Magazine Pile
Erin September 23rd, 2009
Oh the satisfaction and delight of opening the latest issue of your favorite magazine or catalog. The pages are glossy and filled with fashion tips, the latest and greatest techie gizmos, new recipes, celebrity gossip and decorating ideas. After you page through it for about a day or two you toss it into the stack of other glossy treasures in the corner of the room thinking you’ll reference it in the future, but let’s be real. Chances are it will just sit there collecting dust while current issues get added to the top of the pile.
Here are a few easy tips to start tackling the stack.
1. Cancel subscriptions to magazines and catalogs you lost interest in or don’t have time to read. This usually requires a phone call or visit to their website, but will only take a minute or two. You’ll save some cash as well as a few trees.
2. Toss out old catalogs, newspapers and magazines when the new one arrives so you only have the latest, up to date issue. Old information is so last week… literally!
3. As you page through your magazines, cut out interesting articles you may want to reference in the future and put them in file folders or a 3-ring binder with clear sheet protectors.
If there are small or oddly shaped clippings, use an acid free photo album with magnetic (sticky) pages for fast filing. Don’t forget to keep like with like - categorize using removable post-its or file tabs for speedy retrieval. This works especially great for crafting and holiday inspirations, organizing tips and decorating ideas. When you’re done, recycle what’s left of the magazine.
An alternative to the recycle bin is donating your gently used issues to a nearby hospital, doctor’s office, or any place of business that has a waiting room in need of more current news.
Getting ready for a trip to the beach, camping, or just grilling with a few friends this weekend? Before you pack up and head out the door, write down a list of everything you’ll need so you can avoid that extra trip to the store to pick up the forgotten sunblock. Check off each item as you pack them into your beach bag, cooler or car so you can be sure you have a fun relaxing weekend without worrying if you forgot anything.
Time: When your clothing is divided into categories like formal, business casual, casual, etc., you can better SEE your options when you’re getting dressed in the morning. Cut minutes off your normal morning routine by being able to find what you’re looking for more efficiently.