The Neat Sheet
 
July/August 2008
 
 
 
That's Neat! Organizing
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In This Issue
Destination Summer
Especially for Parents: Clear Car Clutter
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Greetings!
 

Happy Summer! Recently my family and I have taken quite a few weekend road trips, and have hosted good friends at our house as well.

 

Inspired by these travels, this edition of The Neat Sheet highlights organizing ideas for travel, and to help your guests feel at home. 
 
Best,

Elizabeth

suitcaseDestination Summer: Top Travel Tips   
  • I'm a huge fan of checklists, and here are two critical ones to streamline your travel prep:
    1. Create a packing list and keep it on your computer. Yes, this will take a little time in the beginning, but a list will make it easier to pack for future trips. A list is a must for parents with young kids since there can be a lot of gear to remember. I've kept a packing list since my daughter was an infant and updated it as she outgrew items.
    2. Create a checklist of things to do before you leave, which may include items such canceling your mail, watering plans, or hiring a pet sitter. Print out this checklist and keep it near your suitcase for easy reference before you leave.
  • If you fly and check a suitcase, make it easy to recognize your bag. Add a bright bow or creative luggage tag on a black bag, or if it is time to purchase a new suitcase, get one in a vivid color.   
  • Contain small items and clothing as you pack. I often use clear Ziploc storage bags, but Eagle Creek also offers helpful products for packing.
  • Consider packing a collapsible tote bag, like this one from The Container Store. Use it during your travels, and then fold it away for the trip home. 

For suggestions about what to include on your lists and more travel ideas, read Organizing for Travel on my website. 

 

Be Our Guest: Tips for Hosting 

  • Use towels of a different color for your guests so it's easier to distinguish whose towels are whose in the bathroom.
  • Gather any samples of shampoo and lotion you've collected into a basket and put it in your guest room.
  • Be sure to have an empty power strip in your guest room so your visitors can easily plug in cell phone chargers and other electronic gear.
  • If you have young kids staying at your house, put a night-light in their bedroom and the bathroom.
CrayonsEspecially for Parents: Clear Car Clutter 

 In the last edition of The Neat Sheet I suggested clearing your car clutter as a quick spring organizing project. (If you haven't done it yet, now is the time!)
 Here are some great products to help keep your car clean and organized, even with kids:
  • Seat back protectors keep muddy feet off the back of the front car seats. I use this one, but also found another option that has pockets.
  • These protectors fit under the car seat or booster seat and help protect upholstery from spills and crumbs.  
  • Corral the toys in a tote made especially to fit between car seats. I'm using this tote which gives enough room for books, small toys, and pockets to store little items and a cup. It also securely fastens to the seat, which is important. (I found this out the hard way when I improvised with a small plastic bin for a toy container; as soon as I went around a curve, the bin slid and promptly emptied its contents on the floor!) Check out Target online, thebusywoman.com, and One Step Ahead for other container ideas.  
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That's Neat! Organizing offers hands-on organizing sessions, consulting, and phone coaching to help you get and stay organized. Call 617-905-7762 or email That's Neat! Organizing today!