Pledge to get organized in 2009

While getting organized is one of the top five New Year’s resolutions, most people’s goals fall flat because they don’t have the right tools or advice to help them develop a system that works.

“Getting organized not only clears away the clutter, it also reduces stress and simplifies life,” says Louise Kurzeka, a professional organizer. “The holidays bring disorganization to many people’s lives and the New Year is the perfect time to get a fresh perspective on what organizational system will fit your needs and help you reach your organizational goals.”

January is National GO (Get Organized) Month and a new free interactive Web site, Smead Organomics, is offering the following tips to help people start the New Year on an organized foot:

• Clear out the clutter.

The first step to getting organized is to get rid of things you don’t need. Take time to put away the holiday decorations as well as the holiday gifts. This is the perfect opportunity to assess what you don’t need and discard what you don’t like.

• Create a kitchen command center.

Consider setting up a file center that has separate folders for bills, tax documents, invitations, recycling and other categories that fit your family’s needs. This will help you deal with new paperwork as it is used. It will also help coordinate everyone’s activities and schedules and keep it in a central location — the kitchen.

• Set up a homework station for kids.

Make a homework station that is free of distractions and contains all the right supplies — including color-coded files for each child as well as pencils, paper, scissors, glue, tissue and other items that will keep the children focused so they can complete their assignments.

• Start a tax file. With tax time looming, create a special area in your home or office devoted to tax items. Sort tax documents and information into three categories — income, expenses and taxes — and put them away as soon as you receive them to ensure you have the proper documents when it comes time to file.

“Studies have shown that most people get their organizational ideas from the Internet,” Kurzeka says.