Nowadays it seems as though every minute counts. If you want to save yourself 20 to 40 minutes every time you need postage stamps, order your stamps from the postal service through the mail. That’s right, purchase postage stamps without leaving your home.

The post office prefers that you purchase your stamps through the mail. It won’t even cost you a postage stamp to mail in your order form. Your local post office will provide you with a new order form and envelope each time you order postage. The larger your post office is, the more elaborate the form and envelope will be.

Once you have the form, select the type of stamps you want. Write a check for the amount of the postage. Place your check and order form in the attached envelope. Place the envelope in your mailbox without a postage stamp on it – it isn’t necessary. You should receive your order for postage stamps within two days.

To order stamps through the mail, you’ll first need to request an order form from your postal carrier or pick one up from your local post office. Print out our form to request a Stamps-By-Mail order form from your mail carrier.

How many times have you had to forego returning merchandise to a store because you couldn’t locate the sales receipt? Or how many times haven’t you been able to take advantage of a manufacturer’s warranty because you couldn’t find the sales receipt showing proof of purchase?

Now is the perfect time to end your sales receipt clutter and your hunt for lost ones by placing your sales receipts in a 4 x 6 box with a lid. Add an A to Z alphabetical file card index inside the box so you can organize your receipts by store name. If you have a Target receipt, place it behind the letter “T.” If you have a Bed Bath & Beyond receipt, place it behind the letter “B.” If you have no reason to keep the receipt toss it.

I recommend using a box that is decorative or stylish so it looks like it is part of your décor. If your box is tucked away in a cabinet or drawer, it may take too much effort to use it consistently. One of my favorite lines of storage boxes is the Cargo line (pictured) as they are sleek and stylish and available in six colors.

If your receipt is for an item with a warranty, photocopy the sales receipt and attach it to the item’s manual and warranty. If you don’t photocopy the receipt, you may find that in just a few months your receipt is so faded it appears blank. Most sales receipts these days are on thermal paper. Thermal paper images will fade eventually making your sales receipt blank.
Don’t wait any longer to organize your receipts. Perhaps you can use items you already have on hand. Find a small box and cover it with fabric or paper to match your décor. Label blank index cards with the letters A through Z and place them inside.

I recommended purging your sales receipt storage box every 6 months. You can to it effortlessly while watching a television show.

Happy receipt organizing!

With the holidays quickly approaching you may find that you are overwhelmed with tasks to complete. To help you delegate these tasks to those in our household, print out and use our free Communication Made Easy Board.

You’ll find this 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper has six boxes with a blank list inside each. Designate one box for each family member by writing their name on the blank line at the top of the box.  Now assign tasks to each family member by filling in the lists under each person’s name. Follow the same procedure when you are preparing for a party or hosting a holiday dinner.

 Once you have your tasks assigned on paper you might want to photocopy this master list. The photocopy has a dual purpose. Once you have a copy you can cut the original list into small individual lists to handout to each person. By keeping a copy of the original master list you can make sure everyone is on track with their tasks. Secondly, you may want to photocopy the master list to keep as a plan for next year. Perhaps you may want to start a holiday binder to include planning and ideas for next year.

Happy holiday planning!

Are you looking for a simple way to water your Christmas tree? Once you have your Christmas tree in the stand and the Christmas tree skirt around it, you’ve probably experienced the difficult task of watering the tree. Year after year you may find yourself or loved one struggling to water the tree.

Now there is the Watering Elf, a long funnel that allows you to stand while watering your Christmas tree. You no longer need to get down on your hands and knees, then move the present, and reach through sharp needles just to water your tree.

Look for the Watering Elf where Christmas trees are sold. To find a store in your area carrying the Watering Elf, call 1-800-477-8637.