Got 10 Minutes...You Can Get Organized!
1. Desktop: Use the time to put pens & pencils back in the holder, put away stray paperclips and rubber bands, sort through the piles of paper. Create three file folders: To File, To Read, Take Action; sort papers appropriately into these 3 folders. Obviously, throw out any that are outdated or no longer needed.
2. Junk Drawer: We all have one. Throw out anything you don't need anymore. Use old check boxes or baby food containers to sort the items you do keep in the drawer. Put away things that have a different home.
3. Purse: Pull out all the old receipts, notes, and grocery lists that ended up crumpled at the bottom. You probably don't need 5 pens and 3 kinds of gum. While you're at it, pull out the extra tubes of lipstick, after all, you can only wear one at a time. Consider taking out all those punch cards and 'club' cards that you don't use everyday. Keep them in a small pouch in a desk drawer and just get out the one you need when you need it.
4. Refrigerator: When did you make those baked beans? What's the expiration date on that salad dressing? Dig all the way to the back and pull out the stuff that's out of date or that no one likes. A crowded refrigerator has to run more often to keep all that food cool and only ends up costing you more money.
5. Linen Closet: Do you need 30 washcloths for 4 people? Probably not. Do your bath towels have thin spots? Pull them out, too. Don't just toss them in the trash! Keep a bag or box of rags in your basement. Use them to dust, dry your car, or to clean up after home improvement projects.
6. Medicine Cabinet: You actually shouldn't store medicines in the bathroom; the moisture and humidity isn't good for them. I keep mine in a small tub in my linen closet. My mom keeps her in a kitchen cabinet. Wherever you keep them, weed out the ones that are past the expiration date. Check with your local municipality for proper disposal of medications. Make a note of any outdated prescriptions so you can contact your doctor to refill them if necessary.
7. To File: Remember that folder on your desk labeled 'To File'? Now is a great time to take that file folder to your file cabinet and put those papers in a more permanent home. Remember to only file papers you absolutely need to keep for tax or reference purposes.
8. Birthday Cards: I keep an assortment of birthday cards on hand for whenever I might need them. Once or twice a month check the calendar and sign and send birthday cards for the next two weeks.
9. Bookshelf: Do you really need your college textbooks? How about all those novels you read 3 years ago and haven't picked up since? Load them into a bag or box and take them right out to your car. Next time your out running errands drop them off at your local charity of choice.
10. Magazine Rack: Magazine racks tend to pile up with outdated catalogs and magazines. Get rid of the outdated ones. If you want to keep a magazine for the idea you read in it, consider just tearing out the article and storing it in a file folder or binder. Both options use much less space than storing years of magazines and the information is much easier to find without having to weed through 7 years of magazines.
from: Get Organized Now! Newsletter by Maria Gracia
http://www.getorganizednow.com Issue: February 20-26, 2010
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