MARCH 25-31 QUICK TASK IDEAS
March 25- Budget & Finances Organize
It's the last week of the month so let's take some time and look at what expenses we have coming up in April. I actually prefer to do two months at a time. In October of every year, I do a forecast for the following year, but these 'end of month' reviews keep me on track.
Is there anything that has popped up that you know is going to be due? Do you have a plan to pay for said item? We have some friends that are coming to visit in April that we hadn't accounted for during our annual review so we're allocating some money from the next couple of paychecks for dining out and socializing.
When it comes to budgeting, I follow some guidelines and have created a system that works for my family. One thing I highly recommend is creating 'Sinking Funds'. Here's an article that descibes what the heck that means.
Here’s an article that goes over sinking funds.
March 26- Cleaning Supplies (Or other) Overload
Honesty, I cannot believe how many different types of cleaning supplies I have. I know I always like to keep bathroom supplies in each bathroom or at least nearby, but the supplies seem to multiply like rabbits. Part of it is because I've been trying to go more eco friendly, but I still have this other stuff from previous that I feel guilty getting rid of. (Yes, folks I certainly have items I continually need to work on for my own home clutter.)
So today's goal is to sort them so that I use up those cans and bottles that are almost empty; checking for age too. Maybe I'll even do a quick 15 minuter that uses some product. I'm definetly going to make a list of what I have so I know what I'm actually low on vs. what I'm well stocked up on.
Yes, cleaning products do expire. If you think it's time to toss it, make sure you're following the manufacturer's instructions when disposing. Some chemicals should not be mixed when using or disposing. Also check your local area for how and where to dispose of hazardous chemicals.
March 27- Our Midweek Self Care Time
If you don't already have one, create yourself at least one 15-minute (give or take) playlist that makes you happy. Or maybe a playlist that calms you.
I have one that is soundscapes of thunder and rainstorms for those days where my soul needs to just inhale/exhale. And I have another that the songs always bring a smile to my face or maybe a boogie to my body. For those that I have seen the movie "Office Space", yes, I can be that office guys that jambs out in his car.
Check out the link for some benefits of music.
March 28- Review your 'Autoships'
Do you have anything that is scheduled for Autoship? If so, take the time to review those. Cancel what you may not need any longer, add what you need to restock. I try and order household items such as dishwashing soap, animal food etc. on a quarterly basis so April is my "big haul" where I need to ensure I'm ordering what we need for the next 3 months.
Check the date for when the shipment is scheduled for? Does that still work for you? As spring and summer approach I have to be very mindful of this because I want the shipments to be DELIVERED on Tuesday or Wednesdays. Those become my chorin' days so I can put items aways, put any recycling into the bin and plastic into my errand running tote to drop off.
Some of the common ones are...
Amazon Subscribe and Save
Chewy (Petsmart etc.) Autoship
Walmart Reorder
March 29- The Junk Drawer
If you have what is lovingly referred to as a "junk drawer" take 15 and go through it. Give it some organizing TLC. Could it use some separators? Bins to hold on the random screws in one place. I don't know how my household ends up with so many one off screws but we do. Sorting through those is a whole different project...and definitely more than 15 minutes. My garage is calling, but not until it warms up outside that is for sure.
If you don't have a junk drawer and struggle with odd/ends? I highly suggest creating one or a bin. I'm not a professional organizer so it probably goes against some rule but I've never been a strict rule follower. When we changed up our kitchen layout, I intentionally designated one drawer as the 'junk drawer'. We keep things like post it notes, screwdrivers (1 flat, 1 phillips), a tape measure and other random items that accumulate in this drawer. It has help significantly in our reducing our countertop clutter. We toss rando items in there and then sort through it every so often and put items that have a true home, back in their appropriate spot.
March 30-31 Weekend Goals
Originally I had another “weekend tackle” planned, but changed my mind.
It’s the last weekend in March so it’s time to spend 15 minutes on…
revisit task ideas from March
focus on friends, family, self; make that phone call, send the text, write the letter.
Celebrate spring
