TO BUY
After Christmas sales (best done last week of December)- Replacement bulbs, candles, ornaments, etc. 1/2 price or more on gift wrap, cards, decorations.
Check-out 1/2 price perfumes, photo frames, one-size fits all gloves, after-shave, Christmas refrigerator magnets, and stationery for next years emergency gifts.
Also computers, stereos, DVD players and other over-stocked electronic equipment will go on sale. Other items that may go on sale include toys, appliances, furniture, and dishes.
Many stores have "White Sales" this month: tablecloths, sheets, pillowcases, blankets and comforters.
Towards end of month, winter clothes go on sale up to 2/3 to 3/4 off. Check out nightgowns, sweatshirts, vests, shoes, handbags, for next years gift giving or needed replacements for your family.
For best selection, purchase Valentine candy and cards now
TO DO
Undecorated. When packing decorations, pack like items together e.g. outdoors, tree decorations, wreathes, etc. Label Christmas storage boxes e.g. XMAS1, XMAS2, etc. On a rolodex or on an index card write name of box, where stored and what is in the box.
Save a length of your live tree for next year's Yule log or use it to make an Easter cross
Write Thank-you notes
Update home inventory. Banks or insurance companies have brochures you can use for this project. Photograph and video tape items. Store brochure, pictures and video in a fire-proof safe or in a safe deposit box.
Do gardening and houseplant check-list
Do planning for holidays and special occasions.
Laundry Quarterly
Check machine hoses
Check dryer exhaust tube and vent for debris and lint
Make sure exterior vent door closes tightly when not in use Office/Paper Quarterly Delete out dated files on the computer Uninstall programs you no longer use on your computer
Make back-up of computer files
Organize computer files
Organize paper files
PLANNING
Establish yearly goals. Include at least one in each of these categories: Mind, Body, Soul, Family, Church, and Community
Review last year's budget and develop a new one for this year.
Create master cleaning list.
Create master supply list. This is useful when creating shopping lists and organizing your home into stations.
