Instruction Manuals, Warrenties, and Reciepts Oh My!

As I most certainly can relate, knowing where to find the paperwork for your electronics and appliances is really important when it comes to saving your self; stress, time, and money. Many of us buy the warranties on computers and our devices also have a lifetime warranties, but we've thrown out the paper work, or are unable to find it. You are only going to make the most of  these warranties and get what you pay for, if you can locate the papers. Having a filing system that works and a go to spot for these is key.

Start by going through your house and rounding the paper work into one pile. You'd be surprised how much you find, even the smallest devices like pedometers have limited warranties.  You should be looking for purchase or repair receipts, manuals, proof of warranties or anything else that might apply to an item.

Next go through the pile and verify that you actually still own the items for which you have paperwork. If not shred it.
Your next move is to designate and clear a spot tucked out of the way, but still allow you to find and put papers away easily.

Choose a filing system that fits both the space and your preference. Try accordion folders for small spaces, and small file boxes. These work great for pantry's, living room cabinets, or closets. Other options can include part of a filing cabinet, binders, archiving boxes, or even fire proof boxes. Whatever works for you!

Filing- Label each folder clearly and in large enough print that a person can read it quickly. Most recent repairs or work on anything should go in the front of a file.

Start by giving each computer in your house hold its own folder. These tend to have several pieces of paper and need to be kept separate from each other for clarity. I try to keep all the set up discs as well with these. It is also a good idea to make a copy of the lap top bottom with all the numbers and info on it. I also make a copy of the receipt of purchase. I do this for almost all electronics. Includedshould also be any programs that you buy and install off the Internet like virus protection in these files.Printers should get their own group folder.
         *To distinguish paperwork for similar models and same brands. I take a highlighter and run it down the side edge of the paper giving it a pink tint or blue when looking at it from the side.

You should also have a folder for both large kitchen appliances, and small appliances, receipts, warranties, and manuals go here. Any time you replace track down the manual for the old and attach it to go with the item you are getting rid of.
Ipods and Mp3's,  can be lumped in with both cellular and land phones. There is not as much paper work but they fit well together.

It's alright to put all the TVs together in a file just invest in paper clips and try highlighting the edge of one side to differentiate paper work. I also include each cable or dish box pamphlet that accompanies each TV with it in the individual TV's paper work.

Game systems and accessories can be grouped in together. They are similar in style but different again to differentiate try the highlighting trick and paper clip. Rock band equipment and Wii fit tools apply here.

Home stuff, you can separate these into four folders. Try splitting the folders this way things you would take with you if you were to move and things that will stay were you to move.
    (These are the two indoor/outdoor folders of things you wont take with you)  Home repairs indoor should have its own file, this is for any work or repairs that is done to the inside of the house. Outdoors gets it's own, same as follows I would also keep a copy of paint colors and brand types that you used in each room, new counter tops you put in and even blinds, and items in your home . Should a repair be faulty or not work it is good to have the original paper work, also helps when trying to sell a house. Documentation is key when dealing with home buyers and insurance companies, also included would be faucet fixtures.
  (These are the two you would take with you)  Home indoor: should include information about floor lamps and furniture. Outdoor would include, lawn mower, snow blowers, and patio furniture.

Any Exercise equipment can go in a shared folder. Radios and stereos can be grouped together. Its always nice to have a misc. file for hard to place items like floor fans.

I recommend designated a box or binder just for cars because of all the different types of paperwork, keep this separate from this box.

Some times buying that warranty pays off especially with laptops but knowing where you put it can be a pain, establishing and keeping track of these things can only take about 15 minutes a month to up keep if that, and  assure you didn't buy the warranty in vain its worth knowing were it is!

Organization returns.

I know it has been a long time but I finally have my computer repaired and will be publishing again very soon! Thanks for waiting and sticking it out with me!

Keep This, Not That- College Edition

Moving home from college can be difficult with both parties adjusting to the new changes. Finding places for all the things that you managed to cram into your dorm over the last several years. You wonder how things ever fit in your dorm room yet alone your room. Trying to find places to put everything can be like trying to fit a semesters worth of information into your brain in one night, for finals. Let’s be real most of your things you won’t use again, and will end up either being donated, trashed, or permanently stored until you are forced by the rents to come take it off their hands. There are something’s that I wouldn’t discard just yet.

Repurpose :

Trash can, old use; catching trash and keeping beverages cold in your college youth. New use; don’t rule out the beverage cooler just yet (if it’s clean and washed out). You can turn this into a recycling can, something to store umbrellas, yoga mats, and other workout accessories. Children’s toys if you’re at that point in your life. Point is you can reuse a quality trash can to your advantage and store whatever you need it to, even if it’s that outdoor equipment or your spouse’s mounting collection of fishing poles.

College bedding, old use; snuggling and keeping you warm as you sleep through your 8 o’clock class. New use; chances are if it’s in good shape you can use it in a spare bedroom, as an extra blanket for downstairs and out of town guests. (Make sure you run comforters through industrial washer first.)If it’s not in the best shape you can always use it to cover and protect furniture for your moves, turn it into blankets for football games and other outdoor events.

Shower caddy, old use; toting your shower supplies back and forth between your municipal bathrooms. New use; corralling your bathroom supplies under your sink, or keeping craft projects together, nice for storing your gardening tools or weekend warrior tools and gadgets.

Other things to keep:

Plastic bins and over the back storage containers. Are some of those things that if they survive the wear and tear of college you should try to hold onto. You can reuse these and place them just about anywhere in the house to help organize your life and make locating things easier.

Lounge arm chair, that you bought, as post college graduate, I have to say it’s a must have for those sick bed days.

Fridge, having another fridge on hand can be handy, whether you still use it for housing your beer or are now using it to store food you buy in bulk. Mine is in the garage cooling our beverages.

Futon, as long as it’s at a reasonable height off the ground you shouldn’t have a problem. These make great impromptu couches and beds for guests. It almost always comes in handy.

Message board, you’re not done with it yet, it can now stand duty in your kitchen, for; to do lists, groceries, phone messages, and notes.

College texts, hold on to any books, you think might come in handy with your line or work. They’re a great reference point for interviews or just reviewing something, but dump anything you don’t think you can use after one year. Continue to pare down the paper work you hold onto from college until you’re at the bare essentials.

What not to keep:

At this point most of these things had a lot of tear and wear and are not in the best shape you can be the judge but most things that get tossed. That or they should probably not accompany you home as you start your professional career.

The chair or couch you bought from goodwill and looks like it just finished a fourth tour in World War III.

Carpet, you spilled on it, walked on it, and hardly ever vacuumed it so it’s looking worse than Shaggy on Scooby Doo before his yearly haircut.

Bath towels, it’s time for new bath towels, those are probably slightly ratty, and your older now it’s time to invest in quality bath towels.

Anything you wore to a themed frat party, you probably wouldn’t and shouldn’t wear it out in public, and it’s only going to take up valuable space in your closet, so toss it.

Organization Questions to Ask Yourself

Try not to spend more than two minutes on an item and the room. Ask yourselves the questions before you touch it, handling the item can provoke feelings of needing the item making it harder to de-clutter.

Room:
What is this room used for?

Can you get to everything you need?

Is it easy for others to find things in common shared rooms?

What do you like about the room?

What don't you like about the room?

What would you change and how?

Is there currently enough storage space?

What type of space do you have for storage and what type of storage do you want?

Where could you ad more?

Is the storage space that is there working for you?

Is there anything that shouldn't be in there?

Item:
How often do you use it?

Does it work properly?

Do you really need it?

Does it have a home?

Where do you put it now?

Is it easy to get too based on how often you use it?

Do you want to place this in storage with a lid or door?

At what height should you place it based on how heavy it is and often you use it?

Do you need it out on counters or shelves to access it?

When you reach into drawers and cabinet is it easy to grab what you are looking for?

Is it easy to put this item away?

Is your system of organization easy to follow?

Is there a better place for it?

Would you miss it if you got rid of it?

How many do you have, do you need?

Does the storage device for it work?

Does it need it be fixed and can it?

Could you place this item somewhere else?

When to pitch it/ Recycle it

It’s broken and can’t be fixed.

There’s a hole and there shouldn’t be.

Its trash

There’s no memory to it.

You don’t use it.

It’s not safe or worn out past the point of donation.

Mice or bugs have invaded.

Rust and mold damage that’s not fixable or removable.

The expiration date has passed.

It’s ripped or torn.

You no longer own the electronic the cords go to.

It’s out of date.

It doesn’t make you happy.

That odor won’t go away.

That stain keeps coming back

Hooked

Last week when shopping, I found a white metal flower over the door hook. The white doesn't really go with my color scheme. I bought the hook and painted it with Beyer latex paint. The fact that the hook was already pretreated was a big help because it allowed the new layer of paint to stick well. I only had to do one coat with a few tough ups.

Hooks are key for organization, it gets those clothes off the floor or beds. I also like to make sure I have a hook over the closet door when guests are staying it gives them a place to hang up their hanging clothes without having to stick the closet. I also have a large utility hook that I use to hang several outfits I have planed to wear that week.

What types of things do you use your hooks for? Please share any advice you might have!

The Perfect Bathroom

For me, the bathroom is my sanctuary; I can shut out the chaotic world, slow down and completely indulge in pampering myself. It’s the place I escape to relax and unwind at the end of the day. Therefore, it needs to carry the feeling of serenity. It should feel put together, things should be easy to locate. Moving around should be easy. Important bathroom must haves can include but are certainly not limited to:

De-cluttered

                It’s ok to be a minimalist in the bathroom, especially if you have the storage spaces. Having things nice and neatly organized makes finding your bathroom must haves much easier. I love to use clear storage bins so I can see what I am looking for. Plastic bags are also a nice way to group like items, and small boxes. Organizing your bathroom is another article. It’s easier to relax when things are organized. Consider your options; under the sink, the shower head caddy, over the toilet organizers, standing storage, medicine cabinet, edges of the tub, back of the door, or adding shelves can give you more space.

*A must is to get rid of any makeup or lotions that are past their expiration date. I actually got a cyst in my eye from extending the life of my contacts, mixing that with wearing expired mascara! Beware!

Proper lighting

                It’s important to have day lighting, for make-up application. This gives you an idea what your make -up will look like under day light and fluorescent. I also enjoy the dimming effect paired with scented candles for relaxing. Having natural day light can be refreshing. In the summer and spring months I like to open the windows to let fresh air in, and find it more relaxing then using the day lighting.

Seating

                Whether you’re putting your make-up/ lotion on, painting your nails, or just relaxing until the tub is full. Having a place to sit, other than the porcelain throne, can come in handy. I also use my chair to stash my book, or towels I plan to use.

Sweet Smelling Lye

                Assuming that it is mostly women who read this, it is geared toward the famine preference. For me scents need to be re-freshening and relaxing. I use my energizing scented soaps in the morning to kick start my day and my relaxing soaps at night to unwind. Candles also fall in this category, while there is no limit. Make sure to keep a lighting device somewhere out of view for safety and don’t forget to blow them out when done.

Plush Towels

Towels should be comfy and plush. Investing in a good set of towels that will last a while is important. I buy the large size towels so that I am able to cover more with them.  Also cover your floor with a comfy bath mat. I hate walking in to cold tiles in the morning. There are many options and styles to matting in the bathroom. I have two that I switch out on monthly bases to prolong the life.

Hooks

                I love hooks in the bathroom, it allows you to hang clothes, extra towels or robes when not in use rather than on the floor. They should be within reach of the shower/tub.  Investing in pretty hooks can add to your decor, items that pull double duty especially in the bathroom are especially nice to have.

Storage for the reading material

                It’s nice to relax and read while I am soaking but being an organized person it’s also nice to have a place to put it when I am done, so the pages don’t soak up water from the edge of the tub. Placing reading material in this keeps like items together, extends the life of the reading material and gives an organized look.

Music

I also have a place to plug in my Ipod so that I can relax and drown out the noises around me. This really allows me to enjoy my down time. I also use music to kick start my day. Make sure to keep it in a safe dry place.