I read an article in Forbes Magazine about New Year’s resolutions. Most are about adopting healthier lifestyle choices (fitness, diet, weight loss, etc.). Additionally, mental health improvement and better financial management are close to the top of the list. Interestingly, research indicates that many people struggle to maintain or achieve their goals. However, I believe starting with an organized home is a foundation for success. (Of course, I may be biased).

Healthier Lifestyle Choices

An organized home is a foundation for success in adopting healthier lifestyle choices. For example, going to the gym is hard if you can’t find your sneakers. You can’t use your elliptical machine when it’s buried under the clothing that won’t fit in your closet. It’s challenging to cook healthy meals if you have no idea where your spices and seasonings are and your freezer is so packed you need an ice pick to find a bag of frozen vegetables.

Getting your home in order can help set you up for success. Here are some of my top home-organizing blog posts that can help:

• Quick Guide to Clearing Out Your Freezer
• Organizing Food Storage Containers
• Quick Guide: Clearing Out Your Liquor Cabinet
• Curb Your Kitchen Chaos Using Containers and Zoning
• The Kid-Friendly Kitchen

Feel free to search previous home organizing articles. I cover tips and advice to keep each area of your home tidy and clutter-free.

Less Stress, More Focus

It’s a well-known phenomenon that a cluttered environment can take a toll on your mental health. Imagine a day when you have an important meeting at work. When you’re getting ready in the morning, you can’t find matching socks, then you have to search for your misplaced house keys. When you finally get to the bus, you realize you forgot your transit pass. Talk about a stressful morning!

On the other hand, you could imagine that same day when you open a tidy sock drawer, grab your house keys, and transit pass from your orderly entryway. Then you confidently walk to the bus (on time!) and arrive at work confident about your meeting.

An organized home is a foundation for success because it provides a sense of control and order, fostering a calmer and tranquil atmosphere. And when you are more relaxed, you can focus and concentrate on your self-improvement resolutions.

Financial Benefits

There are several financial benefits to organizing your home. Here are just a few:

• You don’t repurchase items you already own because you know what you have and where they are stored.
• When you have an organized fridge, freezer, and pantry, you minimize food waste because you can consume items before they expire.
• You can properly care for and maintain your possessions, which can extend their lifespan.
• You know where all your gift cards are and can use them before they expire.

Additionally, streamlining your day-to-day finances is well worth the effort. You can easily track automatic transactions and cancel services you no longer use. Learning how to use budgeting software can reveal where you need to cut back on your spending.

Even though an organized home is a foundation for success, it is not expensive to set up. You can absolutely organize on a budget. Firstly, follow our tried-and-true C.L.E.A.R. Process, where you categorize, limit, evaluate, allocate, and remove. By working in this order, you will spend less money on bins and baskets because you will declutter first and then organize.

In fact, you may not need to buy many organizing tools at all. Some of our clients built their own organizing systems by repurposing items they already own. Occasionally, they purchase low-cost items at thrift shops (they find some useful and unique items!) and discount stores. As an aside, the Out of Chaos team always works within the client’s budget to find tools and accessories to meet their needs.

While many television shows and magazines tout the aesthetics of a tidy living space, the benefits extend far beyond. An organized home is a foundation for success in adopting a healthier lifestyle, reducing stress, and saving money. Don’t struggle through another year of missed opportunities. Contact the Out of Chaos team and let us help you reach your new year’s goals.