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July / August 2011 
That's Neat! Organizing
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In This Issue
That's Neat! Organizing on MSLR
Summertime Tips
Especially for Parents
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Greetings!      

It's summer! This edition of The Neat Sheet is filled with tips to inspire you to have a more organized summer. Why get organized now? Then you can be ready for a season of sun and fun!
  
And be sure to listen to my recent interview on the Martha Stewart Living Radio show, "Living Today." I really enjoyed talking with host Ryan Brockington and answering questions from across the country.
  
Wishing you a wonderful summer!
Elizabeth
That's Neat! Organizing on Martha Stewart Living Radio

I was thrilled to be interviewed on the MSLR show, "Living Today." Host Ryan Brockington and I discussed our favorite ways to get ready for summer, shared our love of lists, and answered questions from callers.  

 

Listen to the interview.

Summertime Tips

 

Going out of town?
  • Make a "Before You Leave Checklist" that includes things like cancel mail delivery, water plants, empty garbage, etc.
  • Plan now for someone to check on your house or water your garden.
  • Line up your favorite pet sitter or make kennel reservations...they can fill up fast.

Summer Guests

  • Be sure your guest linens and towels are ready to go. Do you need to find a sleeping bag or borrow an inflatable bed? Plan now, be ready, and enjoy time with your visitors.
  • Keep a folder of brochures from local museums and attractions.
  • Create a "House Manual," with key information: how to log on to the wireless Internet and how to use the TV.

Entryway

  • Still have winter wear out? Time to put it away for the season.
  • If you keep shoes by your door, leave only the pairs you actually wear now. Use a shoe shelf or tray to help keep them organized, or a small basket for young kids' shoes.
  • Make it easy to find what you need for summer: sunglasses, sunscreen and hats! Keep them in a basket, on a shelf, or use an over-the-door pocket shoe holder in your hall closet.
Especially for Parents: School's Out!   
  • Make sure your school-aged kids clean out their backpack from last year. You don't know what they'll find!
  • Go through all the school papers you saved from last year. Most school information can be recycled at this point, and keep only the papers that you really need. I like to scan class lists to my computer for reference later. Archive special artwork and projects in files or a bin.
  • Kids off to day camp? Create a checklist (or use the one from camp) of what your child needs to bring each day. Post it by the door or add string and hang it from the door knob.
  • And don't forget to shop those summer "back-to-school" deals.

 

Read many more tips for organizing kids things on the That's Neat! Blog.