01/03/2015
15 Things to Organise in 15 Minutes (adapted from I Heart Organising)
1. AUTO INTERIOR
* empty out all trash
* wipe down dash and center console
* clean windows
* vacuum seats
* add a small bin/basket to corral all the small items in the car
2. FRIDGE CLEAN OUT
* remove all expired food
* wipe down shelves and drawers
* categorize remaining foods by type to put back in fridge
* (optional) create special baskets for breakfast foods and lunches
* (optional) use a Sharpie to label food container with expiration date
3. DRAWER
* pick a drawer, any drawer
* empty contents
* donate/toss anything that you haven't used in the last 3-6 months
* vacuum/wipe down inside of the drawer
* place items back using drawer dividers if possible (they reduce risk of "toss and shut" syndrome. Anything can be used from washed out food containers to muffin pans to cut down cereal boxes)
4. PAPER PILES
* recycle junk mail
* unsubscribe from mailings (online services can help)
* put important dates into your calendar/electronic device
* file statements
* designate a single basket or paper tray as your inbox for weekly sorting
5. MEDICINE CABINET
* toss any expired products
* combine like bottles and toss anything you don't use
* remove contents and wipe down shelves
* place items back by item type
* remove medications and store them in a separate, dry environment (medications should NOT be stored in a medicine cabinet! http://consumer.healthday.com/encyclopedia/drug-center-16/misc-drugs-news-218/storing-your-medicine-646535.html
6. CLOSET
* donate anything you haven't used in a year (a cycle of all seasons)
* After you wear something, place the hanger in the opposite way of all hangers. Now you have a system for purging down the line (unturned hangers mean you haven't worn the item and it has to go)
* vacuum out floor of closet, wipe down shoes
* (optional) plan your wardrobe for the week
7. EMAIL INBOX
* delete spam and old emails
* sign up for an Inbox cleanup service (there are many)
* reply to anything that requires a quick response
* create folders/labels to "file" away emails
8. KITCHEN COUNTERS
* return piled-up items back to their original home
* wipe down counters
* store away appliances that are not used frequently
* add a small basket for bin for items that typically land on your counter, and empty it at the end of each day
9. PANTRY
* remove all expired foods
* empty out shelves and categorize foods by type
* wipe down shelves and bins
* return food to pantry by food type, can put into bins/baskets and label them
10. PURSE/TOTE
* empty contents
* vacuum inside of pockets and pouches
* toss garbage and items that are no longer needed
* categorize contents and place within small pouches
11. NIGHT TABLE
* remove contents from drawers and top of night table
* vacuum/wipe down outside and inside
* return any items that don't belong back to their original home
* toss any expired lotions, chap-sticks, or any items that aren't used
* add dividers to drawers if necessary
* place a small dish on top to hold favorite jewelry, hair-ties, etc.
12. WORK SPACE
* clear your desk completely
* wipe down desk
* return items that don't belong back to their original home
* recycle junk mail and toss old pens, pencils and broken/unused items
* keep only items you use daily on your desktop; tuck the less used items away in drawers or bins.
* see "paper piles" above, if it applies
13. MEAL PLAN
* create a meal plan and shopping list for the week or month
* search the internet, magazines, or cookbooks for a few new recipes to try each month
* create an online catalog of your favorite recipes or put them all together within a recipe binder
14. LINEN CUPBOARD
* empty the cupboard/closet
* wipe down shelves, you can add pretty shelf liner
* toss/donate any items that haven't been used for 6-12 months
* place sheets within baskets (for the non-expert sheet folders) or within shelving dividers
* fold towels to face the same way
* (optional) use vacuum bags to condense large quilts and pillows
15. MAKE-UP BAG
* empty contents of your bag or drawer
* wipe down insides of bag or drawer
* toss expired items
* purge items that are doubles or not used
* wipe down each make up item with disinfecting wipes
* clean make-up brushes
I hope this helps!
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