Organization at the Checkout Stand

At the grocery store today, two magazines caught my eye: Ladies' Home Journal and Family Circle. Both featured stories on organizing. Of the two, I found the Home Journal article to be much more valuable. Here are some highlights.

From Ladies' Home Journal ("Declutter Your Life"):

• When you bring home a (new item), throw away an old one.


• Devoting 10 or 15 minutes every day to tidying up will save you untold hours down the road.


• Cherish memories, not objects


• If you haven't worn or used something in two years, toss it.


• To avoid letting a chore drag out over several weekends, clear your schedule and double the number of hours you think it will take.

From Family Circle ("55 Ways to Clear Clutter"):

• Keep a portable file tote for catalogs, thank-you notes, shopping lists, and a menu planner.


• Leave an empty storage ottoman or basket out for quick cleanups -- make sure it's big enough to stash toys, magazines, and throws.


• Multitask while watching your favorite TV show by sorting and organizing a messy drawer.