Click on this link to access the Organizing Tips: Planning Ahead for Gift Giving October 2011 newsletter.

PROBLEM: I never know what to do with
buttons that have fallen off my garments.

SOLUTION: First reflect on if you ever sew
them back on or if you have the commitment
to sew them back on. If the answer is “no”
give yourself permission to not keep the
buttons. If you do sew them back on (when
you can find the buttons) here are two different
solutions. Solution one, pin the button to the
garment. Solution two, create a home for your
buttons. Put a pin or paperclip through the
button and attached some masking tape where
you jot down the name of article and the year
the button fell off.

HINT: Attach the tape in such a way that you
can get the button off the pin or paper clip.

PROBLEM: I can’t find anything in my
glove compartment.

SOLUTION: Decide what is important for
you to have in the glove compartment. For
things that stay, put like things together
and find a way to contain them. For example,
all directions go in one envelope and all
medical information (medications, allergies)
goes in another.

HINT: This site has suggestions of things
you might want and not want to keep in your
glove compartment.
www.nationwide.com/about-us/glove-box-items.jsp

PROBLEM: I have piles of mail everywhere.

SOLUTION: Determine the tools you use to
process the mail. You might use a combination
of tools off this list: computer, calendar, files,
glasses, letter opener, recycle and shred bins,
to-do list. Once you know what you need try
and establish homes for these tools that are
close to each other. If some of the tools are
mobile (laptop computer, glasses, to do list)
simply collect them before you begin to process
the mail. Now that your tools are handy and
ready to use you can effectively process your
papers, which will lead to less piles around
the house.

HINT: Establish a home for incoming mail as
well.