Monthly Organizing Checklist January 2020 There’s no better way to begin an organized new year than with our January Organizing Checklist! Join our newsletter to be notified when the newest checklist is available. For a PRINTABLE VERSION, click here ____ Jan 1 Fill in calendars with birthday, anniversaries, and any other important events. ____ Jan 2 Look for some healthy recipes to make after holiday indulgences. ____ Jan 3 As you put away Christmas decorations, weed out things you did not use or no longer want. ____ Jan 4 Did you remember to take down the Christmas wreath from the front door? If you enter your house through the garage, it’s easy to forget this task. ____ Jan 5 If you know you will need more wrapping paper or gift bags next year, this is an excellent time to shop for them…at a discount. Christmas decorations are be on sale too.  ____ Jan 6 January is a good time to find sales on sporting goods, winter apparel, and gym memberships. In addition, there are usually white sales if you need new sheets and towels .____ Jan 7 The selection of storage containers and such are at their best this time of the year. But, decide what you need before you buy. Do not go out and buy containers first. .____ Jan 8 Write any thank you notes you have meant to do. Get your kids to do the same. ____ Jan 9 When company has gone, and kids are back in school, vacuum the house thoroughly to get up stray glitter, tinsel, and crumbs. ____ Jan 10 Make your January home decorating theme, “simple and cozy.” ____ Jan 11 See what leftovers are in the refrigerator. Toss those that are too old. Use the others. ____ Jan 12 Clean the oven. I know, not a fun job, but it probably worked hard over the holidays, saw a lot of use, and could use a cleaning. ____ Jan 13 Tidy the linen closet. It may have gotten a bit out of shape over the holidays, particularly if you had company that stayed with you. ____ Jan 14 Did you receive a new gadget for Christmas—a new laptop, tablet, instant pot, or mixer, etc.? Take some time to learn to use it. Maybe you received a book you had been wanting; make some time to read it. ____ Jan 15 Clean out your pantry and get rid of things past their expiration dates. ____ Jan 16 Do you have a craft closet? Decide on your next project to do during the winter months. Or maybe when you go look in the closet, you see things that in your heart of hearts you know you will never do. Pass those materials on to someone who will enjoy them. ____ Jan 17 The first of the year is a good time to try journaling, although it is perfectly fine to start any time. ____ Jan 18 Check and restock home office supplies you are running low on like printer paper, ink, etc. ____ Jan 19 If the new year has given you the urge to clean out, but you don’t have time for a big project, how about cleaning out that box or drawer where you stick the travel bottles of shampoo, or the samples that you never used, or the hair product that you really did not especially like? Most of those are just clutter. It is OK to get rid of them. Keep only the ones you know you will use. ____ Jan 20 Even though the weather may be cold, try to get a little fresh air every day, or at least most days. It is amazing how refreshing a ten-minute walk can be.  ____ Jan 21Did you promise yourself you would start exercising this January? Find a fitness class, but look for one that sounds more like fun than work. There will be lots of people beginning classes for the first time this month, so you won’t feel like the only newbie there. Or grab your earbuds and use the gym equipment while you listen to music or a book. ____ Jan 22 Organize papers and digital documents for the new year. Shred the papers you no longer need. Place the rest of last year’s documents in a binder with the year marked on it, and start a fresh file drawer or box for 2020. ____ Jan 23 If you usually travel during the summer, start thinking ahead to where you would like to go and what you want to do. ____ Jan 24 If you got a new pet for Christmas, make sure he/she has the necessary shots and schedule any other appointments. ____ Jan 25 Plan a time to get together with friends for lunch or coffee. Holidays get so busy sometimes; we don’t get to spend as much time as usual with friends. ____ Jan 26 Take a notepad and walk through your house, making a note of little things that need doing…like paint touch-ups, wallpaper seams that need re- gluing, drains running slow, carpet that needs cleaning. Set aside time to do those or schedule them to be done. ____ Jan 27 Vacuum your furniture. Remove cushions and use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment. Check for loose change and small toys first. Comforters and bedspreads can benefit from being vacuumed too. ____ Jan 28 Launder pillows and throws from around the house, especially if your pets sleep on them. ____ Jan 29 Put food out for the birds, especially if snow makes it hard for them to access their usual food sources. ____ Jan 30 If you want to think way ahead, especially if you like to do handmade cards, remember that Valentine’s Day is coming up. ____ Jan 31 Take a class just for fun or to learn something new. Local colleges and some community centers often offer adult education classes. Or, if it’s cold and you don’t want to venture out, look online for classes. There are lots. You can find academic classes or craft classes…just about anything that interests you.