Welcome to the weekend! The organizing project may take two days and while everyone will get it done at their own pace, I want to lay it all out for you now. There are several steps and one includes purchasing items. You will assess what you need, purchase it and then disperse it where needed. That might take two days.
It follows one of my organizing philosophies:
Be Organized, Be Prepared!
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 10 & #11
Bring all First Aid and Medical Supplies up to date. Every household, office, emergency kit and car need a Basic First Aid Kit and households also need a Medical Supply Kit for additional ailments. From bumps and scrapes to scratchy throats and fevers, nothing says organized more than a well stocked First Aid Kit!
*One word of caution: Be careful of animals and small children having access to these medical supplies as you work on this project.
Summary of Steps
This weekend it's about being prepared regarding medical mishaps and emergencies.
You will need to determine the needs of your household. Some have pets, more people, different activities and some have family member with special needs.
1) Review First Aid Kit Recommendations from websites listed below & print appropriate and preferred lists for you
2) Gather and review current supplies
3) Purchase Needed Items & Disperse New Stock
1) Review First Aid Recommendations
The sites below will give you a list for each type of kit. You are certainly welcome to search for other lists and find the ones that are right for you. There may be overlap so adjust appropriately.
Basic First Aid Kit
http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/firstaidkit.html
http://www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/firstaid.shtm
Holistic Basic First Aid Kits
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_12025.cfm
Holistic For Toddlers and Kids
http://naturalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/essential_oils_for_kids_parents
For Toddlers and Kids
http://www.mypreciouskid.com/first-aid-kit.html
For Pet Owners
http://www.prepare.org/animal/petaid.htm
Dog Owner First Aid Kit
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/fstaidk.html
Many stores and websites carry prepared and packaged First Aid Kits. I have not ordered from any one of them, so review for the one most comfortable for you if you go this route.
http://www.firstaidsuppliesonline.com/
Camping and Outdoor Stores, Drug Stores, Household Supply stores also carry a wide variety of Prepared First Aid Kits.
2) Gather and Sort Supplies
Get a large bin or basket for collecting all First Aid and Medical Supplies.
Reminder caution: Be careful of animals and small children having access to these medical supplies as you work on this project.
If needed, make a list of what supplies you pulled from various areas to help you when you restock.
Areas to check for supplies and kits:
Medicine Cabinets
Hall Closets
Office
Diaper bag
Purse
Kitchen
Travel Bags
First Aid Kits in:
cars
camping gear
emergency kits
hiking gear
pool areas
boats
Now comes the sort and toss. You will review what you have left and compare that to the recommended supplies list. Check off what you have that is still good and note the items you'll need to purchase.
An item that will be handy to have when you restock is various sizes of ziploc bags. Check your supply before you head to the store!
Another organizing step you get to take as you do this is to decide if you need any new storage containers or bins for medical supplies in the hall closet, under sinks or wherever you store supplies.
3) Purchase and Restock
After you purchase the needed items, time to disperse and restock all items. This is also a great time to determine if the previous location worked well or not. The second organizing step you get to take as you do this is to decide if you need any new storage containers or bins for medical supplies in the hall closet, under sinks or wherever you store supplies.
Suggestion about expiration dates
If you have, for example, an antibiotic cream that will expire in 8 months. Put that one in the place that you would likely use it first. Put the new tube in the place that you would likely use it last.
Buying in bulk
If you purchased some items in bulk and are going to divide it among several kits, be cautious of items that have expiration dates. If you refill a little bottle of ibuprofen from a big new bottle of ibuprofen, watch for expiration dates because you don't want to resort in the future and toss good medicine, but you also don't want to think something is OK and have it actually expired.
Then restock kits, return medical supplies to their storage location, and rest assured that if someone has a fever or gets injured, you are organized and prepared to safely and quickly respond!
Saturday
Friday
#9 Catch Up Day
Welcome to Wild Card Day!
Day Way # 9
Catch Up
Finish Up
Take a Break
Do That Other Project that's Been on Your Mind
Extra information:
As you may know, I'm based in Las Vegas, so why not have a Wild Card Day, a Roll the Dice Day or maybe it's a Let's Go to the Lounge and Listen to the Singer Day.
I mentioned this earlier, but it is worth saying again. Completing projects before starting new projects sets you up in the long term for an organized life. Whether it is the project items laying around, the environment where it is "in progress" or the nagging words in the back of your mind about getting it done; they are all distractions that keep you from performing at your best.
So, take a moment and decide what is the best for you for a Wild Card Day. If you joined us a little into the month, you can go back to do one of the earlier days, finish a previous day, or one of the projects might have sparked a separate idea of something you need to organize so go for it! You might also need a break for one day. Studies show that taking a break causes you to be more effective when you return to a task. It's all up to you to decide what is the best for you!
Personally, I have a couple of catch up things to do:
*Get 2 birthday gifts and cards
*Support my husband in copying the contents of his wallet
Day Way # 9
Catch Up
Finish Up
Take a Break
Do That Other Project that's Been on Your Mind
Extra information:
As you may know, I'm based in Las Vegas, so why not have a Wild Card Day, a Roll the Dice Day or maybe it's a Let's Go to the Lounge and Listen to the Singer Day.
I mentioned this earlier, but it is worth saying again. Completing projects before starting new projects sets you up in the long term for an organized life. Whether it is the project items laying around, the environment where it is "in progress" or the nagging words in the back of your mind about getting it done; they are all distractions that keep you from performing at your best.
So, take a moment and decide what is the best for you for a Wild Card Day. If you joined us a little into the month, you can go back to do one of the earlier days, finish a previous day, or one of the projects might have sparked a separate idea of something you need to organize so go for it! You might also need a break for one day. Studies show that taking a break causes you to be more effective when you return to a task. It's all up to you to decide what is the best for you!
Personally, I have a couple of catch up things to do:
*Get 2 birthday gifts and cards
*Support my husband in copying the contents of his wallet
Thursday
#8 - Car Organizing
We are heading out to organize a place some of us spend way too much time. Some actually call it their second home. We eat there, spend time with family and friends there, have adventures and yes, sometimes even have had to sleep there! So, if you're there that much, shouldn't it be organized? Comfortable? Be at your service in time of need?
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 8 Clean out one or more storage areas in your car.
Extra information:
Did you guess your car? Your organizing task for the day depends on your car, your past "violations" of the messy sort and how much time you have. You can clean out one compartment that you use the most or you can be brave and venture into the compartment that you haven't opened in, well, quite some time. Those brave souls with a little extra time might just head to the trunk as well!
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 8 Clean out one or more storage areas in your car.
Extra information:
Did you guess your car? Your organizing task for the day depends on your car, your past "violations" of the messy sort and how much time you have. You can clean out one compartment that you use the most or you can be brave and venture into the compartment that you haven't opened in, well, quite some time. Those brave souls with a little extra time might just head to the trunk as well!
Tuesday
#7 - Computer Area
My guess is that a fair number of you are sitting at a desk with your computer in front of you. If you look "around" the screen, does it look organized? Time to take 15 minutes and empower your computer time by organizing your computer space!
I'll share if you do! If you're up for sharing, take a before and after picture and email it to me. I'd love to see how you do. You all make me so proud!
FYI - if you are on your blackberry, laptop at a cafe, or sitting on the couch, I've got an adjustment for you. Day Way #7a (see below)
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 7
Clean up your computer environment!
Extra information:
*Take off all the post-its around the screen and put that info where it belongs.
*If you have a raised platform for your monitor, I bet there's something under it, in it, or on top of it. Time to sort and tidy that up.
*If you have something inspirational, do a quick check to make sure it's still empowering you as you first intended. If you really don't look at it anymore, maybe it needs to inspire you somewhere else.
*While it's free of papers, post-its, misc office supplies, etc, take a minute to dust it off, clean the screen with a screen safe wipe, clean the surface underneath.
Day Way # 7a - for the non-desktop users.
Depending on your device and where you use it, here are a couple of possibilities for you.
*Clean up your laptop case. Check pockets, cables, etc.
*Verify you have identification on your mobile unit. If not, get ID on it ASAP!
*Verify you have the serial number of your mobile unit in some other location than on your unit or electronically saved there.
*If you use your laptop while sitting on a couch, in a chair or at the kitchen counter, do a quick clean up of that space as it will likely accumulate extra cables, papers, coffee cups, etc.
I'll share if you do! If you're up for sharing, take a before and after picture and email it to me. I'd love to see how you do. You all make me so proud!
FYI - if you are on your blackberry, laptop at a cafe, or sitting on the couch, I've got an adjustment for you. Day Way #7a (see below)
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 7
Clean up your computer environment!
Extra information:
*Take off all the post-its around the screen and put that info where it belongs.
*If you have a raised platform for your monitor, I bet there's something under it, in it, or on top of it. Time to sort and tidy that up.
*If you have something inspirational, do a quick check to make sure it's still empowering you as you first intended. If you really don't look at it anymore, maybe it needs to inspire you somewhere else.
*While it's free of papers, post-its, misc office supplies, etc, take a minute to dust it off, clean the screen with a screen safe wipe, clean the surface underneath.
Day Way # 7a - for the non-desktop users.
Depending on your device and where you use it, here are a couple of possibilities for you.
*Clean up your laptop case. Check pockets, cables, etc.
*Verify you have identification on your mobile unit. If not, get ID on it ASAP!
*Verify you have the serial number of your mobile unit in some other location than on your unit or electronically saved there.
*If you use your laptop while sitting on a couch, in a chair or at the kitchen counter, do a quick clean up of that space as it will likely accumulate extra cables, papers, coffee cups, etc.
#6 - Gift Cards & Certificates
Another task related to money for you today. This is a way for you to keep track of money you already have. I have to say, it's happened more than once that while sorting with a client, we found money. If it wasn't actual cash, it was a check, a credit receipt or a gift card. That's not money you have to earn, it's simply money you need to keep in a known location.
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 6
Gather all Gift Certificates, Gift Cards, Credit Receipts, and even Coupons.
Extra information: This is your MONEY! Find one safe and easy-to-remember location for these items.
Now the trick is to remember that you have them and when they expire. You can simply put them in an envelope or a file folder with the label of Gift Certificates, Gift Cards, Credit Receipts. If you have too many to look through on a regular basis, here are some possible ways to divide them.
* Food, Clothing, Personal Services, Office Stores, Misc
* By the type, Gift Cert, Gift Card, etc
* Alphabetical by store.
* You can put them by expiration date. Not the top choice, but it might be the one that works for you.
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 6
Gather all Gift Certificates, Gift Cards, Credit Receipts, and even Coupons.
Extra information: This is your MONEY! Find one safe and easy-to-remember location for these items.
Now the trick is to remember that you have them and when they expire. You can simply put them in an envelope or a file folder with the label of Gift Certificates, Gift Cards, Credit Receipts. If you have too many to look through on a regular basis, here are some possible ways to divide them.
* Food, Clothing, Personal Services, Office Stores, Misc
* By the type, Gift Cert, Gift Card, etc
* Alphabetical by store.
* You can put them by expiration date. Not the top choice, but it might be the one that works for you.
Monday
#5 - Weekly Tasks
And welcome to the start of the first full week of the New Year! Many times the "first" of something can set a precedence, set a standard and set yourself up for success. That's what you have an opportunity to do today.
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 5
Today's task is to review and organize your week. Work schedule, exercise, appointments, tasks, social time and sleep!
Extra information:
Depending on how planned you already are, this might simply be a review and confirmation that you've set your week up in the best way.
Making sure you are set for the week can cause it to unfold as you would like. Not to say that unexpected things won't pop up whether they be a challenge or for fun. However, the more you have crafted your precious time this week to support what you want to make happen in your life, the better chance you have for that to happen.
I'm guessing that you've got some New Year's Re-Solutions or Goals that could use some fitting into your week!
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 5
Today's task is to review and organize your week. Work schedule, exercise, appointments, tasks, social time and sleep!
Extra information:
Depending on how planned you already are, this might simply be a review and confirmation that you've set your week up in the best way.
Making sure you are set for the week can cause it to unfold as you would like. Not to say that unexpected things won't pop up whether they be a challenge or for fun. However, the more you have crafted your precious time this week to support what you want to make happen in your life, the better chance you have for that to happen.
I'm guessing that you've got some New Year's Re-Solutions or Goals that could use some fitting into your week!
Sunday
#4 - Greetings Part 2
Welcome to Way #4....
or should I say Way #3, 2nd verse?
For those of you that totally completed the birthday, anniversary, cards, gifts, plans, etc, CONGRATULATIONS! Even with your full list of people, you got it done! Impressive! I have something next for you on Way #4.
For those of you that didn't get it all the way done, here's your day to finish it and we'll call it Way #3, Part 2.
One of the things about being organized is finishing projects. If you get too many started and not enough completed, it leads to overwhelm and stress. That's not what we're about here!
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 4
Decide where your master list of ALL special occasions will be recorded and update it for this month!
Extra information: Whether it's an electronic database, Outlook, a spreadsheet, a paper calendar that doesn't have a "year" assigned to it, but records annual events for you year after year, or some other form, decide which one is "King of the Hill" and it gets ALL the info recorded into it. Then next time you don't have to look in 3 - 5 places for all the special dates listings.
Day Way #3, Part 2
Make the push, take the time and get it done!
a) Make a list of all the birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions, etc in the month of January. And if you want, do the first week or so of February.
b) Get the cards, gifts, make a dinner reservation, schedule a coffee date, etc for all those occasions!
or should I say Way #3, 2nd verse?
For those of you that totally completed the birthday, anniversary, cards, gifts, plans, etc, CONGRATULATIONS! Even with your full list of people, you got it done! Impressive! I have something next for you on Way #4.
For those of you that didn't get it all the way done, here's your day to finish it and we'll call it Way #3, Part 2.
One of the things about being organized is finishing projects. If you get too many started and not enough completed, it leads to overwhelm and stress. That's not what we're about here!
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way # 4
Decide where your master list of ALL special occasions will be recorded and update it for this month!
Extra information: Whether it's an electronic database, Outlook, a spreadsheet, a paper calendar that doesn't have a "year" assigned to it, but records annual events for you year after year, or some other form, decide which one is "King of the Hill" and it gets ALL the info recorded into it. Then next time you don't have to look in 3 - 5 places for all the special dates listings.
Day Way #3, Part 2
Make the push, take the time and get it done!
a) Make a list of all the birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions, etc in the month of January. And if you want, do the first week or so of February.
b) Get the cards, gifts, make a dinner reservation, schedule a coffee date, etc for all those occasions!
Saturday
#3 - Greetings and Wishes Part 1
Welcome to Way #3! This one is a little longer. However it will save you sooooo much time over the coming month.
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way #3
a) Make a list of all the birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions, etc in the coming month and if you want, do the first week or so of next month.
b) Get the cards, gifts, make a dinner reservation, schedule a coffee date, etc for all those occasions!
The BIG BONUS is that you are going to get more results from the energy your brain is putting toward one type of activity. When you're standing at the card stand and reading 10-20 cards to find the one that suits someone, you used to end up with 1 card. Now, you'll end up with a lot more than 1! That increases your results very easily!
Extra information:
a) I know it's already the 3rd, but I'm counting on the fact that you've already taken care of the past couple of days.
b) You have several choices for cards; traditional greeting cards or e-cards.
Decide which one suits your personality, your budget, your available time and your recipient.
* For traditional cards, buy them all now, address them, write them, stamp them and then put a sticky note on the card showing the day it should be mailed, taken to work, given to a neighbor or put on the mantel for someone in your household.
* For e-cards, they are great to schedule a head of time in mass again because of the number you can schedule during your preview time! There's one more really great bonus with e-cards: When it actually gets delivered to the recipient, YOU get an email notice that it has been delivered. A great reminder to call them or acknowledge it's their special day.
c) Then there's gifts and all the extra things your might do to celebrate someone else. Get them purchased, wrapped, scheduled, ordered, etc.
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way #3
a) Make a list of all the birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions, etc in the coming month and if you want, do the first week or so of next month.
b) Get the cards, gifts, make a dinner reservation, schedule a coffee date, etc for all those occasions!
The BIG BONUS is that you are going to get more results from the energy your brain is putting toward one type of activity. When you're standing at the card stand and reading 10-20 cards to find the one that suits someone, you used to end up with 1 card. Now, you'll end up with a lot more than 1! That increases your results very easily!
Extra information:
a) I know it's already the 3rd, but I'm counting on the fact that you've already taken care of the past couple of days.
b) You have several choices for cards; traditional greeting cards or e-cards.
Decide which one suits your personality, your budget, your available time and your recipient.
* For traditional cards, buy them all now, address them, write them, stamp them and then put a sticky note on the card showing the day it should be mailed, taken to work, given to a neighbor or put on the mantel for someone in your household.
* For e-cards, they are great to schedule a head of time in mass again because of the number you can schedule during your preview time! There's one more really great bonus with e-cards: When it actually gets delivered to the recipient, YOU get an email notice that it has been delivered. A great reminder to call them or acknowledge it's their special day.
c) Then there's gifts and all the extra things your might do to celebrate someone else. Get them purchased, wrapped, scheduled, ordered, etc.
Friday
#2 - Wallet Clean out
Yes, another step related to money and financial, but it's more important these days so best to take smart and organized steps.
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way #2
a) Clean out your wallet/billfold
b) Make a copy (front & back) of all Credit Cards, Driver's License and any other important cards you carry in your wallet.
Extra information:
As you clean out your wallet, it's always good to take a fresh look and see if things can be rearranged to make better use of the space or to make it easier for you to use. For example, I put the Bank Card I use the most in the slot that is at the top of the row. Then I can actually take it out and put it away without even opening my wallet. It just slips right out and in!
This is also a good time of the year to refresh your backup copy of the items you carry in your wallet. Just lay them out on the copy machine and make sure the setting for color isn't too dark. Most cards have a lot of color on them and you don't want it to shadow the numbers in any way. It's not as easy to read some of them when they are only 2 dimensional instead of 3 dimensional. Don't forget to do the backside as well!
The last thing to do with those copies is to put them in a safe and easily accessible location.
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way #2
a) Clean out your wallet/billfold
b) Make a copy (front & back) of all Credit Cards, Driver's License and any other important cards you carry in your wallet.
Extra information:
As you clean out your wallet, it's always good to take a fresh look and see if things can be rearranged to make better use of the space or to make it easier for you to use. For example, I put the Bank Card I use the most in the slot that is at the top of the row. Then I can actually take it out and put it away without even opening my wallet. It just slips right out and in!
This is also a good time of the year to refresh your backup copy of the items you carry in your wallet. Just lay them out on the copy machine and make sure the setting for color isn't too dark. Most cards have a lot of color on them and you don't want it to shadow the numbers in any way. It's not as easy to read some of them when they are only 2 dimensional instead of 3 dimensional. Don't forget to do the backside as well!
The last thing to do with those copies is to put them in a safe and easily accessible location.
Thursday
Welcome & Way #1
Welcome to Get Organized Month!
We'll start off the 31 Ways to Get Organized in 31 Days with a task that is short and simple. Hey, it's New Year's Day and some of you might be taking it easy and I want you to stick with us all month long.
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way #1
Make a file that is for TAXES 2008.
Extra information:
This month you will be collecting year end statements and other documentation needed to complete your taxes for 2008.
*Make it a bright colored or at least a different colored folder
*The very front of a file drawer is a great place for it.
* Let anyone and everyone in your family know where it is located. Then whoever gets the mail, opens statements or has documents that need to be included in the TAXES 2008 file can support the gathering of this critical information!
We'll start off the 31 Ways to Get Organized in 31 Days with a task that is short and simple. Hey, it's New Year's Day and some of you might be taking it easy and I want you to stick with us all month long.
Joyfully,
Brenda
Day Way #1
Make a file that is for TAXES 2008.
Extra information:
This month you will be collecting year end statements and other documentation needed to complete your taxes for 2008.
*Make it a bright colored or at least a different colored folder
*The very front of a file drawer is a great place for it.
* Let anyone and everyone in your family know where it is located. Then whoever gets the mail, opens statements or has documents that need to be included in the TAXES 2008 file can support the gathering of this critical information!
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