Organizing Tips for the New Year

January is "GO" month.

The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) has deemed January as "Get Organized Month". This is a motivational mantra that encourages individuals to kickstart the new year with enthusiasm, determination, and a proactive mindset. It signifies a call to action, urging people to initiate positive changes and pursue aspirations.

Organizing is a very common New Year's resolution and January marks a powerful commencement of the new year with a commitment to structure, efficiency, and clarity.

As resolutions and fresh starts abound, this month provides an opportune moment to declutter physical spaces, streamline routines, and set the groundwork for an organized and purposeful year ahead.

Embrace the energy of the new year by assessing living and working spaces, prioritizing tasks, and implementing systematic changes. January serves as a catalyst for positive change.

Setting aside dedicated time for organizing in January establishes a strong foundation for sustained productivity, reduced stress, and a harmonious living and working environment throughout the rest of the year.

Below are some steps to help you get organized in 2024!

1. Set Goals

To set goals for becoming more organized in the new year, start by conducting a thorough assessment of your current organizational challenges and areas that need improvement.

Identify specific aspects of your life or routines where increased order and efficiency are desired, whether it's decluttering and organizing physical spaces, optimizing time management, or enhancing digital organization. Break down larger organizational objectives into smaller, manageable tasks to create a clear roadmap for implementation. Utilize tools such as planners, calendars, or apps to schedule time for decluttering sessions and establish routines for maintaining order. Prioritize goals based on their impact and relevance to your overall well-being. Set realistic deadlines and regularly assess your progress, adjusting your strategies as needed.

Consider seeking support from friends, family, or a local professional organizer to help you stay accountable and motivated. By adopting a systematic and intentional approach to your organizational goals, you can cultivate a more structured and harmonious lifestyle in the new year.

2. Declutter Before You Organize

Before you organize a space you'll want to declutter it. Start with a small, manageable space in order to build momentum. Set a timer and allocate a specific amount of time to prevent feeling overwhelmed. If things are going well you can always keep going! Evaluate each item's usefulness and relevance in your life. Be ruthless in deciding what to keep. If an item doesn’t serve a practical function, improve your life in some way or bring you happiness, it might be time to let it go.

Also, consider the "One Year Rule" If you haven't used or worn something in the past year, consider letting it go. This rule helps you evaluate the practicality and necessity of items in your space.

If you're really on the fence about certain items then create a "maybe" box. Place items in this box, seal it, label it and revisit it in three months. If you haven't needed anything from the box during that time, consider donating or discarding its contents.

Don't be afraid to donate, recycle or discard items that no longer serve you. You're on a mission to clear physical and mental space for the things that truly matter.

3. Organize the Space

After successfully decluttering a space, the next crucial step is to organize the remaining items thoughtfully.

Before you go out and start buying random organizing products be sure to take measurements of the space and be clear about what it is that you want to contain. Using the right products will make a world of difference! Remember, not all products are created equal.

Categorize and group similar items based on function or type. and store them in specific zones within a room.

Don't forget to make use of vertical space by installing shelves, hooks, or wall-mounted organizers. This not only adds storage but also helps keep horizontal surfaces clutter-free.

Label storage containers, drawers and shelves to easily identify the contents. This also helps maintain the system especially if there are other people sharing the space.

Through mindful organization, the once chaotic area transforms into a harmonized and functional living or working space, fostering a sense of calm and efficiency.

4. Label. Label. Label.

Organizing your home is only part of the process. The final part is labelling to help keep it organized. The key to maintenance is knowing where everything goes and training yourself to put it all away. This is especially important if you share your home with other people. You may know which container the backstock toiletries are in, but your partner or children may not remember. That's why labels are a must!

Labelling is a fundamental tool for organization that brings about numerous benefits. One primary benefit is the promotion of clarity and efficiency. In both professional and personal spaces, labelling items, containers, or storage areas allows individuals to quickly identify and locate what they need. This clarity not only saves time but also reduces frustration associated with searching for specific items.

Whether it's labelling folders in an office, pantry items in a kitchen, or storage boxes in a garage, clear and well-designed labels enhance the overall organization by providing a systematic environment that is easy to navigate.

5. Start a Running Donation Box

If you're not able to devote a chunk of time to decluttering right now, don't worry. Just grab a medium-sized box, fold down the flaps, and write "Donate" on it. Then put the box in a central location of your house. Maybe it's the coat closet or laundry room or garage. Just pick a place that’s easy to get to.

Anytime you come across something in your home that needs to be donated, just carry it over and drop it in the box, then go back to your day. You’re gradually purging and you don’t even realize it.

Having a donation box in your home brings forth several benefits. The most obvious advantage is that it provides an opportunity for individuals and families to declutter their living spaces in small bite size pieces.

This process not only contributes to a tidier home environment but also promotes a minimalist lifestyle, fostering a sense of simplicity and mindfulness about material possessions.

Secondly, having a donation box at home encourages a spirit of altruism and generosity. This personal connection to philanthropy can encourage values of compassion and empathy, especially in children who witness and participate in the act of giving away toys that no longer serve them. In addition to benefiting the recipients of the donations, this practice cultivates a sense of fulfillment and purpose for the donors, fostering a positive and altruistic atmosphere within the household. Having a donation box in the home transforms the act of giving into a daily practice, shaping a culture of empathy and social responsibility within the family.

Once the box is full, put the box in your trunk and replace it with another box. The next time you pass by the donation center, make a pit stop and drop off the box.

6. Adopt the "One In - One Out" Rule

Adopting the "one in - one out" rule is a transformative approach to maintaining an organized space. It's a powerful organizational strategy that serves as a gatekeeper for the influx of new items into your living space.

This principle encourages a deliberate and thoughtful approach to acquiring new possessions. Before introducing a new item into a designated area, the rule dictates that an existing item must be removed.

The essence of this rule lies in maintaining a delicate equilibrium. This principle encourages conscious decision-making and prevents the accumulation of unnecessary belongings. Whether it's a new piece of clothing, a gadget, or a decorative item, the rule prompts a thoughtful evaluation of the value and utility of each possession. By adhering to this practice, you not only curb the potential for clutter but also cultivate a disciplined and intentional mindset regarding your living environment.

Embracing the "one in - one out" rule extends beyond the physical realm, influencing purchasing habits and consumer behaviour. It prompts individuals to consider the true necessity and long-term value of each acquisition. This intentional approach can lead to a more minimalist lifestyle, where possessions are chosen with care, and the focus shifts from quantity to quality. As a result, the rule becomes a guiding principle for maintaining an organized and clutter-free space while encouraging a mindful and sustainable relationship with material possessions.

7. Set Up a Sunday Basket

One of the most common clutter problems we all seem to have is paper and it’s easy to see why. Just think about the sheer amount of paper we deal with on a regular basis. Bills, junk mail, sales flyers, receipts, greeting cards, instruction manuals, important records… The paper never ends. If you don’t have a good system in place to quickly organize papers as they come into your life, there’s a good chance they’ll end up in piles on your kitchen counter, coffee table, desk – any surface you can find. 

What's the solution?

Have you heard of a Sunday Basket?!

The concept of a Sunday basket was popularized by productivity expert Lisa Woodruff. It involves dedicating a specific basket or container to collect and organize papers, mail, and tasks throughout the week. By designating a consistent time, such as Sunday, to sort through and organize this basket, individuals can stay on top of responsibilities and prevent the accumulation of clutter.

To set up a Sunday basket, start by selecting a designated basket or a desk top file box. There are many options, so choose one to suit your preference and space.

Use this basket to gather items such as mail, bills, to-do lists, and any other loose papers that accumulate during the week. Consider incorporating categories within the basket, such as actionable tasks, upcoming events, and ongoing projects.

As you dedicate time each Sunday to sort through the contents, you can prioritize tasks, schedule appointments, and ensure that important documents are properly addressed. The Sunday basket becomes a central hub for organizing the chaos of daily life, making it easier to stay focused, reduce procrastination, and approach the week with a clearer sense of purpose and control.

8. Get a Planner

Nothing makes our lives feel more chaotic than when we aren’t in control of our schedules. If you want to kick off the new year on the right foot, my biggest suggestion is to implement a planner.

Using a paper planner offers a range of benefits that contribute to enhanced organization, productivity, and overall well-being. One significant advantage is the tangible and visual nature of a paper planner, which helps individuals engage more deeply with their schedules and tasks.

Physically writing down appointments, deadlines, and to-do lists allows for a more intentional and mindful approach to time management.

This tactile experience aids in memory retention, providing a sense of accomplishment as tasks are completed and progress is tracked.

Not to mention, there’s nothing more satisfying than crossing off items on your list! The act of physically flipping pages and crossing off completed tasks can serve as a source of motivation and satisfaction, reinforcing a sense of accomplishment.

Furthermore, a paper planner provides a holistic view of one's schedule, allowing for better long-term planning and goal setting. Users can easily flip through pages, gaining a sense of their commitments and priorities at a glance. This bird's-eye perspective helps in avoiding over commitment, identifying available time blocks for new projects, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Unlike digital alternatives, a paper planner eliminates the distractions that technology often brings, fostering a focused and dedicated space for planning and reflection.

Happy planning!

9. Create Morning and Evening Routines

Embracing routines in the new year can be a powerful catalyst for positive change and personal growth. Routines are what make your life feel more organized, especially when you get the hang of them. They provide a structured framework that facilitates the incorporation of new, positive behaviours into daily life.

Morning routines, in particular, set a positive tone for the day ahead. They can include tasks such as making the bed, reviewing the day's schedule, and incorporating a brief moment for reflection or mindfulness. This intentional start to the day fosters a proactive mindset and provides a foundation for better time management.

Evening routines are equally as important for organization as they offer an opportunity to wrap up the day efficiently and prepare for the next. Tidying up and putting things back in their designated places at the end of the day is a great habit as regular maintenance will prevent clutter from accumulating again. A child's routine can include a ten minute "clean up" time, as well as picking out clothes for the following day. Mornings are chaotic as it is, so why not prep the night before.

By reviewing the day's accomplishments, identifying outstanding tasks, and setting priorities for the following day, individuals can ensure a more seamless and stress-free morning. Don't forget to implement activities that promote relaxation and better sleep, such as turning off electronic devices and engaging in a calming bedtime ritual.

Routines offer a sense of stability and control in an ever-changing world. In the face of uncertainties and external pressures, adhering to routines provides a comforting anchor. Knowing what to expect and having a clear plan for the day fosters a sense of predictability, reducing stress and anxiety. This stability allows individuals to focus their energy on more meaningful pursuits, such as personal goals, career aspirations, or fulfilling relationships.

By integrating routines into daily life, the new year becomes an opportunity for intentional living, enabling individuals to navigate challenges with resilience and pursue their aspirations with a greater sense of purpose and organization.

Final Thoughts

Embracing January as "Get Organized Month" encourages individuals to overcome inertia and take decisive steps toward their objectives. The concept underscores the idea that the early momentum established in January can set the tone for success and accomplishment throughout the entire year.

If getting organized is among your 2024 goals and you feel you can’t do it alone, consider contacting your local professional organizer for assistance. With the proper advice and encouragement, you’ll quickly be on the right path to a more productive, less stressful year!