PERSONAL CHALLENGE - Get Organized in 2009

• Place a large garbage bag in each room.  Fill the bag with as much stuff as you can that can be thrown away.  Repeat with another bag for items to be donated.
• After you have cleared much of the unnecessary items, determine what needs to be cleaned or repaired.  Put those items aside to clean or fix.
• Grab a note pad and walk through each room.  In each room, list what clutter issues remain; circle the one that bothers you the most.  Schedule a time when you can work on that area.

• Gather all your cleaning supplies and assess what you actually use.  Choose ones that work well, are multi-purpose, and support your environmental concerns.  Toss the rest; carefully follow disposal instructions.
• Separate dry from wet cleaning items (e.g. dusting rags from bathroom cleaners).
• Put the wet cleaning items in a waterproof container such as a bucket with handle.  Put the dry cleaning items in another container.  Store these items in an area safe from small children and pets.
• If you reduce your cleaning supplies to fewer, multi-purpose items, you may be able to put them all in a portable carryall with wheels.  That way you can easily take your supplies with you from room to room as you clean.

• Go through the house and look for hidden clutter.
• Choose at least one of these areas to clean and organize on a rainy day. 
• Repeat this exercise in October.  See how many areas stayed clean. 
  

LEARN TO GET ORGANIZED

GOOD TIPS, READS & LEADS