How to tackle house cleaning

•Start at the top of the room and work your way down.
•When you dust, start at the top and work down.
•Take all your cleaning tools with you into the room to avoid multiple trips back and forth.
•Turn off the phone and turn off the TV.
•Eliminate clutter.
•Clean as you go! If you use it, put it up!
•A house that smells fresh will give the impression of cleanliness. Use baking soda on carpeting to absorb musty odors.
•Keep a big mat on the porch to cut down on tracked in dirt.
•Keep a basket in the kitchen for the mail, newspaper, car keys to help with clutter.
•Keep a hamper in every bathroom.
•Make everyone in charge of making his or her own bed and picking up their stuff.
•Prioritize, if your time is limited decided what is most important.
•Delegate, get the whole family involved.
•Make a checklist, when a job is completed, check it off - you'll feel as though you are really accomplishing your goal.

Where to start

Not one person can go back in time and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending........

Time Management

1 Have goals

Becoming efficient with your time is irrelevant if you don't know how you are going to spend your new found efficiency. In time management your personal compass is more important than the clock.

2 Analyze how you spend your time

It is always good to know how you're spending your time right now. How does this compare to your goals? Are you spending time where your priorities are?

3 Master efficiency

One trick I have found is time use efficiency; while you walk? while you clean? while you watch TV?

4 Its OK to say no

"No" can be the most powerful time tool you can master. When someone asks you to do something, ask yourself how important this is. Does it help you achieve your goals? Be strategic about what you take on.

5 Focus

Committing 100% focus and concentration on one task at a time can be very powerful. Eliminate distractions. Focus on the task. When you're properly organized and prepared, when your energy and power are high, you can often complete a task in 20% of the time it would take when your not focused.

6 Build your efficiency bank

High efficiency is not possible if you don't look after yourself. Eat right, exercise, sleep well, etc.

7 Take care of you

It isn't possible to be "on your game" all the time. Take the time you need to look after yourself so that you can reach peak efficiency when you need to. Have a list of things you like to do and do them.

Don't forget important dates

Don’t forget important dates. Sometimes in our very busy schedules, we overlook the most important occasions, and find ourselves sending overdue good wishes or congratulations. Be sure to include birthdates of friends and loved ones in your planner along with anniversaries, graduations, and other important occasions. Also include a reminder of this date about a week prior in your planner so you have plenty of time to shop for gifts or mail cards.

What is organization?

Or-ga-ni-za-tion
1 : the act or process of organizing
2 : developing a structure
3 : forming a complete and functioning whole
4 : an administrative structure
5 : arranged by systematic planning
6 : what each of us needs more of !!!

Car Organization

Car organization is important, especially if you are constantly driving your kids around, hopping from one meeting to another, or going on road trips, your organized vehicle will contribute to improved efficiency and punctuality

Utilize the general organizing process of purge, sort and store for organizing your car.

Purge It:

• Start by going through your car and throwing away all the trash.

• Next, gather all the items that don't belong in your car and put the things where they go.

Sort It:

• Now that you can focus on the remaining relevant items, divide them up into categories such as; tools, safety items, etc.

Store It:

• First, decide which part of the car is appropriate to store certain items. For example, the infrequently used tools can be kept in the trunk, while the frequently used hygiene items like lotion or hand sanitizer can be stored for easier access.

• Cars usually come with several compartments specifically for storing your personal items; utilize these areas for items that make the most sense.

Maintain It:

• Empty your car of trash items on a regular basis. Make a habit of grabbing all of the junk each time you get out of your car. This simple task will keep the car free and clear of clutter.

• Clean your car on a monthly basis or as needed. Keeping your car organized will maintain its appearance and make it easier to drive.

Garage Sale Tips

Try these ideas for a successful yard sale:

Gather Your Inventory

The sellable stuff is right under your nose. The first step is to identify it. In the weeks before your sale, purge closets and cupboards, bookcases and basement for garage sale items.

Know the Rules

Check with your city/county and the homeowners association. Some places require a permit.

Set a Date

Have a strategy for sale's end. Many charities will pick up all unsold items. Whatever you do, don't let the survivors back in the house!

Advertise!!!

Spend a few dollars for an ad, most local papers offer affordable pricing or free signs to yard sale advertisers. Mention furniture, baby items, tools, etc in your advertisement.

Prepare and Price

Use plastic food storage bags to group game pieces, display jewelry, and hold hardware pieces.

Set Up Your Shop

Are you ready to make change for a twenty? Be prepared with small bills and coin change.
Now Sell It

Offer free coffee or tea, and give your kids a taste of private enterprise, entrusting them with a donut/cookie concession.

Dispose of the leftovers!

Give leftovers to charity pick-up or recycle all you can, but find a new home for the stuff.
Be considerate of your neighbors and remove all signs, and return your yard to normal.