Filed under: Home Management
Our Shopping.pad helps you make the perfect grocery list
Who can remember everything we need all the time? For most people, writing things down helps us remember all the little details of things we need to get or do.
The most important is our grocery list. Continuing to create it throughout the week, as you use the last of your favorite items, will help keep everyone happy with their favorite foods available. Before you shop for the week, plan your menu, and add the items needed for each recipe to your list. Then add snack items that you like to have on hand such as munchies, yogurt or fruits and check your fridge for staples like milk, eggs, etc.
Your second list is for things you need to buy in other stores; such as the hardware store for home fix-it projects, the pharmacy to pick up your refill prescriptions, the bookstore to purchase a book, etc. Having this list with you at all times will save you from driving yourself nutty when you just can’t think of what you needed.
Wish Lists are made for those items you want to buy, but are not in dire need of. You can wait for them until you are passing the particular store to save time and gas, or buy each item one by one, as the funds become available.
By keeping a list handy of all the items you need and want you’ll be better prepared as you scan through sale flyers.
Making lists will help you to shop smart by saving time, gas, money, and clearing your mind of all that mental clutter.
Thanks to Organized A to Z partner Joann Guariglia for contributing this article. Joann is a Professional Organizer and Senior Move Manager who owns and operates Total Organizing Solutions. For more information go to the Web site www.HelpYouToOrganize.com Also, you may reach Joann at 941-628-6957 or Joann@HelpYouToOrganize.com.
September 22, 2010
For even less clutter, try digital storage! Neat Receipts makes it easy.
Saving important receipts can actually save you money. Saving unnecessary ones only compounds your clutter.
Clothing receipts- a must if that new shirt you purchased last week, shrinks after wearing it only one time!
If you have to repair a major appliance, and the part is guaranteed for three years, you’ll need that receipt to prove it is still within that time frame. Unfortunately, the appliance companies do not usually keep those records for you-they tell you to “just keep the receipt”.
Expensive items, art work, jewelry or furniture receipts should be kept for resale purpose, inheritance value or theft.
Receipts used for tax purposes might be needed to prove deductible items, should you be audited.
Checking your receipts against your charge purchases will alert you if there are any fraudulent charges on your account. Sometimes a thief will charge small things to your account for months to see if you notice, before they make start making larger purchases. The easiest way to keep receipts is to use an accordion folder, or binder type with 12 month slots. Just drop your receipts in the proper month. Once a month after you’ve checked the slips to your charge cards, you can file a copy in your specific folders with the original paperwork for appliances or furniture purchases, etc.
Warning! Some receipts fade over time, so make a copy before you file it away. Keeping your receipts organized can also help you stay true to your budget and keep track of where your money is going… especially in these tough times!
Thanks to Organized A to Z partner Joann Guariglia for contributing this article. Joann is a Professional Organizer and Senior Move Manager who owns and operates Total Organizing Solutions. For more information go to the Web site www.HelpYouToOrganize.com Also, you may reach Joann at 941-628-6957 or Joann@HelpYouToOrganize.com.
September 15, 2010
Create an effective study space for your homeschoolers with this beautiful desk and hutch. Available in different finishes, too.
More and more parents are homeschooling their children, successful students are organized and prepared for school. When you home school treat this as if your child is going to a traditional brick and mortar building. Here are seven tips for your homeschooler.
1) Start early, make sure your child has breakfast and is dress appropriately for school. After all, your child wouldn’t show up for school in their pj’s and uncombed hair…would they?
2) Establish a study and work area. You can convert a spare bedroom or an area in the basement (if you have one). This area should only be used for school.
3) Use eco-friendly products (pens, paper, binders, etc) so your child isn’t breathing in harmful fuses. Non-eco friendly products are harmful and can cause your child to lose concentration or become ill. I recommend using a Desktop Stationary Organizer for small spaces.
4) Eliminate distractions such as television, radio, Ipods, games, and friends.
5) Invest in a binder with color tabs. Use the tabs for each subject, for example, blue = Math, red = English, green = Social Studies and so on.
6) Make sure you take breaks during the school day. Have lunch prepared and don’t forget to take study breaks, fifteen minutes is essential.
7) At the end of the school day, be sure to review the day’s material, assign homework and don’t forget to clear away any material that you have worked on. An organized work area is essential for the successful student.
Follow the steps above and watch the progress your child makes. Remember getting organized will not happen overnight, remain consistent and focused.
Thanks for Organized A to Z.com partner Paris Love for contributing this article. Paris is a Professional Organizer serving Metro Atlanta and the Gulf Coast. Paris has written monthly articles for Ezine, BrownSkin Magazine, OnlineOrganizing, Home Base Quarterly and the Covington News. Currently, Paris is passing on her passion for organizing by helping others live an organized and clutter-free life™. For additional tips or information visit www.organizewithlove.com or call 251.223.7174 Gulf Coast 770.722.2748 Metro Atlanta.
August 16, 2010
Keeping an organized home is much easier if your whole family understands how to help. And with kids home for summer vacation, now is a great time to establish a system that will help you keep an organized house AND teach them responsibility.
If your not sure sure how to start, our “Mom, Can I Help Around the House” is a great tool kit! This complete system empowers children age 4-18 to do their fair share — while teaching essential life-skills like responsibility, self-sufficiency, confidence, and a sense of belonging and value within the family.
Each kit comes with a 136-page spiral-bound parent workbook — chock full of forms, templates, and step-by-step instructions for setting up your family’s chore system. Filled with real life examples, expert recommendations, and practical advice — you will know exactly what works and doesn’t work with your age and personality of your child.
June 2, 2010
With tax season often comes the though that, if I had a good filing system, this would be SO much easier! Here’s one that might appeal to you!
The Fast-Filing Method is the “play at home version” of professional organizer Heidi DeCoux’s renowned home office filing system, which she has successfully set up for thousands of clients. This one-of-a-kind, efficient system will eliminate piles of papers on your counter tops, desk, and tables. You will save time, money, and GAIN piece of mind! After implementing this simple filing method you will be able to put away and locate any paper document or file in 30 seconds or less, guaranteed!
“With this program you WILL conquer your paperwork, once and for all!”
You will discover…
- The secret to ELIMINATING PILES OF PAPERS on your counter tops, tables, and desk with the “Active Paper System”.
- How to MAKE FAST DECISIONS on what to keep and what you can let go of.
- The secret to dealing with all of your incoming mail and bills in just minutes each day.
- How to create an organized and SELF-CLEANSING system for receipts!
- A super simple method for organizing your INCOME TAX PAPERS and receipts. You will be prepared for tax time each year, NO STRESS, NO FUSS!
- How to have your COUPONS available when you need them, which will SAVE YOU MONEY!
- One mistake that most people make when setting up filing systems, which is why it is almost impossible to find anything quickly…you’ll be surprised how EASY it is to fix.
- The key element that is missing in most filing systems.
- How to put your hands on important documents, such as, insurance policies and investment accounts, WITHIN SECONDS.
- A SELF-CLEANSING system for your magazines and newspapers.
- An EASY way to organize greeting cards and stationery.
- And much, much more!
How it Works:
- You will get the Audio CD of the program that walks you through the simple set-up, step-by-step as you create an efficient easy-to-use and maintain filing system.
- Printed on your CD will be a web page and a password you can use to get access to an online transcript of the CD, full color handouts and several bonus features (listed below). The handouts outline the filing categories and methodology and contain color photos. And the transcript is helpful if you like to read, highlight, and underline, or if you simply prefer to read versus listen.
This system has been put together so it is SUPER SIMPLE to implement, regardless of what your learning style is.
“You will get a complete step-by-step, simple and effective filing method that’s ready to go.”
March 29, 2010
Another featured product for January, the BusyBodyBook Schedule Organizer for 2009-2010 will help you manage your time and save you money. Receive 10% off this month!
With our BusyBodyBook planner, time management is a breeze! Each family member has their own column to organize and track schedules and activities while coordinating with each other side by side.
The unique layout provides the clearest view of your daily & weekly schedules and activities, helping you stay organized, focused and on track. You’ll easily view overlapping schedules and avoid double-booking.
BusyBodyBook organizers are versatile it can be used to manage more than just family schedule. Here are some things to manage with your 2010 BusyBodyBook organizer:
We especially love the perforated pages for creating handy grocery or gift lists. You can either stash your list in your purse, or hand it over to someone else and let them do the shopping!
January 22, 2010
Tax time is just around the corner, so now is a great time to delve into any organizing projects that involve your office, whether it’s at your place of business or in your home. You’ll save time and eliminate stress if you take the time now to file last year’s papers, organize those receipts, and gather documentation for major purchases or other tax-related items.
If you’re not sure where to start, we suggest taking a few cues from CPO Diane Hatcher, author of Don’t Agonize, Organized Your Office Now! At 80 pages long, her book is a quick read, argeted to busy professionals who don’t have time to read extensive volumes, but want simple, direct solutions to life’s common office, paper, and time issues.
This book is a featured product for January, so you can purchase it from Organized A to Z.com at 10% off!
Learn how to:
- set up workable filing and paper management systems
- make packing for business travel easier
- overcome procrastination and perfectionism
- deal with chronic disorganization issues
- schedule your day more effectively
Since 1998, Diane has operated Time-Savers Professional Organizing Services, Inc. She has assisted hundreds of clients with their organizing issues, enabling them to reach their organizing goals, bringing more happiness into their lives.
Diane has dedicated this book to attorneys, executives, home office entrepreneurs and other busy professionals in her mission to help the world get organized, one person at a time. With her unique “RAFT” paper organizing system, Diane offers hope in this book so you can take back control of your workspace and simplify your life. She is an Organized A to Z partner, and you can visit her website at www.timesaversusa.com
January 19, 2010
Organized A to Z’s new Mail.Sorter will help you keep your desk, table, and countertops clutter free and neatly organized. It’s a simple concept, but without the right tool, it can be hard to properly distribute the mail in your household and keep track of the important bills and paperwork that demand your attention. With this handy solution, you’ll eliminate lost mail and save yourself from digging through piles of papers.
Features of our Mail.Sorter include:
- 4 pre-labeled slots: notice me, respond to me, read me, pay me
- side compartment for magazines, catalogs, or miscellaneous paperwork
- wide format that holds mail of all shapes and sizes
Perfect for your office or at home! Let us know how well this works for you and the systems you use to go along with it – we’ll share your tips on our blog!
January 18, 2010
It’s inevitable! After a busy day of school and work, everyone wants to know what’s for dinner, and when it will be ready. With our new Menu Planning Home Study Course, you’ll always have the answer!
This convenient and easy-to-use meal planning system shows you how to create a weekly menu and plan your grocery shopping. Save time and frustration! Enjoy dinner time around your own table on a regular basis and eliminate the dollars spent on supermarket delis, high-fat frozen entrees and pizza delivery.
And a built-in bonus - a section on how to prevent your kids from becoming picky eaters!
The package includes:
- DVD featuring Organized Audrey
- 36-page workbook with step-by-step instructions
- Segment on “How to prevent your kids from becoming picky eaters”
- Sample grocery lists
- Sample menu plans
January 14, 2010
We’re just 2 weeks into January, so it’s not too late to implement a new system to organize paperwork, bills, invitations, appointments, and other important items. I suggest creating your own tickler system, and we have several products that might help you.
A Tickler System helps you manage your “active papers”. Anything that comes in from school, work or the mail that needs action should be filed in your Tickler System. Each day, you can pull the items from your daily folder and instantly know what needs to get done today! It’s a great way to stay on top of your “To Do” list.
Our recommendation:
Try our Get Things Done Tickler File solution. Documents, notes, and reminders of all sorts can be directly filed in this file set of 43 folders to automatically trigger action and/or review when needed, without loading up daily planners or getting lost in miscellaneous storage. If you want to be reminded to handle something in the future, but don’t want or need to think about it until then, it can be “tickled” to show up exactly on the day or month you’d like to see it again.
Not sure how this might fit into your life? Here are a few ideas:
- Regular reports and activities, from payroll taxes and performance reviews to computer back ups.
- Reminder of bill paying on a specific day to maximize your cash flow.
- Review of “Maybe” actions in catalogs, direct mail or deferred items
- Follow-ups including delegated actions
- Tickets of all kinds
- Travel directions needed for a specific appointment.
- Warranty expirations, and “Last date to…”
- Car care, kids events
- Birthday and anniversary cards to mail
January 13, 2010
Previous page
