Organized365: April
Review all of April's Organized365 suggestions in this blog post. What areas will you focus on in May? Where would you most benefit from a tip or trick? Contact us at Pulled2Gether Consulting to submit requests!
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No Joke!
Always keep two types of ice pack ready in your freezer. Both ice packs to use in coolers to preserve food temps and ice packs for injuries need to be on hand. Needing an ice pack for first aid is not predictable so being prepared is critical.
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Nimbility - It's a thing
Anticipation, planning, and foresight allow flexible actions and reactions. Spacing commitments to accommodate the unexpected enables a nimble response.
Being nimble means you can put out fires or respond to new opportunities without having to sacrifice your objectives and timeline.
Avoid overbooking and creating a schedule that is overly rigid!
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Break It Down: Entryway
Turn your cleaning focus on your entryway and make a plan. What needs to be done? Windows to wash, rugs to vacuum, light fixtures to dust? Identify and address each area; taking it a step at a time. Depending on the size of your space and your schedule you may spend an hour, a day or a week whipping your entryway into shape.
Next stop, the front coat closet...
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Break It Down: Front Closet
All closets can become catch-alls for household items and the front coat closet is no exception. This closet may be the default home for gardening supplies, bird seed, vacuums and an array of sports equipment.
Give some thought to how you WANT to use this space and make the changes necessary to reflect your priorities. Move out of season outerwear to a storage space, designate a spot for gardening supplies (the garage?).
Take note of stale odors that may linger in your closet, this space generally has poor ventilation.
Do make sure that you consult other members of your family as you relocate, donate or toss items. It is generally best to avoid making unilateral decisions for your household.
Next stop, the guest bedroom...
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Break It Down: Guest Bedroom
Tackle the guest bedroom when your next guests are due in less than week's time. Unless it is a multipurpose space (home office?) you may wish to leave it untouched between guests. This eliminates any guess work about the status of the linens, towels, need to vacuum & dust, etc.
Since guest bedrooms are rarely large; vacuuming, dusting, changing sheets, and washing windows will not take long. Imagine the comforts you appreciate when a guest in the home of friends or family: kleenex, water, candles, books or magazines... Attention to small details make your company feel cherished and welcome!
Next stop, laundry room...
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Break it Down: Laundry Room
Cleaning your laundry room does more than extend the life of your washer & dryer, it can help prevent a house fire. Regularly removing lint from the dryer vent is a critical preventative chore. While you're in there, pull the machines out and vacuum and wash the floors being the machines. In addition to the lint and cobwebs, you may discover a stray sock or missing t-shirt.
Soap residue builds up in your washing machine and sticky grime can build up in the rims of the openings of both washer and dryer. Wipe these down and clean up any detergents or softeners that may have spilled on cabinets or shelving as well. Now your laundry room will feel as fresh and clean as your clothing.
Next stop: home office...
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Break It Down: Home Office
Focus on office supplies. Do you struggle to locate a file you use frequently? Are you over run with pens? Do you have enough scratch paper or post-its?
Keep high use items close at hand. Move anything you do not use on a daily basis off of your desk. Corral your pens, cull them and donate the surplus to a teacher friend for their students to use.
Next stop: book shelves...
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Break It Down: Book Shleves
Control your collection size. Toss damaged titles. Donate books you have read, didn't care for, or have lost interest in.
There are too many great, fun books out there to enjoy. Do not allow already read or unloved ones to create an obstacle to new discoveries.
Next stop: more book shelves...
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Break It Down: More Book Shelves
Group your books in a way that makes sense to you. Do not worry about Dewey, color, or size groupings unless that's your thing. I group by dogs, bicycling, books my SO will read, library loans, etc.
Do pay the most attention to your library loan collection. Even though my library doesn't charge late fees, I know that when I let library books sit on my shelves others are missing out on an opportunity to discover them.
Next stop: Your Little Free Library...
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Break It Down: Little Free Libraries
Maximize your Little Free Library's impact with regular maintenance.
Remove damaged books (watch the weather), donate titles that have gone unnoticed, and avoid over filling your shelves.
A well maintained Little Free Library will draw attention if it holds the promise of discovering something new.
Next: Basement Storage...
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Break It Down: Basement Storage
Clutter loves a basement. Avoid clutter creep by regularly evaluating the items you're storing. Pulling storage bins off the shelf for a peek inside may reveal a forgotten treasure. As likely, you will find that the stored item, while once treasured is now ready to be donated or tossed.
Next: Head Outside...
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Get your outdoor equipment in shape for warm weather fun. Wipe down the paddle boat. Dust off the patio furniture. Haul those bikes in to your local shop for spring maintenance.
Here comes the sun!!
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PUPPY DAY!
Some events mean you are off the organizational hook. Bask in the joy of your new family member. Nobody cares if there are dirty dishes in the sink today.
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Home Run Day
Ensure your home is presentable for 'drop-by' company by developing a speed-cleaning routine. Move through your home gathering items for the laundry, stray items needing to be put away, and collect empty soda cans and napkins for the garbage.
Note areas that may need a bit more attention. Once you have a routine that works for you, race the clock. Setting a PR is motivating and chore time truly flies. Bonus: challenge family members to a competition and share the work!
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Summer Travel Abroad?
Plan now to renew or apply for your passport if you will be traveling abroad this summer. Worrying about your passport status kills your travel anticipation. Check here: https://bit.ly/2JzhJu9 to learn about guidelines and to find your local passport agency. Safe travels!
