9 Areas to Organize to Start the New Year

9 Areas to Organize to Start the New Year

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.

10 Things to Organize Right Before Thanksgiving

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.

10 Ways to Prepare Your Kitchen for Fall

Preparing your kitchen for fall can make the transition to the cozier, colder months more enjoyable and efficient. Here are Top Shelf Home Organizing’s simple steps to help you get your kitchen ready for autumn:

Clean and Declutter

Start by giving your kitchen a thorough cleaning. This includes wiping down countertops, cleaning appliances, and scrubbing the floors. Declutter your kitchen by getting rid of items you no longer need or use. Donate or store items that are taking up valuable space.

Inspect and Organize Your Pantry

Check the expiration dates on canned goods and dry goods. Dispose of anything that’s expired. Organize your pantry by grouping similar items together and making a list of what you need for fall recipes. Make a list of pantry essentials you are low on or out of.

Swap Out Seasonal Décor and Linens

Replace any summer-themed kitchen decor with items that have an autumnal feel. Think about adding fall-colored dish towels, tablecloths, and decorative pumpkins or leaves if you desire. Swap out lightweight kitchen towels and potholders for thicker, cozier options to keep you warm while cooking.

Deep Clean Appliances

Give your oven, stovetop, and microwave a deep clean to ensure they’re ready for more frequent use during the fall cooking season.

Stock Up on Fall Ingredients

If you enjoy baking during the fall, make sure you have all the necessary supplies, including flour, sugar, baking soda, and pie crust ingredients. Make a list of fall-specific ingredients like canned pumpkin, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.), apples, and root vegetables. Ensure you have these items on hand for fall recipes. Consider having a variety of teas, hot chocolate, and coffee on hand for those chilly fall mornings and evenings.

Organize Your Spice Rack

Check the freshness of your spices and herbs. Replace any that are past their prime. Organize your spices for easy access when you’re cooking.

Prepare Your Slow Cooker and Soup Pots

Dust off your slow cooker and other large pots you use for making soups, stews, and chili. Ensure they’re clean and in good working order.

Prepare for Canning and Preserving

If you plan to can or preserve fall fruits and vegetables, make sure you have all the necessary canning supplies, such as jars, lids, and a canning pot.

Update Your Kitchen Lighting

As the days get shorter, consider adding some cozy lighting options to your kitchen. This could be in the form of warm-toned light bulbs or decorative candles.

Create a Menu Plan

Plan some fall-inspired meals and recipes to enjoy throughout the season. Having a menu plan can make grocery shopping and meal preparation more organized.

By following these simple steps, you can create a warm and welcoming kitchen environment that’s ready to embrace the flavors and activities of the fall season. Remember organizing your home is a process, and it’s important to approach it at a pace that feels comfortable for you. 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.

Simple Steps to Pantry Organization

Autumn is a great time to clear out the pantry and make room for fall foods, baking supplies and entertainment planning items. A fresh pantry will reignite your love for cooking and give your kitchen a little refresh. Clearing out and inventorying the food in your pantry can help with your meal planning and grocery shopping. We have put together four simple, practical tips for getting your pantry organized this fall.

 

  1. Remove all food and other items from your pantry
    You will also want to gather food you have stored in other areas of your home.  While the pantry is empty, it’s a great time to thoroughly clean all surfaces for a fresh start. Ahead of this project, consider purchasing the food you typically keep on hand. This is an important part of allocating adequate space in your pantry.

 

  1. Sort and categorize your food
    During this process, you can categorize the food on your kitchen countertops and dining room table. Remove and dispose of expired food. Relocate nonfood items, especially if your pantry space is limited to another storage area of your kitchen or home. Categorize your food into snacks, canned goods, grains, pastas, nuts & seeds, etc.Strategize where food will go in your pantry based on the categories, quantity of food and convenience. You will want frequently used items within reach. Occasionally used items can go on higher, less convenient shelves. You may or may not want kids snack items within their reach.

 

  1. Purchase storage products
    If you need them, explore and purchase storage containers that will work well for your pantry.  Clear bins work great for corralling snack bars, chips and items that come in soft packaging.  If you tend to purchase bulk grains, nuts, etc., you may want to consider tight sealing, clear containers for storage of these items that do not come with their own packaging.  Measure your space carefully prior to buying storage items, as you want them to fit well in the space they will be used.Also be careful not to overcomplicate containers.  Many times, placing pre-packaged food into containers may be more work than needed. Consider food rotation when deciding on containers. You will want to make sure the older food gets used first.  Coordinating containers can make the pantry aesthetically pleasing.I also suggest labels for all containers. This will help ensure everyone knows where to return food to the pantry.  Adding pull out drawers and baskets are nice for deep shelves to make all items visible and accessible.  You can utilize the pantry doors for storage of lightweight, narrow items.

 

  1. Return food to pantry
    Returning food to the pantry is fun. This is where you get to utilize any new storage products, decide on the best location for the food, and label the bins and containers.  Remember that food goes with food in the pantry. Non-food items go with non-food items, and may need to be stored in other areas.  The slow cooker you use two times per year, the holiday candles, or kids craft supplies may not have a home in your pantry, especially if you are low on space.  Limit food storage in other areas such as the hall closet, bathroom, garage, and basement unless necessary.

 

Bonus Step: Create a meal plan that utilizes the food you have in your pantry. This will save you cash on your next shopping trip.

Pantry organizing can be a fun and easy organizing project that is good to do with the season changes.  For a kick start on organizing your pantry, see if Top Shelf Home Organizing can help you.  Contact Jayme for advice. We love what a fresh pantry will do for you.