Repeat after me: I am an organized person

At the beginning of each new year I hear many people say they want to “get organized.” But striving to declutter and organize a bit every day is the best way to set yourself up for long-term success.

If you want to make a change to your home or office in 2026, where do you start? 

1. Begin by making a plan. Take a few minutes to close your eyes and consider your vision for the space. Determine what your needs are, and what your ultimate goal is. Make a list of priorities (on paper or a device) and the steps needed to complete the project. 
   

2. Enlist friends or family members (even virtually) to help and communicate to them why the project is important to you. Or maybe don’t. Maybe you’d like to do it all alone, or perhaps there have been conflicts when working with others in the past. 
   

3. Set aside a realistic amount of time to complete each portion of the project. Do you have a set deadline? Make appointments on your calendar to do the work – and keep the appointment! 
   

4. Start by decluttering a small space – a closet or bookshelf – so you don’t become overwhelmed. Decluttering is the first and most important phase of the organizing process. By taking small steps on a regular basis, you will see big results. 
   

5. Know that decluttering and organizing is an ongoing process and decide on a maintenance plan that fits your life. A little work daily, weekly, and monthly will help you stay organized throughout the year.

By following these steps, you will soon go from saying “I want to get organized this year” to “I am an organized person” in no time.