Efficiency is about time, space and attitute

Ask yourself. "What slows me down? What keeps me stuck? Then find creative way to overcome those weak spots. You don't have to do it all at once. You will be surprised what you can accomplish in FIFTEEN MINUTES. In fact Emily Barnes wrote a whole book about 15 minute organizer tips, Here's the Amazon Link

How many items in your home are broken, outdated, or worthless? Is your home is like mine? We had accumulated oodles of items we didn’t need. For instance, we had accumulated 12 years of Auto Club books. We should have thrown the outdated one away when we got the new one. But did we? No! However, during a 15-minute spurt of de-cluttering, I tackled one section of a bookshelf and bravely threw all the outdated books in the recycle trash bin. I felt so free!

A Time to Store and a Time to Throw Away

Question from a guilt-ridden Mom: Do I have to keep EVERY art project my children bring home?

Nancy's Answer: NO! Don't!

I recommend that you save one or two thing from each school year, keeping them in a large airtight container that’s clearly labeled, “Prince Henry’s Masterpieces” or "Amy's Art Archives." Ask the kids for input on what to keep then you won’t feel as guilty when you toss the other items. When you do throw them, be sure to use a dark trash bag so you (or they) won’t be tempted to go dumpster diving.

Time saver Tip - Use it or Lose It!

Use It Or Lose It- by Nancy

We owned 20 fingernail clippers but I could never find any of them. What good is having something if you can’t find it to use it? Now, I keep all things manicure-ish in one case and store it in one particular drawer. Each member of the family knows where to find the clippers now and it has saved us a lot of hunting time and frustration.

I expanded the idea of keeping the same things in the same place by storing all shoe-polishing supplies above the washing machine and all car washing equipment in a laundry basket inside the garage. When I finally got all my gift-wrap items in one place, I actually enjoyed wrapping presents instead of feeling frustrated by going on a safari for scissors and a trek for tape. The principle is: keep the same type things in the same place.