January is Get Organized & Be Productive (GO) Month. If you’re ready to start the new year off right by zapping clutter, check out these six simple tips that are sure to help alleviate stress, frustration, and anxiety in 2023.
Start with the area that bothers you the most. If a stranger took a tour of your home, what would you be the most embarrassed about? What would you find yourself apologizing for? What irritates you the most? This is the area you should start with first. If all of it bothers you, start with the space you see when you open your eyes in the morning.
Go for a quick win. Choose a small area or topic that can be easily completed. By tackling a small, easy project first, you set yourself up for success and are further motivated to tackle the areas you struggle with emotionally.
Gather supplies before diving in. Be sure to have trash bags or boxes on hand to sort items into categories such as Keep, Sell, Donate, and Trash.
Set retention guidelines for specific categories of items. Similar to keeping tax paperwork for seven years, set guidelines for other items you own. For example, any magazines over 6 months old can be donated or recycled. If a dish is chipped, it can be donated or tossed. By deciding ahead of time, you relieve yourself of decision fatigue and/or emotional attachments.
Create a home for items that need to leave the house. Create spaces to store library books, merchandise returns, and items that belong to someone outside of your household. These items tend to live on countertops and tables and hinder you from using your space the way you want to. If you create space for items that will only be in your home for a little while, you cut down on the piles that interfere with your living spaces.
Get family members involved. Set a timer for 20 minutes before bedtime and play fun music while everyone helps pick up around the house. You’ve heard the phrase, “Many hands make light work.” Even children as young as 2-3 years old can begin to learn how to match socks or put dirty clothing into the hamper. When adults model good behavior and positive attitudes around organizing, the kids will pick up on it too.
If you need some guidance in 2023, contact me at (608) 345-1836 or melanie@resetorganizing.com, and let’s get started.