10 Ways to Get Organized Fast
As the new year approaches, people make big plans for getting organized. As time goes by, however, busy schedules and unrealistic notions can torpedo these resolutions. Fortunately, getting organized doesn't have to be a major all-or-nothing ordeal. Here are ten easy ways you can get organized in five minutes or less.
- Make your bed. It may seem like a minor detail, but a made bed can have a positive psychological impact on your entire day. Start the morning right by taking a couple of minutes to make your bed. You may be surprised how one positive organizational step leads to another and another throughout the day.
- Time yourself. Many times, we continuously procrastinate on organizing, because it seems too time-consuming. In reality, you would be amazed at what you can accomplish in only a few minutes. Set a timer for five minutes and choose only one item to de-clutter, whether it's a shelf, drawer or tabletop.
- Use your time. Five minutes doesn't sound like a lot of time until we're waiting for something we want. Instead of impatiently tapping your foot while you wait for the microwave to ding or a commercial break to end, use that time to organize or de-clutter.
- Gut your refrigerator. Take a few minutes to go through your refrigerator in search of expired products and condiments that have passed their prime. This really doesn't take very long, and it can have a positive impact on your psyche.
- Put clean laundry away. A small pile of clean laundry on your couch can turn into an imposing mountain if you habitually fail to put it away. Make a habit of folding and putting away your laundry after you complete each load, so you won't have to spend an hour doing all of it later.
- Purge non-necessities. Do you have Tupperware without lids or socks without mates? Get rid of these non-essential items, so they don't take up excess space. It may be hard to let go of these things at first, but most people experience a sense of relief when they eliminate unnecessary items from their homes.
- Donate clothing. If your closet is filled with old clothing that no longer fits you or style, give it to someone who can use it. Not only will this make you feel more organized, it will allow you to experience the satisfaction of helping someone in need.
- Get rid of hangers. Once you've donated old clothing, you are likely to have an excess of hangers. Instead of letting these clog up your closet space, take them down and put them in your trunk. Next time you visit the dry cleaners, donate them for recycling.
- Shred your paper clutter. Whether it's junk mail, old bills, flyers or magazines, paper clutter can take up a lot of space on countertops. Gather up any unnecessary paper and throw it in the garbage. Just be sure to shred any sensitive documents that contain your personal or financial information.
- Organize your purse. The only thing worse than coming home to a cluttered house is carrying your clutter with you all day long. Take a few moments to organize your purse while you are watching your favorite television show. It may sound like a small thing, but an organized purse can have a big impact on the way you feel about yourself.
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