You’ve waited long enough! It’s time to get organized in 2013

It’s a New Year, Southwest Riverside. And that means it’s time to get organized! Too much clutter means you’ll be looking at missed appointments, forgotten ATM withdrawals and a “room mom” assignment made in your absence.

Too much clutter means you’ll be looking at missed appointments, forgotten ATM withdrawals and a “room mom” assignment made in your absence. (Flickr: balanced.crafts)

So, what do you say? A little “spring cleaning” can’t hurt much, can it? You just might find that a cleaner, neater life will mean a happier, more efficient you. Check out the following tips for bringing order to your home, office and, yes, your car.

Home

Pick “a room a week” and resolve to clear out all the clutter. Arm yourself with large plastic trash bags and start jamming it full of all the toys, clothes and shoes that have been outgrown, outplayed and outlasted. Have another bag on hand for trash or things not worth saving or donating.

To-do lists are a great way of keeping yourself on task. Nothing feels as satisfying as checking off a job that has been completed in a timely manner. Or keep track of your family’s lives in an organizer that provides lots of space in which to write.

If your mornings are hectic and your family is gulping down breakfast as they trail out the door, try streamlining your routine. Group items according to use. For example, set up one of your kitchen cabinets to include everything you’ll need for breakfast and packing lunches (e.g., bowls, napkins, plastic spoons and baggies, etc.).

Office

Toss any old memos, junk mail and scraps of paper or sticky notes that are unnecessary and adding to the jumble of chaos you’ve allowed to accumulate.

Once you’ve pared down your paper pile, label a file folder for the documents that remain. If there are any file items that cannot be tossed, but do not require your immediate action, create a file for “Pending Documents.” Refer to it on a weekly basis so that you don’t forget future commitments.

Store paper clips, tape dispensers, pens and paper in some easily-accessible drawers and cabinets. Then, make a list of frequently called phone and fax numbers and post it next to your telephone for quick reference.

Car

If your children are older, then you know that a good portion of your day is spent taxiing them to school, practice and doctor’s appointments. Keep your car tidy with a small grocery bag that can filled with and emptied of its trash—daily.

Maintain a small basket for mail, spare keys and store receipts. This basket can also hold a collection of sticky notes, pens and even your organizer. As you wait for practices to finish up, use the time to refer to your notes and stay on top of your game.

This article originally appeared on Jan. 2, 2012 at SWRNN.com.

Kerri S. Mabee can be reached at kerri.mabee@swrnn.com. Follow me on Twitter @kerrimabee.