There is always so much to do and so much to remember every day.
Since we have a few tips and tricks up our sleeve, we thought we would share them with you to make life a little more tolerable. Enjoy!
Trays for large appliances
To save yourself lots of backache, store heavy appliances (liquidizes, mixers, food processors) on a sturdy tray in your cupboard. That way, when you need to use it, you can slide the tray out and get what you need out with minimal strain on your back.
Labeling is key when archiving old documents
Every home or office has loads of paperwork to deal with (despite the move to email) and every so often, you have to make space for current paper. That is why we need to archive and simply throwing it into a box isn't how it's done.
If you want to avoid wasting time looking for documents, the key to archiving is labeling the box you put it in. A blanket description is required BUT add exact descriptions as well, e.g. HR Files 2010 and thereafter, Joe Soap, Jane Doe, Cliff Richard etc. This is so that, should you have 5 HR Files 2010, you know which one to go to if you're looking for Joe Soap.
Need more info regarding time frames for the retention of documents, http://www.neatfreak-sa.com/resources/retention_documents.pdfclick here to download.
Keep it at eye level
It stands to reason that items of clothing you use often, need to be accessible. So store these at eye level or below whilst keeping items you seldom use, higher up. If you don't have a lot of space in your cupboard, then store seasonal clothing like large jerseys or conversely, your swimming gear, in clear and labeled boxes. That way you have more shelf space for the items you need this season.
Preparation is the key to success
Remember when you were at school and you had a project to do? The first thing you probably did was create a spider diagram outlining the process you needed to follow. As adults, we often dive headfirst into tasks, like decluttering our space, without planning, so we often land up failing miserably. Whatever goals you have, spend some time on your spider diagram. The process will save you time and frustration.
'Key' ingredient to never losing your keys...
I know it may sound crazy that you have to establish a routine with your keys to avoid losing them, but it really is important. We use our car keys every day, for example, and it makes sense to put them in the same place when you get home. Often, however, people throw them on the couch, on the coffee table, in their bag or some other place they forget about. But if you came home and put them in the same place every day without fail, you will always know where they are. Your 'same' place could be a bowl in your entrance hall, a hook in the kitchen or in your bag. It can be anywhere that makes sense to you, but it is 'key' to keep it the same.
Beauty samples
We get given a lot of those fancy beauty product samples but seldom do we actually use them. Recently, when talking to a client about how to save money, she told me that she LOVES beauty products and had quiet a collection so she decided to actually start using them. As a result, she has saved a lot of moola because she hasn't had to buy any beauty products for months! So, take advantage of all those freebies you're hoarding in your bathroom cabinet! (p.s. Thanks for the tip Caroline)
Shredded paper for packaging (and hamster cages)
I have to package a lot of items and it suddenly occurred to me recently that shredded paper would be really useful for this. There is always a small spot in the box that needs to be filled in order to protect the products and I am thrilled to know, that now all the paper I shred, can save me money on packaging.
Equally as interesting, is the realisation that shredded paper can be used for hamster cages. Again, out of necessity (we had run out of chippings), it occurred to my kids that this could be a good substitute. And it is.
If you thought these were helpful, you may want to visit the main Neat Freak website where our other services, and loads more information, is listed.