January brings a fresh new year and the perfect time to get organized. These easy tips will help you enjoy the new year in your new Signature home.
Get Organized…
Make A List. Make a list of all spaces, including drawers, shelves and closets you would like organized. You’ll have a place to start and feel a sense of accomplishment when completed. You may only have a drawer in your kitchen that collects miscellaneous items that you would like to have organized or you may have several spaces on your list. Prioritize your list by which area you would like completed first and start there.
Set Aside Time. Set aside a certain amount of time, whether it’s part of a morning, or an entire Saturday morning, to organize a closet or room. Conquering an entire closet, room or home can be overwhelming. Do it in baby steps.
Identify Your Storage Needs. Having the right amount of storage for your needs will make things look and feel more organized. Get creative while organizing, vertical space can free up other valuable space.
Clear The Area. Choose your target area and empty it completely. Clean the empty area thoroughly. Then, take the pile and make quick decisions: trash, give away, or keep. Then tackle the next target area with the same steps.
Create A Maybe Box. If you can’t bear to toss something because you might need it later, put it in the box, then close the box, label it, and put it somewhere out of sight. Most likely, you’ll never open that box again. If that’s the case, pull it out after six months or a year, and toss it or give it away.
Go Paperless. Magazines, catalogues, junk mail, bills more than a year old, notes to yourself, notes from others, old work stuff … toss it.
Keep A Binder: Start a binder of important information such as bills, budgets, emergency contacts, and shopping lists in a single three-ring binder, which simplifies and streamlines daily routines.
School Artwork: Can’t bear to toss them? Snap pics of all artwork and create an annual ‘art’ photo book from an online retailer.
Celebrate. Always celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Even if you just organize one drawer, that’s great. Open your organized space and admire its simplicity. Bask in your peacefulness and enjoy the benefits of increased time, space and energy.
Stay Organized…
Break Bad Habits. Create a regular system to keep things in their place and get rid of stuff you don’t need. Allocate 15 minutes at the end of each day to putting away dishes, toys, shoes or any items that may have been left out. The more you practice this habit, the quicker it will become second-nature.
Keep Countertops Clean: Only items used on a daily basis should be awarded the front row seats on countertops.
Find A Home For Everything. Clutter is created when things don’t have a defined home. Identify the miscellaneous items in your home and find a place for them to live permanently. If there isn’t a place readily available, make one.
One In, One Out. Make a deal with yourself to throw something out whenever you buy something new. When you buy a new pair of shoes, throw away or donate an old pair you don’t wear anymore.
Say No. Don’t be afraid of saying no if you are offered something you don’t need; it’s easy to be polite and turn it down at the same time.
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