One Year to an Organized Life

1. Organize Your Life by Tackling One Room at a Time

The reality is that getting organized is an achievable goal for absolutely everyone. Give me one year of your life. I'll prove it to you!

Start with the kitchen. The kitchen is often the heart of the home and a great place to begin your organizing journey.

• Clear out expired food, duplicate items, and rarely used gadgets
• Organize cabinets and drawers by category (e.g., baking supplies, cooking utensils)
• Create designated zones for food prep, cooking, and cleaning

Tackle one room per month, moving through your home systematically. This approach prevents overwhelm and allows you to see tangible progress, motivating you to continue.

2. Create a Personalized Filing System for Paperwork

Paper is the average adult's bogeyman.

Conquer paper clutter. Establish a filing system that works for your lifestyle and needs.

• Create broad categories (e.g., Household Expenses, Medical, Taxes)
• Use subcategories within each main category for easy retrieval
• Implement a "one in, one out" policy to prevent accumulation

Regularly review and purge files to keep your system current. Consider digitizing important documents for added security and space-saving.

3. Develop Effective Time Management Strategies

Everything you do needs to be scheduled. If you get in the habit of seeing your life a month at a time, you will be in a better position to balance your schedule.

Master your calendar. Use a planner or digital calendar to schedule all aspects of your life.

• Block out time for work, family, self-care, and leisure activities
• Break large projects into smaller, manageable tasks with deadlines
• Learn to say "no" to non-essential commitments

Practice effective multitasking by pairing complementary activities, like listening to audiobooks while exercising or folding laundry while watching TV.

4. Transform Your Bedroom into a Sanctuary

I believe that an organized life enables one to have more time, less aggravation, better health, and a chance to accomplish more.

Create a restful environment. Your bedroom should be a peaceful retreat that promotes relaxation and rejuvenation.

• Remove clutter and non-essential items
• Organize your closet by category and color
• Invest in storage solutions that maximize space (e.g., under-bed storage, drawer organizers)

Consider the sensory aspects of your bedroom, such as lighting, scent, and texture, to enhance its calming atmosphere.

5. Declutter and Organize Shared Living Spaces

We all have pretty much the same amount of stuff. The reality is that getting organized is an achievable goal for absolutely everyone.

Tackle common areas. Focus on decluttering and organizing shared spaces like the living room, dining room, and family room.

• Establish designated storage areas for frequently used items
• Implement a "one in, one out" rule for new purchases
• Create a system for managing shared items (e.g., remote controls, magazines)

Involve all family members in maintaining these spaces to ensure long-term organization and harmony.

6. Master the Art of Stress-Free Travel Packing

Does this sound impossible? Do you fear that getting organized is not a realistic goal for you?

Pack smart, not hard. Develop a systematic approach to packing for trips.

• Create a master packing list for different types of travel (e.g., business, beach vacation)
• Use packing cubes or compression bags to maximize suitcase space
• Pack versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched

Plan your outfits in advance and stick to a color scheme to minimize the number of shoes and accessories needed.

7. Plan and Execute Memorable Holiday Gatherings

I encourage you to write in your journal about your holiday experiences, especially those of your childhood. Let's take some time this week to figure out what would make you happy this season.

Prepare for stress-free entertaining. Approach holiday gatherings with intention and organization.

• Create a detailed timeline for meal preparation and hosting duties
• Delegate tasks to family members or guests
• Prepare as much as possible in advance (e.g., setting the table, making desserts)

Focus on creating meaningful experiences rather than striving for perfection. Remember that the joy of gathering with loved ones is the true essence of holidays.

8. Cultivate Daily Habits for Lasting Organization

Remember at the start of this book I told you that I knew you?

Build consistent routines. Develop daily habits that support long-term organization.

• Make your bed every morning
• Deal with mail and paperwork daily
• Clean as you go, putting items back in their designated places

Establish a weekly "reset" routine to maintain organization throughout your home. This might include tasks like tidying surfaces, doing a quick declutter, and planning for the week ahead.

9. Address Emotional Attachments to Possessions

When we hold on to too many physical objects from our past, we are in fact just like Ben. We're clutching a shadow world that has ended.

Confront sentimental clutter. Recognize and address emotional attachments to objects that may be hindering your organizing efforts.

• Ask yourself why you're keeping each item and if it truly serves a purpose in your current life
• Consider taking photos of sentimental items before letting them go
• Limit the number of "memory" items you keep from each phase of life

Remember that memories reside in your heart and mind, not in physical objects. Letting go of excess possessions can be freeing and allow you to live more fully in the present.

10. Embrace the "Less is More" Philosophy

Human beings often replicate what they see from an early age. It becomes an unconscious part of our emotional DNA.

Quality over quantity. Adopt a minimalist mindset to simplify your life and surroundings.

• Regularly assess your possessions and let go of items that no longer serve you
• Be intentional about new purchases, considering their long-term value and necessity
• Create open spaces in your home to promote a sense of calm and order

By owning fewer, higher-quality items, you'll spend less time managing your possessions and more time enjoying life. Remember that an organized space contributes to a clearer mind and a more fulfilling lifestyle.

Last updated: September 29, 2024