6 Easy Ways to Get Organized for the New Year

Every year many of us make resolutions. Most of the time they are general statements without any real conviction — lose weight, get organized, eat better, exercise more. Then after a few weeks, these promises tend to fall off completely. Hence, another year goes by and nothing gets accomplished. But, we have six easy ways to get organized for the new year. Follow these simple step by step tips by starting small so as to not get overwhelmed. A little at a time and before you know it, by the end of the year you will achieve some major goals!

1. Streamline Your Time and Tasks

The number one recommendation to get organized for the new year is to clear away the clutter. But, that is a general statement and therefore intimidating. Instead, get specific. Start room by room. And if that is even too overwhelming, start in one specific area of the room, like a closet or the kid’s toy/play space. Get out the calendar and designate a weekend, a day or even a block of time to spend on the designated zone. We all have busy schedules, so consider doing this once a month. Who knows? After the first couple of times, you will see it is not that difficult. Therefore you may get inspired and want to accomplish more and with frequency.

2. Decide What Goes and What Stays and Be Firm

Ok, so you have designated your days and times and zones for organizing. Now, where do you begin? First, agree to be honest and firm in your resolution. Make piles of things to keep, things to donate, and things to throw away. Discard odd and mismatched hangers. Recycle old wire hangers at a local dry cleaner. If you have not used it in 2 years, and it is in good condition, donate it. If something has been sitting around and is broken consider it’s value and potential use. It’s ok to throw items out that have no real potentiality. Or, take it to be repaired when you drop off your donations. This is especially true for kid’s toys, gadgets, shoes, and clothes.

3. A Place For Everything

Now that you have cleared away the clutter it seems counterintuitive to shove everything back where it came from. Correct? Pick up baskets or clear storage containers. Organize and label your items. This could be super helpful in keeping your kid’s toys and school items orderly and easy to locate. Organize your entryway or mudroom with designated bins for shoes and other outdoor gear. Keep your closet neat and purchase specific hangers for shirts and pants. Store seasonal clothing under the bed or in the attic. Get organizers for drawers in the kitchen, bathroom, and dressers.

4. Create a Master Cleaning Schedule

Enlist the help of the entire household and make a cleaning schedule and assign everyone tasks. Break the list down into daily, weekly, and monthly shores. Then appoint specific persons to specific jobs. For example:

Daily

• Make the beds.
• Wash the dishes.
• Feed and walk the pets.
• Pick up laundry and put in hampers.
• Take out the trash.
• Put toys away in designated bins.

Weekly

• Clean all bathrooms.
• Vacuum and dust the house.
• Wipe all kitchen counters and appliances.
• Sweep and mop all floors.
• Change the sheets.
• Clean out the fridge.

Monthly

• Clean lint out of dryer vent and tube.
• Vacuum behind the refrigerator.
• Dust under all shelves and furniture.
• Clean under the beds.

Laundry is another animal altogether. If you find yourself overwhelmed by a mountain of dirty clothes at the end of the week, enlist help. Have someone gather and sort. Another person can wash and fold. Then have everyone put away their own laundry.

5. Create a Reward System

For many, the idea of a clean and organized house may be reward enough. Others may need incentive. Keep track on a chart or the calendar. For every day and task that is accomplished offer little rewards daily, weekly, and monthly. This system is especially effective if you have kids. Let them see daily honors build to a great weekly prize like going to the movies or bowling. Or, offer a monetary bonus and have kids earn an allowance.

6. Get Professional Help

It is ok to admit that you cannot do everything on your own! Consider hiring a professional maid service to take care of your weekly, biweekly, or monthly deep cleaning. When you evaluate the return on the investment, you will realize that it is worth it. Studies even show that hiring a maid service makes you happier! Contact Maid Healthy today for a free consultation. You have taken the time to get organized for the new year, allow us to maintain your hard work! Schedule your appointment today.