If you do not set any personal goals or deadlines, it can rob you of your time and keep you from being productive.
- Decide on areas of your life where you want to be more productive and write out some goals.
- Keep your plan simple. Do not want waste valuable time updating charts.
- Set definite and obtainable goals. Write down a plan of action to achieve that goal. (I want to lose 50 pounds this year—I will join a gym)
- Set a deadline to reach your desired goal.
- Set a goal to organize seasonal and party items: (Buy nine large plastic boxes that you can stack. Store boxes in a closet, basement, or attic. Label boxes according to your needs) The following is a sample of labeling:
- January-February (winter decorations)
- March-June (spring decorations)
- July-August (Patriotic decorations)
- September-October( fall decorations)
- November (Thanksgiving decorations)
- December (Christmas decorations)
- Birthday party decorations
- Gifts (small gifts when you need a quick gift for birthday, shower, or anniversary)
- Tea party books, pots, and dishes
Miscellaneous Organizing Tips for Your Home
- For a large family, color-code children’s items. (toothbrushes, towels, and file folders)
- De-junk! Give away clothes you do not wear, broken toys, and kitchen gadgets you do not need.
- Rule to control clutter: One item comes in; one item goes out. (Give to Goodwill or to a friend)
- If you have limited space for storage, rent videos and books instead of purchasing them.
- Keep a file drawer or box in the kitchen with each person’s name on a different colored folder. Put coloring papers, notes from school, and future homework assignments in assigned folder.
- If possible, do all house chores in the morning.
- Do quick bathroom wipe-down of tub, shower, toilet, sinks, and faucets with disposable cleaning wipes.
- Make your bed as soon as you get out of it. (It only takes two minutes to make a bed)
- Teach children to make their own beds. Instead of children having to struggle using many sheets and blankets, make it easier for them by using duvet covers. (To make an easy duvet cover, use two flat sheets. Place sheets back to back and sew around the edges, leaving a 1/2-inch seam opening at the bottom. For the closure, make two ties or use velcro tape around inside edges)
- When preparing meals, fill sink with soapy water and wash preparatory dishes before sitting down to eat.
- Immediately do dishes or place them in dishwasher.
- If you have small children, keep a basket handy to pick up small items such as small toys, clothing, and clutter.
- When picking up the house in the mornings, give yourself a deadline.
- Pick up the rooms that visitors will see first.
GOOD RULE TO FOLLOW: LEAVE YOUR HOUSE AS IF YOU ARE EXPECTING GUESTS!
A few years ago, a group of seniors from our Christian school invited us to join them for dinner at a nice restaurant. They had hired a limousine for the evening. After they had eaten, they had a few hours to spare. Since they wanted to stay together, I invited them to our home. If I had said, “Oh, my house is not clean enough,” those teens would have missed out on having a fun time together and making a great memory.