It’s a New Year and time to recharge and set some new goals. Getting organized is on many people’s list of New Year’s resolutions. If getting organized is one of your goals, you need to have a plan. Begin by writing down the rooms or areas you need to organize and decide when you’re going to start. Then figure out the areas you can do yourself and what you need help with.

If you are living in a lot of clutter, enlisting the help of a friend or hiring a professional organizer can move you closer to your goal a lot faster. A professional organizer will also educate you on the principles of organizing and implement systems that fit into your lifestyle. This is an important step in the organizing process because the systems you have in place will help you to maintain order in your home, so that you won’t have to reorganize the same space a few months later.

The general rules of organizing involve sorting, purging and placing items into containers or specialty organizers. Don’t forget to keep similar items together and in a convenient place. After you have sorted and purged, shop for organizers to help you set up your new systems.

Happy New Year!

Shop for organizers for your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, laundry, kids, office or closet  at Home Storage Warehouse.

Jacquie Ross is a Maryland based Professional Organizer, writer and owner of CastAway the Clutter! Jacquie has been writing for Home Storage USA since 2007. A member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and Maryland Association of Professional Organizers, she teaches homeowners how to reclaim their time and space, and offers Time Management workshops to businesses to maximize productivity.  Jacquie can be reached at jacquie@castawaytheclutter.com. Visit CastAway the Clutter to sign up for her free organizing tips at www.castawaytheclutter.com.

A classic picture of Christmas is a group of holiday stockings hung by the fireplace. It is also a wonderful family tradition. It’s so much fun to see the excitement in a child’s face as they learn what Santa has hidden for them on Christmas morning, in their own personal stocking!

Christmas stockings aren’t only for children!  Every member can have their own. Stockings can be filled with fun, whimsical or sensible gifts, or simply filled with candy. For your organizationally challenged family member, consider including a gift that can help them stay organized. Don’t know what to give?  Here are a few stocking filler ideas with an organizational twist:

 Click here to shop for these and other holiday organizing gift ideas and products.

Jacquie Ross is a Maryland based Professional Organizer, writer and owner of CastAway the Clutter! Jacquie has been writing for Home Storage USA since 2007. A member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and Maryland Association of Professional Organizers, she teaches homeowners how to reclaim their time and space, and offers Time Management workshops to businesses to maximize productivity.  Jacquie can be reached at jacquie@castawaytheclutter.com. Visit CastAway the Clutter to sign up for her free organizing tips at www.castawaytheclutter.com.