HomeOrganizingevery idea under the sun for gettingyour home and life in perfect order

Home Cleaning

checklist

daily

make the beds

wipe down bathrooms

sweep kitchen floorclean up dishesopen and file mail

go through school paperspick up entire housevacuum living areaclear and clean counters

weeklyvacuum entire house

dust furnituredo the laundryvacuum couch cushionsmop floorsempty trashdeep clean bathrooms

wipe down kitchen chairsclean glassdeep clean kitchen

monthlysweep out garagevacuum out windowsillsdust ceiling fanswipe down baseboardsclean the ovenclean out the fridgewipe down switch platesclean out garbage canswash quilts and blanketsclean out garagewash inside of windowsclean out fireplace

CONDIMENT EXPIRATION DATES

3 monthsmayonaise

6 monthsolives, oil-packed jarsjarred pesto

9 monthspeanut and nut butters

1 yearbarbecue saucecocktail saucehoneyhorseradishjams and jelliesketchupmaple syrupmarinadesmustardnuts, shelledoils (olive, corn, vegetable)olive tapenadepickles, relishroasted red peppers (jarred)salad dressingsalsa (jarred)sauerkraut, jarredworcestershire sauce

1.5 yearsolives, jarredpasta sauce, jarred

2 yearsvinegar, all types

3 yearshot saucesoy sauceteriyaki sauce

Check thisguide to findout how longoils, vinegars,and othercondimentswill last whenstoredunopened inyour pantry.

beauty productsexpiration dates

skin care

Anti-aging & acne treatments:3 months to a year.

Sunscreen: Check thepackage for an expirationdate.

Body lotion: 2 to 3 years

hair care

Shampoo:About 3 years.

Conditioner:About 3 years.

Hairstyling products:3-5 years.

bath/shower

Bar soap:Up to 3 years

Shower gel:About 3 years.

Bath oil: 1 year.

makeup

Mascara & liquid eyeliner:3 to 4 months.

Eye and lip pencils:3 to 5 years.

Lipstick and lip gloss:2-3 years.

Foundation:About 2 years.

miscellaneous

Perfume:About 2 years

Nail polish: 1 year.

Shaving cream:About 2 years.

Deodorant:Up to 2 years.

"I can't live without my beautyproducts. I love to be in my bathroom

with my candles lit, morning, noon, andnight." ~Alicia Silverstone

PRODUCEapplesbananasblueberriescantaloupegrapeslemons/limesorangespeachesplumsstrawberrieswatermelonbroccolicarrotscauliflowercoleslawcucumbersgarlicgreen beansgreen peppersmushroomsonionspotatoessalad/lettucesweet potatoestomatoes

grocery list

MEAT /SEAFOOD/DELIdeli turkeydeli hamdeli roast beefpita pocketssalmonshrimpfishchickenground beefsteakroast beefpork chopspork roasthamsausagebaconhotdogs

BREADbunswheat breadrolls

SNACKSchipscookiescrackersnutspopcornpretzelsraisinsrice cakestortilla chipstrail mix

REFRIGERATEDbagelsblock cheddarblock mozzarellablock swissbuttercheese stickscream cheeseeggsEnglish muffinsflour tortillashalf and halfmilkshredded cheddarshredded mozzarellashredded parmesansliced Americansliced cheddarsliced mozzarellasliced provolonesliced swisssour creamsoy milkyogurtwhipping cream

BAKING GOODSbaking sodabaking powderbrown sugarcoconutflourhoneyoilspray oilpaper baking cupssugar/sweetenervanilla SPICESbasilchili powdercinnamoncumingarlic powdernutmegoreganopepperrosemarysaltthymePASTAangel hairmacaronirotinispaghettispaghetti saucetomato pastetomato saucetomatoes diced

CANNED GOODSapplesaucefruit cocktailbaked beansblack beansgreen beanskidney beansmandarin orangespeachespineapplericetuna

CONDIMENTSbarbecue saucehoneyjelly/peanut butterketchupmayonnaisemustardolivespickle relishpicklessalad dressingsalsasoy saucesteak sauceWorcestershire

FROZENasparagusblueberriesbroccolibroc/cauliflowerfriesfrozen dinnersice creampizzastrawberrieswafflesPAPER/CLEANINGall-purpose cleanerbleachdish washer deterg.dish washing deterg.fabric softener/sheetslaundry detergentlight bulbsnapkinspaper towelsSwiffer refilltoilet papertrash bagszipper bags gal/quartsandwich/snack bagsOTHERbatteriesdeodorantfeminine productsshampoo/cond.soaptoothpaste

BREAKFASTcerealgritsoatmealsyrup

Dust mopDust cloths anddustersRags, towels and softclothsIndoor broomOutdoor broomDust panVacuumWet mopToilet brush (and brushcaddy)PlungerSpray bottlesSquirt bottlesSqueegeeSpongesScrub brushScraperToothbrushBucketsRubber glovesCleaning apronCleaning caddy

All-purpose cleanerDisinfectant cleanerGlass cleanerAbrasive cleaners ofvarying intensity(including a mildabrasive cleaner)Mild detergentHousehold ammoniaWhite vinegarBaking sodaChlorine bleachMetal polishes(including for silver,copper, brass, chrome,stainless steel, andaluminum)Furniture polishesSpot carpet cleaner

Have nothing in your

home that you do not

know to be useful or

believe to be beautiful.

—William Morris

FIRST AID KIT CHECKLIST+ +Emergency contact numbersAdhesive bandages (assorted sizes)

Adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)

Sterile gauze (both rolls and pads)

Antibiotic ointment

Antiseptic wipes/spray

Instant cold compresses

Hydrocortisone ointment

Calamine lotion

Rubbing alcohol

Hydrogen peroxide

Hand sanitizing gel

Burn ointment

Eyewash solution (with eye cup)

Petroleum jelly

Saline solution

Sunscreen, at least SPF 15

Sunburn ointment

Cotton balls

Cotton swabs

Disposable gloves

Ace bandages

Plastic bags

Thermometer

Bulb syringe

Medicine syringes and

teaspoons

Scissors (including blunt

tipped scissors for cutting

gauze and adhesive tape)

Tweezers

Fine needle (for splinter

removal)

Blanket

Flashlight and batteries

Fever and pain reducers,

for adults and children

Antacids

Anti-diarrhea medication

Oral electrolyte solution

Mild laxatives

Antihistamines

Cold and/or flu medicines

Cough medicine

Prescription medications

Visit http://www.redcross.org/for more tips & resources.

ChecklistHOME ENERGY SAVING

ELECTRONICS

-Turn off lights, appliances, equipment, etc. when they’re notneeded

-Turn computers, printers and other peripherals off at the powerstrip when they’re not needed (if they’re plugged into a powerstrip, switch off the power strip after shutting down yourcomputer)

-Put computers, etc. on the energy-saver mode

-Unplug electronic devices and chargers with block-shapedtransformer on the plug when they’re not needed

COLD WEATHER

-Install a clock thermostat or set-back thermostat toautomatically change thermostat settings at certain times ofthe day

-Turn off heating to rooms/areas which don’t need it or closethe heating vents

-Keep warm indoors by wearing warm clothing, especiallyseveral lightweight layers

-If you often use one room, consider using a portableelectric heater instead of central heating

-Seal (with rope caulk, weather-stripping) the largest air leaksin your home

-Put towels/rugs against the bottom of doors to the outside orunheated rooms

-Insulate windows with clear plastic sheets or film covers

-Install storm or thermal (replacement) windows, with super-efficient low-emissivity glazing

-Seal off electric receptacles and switch boxes with foamgaskets or fiberglass insulation

-Install proper ceiling/attic insulation to at least R-30 standards

-Insulate walls, floors and heating ducts

-Get your ducts tested for air leakage

-Check your furnace/heat pump periodically to improve airflow and allow more efficient operation:

+turn off the power source+visually inspect the furnace+vacuum away lint, dirt or other obstructions+clean/replace the filters as necessary

-When using your heater, crack open a window so it hasenough air to operate

-Have a professional clean, lubricate and adjust your furnace

-Close the damper when you’re not using the fireplace

-Turn your heater(s) off when you’re using your fireplace

-During the day, open drapes/shutters/blinds on windows facingthe sun

-At night, close drapes/shutters/blinds to retain indoor heat

WARM WEATHER

-Turn off your air conditioner when no one is home and at night,and, set it at 78 degrees or higher when you’re at home

-When feasible, turn off your air conditioner and provide airflow by open windows on opposite sides of your house (if itwon’t increase risk of someone breaking into your house)

-Install a clock thermostat or set-back thermostat toautomatically set your thermostat to 85 degrees at night andwhen you are away

-Use room fans

-Turn off your furnace pilot light during the non-heating season

-Use exterior shading devices (e.g., awnings, overhangs,patio cover) or deciduous plants to shade your home,windows and air conditioning condenser from the sun

-During the day, close shutters/drapes/blinds on windowsfacing the sun

-When heating or cooling, ensure windows and doors areclosed

AROUND YOUR HOME

-Consider replacing your furnace, heat pump, airconditioner and other appliances with energy-efficientmodels

-Seal any leaks in your heating/cooling system(s) ducts andin water/steam heat pipes with duct wrap or mastic sealant

-Insulate attic access and basement trap doors with R-19insulation

-Install and use ceiling fans – they cool rooms during hotweather and push warm air down to where you need itduring cold weather

-Unplug and recycle your extra refrigerator/freezer

-Use dimmer switches or timers on lights

-Clean or replace furnace and air-conditioner filters regularly

-Fix defective plumbing or dripping faucets

-Install low-flow shower heads and faucets or install flowrestrictors

-Turn off all landscape lights

-Request a free energy audit from your utility company

-Consider having your home converted to use solar energy

-Reduce the temperature of your water heater to 120degrees F (or 140 degrees F if your dishwasher needs it)

WATER HEATER

-Install an insulating blanket around your water heater,especially if it’s in an unheated area of your home

LAUNDRY

-Use the energy-saving settings on your washer and dryer

-Only do full loads

-Use cold water settings on the washer when feasible

-Clean your dryer’s lint trap before/after each use

-Line-dry clothes (especially towels) when feasible

KITCHEN

-Use the energy-saving settings on your refrigerator anddishwasher

-Put a thermometer in your refrigerator/freezer to check thetemperature

-Keep refrigerator/freezer doors closed as much as feasible

-Keep refrigerator coils (on the back or the bottom of theappliance) clean

-Defrost your refrigerator/freezer before ice buildup becomes1/4-inch thick

-Only preheat your oven if necessary

-Cook complete meals of several dishes simultaneously inthe oven

-Cook on range top burners when practical instead of in theoven

-Use a lid when boiling water, etc.

-To reheat food or to cook small amounts of food, use yourmicrowave

-Use the smaller of the two ovens if you have a dual unit

-Only wash full loads in the dishwasher

-Air-dry your dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s heater

-When hand washing dishes, rinse with cold water

SWIMMING POOL

-Shorten the operating time for your swimming pool filter andautomatic cleaning sweep

-Reduce pool water temperature and the number of monthsyou heat your pool

-Switch the pool filter and sweeper operations to off-peakhours (between 6 p.m. and noon)

-Keep pool cleaning and heating equipment clean andlubricated

-Consider replacing pool pumps and motors with updated,more efficient equipment

-Work out of your home as much as feasible (e.g., tele-commute, go to workplace for fewer days but longer hours)

-Avoid idling your vehicle for long periods

-Walk, ride a bike, use public transit or car pool instead ofdriving when feasible

-Keep your vehicle in good operating condition (tuned up,emissions system checked, tires properly inflated) or buy anew fuel-efficient vehicle

-Avoid quick starts

-Drive slower

VACATIONS

-Shut off or turn down automatic appliances such as yourwater heater and furnace/air conditioner

-Use your most efficient vehicle when feasible

TRANSPORTATION

-Buy the most energy-efficient models when buyingappliances, e.g., refrigerator, washer, dryer

SHOPPING

-Buy compact fluorescent lamps to replace incandescentbulbs

Home energy list courtesy of Checklists.com

HOME SAFETY

Establish a plan for escaping your home in the event of fire,smoke, etc., e.g.:

+Primary escape route from each part of the residence+At least one alternate escape route from each part ofresidence+Designate location outside to meet after escaping fromthe structure to ensure everyone is out

Determine which items you would want to get out of yourresidence in the event of a fire, impending storm, flooding, etc.,e.g.:

+Pictures+Will+Insurance papers+Other important and/or irreplaceable documents

Install a carbon monoxide alarm with an audible alarm which isloud enough to wake you carbon monoxide poisoning is oftenfatal

Determine if any plants in your yard are poisonous and havethem removed or ensure your children and pets do not eat themDetermine the capacities of decks, balconies, etc.

Determine the non-emergency phone number to call to reportsuspicious people and/or vehicles to the police and keep itavailable

List courtesy of Checklists.com

Post signs around your residence (e.g., in your yard, on yourwindows) stating that your residence is protected by a securitysystem

Install deadbolt locks with full 1″ bolts

For sliding glass doors, install a locking bar with a blockingdevice to prevent the bar from being lifted up off their tracks

Get a dog or just put a large dog food bowl outside yourback door

Report suspicious people and activities to the polic

Have your furnace checked which can carbon monoxidepoisoning

Keep specific directions to your house next to each phone soyou can read them to visiting family or friends

Install a security system (a hard-wired monitored perimeteralarm is probably most effective)

HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

1. Roof: Check the roof and around vents, skylights, and chimneys forleaks. Repair as necessary.

2. Attic: If there is no ridge vent, keep gable vents open year-round toensure proper ventilation.

3. Gutters: Clean the gutters and drain pipes so leaves won’t clogthem and be sure they drain away from the house. (Fall: In cold-climate areas) Drain outside faucets.

4. Fireplace: Clean the fireplace of ashes. (Fall) Check the chimneyfor loose or missing mortar. Have the chimney professionally cleaned.Make sure the damper closes tightly. (Spring) Leave the damper openfor improved ventilation if the home is not air-conditioned.

5. Filters: Remember to clean or replace filters once a month, or asneeded. Check and clean the dryer vent, air conditioner, stove hood,and room fans. Keep heating and cooling vents clean and free fromfurniture and draperies.

6. Safety Equipment: Ensure that all smoke detectors, carbonmonoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are in good working order.Replace batteries in appropriate devices as needed, or at least twiceeach year.

7. Air Conditioner: (Fall: In cold-climate areas) Remove window air-conditioners, or put weatherproof covers on them.

8. Refrigerator: Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight.Test them by closing the door over a dollar bill. If you can pull the billout easily, the latch may need to be adjusted or the seal may need tobe replaced. In addition, if you have a coil-back refrigerator, vacuumthe coils at least twice each year.

9. Faucets: Check for leaky faucets in the kitchen and bathroom(s).Replace washers as necessary.

10. Windows and Doors: Seal drafty doors and windows. If youadded up all of the small cracks where heating and cooling escapesfrom a home, it would be the same as having a window open.Replace seals as needed.

11. Storm Windows and Screens: (Fall) Take down screens andreplace with storm windows. (Spring) Remove, clean, and store stormwindows. Check and patch all door and window screens. Put screensup.

12. Siding and Paint: Look for cracks and holes in house siding orpaint. Replace caulk if necessary.

13. Basement: Check the basement walls and floor for dampness. Besure to clean the dehumidifier regularly, if you have one.

14. Heating System: (Fall) Have the heating system serviced.Change filters.

15. Hot Water Heater: (Fall) Drain the hot water heater. Removesediment from the bottom of the tank.

List courtesy of BobVila.com

30KITCHEN ESSENTIALS

1. A chef's knife

2. A non-slip cutting board

3. A set of mixing bowls

4. Measuring cups

5. Measuring spoons

6. Vegetable peeler

7. Can opener

8. Garlic press

9. Box grater

10. Collander

11. Salad spinner

12. Citrus juicer

13. 12" stainless

steel skillet

14. 12" cast iron

skillet

15. Sautee pan

16. Cast iron grill

pan

17. Splatter guard

18. Small saucepan

19. Medium saucepan

20. Baking dish

21. Baking sheet pans

22. Oven mitts

23. Tongs

24. Stirring spoon

25. Spatula

26. Whisk

27. Potato masher

28. Ladle

29. Immersion blender

30. Storage containers

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