7 Resolutions for 07
1. I resolve to create a new closet experience
Go through your clothes and anything you don’t wear anymore, bag and donate to a local charity. If you have clothes that don’t fit, please don’t keep them! If you lose weight you deserve new clothes! By then they will no longer be in fashion anyway. Also, get rid of clothes you haven’t worn in a year, and those worn out and/or uncomfortable shoes you no longer wear.
2. I resolve to purge my plastics cupboard.
For all of those plastic containers and Tupperware items, dedicate one cabinet or drawer. Try to purchase square stackable containers to maximize your space. Store containers with the lids on so you don’t waste time matching them up. It may take up more space, but the time you save will be worth it, and you won’t seem to need as many.
3. I resolve to tame the trash.
Put wastebaskets in every room and place several unused trash bags in the bottom of each one. This will eliminate countless trips to retrieve new trash bags and give all family members a place to throw away their trash.
4.I resolve to format the food.
Make a master grocery list on your computer from a spreadsheet or Word document. Categorize the groceries into sections such as frozen, dairy, and so on. In each category, list the most frequent items that you buy. Organize the grocery list according to the way your favorite grocery store’s aisles are set up. Print copies and keep one copy handy for the current week. When you see you are low on a product or you’re preparing your grocery list for the week, simply highlight whatever items you need. Keep the document current by adding new items and/or deleting items you no longer buy. Also, create a space on the document for Misc. items where your family members can write down what they need that is not on your list.
5. I resolve to plan my personal time.
Purchase a day-timer with 30 min. slots, and bracket your appointments in with travel time included. (Never rely on your memory for time sensitive tasks.) You will then notice the gaps between your bracketed times. These are the times that you can fill in with organizing a hot spot in your home, or just time to have a relaxing hot bath. Book it as an appointment also and treat it with the same priority as you would treat an important client. As the company L’Oreal says in its advertisements, “You’re worth it!”
6. I resolve to be a bag lady.
If you have repetitive activities every week such as Yoga every Monday evening or a creative writing class every Thursday morning, dedicate a backpack or sports bag for that specific activity. Always keep the items required for that activity in that bag even if you need to duplicate items. You will be ready to leave on time knowing you have all your stuff in the same bag. Have an overnight bag packed and ready to go for a spontaneous fun weekend away or even an emergency trip to the hospital.
7. I resolve to tackle my TV time.
Record your favourite shows. Fast-forward the commercials and watch a one hour TV drama in 45 minutes. If you’re like me, though, and can’t figure out how to record stuff yet, at least mute the ads and get up and do something for 3 minutes.
Clearing your home or workspace of clutter can improve the flow of energy in your life, giving you the momentum you need to stay true to your resolutions. Add more of your own personal house resolutions, and before you know it, you will be creating habits. Good habits to live your life by and allow you time to do what you really want to do.