Your July 2011 Home Organizing Checklist

____ Jul 1 Yes, it's early, but start planning your Christmas list now. When back-to-school sales start next month, you can take advantage of some of the sales to get your Christmas shopping taken care of early.

____ Jul 2 Take the family to a U-Pick farm and stock up on fruits and veggies to put into the freezer. Most are very easy to prepare for freezing. You'll really appreciate the fruit in the winter!

____ Jul 3 Clean out your garage. Get rid of the junk and organize the rest into zones, i.e. lawn care, sports equipment, gardening tools, etc.

____ Jul 4 Today is a chore choice day. Do something productive in the morning. Enjoy a safe and happy 4th the rest of the day!

____ Jul 5 Patch any holes in your driveway. July is typically a dry month so this is a great time to get this kind of outdoor activity taken care of.

____ Jul 6 Do you have toxic waste, like old paint or solvents? Check with your local government on how to safely dispose of it and do that.

____ Jul 7 Open the windows and get some of that indoor painting done. With hot, dry days it will dry quickly. To minimize fumes, try to buy low VOC paint.

____ Jul 8 If your deck is looking a little grungy, give it a power wash. Follow up the cleaning with a deck sealer to protect the wood. Composite deck materials need different care so check with your local home store to get the best way to clean it.

____ Jul 9 If going on vacation, install timers on lights throughout the house. It gives the appearance that the home is occupied. Also arrange for lawn care to avoid the look of an empty house.

____ Jul 10 Plan a menu for the coming week and shop according to your menu. This simplifies the week by having plans made with supplies on hand, and avoids the temptation to eat out.

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____ Jul 11 Check to make sure you have the latest version of anti-virus software on your computer. In addition, make sure it has the latest virus definitions installed.

____ Jul 12 Go through your catalogs and phone books. Recycle any that aren't the most current. Be sure to shred anything with your name and address or other personal information on it.

____ Jul 13 Clean out your car and give it a thorough vacuuming. Then take it to the car wash to give it a bath.

____ Jul 14 Call your dentist to schedule cleanings and call your doctor to schedule physicals now to avoid delays closer to school starting.

____ Jul 15 Sort through your craft supplies. Consider donating extras, or those you know you won't use to nursing homes or a senior center.

____ Jul 16 Wipe down all door knobs, phones, remotes and your computer mouse with a disinfecting wipe to help avoid summer colds.

____ Jul 17 Pick an unfinished project to finish today. Whether a craft or a diy project, just get it done.

____ Jul 18 Clean the vent on your dryer. Clean the vent both inside the house and the outside vent. This helps prevent fires!

____ Jul 19 Go through your books. As you sort, put unwanted books in a box to donate. Bring them to a library or charity.

____ Jul 20 Have a cluttered play list on your DVR? Make a big bowl of popcorn and have a family TV night.

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____ Jul 21 Tighten up loose screws on cabinet pulls, drawer pulls and door knobs in your house.

____ Jul 22 Have a ripe trash can? Now is a great time to wash it out and disinfect it.

____ Jul 23 After a visit to a farmers market, make a batch of freezer jam with your fruit of choice.

____ Jul 24 Going on vacation? Make sure to arrange for your mail to be picked up each day or put in a request at the post office to hold your mail until you return.

____ Jul 25 Clean out the fridge. Plan dinner based on leftovers and toss the items that are beyond saving. Wipe down jars and containers before putting them back on the shelf.

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____ Jul 26 Get all the mirrors in your house bright and shiny. Clean with a damp microfiber cloth. Polish dry with a dry microfiber cloth.

____ Jul 27 Give the kitchen counters a good cleaning. Use a mild bleach solution to disinfect.

____ Jul 28 Review your cell phone bill and make sure you are using what you are paying for. It will be worth the effort to make sure you are getting full value for your hard-earned money.

____ Jul 29 Go through your checkbook and record all checks, debit charges and deposits. Balance by reconciling with your statement.

____ Jul 30 Go through the kids' closets and make sure everything fits. Pass on what doesn't fit and then start planning for back to school purchases.

____ Jul 31 When was the last time you replaced your toothbrushes? Buy new ones for every family member and toss out the old. Give your toothbrush holders a good cleaning and disinfecting before putting the new toothbrushes in.

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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!

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