How to Return Rentals on Time

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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What treasures lie under that coffee-table chaos? Could it be the video you rented two weeks ago? Perhaps it's the library book due last month. If late fees and overdue items are sapping your cash-- and putting a strain on friendships--it's time for a new system.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Choose a spot near the front door (a closet, a bookshelf, a cubbyhole) and place a container there to gather rental-store returns, borrowed items and library books. See 128 Store Anything.

Step2

Train yourself (and your family) to note the return dates of each rental item on the master calendar. Put a sticky note on the item itself or a reminder. See 266 Coordinate a Family Calendar.

Step3

Have family members develop the habit of checking the master calendar to see what needs to happen and note upcoming deadlines for returns.

Step4

Schedule the return errand in your daily to-do list, or assign someone to make the returns. See 4 Run Errands Efficiently and 3 Write an Effective To-Do List.

Step5

Cross off the note when the item is returned.

Step6

Renew the item by phone or online if you know you're going to be late. Many libraries offer this service.

Step7

Try services such as Netflix.com or Gameznflix.com. For a fixed monthly membership charge, you get three rentals at a time from your submitted favorites list, which you can keep as long as you like. These services send new movies or games only when you return the previous ones, so you don't pay any late fees. See 20 Never Be Late Again.

Tips & Warnings

Some libraries may have additional drop-offs at post offices, grocery stores and city hall.
For added convenience, try using online library resources for your reading material. Check out NetLibrary.com or ClassicBookshelf.com for electronic books (aka e-books).