Every year January brings fresh new hope for all of us. It represents a "starting over" point, a time to stop and reflect on last year's successes and failures and put them all behind us. January is the month we get to start over with our diet, our exercise programs, our goals, and our lives in general. January stands before us like freshly fallen snow, all white and ripe with opportunity. So take advantage of that mindset.
Let January work in your favor. Because we are all in the "mood" for new things in January, we can capitalize on the energetic feeling and make a list of all the things we really want to make different for 2012. If one of the things on your list happens to be getting more organized, here are some ideas and resources to help you can take advantage of right away.
1. The Container Store runs a special every January on Elfa Shelving, so if you have been waiting to get some great new shelving, now is the time. It is 30% off in January.
2. Home Depot and Lowes often have sales on storage containers. They know that we all went out and bought new Christmas decorations and they offer sales on those green and red containers. Buy them and use them any way you like.
3. Take advantage of any January sales at office supply stores so you can change out old files either for your office or home. You will need to do so to get ready for tax season anyway, why not buy supplies while they are on sale.
4. Since most of us don't enjoy doing much outside in January, this is a good time to go through your closet and look for clothes you no longer wear. Sort them into things you can give away, sell or throw out.
5. Organize your photos, both digital and hard copy. Since you are indoors on those cool Sunday afternoons, why not sort your memories so you can find them and keep them safe.
6. If you have a business, take a couple hours to organize your books for tax season. It is never too soon to start thinking about getting your taxes filed and organizing your paperwork make it easier for your accountant to get the job done quickly, thus saving you money.
7. Go through your books and weed out those books that you no longer need or wish to keep. You can donate them to your local library or sell them at Half Price Books. Either way, you create more space to get more books!
January is a wonderful month to start over. It is not necessary to reinvent yourself, but it is a good time to reflect on the things you would like to change and to resolve to make those changes happen this year. What do you want to change this year?