I went grocery shopping the other night and when I got inside, it was cold. I'm not talking a little cold. I'm talking 'Antarctica.' I even joked on Facebook that I'd better bring my parka next time.

Luckily, I had a sweatshirt in the car, which I keep in there this time of year. Why? Because it's summer and experience has proven many stores and restaurants to have their air conditioners cranked up to 'freeze zone.'

Part of being organized is preparing yourself for likely scenarios. Essentially, this means thinking a bit before doing things to help ensure that event, trip, or TO DO goes more smoothly.

Here are some other examples:

1) Don't get rained out. After getting caught in a surprise rainstorm at Summerfest in Milwaukee years ago, and having to drive home an hour away soaking wet, I learned my lesson. Now, whenever I'm going to any sort of outdoor festival, I always keep a plastic rain poncho in my purse. You can buy them for a song at many stores...I got mine from Amazon.

2) Save yourself extra legwork and embarrassment. Knowing that I'd likely be tipping some folks on a recent trip I took...airport luggage helpers, parking valets, restroom assistants, hotel maid service and such...I stopped at my bank before my trip and had my teller count out $50 in $1 bills. I kept that money in an envelope in my purse, and always had gratuity ready when needed. This prevented me from having to find change...or the embarrassment of not having any tip money on hand.

3) Early arrival is better than late. Although the facilities where I teach my fitness classes are only 10 minutes away, I always leave my house 30 minutes prior to get there. This way, I don't have to rush, I'll still be on time if I have to wait for a train to pass, and I have a few extra minutes to chat if I meet up unexpectedly with someone I know in the parking lot, which happens a lot.

4) Don't risk dropping the milk. Even if I'm running into the grocery store just to buy a loaf of bread, I always grab a grocery cart regardless. In doing so, if I end up picking up a few more items along the way...which is inevitable...I won't have to balance all of those groceries in my arms throughout the store.

5) Be good to your tootsies. When I wear a new pair of shoes, if I know I'm going to be out for a lengthy period of time, I always bring along a pair that I know are comfy. This way, if the new ones begin to hurt, I can change out of them and give my feet a break. Along this same line, before I wear any new shoes, I always stuff them full with clean, rolled up socks and allow them to stretch out for a few days before I wear them.

You get the idea. A little bit of thinking ahead really pays. I try to picture what I'm going to be doing in my head...and I ask myself what I anticipate needing...AND what I've needed in the past if this is a recurring type of task or event.

For instance, when I was packing for a recent vacation, part of which included a beach trip, I prepared myself for a best-case scenario...which would be a day on the beach without any little blips in my day. I asked myself things I'd want on the beach...a towel, my sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, snacks that don't melt, Chapstick, my Kindle, and a beach bag to carry it all in. Of course, whenever you can record your thoughts on paper or a digital device, those notes act as excellent reminders.

When you're doing something and you find yourself wishing you would have brought something along or done a task ahead of time, engrave that thought in your mind. Experience is an excellent teacher for the future.

Speaking of preparing for a best-case scenario, if you, your kids, or your grandkids are in school, and you want this school year to turn out to be successful (and not stressful), then check out this great resource, 'Get the Best Grades.' It is excellent...great for all ages... and it helps ensure great grades without the hassles, the cramming, the endless hours of studying, the frustration, the whining, or the agony! It makes learning fun!

Plus you can get $125 in complimentary bonuses from me, (but only UNTIL THIS COMING SUNDAY when you get your hands on a copy. Visit:

http://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-grades.html

All the details are further down in this issue.

A GON Reader Asks

Love You! Thank you for your never ending GOOD information and insight, Maria! Can you help me with organizing 100s of photos and 100s of screws, nails and assorted 'garage junk' please? Thank you in advance!

Kind regards,

Beth
Carol Stream, IL

Maria Gracia Responds

Hi Beth,

Awwwww...thanks! I'm so glad you're enjoying what I'm sharing. That makes me feel great! To answer your question, let's tackle one category at a time.

100s of photos:

1) I'm assuming you're talking about printed photos. Find an empty table to work on that you don't have to keep 'picking up,' like a portable table. Borrow one if you don't have one. One that's six feet or larger is a good size. Then, little by little, begin sorting your photos into categories.

2) Stick a Post-it note in front of each category identifying it. Some large categories to start with are Names, Vacations, Holidays, Events, etc. These are just to give you an idea...you may have much different subjects. Sort into large categories first, and once everything is in a large category, pick one of those categories and break it up into smaller piles. For instance, Holidays might be broken up into Easter, Halloween, and Christmas.

3) Do this for 10-15 minutes a day, until everything is sorted. If you find duplicates, send them off to other people in the picture, or recycle them. If you find poor photos that aren't important enough to keep, now's the time to get rid of them.

4) Decide if you want to put these photos into albums or photo boxes. Photo boxes are easier to sort into, but albums are better for reminiscing later. Another possibility is scanning the photos too, so you have a digital backup version of everything.

100s of screws and nails:

1) Decide if you need to keep all of these. How often are they used? Does someone in your family build, do woodwork, or anything like this? If not, it may be time to drop these off at a metal scrap yard/recycler in your area.

2) If you do wish to keep them, you'll need to sort them...just like the photos. However, you'll want to have containers for these items like mason jars or empty, clean coffee cans. Once they're sorted, you can label the outsides of the containers with white labels or masking tape, indicating what's inside.

3) These containers can then be kept in the garage, basement, or wherever they're used most, either on shelves or mounted to the wall for easy access.

4) By the way, if necessary, magnetic pick-up tools are available in most hardware stores and on Amazon, to safely pick up nails, and such, without getting injured.

Assorted Garage Junk

1) Weed out, weed out, weed out. Many items kept in garages are not being used, and won't be used ever. Be discerning about what you keep. Get rid of everything else. If it's something toxic, like old cans of solvent, call your local trash/recycling center to find out how to dispose of it safely.

2) Garages are notorious for clutter because there is often not enough cabinets and/or shelving. Once you're down to the bare bones of what you will be keeping, consider adding cabinets, shelving, and other storage devices to house the keeper items. For instance, you may want a tool storage cart for rakes, shovels, and brooms.

3) Try to keep like-items together...like all lawn and gardening tools in one area, all building/repair tools in another, and all sporting equipment in another.

4) Finally, look up. Does your garage have a crawl space or rafters above your head? If so, you probably just located a whole bunch of extra storage space. For instance, we have a ladder in our garage leading up to a very nice storage area where we keep outdoor holiday decorations and other more infrequently used items. A friend of mine laid planks of wood across his garage rafters to store his camping equipment up above.

Final notes

No matter what you're trying to organize, never look at the WHOLE job, because that's too overwhelming. Focus on organizing just a little bit at a time, for a few minutes a day. Yes, it may take awhile to get it done, but each day, you'll be a bit closer to completion...which is way better than not starting it at all.

Hope this helps!

Maria

Storage: I love coffee. I love tea. And I love storing the cups properly
getorganizednow.com/storage-coffee-tea.html



Top Ten: My top 10 ways to be a better, more organized cook at home
getorganizednow.com/topten-organized-cook-home.html



Featured Video: Are you a procrastinator? If so, this video will make you laugh
getorganizednow.com/video-procrastination.html



Dirty Little Secret 1: When I get a gift card to a store or restaurant, here's what I do to ensure I don't forget I have it
getorganizednow.com/dirty-little-secret-gift-card.html



Dirty Little Secret 2: To ensure my social engagements don't overtake my calendar, here's what I do
getorganizednow.com/dirty-little-secret-social.html



Dirty Little Secret 3: Can't find anything in your purse? Here's one thing I do to keep mine organized!
getorganizednow.com/dirty-little-secret-purse-organized.html



Mini Challenges: Small accomplishments give us the energy we need to move on to bigger and better challenges. Here are 5 things you can start...and finish...this week!
getorganizednow.com/organizing-challenge-small-accomplishments.html



In ADDITION, on our home page, you'll also find lots of NEW and featured STUFF including...

Social Media Spotlight. How to throw away the memories our kids leave behind
getorganizednow.com



Theme of the Week: Being Average. Enjoy our home page quotes, that reflect our theme, for added inspiration and motivation this week
getorganizednow.com

Good luck is a residue of preparation.
Jack Youngblood




I'd love to hear from you.
Comments, suggestions, or just to say hello. Just REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...Being organized creates a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

getorganizednow.com

Don't Study Harder...Study Smarter!

Introducing the Speed Study System
Anyone Can Use to
Get Better Grades
in Less Time and With Less Effort

To fast-forward to getting better grades, visit:

http://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-grades.html

In my neighborhood, back-to-school is happening in just a few weeks. Whether YOU HAVE a son, daughter or grandchild in school, or YOU are in school yourself, NOW is a great time to be sure those grades are where you want them to be. If they're suffering a bit...I know an excellent secret for getting better grades-- without the hassles, the cramming, the endless hours of studying, the frustration, or the agony!

This resource I found, and love, is perfect for anyone in grade school, middle school, high school, college or beyond.

Here are just a few of the things you'll discover...

* The simple formula to help you hop from the grades you have been getting, to the grades that make you and your family proud, without studying harder

* How to wipe out bad study habits and achieve academic excellence

* How to finish your homework faster, get ready for your tests and exams in a split-second, and spend the rest of the day doing the things you want to do

* The 5-step system you can use to organize your academic work, social activities, sports and family responsibilities around your 'peak performance periods' for maximum results

* How to excel at sports, have an active social life and still get As and Bs in most of your subjects WITHOUT staying up past midnight to do your homework

* 6 powerful methods for remembering everything the teacher says and passing any exam or test (while still having fun)

* and so much more!

Here is what just one fan had to say...

'I can't believe I have stayed up so many nights trying to cram for exams, when all along I could have been doing it the easy way! I'm so much less stressed since I got my copy of 'Get The Best Grades With the Least Amount of Effort' because I have more time to relax AND I'm confident I have studied effectively.'
--Maleia

For more information, visit...

http://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-grades.html

P.S. Because we are BIG believers in this program and in helping anyone in school to do as well as possible, when you order anything from the Get the Best Grades web site, BEFORE SUNDAY, AUGUST 20TH AT 11:59 p.m. (CST) email me and I'll send you $125 in complimentary bonuses as follows...

* Smart Schooltime Recipes: The Breakfast, Snack and Lunchbox Cookbook for Healthy Kids and Adults

* Holidays for Family Travel Tips

* Directions for Improving Your Life

* Grad Expectation: The essential guide for all graduates entering the work force

* A Plum in the Syrup: 17 Suggestions, Observations and Truths You Can Adopt to Live a More Fulfilled Life

P.S. Because these bonuses are exclusively available for my readers, you won't see anything about them on the description page. To get your complimentary bonuses, just email me at: getorgnow@charter.net along with your order number and I'll email your files immediately.

(c) Copyright 2017 by Maria Gracia, Get Organized Now!

* Copyright, contact and reprint information:
getorganizednow.com/contact.html

* You signed up to receive our Idea-Kit and/or our Newsletter at our Get Organized Now! Web site. We never add names unless you have voluntarily opted in.

* We never rent, trade or sell our email list to anyone. You'll never get an unsolicited email from a stranger as a result of joining this list.

* If you happen to purchase anything I recommend in this or any of my communications, its likely I'll receive some kind of affiliate compensation. Still, I only recommend stuff that I truly believe in and share with my friends and family. If you ever have an issue with anything I recommend please let me know. I want to make sure I am always serving you at the highest level.

* To subscribe, visit:
getorganizednow.com/free-ezine.html




* To unsubscribe, if you absolutely must go, please click the link below. However . . .

YIKES! - If you unsubscribe, you'll lose all the complimentary organizing resources I share with my loyal readers each week. You'll lose the Weekly Tips, Reader Tips, Reader Clinics, complimentary videos, ebooks, resource recommendations, and the many valuable bonuses I offer each month (some totaling hundreds of dollars). Please don't go. I love sending you all of this free training. I'd be lost and lonely without you. If there is something more you would like from my newsletters, then please reply to this email and let me know.
-- Maria Gracia