Declutter Product Manuals
- Go through your product manual stash and discard those that you no longer need.
- If you don't have an organized system to keep the manuals stored, check out some of these ideas.
1.27.2014
Get It Together: Declutter Product Manuals
1.24.2014
Get It Together: Discard Old Electronics & Cords
Discard Old Electronics & Cords
- Do you have a stash of old electronics and/or cords? It's time to donate, sell, or trash them!
- Gather old electronics you no longer use - think cell phones, tablets, laptops, keyboards, mice, cameras, MP3 players, etc. Also gather old cords that you no longer use - USB, power cords, etc.
- If you're looking to donate and the items are still in good working order, you may want to check at a local school to see if they're interested in the donation. Primary grades use keyboards for kids to practice "typing", even if they're not hooked up to a computer. Cameras can be used in class. MP3 players can become listening centers for audiobooks.
- If you're looking to get some cash for your gently used electronics, check out some of the following websites. I've used them all in the past.
Gazelle
Amazon Electronics Trade-In
uSell
NextWorth
Best Buy Online Trade In - Bonus: Clean out your VHS, DVD, BluRay, CD, book, and video game collections as well, if you have the time. Sell items on eBay, Half.com, Craigslist, or local classifieds. You could also donate these items if you don't care to sell them. :)
1.22.2014
Get It Together: Organize Food Storage Containers
Organize Food Storage Containers
- Go through your food storage containers.
- Match up lids with containers.
- Get rid of those containers with missing lids or lids that are missing containers.
- Have a ton? Donate!
- Reorganize your stash in a way that makes them easy to access and store.
1.20.2014
Get It Together: Check Medication Expiration Dates
Check Medication Expiration Dates
- Go through your medicine stash and discard expired medicines.
- Some communities have medicine take-back programs to safely discard prescription medications.
- If you are going to throw out medications, mix them with kitty litter or coffee grounds. Make sure to scratch out info from the prescription label before tossing the bottle.
- Check your first aid kit to ensure that you have the items you need.
1.17.2014
Get It Together: Declutter Your Computer Desktop
Declutter Your Computer Desktop
- If your computer desktop is a cluttered mess, it's time to clean it up.
- Create folders for files. If files aren't frequently accessed, move them into your Documents folder.
- Delete unnecessary shortcuts.
- Choose an appealing wallpaper for your background.
- Empty the recycling bin.
1.15.2014
Get It Together: Create a Bill Payment Schedule
Create a Bill Payment Schedule
- Pull out your planner or calendar.
- Write down due dates and payment amounts for your monthly bills.
- If you have an electronic calendar, such as a Google Calendar, you can set up reminders for bills. I have mine set up to remind me a week in advance so I can ensure that everything is paid on time.
1.13.2014
Get It Together: Back Up Your Computer
Back Up Your Computer
- Technology is unpredictable. You should definitely have a back up process in place for your files. After all, you don't want to lose purchased music or movies, or any family photos or videos.
- There are several online back up services that are free but come with minimal storage space. Most you can pay for extra storage. Everything is stored in the "cloud". The pro to this is you can access your files from anywhere you have internet access. I use Dropbox to store school files that I share with parents, such as homework files.
- You can also go with the option to back up to an external hard drive. I have an HP hard drive that I back up to. I back up twice a month and store the hard drive in a fireproof safe. I back up all of my photos, documents, and music.
- Whichever method you choose, it gives a peace of mind to know that you won't lose everything in case of accident or emergency.
1.10.2014
Get It Together: Update Your Phone Contacts
Update Your Phone Contacts
- Grab your cell phone and open your contacts.
- Update phone numbers, addresses, and names.
- Delete old numbers, emails, and those contacts you no longer need.
- Add frequently called numbers to your contacts, such as your hair salon or favorite take out restaurant.
- If you have a smart phone, make sure your contacts are being backed up automatically in case anything happens to your phone.
1.08.2014
Get It Together: Plan For Birthdays & Events
Plan for Birthdays & Events
- Pull out your planner or calendar.
- Write in birthdays, anniversaries, & events for 2014.
- If you have an electronic calendar, such as a Google Calendar, you can set up reminders for birthdays and events. I have mine set up to remind me a week in advance so I have time to send out a card to those who live back in PA.
- If you have a stash of birthday cards, write out & address those that are in the next 3 months so you're ready to go.
1.06.2014
Get It Together: Declutter Writing Utensils
Declutter Writing Utensils
- Sort through your collection of pens, markers, pencils, etc.
- Test and toss those that don't work.
- Cut your collection down, if possible. You can always donate extras that are still usable to schools. I know I love it when kids bring in pencils, pens, and highlighters for our class stash.
- If you have a set of something that you don't need in your pencil cup, find a new home for it.
- Sharpen pencils.
- Don't forget to check the junk drawer. :)
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