This is HUGE! You may have recently asked yourself, “What do I do with my old, outdated and unused prescription drug?” HERE IS YOUR ANSWER!

Last year the US Department of Justice held their very first National Take Back Day on September 25, 2010. It was a huge success with over 121 tons of pills being turned in. Because of the overwhelming response they have scheduled the second National Take Back Day for April 30th, 2011.

Go here to the US Department of Justice DEA’s Office of Diversion Control (whew, long name!) to get more information! You can click on their link Find a Collection Site Near You to enter your city, county or zip code to find a location near you.

Because this event is at the end of THIS month, I am OFFICIALLY naming this month of April “Organize Your Medicine Cabinet” Month! Make it a priority to clean out all the meds throughout your home and GET rid of them! If you haven’t used them in the last 6 months most likely they are expired AND you won’t be needing them. If you do happen to need them you probably will have to (or should!) go to the doctor and get a new prescription!

Here are some tips to get you started as you “Organize Your Medicine Cabinet”.

  1. As you take each bottle or item out of the cabinet check the expiration date. If expired, place in the “Expired” pile. If it is not expired, place in a category such as kid’s meds, vitamins, cold meds, first aid, creams, etc. You decide on your categories but keep them simple.
  2. Continue taking each item out until the cabinet is empty!
  3. Wipe out the cabinet shelves.
  4. Purge each category. Throw out things you NEVER use.
  5. Plan how you will contain the categories and how they will fit in the space. Place the items by category into clear bins or on a lazy susan if they are in cabinets or on shelves. If in an actual medicine cabinet keep like items together.
  6. Label the bins, containers or shelves!

ENJOY!!! If you only accomplish one project make it this one for the month of April! Don’t forget to take a before and after picture! And then send them to me! πŸ™‚

Image: vichie81 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tracy Hoth

About Tracy

I'm so glad you're here! I specialize in helping women simplify and organize their lives. Combining all I know as a professional organizer and all my training as a certified life coach, I help you take it to the next level. Let's go!