Some Quick Tips To Get and Stay Organized and Productive After January

January has been recognized as Get Organized Month by the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) since 2005. This month raises awareness about the importance of organization and productivity. While it provides a great kick-off for organizing efforts, it's crucial to consider what steps to take throughout the rest of the year. This helps prevent overwhelm and ensures that items don’t start piling up again.

Here are some quick ideas and tips to support your organizing efforts as we close out January for the next eleven months (and beyond):

1. **Start Small**: Organizing and decluttering an entire basement or attic can be daunting. Instead, focus on smaller areas, like a workbench or a kitchen drawer, and tackle them in a few hours. Once you complete a small project, the satisfaction of a tidy space will motivate you to take on other areas.

2. **Keep a Donation Bag**: Place a bag in your closet for items you no longer need. When you realize something no longer fits or isn't used, put it in the donation bag. Remember not to donate worn or soiled clothes, as others will be unable to use them.

3. **Limit Freebies**: While we all appreciate freebies like reusable bags, pens, and notepads, there’s a limit to how many you really need or have space for. Food banks will gladly accept reusable bags, and organizations such as community centers, educational programs, and non-profits will welcome office and craft supplies.

4. ** Paper Clutter. Tax season is here, and now is a good time to go through financial records and discard the ones that you no longer need. Shred anything with sensitive information. Paper clutter also applies to things such as old appliance manuals, brochures, junk mail, etc.

By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can maintain a more organized space and improve your productivity throughout the year.