A new year brings fresh opportunities to take control of your space and create a home that works FOR you, not against you. The best way to make lasting changes and organize your home in a year is to plan ahead! That means, planning your organizing projects for the entire year! By breaking it down into manageable steps, you can tackle clutter and inefficiency without feeling overwhelmed. Like the old adage goes "Fail to plan, plan to fail"! Let’s get started!
Step 1: Take Inventory of Your Organizing Projects
The first step is to identify the projects you WANT to tackle, not just the ones you need to do. This mindset shift makes organizing feel more empowering and less like a chore. We've created a free printable worksheet (see below) to guide you through planning your projects to make this process a little easier.
After you've printed out the worksheet, take a walk through your home. Put on some fresh eyes and note problem areas in each room. Consider these questions:
Where do you waste time looking for things?
Where do you waste movement? (For example, if your lotion is stored in the bathroom but always ends up on the bedside table, you’re creating unnecessary steps.)
Are there areas where you could use wall space more creatively?
For each problem point, write down your end goal, i.e. how do you want to use this space?
Realistically estimate how much can be trashed or donated in each area. Also, note who uses the space and should be involved in the organizing process. For example, the living room might require input from the entire family whereas a bedroom would only require whose room it is.
Step 2: Prioritize Your Projects
Once you have your list, it’s time to prioritize. Use the priority column on the worksheet to separate wants from needs. This step helps you focus on what’s most important.
Ask yourself:
Can I complete this project on my own, or do I need help?
What is the value of having this space organized? For example, how much time or stress would it save you?
Value/Budget -- Write down a budget amount for your project based on what you think you need. If you're doing it yourself, write down the amount of time you think it will take and how much you can spend on the product. If you're considering hiring a professional, include your budget amount for labor and product.
Why Hiring a Professional Organizer Can Be Worth It
If tackling a project feels too overwhelming, consider the value of hiring a professional. Not only will it save you time and stress, but it can also provide solutions you might not have thought of. At Easy Life Organizing, we specialize in turning cluttered spaces into functional, beautiful areas that enhance your daily life. Remember, the more projects you book with us, the bigger the discount! We also have a podcast episode all about what to look for when hiring a professional organizer to help!
Step 3: Create a Realistic Timeline
Now that you’ve prioritized your list, it’s time to plan your year. Limit yourself to one project per month to avoid burnout. This will also help avoid frequent and pre-mature decision fatigue.
Here’s how to make it work:
Plan Around Your Life: Consider your family’s schedule. For example, I always overhaul my son’s room in December because Christmas and his February birthday bring new items into his space. Similarly, I tackle garage projects in the summer when the weather cooperates.
Plan Around Events: For example, if you’re hosting a graduation party in June, schedule time to organize the areas that will be on display well in advance.
Step 4: Actually Schedule the Time
An organizing project won’t complete itself! Block out time on your calendar to get the job done. If you need professional help, contact organizers 1-2 months ahead of time to ensure availability.
Don’t forget to check out our Plan Your Year Now Worksheet! It’s a great tool for mapping out your year in advance so you can eliminate some mental clutter and get those organizing goals on the schedule.
Ready to Start Your Year of Organization?
The key to a more organized life is planning—and we’re here to help! Download our free printable worksheet to kick off your annual organizing plan, and let’s make this your best year yet.
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