Click on this link to access the Organizing Tips: Tis the Season of Giving – December 2010 newsletter

PROBLEM – I like to bake, especially my chocolate
bars, but finding all the ingredients in my pantry
takes all the fun away.

SOLUTION – Put all your baking supplies in a
container (or a few containers) so that when you
are ready to bake you can pull out the container
and have some fun.

HINT – If there is a certain something that you
bake all the time, like chocolate bars, put all of
the specific ingredients together in one container.

PROBLEM – I have a drawer that is full and overflowing
with toiletries. It is hard for me to find what I am looking
for in the morning as I am rushing to get ready for the
day.

SOLUTION – Find some sort of container and
put your regularly used toiletries in this container. If you
like a clear dresser or sink area put this container into a
drawer. In the morning you can easily pull out the container
which has everything that you need and it is all in one place.
The items go back in the container and the container can
easily be put back in the drawer.

HINT – Only put regularly used items in the container. That
way your container doesn’t become frustratingly full.

PROBLEM – I like to return my old bottles and cans
to the grocery store to get my refund, but my bottles
and cans get mixed in with my curb side recycling.
I grudgingly push my bin to the street and wave my
refund goodbye.

SOLUTION – In the kitchen, hallway, or closet set up
two recycling receptacles. One for curbside and one
for grocery store. For the grocery store recycling,
make sure you line the container with a plastic bag.
That way, when the container gets full, you can simply
tie up the bag and put it in the trunk of your car.
The next time you’re at the grocery store your recycling
is ready to be returned for your refund.

HINT – Look at the costs and benefits of taking the time
to return the bottles and cans. If the refund is worth it -
great, set up a system and do it! If the time, energy, and
space for the bottles and cans seems to outweigh the
amount of your refund, cut yourself a break and put the
bottles in with the curbside recycling.