I ALWAYS crave organization at the start of a new year. It’s a way to start the year off fresh and have a feeling of accomplishment as you charge toward the goals you set for the new year. I personally am not great at creating my own systems of organization. Luckily, for people like me, there are wonderful people who create systems to organize and then share them with us! I thought I’d list a few of my favorites here.
Never ever be afraid to tweak something to work for you and your family. And certainly don’t ever feel like a failure if you try something to get yourself organized and it doesn’t stick. Just try something else! Eventually you will find what works for you. Creating habits take time so go easy on yourself.
10+ Ways to Organize Your Entire Life
In my life there are several areas that need to be organized. So below I will categorize the 5 problem areas then list the helpful ways others have tackled organization once and for all.
THE STUFF (aka the CLUTTER)
You know what I mean by the STUFF. Just physical THINGS every where. I hate being a stuff manager in my home. We are a family of 5 and the stuff can take over if I don’t keep a handle on it. One kitchen drunk drawer can turn into closets full of junk. Then I can’t find anything and I lose valuable time and then start to feel defeated and out of control. Basically, it spirals! Here are a few ways that will help you get the stuff under control.
40 Bags in 40 Days – This is actually geared to do during LENT but it can be put into practice ANY time. I personally have participated in this “challenge” 3 times and I loved it! Getting rid of STUFF is the first step in not being a stuff manager.
How to Declutter an Entire Room in 5 Simple Steps – Yes! Steps are what I need. Draw me a picture on exactly HOW to get to a decluttered space and I can follow that!
7 Day Decluttering Challenge – Call it a challenge and I will make it into my mission to WIN. Even if it is just ME that wins. Seriously though, challenges are a great way to get through the seemingly endless process of decluttering. And typically challenges come with support in the form of printables and like minded people who are doing the challenge with you.
THE PAPER
This one is a BIG problem area for me. So much paper comes into my home every day and if left unattended it just piles up everywhere. On my desk. One the island. On the kitchen counter. On the coffee table. Every surface will eventually get bogged down with paper. Newspapers, junk mail, artwork from elementary school, magazines, bills, etc.
How to Eliminate Paper Clutter Forever – This helps you get in FRONT of the problem instead of organizing it, if that makes sense. Ways to decrease the amount of paper that ever comes in. Then what to do with the paper that does have to exist in your home. Basically, go paperless, use apps.
7 Apps for Going Paperless – Like above, you can decrease the amount of paper that ever comes into your home which keeps you from ever having to manage it in the first place.
THE E-CLUTTER
Emails, a cluttered desktop (I’m SOOOO guilty of this one!), 765 screenshots on your iPhone (also guilty!)….it can all get out of control just like the physical stuff in our homes. Then the same thing happens, you can’t find anything from sifting through the digital junk. You lose time, and it sucks the life out of you. Can you tell I’m a minimalist and LESS gives me energy?
5 Ways to Clean Up Your Digital Clutter – We spend so much time in the digital world these days so it makes sense that if you clear your digital clutter it will clear your mind. Amen.
8 Easy Ways To Clean Up Your Digital Clutter – More of the same but with a few extra ideas and insights.
THE FINANCES
As much as I’d sometimes like to ignore this one, it’s a big fat important one! You can really lose track of a lot of money if you aren’t paying attention and aren’t organized. You need a finances plan and it’s actually not that scary or grey hair inducing, I promise!
7 Ways to Organize Your Finances – Having an organized financial life gives you peace of mind just like being organized in all of the other areas of your life. Here’s an easy guide to help you get started!
20 FREE Budget Printables – Get that budget under control by using any of these free printables to organize your finances. Each one of these are helpful and pertain to various different areas you spend your hard earned money on.
THE FOOD
Everyone eats, right? And most people are trying to eat and feed their family somewhat healthy, right? If you are, then you know it can be somewhat daunting with the shopping, the budgeting, the meal planning, the monotony of it all too. Here are some creative ways to help you organize and manage all aspects of food in your life.
Stop Wasting Food, How to Declutter Your Fridge and Pantry – This is all about organizing your actual food so you don’t waste food or money!
Meal Planning Printables – These will save you time and help you keep your sanity. Meals do not have to turn into hours wasted each day.
These are just the problem areas I struggle with and have seen other families struggle with. I thought it would be helpful to have one place to get resources for each of them. If you don’t find what you need in this post, Pinterest is a mine field of helpful ways to get organized in every area you could possible think of!
Follow me on Pinterest for more helpful ways to get Organized! Plus, see tons of DIY & Home Decor ideas!
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