It never fails. After the holidays, usually the day after Christmas, I have the sudden uncontrollable urge to organize and de-clutter. Everything. In sight. I just love the idea of going into the new year with a fresh start, and for me, that fresh start is all about no clutter and being highly streamlined and organized when it comes to my home and my work/blogging.
With that in mind, I compiled my own personal “to do” list that I’ll be working on until I go back to work next Thursday. I thought I would share in case anyone else might be interested or looking for a project to tackle.
NEW YEAR’S DE-CLUTTER LIST
HOME:
I always take this room-by-room. We live in an apartment, so I don’t have lots of big rooms to de-clutter, so this is what works for me personally. Since we have so little space, I’m all about getting the most out of what we have to work with.
Living Room- Go through stacks of magazines and catalogs. Toss what’s been read or not going to be read. Go through stacks of DVDs. Take those my son has outgrown to work so my students can enjoy them.
Bedrooms: Go through closets and dresser drawers. Bag up clothing to be given away. Also bag up toys not played with in the last few months to be given away. Go through books/magazines to give away.
Bathroom: Pull out all products under the sink and toss what’s not being used. Go through make-up drawer and toss old/not being used products. Organize all medications and toss old ones out.
Kitchen: Go through all cookware and dishes/glasses. See what can be weeded out. We’ve acquired some new kitchen tools and gadgets, so no need for two or three of the same. My son has also outgrown some of his plastic dishes and cups, etc. Check food in the pantry and fridge and toss anything old. Organize the “junk drawer”.
Linen Closet: This closet just needs to be organized a little better. Bag up any old sheets/towels/blankets not in use to be given away.
Coat Closet: Check for non-fitting coats (my son) to be given away, find a better organizing system for the holiday décor inside.
Fill in new home calendar, being sure to note birthdays and special occasions.
LONG TERM PROJECTS:
Organize home files
Organizes our personal photos.
BLOGGING & COMPUTER:
Invest in a good blogging planner. I’ve seen some free printable ones online, but I have my eye on a couple more. I’ll keep you posted on what I decide.
Brainstorm and jot down post ideas for later.
Go though each and every bookmark. Delete sites not being used or no longer needed. Set up folders for different categories so locating saved websites is easier.
Go through all documents and files. Delete those no longer needed.
Go through all pictures. Upload and backup the ones needing to be saved, delete those no longer needed.
Clear out email folders. Check each folder to see if the email is still needed. if not, delete. Print out anything important for tax purposes, etc.
If time allows, clean up following lists on social networking sites.
Go through feed reader and delete blogs I no longer read or are no longer updated.
Run a thorough virus scan.
Desk: My desk is a nightmare. Clean out drawers and get rid of what’s not needed.
Yes, this all sounds like a tall order, and truth be told, I probably won’t get to each thing on this list, but I’m sure going to try.
Oh, that totally sounds like me right now! I’m in the process of getting rid of toys my son no longer plays with so that there is space for the new ones, and I’m getting rid of all of his too small clothes as well. At the same time I’m giving my blog a complete overall and face lift. I feel like a crazy woman! I feel like the week left before school starts back up will never be enough time to get everything done!
You really do have a lot going on, Elizabeth! I’m running out of time, too….I go back to work Thursday. I can see all of this spilling into weekend work for me. Thanks for stopping in!
I have been trying to de-clutter my house too! I have gave away the tons of magazines that I didn’t need anymore and have been donating misc stuff to the Goodwill. Since my house is small, I sometimes need to get rid of stuff to make room for new stuff.
I can definitely understand, Stefani. Small spaces require frequent clean-outs. Unfortunately. LOL! Thanks for stopping in!
Sarah, I’m glad I’m not the only one that feels this way. I just feel like all is right in my world when everything is in it’s place! LOL!
Thanks for stopping in!
Ugghh…I get the same feeling the day after Christmas! I need to get it all out and get it clean and back to “normal”. I love the Blog/Computer de-clutter list! I need to do all that too!
I have my eye on some blogging planners too! Hopefully they help get us on the right track for 2013!
Happy New Year!