Now

Now is the time to start thinking about the progress you made in getting organized this year, and what, in addition, you want to accomplish next year! January is National Get Organized Month, many professional organizers are offering specials to commemorate the month.
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Thank you cards

Now is a great time to start sending "Thank You" cards for the gifts you received this holiday season. Thanking those who thought of you this year with a gift is a great way to end the year!
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Experience gift

If you gave someone an experience gift, or a home made gift certificate for the holidays, schedule the date for it to be used now! It makes it that much more fun for the recipient.
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Plan your holiday decoration removal

Contact your town office or waste disposal company to find out about tree pickup. Towns normally offer free pickup on one day only. Plan your holiday decoration removal accordingly.
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Gather, put away, and reuse

Gather, and put away, all of the reusable gift boxes and gift bags so that you can use them for next year. The longer they stay out the more likely they are to be thrown away, or ruined.
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Start cleaning

Start cleaning up from the holidays as soon as they are done. Not a huge clean up, but start washing the holiday dishes, and taking out the trash. Starting the process now will get your home back to normal in time for everyone to return to work/school the following week.
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Take a deep breath

Take a moment to think about what the holidays mean to you and your family. Take a deep breath, and spend a moment to discussing what being together at this special time means to your family. Write it down, and share these feelings from year to year.
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A friendly environment for your guests

Create a friendly environment for your guests. Lay out guest towels, bathrobes, magazines, mints, maps (for your out of town guests), and water for your guests. Provide your guests with enough information so that they can enjoy your geographic area without assistance from you. Make sure they are familiar with phone and Internet access at your home as well.
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Wrapped and ready

Have gifts wrapped and ready to distribute before your guests arrive. They are lots of fun to shake and look at for the kids in your family. This will also allow you to spend time with your family instead of locked up in your bedroom wrapping presents!
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Start baking!

Start baking! If you are responsible for baked goods this holiday, start baking a few days before your events. Do not leave it all to the last minute! If you run out of supplies, the store may be closed, or out of any last minute ingredients.
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Your guest bedroom

Take inventory of your guest bedroom. Can your guests sleep in there comfortably? Does the room need to be cleaned? This is a great time to get the room organized, and to throw out or donate some of the items that have found their way into your guest room.

Ask your guests if they have any special dietary needs before they arrive. This will help you avoid any last minute trips to the grocery store.
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Holiday journal

Keep a holiday journal. This can include meals that were easy to prepare, people you sent cards to, presents you bought, your budget, and what the kids found the most fun. This will make preparing for the holidays so much easier next year!
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Review your ingredient list

Review your ingredient list. Take a moment to make sure that you have everything you need to make your holiday meal. If you don't, get to the store right away to make sure they don't run out of what you need.
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New holiday traditions

Start one new holiday tradition this year. Ask your kids what they would like to try.
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Break it up!

Break it up! Clean the house room by room. Pick a room to clean each day, or a few rooms each week. Or schedule a special session with your normal cleaning service, if you have one. Don’t wait until the night before everyone arrives to start cleaning.
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Now is the time

If your family gets dressed up for the holidays, now is the time to have kids try on formal wear. Adults should do the same, but they tend to be more consistent with sizes from year to year. If anything needs to be cleaned, send it out to the dry cleaners immediately.
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Online postage

The post office gets busy much earlier in the season than you might anticipate. This year, avoid the rush, and buy your postage online. It is only one dollar to have the Post Office send stamps right to your mailbox. When you already have a million errands to do, a dollar is pretty cheap for crossing an errand off of your list!
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Sleeping space for your guests

If you don’t have a guest room, prepare a sleeping space for your guests. Make sure your family knows that it is to be treated as a bedroom while guests are in town.

Also give them a private place to change and wash up. If you don’t have space for relatives at all, do a little research and provide your relatives with local hotel information.
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What they want

Don't give random presents just to say you have given something! Ask the recipient what they want before you buy!
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Spend time with your relatives

Be prepared to spend time with your relatives. Do your cleaning and preparation ahead of time so you can spend time relaxing and visiting, and not in the kitchen. If your relatives will be around for a number of days, make dinner reservations at a local restaurant so you can take a night and all relax together.
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Gift cards

If you are purchasing gift cards this holiday season, research the laws that govern gift cards in your state. Can gift cards expire in your state? Does the company deduct a surcharge every month? Make sure your recipient is aware of gift card expiration, or surcharges that deduct from the value.
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Holiday budget

Create and stick to a holiday budget before you start shopping. This should eliminate the shock of paying the holidays bills in January.
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Wrapping supplies

Get your wrapping supplies together now! Take inventory of what you have and make a list of what you need. Nothing is worse than sitting down to wrap, only to have to go back out to buy supplies. Again, try to purchase reusable supplies.
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Get the dishes ready

Get the dishes ready. If you use special serving or holiday dishes, take them out now and get them washed. Use the dining room table as a staging ground to keep them until the holiday. This will also act as a deterrent for putting clutter back on the table.
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Hostess gifts

If you are going to lot of parties this holiday season pick up some small, generic hostess gifts. Keep them in your car if you think you will forget them on your way to the party.
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Be green this holiday season

Be green this holiday season. Use reusable gift bags, and commit to using them every year. Have your other family member commit to the same. This will keep wrapping items out of landfills, and help our planet.

You can also consider NOT wrapping presents this year. "Wrap" gifts in blankets, pillow cases, quilts, clothes, or reusable felt bags. Be creative, but focus on NOT using disposable wrappings.
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Buy them the gift they want!

Do you know that most gift certificates that are purchased are never used? Take the recipient to the store and buy them the gift they want!
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Holiday cards

Start addressing your holiday cards as soon as possible. Create a basket with all of the items you need: cards, envelopes, stamps, address labels and stickers. Carry it with you from room to room, and in the car. This way you can address a few cards at a time, when you have time. Mail them as you finish them.
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Clean off your dining table today!

Clean off your dining table today! I don’t mean the night before, do it today— or at least get started. Start finding a permanent "home" for each item that has accumulated on your dining room table. Chances are good that the same items end up there again and again because they don’t have a permanent "home" within your home. Involve the whole family, as most of the time, clutter on the dining table belongs to more than one person. Once you have the table cleaned off, put a centerpiece on it, or a nice tablecloth and dishes. That will ensure it does not accumulate stuff before your dinner party!
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December

December can be a stressful month. The holidays have arrived, but this year, take charge and take back your enjoyment of the holiday! Here are some easy tips to stop rushing, and start enjoying this holiday season!

To begin, ask kids in advance what they will need for school parties. This avoids baking and buying supplies at the last minute.
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Pre-paid phone card

A pre-paid phone card is a wonderful gift for college students, and people who live outside your calling area. Give them the gift of calling home.
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Airfare

Know someone who is looking to take a trip? Consider buying their airfare for them. Maybe it is paying for their visit to your house, or their trip around the world.
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Self defense class

Being able to protect yourself is important. Consider purchasing a membership to a self defense class.
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Family portrait

Do you have old photos of your ancestors posing for family portraits? In years past, families sat down for portraits, but that is no longer the case. Give someone a gift certificate for a family portrait! The gift of a family portrait with a professional photographer is a gift that will last a lifetime.
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Broadway shows

If you live close to a city that has traveling Broadway shows, tickets to the theater make great gifts. You could combine this with a dinner gift certificate to gift a complete night out.
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Everybody loves a clean car!

Everybody loves a clean car! Car wash gift certificates are a terrific gift. People don't always take time to get their car washed, but if they have a gift certificate for free car washes, you can bet they will!
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The gift of photography

With digital cameras becoming more affordable, more people are out taking pictures. The gift of photography lessons are great for everyone, from the beginner to someone who has been shooting for a long time. There is always room to improve your skills!
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The Joy of Organizing

People often say a picture is worth a thousand words. Create a photo album or scrapbook for your recipient. This is great for people you don't see that often, but want to give them an update on what has happened with your family in the past year. They will look forward to receiving your gift every year!
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Computers

Computers are more accessible to people than they ever have been. Computer classes or lessons make a great gift for someone who is new to computers, but is eager to learn.
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Older gift recipients

This is a perfect gift for some of the older recipients on your list. Although it is a great gift for anyone with a house. Think about giving a certificate for snow shoveling, or lawn maintenance. These tasks can be time consuming, and challenging for most people. This is one gift that they will be happy to receive.
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Pampered

Everyone loves to be pampered. A certificate for a manicure or pedicure helps your loved one feel special. If you love them yourself, consider booking an appointment for the two of you. You'll both come out looking great, and will have spent some time together in the process!
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Yoga lessons

It's a fact. No one takes enough time to relax. Yoga lessons help your friend or loved one take some time for themselves to stretch out and relax. They'll also get in shape in the process!
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Massage gift certificate

How many people do you know that have a stressful job? Probably quite a few! Give them a massage gift certificate! An hour with a masseuse is a wonderful gift to take away the stress of daily life. Couples massages are also very popular, and could take two people off of your gift list.
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Zoo Memberships

Zoo Memberships are great for kids. Give them the opportunity to see, and learn about, animals that they don't interact with on a regular basis. It may be the best gift they receive all year!
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Personal trainers

If your friend or family member already goes to the gym or health club, help them step up their training to the next level. Sessions with a personal trainer are the perfect way to help someone out of a fitness rut. Trainers help you increase your fitness knowledge and will give you tips to exceed your fitness goals—quickly!
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Babysitting gift certificates

For the friend or family member who is in need of a night out without the kids... Offer a gift certificate for babysitting, while the happy couple enjoys a day or night out. Ask any parent and they will tell you this is one of the most thoughtful gifts they could receive!
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Get in shape

One of the most popular New Year's resolutions every year is to get in shape. Help your friend or loved one get started on a lifetime of fitness. The gift of a gym membership, and the gift of health, makes a great gift. If someone already belongs to a gym, buy them an extra month or two of membership. If someone is looking to join a gym, find out where they want to start their membership and offer to pay their first month, or their initiation fee.
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Dance lessons

Know a dancer, or someone who would love to learn to dance? Dance lessons are a great gift! If someone is already enrolled, pay for additional time for their current lessons. If they haven't started, but have always wanted to, help them take the first step!
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A gift of fresh spices

Know someone who is a fantastic chef? Give them the gift of fresh spices! Take a look at Penzey's Spices.

http://www.penzeys.com
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Gourmet chocolate

Gourmet chocolate is a great gift for the chocolate lover. We're not talking about your average candy bar! Find a local sweet shoppe, or find a gourmet shop online. They'll be glad you did!
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Wine of the month club

If you have a wine lover on your gift list, enroll them in a "wine of the month" club. This will give them some different wines to try throughout the year.
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Caffeine lover

For the caffeine lover, buy a coffee or tea basket. Consider purchasing a gourmet blend that they may not drink on a regular basis.
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Gourmet food mixes

Gourmet food mixes are a great do-it-yourself gift for your recipient.
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Consumable gifts

Consumable gifts are great for keeping clutter out of your recipients home. If you are known for your baked goods, bake some homemade cookies or other treat that you're known for baking.
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ThMark Makers

Mark Makers—Kids can shop at the Mark Makers store for goods & services that are in need around the world. They can spread their funds among more than 40 needs and causes such as:

Vaccines
Medicine & eye care
Saving animals
Saving rain forests & coral reefs.

http://www.markmakers.org
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African Wildlife Foundation

African Wildlife Foundation— 60-65% of all purchases made through this site will go directly back to support AWF's important efforts to conserve land, protect species, and empower people.

http://www.awf.org
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Oxfam

Purchase a gift from Oxfam in the name of your recipient. Your donation will be used where it is needed the most—to help people living in poverty throughout the world.

http://www.oxfamamericaunwrapped.com
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Adopt an endangered animal

Adopt an endangered animal through the WWF’s Online Gift Center.

http://secure.worldwildlife.org/ogc
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Do some good!

Do some good! Make a charitable donation in the name of the recipient.
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Giving gifts that create an experience

At this time of year everyone starts thinking about buying presents. This year, focus on giving more than just a wrapped package. This month will focus on giving gifts that create an experience, not clutter.
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The Joy of Organizing

When you are purchasing a new item, such as a computer, ask the retailer what services they offer to assist you with getting rid of the older item.
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eBay consignment

If you do not have a local eBay consignment shop, you can go to http://www.auctionpal.com.
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eBay consignors

If you are not comfortable selling items yourself on eBay, find a local eBay consignor. They will take a percentage of your sale, often up to 30%. However, you will not have to do anything but drop off the item!
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Yard sale and consignment

For items that are in good condition, consider selling your items at a yard sale. It takes a little work to get it set up, but the rewards can be substantial.

To do less work in selling your things, bring them to a consignment shop. You'll get a little less money at a consignment shop, but you can just drop off the items and pick up a check.
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Use free services

Use free services such as Craigslist, and Freecycle to find the perfect new owner for your donations.

http://www.craigslist.org
http://www.freecycle.org
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Recycling batteries, computers, oil, and tires

Contact your local recycling facility for regulations and guidelines on recycling batteries, computers, oil, and tires. They may charge a small fee to dispose of items, however keep in mind that these items costs money to remain in your home.
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Donate to teen clinics and women’s shelters

Donate cell phones, clothing, maternity clothing, toys, and baby supplies to teen clinics and women’s shelters.
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Boy/Girl Scout troops

Donate outdoor sporting equipment, like tents and sleeping bags, to Boy/Girl Scout troops in your area. They also will take unused craft supplies!
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Assisted living homes

Donate magazines, games, puzzles, books, and videos to your local nursing or assisted living homes.
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The Joy of Organizing

Contact your local senior center. They may take donations of clothing, blankets, books, and games.
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Help the troops!

Help the troops! Donate coupons to our military bases overseas through the overseas coupon program. This program helps military families overseas afford groceries. They even accept expired coupons!

http://www.ocpnet.org/bases.shtml
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Local animal shelters

Donate extra pet food, supplies, and toys to local animal shelters and the humane society.
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Historical society

Donate historic photographs and documents to your local historical society. This will ensure they benefit the community at large, and are cared for properly.
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Food kitchen

Take a trip to the local food kitchen with any non-expired, non-perishable food that your family has not been eating.
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The drama department

Donate old clothing and formal wear to the drama department at your local school.
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Donate art supplies

Donate paint, paint brushes, newspapers, magazines, and wrapping supplies to a local school's art department.
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The Joy of Organizing

Donate books, games, and puzzles to your local library.
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Give extras to shelters

Give extra toiletries, games, books, blankets, hats, and mittens to local shelters. Shelters are usually desperate for supplies, and are a great place to donate.
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Play it Again Sports

Sell old sports equipment at Play it Again Sports. You can also donate it to your local school, or to a summer camp.

http://playitagainsports.com
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Old musical instruments

Sell old musical instruments through a service such as Music Go Round, or donate them to your local school's music department.

http://www.musicgoround.com
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Recycle batteries

Some batteries are toxic when dumped in a landfill. Here are two websites to help you recycle batteries.

http://www.batteryrecycling.com
Mail away your used batteries for recycling.

http://earth911.org
Find a drop off location near you where you can safely dispose of your batteries.
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Donate your old eyeglasses

Donate your old eyeglasses to The Lion’s Club Recycle for Sight Program.

Visit http://www.lionsclub.org for drop off locations.
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Donate your old running sneakers

Donate your old running sneakers to:

http://www.nikereuseashoe.com or call 800-344-6453

They will turn them into new athletic equipment, such as rubberized running tracks.
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Dress for Success

Dress for Success

http://www.dressforsuccess.org
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The Joy of Organizing

Make a Child Smile

http://www.makeachildsmile.org
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GoodWill

GoodWill Industries

http://www.goodwill.org
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The Joy of Organizing

National Kidney Foundation

http://www.kidney.org
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Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

http://www.bbbsa.org

This organization will pick up at your home in some areas.
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Donating your unwanted things

Donating your unwanted things in your home is a great way to give them a second life at someone else's home. This month will focus on places to donate stuff that you no longer want.
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Packing

Avoid packing everything you own. Pick one color scheme, and bring clothes that you can mix and match. Bring accessories to change the way outfits look.
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Bringing kids on a road trip

If you are bringing kids on a road trip, pack some games, coloring books, and toys. Have them pick out a few items, and you can fill in the gaps. Be sure to include a new item or two, as a surprise, to get everyone through the tough moments.
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Reusable plastic bottles

Tired of hunting down travel sizes of your favorite products to take on the plane? Purchase reusable plastic bottles, and fill them with your favorite products every time you take a trip.
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The cheapest gas

Want to find the cheapest gas? Visit http://www.gasbuddy.com.
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Travel size laundry

Consider purchasing a travel size laundry detergent, and portable clothes line so you can do a quick load of wash while you are away. Many hotels offer laundry service, or have coin operated machines on site. Don't forget to bring quarters! This will help you pack less clothing for your trip.
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Keep it clean!

Keep it clean! Take some time to clean out your car. If you are going on a road trip it will make it much more pleasant to be in the car.

If you are simply driving to the airport, you can leave with confidence that there is room for the luggage.
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Tangle-free jewlery

To stop jewelry from arriving at its destination tangled, thread necklaces through drinking straws. Then group the straws together and roll them in a washcloth. Use a rubber band to tie everything together. Your necklaces will arrive at your destination tangle free.
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Emergency kit

Update your car's emergency kit before you embark on a road trip.
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Laundry bag

To keep the rest of your luggage from smelling like your dirty socks, bring along a laundry bag. Tuck all of your dirty clothes in it during your travels. You can take this bag directly to the laundry room when you arrive home.
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Cords to your electronics

Create a kit for all of the cords to your electronics. Having them in one place allows for easy access while you're on the road.

If you are flying, you can safely place them in your checked luggage. You probably won't be able to charge your electronics on the plane.
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Check your documents

Before leaving for a road trip, check your documents. We all know that our registration is somewhere in the car. However, if you needed it quickly, could you find it? Purchase a card stock envelope to store these important documents in your glove box.
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Be prepared

If someone stole your wallet on vacation, what would you do? For most people, by the time it happens, it's too late to do much about it.

Be prepared! Make copies of both the front and back of your credit cards, license, and a copy of your passport. Carry these separate from your wallet. If you can, lock them in a hotel room safe. It is a good idea to make sure a member of your family has a copy. They can get information to you in the event you need it.
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Go camping

To save money on hotel stays, research campgrounds along your travel route. Make sure that you are properly outfitted to go camping before you leave the house!


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Photo of your luggage

Take a photo of your luggage and its contents. This will assist you, and the airline, in locating your luggage if it is lost. It will also assist you in filing a claim with the airline for your luggage, and its contents, if necessary.
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Tolls

Be prepared for tolls on your road trip. Be sure to pack change and dollar bills into your center console. If you have an express toll service, like EZ Pass, make sure it is compatible with all of the tolls you will encounter along the way.
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Notify your credit card company

If you are going to be traveling to another country, or area of the country, it's a good idea to notify your credit card company before you leave. This will ensure that your card company does not think these purchases away from home are fraudulent.
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Bottled water

If you are taking a road trip, visit your local super store or warehouse store to purchase bottled water. This will prevent you from buying overpriced water bottles at rest areas. If you like cold water, pack a cooler filled with icepacks in your trunk.
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Breakable items

Pack breakable items like perfume bottles inside your shoes. This will use the space wisely, and protect the items from breakage.
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Before we Leave list

Create a "Before we Leave" to-do list. This list should include everything that you need to accomplish before you leave for a trip.

A sample list may include:
Lock doors and windows
Run dishwasher
Clean out refrigerator
Hold mail
Take out trash
Turn heat down
Turn central air off

Keep the list to use before every trip.
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Duffel bag overflow

Do you generally have trouble fitting all of your vacation purchases into your suitcase? Purchase a duffel bag that you can fold up and tuck into your luggage. If you are overloaded on your trip home, take it out and use it as an overflow bag. Make sure it has a luggage tag so that you can check it with the airline on the way home.
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Create a packing zone

When preparing for a trip, create a "packing zone" in your room. As clothes are returned from the laundry, or as you think of items you want to pack, add them to the packing zone. As you approach the departure date of your trip, begin to load all of the items into your luggage.
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TSA luggage

When flying, make sure the locks on your checked baggage are TSA approved. If the airline has to get into your luggage they will cut your locks if they are not TSA approved.
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Carry essentials with you

Make sure to bring any medication, or other irreplaceable items, on the plane with you. If your luggage is lost you don't want to have to begin your vacation without them!
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Easy travel book

Have you purchased a travel book for your destination, and don't want to carry the bulky book with you? Make a photocopy of each attraction you plan to visit, and tuck the few pages in your carry on bag.
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Fold and roll

It's always difficult to fit your clothes back into your suitcase after a vacation. Try this trick! Fold your clothes on the way to your destination, and roll them on the way back.
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Make a packing list

Before you start packing and throwing items into a suitcase, take a moment and make a packing list. Include clothing, toiletries, and other items you will take with you. If your luggage is lost, and you need to file a claim, this list will be able to assist you.
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Portable luggage scale

With new airline weight limits constantly changing, it's a good idea to know exactly what your luggage weighs. Purchase a portable, travel luggage scale to weigh your luggage before your trip. Be sure to pack it in your luggage so that you can weigh your luggage on the way home. This way there are no surprises at the airport!
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Cubes and small packing compartments

Use cubes and small packing compartments, like these by Eagle Creek, to pack all of your clothes into sets of the same items. So all tee shirts will go in one, shorts in another, and so on. This will stop you from rummaging through your suitcase, and messing up your clean clothes, to find that last pair of socks you know you packed!

http://www.eaglecreek.com/accessories/

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Getting organized for a trip

Getting organized for a trip is something that everyone can improve upon. During this month we are going to discuss tips to get you ready for your next trip while staying organized!
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Portable hanging file folder

Use a portable hanging file folder to store the files or bills that need your attention. You can take it with you, and take any necessary actions when you have the time. If these items are only on your desk at home, the only chance you will have to do the is when you are sitting at your desk. Think about your system you created for your car, and get productive while you're on the road!
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Flat surfaces

Keep the flat surfaces in your home clear. If your dining room table is piled high with papers and clutter, set it with place mats and plates. This will prevent you from placing the dirty mail on the table with your clean plates!
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Action file

If you love to keep magazine articles— don't keep the whole magazine. Rip out the article that interests you and put it in your action file. If you don't read it, or take action on it within two weeks, dispose of it.


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Touch each paper once

New Rule: Touch each paper once. Make a choice about if you are going to file it, take action on it, or throw it away. Don't make an "I don't know" pile. It will keep growing, and will never go away!
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Purchase a filing system

If you don't want to create your own filing system there are professional examples out there already created for you. Consider purchasing one, and customizing it to meet your needs.
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Tons of cookbooks

If you have tons of cookbooks, start going through them and keeping only the ones you use. Donate the rest.

If you make one recipe out of each book, use a scanner and scan those into your computer. Then create your own cookbook with a binder and page protectors. There are also software programs that allow you to store recipes digitally and print them when needed.
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Document questions

For all of your documents, ask yourself the following two questions:
Do I need to store the item, or is another company I do business with already doing that for me?
How much would it cost me to obtain a copy of this document if I needed it in the future?

It makes sense if you think about it... How often could you need to access the electric bill form last August? Probably once to pay it and never again!
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Reduce junk mail

Reduce junk mail by subscribing to the National Do Not Mail List. An Internet search will allow you to see your options for signing up.
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Keep the files separate

If you have a home office as well as a home business, keep the files separate. Use separate colors, separate filing cabinets, and separate email accounts to avoid confusion.
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Getting rid of the paper

Purchase a small scanner to scan business cards, receipts, and other financial documents. Getting rid of the paper gets rid of the clutter. You will be left with digital documents you can then organize into properly named folders.
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Unsubscribe

Take two minutes every day and unsubscribe to newsletters, sale notifications, and email updates that you no longer wish to receive.
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Separate your files

Separate your files into two main categories:
Archives—Things that don't need to be accessed frequently (if at all).
Daily—Items you need daily, or weekly to do your job.


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Consistent planner

Determine what type of planner you want to use and stick with it. Weigh the pros and cons of a paper planner versus an electronic planner. Either way, learn to use the one you chose. There is no right or wrong answer, but remaining consistent is most important.
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Access checks

If those access checks your credit card company sends you make you feel unsafe, call them and ask them to remove you from their check mailing list. Most companies have a zero dollar liability, but keeping them out of the house will help you spend less money and create less clutter.
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Online billing

Contact the companies of your monthly bills to see if they can send your statements online. Most companies would prefer to send your bills by email or post them on the Internet. Until you get used to this system, use your calendar as a backup to make sure bills are paid in a timely fashion.
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Create a menu binder

Have a ton of menus from the restaurants you order from? Create a menu binder. Purchase a three ring binder and place page protectors in it. Slide your menus in this binder and keep it handy. You can group alphabetically or by the type of cuisine. Make sure to tuck in a few dollars so you have cash for tips.
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Create a "dream" folder

Create a "dream" folder or notebook. It's okay to use this to keep design ideas, fashion inspirations, and articles you'd like to read. The important thing is to have a place to store them, and to be honest with yourself about the length of time you will keep these items. Go through it regularly and purge the ideas you no longer wish to pursue.
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Paper sorting

Paper Tip: When sorting through a pile of paper, start by turning the pile over. Now you are sorting from bottom to the top, or from oldest to newest. Chances are that most of the items on the bottom have passed by, expired, and are just junk.
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Junk email

If you receive too much junk email, take charge! Consider using getting a new email address. Then use your old address to place online orders, subscribe to email newsletters, or for anything that you feel might land you on a SPAM list. Use your new address only for personal communication only.
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Filing System

Filing System: Create and label a folder for every month. Each month tuck all of your bills and receipts into this folder. At the end of the year, you are ready to file your taxes.

Once you get around to the month you started with in the following year, go ahead and replace the previous year's bills from that month. Next, shred the previous year's bills once you have removed them from the folder.
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Rent a safe deposit box

Rent a safe deposit box to house back up computer data (stored on discs, etc), important papers, such as wills and marriage licenses, and other irreplaceable documents.
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File folders

When purchasing file folders and other desk accessories, focus on items that are aesthetically pleasing. There are lots of designer options on the market. You no longer need to look at plain manila folders!
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Appliance and household manuals

Use three ring binders and page protectors to create a book of appliance and household manuals. Write what items are included in your appliance book on the front of the binder.
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Store receipts

Carry a small container or envelope with you at all times to store receipts. At the end of the week, shred the ones you don't want and file the rest.
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Color coding files

Consider color coding files. Blue for bills, yellow for household items, red for medical records, and so on. This will help you know where to put incoming paperwork, and where to access a particular document later on down the road.
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Stay clutter free

Have a shredder, garbage can, and recycle bin close to where you open the mail. Shred any documents with personal information, recycle the outer envelopes of bills, and throw away anything that cannot be recycled. Getting rid of the junk items right away is key to staying clutter free.
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The Joy of Organizing

Clutter Fact: Consider that 80% of what we file we never look at again.
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Teach kids how to use a planner effectively

In order to teach kids how to use a planner effectively, have them use one throughout the year. Have them write down their schoolwork, appointments, and practices. This will get them in the habit of using and looking at their planner. Developing these skills at an early age will help your child excel at school.
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Bins for kids

Use bins that are light enough for kids to carry. Also be sure younger kids can get their arms around the bins you choose. If they are heavy or cumbersome there is no chance your kids will use them.
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Organizing is a learned skill

Remember that organizing is a learned skill. You will have to work with your kids for at least a few organizing sessions before they are able to do it on their own.
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Qrganizing reward

Before you begin organizing with your child, develop a reward for their hard work. Determine what your child would like to have after they have finished the project. Just make sure the reward isn't contributing to the clutter!
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Display your child's artwork

Use inexpensive plastic frames to display your child's artwork. Change out the artwork frequently, and dispose of the previous pieces. Kids love to see their hard work displayed!
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Artwork digital

In order to avoid keeping every piece of artwork made by your child, take a photo of them with the artwork and place it in an album. Or you can make a digital book and give it to them at the end of the academic year. One book is much less clutter than 30 art pieces over the course of a school year!
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Toys with lots of small pieces

Quick Cleanup Tip: Does your child play with toys that require lots of small pieces? If so, lay down a sheet before your child begins to play. When they are done, gather the corners and dump the items into their containers.
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New fashions and sizes

Once a season have your kids try on all their clothes. Make room for new fashions and sizes- donate all of the clothes that don't fit.
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Over-the-door shoe racks

Over-the-door shoe racks are great for kids rooms. Use them to house small toys like doll clothes, blocks, and action figures.


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Hand me down organization

If you are going to keep clothes to hand down from one child to another, pack them away by size. For example, put all size 8 clothes together in a tote and label them as such. Then as each child grows you will know which bin you need to look in to find their new size.
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Five Outfits

If your child has trouble getting ready for school in the morning, pick out five outfits for the week over the weekend. Also be sure to include any game uniforms, gym clothes, or practice clothes that your child will need for the week. This ensures that all of the clothes your child needs for the week are clean and ready to go.
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