Things to Do in January - Your Home

We make a variety of resolutions and often we just plain give up. We do little pieces but never finish our projects. Perhaps we made our goals too general and they were overwhelming because of not being broken down into various goals and opportunities.

Follow these guidelines to help you save time, money and energy throughout the year.

Also because flu and other illnesses seem more common during the winter months, clean counters, bathrooms and bedrooms thoroughly to help prevent spreading of germs.

1. Label Christmas decorations prior to storing. Give away decorations you didn't use this year and doubt if you will in the future.

2. Clean your house thoroughly before adding additional decoration. This includes doing dusting, vacuuming, wiping off walls, doors, cabinets, switches etc. that may have accumulated extra grime during the holidays. Clean mirrors and front door glass.

3. Organize your laundry room. Clean off tops and inside of washer and dryer. Toss anything you no longer use that is stored in laundry room [old bottles and cans of cleaners etc.].

4. Deep clean bathrooms. This includes toilet, sinks, mirrors, floors, faucets and storage areas. Take a look at your towels and washcloths. If they aren't what you want, use them for rags, a garage sale or give away. Buy the best towels you can afford as you will feel special when using them. Maybe it's time for pure white or a very bright color! Buy yourself some special soap. Marshalls and TJ Maxx have great deals on bath items. Buy liquid soap for your family to eliminate tossing all the slivers [that go unused].

5. Deep clean bedrooms. Wash what is washable. Perhaps a comforter would best be improved and dust removed if fluffed inside the dryer. Vacuum under your bed and dust thoroughly. Take a good look at your closet. Especially if you've received gifts of clothing, it may be time to take a stack of things you'll no longer wear to Good Will. Clean out your undies and socks too. This is a great time of year to stock up on those types of needs. Buy six pairs of socks alike to save on matching time.

7. Clean kitchen cupboards. Toss out old spices or containers that are nearly empty. Wipe off shelves and organize. Empty containers of Christmas goodies that were uneaten. Next year try freezing some of the candy and cookies to pull out later for snack, lunches or dinner. Clean out from under your sink. Go through your canned goods and update so you can cook without having to go out in the cold for just one item. Clean out that frig and kitchen sink.

8. Organize your office-type work space. Whether you have an area for actual working at home or if you have your home needs to care for, use your space wisely. Cover boxes or purchase storage for things you work with daily, monthly or annually. Keep appointment book, working pens, scissors and a straight edge cutter, file folders, paper clips, pencils, extra print cartridges, journals or other books that you need, paper, business card holder and calendar accessible. Figure out a filing system that works great for you. It need not be costly - or if you want everything high end - you will be able to find that too.

9. Keep living areas picked up. Family rooms will see lots of wear and tear this time of year. TV games, board games, homework, hobbies, books, magazines, pet toys, kids toys and crafts and often a throw or blankets are around too. Set up a table for puzzles or crafts if they are ongoing. Place video game needs in baskets. Books and magazines can also be stored in baskets or placed on a shelf. Keep a tub handy for toddler toys if needed.

10. Set up a family "center" where everyone keeps their schedule on a central calendar. Each family must find the way that's best for them. Yours may be anything from the frig to the computer or something in between. Write your schedules in as soon as you know them so your family can work together when you have conflicts. This could also be the place to leave each other notes so supplies can be picked up, homework checked or displayed etc.

Yes, these ten suggestions may seem like way too much. Or perhaps you feel you've heard it all before. Note that I did not give you a time frame for anything. One drawer could be cleaned during one night. While you're waiting a short job could be completed. Always have things in the car that need to be read or worked on in some way. If you end up waiting somewhere or for someone, you will have used your time wisely. It's often best to organize your coupons and then keep them in your car. [If not, they'll often be home when you're at the store.]

Remember also, home organization includes most everyone in your household. Just be sure jobs are age appropriate. A suggestion would be to let family members pick and choose jobs. Perhaps they could be rotated or done together. Helpers include a time clock to encourage "beating the clock" or a small family reward for keeping their home organized. That could be pizza, breakfast out or whatever best suits your family.