Thursday, December 29, 2016

5 Steps to Getting Organized in 2017

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5 Steps to Getting Organized in 2017


The good news?  You will be permitted to eat all the chocolate that you would like!

The bad news?  You will be de-cluttering! (Maybe while eating some of that chocolate!)


It’s that time of year when we make our resolutions and vow to stick with them.  Really, really stick with them.  No cheating, no half-commitments, no procrastination, no stopping half of the way through 2017.  This will be the year that we say what we mean, and mean what we say.

Without further ado, here are your decluttering orders for the year:

  1. Start in the areas where you live -- think:  kitchen, family room and bedroom.

  1. Separate things into items that you keep, those that will be donated, items for trash, family/friends, etc. Consider having either designated areas for these things, or boxes in which to place them.   

  1. Empty and organize every cabinet, closet and drawer.  Examine the contents carefully to determine what you actually use and need.  Refer back to step #2 as you go along.

  1. Once your primary areas of the home have been thoroughly, you are permitted to begin work in other areas of the home.  Lather, rinse, repeat.

  1. Allow yourself time to perform each of these steps.  You are not expected to get this all done in a day or even a weekend, especially if this is done properly and effectively.  You are expected to go about living your daily life.  

This list and video from Apartment Therapy addresses what not to do when decluttering.  Fans of Oprah Winfrey will be familiar with her frequent contributor Peter Walsh and his organizing tips.

Still not convinced that downsizing is in your future?  Besides making it easier to find things, there are other benefits.  Click here to read more on the advantages of decluttering your home.  

Congratulations!  There is light at the end of the tunnel … and, if you’re lucky,  chocolate!

Happy New Year!