Extreme Self Care

You’re on the way to the supermarket. As you approach the first aisle, you reach in your coat pocket to find the shopping list. It’s not there. Scouring through your purse yields no results. Most of us typically make little notes or lists, and seem to misplace them. There is so much going on in our lives, the tendency to forget becomes a frequent occurrence. To avoid this annoyance in the future, here are some tips on how writing effective to-do lists can save you time and stress.

Gather all of the scraps of paper from wherever you’ve placed them, and set them down on the kitchen table. By using either a yellow legal pad; date book; notebook; or anything large enough which cannot be misplaced, transfer everything you’ve written on the scraps of paper to any one of these notebooks or pads. If you prefer, you can attach sticky notes inside items as well.

Separate the to-do list by category; shopping; appointments, and things to do today.
As each item is completed, cross it off. This will allow you to keep everything you need in one place; and save valuable time later on.

Place two large magnetic clipboards on your refrigerator; one for your grocery list and one for your daily tasks. As you run out of items, write it down. Transfer the list to your book the night before you go to the supermarket. On the daily task board, begin a to-do list for those projects which need to be done around the house. Assign tasks to family members as well by writing the task with their name next to it.

Use your daily calendar, which can be purchased as a monthly or weekly guide, for appointments and to-do lists. There is a telephone and address section at the back which can be used for doctors, dentists, and important information which you can access immediately.

Try to get out of the habit of writing things down on bits of paper. Once lost, you’ll be hard pressed to remember what you wrote down. In addition, write clearly. Sometimes we are in such a hurry we tend to use anagrams or codes. Ensure what you record is readable, in case someone else has to check an item for you.

Writing effective to-do lists are vital tools which, when used properly, can allow you to accomplish tasks you have schedule for the day, remove the stress, and keep everything on track. Just as you have an address book, you can utilize several books to be used for family medical information, pet records, home projects, and anything else you require to keep your daily life sufficiently organized.

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Unless you have some magical powers like Mary Poppins, you know that cleaning and organizing your home can be a daunting task. With The Essential Guide To Organizing Your Home that task will become much easier. Inside you will find practical tips and techniques to rid every room in your house of clutter and keep it that way.

Check out all the hints and tips for getting organized and staying organized

Click Here

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Moving can be a stressful and expensive venture.  With some planning and organization however, you can save yourself some money and valuable time.

Months prior to your move, sort through your belongings and get rid of those things you’re not using or really don’t need.  Excess clothing, small appliances, kitchen utensils, and other household goods can either be donated or sold at a yard sale.  But the less you have to deal with on moving day, the smoother things will go.  Besides, paying shipping on things you don’t need only wastes your money.

Always get an onsite estimate. The relocation consultant will prepare an estimate in writing and submit it to you.  They will be able to tell you how much moving supplies cost, and you can make arrangements to order them at this time.  If you order too many, most moving companies will give you a refund on those supplies you don’t use.

Like many other industries, the moving industry has their busy and their slow seasons. The busy season for movers is during the summer.  The beginning and the end of the month or end of the year holidays are extra busy for movers, also. The demand for moving equipment, vans, and personnel is heavy during these times, so try to plan your move during their slower periods.

If you decide to do your own packing, get packing supplies and start collecting strong boxes suitable for moving. Complete all packing by moving day. If your company is relocating you, find out what portion of your moving expense will be paid by your company.  However, it’s important you understand your moving company’s policy regarding things that you’ve packed yourself.  With some moving companies, they will not take responsibility for items they have not personally packed.

Obtain a written appraisal of antiques to verify their value. Do not retouch, wax or oil wood furniture before moving. Some products may soften the wood, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads. Careful planning and some organized thought will pay big dividends in the end when your move is complete.

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Now that you’re getting the knack for organizing your home and your life,  maybe you find yourself in need of a little extra inspiration, some fresh ideas, or maybe would just like to connect with like-minded people like yourself.  There are many different websites out there that provide a wealth of information, ideas and tips, as well as provide a place where people can go and share their own ideas, mistakes, and offer support to one another.  A few of the most popular home organization websites are listed next.

Visit FLYlady.net for tips on how to conquer the clutter in your life and how to overcome the CHAOS factor, which stands for Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome.  This group teaches you how to use an organizational journal and encourages you to shine your kitchen sink often.  Followers are often referred to as FLYbabies, and the group is currently over 300,000 members strong.  Visit this site at www.flylady.net.

Large comprehensive websites such as www.ivillage.com, www.msn.com, and www.yahoo.com all have a wealth of articles and advice available for you on many different topics to help your home and life run more smoothly.  There are other groups out there that you can sign up for online to become a member of to chat with people, or there are various message boards available that you can post ideas, tips and suggestions on for other readers. 

If you’re looking for websites that offer ingenious organizational and time-saving products, there are plenty of them to be found on the internet.  Lillan Vernon, Harriet Carter, Rubbermaid and Kitchen-Plus.com all offer innovative and unique ideas for your home, office and car. 

Various newsgroups and e-mail newsletters abound on the internet.  Take some time and find a few of them that you have found to be useful, and subscribe to them so you’re always sure to get the latest time-saving tips and organizational ideas.

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You don’t have to spend a fortune on fancy closet organizing systems to organize your own closet, but it does require taking an honest look at your belongings and your habits.  With some creativity and some planning, you can create a closet that’s organized and easy to maintain. 

First of all, it’s imperative that you take a look at what’s currently in your closet before you can begin to organize it.  If there is clothes that haven’t been worn in six months or more, worn out shoes, outdated handbags and accessories that you no longer use, get rid of them.  They are only taking up your valuable space.  You’ll be pleasantly surprised just how much space you can free up by purging beforehand, and it also means less to contend with during the organization process.

Next, take a look at what you’re left with.  Try to organize your clothes based on what groups together well as outfits.  Try to group like colors together, and organize shoes and accessories into casual, sport, professional and formal/dressy categories. 

Now that you know what you’re left with, it’s time to place it back into your closet in a neat and organized fashion.  Look around your home for unused baskets and bins.  Consider installing a couple of extra shelves if the need warrants.  Affordable shelving units and brackets can be found in more home organization sections of your favorite hardware or discount store. 

You can also make great use of your space simply by using lengths of chain to hang items on in your closet.  You can purchase plastic or metal chain in different lengths depending on your needs. Links should be large enough to accommodate your style of hanger - whether metal or plastic. Hardware or do-it yourself stores will cut the chain the length that you request. Attach the chain to your closet rod with a hook; these can also be found at the hardware or do-it-yourself store.  Or you can simply loop the chain over the hook of a sturdy coat hanger.  Hang clothing items, one hanger per link.  This simple, inexpensive method can help you store several items in the space of just one.

With a little discipline, some creativity, and a free afternoon, your closet will soon be organized, easy to use, and simple to maintain.

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Bills can create headaches and cause stress for all of us.  They all seem to come due at the same time, and there never seems to be enough money to make ends meet. Factor in the time involves writing checks, addressing envelopes and hunting down postage stamps, and it’s a chore many of us would gladly relinquish.  But with some simple planning and organization it’s a task that can become easier and less stressful. 

The first step is to establish a central location in your home.  Make sure all the tools you need are in the same location: an inbox or folder to store incoming bills, pens, postage stamps, envelopes, your checkbook, a calculator and your computer if you use financial software or online banking services.  Then when the time comes to sit down and pay the bills, you’re not left hunting and searching for that lost light bill.

Develop a list of your bills that includes the type, the average amount, how you’re billed (online, through the mail, or by automatic deduction from your bank account) and the due date.  If your utility bill tends to stay the same from month to month, notate that on your list so you can easily determine how much to budget. File this list with your other tools.

During this process you might have discovered that your due dates are scattered all over the calendar, which can make paying bills in a timely fashion difficult at best.  Contact the companies and see if they’d be willing to change your due date to more closely adhere to your payment schedule and to more closely coincide with the due dates of other bills.

Online bill paying is a great way to not only save money on postage. If you choose to be billed electronically, it can reduce the amount of mail you receive and have to file.  Since most payments post to your account quicker than a bill paid traditionally, it also allow you to correct a bill paying mistake quicker and avoid problems as a result.  Most banks offer online bill paying services, and many companies have bill paying options online.

It’s probably a good idea to consider paying bills twice a month, or each time you receive your paycheck.  Scheduling bill paying as a regular task will make it easier to deal with and will decrease the chances of missed or late bills.

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Home improvement projects can be dangerous. Many tasks call for sharp tools or power tools that can cause injuries. You can’t successfully repair or tackle home improvement projects your home if you’re not careful.   With a little careful organization and forethought, even the most difficult home improvement tasks can be conquered safely and successfully.

Be sure to completely read the instruction manual for your power tools and follow the manufacturer’s safety cautions. Tighten any adjustments and check that the guard is working before you operate a tool.  Keep power tools dry, and plug them into grounded electrical outlets. Take care not to cut the power cord. Never store your power tools while they are still connected to the power supply. 

Keep fingers well away from a power blade. Clamp small pieces of wood before cutting them, rather than holding them. It’s imperative to wear work gloves when you’re handling rough materials such as wood, glass, or metal, but take them off when using a power tool so you have complete control over it.

Never use any kind of power tool without proper protective eyewear. Unplug a power saw before changing the blade or doing any other kind of maintenance or cleaning to it.
Learn how to properly support a board when you cut it with a power tool so it doesn’t kick back towards you during use.

Always completely shut off power or water when working with the electrical wiring or the plumbing.  One of the first questions you should ask as a new homeowner is where your shutoffs are located.

When working on a ladder, don’t lean out to either side. Keep your body weight between the sides of the ladder. It may take longer to get off the ladder and move it to reach farther, but it is well worth your time. Falls are one of the most common causes of injuries in the home.
If you’re not used to the physical element of doing construction, remodeling, or renovation work, you might easily injure yourself or strain your muscles.  You may not even notice the aches and pains until you wake up the next day.  Don’t take chances and overexert yourself when lifting heavy objects, or when repeatedly lifting lighter loads. Get a helper to do some of the work, and take plenty of breaks. Listen to your body’s signals and realize when enough is enough.  Learn to bend and lift with the knees and not your back.�
You’re going to find a great satisfaction and pride knowing that you’re able to safely and successfully accomplish repair, remodeling and renovation projects around your house as long as you’re smart, safe, and keep yourself organized, focused and on task.

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Setting up a Home Office on a Shoestring BudgetWorking from home is becoming a more popular option with many in today’s workforce.
Whether you telecommute or have abandoned the rat race in favor of setting up your own home business, or just simply need a place to land to take care of the bill paying and the home organization chores, a home office has become a necessary space in many homes. Whether you set up a corner office in your kitchen, designate a guest room to double as your office, or set up a location in your basement, it’s crucial that your home office include all the elements that contribute to your productivity, efficiency and overall success.
But setting up a home office doesn’t have to break your bank account. Very few of us can afford the luxury of having a professional organizer devise an office system for us. Don’t despair; there are many creative ways to devise your space .
Maybe you are able to have a separate room for your office. If so, that’s great.
You’ll have lots of elbow room. But if you don’t, there’s lots of ways to utilize the space you can carve out for one. Whatever space you choose, make sure it’s a space that can be dedicated to your office, and doesn’t double as an arts and crafts table for your kids or a workbench for your spouse’s do-it-yourself projects on the weekends.
Take a look at your space and see what you can do easily and inexpensively to spruce it up and make it conducive to working from home.
Sometimes just a fresh coat of paint, some strategically hung pictures or some simple stencil work can brighten up an otherwise dreary corner.
Next, look around your house to see what furnishings you already have.
If there’s a small unused table that could double as a desk, use it. You’ve probably got a comfortable chair in your dining room that could work fine as an office chair. Look around your home for some useable pieces that can be brought together successfully to create a comfortable and relaxing home office environment.
You may also already have book shelves, bins, baskets, boxes and a filing cabinet that could also be incorporated into your office.
If you don’t already have office supplies available, visit your favorite office supply or discount store and stock up on a few needed items and get your space organized and ready to roll.

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Moving can be a very stressful and nerve-wracking experience. But with some careful planning and by thinking ahead a little, you can make the process go a bit smoother.
Create a simple record keeping system. Whether it’s computer-generated or hand written, be very specific when recording things on this list.
You’ll probably need many more boxes thank you think, and having enough boxes will make your life easier. If you go through a moving company, keep in mind that any boxes you purchase but don’t use can be returned for a credit or refund. Have at least ten boxes set aside to use for last minute items on moving day, such as bedding, clothing, and cleaning supplies. You’ll need strong plastic packing tape to close up the boxes securely. Use unprinted newsprint or packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap and cushion household good. Again, you’ll need lots more supplies than you think, so get extra. Moving companies will be happy to deliver boxes ahead of your moving day.
Designate a color for each room in the new home, such as yellow for kitchen, orange for dining room and so forth. Apply colored stickers on the box near the box number. In your new home, place a matching sticker on the door to each room. This is a simple way for the movers to know where to put everything when they arrive.
Insist on keeping things together when you or the movers are packing boxes. Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, and extension cords with appliances. Small, loose parts can be attached to the item they belong to with tape or placed in small envelopes — to keep picture hooks with pictures, shelf brackets with a bookcase, a special wrench and bolts with the wall unit.
Anything you can pack ahead will save you time on moving day. If it’s summer, get your winter clothes out of the way. If you must clean your old place after moving out, put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and rags. Moving companies will not move cleaning chemicals, so plan to transport those with you in your vehicle or give them to a neighbor or friend.

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We all want to do our part in ensuring our environment stays as safe and healthy as possible for our children and future generations to come. Many people don’t stop to think how their household cleaners can affect the environment, and how toxic they can make the immediate environment of your home. With some careful forethought, planning and effort, your home can be cleaned safely and effectively, sparing the environment, your home, family and pets from toxic chemicals and fumes.

Most people firmly believe that surfaces in their homes must be disinfected on a continual basis to prevent illness and the spread of disease. But the truth is most areas of your home don’t need to be disinfected to prevent the spread of germs. This includes your bathroom. Mild detergents, hot water, and some elbow grease can generally do the trick.

The exception to this rule is the kitchen. Anything involved in food preparation should be completely scrubbed down and disinfected with each use. This includes food preparation surfaces, utensils, cleaning clothes, and sponges.

When shopping for cleaning products, pay special attention to those with the words poison or danger on the label. These words indicate the highest level of hazard, under federal law. Products labeled with the words caution or warning can present a moderate hazard and should be regarded with care. Always read labels and follow the directions.
Never mix cleaning products, such as those containing chlorine with those containing ammonia.

Consider using products such as vinegar, baking soda, and mild detergent when cleaning your home. If you have questions about how to properly dispose of toxic household cleaning chemicals, contact your local health department or county sanitation office for advice and assistance. Most areas provide a household hazardous waste collection site for residents to properly dispose of such items.

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