1. all unused antibiotic pills
   the non-prescription medicines
2. anything that's damaged or after its expiration date

Anything that looks damaged, old or broken should be first to go. Also, anything that's already passed the expiration date should be thrown away.

1. Yes, you should launder or dry clean them once a year.
   No, regular vacuuming is all they need.
2. Yes, you should call in the professional cleaners once a year or they won't last.

Yes, even if you clean them regularly by vacuuming, it's a good idea to give them a really good laundering or dry cleaning once a year to keep them long-lasting.

1. It picks up dirt, dust, mites and allergens.
   It removes dirt only.
2. It only neutralizes odors.

Fortunately, it removes dirt, dust, mites, allergens and you-name-it that have been embedded in the carpet for a year.

1. outdoor and indoor coils
   outdoor unit, especially the condenser coil
2. indoor coils

Clean out the condenser coil at least once a year. The indoor coils can wait -- you only need clean them every few years.

1. 10 percent
   30 percent
2. 50 percent

According to the EPA, you could save up to 30 percent on your energy bill if you replace a unit that old.

1. 1 cup water, ½ cup baking soda and 1 teaspoon mineral water
   2 cups vinegar, ¼ cup vanilla and ¾ cup rose water
2. 2 cups water, ¼ cup vinegar and ½ teaspoon detergent

The trick is to keep it simple using one of the best in-your-kitchen cleaning agents: vinegar. Mix 2 cups water with ¼ cup vinegar and ½ teaspoon detergent. It makes a great window cleaner.

1. at least 10 feet (3m) away
   no more than 10 feet (3m) away
2. none of the above

Whether it's a gas or charcoal grill, you should not operate it within 10 feet (3m) of your home for safety reasons.

1. Hang all the linens out in the sun and bang them with a carpet beater.
   Pack your linens by color and take them to the attic for storage.
2. Discard what you don't want, wash what you can and store the linens by size.

Toss what you don't want anymore, wash the linens and store them by size for the next cold season.

1. clothing for recycling
   new purchases
2. air fresheners and moth balls

Leave about 15 percent for new purchases. This will mean first going through your existing wardrobe and discarding what you no longer wear or want. When you've finished, you should have the space for your new purchases.

1. on the front and back of each box, and preferably using an index card system
   on the front of each box, and preferably using an adhesive label system
2. on the back of each box, and preferably using a sign-and-arrow system

It would be ideal if you label the front and back of each box. To really allow for easy identification, use an index card system, with each box and its contents clearly listed.

1. thieving your personal information by going through your trash
   diving into dumpsters to retrieve lost rings and other valuable items
2. freefall diving from heights using dumpster-style harnessing equipment

It means what you hope will never happen: that someone is low enough to rummage through your trash in order to steal your identity or personal information.

1. by burning it
   by shredding it
2. by storing it indefinitely and not throwing any documents away

Get yourself a home shredder (not the vegetable-shredder variety) and shred your waste paper periodically. Better safe than sorry…

1. throwing out 50% of the stuff
   sorting out the contents
2. getting your family members to help you -- without them, it won't work

The key is to sort out as you go. There's stuff you don't need and stuff you won't need for a while. It all needs sorting out.

1. to put down mouse traps
   to wipe down the shelves
2. to label the containers

While all of the above may be a good idea, the one that is essential under all circumstances is to label the containers. Otherwise, come next season and you'll have no idea how to find what you're looking for.

1. March, before the summer sets in
   October, when the leaves have fallen
2. December, while the snow is falling

The best time is at the end of the fall season, when all the leaves have fallen. This is usually around October.

1. Pull out leaves and general gunk. Loosen the rest with a hose. If necessary, use a plumber's auger.
   Call in an expert. A layman can't clean them.
2. Pour acid down to free any clogging. Then use pipe cleaners for the residue.

See what you can achieve manually. Pull out leaves, then hose them down. If they're still blocked, use a plumber's auger.

1. compile your Christmas present list
   organize your pantry
2. take stock of the year that's passed

Before you plan your Thanksgiving turkey, now is the time to organize your pantry.

1. grouping all canned items together
   grouping all food families together, such as all legumes
2. both of the above

Basically, it's up to you how you group the foods together in the pantry. You can group, say, all canned items together or all food families together -- both are valid.

1. 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) or lower
   40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.44 degrees Celsius) or higher
2. 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) or higher

Even when the refrigerator temperature is standing at 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius), the risk of food poisoning is already on the rise.

1. Turn the temperature up to high and use a knife to scrape the frost of the interior walls.
   Defrost the food and spray the interior walls with a special freezer cleaner.
2. Empty everything out and turn the temperature to OFF.

First empty out all the food, making sure to put it in a cool place temporarily. Second, turn the temperature to the OFF position. Now, you're ready to clean it out.