Monday, September 25, 2017
Winter Gear - Get Your Essentials in Order
As the weather turns colder it's time to start clearing out your closet of summer things and getting your winter gear in order.
Start by trying on last years coats, boots and gloves.
Do they fit? If not, you might consider donating them.
If they do still fit - are they in good condition? Check for any rips or missing buttons.
If you need new ones, now is the time to buy them so that you are not caught unprepared when the weather turns colder and the snow starts coming down in buckets!
After you have figured out if you need to replace any items it's time to think about storing you summer items. But first, check to be sure that they are clean and in good condition.
Once you are done with your outerwear - it's time to check your clothes closet for your winter sweaters.
Go through the same process as with your coats. Check to be sure they still fit and are in good condition. It not, donate them or repair them.
If you need to rotate your summer clothes out of your closet and into storage - be sure to only store things that you still like and will wear next year. If you haven't worn it all summer - are you really going to wear it next year? Don't store things that you will never wear or use.
By getting your essentials in order now - before you really need them - will guarantee that you will be ready when the snow starts to fly!
Here's looking forward to a snowy winter!
Less Clutter = Less Stress SM in your home, your business and your life
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Monday, September 18, 2017
Getting Your Car Ready for Winter
It's not winter yet - but we have snow at some of our higher elevations - so - let's get ready for winter!
Check your tires. It might be time for snow tires soon!
Check to make sure that you have the essentials needed for winter - like a snow brush & ice scraper. It you don't - get some.
Make sure that your car is in working order and all of your fluids are filled up.
Living out in the west - and driving long distances without a town or gas station in sight - brings about it's own problems.
Unlike being in a big city where there is a gas station and help within a block - living out in the west - with lots of land and few people - presents it's own challenges.
So – the question is ..... are you prepared ?
Now is the time to stock your car with winter essentials.
In your backseat:
* Snow brush
* Ice scraper (or two – various sizes)
* Blanket
* Gloves (keep extra’s in your car)
* Hat
* Scarf
In your glove compartment:
* Paper
* Pen
* Matches (in something waterproof)
* Candle (in a tin) – this can be used if your flashlight doesn’t work or for extra heat
* Tissues
* Hand wipes
* Cell Phone Car Charger
* Flashlight (make sure the batteries are good – or get a windup one)
In your trunk:
* Salt, cat litter or something to throw under your tires if you get stuck
* Extra Windshield Fluid
* Extra Antifreeze
* Spare Tire
* Shovel
* Jumper Cables
* First Aid Kit (basic)
* Towel (this can also be used as an extra blanket)
* Rope
* Bungee Cords
* Duct Tape (so many uses!)
* Tire Gauge
* Tire Repair kit
* Road Flares
* Fire Extinguisher (small one)
* Plastic Garbage Bags
If you are going to be driving outside of the city limits I would also suggest that you keep water and snacks in your car, especially if you have kids. You never know when an accident might keep you tied up for a long time and you will need water to keep you hydrated and snacks to keep the kids occupied.
Being prepared is always the best defense. Now relax and embrace the weather.
Organizational Consulting Services
Less Clutter = Less Stress SM in your home, your business and your life
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Monday, September 11, 2017
Clean Out Your Purse, Briefcase, Backpack...
Most people think about cleaning and organizing their home - at least once in a while. But how many people think about cleaning out their purse, briefcase or backpack? I mean more than once a year?
A lot of people just throw in their credit card receipts, coupons, notes and everything else into their purse and then spend a lot of time rummaging through it to find what they need. They never take the time to clean it out.
So - let's start by emptying your purse. Take everything out. Put things into "like" piles. Including garbage.
Now start by throwing out any "garbage". Old tissues, old receipts, old gum wrappers.....
Then get rid of any old, expired coupons.
Then throw out any old notes or scraps of paper.
Get all of the loose change and put it back into your change purse/wallet.
Anything that does not belong in your purse - get rid of it or put it back where it belongs.
Only keep the essentials in your purse.
The same thing goes for your briefcase. Empty it. Get rid of any garbage. Get rid of anything that is not a current project you are working on.
Backpacks. Kids tend to put everything but the kitchen sink in their backpack. Toys don't belong at school. Books that are months past due at the library should be returned. Reclaim your tupperware.
Get into the habit of cleaning out your purse, briefcase or backpack - at least once a month.
Your back will thank you!
Less Clutter = Less Stress SM in your home, your business and your life
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
A lot of people just throw in their credit card receipts, coupons, notes and everything else into their purse and then spend a lot of time rummaging through it to find what they need. They never take the time to clean it out.
So - let's start by emptying your purse. Take everything out. Put things into "like" piles. Including garbage.
Now start by throwing out any "garbage". Old tissues, old receipts, old gum wrappers.....
Then get rid of any old, expired coupons.
Then throw out any old notes or scraps of paper.
Get all of the loose change and put it back into your change purse/wallet.
Anything that does not belong in your purse - get rid of it or put it back where it belongs.
Only keep the essentials in your purse.
The same thing goes for your briefcase. Empty it. Get rid of any garbage. Get rid of anything that is not a current project you are working on.
Backpacks. Kids tend to put everything but the kitchen sink in their backpack. Toys don't belong at school. Books that are months past due at the library should be returned. Reclaim your tupperware.
Get into the habit of cleaning out your purse, briefcase or backpack - at least once a month.
Your back will thank you!
Less Clutter = Less Stress SM in your home, your business and your life
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Monday, September 4, 2017
Disasters - Emergency Preparedness - Be Ready
It's been a rough few months our here in Montana. Fires are everywhere and new ones seem to be cropping up constantly. It's a scary time.
Throughout the rest of the United States there are floods.
We should all be aware of the fact that disaster can strike anywhere. The question is "are you ready"?
Everyone should be prepared for an emergency. Whether it’s the loss of power and electricity (which could last for days) or a hurricane, earthquake or other natural disaster…. Or a terrorist attack…
Being prepared is not an “option” anymore. Even if just the electricity went out…and you happen to have an “all electric” home, would you be able to survive? Do you have enough food to last you for a few days? What happens if all the stores are closed?
These are just some things to think about, especially if you live in a remote area and don't have quick access to a store.
There are numerous websites and articles that tell you to be prepared to survive for at least three (3) days if an emergency occurs. The “72 Hour Kit” as some people call it.
Besides the basic kit, you also need to have an emergency plan in place. Below is a basic list that will give you some ideas to get you started (there are numerous variations of this kit).
Basic Kit:
Water – one (1) gallon per person , per day for at least three (3) days
Food – 3 days supply of non-perishable food. Some ideas are: soup mix, granola bars, trail mix, crackers,
peanut butter, beef jerky, fruit cups….
Plastic / paper – plates, cups, napkins…
Radio – battery powered
Flashlight – with extra batteries
First aid kit – basic kit
Whistle
Can opener
Garbage bags & plastic bags (various sizes)
Sleeping Bag
Blankets
Clothes – for three (3) days
Shoes
Coats & rain gear & cold weather gear
Personal hygiene products such as: shampoo, lotion, razors, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine
products, sunscreen…..
Wet wipes
Toilet Paper
Sewing Kit
Paper & pencils
Matches / lighter (in water proof container)
Cash
Basic tools (wrench, pliers, scissors….)
Maps
Water purification tablets (or Chlorine Bleach)
Hand Sanitizer
String / rope / cord
Cooking appliances (portable stove with fuel….)
Some things (like medications…) cannot pack ahead of time, so have a checklist prepared for those items.
Checklist for supplies that need to be packed last minute:
Prescription medication
Infant formula
Pet food
Family documents (passport, birth certificates, identification cards, bank info, insurance info….)
Watch
Games for kids
Don't forget a list of phone numbers of family members and other important phone numbers that you will probably need.
Start thinking about how you and your family would handle an emergency, and start planning for it today, before that emergency strikes.
Be prepared for any emergency. You never know when it will happen to you.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Throughout the rest of the United States there are floods.
We should all be aware of the fact that disaster can strike anywhere. The question is "are you ready"?
Everyone should be prepared for an emergency. Whether it’s the loss of power and electricity (which could last for days) or a hurricane, earthquake or other natural disaster…. Or a terrorist attack…
Being prepared is not an “option” anymore. Even if just the electricity went out…and you happen to have an “all electric” home, would you be able to survive? Do you have enough food to last you for a few days? What happens if all the stores are closed?
These are just some things to think about, especially if you live in a remote area and don't have quick access to a store.
There are numerous websites and articles that tell you to be prepared to survive for at least three (3) days if an emergency occurs. The “72 Hour Kit” as some people call it.
Besides the basic kit, you also need to have an emergency plan in place. Below is a basic list that will give you some ideas to get you started (there are numerous variations of this kit).
Basic Kit:
Water – one (1) gallon per person , per day for at least three (3) days
Food – 3 days supply of non-perishable food. Some ideas are: soup mix, granola bars, trail mix, crackers,
peanut butter, beef jerky, fruit cups….
Plastic / paper – plates, cups, napkins…
Radio – battery powered
Flashlight – with extra batteries
First aid kit – basic kit
Whistle
Can opener
Garbage bags & plastic bags (various sizes)
Sleeping Bag
Blankets
Clothes – for three (3) days
Shoes
Coats & rain gear & cold weather gear
Personal hygiene products such as: shampoo, lotion, razors, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine
products, sunscreen…..
Wet wipes
Toilet Paper
Sewing Kit
Paper & pencils
Matches / lighter (in water proof container)
Cash
Basic tools (wrench, pliers, scissors….)
Maps
Water purification tablets (or Chlorine Bleach)
Hand Sanitizer
String / rope / cord
Cooking appliances (portable stove with fuel….)
Some things (like medications…) cannot pack ahead of time, so have a checklist prepared for those items.
Checklist for supplies that need to be packed last minute:
Prescription medication
Infant formula
Pet food
Family documents (passport, birth certificates, identification cards, bank info, insurance info….)
Watch
Games for kids
Don't forget a list of phone numbers of family members and other important phone numbers that you will probably need.
Start thinking about how you and your family would handle an emergency, and start planning for it today, before that emergency strikes.
Be prepared for any emergency. You never know when it will happen to you.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
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