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If you walk by a typical teenager’s room, you’re lucky if you can see the floor.  It may be covered with clothes, books, backpacks and electronics.  The goal of organizing your teen’s room is having a “home” for all of their belongings.  It’s very important to involve your teen in this process.  LIsten to them and get their input.  Ask them how they best study.  If space allows, create different areas for the various functions such as studying, reading, sleeping.  Consider the 5 tips below to help in the process of organizing your teen’s room.


1)  Designate a charging station for cell phones, Ipods, etc. 


2)  Set up a desk top file for school papers that need to be kept for year-end exams and paperwork for extra-curricular activities they’re involved in. 


3)  Designate a study area with a clear work space and school supplies. 


4)  Sort clothing by like items, teach kids how to hang properly.  Use baskets and organizing containers for flip flops, hats/caps. 


5)  Encourage teens to keep a calendar/planner whether on paper or on their phone.  


Getting your teen’s room organized may be relatively easy.  Keeping it organized is the tricky part.  Make a checklist of tasks your child needs to complete daily and weekly to maintain their organizing systems.   Most importantly, articulate the advantages of being organized and be a role model for them by respecting your space and belongings.




 
 
In the blog last week, I mentioned that receipts should be kept in a dedicated file or envelope.  But what receipts should you keep and what is the easiest way to organize them?

In general, receipts for groceries and toiletries don't need to be kept.  Receipts for clothing and other household items until the receipt expires.  Some products offer warranties and in this case the receipt should be kept for the lifetime of the warranty.  Receipts for expensive items such as electronics, furniture, jewelry, etc. should be kept as long as you own the item.

Some options for filing your receipts include an expandable file, a coupon holder or an index card box.  Some people scan their receipts so they have a copy on their computer then shred the original.  Choose the method or container that's easiest for you.  Below are the five steps to keep your coupons organized.

STEP 1 - Designate an easily accessible spot to store receipts.

STEP 2 -  Determine categories - The categories will be different for everyone.  Examples of receipt categories that may work for you are home improvement, business expenses, medical, entertainment, clothing and household, car repair, electronics, etc.  

STEP 3 -  Label individual sections with the categories.  This is key so that all family members can easily add their receipts to the proper section of the file.

STEP 4  Maintain - Go through each month to throw/shred expired receipts.  

STEP 5  Each time you get a receipt, file it in the appropriate section of the file.