January’s Free Organizing Tips

As we look toward a new year, January would be a good time to start some organizing projects. In the professional organizing industry, this month is known as GO Month—as in Get Organized Month. I don’t think that you need to go crazy and do a huge overhaul in one weekend. Instead, carve out some time and begin some small organizing projects around the house.

• Now is the time to go through linen closets and thin out any excess. I am grateful to announce that The Home Goods Stores in Massachusetts is accepting any gently used linens (sheets, towels, blankets and comforters) this month, January 11-25. This is fantastic opportunity since most charities do not accept linen donations. To find a store near you check out this link: http://www.homegoods.com/

• During the holidays, many of us may have acquired new small electronics. It is important to keep track of all our gadgets and their accessories. Label chargers and other accessories with a small piece of masking tape identifying their respective components (e.g. charger for Sony camera). It would be wise to keep a folder (large plastic one with dividers would be best) for all the manuals and warranties.

• Assign spots for “mobile” items such as keys, phone, iPod and sunglasses. Try a tray for most items on a small table (by the door) and add some hooks for your keys. Also try leaving a large basket by the door for things that need to leave the house (e.g. library books, Netflix returns, dry cleaning drop-off.)

• Want to keep that hallway filled with boots looking neat and organized? Try using thin cork tiles (Quartet 12”x 12” Cork Tiles) from Staples on the floor. I usually line up all 4 along the wall to keep melted snow off the floor. Of course you could also use these cork tiles as bulletin boards, which is their original purpose.

• Clean out and organize your junk drawer and your top drawer on your desk. Having these project(s) accomplished will inspire you to attempt other organizing projects. Check out this website for inexpensive drawer organizer: http://www.stacksandstacks.com/outlet/index.html
or the http://www.containerstore.com/
Did you happen to find some old glasses in those drawers? You can donate them to the www.GivetheGiftofSight.org

• Paper Management: Start gathering out information from your 2008 folders and prepare your 2009 folders. Examples of these would be “Credit Cards”, “Bank Statements”, “Insurance”, “Utilities”, “Auto Insurance”, “Auto Maintenance”, “Medical”, “Tax Info”. I find the best system is to use the classic hanging file folders with tabs in a small file cabinet. You can add the tabbed manila folders as subfolders inside the hanging ones. There are also some great portable filing systems if you don’t have a filing cabinet.

Good Luck with these and other organizing projects!
Maureen Nuccitelli
Harmonious Life Designs.com

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