Happy New Year!
Organizing has come a long, long way since 2000 when I started An Organized Approach – most people didn’t even have home computers!
According to MarketWatch.com (12.27.18): Wanting to get organized is the second of the top five most common resolutions. Also, January is GO (Get Organized) Month. Now is a perfect time to create order.
First, create a resolution. Getting organized is not a resolution, or goal, but rather a concept or desire. Organize what? By when?
A goal is a clear, well defined statement of what you want to accomplish.
Set SMART goals
S – specific
M – measurable
A – achievable
R – relevant
T – time-bound
Say your overall vision for your home is- to be better organized.
A goal is: Organize the bedroom closet in January.
Figure out how long it’ll take and schedule blocks of time in your calendar. This goal is Specific (closet), Measurable (success if it’s done by January 31), Achievable (no foreseeable barriers), Relevant (supports your vision) and Time-bound (January). Remember, you have the entire month.
Another SMART goal idea: Recycle magazines over two months old in February.
You’ll need to know basic organizing skills, principles, systems, tools and maintenance that will work with your personality, ability, needs, habits and barriers.
Other SMART goal-worthy ideas
- Did holiday gifts create more clutter? De-clutter those spaces.
- Gained holiday pounds? Organize the kitchen for healthier eating.
- Laundry out of control? Identify a system to keep up with it.
Success tips
- Have realistic expectations – disorganization didn’t happen overnight won’t be fixed overnight. It’s a process that takes time and patience.
- It’s not a once-and-done project; it involves lifestyle changes and maintenance.
- Have small goals for busy times, such as December (make holiday goals) and vacation, so you don’t over-schedule yourself and become frustrated.
- You’ll be rewarded with lifetime benefits: less stress, saved money and LOTS more time.
Organizing can be hard to do alone. If you want help, contact me at 215.540.9401 or adriane@organizedapproach.com. Working together, organizing gets done!
