January is simultaneously my least favorite month and my most favorite month of the year. It is my least favorite because of the gray, cold weather and the short days in New England. But, as an organizer, it is my most favorite because it invigorates all of us to clear the slate and start fresh. In fact, January has been officially designated ‘Get Organized Month’ by the National Association of Professional Organizers. What better time to look at our possessions and commitments and clear the decks? Here are some ideas to get you started:
~Look thru your closet for clothes that still have the price tags hanging from them – are you ever going to wear them? Now is the time to decide.
~In your kitchen, are there plates and dishes with chips and cracks? Is it time for them to go?
~Now that the holidays have passed, go thru your pantry and determine what you really need to keep. Are there ingredients you never use? Snacks that your relatives stuck in your cabinet that you never eat? Expired foods?
~In your bathroom, what lotions and potions are never used and what prescriptions are passed their usage date?
~Take a peek at your calendar for the year. Are there commitments you have been wanting to remove? Consider how to make this happen.
~Finally, (and you knew this was coming) have you neatly packed up your holiday decorations and donated or tossed those decorations that you never displayed or that are cracked, chipped or beyond repair?