10 Ways to Tame Clutter

We need to practice some of these ideas.  If you have areas in your home, office, or anywhere that needs to be tamed, head over to Snail Pace Transformations to learn about ways to cut the clutter.

One way I cut back on the clutter in the main areas of our home is to have a spot in a closed off area where clutter is ok.  It gives me a little bit of freedom to not put things away right away or have a drop zone.  However, I have to keep this area in check or it starts to expand.  Now that we have a little one, there seems to multiple areas of clutter.

Goal Setting – My 2013 Goals

I am big on goal setting.  I try to have long-term and short-term personal goals.  As a family, we also set family goals.  It is important to understand that our goals are just that, something to shoot for.  I tailor most of my decisions based on what I want to achieve.  I have to stop and ask myself sometimes “is what I am doing right now helping me achieve one of my goals?”  Having the answer be “no” is fine sometimes.  However, if I want to achieve my goals, I have to be diligent about doing what is needed to reach them.

I highly recommend reading Tell Your Time by Amy Andrews.  Her book helped me organize my priorities, roles, and goals.  It is a time management book, so ultimately it helped me realize that I can’t do it all.  I have to prioritize and set my goals based on what is priority, then fill my day with what will help me achieve my goals.  Tell Your Time is a great, easy read and workbook.

Everyone has heard about SMART goals.  Here is a quick reminder.

Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Time bound

So, here are my goals for 2013.  I will be checking in periodically to update you on how it is going.  I would love to hear what your goals are.

Family Goals

1 weekly family outing

Weekly menu planning at least 2x a month

3 family weekend getaways

1 date night with Ryan every other month

2 play dates for Ellie each month (in addition to her scheduled activities)

Find a new way to appreciate Ryan each month (I will let you know what I find)

Organize a family move cross country for September

Tithe 10% every month

Put at least 10% into retirement savings

Financial Goals

Increase home down payment savings by 50% by the end of the year

Save to pay cash for all Christmas gift giving, including charity gifts (we need a budget first)

Business Goals

Blog at least 3x a week

Do at least 1 original post each week

Make 30 pacifier clips a month (currently selling locally, on etsy site soon)

Try 1 new recipe each month

Try 1 new craft project each month

Introduce 2 new products on my Etsy site by end of year

Personal Goals

Read 1 new book each month

Get together with friends (without Ellie) 2x a month (this is a hard one)

Have 1 date with self each month

 

Ryan says my goals are very ambitious.  I’ll let you know how I am doing with them.  What are your goals?

E-Books to Help You Get Organized in 2013

Download HERE!  I have read Tell Your Time.  I think it was informative and helpful in getting my goals and thoughts organized.

Presented by Money Saving Mom!!

 

 

Goal Setting and Home Management Printables

A list of 15 free printables to help you organize your life in 2013.

Thanks Money Saving Mom!!