January and the new year remind us all of the possibility of new beginnings for ourselves and our family. We resolve to live better, be healthier, more organized, more focused, more _____ (you fill in the blank). Yet most of these resolutions dissolve by February or sooner. Is it because we want to be all of these but don’t actually have a plan or do we just have unrealistic expectations?
Over the many years I have been a designer and I have given seminars on clutter control and organization, (mostly in January!) I’ve listened to countless married couples in crisis because one spouse is the neat freak and the other is the ____ (well you know). Hoarders notwithstanding, (that’s another issue altogether,) I have been able to help folks to more comfortable co-habiting by a few simple rules.
The first order of business is to acknowledge that a clean, organized, clutter free home is healthier, more efficient, less costly and more ego building than one that is not. It all starts with this affirmation and then a plan – a realistic one with short term goals and long-term goals. Each goal achieved will spur you on to do more. Cleaning out the entire garage, attic, walk-in closet, kitchen cabinets, etc. can be a great goal long-term, but probably won’t ever actually be accomplished if it overwhelms you in its entirety. (Where to start – not enough time-energy-motivation?) If, however, a huge task is broken down into smaller parts, with a clear action – you’ve got a great shot at success!
So, create the plan – not in your head – but on paper, and set aside the time to accomplish one of the individual tasks you’ve listed. Pick one thing that bothers you most, then cross it off your list when it’s done. (That feels great in itself). Your list can also involve designating a specific day of the week to tackle repetitive tasks, for example: Monday could be laundry day, Tuesday-cleaning day, Wednesday-bill pay, Thursday-errands, Friday-food shopping, Saturday cooking and kitchen cleanup, Sunday-no work!
What about things you can accomplish in ten minutes – getting rid of trash, opening the mail and sorting it, cleaning off kitchen counters, cleaning the entry area, hanging up clothing, putting away clean laundry? When you don’t let things pile up, tasks can actually be accomplished in ten minutes!
So, what do you think? Once you begin and find success – you will want to continue – and even start that diet, have friends over without worrying about “what people will say”, and feel good about how your surroundings make you feel. So, ring in 2025 and get started!
20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 