August 1-7 is Simplify Your Life Week. What can your family do to simplify the way they do things and enjoy time with each other? Summer is to be a time to relax and have fun. But, as relaxed as summer sounds, it's a time when we're surrounded by stuff and activities – sports stuff, pool stuff, picnic stuff, patio stuff, along with ball games, picnics and county fairs. Keeping it all organized means we don't have to spend precious time looking for it, repairing it or even replacing it and gives us time to do the other things we have scheduled. Some helpful suggestions are:

• Store frequently used cleaning items in a bucket or other take-along container so you don't have to go hunting for them.

• Evaluate the locations of your cleaning supplies. A duplicate set stored someplace near the grill, on the patio, in the garage or the garden shed could make outdoor cleaning and entertaining a whole lot easier. If there are pets and small children around, be sure these supplies are stored securely and out of their reach.

• Take stock of your refrigerator and make it safe for summer snacking. Throw out anything old or unidentifiable. Check the expiration dates on ketchup, salad dressing and other condiments.

• Sort and store things that don't get used in the summer months. This could include school supplies, winter sports gear, scarves and jackets cluttering the back hall.

• A small, hand-held cordless vacuum makes quick pickup a snap. It's especially easy to use outdoors on decks, patios and balconies.

• Constant in-and-out traffic can be hard on floors and carpets. Throw rugs in high traffic areas will make quick cleaning as easy as shaking out a rug.

• Keep a steady supply of hand soap at every sink. Keep hand wipes and hand sanitizers in outdoor entertainment locations. Encourage your family to clean their hands regularly.

• Plan a yard sale. Encourage your kids to sort out and contribute unwanted stuff. Letting them share in the proceeds can be a great motivator.

As summer season is nearing the end and school days are about to begin try some of these suggestions to make your life simpler and enjoy the final days of summer and vacation time.

(This resource was added July 30, 2006 and appeared in the Lincoln Journal Star Newspaper Sunday edition. For information on reproducing this article or using any photographs or graphics, read the Terms of Use statement)

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