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12 Things to Do to Keep Your Summertime Organized
Summertime is not quite over. Catch a few days of sun before the leaves start changing.
Just because life is a bit more relaxed during the lazy days of summer doesn’t change the fact that we still need to know where things are and keep them handy. Here are some simple tips to keep your summertime activities and supplies running smoothly.
Keep like items grouped together in separate crates: BBQ supplies, pool maintenance supplies, etc.- Keep a basket of beach towels clean and rolled up in the laundry room near the outside door for easy pool, lake, beach, sprinkler, play.
- Keep a handled bin in the back of your trunk or van for putting supplies, groceries, etc. and keeping them from rolling all over the car.
- Have an insulated bag rolled up in the trunk, too, for keeping frozen foods cold on the trip home from the store on hot days.
Keep a folded blanket or sturdy tablecloth in the back of the car for impromptu picnics in the park, or to sit on during an outdoor theater or concert event.- Store all hand-held gardening and weeding tools in plastic bucket with a handle. Trowel, gloves, knee pad, etc.
- Hang a shoe bag organizer over the back of one of the car’s front seats for your kids to store their toys, books, games, maps, water bottle, and other car or traveling related supplies. If the bag’s too long, cut it to length and hem the bottom.
In your guest bathroom, keep a small bin or wooden box on the countertop for easy access with a collection of summertime ointments and lotions. Sunscreen (a variety of SPF levels), aloe, hand lotion, bug spray/lotion, antiseptic, anti-itch lotion for bug bites.- Store a small accordion file in your car with all essential car-related stuff. Registration, insurance information, maps, emergency contacts, receipts, and directions.
- Store a “Before We Leave” checklist in luggage. Make a master list of chores, errands, and packing requirements you encounter before each out of town trip you make. You can even laminate the list and then check off complete items with a dry erase marker.
- Make sure your jumper cables, tire jack and emergency kit are actually in the car.
- Keep all camping supplies in one place. Store camping cookware in a hamper that stays packed and ready to go at a moments notice.
Deborah Taylor-Hough (free-lance writer and mother of three) is the author of several popular books including Frozen Assets: How to Cook for a Day and Eat for a Month and A Simple Choice: A Practical Guide for Saving Your Time, Money and Sanity. To subscribe to her free email newsletter, Simple Times, send an email to: subscribe-simple-times@hub.thedollarstretcher.com Visit Debi online and read more articles dealing with simple living, frugality, parenting and much more: http://thesimplemom.wordpress.com/
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Because you mentioned pool supplies I just wanted to comment on the importance of closing your pool correctly. It is getting late in the summer and its not to early to take inventory on your pool closing supplies to make sure you have everything you need to close your pool and protect it from the harsh winter elements. Way to often I see pool owners who do not close their pool correctly endure expensive damage to their pool or its accessories (filter, heater, pump, etc.) during the down time of the off-season. It is one of the most important aspects to owning a pool. My purpose of this comment is not to list everything you need to properly close your pool but just to make everybody aware of the importance of protecting your investment. I do work in the pool supply industry, and I am simply looking out for my fellow pool owners.
Terry
August 14th, 2008 at 6:25 am
i like your site wil be visiting again
October 7th, 2008 at 2:53 am
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I personally agree with your comments, but there will always be some people who may not feel the same….
November 7th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
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After reading your article I am left with the feeling that there is more to this topic than I originally thought….
November 9th, 2008 at 3:54 am
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I cannot agree on everything you say in this article, but perhaps I missed some of the points you were trying to make….
November 9th, 2008 at 6:57 pm