What’s that wonderful phrase that every website, self-help article, and diet system spokesperson uses come January 1? Ah yes, “New Year, New You.”
Truth be told, I’ve never been entirely sure why the turning of the calendar ushers in such high expectations for resolutions and refreshed lifestyles when we could really use that kind of attitude all year long, but I’m totally on board with the idea. Want to feel really satisfied? One of my guilty pleasures at this time of year is (you guessed it) cleaning out all the closets and drawers in the house.
Think about it. You haven’t put your holiday decorations away yet (which means there’s some free space to work with), you and your kids have new things you received as gifts, and the pressure is on to reinvent yourself. Go for it.
Here are some pointers to help you survive the clutter—the dust, the outgrown toys, that broken appliance, and the porcelain statuette your mother-in-law bestowed upon you three years ago that has never since seen the light of day—so you can arise victorious and ready for 2010.
Item 1: Make a Mess There must always be chaos before there is order. Take everything out. Leave no object unturned. You’ll be forced to look through everything and you’ll get some perspective on the space you’re using and what you’re trying to store there.
Item 2: File by Pile
I’m a big fan of triage. As you sort through everything you have removed from your closet or drawers, divide into three piles—Keep, Trash, Donate. Be discerning. If you have ten sweatshirts, pick your three favorites and donate the rest. Same goes if your kids have multiples of a particular toy or game.
Item 3: Emotional Attachments Finding it hard to let go of that favorite pair of jeans? Got a seven-year-old who is putting up a fight over that preschool toy? You have to decide whether it’s worth the battle (or your own anguish) to separate yourselves from the object in question. If it’s not worth it, let it go. Maybe you’ll get in during the next go-round.
Item 4: Seasonal Rotations
This concept works well for a wardrobe and toys. While clothes may be easily divided into summer/winter categories, toys are more arbitrary. Toys that are played with frequently should be left out, but the ones that are more occasional won’t be missed. Select a few to be put away for a time. When kids start getting bored with their current selection, swap out. (If that fails take a fieldtrip to your local Learning Express and pick up something new!)
Item 5: Storage Systems Drawers, baskets/boxes, and other containers are your friends. The shoe hanger is ingenious. Remember that if you’ve organized a space properly, whether it’s a desk, a closet, or an entire room, it will be all the easier to keep organized year-round.
Here’s wishing you a very happy New Year and New You!
- Toy Talker
