Organizing

1. Write a to-do list every night before you go to bed. The next day you can refer to the list to make sure you’re getting things done in time for that extra-long lunch.
   
   
2. Prepare a large portion of soup, cooked turkey, marinated chicken, mashed potatoes, lasagna or muffins on a day that you have extra time. Dole out the meal into individual plastic containers and freeze them for a later date when your work-a-day calendar is too full to deal with cooking.
   
   
3. Stay on top of social calls. Make a list of people you want to keep in touch with every week, each month, once every six months and once a year. Block out time to call, e-mail or write letters to them. It’s a great way to touch base with the ones you love.
   
   
4. Put dry goods like pastas, cereals, rice, flour and sugar in stackable containers to create more shelf room in a pantry.
   
   
5. Attach a message board, spice rack or lid rack to the back of a cupboard or pantry door to save space.
   
   
6. To organize and update a bathroom, display washcloths or hand towels in a ceramic bowl, wicker basket or a small wine rack. Fold in half and roll coordinating colors for a new look.
   
   
7. Set up a donation box. While you’re cleaning out a closet or room, toss in things that you don’t have a use for anymore but someone else will.
   
   
8. Don’t go searching for missing keys. Screw a small hook next to the door you enter and exit and hang two sets of keys on it (just in case you misplace the first set).
   
   
9. Keep a binder of take-out menus in your kitchen, office and car to save time.
   
   
10. Pick out tomorrow’s outfit - clothes, shoes and jewelry - tonight.
    
    
11. Spray the inside of a mayonnaise jar white. Store it in the refrigerator as a hiding place for money or valuables.
    
    
12. Store candles in the freezer. They will burn longer.
    
    
13. Add a shot of vodka to water to make freshly cut flowers last longer.
    
    
14. Punch holes in all manuals and warranty contracts and keep them in a loose-leaf notebook.