Home Organization in the New Year – Starting with a Clean Refrigerator
Happy New Year friends! I hope you rang in the new year in whatever way felt right to you. For some, it’s glitz and glamour and high heels with a midnight champagne toast, for others, it’s a night in alone or with the kids that may or may not include staying up until midnight. I’ve done both in the past, but this year it was the latter- home on the couch nursing a little cold. I’m okay, nothing extra sleep won’t cure. I really appreciated reading your comments on my “Less // More in 2013” post. It seems most of us are on the same wavelength this year. 🙂
I make a conscious effort to regularly clear my life of the physical and mental junk that builds up over time. I want to keep the energy around me vibrant and alive, as opposed to stagnant and stale. Cleansing, purifying and revitalizing my life and home tend to go hand in hand. That is, when my home is organized and clean, I seem to breathe easier in my personal life.
That’s not to say that there aren’t often toys strewn about the living room or that I don’t find random action figures, Thomas the Train, or odd tupperware in the most surprising places- we live with a two year old after all. It’s his home too and I don’t want to be so rigid that he doesn’t feel free to be a kid in his own home.
What I’m emphasizing, however, is having good, clear energy in your home and everything having a place where it belongs so that your life and household runs as efficiently and smoothly as possible.
In January, after we’ve put away all the Christmas decorations, we’re left with a house that begs for revitalization, open windows bringing in fresh breezes and clean air. It’s time to clear out the clutter and get organized. I have a new year tradition of bringing crisp, white flowers into my home- they are a nice way of simplifying after the abundance of holiday decor. You can see my latest bunch of mini white carnations on Instagram (@honeywerehome).
This month I’ll show you how I organize the areas in my house, and the first thing I like to do is clear off and wipe clean all surfaces such as counters, coffee tables, nightstands, and mirrors. I also do a deep clean dusting, sweeping, vacuuming (under the couch cushions too), and wiping down the furniture.
Then, because it’s January, and many of us not only want to get organized, but we also want to be healthier, I deep clean the fridge and freezer. It’s time to get rid of stale, expired items, and bring in fresh produce and fruits. I think we all know how to clean out our refrigerator (empty it out completely, wash the insides with warm, soapy water, then put the items back in a way that makes sense to you). It may not be a fun chore, but the results are worth it. And it only takes about 30 minutes.
I also put a sticker on the clear bin for my 2-year old’s snacks. His favorite yogurt, cheeses and portioned-out cut up fruit go in there.
We’ve also got a snack drawer in the kitchen for him with portions of organic Cheetos, goldfish, pretzels, raisins, etc. Everything is labeled with his name for him to take to school. This makes packing his snacks so much easier because I just grab one container from the fridge (fruit), a yogurt, and one container from the drawer, add his juice and milk and he’s good to go for his school snacks. I think I bought the labels here.
Happy New Year Megan! I cleaned out our "old" fridge last night (I actually do it weekly prior to shopping for the week, saves money and keeps things from getting out of hand)…except this time I was doing it so that our "new" fridge could be installed. We got rid of our 20 year old one in the basement, moved the upstairs one down, and now have my dream fridge in the kitchen! Hubby laughs because I am excited about organizing a refrigerator! By the way, he's having just as much fun with the apps!! This month will be all about organization for me too. Can't wait to see your tips.
You have inspired me…going to clean my fridge now!
Can't tell you how badly I need to do this. Great inspiration here! Hope you're feeling better!
Happy New Year, Megan. Organization is truly the key to a better way of life for me. I wish you the most incredible 2013.
Seeing a beautifully organized fridge puts a smile on my face! I organized my fridge using storage tools that are made in the USA. See it here: http://organized31.blogspot.com/2012/11/all-american-kitchen-organizing.html?m=1
I have a love-hate relationship with my fridge. I love it when it's clean and organized but hate to clean and organize it. 🙂 Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! I love the idea of those clear containers in the fridge. For some reason I've only used them in our kitchen drawers but never the fridge. Thanks, Megan.
I also went on a purging and organizing binge through our basement storage room, office area, and toy space. Even my wedding dress got donated to Goodwill! Nothing was safe. 😉
I was on the sofa in yoga pants & a ponytail nursing a sinus infection. Yuck!! Cleaning out the fridge is on the top of my 2013 to do list. Along with the pantry. Hope you feel better. Happy New Year!
Oh I really need to empty the fridge and start fresh. That is definitely on the list this week. Your fridge looks fabulous. Hugs, Marty
I need to get this done too! I've started the clean up today and company leaves tomorrow.. time to get back to a schedule.
Happy New Year!
looking good Megan! I feel the same way. If I am disorganized at home I just don't feel very good. It makes me feel overwhelmed.
Happy New Year!
Love the place mats and, I've been looking for napkins that color blue. Do you mind telling us where you bought both?
TIA!
I wish you a ☆ :: * Happy-New-Year * :: ☆ From Japan.!! God bless you during 2013!
Ryoma Sakamoto.
Great idea on James' snacks and meals! I love organizing. It just makes you feel so productive afterwards 🙂
Happy new year! I've been cleaning & organizing all day, too but put off the reorg of the fridge for tonight — it's my least favorite chore but I think your post may have been the nudge I need to go do it. : ) we also have a side by side fridge & I hate it, nothing ever fits! I think that's the main reason I dread the chore so much.
Ahhh! LOVE January and cleaning out. I am so bit by the bug. We put away all Christmas today and I am wanting to give away, give away, give away! I, too, love to bring in the white flowers. Very fresh. Your little snack jars and labels are such a great idea for James. So nice to have them ready to go. I need to be better about that. Great post.
Love this labeling idea!
I always find it challenging to keep the fridge organized since every family member accesses it. A good deep cleaning and organization at least once a month is required.