I have two New Years Resolutions this year. 
Looking at my closet it is easy to see why I’ve chosen “To Be More
Tidy” as one of them.  I choose the word tidy because I need to work on
more than just picking up after my self, but learning how to organize
my house (and closets!) so that I will be able to keep it clean.

Unloading the dishwasher is also a big “tidy” problem area in my
house.  It has always been a chore I’ve struggled with.  We all have
that one chore that isn’t that hard to do but that we would rather sell
our souls than do it on a regular basis.  Loading it up is no problem,
but for some reason putting clean plates in the cabinets seems like
lifting a 40 pound anvil.  Let’s hope I can get over that one in ’09.

My closet is nothing short of a hot mess.  Shoes are everywhere,
clothes are hung up in no order and most of them are hung up inside
out!  There is evidence of a few feeble attempts I had to organize the
whole thing when I moved in.  I bought some cute shelving to help
organize and store my shoes, but looking at it this morning it seems it
is only organizing the shoes I don’t wear anymore.

I thought about how many people must have this same problem (or at
least I’m hoping.)  So I came up with a few tricks and tips on
organizing the messy areas of your home.  Your messy areas might be the
closet, the garage, the pantry… 

1.  Before you start, set up a reward for yourself or any of
your family that helps you.  Working towards a goal will help you see
the task through.  I am thinking a manicure for me.  If it’s a family
event, planning a special dinner or dinner outing is always a good idea
too.  You’ll be amazed at how hungry will equal clean closer and closer
to your goal.  The reward is not only a great motivating factor, but
it’s also a great bonding experience.

2.  Set up the supplies first.  I hate cleaning the
bathroom.  I guess I don’t know anyone who likes it.  One time my
roommate got my yellow cleaning gloves dirty and threw them away. 
Although I was ready to have a Clorox date with my tile floors, there
was no way I felt I could clean with out those gloves.  By the time I
had gone to the store and fought the traffic I wasn’t motivated to
clean anymore.  Look over all the stuff that you need to clean up and
get prepared with any cleaning supplies or proper storage equipment
that you might need the day before you start.

3.  Sort into piles.  Sometimes it’s hard to know where to
start.  Attack your mess from all angles!  (It’s not easy chore no
matter where you start from!)  I find it helpful to put all of my stuff
into piles.  I have a THROW pile a KEEP pile and a SELL pile.  Be
generous with your throw pile.  This one is hard, but you obviously
weren’t using it enough and it became a mess.  One bad apple….  The
best part about cleaning is the sell pile.  A lot of stuff gets thrown
away that is old or broken, but there is also a lot of stuff that
people throw that is in great condition.  Sell this stuff at a garage
sale or post it online!  Now, how is a little extra spending money for
a reward!?

4.  Enjoy your reward! Take a look at the difference you
made.  Before and after pics are always fun and can help you really
visualize the difference you made!  Now you can enjoy your extra space
and your reward!