5 Simple Organizational Tips to Start The Year Right

As we make our New Year’s resolutions, being organized is always on the top of my list. This year I’m not looking at it as a resolution, but more of a way of life and a way to keep myself from being stressed out about the little things. Here are 5 Simple Organizational Tips to Start The Year Right!

I personally don’t mind cleaning…. Oh, who am I kidding! I detest it, but the problem with that is that I do love organization and I’m a bit picky on where everything goes. I like my home to be fun, but I also need everything to have its place. Unfortunately, more times than I prefer, our house is usually in chaotic shambles. Well, at least in my eyes. Here are a few tips that I myself will be doing right before we ring in the New Year!

1. Declutter: When spaces are decluttered things just feel more organized and serene. The best part is that decluttering can actually be one of the simplest task you could do. I personally suggest starting from the last room in your home and work your way to the kitchen. Spend only about 5 minutes in each room. This is meant to be a quick sweep not a thorough cleaning.

• Walk around each room and throw away anything that is unnecessary.
• Do a quick clean out of your closet. Go through your clothes fairly quickly and anything that you haven’t worn in the past 6 months donate.
• Clear out all counter spaces and desks in your home! This alone will leave you with a sense of clean space.

Save only what you really need or has sentimental value! If not… TRASH IT!

2. Clean Out Your Refrigerator: Clean out any leftovers you know that no one will eat in the next 24 hours. Start the new year with a clean refrigerator and especially one that is not stinky!

3. Get Yourself a Calendar: My friends make fun of me because I use a physical planner, but I’ve found out that it’s the only way to keep my organized. You could also check out some phone apps. I’m really picky about planners, so I highly recommend Erin Condren Life Planners! I actually own two, one for family planning/homeschooling and the second as my editorial calendar for my blog ABC Creative Learning. Not only are they absolutely beautiful, but they will keep you organized morning, noon, and night! Plus, she has a great space for keeping track of your daily meal plan. Which brings us to the next organizational tip!

4. Create a Weekly Meal Plan: Creating a weekly meal plan can probably be the most important thing you can do to keep yourself organized! Running around at 5:00 p.m. when the kids are yelling at you that they are hungry to me is the most frustrating part of my day, if I allow it to be!

Sit down once a week and either create a monthly or a weekly menu, including recipes that your family members will enjoy. I suggest adding one take out or pizza night, to give you a break. Make sure to make a grocery list that will go with your meal plan. I keep a list of all my pantry items on my pantry door, that way I can skim through my menu plan that week and compare my ingredients with what I have in the pantry before heading out to the store. This will help with cutting cost down and not over buying items that are not necessary.

5. Make a Family Command Center: A family command center can simply be a desk where you keep a calendar where you write all the events each month, a folder for each of your kids (to keep track of field trip and school notes), an area where you can keep track of bills, and even a household chore list for every member of your family.

I hope that these 5 Organizational Tips help you have a more organized and stress-free 2015!

Look for more organizational tips? Check out how easy it is to organize your Kitchen Spices as well.

What is your favorite organizational tip?