To Do Before the Snow Flies!
I realize it’s still August, but school has started for many and the weather seems like Fall to me! So forgive me for this chilly post! We’ve had such a cool/cold summer. I wonder if that means we’ll have an early winter? Gotta get things done before the snow falls!
Fall brings more items to our calendars and the holidays seem to be just around the corner. It’s a time for a few good lists! Here are some that I make this time of year. Even if I don’t accomplish everything on them, I usually get more done by having a list!
Why do we like lists so much? I think it’s because it gives a feeling of control over our complex lives. And we don’t want to forget something important. I mean, haven’t you ever awakened from a nightmare where you went to school and forgot something important? Lists just make our lives easier. Here are some good ones for Fall:
1. Clothing Lists: start a list for each person in the family. Store or give away what doesn’t fit or won’t be used. What do they need in the way of shoes, coats/jackets, hats, gloves, etc. for colder weather and upcoming holidays? What do they need for every day clothes? I like to keep an index card in my wallet for each person with their sizes and what they need for Fall and Winter.
2. Household Lists: add items that need to be fixed or replaced before the holidays. Include any painting or outdoor repairs that should be done before the weather gets too cold. Paint the front door id needed for the holiday season ahead.
3. Garden & Lawn Chores: clean up flower beds and add extra mulch for the winter if needed; clean and put away outdoor furniture; winterize a pool if you have one; clean and store garden tools; plant any bulbs for the Spring; plant a tree now for more robust growth in the Spring.
4. Household Items Needed for House Guests: towels, pillow, bedding, etc. for any house guests you expect during the holidays. I always have to count pillows and blankets to be sure I have enough. Here is a way to wash pillows or just freshen them.
5. Gift List for Upcoming Holidays: if you haven’t started yet, it’s a good time to shop. If you plan to eliminate any gift giving this year, let people know about it as soon as possible so that they don’t get you a gift. It’s only common courtesy.
Keep your lists where you can find them–possibly on your refrigerator door. You can prioritize the items on your lists if you like. But feel free to cross off which ever items that are convenient to do at any time.
Personally, I love crossing off items from a list. The feeling of triumph and accomplishment from crossing off an item is way out of proportion to what the item is. But it’s great. Even when I don’t finish an entire list, I feel good that I was able to do so many of the things on the list. And any left over items can go on a new list!
What lists do you make? Do you have any secrets for getting things done efficiently?
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