We know we should save the manuals for all those great appliances, electronics, and toys we purchase, but they take up a great amount of space. And when it’s time to find them … Good Luck!

But there’s a better way. When you receive your new item, scan a copy of the manual into a PDF or, better yet, pull a copy off the internet.  A digital manual takes up no space, and a quick search of your computer is all it takes to find it. Also, PDFs are searchable, and you can magnify the text to your needed size—no fine print.

But before you file away your digital document, add a few important details to make it an even better tool.

• Product Information – On the first page of your PDF, add a text box and enter your product’s vital information:  model number, UPC code, serial number, and the date you purchased it.
• Warranty Information – Make sure the manual has a copy of the warranty information.  If it doesn’t, add it.
• Parts List – Add a parts list if you can find one.  This makes it easier to track down needed items later–especially if the product is discontinued.
• Proof of Purchase –  Any warranty claim will require proof of purchase, so add a copy of your receipt to the file, too!

 

Let’s be honest, there’s a ton of stuff in the house that we want to get rid of, but actually getting everything together, separated, and priced for the garage sale is time-consuming and draining. Here’s a tip that will keep you organized and garage-sale-ready all the time.

1. Keep a few boxes set up in the garage at all times. I have them labeled Toys, Clothes, Housewares, and Misc., but you can label them however you wish.
2. Next to the box, have a package of price stickers and a pen handy.
3. Every time that you find something you want to add to the garage sale boxes, just price it and put it in.

Now when the annual garage sale comes around, all you have to do is open up those boxes and you’re ready to go! Leonora