Every January, many of us make resolutions. Some we keep, but most get broken by the end of the month. Here at Goodwill, our resolution for the New Year is to help you Live Amazing in 2012. For many people, reorganizing your home and eliminating clutter is a popular goal.

It can seem like a daunting task, but the best way to get started is by following these simple tips:

1. Don’t try to clear your whole house at one time. Break each project down into smaller tasks. (e.g. Rather than tackling an entire closet, work on a single shelf today and another next week. Or, clean out one drawer or toy bin at a time.)

2. We all have personal items that we have trouble parting with, so enlist the help of a friend with an objective eye. That way, your friend can offer advice on what to retain, donate or discard.

3. Next, create three boxes marked Keep, Goodwill and Trash.

Keep

No one is asking you to give up your favorite pair of jeans or skillet, so keep items in this box.

Goodwill

Contents in here should include gently used or like-new items that can be taken to the nearest Goodwill Store & Donation Center.

Trash

This box is the clutter buster! Anything torn, stained, broken or missing parts should be taken out to the garbage.

4. Keep the “one year” rule in mind when it comes to saving items. If you have not worn or used something in over a year, chances are you’ll never use or wear it again. So, it’s time to place it in the Goodwill donation box and let it go!

5. It’s important to create a place for everything to keep things organized for the months ahead. Establishing a system will make it much easier for the whole family to put items where they belong.

6. Label every basket, bin, container or bag you use to store items. If you need additional storage containers, visit the nearest Goodwill Store & Donation Center for affordable solutions. Add the labels and see how this eliminates guesswork for where to put things or where to find them.

7. Paper is another element that accumulates quickly. For daily mail, I prefer to sort it immediately rather than tossing it on a pile. One method I’ve utilized is placing bills in a folder, attaching invitations and events to the calendar and tossing the rest in the recycle bag.

8. For your children’s school work, simplify things by creating a bin for all their projects. For unused, seasonal clothing and temporary household items, move them to the basement, storage unit or under the bed to clear more space.

9. For the future, try living by the “one-in-one-out” rule. Every time you bring home something new, donate a similar item to the nearest Goodwill Store & Donation Center.

By following these simple guidelines to organize and unclutter your home, you’ll be on your way to Living Amazing in 2012.