Oftentimes I hear from our clients that there are so many things to do and so little time to do them. One of the things I find very helpful is to use a timer to set a specific amount of time to complete a task. It can be very effective in teaching you how to be more productive.

Using a neat device like this cube is a simple way to track your time. Turn it on its side and it will immediately start timing. When the time is up, a loud, unmistakable alarm will ring. Simply turn it back to its upright position to silence it. Try timing your phone calls, chores, meetings, cleaning, or any task that needs a time restriction.

Beauty products are like any other household possession… you’re most likely using 20% of it 80% of the time.  Have you ever wondered if that bottle of bath oil collecting dust on the counter is still effective? Here are some expiration dates that will get you motivated to de-clutter your bathroom vanity and the top of your dresser.

Bar soap - 18 months to 3 years

Bath gel, body wash - 3 years

Bath oil - 1 year 

Body bleaches and depilatories Unopened: 2 years; Used: 6 months

Body lotion - 3 years 

Conditioner - 2 to 3 years

Deodorant - Unopened: 2 years; Used: 1 to 2 years

Eye cream - Unopened: 3 years; Used: 1 year

Face lotion - With SPF, see expiration date. All others, at least 3 years

Foundation, oil-based - 2 years

Foundation, water-based - 3 years

Hair gel - 2 to 3 years

Hair spray - 2 to 3 years

Lip balm - Unopened: 5 years; Used: 1 to 5 years

Lipstick - 2 years 

Mascara - Unopened: 2 years; Used: 3 to 4 months

Mouthwash - Three years from manufacture date

Nail polish - 1 year

Nail-polish remover - Lasts indefinitely

Perfume - 1 to 2 years

Rubbing alcohol - At least 3 years

Shampoo - 2 to 3 years

Shaving cream - 2 years or more

Tooth-whitening strips - 13 months

“Where can I donate an open can of paint?” This is a question we hear all the time when helping clients clear out garages and basements during an organizing session. There’s the usual list of resources like Craigslist and Freecycle, but I recently discovered a new one dedicated to sharing and selling items left over from home improvement projects called DiggersList. (http://seattle.diggerslist.com/)  You can buy and sell everything from appliances, tiles, doors, tools and lawn equipment. This is a great way to recycle your old hardware clutter and be a green organizer!

Google has recently introduced a feature which allows you to delegate access to your Gmail to another person so they can read, send, and delete messages on your behalf. This means that you can share e-mail with your assistant, partner or even a coworker who can respond to emails for you. Those people will not be able to change any of your account settings and any message sent from your account by another person will have their name identified as the “Delegate.”

Have you ever received a ticket for an expired tab or discovered a reminder to pay for your tabs too late? The License TabReminder program sends you three email reminders in advance and then sends you a DAY OF and a DAY AFTER reminder as well.

TabReminder is about helping people stay organized and remember to renew their car and boat tabs and avoid costly consequences.