December 31, 2004

Basic organizational tips

By Diane Sharp
Special to the Times

- Use one planner, date book or calendar to write down appointments, things to do, birthdays, school days off, etc.

- Plan ahead to use your time more efficiently. Make ATM deposits on the way to work, before lunch or at the grocery store.

- Go through your mail, remove outside envelope/contents and place your bill and return envelope with your “bills to be paid” folder.

- Put all ads and junk mail in the recycle bin. Shred any personal information that contains credit card or bank account information.

- Write down everything you carry in your wallet or purse and keep in a safe place at home. Be sure to include credit card information (company name, credit card # and contact information for reporting lost or stolen cards).

- Consider wrapping coins to take to the bank or using a service like Coinstar to turn your change into dollars.

- Go through your medicine cabinets twice a year (January and June) and throw away expired medications. Make a list of items you need to replace.

- Organize your kitchen pantry and group similar items together so you’ll know what you have and what you need to purchase.

- Photographs can be stored in albums, photo file boxes and scrapbooks or scanned onto CDs to be viewed on your computer.

- Keep the cosmetics you use on a daily basis in a drawer, basket or plastic zippered bag so you have them together when you need them.

- Clothing that you still love or hope to get back into one day can be stored in plastic containers for under-the-bed storage.

- Keep coupons and special offer discounts for restaurants, activities and grocery stores in a coupon holder or plastic bag/container in your car. When you arrive at your destination you won’t be upset that you left them at home.

- Purchase a roll of lifesavers to use as birthday candleholders. They look nice and won’t leave marks on the birthday cake.

- Buy a couple of extra pairs of reading glasses and store them in your glove compartment and office for the times you need them.