OrganizerPro - The Ultimate Guide to Getting it all Together

You look forward to the weekend for so many reasons - to relax, reflect and play. but if your downtime gets eaten up by trips to the supermarket, the library, the cleaners and every other spot on the map except your couch, then you need to re-tune your systems. Whether you live alone or have a large family, you can reclaim your free time by following these simple steps.

Avoiding the Errand Crunch

1. Make a list of your errands in order of priority, then group them by location so that you can get the most done in the shortest amount of time. Stick to your list.
2. Create an errand center in your house by setting up one of the following systems and encourage your entire household to use it.
   1. Post a blank laminated calendar and write in the month and the days of the week using an erasable marker. Then, on sticky notes, write down the errands to be completed and put the notes on the day the errands need to be done. Include any helpful phone numbers and directions.
   2. Pull out your spiral-bound to-do list and create sections for to buy, to do and to fix. Use sticky notes to jot down any necessary phone numbers, contacts, addresses, measurements, serial numbers and other product-specific information that needs to come with you.
   3. Stash items near the door that need to go in the car.
3. Plan your most efficient route with errands grouped geographically. Save even more time by switching to a dry cleaner that's near the supermarket that's near your office. Plan your route so the grocery run comes last to prevent perishables from spoiling in the car. Or put a cooler in the truck to hold those items until you get home.
4. Stock up on frequently used non-perishable items only once a month to cut down on the number of shopping trips.