Let It Go – Getting Organized In The New Year

Hey friends! We are already 8 days into the New Year. Did you have a plan for getting organized in 2019? I am in a constant state of getting organized. Purging makes me feel good. Accomplished. Lighter. Another way that makes me feel like I am organized is by setting weekly tasks. Basically I try and set certain chores for certain days. I am pretty consistent with these set plans unless we are out of town. The day that I try and get most things done is Sunday. This makes me feel like I can start my week off with a fresh start and it takes the pressure off during a typically busy school and work week. I love writing out my weekly plans on a to-do list but a planner is also a great way to keep track of all.the.things. I bought a new planner {aff link} and I am loving it so far.

W E E K L Y   C H O R E S

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• change bedding
• clean bathrooms
• vacuum carpet
• clean hardwood floors
• wipe down kitchen
• meal plan
• grocery shop
• meal prep
• dump small trashcans around the house
• take trash cans to the street

D A I L Y  C H O R E S

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• wash dishes
• unload the dish washer
• laundry – don’t let it pile up!
• dump recycling
• pick up – I do a quick tidying before I head to bed at night
• cat box and dog poo pick up {this is more of an every other day chore}
• feed + water animals

By setting up some simple routines, you can take the pressure off instead of trying to fit things in when life feels so busy. I also enlist the help of my boys to accomplish certain tasks. Cleaning up after and feeding the pets, putting away laundry, dumping the recycling, unloading the dishwasher and trash duty all belong to my kids. My oldest knows how to do laundry but I am a little OCD about the process.

Now, on the bigger tasks + projects to get you organized this year. First off, Christmas probably brought in more of everything. More toys, more clothes, more stuff. Take stock friends. When something new comes into your home, something else should leave.  This is a great time to start going through things – one room, one closet, one drawer at a time. If it doesn’t serve a purpose or make you happy, it’s time to say goodbye.

S E N T I M E N T A L

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One thing that is so hard for people to let go of is sentimental things. Again, are you just hoarding Aunt Thelma’s china with no intent to ever use it? Well, you should either use it or lose it. You aren’t honoring her memory by letting it sit in a box in the attic. Did someone ‘gift’ you an old chair? Does it fit into your current home decor? Are you keeping it out of guilt or attachment? I’ve seen first hand, how much a person can hold on to because something belonged to a family member. Again, what is that item doing for you? Really think about this. Also, if you do decide that you just can’t part with Uncle Bert’s collection of old books, display them. Or if you just don’t want them as a part of your everyday decor –  sell them. Sentiment really sits in our hearts. Yes, I have certain things that mean something to me because my grandmother made them. They are gently tucked away in my attic as they don’t have a place in my home. Ya know? But I try and be mindful about how much material things mean to me before holding on to them forever.

C L O T H I N G

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There are some basic rules with clothing. If you haven’t worn it in 6 months – 1 year, say goodbye. Holding on to various sizes cause you might gain or lose weight? Don’t. Is it ripped? Missing buttons? Faded? Out dated? Not your style? Doesn’t fit your current lifestyle? Say goodbye. Are you stumped on what to do with your ‘old wardrobe’? Look for local charities that are in need. In Sacramento, there is a group called Woman’s Empowerment that caters to woman in need of clothes and accessories to help them land a job and get on their feet. You might find simliar organizations in your area. Otherwise pack it up and take to a local thrift store. Goodwill is a great option but I usually take things to Snowline Hospice. If the items cost you a lot up front, you might think about trying to sell them on Marketplace or Poshmark.

H O U S E W A R E S

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Last January, I did a major kitchen purge. I had serving platters that I never used, old mismatched dishes, beat-up utensils, and of course, Tupperware {aff link} that had lost it’s mate. I packed it up and donated it. I didn’t even want to try and sell it. Keep it simple. I have matching dishes, neutral platters {I use mostly white when I entertain}.

L I N E N S

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The linen closet can hold so many things. Too many things. Blankets, sheets, pillows, towels, table runners, cloth napkins.  Seriously. Anything made of fabric can end up in a linen closet. Some people use it to keep all the extra things. So narrow it down to what is actually used. I keep one set of regular and one set of flannel sheets per bed. I have a lot of throw pillows but I have started to keep only the covers and some of the actual pillows so that I can switch them out without keeping all of the pillow forms. I save a lot of space that way because throw pillows are my addiction. Towels? Two per person, per bathroom is a good rule of thumb. Three if you switch them out daily. I usually use mine for 2-3 days.

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I’m now offering design + organizing services. You can find more info on what I offer here. Do you have an area that you struggle to get organized? Shoot me a message! I’d love to help you come up with a plan.