get sorted in 2012
Let’s start the new year off on the right foot. The theme for 2012 in our place is ‘no more procrastination!’ That means when there’s something to be done, just do it! Don’t wait until the Christmas tree is looking well and truly dead. Get rid of it now and pack away the decorations ready for a new year.
The number one rule to getting and staying organised is making sure everything has a place in your home. Start now with your Christmas stuff. Here’s a detailed step by step guide to get you started!
- STEP 1: CHRISTMAS TREE
- If you have a real Christmas tree, have it picked up by the company you bought it from (some companies do this for you) or take it to the tip. If it’s a fake one, pack it away in the box it came in (this is the best way to store because it will fit perfectly). Don’t have the box anymore? Purchase a cardboard box or material duffel bag to store it in. You can buy these online easy enough… Organize.com or My Christmas.
- STEP 2: GATHER
- Next we want to gather everything from around the house that you use for Christmas. E.g. Decorations, cards, wrapping, advent calendar, lights, linen, cookbooks, catalogues, magazines, candles, ornaments etc.
- STEP 3: SORT
- Find somewhere in your house with some space. Lay all of the items on the floor and sort them into categories. E.g. Decorations together, lights together etc.
- STEP 4: DECLUTTER
- Remove anything you no longer want or that has been damaged. Throw out any light globes that no longer work etc.
- STEP 5: SHOPPING LIST
- Write a shopping list for anything you need for next year. E.g. Bonbons, Christmas lights, cards, wrapping etc. And purchase now while they are on sale!
- STEP 6: RE-SORT
- Next step is to look at the remaining items and re-sort them in some order. The first category should include the items you will need first up next Christmas. E.g. Christmas cards, Christmas tree stand, advent calendar etc. Then sort the rest into categories. E.g. 1. Table linen, bonbons, table ornaments together. 2. Wrapping paper, ribbon and gift tags together etc.
- STEP 7: STORE
- Store each category in the appropriate size box. E.g. 1. Store your Christmas wreath in a box that will keep the shape intact. 2. Store baubles and decorations in their original boxes then store them together in a plastic tub. If you don’t have the original boxes store them in a plastic tub and wrap precious items in tissue or butchers paper. Organize.com has an amazing range of storage just for Christmas items (but you pay for International shipping). Howards storage has boxes to fit wrapping paper.
- STEP 8: LABEL
- Label each box in the order that you will need them in and include an inventory. E.g. Box 1: Cards, tree stand, advent calendar. Box 2: Decorations and lights. Box 3: Wrapping paper, ribbon, gift cards etc.
- STEP 9: AWAY
- Store all of the boxes away. Stack them somewhere you have available space. E.g. The garage or shed. Make sure anything is securely wrapped to keep it dust-free. Stack the boxes in order with box 1 on top for easy access.
P.S. If you are a serious procrastinator… break the steps down… one step at a time. Block out time in your diary to get the job done. Remember, 2012, ‘No more procrastination!’
Image purchased from istock. Design by Tanya, Declutterhome.
give the gift of organisation
Are you struggling with gift ideas this year? What about helping a friend or family member get organised instead of the traditional gift? You could give the gift of organisation by purchasing some product and giving their space a little spruce up! Here’s some ideas to get you thinking.
- OFFICE ORGANISED! Do you know someone who needs a little office organisation? Why not do a quick little spruce up by purchasing some new stationery or storage for their office. kikki.K is heaven when it comes to office organisation. They have a variety of colours to suit every office. Check out their website to view their latest product.
- PANTRY ORGANISED! Why not sort out a friend’s pantry as a suprise. You could purchase some glass storage jars and reorganise the flour, sugar etc. Use labels to make it extra organised! Donna Hay’s online store - jars from $14.95 + postage.
- TOYS ORGANISED! Are your kids’ toys out of control? Reorganise the toys as a little Christmas day surprise… “Santa must have been very busy on Christmas Eve!”. Ikea have some cheap, practical storage furniture which will help you sort it out! My favourite is called the Trofast system… It comes with different sized boxes so you can separate the toys into categories. Finish by labelling so they can keep it organised. Trofast system starts from around $110.
- GARAGE ORGANISED! Is your garage out-of-control? Sort it out as a family surprise and do a Christmas day reveal! Go straight to Bunnings for anything and everything in garage organisation. Write a list of what you need first… E.g Containers for nails and screws etc, a system to hang up the bikes, a new work bench, some tubs to keep larger items organised etc.
- BEDROOM ORGANISED! What about creating a gorgeous bedroom retreat for your friend or partner? Refresh the space with new linen, flowers or a beautiful candle. Go online to view product from Provincial Home Living – they have a lovely range of bedroom delights! Myer is a great spot for linen – they have a wide range, something for everyone!
- BATHROOM ORGANISED! Does your friend’s bathroom need a little pick-me-up? Give it a quick lift with a good scrub and finish off by purchasing some new hand wash and lotion from Crabtree and Evelyn. Or, why not tackle a total makeover with new towels from Country Road, fresh flowers from your local market and lotions from Aesop. They will love you for it!
Good luck shopping! I look forward to hearing how you go. I want to see before and after pics! Tip… before you start shopping write a list…
- Who is the room refresh for?
- When are you going to do the refresh?
- What do you need to purchase to refresh the space?
- Where will you find the product?
- What are the shop locations?
- DECLUTTERHOME GIFT VOUCHERS
Do you know someone who needs some advice from a professional organiser? A gift voucher from Declutterhome may be just what they need. Contact Declutterhome to discuss your needs. We can send out a personalised gift voucher for a friend or family member in time for Christmas.
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