Top 3 Cleaning Tips When Your Taxes Are Done

Traditionally, today would have been the deadline for filing last year's tax return. However, since April 15th falls on Sunday this year, we get two additional days. Hopefully you've done your taxes or had them professionally prepared by now. If not, you only have until the day after tomorrow. Some post offices may be open late so that those who truly have waited until the last minute can still get their return postmarked and not have to file an extension.

Don't you wish housecleaning was like taxes? You have all year to prepare for it, then the deadline approaches and if you're still not ready, you can just file an extension. Well unfortunately, when it comes to cleaning house, it's not done until it's done. And if you continue putting it off (i.e. filing extensions), it only gets worse. While you won't have any penalties or interest, things will pile up, overwhelm you and get out of control.

Here are three things to do after your taxes are done:

File It
Since tax returns should be kept for a while, it's a good idea to keep them organized and protected. File a copy of your completed tax return along with all paperwork in a fire safe container in a cool dry area.

Save It
If you prepared your tax return electronically, be sure to save it in an accessible format on a CD or backup media instead of your computer's hard drive. You may also want to consider saving other important files/documents as well. This will secure your important documents if something happens to your computer.

Shred It
Periodically shred old bank statements, bills and other papers that contain your personal information. This can protect you from identity theft as well as ensure you have adequate space to keep your current important documents.

For more cleaning tips, purchase your copy of R U Looking? 31 Things To Look For When Cleaning Your Home today!

It's A New Year - Check Yourself

Have you heard the words to the song by Jennifer Hudson, “It's a new year and I'm feeling good'? Are you feeling good? Or did you bring the same feelings you had last year into the new year? Are you emotionally and physically tired? Is your mind cluttered? Is your house cluttered? Are you feeling weighed down and just sick and tired of being sicked and tired?

Well it is a new year. In fact, we are well into the first quarter of the new year. It's time to make some changes. In one culture, the natives comb their hair and dress up, put up decorations and clean their homes in preparation for their new year. If you haven't done any of these things you can still do them starting today! Today can be the beginning of your new year as well as the beginning of your new you!

If your mind is cluttered here's a list of things to do:

1. Get a pen and paper and write down what's on your mind. Be honest and get it all out. Talk to someone and don't be afraid to ask for help.
2. Make a list of possible solutions for these problems or issues.
3. Take action and do something about it and clear your mind for the rest of this year and for years to come.

Once your mind is clear, you can get rid of the clutter that is in your home by doing the following:

1. Look around your home with open eyes so you can see what's really there. Be honest with yourself. If you need help ask for it.
2. Make a “to do” list of things that will make your house the type of home you want. Include those things that may not be possible right now.
3. Prioritize your list.
4. Start at the top of your list and put into action what needs to be done. It may be as simple as organizing your closets or drawers and getting rid of stuff you haven't used in a while.
5. Once you get started, it will become easier and before you know it, your home will be all that you want it to be.

Make a decision and do something different if you want something different. Remember, your new year can start today! Get your copy of R U Looking? for more cleaning tips for your home.

Wannie and Lillie