Your October 2009 Home Organizing Checklist

Do an autumn cleaning.

If you don't have a carbon monoxide detector get one.

Shred excess yard leaves to use as mulch as the winter weather rolls in.

Change your dining table centerpiece to reflect fall.

Give you washing machine and cleaning. Add a cup of vinegar to a hot water wash (no clothing or soap). This will clean out hard water residue.

Get out your slow cooker for soups and stews.

Clean up your email inbox.

Treat your leather shoes for the rainy weather (if you live in a wet climate area)

Use an old toothbrush and clean around the faucet areas in all the sinks in your home.

Clean and pack away fans. Remove the dust from the blades and if possible pull off the base so they are easier to store.

Want tons of great ideas for getting organized at home and in the office? Check out my new books, Finally Organized, Finally Free for the Home and Finally Organized, Finally Free for the Office. Now available in both print and digital PDF format.

Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors

Turn your mattresses this month.

Exercise. Really. It's good for you. All you need is a 15 minute walk.

Start your holiday preparations. Plan meals and order any special items you may need.

Give your hands a treatment. If you've been working hard they are probably in need of some TLC. Trim your nails, rub some oil into the cuticles and smooth on some rich lotion.

Spruce up your meal planning. Add in some new meals or test out one of the many available programs.

Take advantage of end of summer sales. Pick up sandals, t-shirts etc at rock bottom prices for next year.

Do a craft or bake some cookies with your children.

Have your car tires checked. You'll be glad you did when the cold weather hits.

Try a new recipe.

Review your budget. Now is the time to get your spending in order.

Plant your spring bulbs.

Check your emergency preparedness kit. Add a hand crank flashlight and radio if you don't have one in there.

Do you have leftover garage sale items that didn't sell? Donate them to charity. Remove the clutter.

Send a "thinking about you" card to a friend.

Dust. If you haven't done it in a while get at it. If you've been keeping up with dusting good for your and don't forget to dust the ceilings and front and back porch ceilings.

Get a fire extinguisher if you don't already have one.

Did your candles get little use during summer? Clean off the dust with a little denatured alcohol.

Wear your apron and if you don't have one get a snazzy new apron to take housekeeping chores to a new fashion level.

Take a deep breath. The holiday season is officially here!