14 Ways to Get Organized in 2014

Last week I created a list of 14 reasons to get organized in 2014. Today, we’re going to talk about how to do it! That’s right—I’ve pulled a list of 14 ways to get organized in 2014. So let’s get right to it!

1. Find (and start using) a planner.

There’s a direct connection between time management and being organized. The more organized you are with your time, the easier it is to get and stay organized! So…if you want to get organized in 2014 but don’t currently use a planner, now is the time to start! Use these ideas to find the best planner for you.

2. Start using checklists.

Checklists make it easier to be organized because you don’t have to constantly remember the same things over and over again! Instead, you can use your checklist to remember things for you! (Gotta’ love that, right?) Creating a checklist is a terrific little organizing project that will pay dividends over and over again. Use the ideas in this post to create a checklist of your own, or peruse our free printables to find a pre-made checklist. Then…get busy checking things off that handy, dandy list of yours!

3. Create a home management binder.

Paper clutter is one of the most stressful forms of clutter that there is…you just can’t be sure what’s hiding at the bottom of those stacks! Start taming your paper clutter with my FREE online mini class How to Create a Home Management Binder. You’ll find out how to put an end to a really common form of paper clutter…and you might just sleep better at night, too.

4. Organize your magazines.

If you’re anything like me, magazines can quickly start to take over your home. But, the good news is that getting them organized is a fun and rewarding project. Follow the ideas in this blog post to organize your magazines so they’re even more useful to you!

5. Start meal planning.

Meal planning is an organizing project that creates many of the benefits covered in the 14 reasons post. Not only will meal planning save you time and money, but it also makes it easier to stick to your healthy eating goals. Find out how to get started with these meal planning tips.

6. Organize your spices.

Taking on a spice organization project is a quick way to add a touch of order to your kitchen. Toss in a new spice storage system, add some labels, and suddenly making dinner is a pinch easier and a dash tastier than before! Here’s how to organize your spice cabinet in four simple steps.

7. Organize your food storage containers.

If there’s one spot in the kitchen that nearly everyone battles, it’s wherever you store your food storage containers. But, don’t despair! Instead, use these tips to bring order to your food storage container cupboard.

8. Organize your fitness gear.

If fitness goals are part of your plans this year, now is a great time to set up a sports gear mini zone. You’ll keep your fitness gear at hand, which means you’ll have one more reason to stick to your fitness resolutions! Use the ideas in this post to organize your fitness gear.

9. Create an errand center.

Let’s face it, life is busy enough! Why not make the chore of running errands faster and easier? Setting up an organized errand center will help you do just that. You’ll get a better handle on your family’s comings and goings, plus keep track of shopping lists, coupons, and to-do lists. Follow the ideas on this post to create an organized errand center in your home.

10. Set up a drop zone.

A drop zone gives a home to all the stuff you take into and out of your home each day. This is a terrific organizing project because it prevents clutter from building up on the flat surfaces of your home and it simplifies the process of getting out the door in the morning. Here’s how to organize your comings and goings with a drop zone.

11. Set up a container station.

This simple project will make all of your organizing endeavors easier and you’ll probably save some money, too. Find out what a container station is and how to set one up in this blog post:  Create a Container Station.

12. Get organized for Project Life.

If you’re looking to simplify and better organize your memory-keeping this year, consider Project Life. This system makes it easy to keep up or catch up on your memory-keeping, whatever your goal is for the year. Before you get started, check out my series of posts on getting organized for Project Life.

13. Organize the small stuff.

Don’t let the small stuff get you down…instead organize it! This blog post shows you how to organize all of your kids little things.

14. Do some labeling.

Not only will labels give your organizing projects a finished touch, they also make it easier to keep things organized for much, much longer! (Plus, creating labels is a very satisfying project.) Here are tips on choosing the right labeler for you!  Whatever you’re resolved to accomplish this year, I hope you’re getting off to a wonderful start. What’s your top organizing goal or resolution for the year? Thanks for sharing! Happy Organizing!