Resolution - Get organized!

Getting organized is usually at the top of new year's resolutions lists everywhere? Whether you want to restore general order in your home so you can invite someone over on a whim, or are brave enough to tackle those piles of papers that have been collecting dust, here are some tips and resources that will give you a jumpstart for 2010.

Here's what you'll need:

Supplies - For any proper organizing job you will need: trash bags, markers, labels, cleaning supplies and boxes or storage containers adapted for what you are organizing.

A place to start - Professional organizers suggest you look through your home to find the area that drives you the most crazy - and start there! The junk drawer, for example, is a good place to get your feet wet. It is a small and manageable area, and one that can be done quickly. Once you have conquered this project, the sense of accomplishment will be just the motivation needed to take on larger projects.

Organize for how you live - Spend some time reviewing how you live in your home. Where do things pile up on a regular basis or gather dust for months? Once you have determined these things, then you can explore how you want to organize or store them.

Make a list - Write out your tasks then arrange them by theme, date or importance. Use a listing system that works for you. The important thing is to get your projects onto the list and then enjoy marking them off as they get done.

Staying organized
The key to keeping your home organized is to make a commitment. Set aside time each week to engage in an organizing project or maintain a space you have already organized. The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) conducted a poll of 400 people to see how being organized directly impacts your life. 45% responded that they could save up to an hour every day by becoming more organized at home. Wouldn't we all love to have an additional hour added to our day.

Hire a professional
A Professional Organizer is someone who creates personalized solutions to help you get organized. Their input and expertise help you restore order, reduce stress and save time. Hiring a professional may seem like an extravagance, but their ideas and solutions may be all you need to get organized and stay that way. Once you get a handle on your disorder with the help of a professional, their methods can be adapted to other areas of your home or office, making your investment well worth it.

Resources
Here are a few places to check out to help you with your organizing resolutions.
Smead offers a great site with products, information and tips on organizing. www.smead.com
Jennifer Ford's book is filling with useful solutions: Organize Now!: A week by week guide to simplify your space and your life.
Franklin Covey offers information, training and a whole range of organizing tools. www.franklincovey.com

Whatever your choose to organize and conquer this year, I wish you the best of luck and success in 2010. Happy new year!!

photo: John Blais