Email and the Environment

The dream of a paperless office hasn't turned out quite the way we thought. If anything, technology has created more paperwork. Through technology, we are inundated with information and neat ideas that we want to hold on to. So, we print out a web page or email and put it in our pile, or file. Stop! Think before you print! Do you really need a hard copy of that information, or can it be easily found again online by bookmarking it, or saving into a folder on your computer? If you do have to print it, only print the pages you need. Often when you print an email, you'll get extra pages with one or two words or graphics on them. What a waste! Make sure you select the print mode in your email program, so you are not printing everything, or cut and paste the information you need into a word document and print just that.

Travel Organizing Tips

Be Prepared
Check the Weather
You may be going to a tropical island, but is it rainy season? Check the weather a day or two in advance and pack accordingly.
Bring Comfortable Shoes
So, you look like a tourist. Well, you are a tourist! And you'll be a much happier tourist if your feet aren't killing you.

Driving?
Upgrade to the AAA Plus Membership, which offers 100 miles of free towing, free fuel delivery, emergency lock service and lots of other handy road-side benefits. You can also get trip planners, maps, and discounts on travel and lodging.

Pack Smart
1. Make a List
Make a list of all items that you need for your trip. Pick a spot to lay things out. Pre-sort by category. Check off items as you pack them. Keep a copy of your list

2. Pack Lightly
Think about the steps you will have to take in order to reach your destination. You may have to carry your luggage up and down stairs, through train stations, airports, etc.

3. Roll instead of Fold
To add extra clothing space, roll your clothes instead of folding. Use tissue paper when rolling clothes to minimize wrinkles.

4. "Containerize" your Clothes
Use packing cubes, packing folders, Ziploc bags, or other simple containers to keep like-items together and in order.

Going Far and Away?
If you don't know the language, use pictures. If you are traveling to a country where you don't know the language, use your camera or camera phone to take photos of basic needs such as bottled water, toilet, taxi, etc. If you don't know the word for it, just show the picture.

Money
Contact your credit card company to let them know you will be traveling, so they do not put a hold on your card. Use ATMs to get cash in the local currency. This will also allow you to get the best exchange rate of the day. Check with your bank to find out if they have international partners to avoid fees.

Traveling by Air?
Use 3-1-1 for carry-on toiletries. 3.4 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin.

Want to Hear More?
Please join us for a free telephone seminar on Tuesday, June 23rd from 4-5pm
We are offering a free telephone seminar on summer travel tips. We will provide tips to help you pack lightly and efficiently. There will also be time to answer any specific questions you may have.
Space is limited, please email us at organizingboston@yahoo.com or call 617-699-1263 to reserve your spot now!

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