Tag Archives: car checklist

15-Minute Organizing Projects

Organizing doesn’t have to be incredibly time-consuming or daunting.

Here are a few quick projects that can get you motivated.

  1. Create A Calendar
  • Find a calendar that fits your needs and style: wall calendar, day planner, custom spreadsheet, etc.
  • Fill in non-negotiable obligations.
  • Create an area to document tasks to get done during the month.
  • Categorize tasks by A/B/C priority.
  • Schedule tasks around non-negotiable obligations.
  • Check/update calendar on a daily basis.

 

  1. Clean Out A Drawer (pick a drawer, any drawer)
  • Take everything out.
  • Sort items by purpose (do they even belong there?).
  • Throw away anything that isn’t functional; donate items that are functional that you don’t use.
  • Thoroughly clean the drawer.
  • Containerize like items together as much as possible.

 

  1. Clean One Refrigerator Shelf (or pantry shelf, medicine cabinet shelf . . . you get the idea)
  • Take everything out (seeing a trend?)
  • Check expiration dates; throw out anything past expiration date.
  • Categorize items by function: condiments, snacks, salad dressings, etc.
  • Thoroughly clean the shelf.
  • Containerize like items together as much as possible.

 

  1. Create A Mail Station

 

  1. Clean Out Your Purse/Wallet/Briefcase
  • Take everything out (there it is again!)
  • Vacuum/wipe out the inside; wipe the outside down with appropriate cleaning agent (vinyl can tolerate antiseptic wipes, leather cleaner, etc.).
  • Reorganize by function: sunglasses/reading glasses in one section; small cosmetic bag in another; wallet in another. If the purse/briefcase doesn’t have sections, consider investing in an organizer.
  • Scan front/back of important cards/documents in case the purse/wallet/briefcase is lost or stolen.

 

  1. Clean Out Car Interior
  • Remove all the garbage.
  • Wipe down surfaces with a duster or soft rag. Use mild detergent where appropriate and safe for surfaces.
  • Clean windows and vacuum seats.
  • Create a place for a small garbage can/bag.
  • Containerize like items: one container for reusable shopping bags; others for emergency kits (see below), etc.

 

  1. Create Emergency Kits: 2-Part Project

Part 1:

  • Check for dealer-supplied items already stored in the vehicle/home.
  • Find appropriately sized containers for the available space.
  • Gather the following supplies for the “Everyday Situations” kit: paper towels, granola bars, water, blanket, coat, gloves, flashlight/batteries, etc.
  • Gather the following supplies for “Emergency Situations” kit: first aid kit, flat tire repair kit, flares, jumper cables, etc.
  • Make a list of needed supplies and containers.

Part 2:

  • Acquire needed supplies and containers.
  • Add them to the kit.
  • Create a list of items in each kit and check semi-annually for expiration dates. Replace anything used or out of date.

 

  1. Create a Meal Plan
  • Check refrigerator to see what needs to be used within the near future.
  • Create a meal plan for the week.
  • Plan at least one day for leftovers.
  • Post meal plan for the entire family to see.
  • Create a weekly master shopping list.

 

  1. Clean Out The Linen Closet
  • Take everything out (Darn! There it is again!)
  • Sort by function: sheets, towels, etc.
  • Secondary sort by sheet/towel size.
  • If possible, designate shelves by function; label sheets and towels by size if possible.
  • Donate any items no longer used to a local charity. (Note: your veterinary office may want some of your cast-off towels.)

 

  1. Create A Household “To Do” List
  • Make a list of tasks you perform on a regular basis.
  • Consult with others in the home who perform regular maintenance and include their items on the list also.
  • Separate tasks by frequency: weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, etc.
  • Create a spreadsheet or other document capturing regular tasks.
  • Designate responsibility across appropriate household members.
  • Review list weekly.

 

Even small projects can have a large impact.

 

Cindy Jobs, COC, ACC

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Going on vacation? Then BE on vacation.

DTS 06.15.14 iPhoneSeveral of us will be heading out for a long weekend or vacation over the next couple of days.  We’ll be in the mountains, at the beach, or possibly just hanging out BBQing and having fun with family and friends.  Wherever you are or whatever you’re doing, take this time to connect with the people around you . . . not your electronic devices.

1.  Limit accessibility.  We truly don’t need to be accessible 24/7.  Unfortunately some of us have trained people that we will respond IMMEDIATELY when we receive an e-mail or text.  Unless it’s a true emergency, our response can wait until after dinner or the fireworks display.

2.  Take it IN; don’t just take pictures.  Sometimes we get so focused on making sure we “get the shot” that we don’t enjoy the experience.  How many times have you watched something from behind your iphone only to never look at the video or picture again?  Leave your iphone in your pocket or handbag and enjoy the experience.

3.  Facebook isn’t always your friend.  “Everything in moderation.”  Never has a quote rung so true.  Although Facebook is  great for sharing really cool and important stuff with our family and friends, every meal and mile of our vacation doesn’t need to go on Facebook.  Be especially cautious of tagging people without their permission, not everyone wants their lives shared with the world.

4.  Don’t, don’t, don’t let your electronic devices distract you when you are driving.  In Washington state it is currently illegal to:

  • Talk on the cell phone without a hand’s free device.
  • Operate a wireless device (including cell phones, tablets, ipads, etc.) while “operating” a motor vehicle.  Not only does this mean while driving, but also includes the time we are stopped in traffic or at a stop sign or stop light.

The cost of ignoring the law:  $124.  Not only is electronic distraction dangerous, I can think of a lot of things I’d prefer to do with $124.  New shoes, anyone?

So, when you take your summer vacation . . . BE on summer vacation.  There will be plenty of time to reconnect with your electronic device, but there may not be a better time connect with the ones you love.

 

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Are you ready to hit the road?

 

Free Digital Images On The Road by Dan

Memorial Day is the official kick of the summer driving season. Whether you are taking a long road trip to visit family and friends or just heading out for a quick trip to the beach or mountains, you will want to make sure your car is in tip-top shape and stocked with essentials.

Personally, I come from a car vacation family.  Our family car was pretty neat and tidy and in great running condition.  My dad was diligent about taking the car to our family mechanic on a regular basis, but ALWAYS before we headed off on any car vacation. As I remember it, our family vacations (seven of us in a station wagon) were generally trouble-free and loads of fun.  That wasn’t accidental, it took planning.

Here’s a short checklist to get you started:

1. Take your car to a trusted mechanic. Most have a multi-point checklist, but if not, ensure they perform at least the following services:

• Check the battery and plugs.
• Check the belts and coolant levels.
• Ensure the tires have plenty of tread and the appropriate tire pressure.
• Check the air filter to ensure maximum efficiency.
• Change the oil.
• Check wiper blades.

2. Clean your car.

• Get rid of what you don’t need. Summer road trips are much more enjoyable if you aren’t dealing with old food wrappers, outdated receipts, and hats and scarves from the winter season.
• Vacuum both the seats and floors thoroughly.
• Protect the interior with a good leather or vinyl protector
• Wash and wax your car. Be sure to check for and repair any scratches that may later result in rust or corrosion.

3. Make sure your car is stocked with essentials:

• Vehicle manual in case of breakdown.
• Jumper cables, tire pressure gauge, flares, warning triangle, and security vest.
• Extra windshield washer fluid, coolant, and a fire extinguisher.
• Small tool kit.
• First aid kit.
• Flashlight (be sure to check batteries).
• Cell phone charger.
• Pencil and notebook for games or just taking notes along the way.
• Snacks. Make sure the snacks won’t melt if the car gets warm.
• Water. Have enough water for however long you will be in the car on any particular day. Due to potential health risks, you don’t want to store disposable water bottles in your car for extended periods of time.

If you take care of your car and do some careful planning, your summer road trip will be safe and full of fond memories! Go enjoy some summer fun!

 

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Image courtesy of Free Digital Images “On The Road” by Dan

Summer Driving Checklist

Image

Memorial Day is the official kick-off of the summer driving season.  Whether you are taking a long road trip to visit family and friends or just taking a quick trip to the beach or mountains, you will want to make sure your car is in tip-top shape and stocked with essentials.  Nothing takes the shine off a fun road trip more than waiting for a rescue or tow vehicle to arrive, especially if you don’t have a good stock of snacks and games to pass the time.

I have to admit, I come from a car vacation family.  My father lived by the adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  He took the car to our family mechanic on a regular basis, but always before we headed off on any car vacation.  Thankfully, we had very few breakdowns, but that’s because he took a few simple precautions.

Here’s a simple checklist to get you started:

  1. Make sure your car is in good condition by taking it to a trusted mechanic.  Most mechanics have a multi-point checklist, but if not, ensure they perform at least the following services:
    1. Check the battery and plugs.
    2. Check the belts and coolant levels.
    3. Ensure your tires have plenty of tread and the appropriate tire pressure.
    4. Check the air filter to ensure maximum efficiency.
    5. Change the oil if it’s time.
    6. Check the wiper blades.
  2. Clean your car.
    1. Get rid of what you don’t need.  Summer road trips are much more enjoyable if you aren’t dealing with old food wrappers, outdated receipts, and hats and scarves from the winter season.
    2. Vacuum both the seats and floor thoroughly.
    3. Protect the interior with a good leather or vinyl protector.
    4. Wash and wax your car.  Be sure to check for and repair any scratches that may later result in rust or corrosion.
  3. Make sure your car is stocked with essentials.
    1. Vehicle manual in case of breakdown.
    2. Jumper cables, tire pressure gauge, flares, warning triangle, and security vest.
    3. First aid kit.
    4. Small tool kit.
    5. Flashlight (make sure batteries are strong).
    6. Extra windshield washer fluid, coolant, and a fire extinguisher.
    7. Cell phone charger.
    8. Pencil and notebook for games or just taking notes along your trip.
    9. Snacks.  Make sure the snacks won’t melt if the car gets warm.
    10. Water.  Have enough water for however long you will be in the car on that particular day.  Due to potential health risks if the plastic gets warm, you don’t want to store disposable water bottles in your car for extended periods of time.

If you take care of your car and do some careful planning, your summer road trip will be safe and full of fond memories.  Go enjoy some summer fun!

For more great advice from AAA:

http://exchange.aaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/AAA-What-To-Do-When-Your-Vehicle-Breaks-Down.pdf

Cindy Jobs

www.organizetosimplify.com

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