“One of the top five New Year’s resolutions each January is to get more organized,” says Central Arkansas-based professional organizer Becca Clark, owner of Creative Convenience (convenientlyorganized.com) “Everyone knows the benefits of having a more efficient and effective life - saving time, money and stress - but actually putting the actions in place to get organized is the hard part.”

Clark advises not listing “get organized” as a general goal for the new year but instead breaking it down more specifically into tangible tasks.

“Breaking it down into manageable bits is the best way to succeed and enjoy the benefits of a simpler, better life,” says Clark, who recommends those wanting to clear the clutter from their lives focus on one or more of the following organizing goals that best address their problem areas.

Command center - To simplify mornings and evenings, set up a place in the home that is easily accessible to everyone to keep keys, sunglasses, ID badges, backpacks and other daily necessities - the kitchen is often a good place. In this spot, have a tray or basket for all new paper entering the house such as the daily mail and children’s paperwork from school that needs to be read or signed. Set aside a ledge, shelf or corner and add some hooks to the wall and encourage family members to all use this area for this purpose.

“Set up a hard and fast rule that no one will ever dump anything else there,” Clark advises, adding, “It takes some time to develop the new habits, but it’s worth the upfront effort.”

Clear clothes closets - “This is the place where the day begins, and you need it to work efficiently and effectively,” Clark says. “Accessibility is the key, and often this requires some serious editing.”

She suggests setting aside several hours to remove everything from the closet, section by section, and closely review each item in good light.

Those who need to clear out some clothes should reduce the amount by setting higher standards for their wardrobe. Is the outfit marginal? The closet should contain only clothes that are regularly worn and enjoyed. Store out-of-season or out-of-size (within limits) clothes elsewhere and limit “dirty work” clothes to two shirts and one pair of pants.

One in/one out - “This is an old tip that really works; if your home is filled to capacity or beyond, make a rule to put one thing back into the universe for anything that you bring in,” Clark advises, adding that it encourages those shopping to think twice before making purchases. Place a bag or box to collect giveaway items in closets (especially those that are filled to the brim). Toss items that are no longer used in the bag and, once filled, donate to a charity.

Simplify schedules - “The most important thing I’ve learned and taught is that we truly cannot manage time, only our schedule,” says Clark, who teaches classes in time management. “If too many obligations are stressing you to the limit, then it’s critical to make a conscious choice to simplify your life.”

The first step in this two-step process is to determine what is most important in life - family, friends, faith, finances, health, career, etc. The second step? Editing out what is unimportant.

“We all have 96 increments of 15 minutes each day,” Clark says.

HomeStyle, Pages 42 on 12/28/2013