Get Organized for the New Year!

For many people, the end of the year is a time to reflect on the last 365 days. And, more often than not, these reflections turn into resolutions. We should exercise more. Read more books. Eat better. Get organized.

If you’re like most people, organizing your home can be an overwhelming task. It’s hard to know where to start or what to do with everything.

First, take a minute to assess the situation. Are you trying to cram new clothes in overstuffed closets? Is your desk buried underneath stacks of papers that you plan on filing “someday”?

Take a couple hours to sort through any papers that have accumulated. File what’s important and recycle or shred the rest.  

Did you receive clothes for Christmas? Before you put that new dress in the closet, find something you haven’t worn recently. If you haven’t worn it in more than a year, you probably won’t miss it. Try the same tactic with household goods too. Just clearing out the clutter will make a world of difference.

If your unwanted items are in good shape, consider donating them to an organization that will pass them along to people who can use them. Some items can be recycled, or, if you’re looking for some extra cash, you can try selling things on eBay or Craigslist.

Once your extra clutter is gone, come up with a plan for the items you do have. Create a “home” for important items so you can always find them. You can use hooks for more than just coats and hats – mount a couple hooks on the wall near the back door so you have a convenient spot to hang your keys, or add a few inside a closet to keep scarves neat.

Consider adding shelving to your closet or garage. Install the brackets in the studs for maximum strength and use clear plastic bins so you can easily see what you’re storing on the shelves. Many shelf brackets are available in finishes like dark bronze and platinum, allowing you to coordinate your new shelving with your home’s existing hardware.

Finally, make a point to stay on top of the day to day clutter that accumulates in every home. Sort through the mail every day and file receipts as soon as you receive them. It can take a few weeks for this to be a habit, but if you stick with it, “get organized” will be one New Year’s resolution that you can keep!