If January had a definition in the dictionary, I bet it would say something like “the first month of the year when people go crazy making plans to lose weight, get in shape and improve their lives. Most fail!”

If you make New Year’s resolutions, I support your efforts. I, on the other hand, never make resolutions. I do, however, make lists for the upcoming year. There’s a difference. Resolutions are a strong decision to do something. Lists are something you intend to do (meaning they can be changed without guilt!). Forget the personal stuff; I make decorating lists.

List Item # 1: Get organized one little step at a time. Don’t try to clean and rearrange the bedroom in one day. Who has the time? Do a drawer Saturday morning and another one next week. You get an instant sense of accomplishment without a huge mess.

List Item #2: Rearrange furniture.

This project doesn’t cost any money and takes very little time and you get a (practically) brand new room in an hour.

List Item #3: Plan your painting schedule.

I have a couple rooms or areas that need repainting. I’m going to tackle them one at a time and break down each project into steps.

• Choose the room
• Pick paint color
• Buy paint
• Prep room
• Move furniture
• Paint
• Rehang artwork or buy new

When you break it down step-by-step, it’s not as overwhelming.

List Item #4: Redecorate a Room.

This is a big one, but if you don’t put it on the list, it will never get done. For me, it’s my bedroom. My husband made a new headboard, so now I need new bedding and draperies, a few pillows and accessories. I still like the paint on the walls, so that saves a big step. Once I have everything on a list, when I shop I know what I need and might find the perfect thing when I least expect it.

List Item #5: Fix or Repair that one thing you’ve neglected for years!

You know what it is. Put it on the list and like a painting project, break it down into manageable steps. If you can’t do it yourself, start asking friends for repair or handyman recommendations.

Let me know what your decorating list looks like for 2016.