Starting the new year off organized, with everything where it goes and a system to keep it going throughout the year, can make a massive difference to the stress levels and productivity you experience. Use the first couple days of the year to work through an organization to-do list – you’ll be glad you did!
- Properly stow holiday items
- Purchase plastic bins/tubs
- Label each with the contents and a “used up” list
- Shop post-holiday sales to replace “used up” items and save money
- Set up your workspace
- Add dividers to desk drawers
- Use bookends or desktop bins to organize paperwork and books
- Trash or shred old files
- Optimize your living space
- Use dividers or small storage bins to take the mess out of your junk drawer
- Purchase decorative boxes to store items littering your coffee table such as remotes, pens, and pencils or other small items
- Properly get rid of items taking space in your garage, such as paint cans, old appliances, etc.
- Prepare for spring cleaning
- Locate a rug shampooing machine or professional cleaning company
- Purchase appropriate dusting and cleaning supplies
- Decide how you will move sofas, beds and other heavy furniture
- Plan for the future
- Seek out and purchase adequate storage for winter blankets
- Have a plan to rotate your wardrobe and keep off-season clothes clean
- Set up recurring events on your calendar
- Get your finances in order
- Meet with your financial planner, or find one if you don’t have one yet
- Set up recurring payments for monthly bills such as rent/mortgage and utilities
- Set up auto-transfers to saving plans (pay yourself first – it’s the best way to reach financial goals.)
- Take care of your family
- Consider making a will
- Check that insurance policies are up to date and match your current lifestyle
- Work with your family to create an emergency plan in case of fire, etc.
