The Best 7 Tips and Tricks for Getting Organized in the New Year
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By: Ashley Rapp
As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to get your life and spaces organized. Whether it’s your home, workspace, or personal life, being organized can bring peace of mind and help you accomplish your goals more effectively.
Here are my top 7 tips for getting organized…
Set Clear Goals: Before diving into organizing, it’s important to set clear goals for yourself. Determine what areas of your life or spaces you want to organize and what outcomes you hope to achieve. Having specific goals will help you stay motivated and focused throughout the process.
Declutter and Simplify: Start by decluttering your spaces. Get rid of items you no longer need or use (I call this “low hanging fruit”) – what is taking up valuable real-estate? (no pun intended 😊). Set a timer for 30 minutes and take a box for donation and a trash bag for trash around your home. You will already feel better after this exercise and start to realize where you need to spend more time.
Prioritize and Schedule: Getting organized does not happen overnight. It takes time and planning. Make a list of tasks and prioritize them based on importance and urgency. Create a schedule or to-do list and block your calendar to help you stay on track. Set deadlines for tasks and allocate specific time slots for different activities. This will ensure that you make progress and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Start Small: Please do not start with the entire kitchen. Start with your junk drawer, pantry or laundry room. Get the hang of it before you jump into larger projects.
Do not buy product until you know exactly what you need: Organizing product can be expensive and it is an invest. I strongly recommend not going to The Container Store or Target until you have taken everything out of your spaces, sorted, edited and measured. This will help you save money AND prevent extra product in your home that you won’t use.
Regular Maintenance: Organizing is not a one-time task; it requires regular maintenance. Set aside time each week or month to review and declutter your spaces. Take a few minutes each day to tidy up and put things back in their designated homes. Consistency will help you maintain an organized lifestyle.
Delegate and Seek Help: Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks or seek help when needed. If you’re overwhelmed or have limited time, consider hiring a professional organizer. I promise, you won’t regret it!
Getting organized is a journey that requires effort and consistency. By setting clear goals, decluttering, creating systems, and maintaining regular maintenance, you can enjoy the benefits of an organized life. Embrace these tips and tricks, and start the new year off with a sense of calm and productivity!
