What’s to come next?

A new year can mean new changes, new opportunities and new doors to walk through. It can also mean closed doors, chapter endings and turned pages. Either way, seize the momentum of the season and step into YOUR newness.

Just like everyone, I am excited about this new year. I like to use the new year to make new moves and try new things. There are a few staple activities that I like to do every year. I purge my closets and cabinets, I purge my garage and pantry and I purge and organize my digital files. Each is a major task, but I typically get started before Christmas and end a few weeks after the new year, taking the projects one week at a time.

Purging Closets and Cabinets

I typically tackle each project with the same mantra.

  • When was the last time I used it? Longer than 6 months or beyond the last appropriate season, I toss it!
  • Do I need it? It’s a tough question but I really try to face the truth on this one. Do I NEED it? If yes, then I follow it up with the first question: when was the last time I used it?
  • Can I fit it now? Another tough question, but one that needs to be answered. Can I fit it NOW? If I cannot, toss it, give it away, sell it. But get it out of your closet. It’s just holding you back and reminding you of things we’d rather not be reminded of.

That last one…it’s been a hard pill to swallow. But I have to be honest with myself. If I haven’t worn it lately it’s probably because I can’t fit into it. Who cares about being 13 pounds away?! Truth be told, I’ve been working on the last 10 pounds for however old my last child is. But I recently found this new method introduced by Apartment Therapy with three simple words: BEST, FAVORITE and NECESSARY. Love it. Using it. Probably this summer. This is a great adn simple way to go about purging your closet.

Purging Garage and Pantry

I work really hard to make sure that these items do not get out of hand over the course of the year. I grew up with a garage that looked like it was from an episode of Hoarders. So, while I may dump things there from time to time, I really try to purge at the end of each quarter. As I purge these areas, I consider different perspectives:

  • Do I need it? Garage: If I do, then I leave it or repair it if applicable. Pantry: Oh Lord, help me to either cook the potatoes or dump them BEFORE they go bad. Or, cook and freeze them for a later date.
  • Can it be donated? Garage: These are items that are in good condition and could be a blessing to others. I try to be mindful of giving back. So much has been freely given to me, that I am bound to do the same. Pantry: Unused canned goods and non-perishables can be given for food pantries or saved for those donations needed at your child’s school throughout the year.
  • Can it be sold? This does not happen as often, because I try to give most of it away. But occasionally, I get pieces of furniture that others do not want and try to sell those through consignment.

Paper and Digital Files

I’m not sure why I do not do this every day. But I can get all the way out of hand with my files. I work in a business where I can download and upload dozens of files every single day. And if I counted the aggregate files for my whole team, we’d be in the hundreds. So, I ‘m sure you can imagine what my Dropbox looks like. So, here are a few things that work for me to keep things organized throughout the year:

  • Create folder systems that are easy to follow and understand for you and your team. I like to use Client Name > Project Name > File Name. We even have a system for how we name files.
  • If you are an Apple user, then it’s easy to use the tag and color codes.
  • Delegate the tedious things. Every summer I give my kiddos the task of tagging all of my stock and real photography so that it is easy to reference again in the future.

When I use this system effectively, I am usually left with some random things that I do not know where to place or random things that are easy to spot for deletion. It makes my job easy peasy when it’s time to purge files at the end of the year.

With regard to those paper files, geez. I could have easily been classified as a hoarder in my recent past. I was so afraid of tossing something that I would need in the future. I had utility bills from years ago to a place that I no longer lived in. Now, I follow the Dave Ramsey system for paper files and how long to keep them.

But I will admit, I cringe every time I shred those tax returns.

I hope these tips and learning how I do it helps. ENJOY!