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December 31
ORGANIZING RESOLUTIONS HAPPY NEW YEAR! According to an organizational survey, getting organized is one of the top three New Year’s resolutions for 2011.  Here are my thoughts on getting organized in the home and in your daily life: S.M.A.R.T. Goals – On average, 97% of New Year’s Resolutions are not kept because many people make their goals unattainable.  Whether they pertain to your family, diet, money or your behavior, write your goals down on paper and track them. Simplify, Simplify, Simplify – You don’t need 5 sets of sheets, 7 bottles of lotions, 10 black shirts, or 20 household cleaners.  Cut down on excess in 2011.  Simplifying your life may also mean more than just getting rid of “stuff.”  It can mean cutting down on the distractions (i.e. emails, cell phones, noise, negative people, etc.). However you choose to simplify your life, simplicity is not about deprivation.  It is about knowing what is enough in your life, and discarding the rest…..leaving the stress behind with it. Go Paperless – Going paperless has never been easier!  Banks have made online banking easily accessible, and vendors are now incentivizing their customers to make their bills paperless.  Take some time to go online with your bills and lessen unwanted paper. Organize Your Closet – Consider doing a complete overhaul of your closet.  Start by going through each piece and evaluate whether you need it, should donate it, or toss it.  If you haven’t worn something in over a year, this should be an automatic donation. Set a rule to stay organized by repeating this cycle every six months.  Maintain the Kitchen – You’ve got three bags of flour, two bottles of vanilla, and your utensil drawer is a minefield.  Start maintaining your kitchen by going through your cupboards and discard anything you don’t use and check the expiration dates for anything you shouldn’t use! Organizing and getting rid of your clutter doesn’t have to be a chore if you work on it gradually.  Develop a system that works and stick to it!      

ORGANIZING RESOLUTIONS

HAPPY NEW YEAR! According to an organizational survey, getting organized is one of the top three New Year’s resolutions for 2011.  Here are my thoughts on getting organized in the home and in your daily life:

  • S.M.A.R.T. Goals – On average, 97% of New Year’s Resolutions are not kept because many people make their goals unattainable.  Whether they pertain to your family, diet, money or your behavior, write your goals down on paper and track them.
  • Simplify, Simplify, Simplify – You don’t need 5 sets of sheets, 7 bottles of lotions, 10 black shirts, or 20 household cleaners.  Cut down on excess in 2011.  Simplifying your life may also mean more than just getting rid of “stuff.”  It can mean cutting down on the distractions (i.e. emails, cell phones, noise, negative people, etc.). However you choose to simplify your life, simplicity is not about deprivation.  It is about knowing what is enough in your life, and discarding the rest…..leaving the stress behind with it.
  • Go Paperless – Going paperless has never been easier!  Banks have made online banking easily accessible, and vendors are now incentivizing their customers to make their bills paperless.  Take some time to go online with your bills and lessen unwanted paper.
  • Organize Your Closet – Consider doing a complete overhaul of your closet.  Start by going through each piece and evaluate whether you need it, should donate it, or toss it.  If you haven’t worn something in over a year, this should be an automatic donation. Set a rule to stay organized by repeating this cycle every six months. 
  • Maintain the Kitchen – You’ve got three bags of flour, two bottles of vanilla, and your utensil drawer is a minefield.  Start maintaining your kitchen by going through your cupboards and discard anything you don’t use and check the expiration dates for anything you shouldn’t use!

Organizing and getting rid of your clutter doesn’t have to be a chore if you work on it gradually.  Develop a system that works and stick to it!