Week 6! We’ve been tackling big projects and little projects. This one is one of the littler ones. Well, the items are little. Your challenge may be big.
Keys and Batteries
First, old keys.
1) Gather them all. They may very well be in a number of places in your home.
2) Sort through into 3 piles:
- “I know what these are for sure. I’m going to label them so that other know, too.
- “I’m not exactly sure what these are, but I have a few ideas. I’m going to try them out. And then label them if I’m right.” (If I’m wrong, they go to the next pile.)
- “I have NO idea what this could possibly be” or “I know what these are. Our old house. We don’t live there any more, and I don’t need these.”
Guess what: Pile number 3 gets tossed.
As for batteries, we’re going to gather those, too, and we’re going to TEST them to see if they’re still good.
(by the way, this is for standard alkaline batteries: AA, AAA, C, D, and 9 volt batteries).
Take your battery, and drop it on a hard surface on its end. If it lands solidly with a thump, it’s good. If it bounces a bit, it’s bad.
Why does this work? Apparently, when the alkaline in the battery breaks down, it creates a gas inside. That allows it to be bouncier.
Anyway, get to those junk drawers and stashes, and start cleaning out… save (and label!) the good keys, and save the good batteries. Get rid of the rest!
Kathy Vines
Certified Professional Organizer,®
Productivity Consultant
Based in Melrose, MA.
Clever Girl Organizing® works with clients in their homes or offices to transform their space and systems, minimize stress, and maximize efficiency, productivity, and serenity! Her superpower is helping people untangle their relationship to their stuff!
