Organizing Checklist for March

Spring arrives this month, at least on the calendar. Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 13th. Set your clock ahead one hour.

Remember our goal this year:  Each week remove one bag of items for recycling, trash or donation and  remove one hour of electronics from our schedule. Don't be discouraged if you are behind in the process.  Begin this week no matter where you fell behind.
• This is the time to get indoor tasks finished so you can enjoy the outdoors as soon as the warm weather is here. Whatever the project, do not let it drag on or remain unfinished until next winter. Make that final to do list and get it done.
• With temperatures not too hot or too cold, this month is the best time to check out the attic. Often the morning sun will warm the space enough for working before the heat of the day makes it too uncomfortable.

Review that space and determine if any items can be removed to sell, donate or pass on to family or friends. You should do it before the summer sun makes it impossible.
It is best to store items in air tight containers in order to discourage pests from getting into them. Do not store photographs, candles and some plastic items as the attic heat will ruin them.
• Now is also the best time to clean out the garage, especially on the days when the temperatures are more moderate. Hopefully you have made room for probably your most expensive investment other than your children or house—the automobile. If not, consider a renovation that includes space to park it there.

Create zones for the items you store in the garage. The goal here is to keep as many items off the floor as you can. Separate sporting equipment, gardening items, cleaning supplies, tools and other hobby equipment.
• If you have considered the possibility of having a yard or tag sale. It is never too early to plan and prepare for one. . This month is the time to set the date and work towards that goal. May and June are great choices as it is not too hot and people are on the move.
• As you clean these areas and move out winter items later on, you have the opportunity to sort and price items that would be good to sell. Any items that remain after the sale can be donated to a local charity or thrift store.
• As the days are longer and warmer, remove the heaviest clothing, bedding, etc. for summer storage. This may mean to the back of the closet, to another closet or storage area, or out of the house permanently. If they will be part of a future yard sale, store them in the area set aside for that.
• Spring will arrive on the calendar. I just hope there is no snow on my daffodils when it comes. It has been a long, cold winter and I am ready for warm temperatures, leaves on the trees and flowers in my yard. And I pray I don’t complain about the heat this summer.

Organizing Checklist for May

Flowers are blooming, birdsare nesting and most of the pollen is gone. Now is the time to take care of those things we put off during the winter.


Clean and organize the garage. During the winter it often becomes a temporary dumping ground for items. Plan ahead so you can make room for the car if you have not already done this. Your automobile is probably the second most expensive investment you have made so take care of it. Take advantage of shelving and hooks that will allow you to organize your items off the floor.

Make a final check of clothing to be sure the heavier items are moved so there is room for the lighter weight summer clothing to be convenient.

Have a yard sale before the weather gets too hot to stay outside all day. Now is the time to unload all the things you removed during the past few months.

Plant flowers or hang flowering baskets. I vote for perennials although many do not continue to bloom through the summer months. Since they will come back each year, it saves time and money.

Update garden accessories. Remove rusted, broken or stained plant containers, stepping stones and other garden fixtures. Add outdoor furniture and children’s outside toys to the checklist.

Change the a/c filter and have a routine inspection of all its components before the scorching days of summer arrive. Clean ceiling fan blades and give other fans an inspection.

Clean the carpets and floors. They were used and abused all winter and deserve a thorough cleaning. If piles of clutter or stacks of items are on them, consider moving the items to shelving, cabinets or tables. Floors are easier to keep clean when only furniture is on them.

 

Organizing Checklist for March

Spring arrives this month, at least on the calendar. For those living in 4 season zones, it may be too cold to think about outdoor activities, but when the warm weather does arrive you want to be ready.
• This is the time to get indoor tasks finished so you can enjoy the outdoors as soon as the warm weather is here. Whatever the project, do not let it drag on or remain unfinished until next winter.  You may want and wait on cleaning windows until after the spring pollen has subsided.
• Review the attic space and determine if any items can be removed to sell, donate or pass on to family or friends. The rush to clean up after the holidays is usually not a good time to purge that space but you should do it before the summer sun makes it impossible.
It is best to store items in air tight containers in order to discourage pests from getting into them. Do not store photographs, candles and some plastic items as the attic heat will ruin them
• Clean out the garage. Hopefully you have made room for probably your most expensive investment other than your children or house—the automobile. If not, consider a renovation that includes space to park it there.

Create zones for the items you store in the garage and keep as many off the floor as you can. Separate sporting equipment, gardening items, cleaning supplies, tools and other hobby equipment.
• Get your summer furniture clean and ready to use. As soon as warm weather arrives, you want to be able to enjoy it. If you do not have a covered deck or porch, cover it after cleaning in the event an early spring storm should arrive.
• This is a good time to consider the possibility of having a yard or tag sale. It is never too early to plan and prepare for one. As you clean these areas and move out winter items later on, you have the opportunity to sort and price items that would be good to sell. Any items that remain after the sale can be donated to a local charity or thrift store.
• As the the month comes to an end and days are longer and warmer, remove the heaviest clothing, bedding, etc. for summer storage. This may mean to the back of the closet, to another closet or storage area, or out of the house permanently. If they will be part of a future yard sale, store them in the area set aside for that.