In order for me not to be overwhelmed, this is when I pull out my To Do Lists and at least start jotting down the things that need to be organized.

Spring is here! If you are like me, you are looking around and seeing the things you have been pushing to the back burner to organize. The holidays, cold weather, and winter activities were good excuses, right?

In order for me not to be overwhelmed, this is when I pull out my To Do Lists and at least start jotting down the things that need to be organized. Regardless if it is a pile of paperwork or a closet, getting it organized on paper first helps me prepare to get the actual job done!

Paperwork

Paperwork is the easiest to push aside. We all let it pile up thinking, “well, if it’s in this stack, when I need it, I can just go through the stack”. Then the phone rings and you need to find an account number or a balance quickly and you have to call the person back because you have to go through that darn stack!

To make it easy, first sort the stack into three sections: File, Toss, and Shred. Now work on one stack at a time. The toss and shred stacks are the quickest. Check, that’s done. Next up is filing. As you file your paperwork use the home insert to write down the relevant information. Now, when that phone rings you not only don’t have to go through a stack but you also skip the file and have everything you need at your fingertips. If you are like me you have to make phone calls from your day job at times. If you have your home insert in your organizer your information is all with you without making your car a filing cabinet.

Closet

We all love an organized closet; however, there is a door to that closet and it’s so easy to just close it so you don’t see the disorganization. But how great is it when you open it and see everything neatly arranged?

Again, just like the paperwork, break it down into sizable piles: Toss, Donate, Keep, Wash, etc. And then just tackle one shelf or one area at a time. My favorite way of cleaning out a small area in my home is to completely empty it of everything. This is where I start putting everything in piles. I wipe down the empty closet and then start putting everything away that I are keeping. The other piles can then be bagged or boxed for donating or tossing.

To make it even more fun, take a before and after picture! Nothing is more rewarding than seeing the progress  you made!

Before tackling your cleaning projects it is always fun to make a to-do list. Then you can cross everything off as you accomplish it. Keep your organizer handy in case you need to add something to your shopping list while cleaning and organizing.

Wash away the winter blues with a touch of spring cleaning.