Here are two good tips to keep Thanksgiving Week an orderly and peaceful event.
1) Use a detailed schedule to plan the activities for the week. Work backwards from the time of the big event (Thanksgiving Dinner is usually it)and schedule the activities in minutes and hours. Be flexible with the amount of time you allow for meal preparation, decorations, clean up, etc. You should do as much ahead of the big day as possible.
2) Do not leave home for Black Friday sales unless you are prepared. Use whatever media you have to decide where you should go, when you should get there and what you will buy. Make a list and stick to it. Being surrounded by great deals on so many items will tempt you to buy items you really don’t need but hate to pass up. This can be a great budget buster as well as a clutter creator. Retailers are counting on getting you in with the super sale only to have you lured into buying the other wonderful items not on your list.
Consider staying home for a peaceful end to the week and shop online if you must make purchases. Many outlets have the same sales online with free shipping this time of the year. With no parking problems, traffic jams or lines at checkout, you can have even more to be thankful for this week.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Organizing Tips for Thanksgiving
This is the week to make final plans for Thanksgiving. Next week begins the preparation. As you get ready for the big day there are some good organizing tips to remember.
1. Keep good records of your planning. This is especially important if you are entertaining at your house. If you use a computer, you can keep a folder just for this holiday and include files regarding guest list, menu, recipes, grocery list, decorations, time schedules,etc. If you prefer paper files, create a master folder or notebook and have a section devoted to each of these items.
2. Make notes as you prepare your house and meal. I print out my menu, grocery list and recipes and make notes directly on them as I proceed throughout Thanksgiving week. If I forgot something that should have been on the list, I write it in. If I should have invited someone that I left off, I make a note of that, etc.
3. After the celebration, I update my files to include my evaluation of what happened. If I had too much turkey but not enough dressing, I make a note of it. If I didn't allow enough time for the ham to cook, I note that on my time schedule. Anything I can think of improving or changing is recorded on the files so that I won't make the same mistakes again.
Keeping good records, notes and updates now can save you time, money and energy the next time you have your Thanksgiving feast.
1. Keep good records of your planning. This is especially important if you are entertaining at your house. If you use a computer, you can keep a folder just for this holiday and include files regarding guest list, menu, recipes, grocery list, decorations, time schedules,etc. If you prefer paper files, create a master folder or notebook and have a section devoted to each of these items.
2. Make notes as you prepare your house and meal. I print out my menu, grocery list and recipes and make notes directly on them as I proceed throughout Thanksgiving week. If I forgot something that should have been on the list, I write it in. If I should have invited someone that I left off, I make a note of that, etc.
3. After the celebration, I update my files to include my evaluation of what happened. If I had too much turkey but not enough dressing, I make a note of it. If I didn't allow enough time for the ham to cook, I note that on my time schedule. Anything I can think of improving or changing is recorded on the files so that I won't make the same mistakes again.
Keeping good records, notes and updates now can save you time, money and energy the next time you have your Thanksgiving feast.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Declutter for Your Health and Safety
We all can recognize that crowded hallways and other traffic lanes in a home can be hazardous. Keeping those pathways clear prevents falls and allows us a way to exit in case of emergencies. It is important to keep clutter from forming in these areas for safety reasons.
Another health hazard concerns the way mold and mildew can form under and around clutter. When bags of items are left on the floor for extended periods, moisture can build and create the conditions for those to appear and grow. Make a point of putting items away as soon as possible so you don't forget and leave them where they will be neglected and become an eventual health problem.
It is not only important to keep pathways in the home clear for safety reasons, but putting items where they belong can promote a healthier environment.
Another health hazard concerns the way mold and mildew can form under and around clutter. When bags of items are left on the floor for extended periods, moisture can build and create the conditions for those to appear and grow. Make a point of putting items away as soon as possible so you don't forget and leave them where they will be neglected and become an eventual health problem.
It is not only important to keep pathways in the home clear for safety reasons, but putting items where they belong can promote a healthier environment.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Organizing After Halloween
Are you wondering what to do with all the Halloween stuff? The candy is easy. Send what no one likes off to work, put the chocolates in the refrigerator and place the remaining in a bowl to be available for anyone wanting to take one. This can be at home or work.
The remaining items are not so easy. To eliminate clutter, see if any of the costume pieces and decorations can be recycled for the remaining fall decor. If not, save only those things that will be in great shape next year. Place those in a labeled container and store out of site. A garage shelf, attic or basement area is the best place.
The best organizing recommendation is to avoid owning too many decorative things that can become clutter. Avoid purchasing items that cannot be transformed into a suitable use throughout many seasons. Recycling is good for the environment, the pocketbook and effective organizing.
The remaining items are not so easy. To eliminate clutter, see if any of the costume pieces and decorations can be recycled for the remaining fall decor. If not, save only those things that will be in great shape next year. Place those in a labeled container and store out of site. A garage shelf, attic or basement area is the best place.
The best organizing recommendation is to avoid owning too many decorative things that can become clutter. Avoid purchasing items that cannot be transformed into a suitable use throughout many seasons. Recycling is good for the environment, the pocketbook and effective organizing.
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