Get Organized in 2013 Challenge #1 Massive Detox

It's 2013. The beginning of a new year. Time to begin anew. I don't know about you, but I am ready to begin working on the goals I have set. And one of my goals is to help YOU get organized this year. So let's get started!

First off, I want to let you know that organization doesn't happen overnight. It takes time to not only organize, but build habits. So much of organizing is about building habits. And not just you personally, but your family too. You set the example, get your spouse on board , and teach your children. Organization is also a process and can be a lot of trial and error trying to find the solutions that work for you. So don't get discouraged if something doesn't work the first time. I can't tell you how many versions of chore charts I have gone through over the years until I finally found something that worked for my kids. Trial and error.

Here are some other quick tips before we get started:
1. Start small. You will quickly get overwhelmed if you try to tackle a big project right off the bat.  Set a timer for 15 minutes and tackle one drawer, or one shelf. You will be much more successful that way.
2. Start with something that bothers you the most. Something that you see first thing in the morning, when you walk in the door after work, or drives you nuts every single time you walk by.
3. You will never be successful organizing if you have clutter. We will spend a lot of time talking about this later, but you need to get used to the idea of letting go of things.

Get Organized in 2013 Challenge #1 - Massive Detox

This may be hard, but you will feel so rewarded later!

Grab an empty garbage bag (or two...or three) and quickly go from room to room in your house and throw away anything that is trash, broken, gives you negative feelings, or is no longer useful for you or anyone else (not in good enough shape to donate).  Do NOT try to clean, organize, or put things right. You have one mission and one mission alone. Get rid of stuff. Do not take time to think about things. If you have to think about it, leave it and we'll get to it later. Now take that bag directly out to the trash can and never think of it again!

How do you out feel? Lighter already? Great! You are on your way to being successful! I am so proud of you! Give yourself a pat on the back!

Be sure to leave me a comment and let me know how it went and how you are feeling! I would love to see some photos of all of the stuff you were able to get rid of today! Send me an email!

Now here is a bit of homework to get you ready for tomorrow's challenge. Get 2 boxes. One should be fairly large, the other medium sized.

See you tomorrow!  Don't forget to grab the Getting Organized in 2013 Badge in the right sidebar to display in your signature on websites, or on your own blog!