January Organization
It’s January. A new year and new start. A time when we set new year’s resolutions or at least an intent for the year. I don’t tend to do new year’s resolutions any more but I do still like to do a year end audit of sorts and see where I can improve. One area I am always looking to improve is my organization. I am actually quite an organized person but always feel like there are some areas where I fall short- the never-ending list on the corner of my kitchen counter comes to mind or the basket on my desk that has become a catch all. Some people just seem to be organized all the time. Others seem to strive for being organized but never quite make it and still others don’t even know where to start.
Organizing is a skill we can all acquire with a little know how and a little effort. BUT it doesn’t have to be a chore. If you pick away at it slowly before long you will start to realize you are living in a more organized fashion and not only will your home feel calmer but your mind will as well. Think of the emotional “volume” in your space. Maybe you have too much clutter around you and don’t realize how this can affect your mood and emotional state. Being organized shouldn’t be separating from items you love but more about knowing where things are so you can easily move in every part of your home or office. Seems like good motivation to me!
Kitchens are the busiest spaces in our homes. If it all seems daunting, look for innovative storage solutions like these handy slide and hang storage ideas. Source: Styledegree
So where does one start? Well, first of all what is your most problem area? What is your least problem area? Most of us make more positive changes if we have success, so why not start with the area that gives you the least challenge for the first step. Say your home office is a disaster but your kitchen counter is a doable task. Set aside 15 mins to organize your counter. Throw out all papers that are no longer relevant. If you have little pieces of paper from several different lists, make one list to work from. Perhaps have a basket on your counter that holds all the relevant paperwork that you need to keep handy. Then file or throw out all the other papers. Put items that you don’t use often back in the cupboard. A toaster is often used frequently but maybe your blender or Mixmaster can be put back in a cupboard. Organizing your counter will help you use your kitchen counter more efficiently and will really allow you to maximize your kitchen workspace.
Using trays or pedestals are a great way to reduce countertop clutter and it can also looks pretty if you add some decorative items like vases, planters and greenery. Source: The Turquoise Home
Another task you could probably do in 15 mins is to go through your junk drawer and get rid of items you no longer use. Or you could go through your pot drawer and make sure all pots have lids, or your Tupperware cupboard. The point is to just pick one area so you won’t feel overwhelmed. Most of us can fit 15 mins into our day to go through a drawer or cupboard.
If you set aside 15 mins each day before long you will start to notice little improvements. You will notice you can find that lid to go with that Tupperware container or find that receipt you were looking for. When you reap the positive benefits of being organized it will motivate you to go onto the next task. For the first few days it may seem like a bit of a chore but hopefully you will see the results quickly and this 15 mins will become a new habit. Make sure as you go through this process that you are keeping items you most often use at hand. Ie. Don’t put your toaster on a high shelf or at the back of a cupboard-keep it handy on the counter or in an easy to get to space.
Drawer organisers are great for dividing drawers into smaller, more manageable areas. Start with your biggest drawers, as they generally need more organising. Source: Karolina Valenti
An area that needs my attention is my desk. As I go through my day I tend to put papers and bills and mail on my desk. It usually piles up over a few days and then I reach my breaking point and I have to organize it. I go through the mail and recycle envelopes and junk mail. I then keep the bills in my budget book to be paid on the 15th and 30th of each month. I really like paying my bills this way. It just helps keep everything current and helps me know where my bank account is. After I sort the mail I will then ensure all the files on my desk are active. If a job has ended that week I will then file that folder. Having just active files on my desk helps my mind stay on task by helping me see just my present workload. I must admit I do have a basket on my desk that is the catch all. I try to go through it every couple of weeks as it can get very bogged down with paperwork that needs to be filed.
If you have a small desk, think about using the wall as another surface to store and display items. Here a Lucite dry-erase and magnet friendly notice board works perfectly, while showing off the beautiful wallpaper at the same time. Source: Sara Tramp
So basically my approach is little steps and then trying to stay on top of it. 15 mins of organizing a day will go a long way to helping you attain and remain organized.
Good luck and let me know how it goes for you!!