February 2011 Home Organizing Checklist

Here is your February 2011 home organizing checklist

____ Feb 1 Time to start prepping for gardening. Start planning your garden so you know what you want to plant. Order your seeds now. By the way, do you have a forsythia bush in your yard? Cut a few branches and bring them inside. Trim the cut edge under running water and put into a vase of water. Change the water regularly and in about 3 weeks you'll have blooms!

____ Feb 2 Defuzz sweaters, as needed, with a battery operated pill remover or a fine tooth comb.

____ Feb 3 Planning a special Valentine's Day? Make reservations now to make sure you are able to get them. If you send cards, buy them now.

____ Feb 4 Do you have a washer that smells bad? Run a cycle with the machine empty. Just add a cup of white vinegar to the machine and use hot water. No more odor.

____ Feb 5 Take two microfiber cloths, one wet, one dry, and clean all of the mirrors in your home. Use the wet one to clean and the dry one to buff dry. They'll shine like new.

____ Feb 6 Using a wet cloth, wipe down baseboards and door frames in your home. You'll be surprised at how much nicer the room looks just by this simple exercise.

____ Feb 7 Pull out any winter clothes you haven't worn yet this winter and put them into a donation bag. Chances are if you haven't worn them yet, you won't.

____ Feb 8 Take a duster and dust light bulbs in your home. They'll work more efficiently and give off more light!

____ Feb 9 Wash pet bedding and plush toys in your washer. Wash pet dishes in the dishwasher.

____ Feb 10 If your area is prone to power outages it's a good idea to check the status of batteries in flashlights, and your candle supply. Make sure you have them in convenient, easy to find places in case of an outage.

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____ Feb 11 Do you have a routine set for household chores? If so, check to make sure that it is working for you. If not, tweak it until it does work. If you don't have one, now would be a good time to start one.

____ Feb 12 Messy microwave? Heat a bowl of water and lemon juice for 5 minutes. Wipe out spills with a damp cloth. For stubborn stains, use a bit of baking soda for scrubbing.

____ Feb 13 Go through your home and make sure your insurance coverage is adequate for your needs. Update your insurance as necessary based on your inventory.

____ Feb 14 Enjoy today. Make it a special day for you and that special someone.

____ Feb 15 Clean out the fridge. Declare it leftover day and use up the leftovers before you have to throw them out.

____ Feb 16 Inventory your pantry. Make a list of staples you use on a regular basis. Donate those that you don't use and that are still good. Toss the expired ones. Add to your list any staples that need replacing.

____ Feb 17 Having trouble finding your scarves and gloves? On the backside of your closet door, hang a shoe organizer. They come in plastic and canvas. The pockets are perfect for stowing scarves and gloves and even some hats.

____ Feb 18 Put together a 'green' cleaning kit of baking soda, white vinegar, salt, liquid soap, spray bottles, microfiber cloths, a toilet brush, newspaper, a bucket and boom and dustpan. You can ‘google’ green recipes using the above items.

____ Feb 19 Clean the lint out from your dryer exhaust vent. Your dryer will operate more efficiently, taking less time to dry clothes. Plus, you reduce the risk of fire.

____ Feb 20 Clean and sharpen your yard tools to be ready for spring. Get your lawn mower serviced.

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____ Feb 21 Clean out and organize your purse.

____ Feb 22 Has your dining table become a dumping ground for everything and anything? Clean it off and put a nice table cloth on it with some flowers in a vase. The nicer it looks, the less likely you are to use it as a catch-all.

____ Feb 23 Clean up your entry way and make it inviting and welcoming for all who step in to your home.

____ Feb 24 Go through your makeup and toss out expired items. It's easy to find out how long it's safe to keep things with a quick online search.

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____ Feb 25 Do you keep a list of medications and supplements that you take daily? If so, make sure it is up to date and get a copy to your doctor and pharmacist. If you don't have one, it's a good thing to do so that you know what you take. Doctors especially appreciate one that's been neatly prepared.

____ Feb 26 Clean off your bedside table of anything that you don't use every night.

____ Feb 27 Plan a menu for the next month. Try to make sure that you can get double meals from one meat purchase. It's nice to have planned leftovers.

____ Feb 28 Update your home first aid kit. Replace any items that have been used up or have expired.

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by Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now! FREE Idea-Pak and E-zine filled with tips, ideas, articles and more to help you organize your home, your office and your life at the Get Organized Now! Web site!