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Streamline
Your Life
December is a
busy month. Take all your day-to-day tasks, add
in the hours used to prepare for the holidays,
along with all those essential parties, and you
are left with precious little time to yourself.
Here are some tips to help you streamline your
life, get things done more quickly, and have
more time for yourself and your family.
AROUND THE HOUSE
·
Keep new garbage bags at the bottom of the can for quick replacement at
take-out time
·
Keep a vacuum cleaner and cleaning supplies on each level of the house
so you don’t have to drag everything up and down
stairs
·
Keep vinegar in a spray bottle for quick clean-up of windows, drains,
etc.
·
Bring a basket or box along while cleaning to collect items for other
rooms—put stray items away when you get to that
room
·
Line roasting pans with foil for easy clean-up
·
Cook in bulk and freeze extra servings for busy evenings
·
Use clear containers whenever possible for easy viewing of contents
·
Label any non-transparent boxes in storage so you know their contents
without having to open them
·
Purchase a programmable thermostat to save time switching settings back
and forth, and to save on heating/cooling bills
·
Tape your repairman’s phone number to furnace, water heater, etc., so
you don’t have to search for it in an emergency
·
Program frequently-used phone numbers into your home and cellular
phones
·
Keep a supply of greeting cards on hand for unexpected events such as
illnesses
ERRANDS AND SHOPPING
General Tips
·
Write out stops before you head out the door so you take the shortest
route
·
Order stamps by mail—they’ll be delivered to your mailbox at no extra
charge
·
Barter with friends—trade one of your errands or tasks with one of
theirs to avoid an additional trip
·
Limit your kids’ activities to one per child to save time
The Grocery Store
·
Create a pre-printed grocery list either by aisle or food group. Print
out and check off items every time you shop.
Make your own, or print one from online, such as
this one from OrganizeTips.com--http://www.organizetips.com/grocer.htm
·
Clip coupons and file by category. Check your shopping list ofr coupons
before you go to the store.
·
Avoid grocery shopping altogether by using a grocery delivery service.
The same goes for prescription medications.
·
Make up your menu for the upcoming week so you know which ingredients
you need to purchase
·
Economy-size packages may not always be cheapest. Check unit pricing
for the best deal
The Mall
·
Make a list before you go so you don’t forget anything
·
Make sure you have the receipt with you for any items you are returning
·
Return catalog purchases to the store to avoid waiting in line at the
post office
·
Buy movie tickets online to avoid standing in line
·
Buy presents on sale when you see them throughout the year
·
Buy essentials in duplicate so you always have access to one
In the Car
·
Keep water and snacks on hand for emergencies
·
Keep magazines in the car for those unexpected delays
·
Keep a pen and paper or post-it notes in the car for messages and
reminders
·
Keep a cooler or thermal bag in your trunk to keep frozen foods cold on
the way home from the grocery store in the
summer
·
Keep paper napkins or anti-bacterial wipes on hand for spills
ON THE JOB
·
Set out your clothes the night before to save time in the morning—check
for any loose buttons, stains or tears
·
Check your briefcase or bag before walking out the door to make sure
what you need is in there for the day
·
Confirm appointments ahead of time to avoid no-shows or late arrivals
FINANCES AND PAPERWORK
·
File tax information throughout the year rather than having to search
for it in April
·
Synchronize your billing so you only have to sit down and pay bills
once a month
·
Open mail immediately and set bills aside. Sort over the garbage can
or recycling bin.
·
Have yourself removed from bulk mailing lists
By simplifying
your life, you can find more time for yourself.
Learn the power of the word “NO”. It will do
wonders for your stress levels.
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