January is Get Organized Month, which presents a prime opportunity to get rid
of clutter and create more functional space. The anticipation surrounding
getting organized can often be the deterrent to starting a project. Keep in
mind that you don’t have to accomplish everything at once. Creating a plan with
realistic goals can make getting organized easier to achieve. Here are some
constructive ways to get organized:
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Plan one room at a time. When you take one step at a time and focus on
only a portion of the overall plan rather than focusing on the big picture, you
end up spending less time worrying about how everything will get finished and
more time on the task at hand.
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Start with the three rooms that become the most cluttered. These rooms
typically are the home office, laundry room, and garage. Choose the rooms that
you think need the most attention, and then determine the organizational
options for each. Organizing just one of these high clutter rooms will give you
a sense of accomplishment and motivate you for what’s next.
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Create extra storage space. You can do this by installing shelves and
adding wall rods or drawers. Use the extra wall space in closets and cabinets
to hang items and free up functional space.
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Make frequently used items easily accessible. The more accessible you
make frequently used items, the less hassle you will have trying to find them
when you need them.
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Tackle small chores daily. For example, make your bed and do one load of
laundry everyday. Small chores like these are easy and do not take up much
time. If you regularly tackle small chores, you will decrease the degree and
quantity of larger chores.
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Lose items you don’t use. Go through your drawers, closets, and storage
areas, and determine what you use and don’t use. Donate, sell, or swap the
items you don’t use.
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Clean up the kitchen after dinner. This prevents dishes from piling up
and cluttering the kitchen, which is the hub of the home. You’ll spend less
time cleaning the kitchen and more time enjoying the space.
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Create a weekly to-do list. Each week, find 10-15 minutes to sit down
and think about the chores, errands, and other tasks you want to accomplish the
following week. Create a plan that outlines the most efficient way for you to
accomplish these items within a week’s time.
Getting organized is much easier to accomplish if you start the process with an
approachable and realistic plan. Once you get into a routine of staying
organized, you’ll have more time to enjoy yourself.
