeating your laundry takes a plan of action.
Step One - If It's Not Dirty Then Don't Wash It
*Like Towels for instance. You wipe your clean body with it, so it's still clean. Assign each person a towel and keep it for the week.
*Pajamas also fall into this category. They are worn to bed and then removed in the morning. It is unlikely that they got spoiled in that time frame, so wear them two to three times.
*Jeans and Dress Pants are also an item that can be worn more than once before cleaning. Of course at your own discretion.
Using these strategies should help with the Battle Pile.
Step Two - Create A Dirty Clothes Station
In my home we don't have any hampers, instead I use a tall laundry basket. The tall basket is for collecting the dirty clothes. I have it hidden behind my bedroom door and everyone in the house knows that that's where their dirty clothes belong. When it fills up, I do a load of laundry. Having it already in the tall basket, makes it easy for transport. Makes sense right? But I do a Full Load Cycle. Which means I Wash, Dry, Fold and Put It Away.
Make Dirty Clothes Stations in closets or behind Doors and make sure that everyone in the house knows that the floor is not an option.
Step Three - Organize Your Washes
If you read my blog, you should know by now that I am a fan of baskets. Well the same applies here. Get colored baskets for each kind of load and use them to separate the clothes by color. Think Red, White and Blue. Red for Colors, Blue for Darks and White for... Well I think you got that one.
Organize washes using the baskets when you bring your full tall basket down instead of the floor.
Step Four - Create A Folding Station
I know! I know! What is with me and these stations? But it does help. I think that the easiest place to fold clothes is in a bedroom on a made bed. To make it easy, categorize as you fold. For instance, each person should have a section of the bed and as you fold put the clothes into categories also. Like a shirt pile, jeans pile, t-shirts pile, sweat shirts etc. When it's time to put the folded clothes away, insert them by their categories into regular laundry baskets and then they will be ready to be put away neatly for each person.
Make Sure to do a Full Load Cycle Daily to minimize the Battle. I hope that these strategies help you with Defeating Your Laundry.
Organizing Tidbit - Defeating your laundry takes a plan of action.
Step One - If It's Not Dirty Then Don't Wash It
*Like Towels for instance. You wipe your clean body with it, so it's still clean. Assign each person a towel and keep it for the week.
*Pajamas also fall into this category. They are worn to bed and then removed in the morning. It is unlikely that they got spoiled in that time frame, so wear them two to three times.
*Jeans and Dress Pants are also an item that can be worn more than once before cleaning. Of course at your own discretion.
Using these strategies should help with the Battle Pile.
Step Two - Create A Dirty Clothes Station
In my home we don't have any hampers, instead I use a tall laundry basket. The tall basket is for collecting the dirty clothes. I have it hidden behind my bedroom door and everyone in the house knows that that's where their dirty clothes belong. When it fills up, I do a load of laundry. Having it already in the tall basket, makes it easy for transport. Makes sense right? But I do a Full Load Cycle. Which means I Wash, Dry, Fold and Put It Away.
Make Dirty Clothes Stations in closets or behind Doors and make sure that everyone in the house knows that the floor is not an option.
Step Three - Organize Your Washes
If you read my blog, you should know by now that I am a fan of baskets. Well the same applies here. Get colored baskets for each kind of load and use them to separate the clothes by color. Think Red, White and Blue. Red for Colors, Blue for Darks and White for... Well I think you got that one.
Organize washes using the baskets when you bring your full tall basket down instead of the floor.
Step Four - Create A Folding Station
I know! I know! What is with me and these stations? But it does help. I think that the easiest place to fold clothes is in a bedroom on a made bed. To make it easy, categorize as you fold. For instance, each person should have a section of the bed and as you fold put the clothes into categories also. Like a shirt pile, jeans pile, t-shirts pile, sweat shirts etc. When it's time to put the folded clothes away, insert them by their categories into regular laundry baskets and then they will be ready to be put away neatly for each person.
Make Sure to do a Full Load Cycle Daily to minimize the Battle. I hope that these strategies help you with Defeating Your Laundry.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Kid's Stuff
Isn't funny how Kid's Stuff things in just about any place they can. Whether it's their toys, shoes, hat's and gloves, and just about anything they can get their hands on. Well here are some Tidbits to organizing some of your Kids Stuff.
Tidbit - Now that you have gone and purged, I will let you in on one of my little secrets so that you can purge one more thing. Stuffed Animals! I know, I know! If your the sentimental type, you or your child might have some feelings about certain stuffed friends. I am not saying to get rid of them, but I am saying Get Rid of All the others. It will free up so much space and make things less cluttered. And trust me, your child will not even notice and if they do then just draw their attention to how much other stuff they have.
Extra Tidbit - In our home we have many heads,hands and feet. That means that we have many pairs of shoes, and hats and gloves. So to keep things tidy I have laundry and wicker baskets to keep their stuff from ending up all over the house. The laundry baskets I keep out of sight under their beds or in a closet. In them I keep shoes, sweatshirts, and any other bulky thing you can think of. My kids know where to find their shoes and where to put them. Wicker baskets look a little nicer and can be kept in a corner or near the doorway. I keep in them their hats and gloves. This is also handy when you come in from the snow, you can just bring the basket to your dryer and throw all the wet things in to dry.
Kids Snack Tidbit - In our house we have a plastic cereal container that holds one of my children's favorite snacks. They call it Mix. And that is basically what it is. It is a catch all for all the other small snacks in the house. Such as crackers, cookies, goldfish, chips, pretzels and even cereal. Before I go food shopping, I go through my cabinets and toss in the Mix anything that has a little or I am going to be replacing. This trick keeps my cabinets neat and my kid's happy.
Tidbit - Now that you have gone and purged, I will let you in on one of my little secrets so that you can purge one more thing. Stuffed Animals! I know, I know! If your the sentimental type, you or your child might have some feelings about certain stuffed friends. I am not saying to get rid of them, but I am saying Get Rid of All the others. It will free up so much space and make things less cluttered. And trust me, your child will not even notice and if they do then just draw their attention to how much other stuff they have.
Extra Tidbit - In our home we have many heads,hands and feet. That means that we have many pairs of shoes, and hats and gloves. So to keep things tidy I have laundry and wicker baskets to keep their stuff from ending up all over the house. The laundry baskets I keep out of sight under their beds or in a closet. In them I keep shoes, sweatshirts, and any other bulky thing you can think of. My kids know where to find their shoes and where to put them. Wicker baskets look a little nicer and can be kept in a corner or near the doorway. I keep in them their hats and gloves. This is also handy when you come in from the snow, you can just bring the basket to your dryer and throw all the wet things in to dry.
Kids Snack Tidbit - In our house we have a plastic cereal container that holds one of my children's favorite snacks. They call it Mix. And that is basically what it is. It is a catch all for all the other small snacks in the house. Such as crackers, cookies, goldfish, chips, pretzels and even cereal. Before I go food shopping, I go through my cabinets and toss in the Mix anything that has a little or I am going to be replacing. This trick keeps my cabinets neat and my kid's happy.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Open Windows
If your anything like me, you have a collection of pictures on your camera and computer from the past year. Most of us will never get any of them developed and scrapbook them all. So I have a solution for you. Open Windows!
Tidbit - Open Microsoft Windows and make a DVD Movie using the Movie Maker. It's really easy and fun. Now that the holidays have passed and a new year is here, it's a good time to make a movie of 2009. You can add titles and music to the background. I made one last year and my sons loved it. I am working on one now and I can't wait to finish it. It's a great way to hold on to cherished memories. Best of all when your done you can save all of your pictures on a disk and free up some space on your computer.
Extra Tidbit - Another way to take advantage of windows is to create Forget It Folders that will keep your thoughts organized. They are a great resource to use to jot thoughts down and forget them until needed. In My Favorites section I have a folder marked Summer. In it I save websites of places to visit, so that when the summer rolls around again I can refer to it and the calenders for the season. I also have one marked Vacation where I save websites of Bed and Breakfast's I would like to stay in for Anniversary's and Birthdays. This year I have decided to make a Needs and Gifts Folder in My Documents section in Word. In it I am going to put ideas for the boys and for people in our family who we buy for at Christmas and Birthdays. Hopefully this will help me when some one asks me what the boys would like or need for their birthday or Christmas next year. And I will have some ideas for others as well. I can write it and forget it all year long.
Beauty Tidbit - In this cold, cold season we can all use a little pick me up each time we leave the house. Mine is Ginger Mentha Lip Shine Shimmer from Bath and Body. I leave it in my coat pocket and put it on each time I leave my house. It keeps my lips smooth, it tastes and smells great and it makes my lips sparkle. Keep a yummy Lip Balm in your pocket and enjoy the pick me up.
Tidbit - Open Microsoft Windows and make a DVD Movie using the Movie Maker. It's really easy and fun. Now that the holidays have passed and a new year is here, it's a good time to make a movie of 2009. You can add titles and music to the background. I made one last year and my sons loved it. I am working on one now and I can't wait to finish it. It's a great way to hold on to cherished memories. Best of all when your done you can save all of your pictures on a disk and free up some space on your computer.
Extra Tidbit - Another way to take advantage of windows is to create Forget It Folders that will keep your thoughts organized. They are a great resource to use to jot thoughts down and forget them until needed. In My Favorites section I have a folder marked Summer. In it I save websites of places to visit, so that when the summer rolls around again I can refer to it and the calenders for the season. I also have one marked Vacation where I save websites of Bed and Breakfast's I would like to stay in for Anniversary's and Birthdays. This year I have decided to make a Needs and Gifts Folder in My Documents section in Word. In it I am going to put ideas for the boys and for people in our family who we buy for at Christmas and Birthdays. Hopefully this will help me when some one asks me what the boys would like or need for their birthday or Christmas next year. And I will have some ideas for others as well. I can write it and forget it all year long.
Beauty Tidbit - In this cold, cold season we can all use a little pick me up each time we leave the house. Mine is Ginger Mentha Lip Shine Shimmer from Bath and Body. I leave it in my coat pocket and put it on each time I leave my house. It keeps my lips smooth, it tastes and smells great and it makes my lips sparkle. Keep a yummy Lip Balm in your pocket and enjoy the pick me up.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
A Paper Trail
No matter how organized you are, paper can accumulate all over your home. Whether it's mail, magazines, kids art or school work it can be found everywhere. So these Tidbit's will help you organize it all so that you don't leave A Paper Trail.
Tidbit - Create a Mail Station in your home. A mail station could be a basket on a table, a drawer or even a table itself. In my home we have a station for bills and one for magazines. To keep them tidy, try to toss any junk mail right away. You could have a keep and toss basket at your station. Sort it when you can, but at least once a week. At then end of every month look through your magazines and toss last months issues. Try to recycle when you can.
Extra Tidbit - An Art/Work Binder is a great way to keep your kids art and school work as a keepsake. You will need a three hole punch, some folders, and of course the binder. A three ring will last a while. Use the folders as markers for age or grade and put any work that you don't want to punch in them. Keep what you think you will like to save and at every birthday or grade go through them and keep the best of the best. After the years fly bye you will have a keepsake that you can give your child when they reach a milestone in their life.
Extra Extra Tidbit - Now that it is Tax Season, keep a Tax Folder marked 2009 Taxes at your mail station and keep all the tax info you receive in it. When it comes time to do your taxes you won't need to scramble. Then it will be ready to add any paper work you receive when you do your taxes or any that you have accumulated through out the year. Now you can file it away until you need it again. If you want to get really organized you will start one now for 2010 and add to it all year long.
Tidbit - Create a Mail Station in your home. A mail station could be a basket on a table, a drawer or even a table itself. In my home we have a station for bills and one for magazines. To keep them tidy, try to toss any junk mail right away. You could have a keep and toss basket at your station. Sort it when you can, but at least once a week. At then end of every month look through your magazines and toss last months issues. Try to recycle when you can.
Extra Tidbit - An Art/Work Binder is a great way to keep your kids art and school work as a keepsake. You will need a three hole punch, some folders, and of course the binder. A three ring will last a while. Use the folders as markers for age or grade and put any work that you don't want to punch in them. Keep what you think you will like to save and at every birthday or grade go through them and keep the best of the best. After the years fly bye you will have a keepsake that you can give your child when they reach a milestone in their life.
Extra Extra Tidbit - Now that it is Tax Season, keep a Tax Folder marked 2009 Taxes at your mail station and keep all the tax info you receive in it. When it comes time to do your taxes you won't need to scramble. Then it will be ready to add any paper work you receive when you do your taxes or any that you have accumulated through out the year. Now you can file it away until you need it again. If you want to get really organized you will start one now for 2010 and add to it all year long.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Everything Should Have A Home
In this New Year as we begin to take down decorations and store them away, I feel like we begin to crave organization and a new beginning. It all starts with carefully putting away each bulb and labeling them. (And if you don't you should;) And finding space for all the stuff we just accumulated. We begin to look around at our now naked and stuffed surroundings and we want change. Well Here's your first
Tidbit - Purge! If you haven't already, label a box or two Yard Sale and put any old decorations that you didn't use this year in them and any toys that your children haven't used in a while and store it until yard sale season. Make a Home for all of your New Stuff. And teach your child that this is where it's home is. For Example: Buy colored bins at your local dollar store and label them according to each toy. My Sons have bins for Dinosaurs, Cars, Train Gear, Play dough etc. It will teach your child how to be organized and they will know where it needs to go when it's time to clean up.
Extra Tidbit - If your not into Yard Sales and making Extra Cash then bring it to your local Salvation Army and get a tax deduction.
Extra Extra Tidbit - Try to incorporate this with your things as well. The Bathroom is a great place for bins. And in the kitchen have a home for all of your Kitchen Gear.
Tidbit - Purge! If you haven't already, label a box or two Yard Sale and put any old decorations that you didn't use this year in them and any toys that your children haven't used in a while and store it until yard sale season. Make a Home for all of your New Stuff. And teach your child that this is where it's home is. For Example: Buy colored bins at your local dollar store and label them according to each toy. My Sons have bins for Dinosaurs, Cars, Train Gear, Play dough etc. It will teach your child how to be organized and they will know where it needs to go when it's time to clean up.
Extra Tidbit - If your not into Yard Sales and making Extra Cash then bring it to your local Salvation Army and get a tax deduction.
Extra Extra Tidbit - Try to incorporate this with your things as well. The Bathroom is a great place for bins. And in the kitchen have a home for all of your Kitchen Gear.
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