Jan 05 2011

1st step to de-cluttering | Creating your organising goals

setting-goals1

Wow, I am overwhelmed by the great response to yesterday’s post, De-clutter 52 things in 52 weeks Challenge. As I mentioned on the facebook page, it maybe easy for some, but then I know it will certainly be difficult for others. However I will help you, I plan on doing some posts on how to part with clutter. I ‘plan’ on doing many many posts on different topics and areas of the home. I am very grateful for all the requests sent to me. I’m sure you will enjoy what will be coming soon.

In the meantime my kids are on school holidays and hubby will be returningback to work on Monday, so I may find it hard to give you comprehensive posts, however once school has returned we will be in full de-clutter mode!! I also have daughter #2′s 6th birthday to plan. I am hoping to do a yellow theme (her favourite colour), everything yellow with splash of white, invitations, balloons, yellow food, I want to learn to make paper pom poms, yellow everything, so if you have any suggestions, please email them, I would love to hear as this is her first ‘major’ party and I want it to be really special.

Now onto today’s post.

1st step to decluttering is creating goals for yourself. Where to start, what do I want to achieve. Answer these questions for me: (My answers are in red)

I want to feel “ RELAXED “ while I’m at home.
I want to spend more time doing “ SCRAPBOOKING “ .
I want an area of the home where I can “ SCRAPBOOK “. (my area is nearly finished)
I want to organise “LAUNDRY“ room first.
I always loose “THE PHONE“ .
I want to be all organised by “ 1ST NOVEMBER 2011 “ .
Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with “CRYSTAL BOWLS ON MY DRESSER“ .

I’d love to see your answers, please fill in the comments and let me know what organising task you would most like to accomplish this year!! Together I will help you achieve these goals!!

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http://taylormadebaking.blogspot.com/ Mrs KT

Hi Katrina

I have only just come across your blog, but have been reading through it madly since yesterday. It is very timely that I have found you, as de-cluttering and becoming more organised is something that is very important to me in 2011. I look forward to reading along with you and hopefully implementing some of your ideas.

Thankyou for sharing

Mrs KT
- Katrina
  
  Thankyou Mrs KT, I hope you enjoy what this year will bring!!
http://52parks.wordpress.com Corinne

1. I want to feel “ CALM “ while I’m at home.

2. I want to spend more time doing “ work on my new business “ .

3. I want an area of the home where I can “ relax “.

4. I want to organise “Kitchen“ room first.

5. I always loose “Keys“ .

6. I want to be all organised by “ Easter “ .

7. Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with “10 boxes of family photos that don't belong to me“ .
- Katrina
  
  That has to be a hard one Corinne, what are you going to do with the family photos?? Are the owners of these photo's still alive? I created an album for my Dad which included photo's of his 60 years. Great gift to give, put them together in an album, the ones that aren't in an album place in a photo box for them to store?? Let me know if I'm on the right track to helping you?
Bec H

1. I want to feel “ relaxed “ while I’m at home.

2. I want to spend more time doing “ more things with the girls “ .

3. I want an area of the home where I can “ cook without clutter “.

4. I want to organise “my“ room first. Did the office yesterday and it looks great

5. I always loose “my keys“ .

6. I want to be all organised by “ end of this year ready to be EGM“ .

7. Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with “lots and lots of things- definitely my baby clothes and baby things
- Vicky
  
  Hi Bec H,
  
  I recently read on another site an idea that may help you. It suggested making(or I gues having someone make for you) a quilt out of outgrown baby clothes, and then using this quit on your childs bed, or as a TV blanket for the cooler months. I though it was a great idea to keep the memories without hoarding those bags/boxes of clothes you can no longer use. I only wish I had found it before I got rid of my boys clothes!
  
  Vicky
Kellie

1. I want there to be calm in the house for the family – stop rushing here and there

2. I want to spend more time with my family and for myself

3. I want an area where I can sit, relax and read.

4. I want to organise my kitchen – get rid of stuff that hasn't been used for months.

5. I always lose the phones – just as well they have a locator button, just wish my mobile did!

6. I would like to be organised by April/May

7. Something I don't need anymore, but having troble parting with are the boxes out in the shed that have moved with us 3 times and never been opened..
Leila

1. I want to feel "relaxed" at home

2. I want to spend more time with my children individually and as a family.

3. I want an area where i can do anything, create, paint, do a puzzle etc.

4. I want to organise my bedroom so we actually have one again not just a bed with a storage space and no visable floor.

5. I always loose my mobile charger and mobile.

6. I want to be organised by December 1st 2011.

7. Something i don't need anymore but am having trouble parting with is those clothes that i have just in case i fit into them again.
Stacey K

1.I want to feel “ JOY“ while I’m at home.

2.I want to spend more time doing “ SCRAPBOOKING “ .

3.I want an area of the home where I can “ RELAX “. For me this means organised & clean

4.I want to organise “LAUNDRY“ room first.

5.I always loose “my temper“ .

6.I want to be all organised by “ yesterday!“ .

7.Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with “my potty mouth!“ .
Sarah

I want to feel at peace while I’m at home.

I want to spend more time playing with my boy without worrying about what needs to be done around the house.

I want an area of the home where I can relax.

I want to organise the lounge room first.

I always loose the phone, keys.

I want to be all organised by 30 June 2011.

Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with not sure I can narrow that down to one thing!
Tam

I want to feel “ CALM & NOT UNDER PRESSURE “ while I’m at home.

I want to spend more time doing “ THINGS WITH MY KIDS – AT SCHOOL & HOME “ .

I want an area of the home where I can “ RELAX AND WATCH TV IN PEACE “. (my area is nearly finished)

I want to organise “ THE LOUNGE/STUDY “ room first.

I always loose “ PAPERWORK “ .

I want to be all organised by “ 1ST APRIL 2011 “ .

Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with “ OLD PAPERWORK (EVEN THINGS LIKE STUPID POWER AND PHONE BILLS FROM 2000 “ lol
Vanessa

I want to feel "under control" at home.

I want to spend more time doing "my craft"

I want an area in the house where I can "sit and relax without looking at mess and clutter"

I want to start in the "lounge room."

I always lose "my keys and my phone."

I want to be organised by "my birthday June 13th."

Something I don't need anymore but am having trouble parting with is "all the kids 'artwork' from school and preschool."
- Karene
  
  Have a look at this link. This lady has a great way to preserve kid's art without the clutter.
  http://www.beyondthebaby.com.au/superorganisermum…
Chrissy

1. I want to feel LESS CLUTTERED and DESTRESSED while I’m at home.

2. I want to spend more time doing READING.

3. I want an area of the home where I can ENJOY PLAYING WITH MY CHILDREN.

4. I want to organise LOUNGE room first.

5. I always loose MY DIARY .

6. I want to be all organised by AUGUST 2011 .

7. Something that I don’t need anymore, but am having trouble parting with UNUSED WEDDING and ENGAGEMENT PRESENTS.

Loving your blog Katrina, thanks for the inspiration.
Natalie

We've just bought our own house, so here goes my list

I want my children to live in a house where there is no chaos.

I want each room to feel like home

I want to stop loosing things!

I want to create spaces that can be used for multiple purposes.

I want others to feel at home in my home.

I want to be organised before winter.

I want to reduce, reuse and recycle in my home (my children are all into this at the moment as well)

Wish me luck.
Alicia Ilievski

1. I want to SIMPLIFY my home life

2. I want to spend more time at home "DOING" not spending. (As a shopaholic I usually find some excuse to hit the shops – my biggest challenge will be to stay off online shopping sites eeek)

3. I want to use my "CRAFTING SUPPLIES" only buying when I really have a need (not just because it is the latest greatest, on sale or adorable)

4. I want to organise "SHED" first. So much waste in here…Wasted space (I truely see the opportunity for a kids craft zone here)…wasted junk (stuff we had to had but then never use or hardly use) It makes me stressed just being in there.

5. I always loose "MY MIND" Eeeek that sounds really crazy LOL. We call it Happy hour here but it is anything but. From 3pm I am going to get the kids out and about (we live near the greatest beach and parklands so no excuses)rather than suffer the regular afternoon meltdowns.

6. I want to be all organised by 1st of October 2011. (Am having a HUGE Halloween party this year so need to have everything sorted waaaaay before then)

7.Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with “A LOT OF MY SEASONAL ITEMS“ . I LOVE to decorate (any and every occassion) My collections are ever growing. This year I plan to cull, catalogue and store well only the things I really love. – This is a MASSIVE job…anyone want to HELP??
Alicia Ilievski

Ohh and something I really want to put out there in 'public eye to see land'

I really want to start a BLOG. I have no idea how. I only just started really reading other peoples. Im soooo hooked. It scares me as I already feel so far behind (weird comment?).

Eeeekkkk sorry for my frequent and long winded posts.

xxx
http://www.gumtreekids.blogspot.com/ Kylie

1.I want to my home to feel more spacious and inviting. (it is rather small and lounge furniture is too big for the space, so it is a challenge)

2.I want to spend more time scrapbooking and sewing at night, instead of collapsing on the lounge and feeling overwhelmed by the clutter that surrounds me.

3.I want an area of the home outside where I can sit, relax and watch the kids play – and not be cluttered with bikes, scooters, gyms etc

4.I want to organise the main bedroom first, and make room for bubby's "stuff"

5.I always lose…. hmm, what don't I lose? There is always something I can't find because it's been put back in a different spot.

6.I want to be all organised by 16th October 2011 (2 weeks before DD#1's birthday).

7.Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with (hmm, tempted to write "lazy husband who hates changing things" here, lol, but I won't) – box of kitchen items (including ceramic platters and decor food containers) that have been in the shed since we moved in 4 years ago (no space inside), huge pile of "series" books I've read, large storage bag of pre-pregnancy clothes from #1 and #2. OH, and possibly a box of photo frames that are still waiting to be hung on the walls.
- Katrina
  
  Ok Kylie, duly noted, I'll help you through all those items you can't part with. Later this week I am showing you what I did with some of my 'decor' containers I had in my pantry which were replaced with Tupperware. As for the items you loose, create a home for them and always return it back to it's home. I know easy to say hard to do, but you just need to change your habit.
Kelly

1. I want to feel “ relaxed “ while I’m at home.

2. I want to spend more time “ cooking & playing with the kids “ .

3. I want an area of the home where I can “ take time out without seeing clutter or mess “.

4. I want to organise the “ entry “ room first.

5. I always loose “ paperwork “ .

6. I want to be all organised by “ 1st December 2011 “ .

7. Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with “ Everything! I am a horder so very hard list to narrow down “ .
- Katrina
  
  Hopefully I'll be able to help you kelly. I plan on writing a post a week dedicated to the declutter 52 things challenge. Well have you organised by 1st December for sure!!
Emma

1.I want to feel “ HAPPY “ while I’m at home.

2.I want to spend more time doing “ SCRAPBOOKING “ .

3.I want an area of the home where I can “ BOOKWORK “.

4.I want to organise “SPARE“ room first.

5.I always loose “THE REMOTE“ .

6.I want to be all organised by “ 1ST NOVEMBER 2011 “ .

7.Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with “OLD CLOTHES“ .
- Katrina
  
  A great tip I have heard is moving all your coat hangers the opposite way. Each time you have used a piece of clothing hang it on a coat hanger the correct way , after a designated amount of time eg…between now and winter, whatever you haven't worn (eg, all the coat hangers the wrong way), throw away. I am currently doing this, but have 2 areas in my wardrobe. I have moved all clothing I don't think I will wear to one side, before winter whatever hasn't been worn will be donated to charity or ebay'd.
http://www.liquorice-allsorts.com.au/ Natasha

1. I want to feel “ relaxed “ while I’m at home.

2. I want to spend more time “ entertaining “ .

3. I want an area of the home where I can “ exercise “.

4. I want to organise the “ kids “ rooms first.

5. I always lose “ the remote control “ .

6. I want to be all organised by “ 1st November 2011 “ .

7. Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with “ are my books “ .
karen

to achieve. Answer these questions for me: (My answers are in red)

my decluttering goals:

1.I want to feel “ happy and at peace “ while I’m at home.

2.I want to spend more time doing “ family building “ .

3.I want an area of the home where I can “ create craft and art “.

4.I want to organise “the office“ first.

5.I always loose “my mobile phone“ .

6.I want to be all organised by “ 1ST october 2011 “ .

7.Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with “my husbands car magazines“ .
- Katrina
  
  LOL, the car magazines, we had a huge pile of them, hubby couldn't bare throw them away, instead gave them to my son to look at he cut up and created his own little magazine with favourite pictures and then I threw them into the recyling bin.
Tara

1.I want to feel “ ORGANISED, CALM and IN CONTROL" while im at home

2.I want to spend more time doing “ ALL MY CRAFTY THINGS and OUTINGS WITH MY FAMILY" .

3.I want an area of the home where I can “ CREATE". (my area is nearly finished)

4.I want to organise “THE MASTER BEDROOM" first.

5.I always loose “THE REMOTES"

6.I want to be all organised by “ JULY 1st “ .

7.Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with “SO MANY THINGS “ .
- Katrina
  
  How exciting, would love to see a photo of your 'Creating' area when your finished.
http://www.idunhoe.wordpress.com Rebekah

1.I want to feel CALM & AT PEACE while I’m at home.

2.I want to spend more time doing TRAINING IN POLEDACING

3.I want an area of the home where I can RELAX & CROCHET.

4.I want to organise LIVING room first.

5.I always loose MY SUNGLASSES .

6.I want to be all organised by 1ST OCTOBER 2011.

7.Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with are MY OLD BOOKS & RECIPE BOOKS/MAGAZINES.
- Katrina
  
  Rebekah, did you see this post about what to do with old recipe magazines: http://theorganisedhousewife.com.au/2010/10/15/or…
  - re
    
    Thank you, what a great idea.
Pingback: The Organised Housewife » Blog Archive » Quick Organising Tip – Find a home for my phone
Alison Dines

1.I want to feel “ HAPPY “ while I’m at home.

2.I want to spend more time doing “ STITCHING “ .

3.I want an area of the home where I can “ WORK “.

4.I want to organise “GIRLS ROOM“ room first.

5.I always loose “MY SUNNIES“ .

6.I want to be all organised by “ 1ST MAY 2011 “ .

7.Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with "SENTIMENTAL BABY CLOTHES“ .
- Katrina
  
  Alison, maybe you could create a little area, use a basket like I have for my phone and keys and always have a home for them. My basket is right near the garage door, handy place
  
  Baby clothes are hard to part with. I did see in a magazine, somebody made a quilt from all the kids baby clothes, I loved that idea, sadly saw it after I got rid of all mine.
KarenT

• I want to feel “ RELAXED “ while I’m at home.

• I want to spend more time doing “ READING & playing with Ruby without thinking of all the things to be done“ .

• I want an area of the home where I can “ READ/WRITE “.

• I want to organise “2nd bedroom“ room first.

• I always lose “paperwork“ & sometimes my cool….

• I want to be all organised by “ 6th June 2011 “ .

• Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with is knick knacks/ornaments

We have an 8 month old and I feel quite overwhelmed with all the tasks I need to get through to achieve my goals… Daddy has his own list and they often take precedence. He's not pushy!! Just bub is breastfed and generally a bit more keen on mummy, so daddy has chance to get more done…
Marion B

Dear Katrina,

I stumbled across your site a few weeks ago whilst looking for tips on how to organise a pantry. Since then I have been both hooked and inspired and can't wait to read your blog each day. I live on my own and do not have any children so not all of it is relevant to me but I am so grateful for the daily hints to keep organised. Ten years ago I had breast cancer and had treatment for about 12 months, in that time due to a very unhelpful/unsupportive husband things got very disorganised at home and then a year later we separated. Since then my clutter and disorganisation has increased so much that for about the last 7 years my house has become so untidy/cluttered I have not had any one over to visit except my parents because I am too ashamed of it, and I have felt that it would be an impossibility to ever get it straight again. Now with your help and tips I have taken the first steps on the mammoth journey to re-claim my home (and my sanity). Not only do I have to tidy up and sort things out (and throw lots of things away), I need to teach myself new habits so that I keep things tidy, as in the past I have tidied only to find myself back in the same situation a month or two down the track. I even made a list to stick on my wardrobe door of things that must be put away each night before going to bed! And I make sure my dishes are done each night before going to bed. Both of these things alone are major improvements for me. I now know its just a matter of keeping at it and not getting disheartened. My goal is to have the house tidy by the end of this year (sounds like a long way off but its probably going to take that long). So thank you from the bottom of my heart for your wonderful site – you have given me hope! And here are my answers to your questions:

1. I want to feel “ CALM “ while I’m at home.

2. I want to spend more time doing “ BEADING “ .

3. I want an area of the home where I can “ BEAD “.

4. I want to organise “MY BEDROOM“ first.

5. I always loose “IMPORTANT PAPERS“ .

6. I want to be all organised by “ CHRISTMAS 2011 “ .

7. Something that I don’t need anymore, but am having trouble parting with “SO MANY MANY THINGS!“ .

Thank you for sharing

P.S. I thought your first video was very good – good on you for being brave enough to do it!

Marion xx
- Katrina
  
  ooh Marion, your post has touched my heart, I'm so thankful that what I am doing is able to help you. You have been through so much and I understand how hard times in your life can leave your house as a last priority. I have seen it happen first hand to a family member so I can imagine the task you have ahead of you. I really hope you enjoy the posts ahead filled with ideas and challenges to declutter your home and routines to get it clean and tidy. I hope you reach your Christmas goal and feel content to invite your friends and family over for Chrismtas or pre-christmas celebrations. thankyou so much for your message, it's such an inspiration for me. Would you mind if I shared it with the rest of the readers (I can keep your name off if you prefer), as I know there are so many people with alot of clutter out there to know they aren't alone and together we can all create more comfortables homes.
  - Marion B
    
    Hi Katrina, you are most welcome to share my post and hopefully it can let other people know there can be hope for them too, I don't mind if my name is on it. Thank you for your wonderful work
Pingback: The Organised Housewife » Blog Archive » Declutter 52 Things Challenge – Step 5: How to part with sentimental items
Kate Douglas

1.I want to feel “ FRESH “ while I’m at home.

2.I want to spend more time doing “ COOKING, SCRAPPING AND READING “ .

3.I want an area of the home where I can “ STUDY (IN PEACE!) “.

4.I want to organise “STUDY“ room first.

5.I always loose “THE KEYS AND WORK LANYARD“ .

6.I want to be all organised by “ 7TH MARCH 2011 “ (Start of Uni)

7.Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with “UNI NOTES AND TEXTBOOKS“ . (I need some advice on this one…)
Pingback: The Organised Housewife » Blog Archive » Decluttering 52 Things Challenge – Step 6: Create a to-do list
Denise

1. I want to feel RELAXED in my home with all the clutter around me.

2.I want to spend more time CARDMAKING AND SCRAPBOOKING.

3. I want an area of the home where I can CREATE IN HARMONY

3. I want to ORGANISE my craftroom FIRST.

4. I loose LOTS OF THINGS

5. I want to be organised BY JUNE.

6. something I have trouble with parting is GIFTS.
Mrs Rhodes

1. I want to feel “sane“ while I’m at home.

2. I want to spend more time “reading, and learning instruments and languages“.

3. I want an area of the home where I can “do all of the above“. (I have this area – my lougeroom)

4. I want to organise the “hallway/blocked unused front door“ first.

5. I always loose “important documents“.

6. I want to be all organised by “1ST April 2011 “ .

7. Something that I don’t need anymore, but am having trouble parting with is “Lots of Baby Pink fake fur fabric for sewing a snow jacket with a hat and stolle – Russian/Playboy Bunny inspired – that I'm never going to wear. I could sew it for my distant unborn children, but that's probably 5-10 years before they would be old enough to wear it! …Plus many other sewing projects, that have never been realised…“.
Pingback: Decluttering 52 Things – Task #2 – Soft teddies and dustmites | The Organised Housewife
Susie Fletcher

1.I want to feel “ RELAXED “ while I’m at home.

2.I want to spend more time doing “ THINGS WITH MY TODDLER SON, MY FAMILY & MYSELF RATHER THAN WORRYING ABOUT ALL THE THINGS THAT NEED DOING, “ .

3.I want an area of the home where I can “STUDY“.

4.I want to organise “STUDY/OFFICE AREA“ first. (which unfortunately is part of the lounge room).

5.I always loose “LOTS OF THINGS“ .

6.I want to be all organised by “ 1ST NOVEMBER 2011 “ .

7.Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with “LOTS OF STUFF, I AM A HOARDER OF THE WORST KIND!!“ .
http://Deleonstudios.com Wendy

1. I want to feel "focused" when home

2. I want to spend more time painting and sculpting.

3. I want an area of my home to organize my business from.

4. I want to organize my tools and equipment in the garage.

5. I always loose my focus on my work.

6. I want to be organized by march 11th.

7. Something I don't need anymore, but am having trouble parting with are old magazines and unused books, and papers.
Heather

I want to have an organised home
I want to have order in my life
I want to declutter
I want to cook healthy meals
I want to scrapbook lots
I want to spend time with my family
I want to spend time with my friends
I want to stay in touch with friends far away
I want to be focused at home to get jobs done
Katharyn

Thank you so much for this website! I came across it somehow on facebook, and have needed something like this for sometime.
I am 36 and have decided it’s past time to stop blaming the environment I grew up in & the lack of modelling I had in this area. It’s time to say that I was very loved, that I was fed healthily & they did the best they knew how. Now that I’ve figured that a tidy space is important to me, I will celebrate the good of my childhood, and learn to do the best I can so that I have the physical & emotional space to enjoy my family. I struggle to ‘start’. Once I have started I can keep going pretty much till I’m done, but it’s the starting. I’m pretty good at re-organising an area that has bugged me for a few weeks, but I struggle in that reorganising to throw things out & leave surfaces completely clear. Also keeping things in that reorganisation is difficult. Now that I know what I will celebrate, what I struggle with, what I’m aiming for, and that I have finally found a concerned community to be accountable to, that won’t mind being bombarded with my epistles, I feel energised & motivated to get going! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Tomorrow I’m going to Nanna’s to help her sort out & down size, and will do so each Monday afternoon till she doesn’t need this help, then it will just be for a cuppa. Please keep me accountable to this, too. I can’t let other things become more important/interesting than honouring & serving her with love & time & company & help.

1. I want to feel “calm & organised” when home
2. I want to spend more time “having friends over for meals” and family time, rather than housework in family time!
3. I want an area of my home where I can read in uncluttered peace & quiet.
4. I want to organize kids craft/creative area, then my desk first.
5. I always loose my forms & papers to be returned to the kids school.
6. I want to be organized by part 1. April 10, part 2. July 28.
7. Something I don’t need anymore, but am having trouble parting with are old letters & birthday cards, 3 files of recipes, anything else in my filing cabinet.
- Asterix
  
  Katharyn,
  Your story is almost identical to mine.
  My mum always had a neet and tidy house and I assumed it would be naturaly the same with me. Not so! The job just seems so overwhelmingly dificult that i just keep putting it off.
  How has your organising been going? have you been able to keep it up? hope you are doing great!
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=707877787 Mel Newman
    
    Good on youit may feel overwhelming at first, but the relief and good feelings are even better! Procrastinating just makes it harder. Prove to yourself that you can overcome any overwhelming thing by taking it one little thing at a time. Spend 10 mins a day taking one draw out and putting only what you need back in. Turf what you don’t want to charity or the bin every day! You will begin to see results in just a few days, im sure. You can do it!
- http://www.facebook.com/katrina.benjamin.7 Katrina Benjamin
  
  I am also interested in how you are going. My mum was a hoarder and i am slowly but surely following in her footsteps. She passed away last year suddenly and now i am cluttering up my home with her stuff and mine. Have you been able to keep it up?
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=707877787 Mel Newman
  
  hehe indeed!! Great! Yes, its hard, but i know you can do it! Keep up the excellent work! Good luck!
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=707877787 Mel Newman
  
  one way not to lose forms and papers for your school is to put them on the fridge with the day and date of return in BIG letters!
  Another is to put them next to the phone if you use it a lot or somewhere you go to/use a lot! Good luck!
http://www.ayusfashion.com ayus

I hope not to late to start this…

I want to feel “ ENERGIZE AND CALM “ while I’m at home.

I want to spend more time doing “ NEW HOBBIES, PLAYING WITH KIDS AND MY NEW BUSINESS“

3.I want an area of the home where I can “CALL HOME OFFICE“.

4.I want to organise “KITCHEN“ first.

5.I always loose “SO MANY THINGS“ .

6.I want to be all organised by “ 1ST JANUARY 2012 “ .

7.Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with “MY BIRTHDAY CARDS COLLECTION SINCE 1994!! IT TOO SENTIMENTAL“ .
Mellissa

1. I want to enjoy my time at home!
2. I want to spend more quality time with my family!
3. I want a guest bedroom!
4. I want to organise the study first, but I afraid it will be my most challenging area and I don’t know where to start… argh! This is also the room I want to turn into a guest bedroom.
5. I always loose paperwork!
6. I want to be organised by 1st December 2011!
7. Something I don’t need anymore but I’m having trouble parting with is the belly cast of my first born. I had grand plans for it, but never did anything and now it’s just sitting there gathering dust… hmmm!
- Katrina
  
  December is do-able Mellissa! Have you seen the link to Getting Started http://theorganisedhousewife.com.au/organising/how-and-where-do-i-start-to-organise-and-clean-the-home/
Kyles

1. I want to feel “ RELAXED “ while I’m at home.
2. I want to spend more time “in HAPPY pursuits with the kids rather than constantly nagging/washing/cleaning…” .
3. I want an area of the home where I can “see the floor/desk/couch“.
4. I want to organise “Study/Office“ room first.
5. I always lose “Tax receipts“ .
6. I want to be all organised by “ YESTERDAY! But I’ll have to settle for 1st January 2012 “ .
7. Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with “toys that were mine that the kids have inherited but no longer play with, and toys the kids were given when they were born.“ .
wendy

please is to late to join the challenge????
wendy

1. i want to be able to get into rooms easily, to renovate/paint them.
2. i want to be able to sit and have down time, without seeing mess to put away.
3. i want to be able to quilt again.
4. i want to be able to pass on great cleaning habits to my wonderful children!
5.i need to stop saying to visitors ” excuse the mess.
6. i want to establish better more efficient ways to tidy up.
Rhondastatham

I’m going to do this challenge in 2012

I want to feel “ calm and relaxed“ while I’m at home.
I want to spend more time doing “ things for me “ .
I want an area of the home I can use as a guest room
I want to organise “Kitchen“ first.
I always loose “my phoine“ .
I want to be all organised by “ 1st December 2011 “ .
Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with “my old clothes and shoes”
- http://www.theorganisedhousewife.com.au Katrina
  
  You can do it! By doing this I hope you are able to find more time for yourself that you are wanting
brella

I’m going to do this challenge in 2012.

I want to feel “relaxed and calm” while I’m at home.
I want to spend more time doing “things with my children”.
I want an area of the home where I can “read without mess around me”.
I want to organise “our bedroom” first.
I always loose “paperwork”.
I want to be all organised by “1st December 2012”.
Something that I don’t need anymore, but am having trouble parting with “is all my University and school work”.
- http://www.theorganisedhousewife.com.au Katrina
  
  let’s create a little place of peacefulness for you to read this year brella!!
kira

Doing this in 2012 too!
I want to feel calm, organized and happy while I’m at home.
I want to spend more time doing crafts and time outside with my son.
I want an area of the home where I can craft.
I want to organise home office room first.
I always lose my cell phone .
I want to be all organised by March 31, 2012 .
Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with my work clothes .
- http://www.theorganisedhousewife.com.au Katrina
  
  I have some great office organising posts coming soon Kiri, which I am sure will help you in your mission!
Pingback: What are you 2012 organising goals? » The Organised Housewife
Anonymous

Here’s to a clutter free 2012! Here are my goals
- no mould in 2012 (don’t ruin stuff with poor storage and lack of use!)
- more space
- less chaos so I can find my things
- I already have enough of everything – stop shopping !
- honour the things that I really like, want, need by getting rid of the rest
- let go. Just because it it “still good”, “a bargain”, “valuable”, “old” – doesn’t mean I have to have it/keep it. Let it go.
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=707877787 Mel Newman
  
  Love this!! Well done…now the hard part – actually doing it. With this list, im sure you will! Good luck. Keep us all posted on how youre going
Cheekygrin87

I want to feel at peace while I’m at home.
I want to spend more time with my son.
I want an area of the home where I can start my son’s baby album.
I want to organise my room first.
I always loose the keys to my desk.
I want to be all organised by end of June 2012.
Something that I don’t need anymore, but am having trouble parting with the bean bag haha
KiwiGirl

I want to feel CALM while I’m at home.
I want to spend more time doing PHOTO BOOKING .
I want an area of the home where I can EXERCISE.
I want to organise MY ROOM room first.
I always lose MY KEYS .
I want to be all organised by EASTER WEEKEND 2012 .
Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with PAPERS
Holly Connors

1.To declutter my house
2.To keep organised with my scrapbook committments
3.To completely re-organise my scrapbook room/office
4.To get rid of unwanted items on ebay, giveaway or bin them
5.To maintain a healthy lifestyle and get my body pregnancy ready
6.To do all my christmas and birthday shopping earlier this year
7.To have a supply of hand made cards ready to go so I don’t have to make them at the last minute all the time
8.To get on top of debts, save money and splurge on an overseas holiday
mim

I want to have a home that i dont dread returning to.
I want a home that allows for spontaneous get togethers an welcomes folk to drop in.
I want to provide a home for our youngest who is on oxygen and tube feeding 24/7 that
gives him the maximum amount of freedom in safety. he has a primary immunodeficiency for which he has plasma every 4 weeks – thus I want to have a home that I can clean effectively and efficiently every day .
I want to declutter and simplify all of our lives – ie. my husband and our 6 childrens, so
that poseesions do not control our lives.
I want to get rid of everything that i have been hoarding for the last 20 years – especially children’s designer clothing and toys.
Kirsty

I want to organise my childrens toys so they can actually play with them.
I wanto to be able to see the dresser/cupboard tops in the bedrooms
I want to tackle one room per fortnight, and to keep the cycle going
I want to have storage areas in my lounge/living room
Kyla

Ì want to feel more relaxed, calm and contented when I am at home.
I want to spend more time having friends over for dinner and getting out and about with my 3 children and husband.
I want an area at home where I can relax and read.
I want to organise our main bedroom first.
I always loose my mobile and keys.
I want to be all organised by the 1st July 2012.
Something that I don’t need anymore is old school pictures and paperwork.
I want to organise the childrens rooms and toys, so that it is a more tidy and calming environment.
http://www.facebook.com/niccijt Nicola Tilyard

I want to feel in control while I’m at home.
I want to spend more time doing my craft, knitting in particular, but also some sewing.
I want an area of the home where I can relax.
I want to organise the kids’ rooms first.
I always loose my keys .
I want to be all organised by the middle of August 2012.
Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with …..reams and reams of very old paperwork, but only because it is a chaotic mess and I can never
http://www.facebook.com/stleah Leah Benoit

I want to have a home that I do not feel embarrassed to invite my friends into.
I have to declutter my spare room which has become a dumping ground for everything not in use…I want a room for guests, not junk.
A total reorganisation of my kitchen/dining/lounge area is a must.
I want my home to feel peaceful again.
I am a hoarder – I must learn to ‘let things go’.
GrnMtGirl

I want to feel more “Pleasure, Comfort and Peace” while I’m at home.
I want to spend more time “Reading, Writing, Organizing Pictures and Cross-Stitching.”
I want an area of the home where I can “Keep My Library, Exercise and Work at a Desk.”
I want to organize the “Pink” room first.
I always lose “Bills.”
I want to be organized by “April 2013.”
Something I don’t need anymore, but am having trouble parting with “Anxiety.”
- http://www.theorganisedhousewife.com.au Katrina
  
  You can do it, together we’ll create the room that you will enjoy relaxing in.
newsurfiegirl

1. I want to feel peaceful and relaxed at home.
2. I want to spend more time doing crafty things.
3. I want an area of the home where I can sew without having to pack it up all the time!
4. I want to organise the kitchen first.
5. I always lose lots of things at the moment it is my guillotine for scrapbooking.
6. I want to be all organised by February 28 2013
7. Something I don’t need anymore, but am having trouble parting with is old birthday cards and other written memorabilia.
Beckucwparkyn

I want to feel relaxed at home
I want to spend more time at home doing my Favorite things ie beading & painting.
I want an area of the home where i can sit and do these things.
I want declutter and simplify my home
I always important documents
I want to be all organised by end of June 2012.
Something that I don’t need anymore my Tupperware.. How many containers do i really need LOL
ka konotopsky

I want to feel “ content “ while I’m at home.I want to spend more time doing “ memory books “ .I want an area of the home where I can “ work on pictures and memory books“. And start new hobbies ie: shadow boxes I want to organise “office“ room first.I always loose “important papers“ .I want to be all organised by “ September1, 2012 “ .Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with “some schooling books/materials“ .
- http://www.theorganisedhousewife.com.au Katrina
  
  You will enjoy the organising office series we have started!
Bebe21

I want to feel fulfilled while I’m at home.I want to spend more time doing stuff with my family (i work full time) .I want an area of the home where I can entertain family and friends I want to organise office room first(dont we all).I always loose time… where do all the hours go??I want to be all organised by christmas 2012Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with birthday cards and baby things…its hard!!
mrc2211

I want to feel organised while I’m at home.I want to spend more time sorting out photos and creating photobooks.I want an area of the home where I can not sit amongst any clutter and everything has a place! I want to organise the study first.I always loose important papers, keys, my mind!I want to be all organised by 1st December 2012.Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with is kids artwork and clothes I haven’t worn for 2 years!!
Kate R

Hi, I have always been a working mum and the used to the house being chaos. Now that I am a stay at home mum, my focus is organising the house and the family. I could not have done it without the daily updates and your website. It has been an enormous help. I answered the above questions as:

I want to feel more organised while I am home. I want to
spend more time working on the Project Life scrapbook. I want an area of the
home I can meditate in and I want to organise the living area first. I always
lose focus and I want to be organised by September 2012. Something that I have
trouble parting with are the toys around the house.
W0111018

I want to feel relaxed at home.
I want to spend more time studying.
I want an area of the home to call my own – no one else’s stuff there!
I want to organise the living room first.
I always lose socks.
I want to be organised by Christmas 2012.
Something I don’t need any more but am having trouble parting with is mismatched crockery.
Jane

I have a tiny house. When I moved in a bit over 6 years ago I was very VERY choosey about how much I brought with me. My dear little house is now groaning full of ‘stuff’. Time to bring back my ‘less is more’ mind set. I know this is not going to be easy – what do I do with my kids ‘Bunnykins’ stuff?
Hey Kara

I want to feel relaxed while I’m at home.I want to spend more time doing photobooking.I want an area of the home where I can sit peacefully and have no clutter in sight.I want to organise living room first.I always loose my keys.I want to be all organised by Christmas 2012 .Something that I don’t need anymore , but am having trouble parting with baby toys.
Beth

I want to feel happy when I’m at home. I want to spend more time doing sewing. I want an area of the house I can just relax in without feeling guilty. I want to organise the office first. I always loose my son’s hat. I want to be organised by the time my second child arrives (trying to get pregnant currenlty). Somethings that I don’t need anymore but am haveing trouble parting with stuff mum kept from my childhood (she kept a lot of stuff!).
Danae

I want to feel like I can be stress free when Im at home.
I want to spend more time relaxing
I always lose my bills so we are always behind.
I want to be organised soon.
I’m having trouble getting rid of “stuff” I never know whos it is and if we need it for a toy/game/something important, so i just end up keeping it “just incase”
http://www.facebook.com/Jade.E.Millar Jade Millar

I want to declutter my front room but I have been meaning to sell all the stuff but havent for the last 3yrs
Asterix

-I want to feel RELAXED while at home.
-I’d like to spend more time SEWING, AND DOING CRAFTS.
-I’d like an area of the home where I can LEAVE CRAFT PROJECTS WITH OUT HAVING TO CLEAR THEM AWAY (have been using dinner table. havent done craft in over a year now)
-I’d like to organise the MAIN LIVING SPACE first.
-I always loose UNPAYED BILLS AND OTHER PAPER WORK.
-I want to be organised by THE END OF THE YEAR.
-Something that I don’t need anymore but am haviving trouble parting with is BOOKS. OLD SCHOOL STUFF, CHILDHOOD TOYS.
I am determined to declutter my house once and for all! at the moment I’m well on my way to being on the TV show HOARDERS! NOOOO!
Julie

Hi Katrina, your yellow party sounds like a great idea. Spotlight has a huge range of plastic plates, cutlery, balloons, napkins, etc, in individual colours. Pinatas are always popular with kids. Most importantly, have fun!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003050112674 ValerieAdam Kelley

I want to declutter so I have more time to do pinterest projects!
http://www.facebook.com/mignonj Mignon Lee Jefferies

As with many ladies out there especially Katharyn we are alike……having my mum pass when i was a teenager is soooooooooooooo hard. With no older role models around me it makes it hard, but as a Mum now i want to be able to show my children how to be house proud as my Mum was )
I want to feel LESS STRESSED while i am home.
I want to spend more QUALITY PLAY TIME with my children.
I want an area of the home where i can STUDY.
I want to organise KITCHEN first.
I always loose TIME as im always late, rushed, unorganised and feel like im catchin up all day everyday!.
Something that i dont need anymore, buthave trouble parting with is KITCHENWARE.
PLEASE HELP ME!!!!
Vanessa

I need to feel free of clutter in my home so my head is clearer !! I am a mum of 3 boys, with a toddler of 16 months and starting my own business from home. I need to get organised, i hate clutter yet it`s everywhere in my home. I love the idea of the challenge , yet i need to do it faster. Back to school february 2013 is my goal date, to start my year fresh and ready.
I want to feel calm
I want to be in control.
mrsirish

I am coming at this later than the rest but plan to do the “declutter 52 things in 52 weeks” in 2013!
I want to feel calm and relaxed when I am at home
I want to spend more time playing with my son
I want an area of my home where my son can play with his toys
I want to organise my son’s room mainly and reclaim the lounge

I always loose my motivation! No, really I mean the TV remote
I want to be organised by the end of June as we are taking on a new business and I want to be ready
Something I don’t need anymore and have trouble parting with… Hmmm… lots of things… trinkets on my dresser and some shoes
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=707877787 Mel Newman

The Yellow Party sounds awesome! Have fun!!
If it were me, I would be using lots of Yellow food colouring, pineapple drinks, pineapple, mangoes, nectarines and bananas as well as yellow balloons, yellow table cloths, yellow ribbons and streamers, cut out stars and suns, gold decorations even. I’d make up a game to do with bees or anything else to do with an animal with a yellow colour. Get the kids involved! Spotlight is great for coloured decorations.

The challenge you have set for us is fantastic!!
Im in the middle of trying to sort out the two rooms my daughter and I live in before school starts – so this is perfect timing for me!
1. I want to feel “RELAXED, IN CONTROL, HAPPY and COMFORTABLE“
while I’m at home.

2. I want to spend more time “PLAYING, COOKING and GARDENING“.

3. I want an area of the home where I can “STUDY or RELAX“.

4. I want to organise “CAYLEY’S“ room first. Then organise “MY” room and NOT put it off!!.

5. I always lose “MY PHONE, WALLET and SANITY!“.

6 I want to be all organised by “SAT 2nd FEB, 2013“.

7. Something that I don’t need anymore, but am having trouble parting with “LOTS
OF STUFF!! But mostly, old stuffed toys and my old paperwork…OUT!!”
Thank you so much!
Janelle

Thank you for this website! I don’t even know how it fell into my lap, but ours is not to question why! Am just grateful it did….I know I’m late but I’m going to jump straight in…

I want to feel unterrified that visitors will pop in unannounced when I’m at home.
I want to spend more time writing.
I want an area of the home where I can write.
I want to organise the study first.
I always loose the remote control.
I want to be organised by Easter 2013.
Something I don’t need anymore but am having trouble parting with is my cd’s.

Can’t wait to jump on board the Organised Housewife train! Wish me luck!
Pingback: My Great Great Grandfather had a monkey, which makes it really had for me to get rid of my stuff. | The Fearse Family

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1st step to de-cluttering | Creating your organising goals

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