As I consider New Year’s resolutions and goals, I find myself thinking about the old phrase “out with the old and in with the new”. Sure I’ll be replacing some old habits with better ones. For example, giving up the nightly bowl of ice cream for some popcorn or fruit. I’ll work on getting more organized, especially my blogging business (this is a big need for me). I am also thinking of more tangible ways I can start fresh in the new year.
So many chores are neglected throughout the year. January is a great time to clean out closets, pantries and declutter… get rid of the old, to make way for the new. Here are a few ways I plan to start fresh in the new year:
Holiday decorations – Don’t let the holiday decorations stay up too long. Discard of the tree and pack up holiday decorations as close to the first of the year as possible. Leaving it up too long can make it feel like a chore and get in the way of moving forward in the new year.
Toys – Did your kids get a lot of new toys for Christmas? Now is the time to clean out bedrooms and playrooms of toys your kids have outgrown or no longer play with, and donate them to charity.
Pantry – While my fridge gets cleaned out regularly for expired foods, the pantry is a bit neglected. The system of placing new products in the back and pulling older items to the front, much how they stock the shelves in the grocery store, never seems to work out in my house. January is a great time to check expiration dates and get the pantry organized.
Cosmetics – Most people hoard their makeup, always adding items but not replacing expired ones (wee bit guilty). Did you know mascara should be replaced every 3 months? There is a lot of makeup that should be replaced every year, making January a great time to purge your cosmetic case. Replace the following after one year: liquid foundation, loose powder foundation, cream eye shadow and lip gloss. Every two years replace your powder eye shadow and lipstick.
Fresh Attitude
A fresh, positive attitude is essential for achieving our goals and New Year’s resolutions. Now is a good time to do a self examination and consider how your negative attitude might be impeding your successes. For example, you might want to work on being a better listener, not being envious of others, or having more self confidence.
How do you plan to start fresh in the new year?
I’m doing the first two on your list TODAY!
Yes, we so need to go through and donate toys my son has outgrown. His playroom is filled to the brim.
I will doing the #1 in your list in the next couple days.
What great resolutions. I am going to do a big donation of toys recently!
Thanks for sharing, I never really think about clearing out my old makeup, but this year, I will!