Time-Saving Tips to Get Organized

Time-Saving Tip #4
During TV commercials or if you have four minutes in the family room

• Organize a DVD shelf or book shelf, and make a donation pile of movies your kids have outgrown and books you won't read again.


• Venture under the couch to hunt dust bunnies.


• Put all toys (including the dog's) in a toy box or basket in the corner of the room.


• Recycle old magazines, and put those you intend to read in the magazine rack.


• Do some quick calisthenics so you don't feel like such a couch potato.

• Organize the sock and underwear drawer, tossing anything that no longer fits or just doesn't look wearable anymore.


• Put all stray stuffed animals into baskets.


• Turn down the bed, pull down the shade and turn on a lamp. You're all ready for bedtime stories.


• Put all stray tapes and CDs into their cases. To get your child involved, buy a colorful plastic carrying case for him to store his lullaby and playtime music in.


• Donna suggests laying out an outfit for the next day, ready for your child's approval or a quick switch. This will save time during the morning rush.

• Bring a trash bag and pick up all cups, napkins and litter in the car.


• Pay bills: store statements, envelopes, checkbook, register, envelopes and stamps in an accordion file with handle.


• Schedule dental and doctor appointments, order prescription refills, confirm appointments.


• Donna suggests organizing the interior of your car, including the glove compartment and the catch-all netting on the seat backs.

• Write a to-do list for the next day.


• Make a quick phone call to schedule an appointment you've been putting off.


• "Look at the supermarket magazines and see if you can find any organizing tips," says organizing expert Maria.


• Organize your purse — put stray coupons in the side pocket, check hand lotion bottles to see if they're empty, throw out candy wrappers and old store receipts.

• Organize your social life: make a lunch date with a friend you haven't seen in a while.


• Tackle your "should-do" list: write a thank-you note or a card to a friend; call your mother.


• Close your eyes, practice deep breathing and organize your thoughts.


• Check out the health magazines that are mainstays of a doctor's office. Learn something new about your kidneys, or some great exercise tips.


• Bring a tote bag with a couple of sewing repair projects.

• Organize your e-mail: create file folders that make sense and delete spam.


• Go through paper file folders one a time, looking for outdated papers to toss or shred. Mark where you left off for next time.


• Send a virtual greeting card from your computer to let someone know you care.


• Run the virus scan or disk defragmenter on your computer to keep it healthy.


• Go through your file of tax deduction receipts and paper-clip those in the same category to simplify the process next April.