By Jen Montbleau of Sterilite Corporation
After the Holidays when all your decorations are packed up and stored away, start the year off right by tackling one of your most challenging resolutions. Sure, it can be a little daunting to do – especially when your cleaning list is longer than your shopping list – but with these tips, it’ll be a cinch!
Begin small
Break down each resolution into smaller steps and make the first step incredibly easy. For example, if you want to declutter and organize your entire house, pick one room, closet, or even one drawer as the starting point.
To simplify the process, locate some containers to hold things you plan to store, donate or give away. Consider choosing clear storage boxes – this will eliminate the need to rifle through all your containers causing another mess you have to re-organize later.Organize one thing at a time
Your habits have developed over time so changing them is going to require a little time as well. Don’t get frustrated if your shoes don't end up in their box every time you walk into your bedroom. Instead, consider putting yesterday’s pair away when you take out today’s pair.
Don't beat yourself up
Perfection is a state of mind. Using positive thinking is far more motivating than focusing on the negative. For example, rather than thinking "I'll never get this house organized," think "I loved that feeling when I organized my closet!" (Remember to think small.)
Celebrate your success
Celebrate your successes, but make sure the way you celebrate doesn't go against your resolution. Instead, treat yourself to that item you wanted but didn’t receive for the holidays. You deserve it!
Keep up the momentum
Now that you’ve started your project off with a small task, keep up the momentum by moving on to the next room or area.
Bedroom
Why not turn unused space beneath your bed into useful out-of-sight storage? Under the bed is the perfect place to store seasonal clothing, extra blankets and even photographs or paper that would normally be sensitive to climate changes in an attic or basement.
Craft Room
If you enjoy crafts, whether it’s knitting, scrapbooking or DIY home improvement projects, you’ve probably acquired a lot of supplies that can be challenging to keep organized. Stack smaller clear containers on shelves to allow you to see your supplies at a glance. This way when you have the time to craft, you’ll be able to easily find what you need, and stacking similar containers will keep your supplies looking neat while keeping your work surface clear.
Garage
For those lucky enough to have them, garages and basements are always high on the list of organizing priorities. Large stackable see-through containers provide an organized appearance while keeping items dust-free and easily accessible. You won’t need to dig through containers to find your camping gear come summertime!
It's very easy to make New Year's resolutions in anticipation of a new year, but it can take some real determination to stick with them. Before you give in to disorganization make your resolution to be organized room to room. You've got the entire year!