I really hate to make lists, probably because they remind me of school and rules, neither of which appeals to me. (That's why I launched my own business—so I never had to deal with anyone's rules!) And I don't enjoy having to think about all the tasks that accompany the changing of the seasons. I'm sure you know what I mean. You wonder how you're going to do it all—and still find time for apple picking, leaf watching and other joys that come with the cooler weather. The answer? Rethink the way you attack your to-do list.
Gotta-Do's
Not all chores are created equal. As you make your list for this year—you'll find plenty of suggestions below, along with the approximate time each job takes—think about which tasks are most important. There's one group I think of as Gotta-Do's. There's just no getting around these if you want to keep your home and all its contents in good working condition. Gotta-Do's—things like turning off your outdoor faucets as winter approaches and ensuring your smoke detectors have fresh batteries—can help you save money and avoid future damage. In some cases, neglecting them can even be dangerous.
Wanna-Do's
I call the other group the Wanna-Do's. You're more likely to spend time indoors during fall and winter, and with the arrival of the holiday season you're more likely to entertain friends and family. You and your guests would surely enjoy a clean and orderly home. Take care of the Wanna-Do's—for example, cleaning your china, crystal and silver for the holidays—and you'll have just that.
Again, the good news is that you do have some choice about which tasks to take on. It's your home, so you get to pick your priorities. What's more, most of the chores listed below can be completed in only 15 to 30 minutes. Very few will take as long as an hour. And some are covered with a simple phone call to the right professional. Look over the list, and fit the jobs in when they best suit your schedule. Choose your own Wanna-Do's!
NEXT: To-do's that take 15 minutes >>
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