It never fails… people set New Year’s Resolutions with good intentions. Usually the first one is losing weight and the second one? “Getting Organized“! Well a few weeks into the New Year, people give up! Why? Because they try to do it all at once, don’t see instant results and then they get overwhelmed and give up! Think about it, you didn’t get dis-organized in a couple of weeks… so I thought it might be helpful to give you 5 simple steps to help you stay on track and make this your year to keep your life organized.
1. Start small and with the easy stuff:
- De-clutter one room at a time.
- Don’t start another room, until you have completed the first room.
- Everything has a home, put it where it belongs each time.
- Set up three containers for the extra stuff:
- Put away
- Throw Away
- Give away
Tip - Before you store it, always ask yourself: If I need this item, where would I look for it?
2. The Front Door
- This is the highest traffic area of your home so it needs to be kept organized.
- Hang keys on a hook on the wall and as soon as you come in.
- Place a mat for your shoes/boots about 3 feet from the door so you can close the door.
- Closet – Hang all coats and put mitts/gloves in coat pockets and knap-sacks/purses underneath them.
- Place a small basket at the front doorway for your mail/flyers and when you come in, place them in the basket.
Tip - Having only a small basket for mail and papers forces you to go through it more often – weekly.
3. Kitchen Area
- Keep counter space clear of too many appliances. Only keep the ones you’re using on a daily basis.
- When a meal is finished, do the dishes and put them away…
- Eliminate all the plastic containers that are filling up drawers and cupboards. The most you need is 10. Make sure the lids are in them before you put them away.
- Make lunches right after dinner and have the children help…Get them involved. You don’t have to do it all.
- The famous junk drawer. This is where everything goes that you don’t know where else to put it. Get rid of half of it!
Tip - If you are not using it daily, get rid of it or put it in a storage space out of the kitchen.
4. Kid’s Stuff
- Make the room functionable for the child. By doing this, they can keep it organized. i.e.; small see through bins. Label them for the older children, coloured bins for younger children.
- Group items together; dresses, pants, t-shirts, sweaters and shoes. Make it simple for them.
- Group their clothes by season. If there is not enough room, put them in a clear, labeled bin in the basement!
- If you don’t have room for a bookshelf, put books in plastic bins on their spine (sideways), so they can see the edge of the book.
Tip – Do what works for your child, not you. This will save you a lot of grief and extra cleaning up.
5. The Rest of your home, closets, basement, garage etc,
- Don’t even think about these spaces until all of the above is done!
Tip – Get a label maker before you start these areas!
Are you still with me? Great! Give yourself a pat on the back. You are doing great. One step at a time. Getting your life and home organized will bring you such peace of mind. If you feel you just can’t move forward, ask for help! I am just a phone call or email away.
Share your favourite organizing tips with me. I love getting feedback! And don’t forget to leave a link back to your own blog too, if you have one, via the commentluv feature here on the site.
Until next time,
Kathy
