The Ultimate No-Clutter November

With #Halloween in the rearview and temperatures dropping fast, it’s on to November and the #holidays. ’Tis the season that you’ll see more #stuff than ever, as you give and get gifts, bake up platters of cookies, prepare your home for guests, get the good China out and put up the decorations.

But November can also be a month of measured austerity. The Great American Smokeout happens mid-month every year, and No-Shave November encourages cancer prevention and awareness. But there’s an unofficial cause you can take up in the effort to lead a calmer, more stress-free life: #No-Clutter November.

You can start with décor items that don’t get used, Organize Your Stuff Now says. As you #decorate for the fall and winter #holidays, take a good look at the stuff that doesn’t make the cut. You don’t need to save that stuff for next year — you aren’t using it, so get rid of it now. When you pack the decorations away again in January, they will take a lot less space.

Chances are you’ll be spending more time in the kitchen, too, making cookies, a dish to pass or hosting a full feast yourself. As you prepare, have a box handy and throw any shabby kitchen towels, hot pads and oven mitts in it. Do the same as you go through your drawers and cabinets; there are probably utensils that you haven’t used in years.

It’s also a great time to assess your cold-weather #clothing, much of which you’ll be getting out for the first time in November. “We recommend people #declutter their collection of hats, scarves and gloves,” professional organizer Diane Quintana told Homes & Gardens. “Look at these items critically. If they are in good condition but [you don’t] want to use them anymore, release them so someone else can benefit from them.”

To attack No-Cutter November aggressively, First for Women suggests, eliminate one item on Nov. 1, two on Nov. 2 and so on. You’ll eventually have a pile of 465 items that you don’t want or use, and you can #trash, give away or #donate them to ClothingDonations.org by arranging a #free #donation #pickup. By the end of the month, your home will be #decluttered and #streamlined — and you’ll be ready to meet the holidays head-on.

Make a To-Do List to Stay On-Task

Sometimes, getting #organized is a matter of managing your schedule and task list, says The Spruce. Even if you don’t like to make to-do lists, they can help you stay on top of priorities and cut mental #clutter. Consider making your first in honor of National Get Organized Day (April 26). Jot down the projects or tasks for the day, and cross them off as you complete them — or move them to the next day’s list. You’ll feel more fulfilled and productive as you complete tasks and reduce the likelihood of running behind or procrastinating. Having a list and routine can also help create better habits and automate even the most boring, undesirable and avoidable jobs. #NationalGetOrganizedDay

Organizing Is Important to Your Health

#Disorganization can affect your mental and physical health, says Piedmont Healthcare. It may manifest as a symptom of attention deficit disorder (ADD), depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and exacerbate feelings of #stress, depression and anxiety. That’s why it’s important to celebrate National Get Organized Day this week and any other day of the year you can find the time to #declutter and #streamline your life. “An excessive amount of stress can actually lead to premature death,” Millennials in Motion points out. “Therefore, one could argue that staying organized can literally save one’s life.” #NationalGetOrganizedDay

Take Organizing One Day at a Time – Starting Today

You may not be anticipating National Get Organized Day with the enthusiasm you might for a national #holiday such as Memorial Day or Thanksgiving, says Infotek Consulting, but getting #organized can actually you feel less stressed, more productive and happier overall. Start by #decluttering and #organizing a single drawer, shelf or closet today as the start of a new, #clutter-free you. #Set aside the #junk you don’t need for a #donation to ClothingDonations.org, then schedule a time to move on to another space. “Take it day by day, one room (or office drawer) at a time, and watch as you become more stress-free, productive and happier.” #NationalGetOrganizedDay

Celebrate National Get Organized Day

April 26 is a special holiday for The Organizing Blog — National Get Organized Day. The annual observance invites people nationwide to take stock of their #stuff, #declutter, and otherwise #organize and #streamline their lives. #Organization can take many forms, Days of the Year points out; you may choose to organize a physical space such as a #closet, filing cabinet or kitchen drawer, or you can organize a virtual space such as your e-mail inbox or digital pictures. You can also celebrate by creating daily habits that improve your organization over time: Create a to-do list, weekly meal plan or a “drop zone” where you put new stuff entering the house to make life less chaotic. #NationalGetOrganizedDay