9 Areas to Organize to Start the New Year

9 Areas to Organize to Start the New Year

by | Jan 8, 2024 | Bathroom, Cleaning, Closets, Clutter, Cooking & Kitchen, Digital, Eating & Kitchen, Office, Organizing, Pantry, Self Care, Bathroom

Organizing your home in January is a great way to start the year fresh and create a more comfortable and efficient living space. Here are some suggestions for areas you might consider organizing. Choose one or two impactful areas to start.

Living Room

  • Declutter by removing items that don’t belong or that you no longer need.
  • Clean and organize entertainment centers, shelves, and tables. Wipe furniture down while it’s emptied.

Kitchen

  • Clean out your pantry and discard expired items. Plan your meals based on remaining items.
  • Organize kitchen cabinets and drawers. Consider using containers for loose items if it makes sense.
  • Wipe down and clean appliances.

Bedroom

  • Rotate and flip your mattress.

  • Launder and store seasonal bedding and clothing.

  • Declutter bedside tables and dressers.

Closet

  • Go through your clothes and donate or sell items you no longer wear.
  • Organize clothes by category (e.g., shirts, pants, dresses) and color.
  • Consider investing in storage solutions like bins, baskets, or closet organizers after you have gone through your clothes.

Bathroom

  • Dispose of expired medications, toiletries, and beauty products.
  • Remove products you do not like. Donate unopened items you do not want.
  • Organize cabinets and drawers, using containers or dividers.
  • Wipe down cabinets and drawers for a fresh start.
  • Scrub toilets and showers.
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Home Office

  • Declutter your workspace. Remove unnecessary items.
  • Organize cables and cords.
  • Clean your computer and backup important files.
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Paperwork

  • Sort through important documents. File or scan items you need. Shred or recycle documents you don’t need.
  • Set up an organized filing system for unopened mail, bills to pay, items to file and items to do. It is also good to have a tax file where you can dump any items you will need for preparing your taxes.

Digital Space

  • Clean up your computer desktop and organize files.
  • Back up important digital files and photos.
  • Clear unused apps from your smartphone.

Clean

  • Dust and clean all surfaces.
  • Clean windows and curtains.
  • Deep clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery.

Remember to set realistic goals and take it one step at a time. Breaking down the tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make the process less overwhelming. Consider involving other members of your household to make it a collaborative effort. Join an on-line decluttering group such as 30-Day Declutter Challenge to keep you motivated and accountable.

Being organized is a process, and it’s important to approach it at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Start small, plan one event at a time and develop systems to maintain organization. Gradually, you’ll experience the positive impact and being organized will come naturally. If organizing is daunting task, the professional organizers at Top Shelf Home Organizers are happy to help. Contact Jayme for a consultation.

Simple. Life. Solutions.

We would love to put our talents to use making your home and office functional and organized. Let us know how we can help your space be the best it can be.

Get Organized Today!

10 Things to Organize Right Before Thanksgiving

by | Nov 13, 2023 | Cleaning, Closets, Cooking & Kitchen, Eating & Kitchen, Gratitude, Organizing, Pantry

Are you hosting Thanksgiving this season? Are you helping a loved one put on the feast? We have brainstormed ten things to get organized right before Thanksgiving.

Menu Planning

Finalize your Thanksgiving menu, including appetizers, main courses, side dishes, and desserts.

Make a list of all the ingredients you’ll need.

Grocery Shopping

Create a detailed shopping list based on your menu.

Shop for non-perishable items a few days in advance and perishable items a day or two before Thanksgiving.

Thaw the Turkey

If you have a frozen turkey, calculate the thawing time and start thawing it in the refrigerator in advance.

Prep Work

Complete as much prep work as possible in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.

Chop vegetables, make pie crusts, and prepare any dishes that can be stored in the refrigerator until cooking.

Clean and Organize the Kitchen

Ensure your kitchen is clean and organized before the cooking frenzy begins.

Empty the dishwasher, clean surfaces, and organize utensils and cookware.

Set the Table

Set the table a day or two before Thanksgiving.

Ensure you have enough place settings, napkins, and any special decorations you want to include.

Cooking Schedule

Create a cooking schedule for Thanksgiving day.

Assign specific times for cooking each dish to ensure everything is ready at the same time.

Check Cooking Equipment

Confirm that all your cooking equipment, such as the oven, stovetop, and kitchen appliances, is in good working order.

Prepare for Guests

Clean and organize common areas where guests will gather.

Set up a designated area for coats and bags.

Emergency Plan

Have a backup plan in case something goes wrong.

Know where to find local takeout options or have a few simple backup dishes that can be prepared quickly.

By organizing these aspects before Thanksgiving, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy the holiday with your people.

Remember that being organized is a process, and it’s important to approach it at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Start small, plan one event at a time and develop systems to maintain organization. Gradually, you’ll experience the positive impact and being organized will come naturally. If organizing is daunting task, the professional organizers at Top Shelf Home Organizers are happy to help. Contact Jayme for a consultation.

Simple. Life. Solutions.

We would love to put our talents to use making your home and office functional and organized. Let us know how we can help your space be the best it can be.

Get Organized Today!

5+ Organizing Ideas for Fall

by | Oct 8, 2023 | Cleaning, Closets, Organizing, Wardrobe

Organizing your home for fall can help you transition smoothly into the new season and create a cozy, comfortable atmosphere. With fall being a busy season, Top Shelf Home Organizing created a simple list of five areas to organize your home.

Clothing and Seasonal Wardrobe Swap

Start by going through your wardrobe and transitioning from summer to fall clothing. Pack away lightweight summer clothes and bring out sweaters, jackets, scarves, and boots. Make sure everything is clean and in good condition. Consider donating items you no longer need.

Home Décor

Update your home decor to reflect the fall season. This may include changing out bright summer colors for warmer, autumnal hues, adding cozy throw blankets and pillows, and incorporating fall-themed decorations like pumpkins, leaves, and candles.

Cold-Weather Gear

Ensure your cold-weather gear is easily accessible. This includes checking your supply of gloves, hats, and scarves, and organizing them in a convenient spot near the front door. You might also want to prepare your snow shovels and salt for winter.

Pantry and Kitchen

With fall comes a change in culinary preferences. Take the time to organize your pantry, removing any expired items and making room for fall staples like canned soups, pumpkin puree, and spices for hearty meals. Consider creating a meal plan for the season to help you stay organized with your cooking.

Fall Cleaning

Fall is a great time for a deep cleaning of your home. Clean and inspect your heating system, change air filters, and ensure your home is well-insulated to keep it warm during the colder months. Also, clean out your gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs and potential water damage.

*Bonus Tip: Outdoor Cleanup

Don’t forget about your outdoor spaces. Trim any overgrown bushes or trees, rake leaves, and prepare your garden for the colder months by covering or storing outdoor furniture and equipment.

By tackling these organizing tasks, you can create a comfortable and inviting environment for the fall season while ensuring your home is ready for the changing weather and activities that come with it.

Remember that organizing your home is a process, and it’s important to approach it at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Start small, declutter one area at a time, and develop systems to maintain organization. Gradually, you’ll experience the positive impact it can have on your mental health. If organizing your home is daunting task, the professional organizers at Top Shelf Home Organizers are happy to help. Contact Jayme for a consultation. This article was written in collaboration with our friend, OpenAI.

Simple. Life. Solutions.

We would love to put our talents to use making your home and office functional and organized. Let us know how we can help your space be the best it can be.

Get Organized Today!