Welcome to OC is pleased to welcome guest blogger, Ramsey Johansson, a Professional Organizer with some great tips to get the New Year off to an organized start!

Is one of your resolutions for 2012 to get organized?  If so, you’re not alone.  Right up there with ‘being more healthy’ or ‘losing weight,’ most people want to Get Organized.  It’s not surprising then, that January is National Get Organized Month (GO Month). 

 You may have a whole house or business to organize, or just a project that has been on your mind for a while.  Regardless, the important thing is just to start.  But where?  How?

• First, think about why you want to get organized.  What will you gain if you do, or lose if you don’t?  Tie your organizing goals into a larger life goal.  Think about how getting organized will help you to save time or create space so that you can pursue your dreams or simply enjoy a more peaceful life.
• Choose the space you are going to organize, close your eyes, and visualize that space without clutter.  How would that make you feel?  Make a list of organizing projects, such as filing, photographs, recipes, kitchen, garage.  Select one.  Break down that project into mini projects.  In the kitchen, for example, mini projects might include countertop, under the sink, cutlery drawers, pantry, refrigerator/freezer, recipes, and coupons.
• Start with the most visible clutter first.  Seeing results will give you a boost of confidence.  For 5 to 15 minutes each day, work on one mini project at a time until the entire organizing project is done.  Then check it off your list and move on to the next one.
• Decide what your reward will be for completing each mini project or room.  Treat yourself to a manicure, or invite friends over for coffee in your newly uncluttered family room.

What are you doing that contributes to the clutter and chaos in your life?  Pick your single worst disorganizing habit and work on changing that behavior over the next month.  If you’ve never been organized it’s very likely that you never learned how to get organized. 

• Find an organizing buddy – someone who wants to get organized as much as you do.  Decide to do it together.  Make a standing weekly date to show off your accomplishments or discuss progress and share encouragement over the phone.
• Ask a friend or family member to help you organize your closet or garage in return for babysitting or help with yard work.
• Consider hiring a professional organizer.  A few hours with a professional organizer might be just the jump-start you need.

You don’t have to stop everything to get organized.  You just have to start.  Make organizing a part of your daily life.  Do it first.  Do it fast.  Organizing is work, but there is nothing difficult about it.  The hardest part is getting started.  Be realistic about what you can and can’t do.  You can’t unclutter your home overnight.  You can unclutter a countertop or drawer in as little as 15 minutes. 

Start to think and act like an organized person. The more you act the part, the more natural it becomes.  Jump into GO Month with both feet.  You’ll be glad you did!

Ramsey Johansson, Professional Organizer – Creating simple, efficient living spaces www.RamseyJohansson.com

949.813.2538

Follow me on Twitter: @Ramseytweets

Like me on facebook: www.facebook.com/RamseyJohanssonPO

Clever Container Consultant www.clevercontainer.com/RamseyJohansson

Need quick access to information about Orange County–all in one convenient location? Then take a look at OrangeCountyResourceGuide.com! With just 1 click, our Quick Links & City Profiles take you from “Airports to Utilities.” Need more? Check out OC Dining, Shopping, Entertainment, Traffic, Weather & Job Search Options. OCRG is the “go to” site for both OC newcomers & established residents alike….