Sponsored By Errand Works, LLC
The new year is in full swing, and maybe you were inspired to identify effective ways to reorganize your home and weekly schedule. But maybe you also need a little nudge at this point. Here are a few quick tips to help you and your family stay on track.
Establish the One-In, One-Out Rule
The one-in, one-out rule is an excellent way to minimize clutter and stay organized. The concept is that for every new item you purchase, you donate, toss or sell one item in the same category. For example, if you purchase a new kitchen gadget, you eliminate one kitchen gadget. If you purchase a new sweater, you eliminate one sweater, top or article of clothing. If your home and closets are overflowing, practice the one-in, two or three-out rule so that your excess will slowly work its way out the door. Or, jump all-in and do a room-by-room purge, and establish the one-in, one-out rule once you have reorganized.
Create a Shared Family Calendar
It is challenging enough staying on top of your busy schedule, let alone every member of your family. To help you stay organized and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks create a shared family calendar. This could include either or both scheduled commitments and household chores.
You will need to decide if you want to invest in a whiteboard or electronic schedule, or easily do both with an interactive whiteboard. A shared electronic calendar makes it possible for everyone to view, add and change the schedule while on-the-go. Electronic schedules are also great for scheduling reminders and events that repeat—such as birthdays and anniversaries. However, a whiteboard provides a quick and easy visual schedule. An interactive whiteboard is a bit of an investment but allows you to have both a visual board at home and a shared electronic family schedule.
Invest in Home Organization Tools
If it has been a while since you have organized your cupboards and closets, now is the time. With the impressive selection of both general and item-specific home organization systems, you may be able to double or triple your space. A few options to consider include:
- Space saving hangers
- Item-specific hangers
- Ottomans with built-in storage
- Storage baskets and boxes
- Door hooks
- Shoe organizers
- Hanging closet organizers
- Magazine boxes
- Under the bed storage boxes
- Space-saving vacuum bags
- Drawer organizers
- Home office organizers
Delegate Chores and Responsibilities
If you have children, you might recognize that as they get older, there is no reason why they can’t take on more household chores. However, their schedule might be just as busy as yours. Delegate what you can, which may vary from one week to the next, but also consider hiring a personal assistant to help lighten your load. Every little bit of time you free up is less time you spend stressed about how much you have left on your plate. Delegate what you don’t have time for, or what you enjoy least and procrastinate to complete, and you won’t always feel as if you are two steps behind.
The fresh start that comes with the new calendar year is always exciting. Keep the momentum going. Getting organized will help you and your family find the time to achieve the goals you set for this year and beyond.
Errand Works, LLC is a licensed, bonded and insured personal assistance company dedicated to improving quality of life for professionals, caregivers and other busy individuals. Every personal assistant must pass a Virginia State Criminal Background Check prior to being hired. In addition, each personal assistant is a Virginia State Notary.
Let Errand Works help with grocery shopping, taking your vehicle for scheduled maintenance, dropping off and picking up your pet for vet visits and running errands for your aging family members. Errand Works will even help with taking down and organizing holiday decor! Errand Works currently serves Prince William County, Fauquier County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Manassas and the surrounding areas.
