Organizing

____ November 1 Review your health coverage for changes that may need to be made. In many of the plans, November is the month when employees are able to adjust their coverage. Take the time now to review yours and be ready for the next year.

____ November 2 Don't forget that today is the day we finally get that hour of sleep back, or is it daylight? In any case, at 2:00 AM on November 2nd, turn your clocks back one hour.

____ November 3 Has your family been given their flu shots this year? Every year it is surprising how many lives can be saved merely by spending a few minutes of your time getting a shot. Most doctors' offices and clinics take walk-ins for flu shots. Take the family in now and be prepared.

____ November 4 Gather exactly 10 items you no longer use and/or love. Drive them over to your local charity organization.

____ November 5 Now is a good time to test and replace all the batteries in your smoke detectors. Sometimes we forget that such a simple task can make all the difference in the world. We can't let ourselves get complacent, so take the time now to test and replace those smoke detector batteries (also those CO2 batteries if you already have those installed).

____ November 6 Do you use your fireplace? Do you have a wood stove, or a pellet stove? Now is a good time to have your chimneys and/or flues inspected and cleaned if necessary. Believe it or not, there are chimney sweeps even in this day and age!

____ November 7 Are you hosting Thanksgiving? Are you providing the whole meal, or asking guests to bring a part of the meal? Start now with planning your menu and lining up your guests to bring parts of it. If you are one who likes to know what is coming, assign dishes. If you are okay if you end up with a turkey and pumpkin pie, go truly ‘pot luck'.

____ November 8 Still have some outdoor chores hanging on? Now is a good time to drain any garden hoses still in the yard, and store them away for the winter. If you live in a colder climate, put one of the insulating covers over your outside faucets to help prevent freezing.

____ November 9 If you are blessed with a warm climate, or even a warm day with little wind, go ahead and start hanging your holiday lights. You'll be that much further ahead for the Christmas season. And it's likely to be warmer early in the month as opposed to later.

____ November 10 Have you had your carpets professionally cleaned this past year? If not, now is a good time to get that scheduled so that your home is in tip-top shape for holiday entertaining.

____ November 11 If you live in a colder climate, you know how those winter winds can quickly whistle through. Take time now to install plastic sheeting on the inside of your windows to help conserve energy and keep your home a bit toastier this winter. These kits can be purchased at most home improvement stores and many department stores. You'll be very thankful that you devoted a few hours later this winter as you're snuggled in.

____ November 12 Take the time now to pull out your refrigerator and vacuum the condenser coils. Is yours a sealed unit? Pull the grate off the front and vacuum underneath where dust tends to accumulate. You'll extend the life of your refrigerator.

____ November 13 Teach your child(ren) both organizing and generosity in one day. Work with your child to pick and choose 5 (or more) toys that are no longer played with. Then, together, bring those toys to a local orphanage or your favorite charitable organization.

____ November 14 Clean out all the items in your refrigerator that are expired or otherwise no longer identifiable.

____ November 15 Do you have many holiday events scheduled from now through the end of the year? Now, before you actually need them, is a great time to plan out what outfits you will be needing. You also have time now to decide if you need to make any repairs, or purchases to supplement your wardrobe and get ready for the season.

____ November 16 Review your Christmas card list for the coming Christmas season. Are you paring down, adding to, updating? Now is the time to take care of all of that. While you are at it, it wouldn't hurt at all to review your gift list also. Many of us want to simplify things this time of year, and when you are not frazzled by the stress of go, go, go is a great time to take care of this.

____ November 17 Are you going to be trying new recipes this season? Are you going with tried and true? In either case now is a great time to review which recipes you may want to use. If you have a new one to try, prepare it now, to avoid surprises later.

____ November 18 Now that you have reviewed your recipes, this is a great time to do an inventory of your pantry. You still have plenty of time to stock up without having to do it all at once. It somehow seems easier when we can do it just a bit at a time.

____ November 19 Are you finding that you are overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff around you? Take a block of time, whether it be 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes or more, and declutter the hottest spot. The hottest spot would be the one that bothers you most. Go in with 3 bags, one marked donate, one marked trash, and another marked elsewhere. Finish your block of time, then put the trash bag in the trash, the donate bag in the trunk, and then spend a few minutes putting the elsewhere stuff where it belongs. It's amazing what a difference this makes!

____ November 20 Does your family love holiday cookies but your time for baking is almost nil? Organize a cookie exchange with friends. This leaves each of you with baking 3 dozen of only one type of cookie. Each participant takes home 3 dozen assorted cookies.The exchange meeting could be at a local coffee house, or at your home. This is a nice way to relax with friends, with a take home gift for each one.

____ November 21 Organize the coat closet. Donate any coats, jackets and outerwear that no longer fit or you no longer like wearing. Sort each person's smaller items, like gloves and hats, into their own special plastic, lidded container. Get all the shoes and boots strewn all over the closet floor, onto shoe racks. Add hangers so guests have something to hang their winter coats on when they visit--or add a coat rack to your entranceway for the season.

____ November 22 Do you have an emergency escape plan for your family? We all know we should have one, and likely each one of us has one of sorts. Take time as a family to review and practice your family's emergency escape plan.

____ November 23 As it gets closer to Thanksgiving, now is the time to make sure your guest room (or rooms) is ready for guests. Take a few minutes to change sheets, update any hospitality items you may have, or, even set up a hospitality basket for your guests. Just think about what you'd like to find in a hospitality basket and make one up for your guests. Some possibilities are travel-size shampoos, a small bottle of mouthwash, hand lotion, a few chocolates and a bottled water.

____ November 24 Now is the day to take your turkey out of the freezer and start it thawing in the fridge. Safety guidelines recommend thawing for about 3 days in the fridge for the safest method of thawing. If you start this morning, you should have a safely thawed bird by Thursday.

____ November 25 Start now to stock up on necessities you will run out of more quickly during the holiday visiting, such as bath tissue, paper towels, facial tissues, etc.

____ November 26 It's getting down to the wire so today is the time to finalize all of your Thanksgiving plans. You've been so organized that it should merely be a double check to make sure that something hasn't slipped through the cracks.

____ November 27 THANKSGIVING DAY. Take the day to enjoy your family, give thanks for your blessings, and enjoy.

____ November 28 Are you one of the marathon ‘Day After Thanksgiving' shoppers? This is the day you've trained for. But, in all the madness and hustle and bustle, don't forget to be kind to yourself. Take breaks, and keep yourself well hydrated all day.

____ November 29 Today would be a great day to begin decorating for Christmas. Go through your storage bins and start decorating.

____ November 30 Take time today to plan special family-only days in December. You should have a very good idea by now what your overall schedule will be in December, so schedule those times with the family on your calendar now. Keep in mind that it doesn't have to be elaborate. A family game night or a family movie night gives you the opportunity to recharge, relax and enjoy each other!

____ October 1 Take a drive in the country and see the changing of leaves into beautiful colors of gold, red, orange and yellow.

____ October 2 When the seasons change, it can throw our internal systems off and we become more susceptible to colds and flu. This is the time of year to increase your intake of Vitamin C and get enough sleep.

____ October 3 Launder heavier winter blankets and comforters in anticipation of the cooler autumn days coming up. To ensure maximum performance, turn your mattress at least twice a year.

____ October 4 Learn how to compost those kitchen scraps and leaves to fertilize the garden and flower beds next year.

____ October 5 Go German for Oktoberfest today by taking a friend to dinner for German cuisine.

____ October 6 Pick up a few apples at an orchard and bake a fresh apple pie.

____ October 7 If you want to do something different for the upcoming weekend, take in the excitement of a high school or college football game.

____ October 8 Increase fresh vegetables in your diet by stopping at a local farmers market.

____ October 9 Make sure that if you have any backup heating sources, such as a gas fireplace or wood stove, they are in good working order before winter.

____ October 10 This is not a fun thing to do, but it is necessary. Clean your gutters and downspouts.

____ October 11 Begin preparing your holiday budget and shopping list. Christmas is only two months away.

____ October 12 Now is a good time for a seasonal closet overhaul to keep your closets in order and free from overflow. Go through all your closets and pantry to remove clutter. Make sure seasonal clothing is stored properly.

____ October 13 Designate today as a day for you. Do something you have been meaning to do for some time but have not done, or just do something spontaneous.

____ October 14 It’s time to take a few minutes to clean out your overflowing email inbox. Avoid getting that message 'Your mailbox is over its limit.'

____ October 15 Clear your dining room table of all papers, mail, and other clutter. Gather fall leaves, acorns, nuts and berries and make a table arrangement or wreath for fall to display on the table once it's cleared off.

____ October 16 National Boss Day is celebrated today. Say 'thank you' to your boss(es). If you're the boss, do something nice for your employees in honor of your special day to show your generosity towards them.

____ October 17 Make a homemade pot of chili or soup. It will hit the spot on cool evenings.

____ October 18 Celebrate Sweetest Day with your sweetie(s).

____ October 19 Wash silk plants while they can still dry outside. You can spray silk plants with a hose or with the nozzle in the shower.

____ October 20 Radon Action Week is the third full week in October. The EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools, and other buildings for radon. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in the U.S.

____ October 21 Candy and treats are on sale now for Halloween. If you have a number of children coming to your home for trick or treat, make sure to have an adequate amount of treats on hand.

____ October 22 Check seals and weather stripping around doors and windows to prevent drafts and bugs from getting into your home.

____ October 23 Check to see if you need anything new for the upcoming winter season like coats, gloves, boots, hats, etc. If so, add these items to the budget.

____ October 24 Visit your community or a neighboring community’s fall festival. Plan a family outing to a place you have never been and enjoy the best of the season.

____ October 25 This is a good time to go camping and/or take a hike. It’s not too hot and it’s not too cold.

____ October 26 Carve and decorate a pumpkin or make pumpkin pie.

____ October 27 Get in the mood for Halloween by catching a horror or mystery movie on television or at the theater.

____ October 28 A hot topic right now is 'going green.' Learn more about how you can go green. A simple thing, like switching to canvass shopping bags versus plastic, can make a big difference.

____ October 29 Have you told a loved one that you love them lately? If you have not, take the time to tell someone you love them today.

____ October 30 Get your car winterized and ready for the upcoming season.

____ October 31 Have a fun and safe Halloween!

____ September 1 Prepare a back to school kit for kids that includes paper, pens, pencils, markers, glue and other important back to school items.

____ September 2 Go through your medicine cabinet and throw out no longer used or expired medications. Find out about proper disposal methods for your area.

____ September 3 Enjoy the last of the summer days. Spend some time outside enjoying the sun with your loved ones. Fly a kite, throw a Frisbee, enjoy a walk, or play hopscotch or jump rope.

____ September 4 Order, buy or make your Christmas cards now. If you start addressing one or two a day, you will be done well before the Christmas rush.

____ September 5 Launder all blankets, quilts, and heavy sheets in order to prepare for the chilly nights to come.

____ September 6 Wash the outside of the house or windows before the weather gets super cold.

____ September 7 Make a non-perishable donation to a food shelter or women’s shelter in your community.

____ September 8 Clean or replace make up brushes that can be full of cosmetics and oils.

____ September 9 This month is National Preparedness Month. Create a Family Emergency Kit that includes items such as canned foods, bottled water, a can opener, first aid, extra prescriptions, and batteries. Make sure to be prepared for your pets too.

____ September 10 Ensure you have a rake and bags to collect leaves. Start cleaning up debris in your yard.

____ September 11 ALWAYS REMEMBER (Hang your American Flag out today) Clean and get your leaf blower and snow blower serviced and ready to go.

____ September 12 Dust off and organize one bookshelf in your home.

____ September 13 Weed out any summer clothes that are torn, stained, not worn, or no longer fit. Do not pack them away. Donate them.

____ September 14 Schedule any doctor or dentist appointments that have been forgotten.

____ September 15 Buy or make Halloween costumes for yourself or your kids. Make sure you are prepared with containers to collect candy, batteries, flashlights, face make-up, tights, or any other costume accessories.

____ September 16 Start preparing a gift list for Christmas including sizes, colors, and how much you plan to spend on everyone.

____ September 17 Weed out three file folders, make sure to shred anything with sensitive information.

____ September 18 Clean out your automatic coffee maker. Run white vinegar and water through it. Rinse thoroughly.

____ September 19 Donate three books to a charity, school, or library.

____ September 20 Deep clean your shower until it sparkles.

____ September 21 Weed out your purse or wallet of any torn or out of date papers, garbage, and discount cards, etc.

____ September 22 Do a paint touch up for any place in your home that needs it. Keep any old paint away from dampness or cold. Make sure you keep a sample of the color for any future touch-ups.

____ September 23 Clean out your oven and the burners.

____ September 24 Empty your email inbox’s. Remember to also empty the trash folders.

____ September 25 Take care of yourself and do something just for you today. Enjoy a cup of tea, a magazine, a bubble bath, a new hair cut, or a manicure.

____ September 26 Toss any old socks that are missing their mates.

____ September 27 Family movie or game night. Enjoy some quality time with your friends or family.

____ September 28 Clean off one horizontal surface in your house such as your desk, night-table, dining table, end table, or coffee table.

____ September 29 Return one borrowed item.

____ September 30 Recycle all old newspapers and magazines.

____ August 1 Start the month off clean and fresh. Toss any old food from your refrigerator and cabinets.

____ August 2 If you have a fireplace, consider calling a chimney sweep and scheduling your annual cleaning. Some places will offer a discount to have it done in the summer rather than the busy winter months.

____ August 3 Time to flip your mattress! Get some help the next time you strip the bed and both flip and also rotate the mattress head to toe. This will help it wear more evenly.

____ August 4 Treat yourself to some ME time. Pour yourself a cold drink and sneak off with a good book or watch your favorite TV show for a little while. The world will wait.

____ August 5 Gently remove and dust all of your lamp shades and light fixture covers. It’s easy to forget these in your day to day cleaning.

____ August 6 Make a special trip to your local roadside produce stand or farmer’s market. There’s no better time of the year to sample fresh fruits and vegetables.

____ August 7 Go to your local library or bookstore and find a book about something you've never thought of reading before. Step outside your usual habits and you might learn something fascinating.

____ August 8 Tackle one junk drawer. See how many things you can toss in 10 minutes. Then pull out 10 things that belong elsewhere in the house and return them to their proper homes.

____ August 9 Clean out the trunk of your car. You'll be happy the next time you go to the grocery store and there’s room for your new purchases.

____ August 10 Check and make sure that your pets are up-to-date on their check ups and shots. If not, schedule an appointment for them.

____ August 11 Even if you don't have kids, this is a perfect time to stock up on back-to-school supplies like tape, pens, paper, highlighters, etc. There are some fantastic sales out there now!

____ August 12 Take 30 minutes, walk around your house and jot down a note about anything that needs to be fixed or tended to. If you have time, sit down and make a plan to take care of some of them.

____ August 13 Call a friend you haven't talked to for a while--just to say hi!

____ August 14 If you garden a lot, take all of your pruning shears to be sharpened.

____ August 15 Check the filters in your house – A/C unit, furnace, etc. Replace if needed.

____ August 16 If you keep baking soda in the fridge and freezer, change them out with fresh ones and pour the old one down the sink drain to freshen it.

____ August 17 Check to make sure that all of your regular bills are paid for the month.

____ August 18 Changed the oil in your car lately? 3000 miles goes by quickly. If it’s been that long, make an appointment to have it done.

____ August 19 Take all of your houseplants out to the backyard (or tub) and spritz gently with water to clean off the leaves. A lot of dust on the leaves keeps the plant from breathing properly.

____ August 20 Look through your pantry for any boxes that have impending expiration dates. Things like Bisquick, cake mixes and muffin mixes don't last much past their use-by dates. Make a plan to use them up.

____ August 21 Haven't balanced your checkbook in a while? Now is an excellent time to catch up.

____ August 22 Check your wallet to see if you have any unused gift cards. A large number of them are paid for but never redeemed. Don't let them go to waste!

____ August 23 Have a cheap movie night. Pop some popcorn and watch a movie on TV!

____ August 24 Check the due date on your library books and make sure they get back on time.

____ August 25 Pull out 3 pairs of shoes and give them a quick spiff and shine.

____ August 26 Grab the window cleaner and clean all of the mirrors and TVs in the house.

____ August 27 Check your flashlights to see if the batteries are working. Make sure you have enough so that each family member has one easily accessible in case of a power outage.

____ August 28 Check your digital camera to see if the battery is charged and there is room on the memory chip before the holiday weekend.

____ August 29 If you have an emergency supply kit, check everything and replenish your food supplies. If you don't have one, do some research on how to make one. Natural disasters can hit anytime, anywhere.

____ August 30 Make plans for a fun Labor Day!

____ August 31 Look over all of your summer clothes and pull out the things you never wore this season. Evaluate if it’s time to donate those items rather than pack them away for another year.