By: Jessica DiRamio

2011 was the year for getting the kids into a better morning routine, finding time for afterschool fun, getting into a grove with dinner time and more.  I am excited to report that I, along with the help of my family, I accomplished those 2011 goals just in time to make more goals for 2012.

My list for 2012 is mighty long, but with a recurring theme along the way:  GET ORGANIZED!  To help me with this goal, I've created a list that both I and any of you can use:

  • Get Rid Of  The Paper.  I have so much paper in my house.  Between school papers, bills and junk mail, it seems sometimes that paper is taking over my house.  I don't have a defined plan yet, but this is the year to go paperless wherever possible.  I signed up for E-bills through my bank and now I just need to turn off the mailed bills.  I also plan to utilize my shredder and get creative with my girls' school papers.
  • Beef Up My Current Family Calendar.  Patting myself on the back, I must say I am really great at managing the family schedule.  Lately, I've found that because I keep a lot of the events to myself, I am completely stressed out and can barely take on new tasks.  I need to hand off some of the tasks, e.g. driving the daughter to practice, running to CVS to get a prescription, etc. In 2012, I plan to loop the hubs into the family calendar.
  • Keep "Mount Washmore" Under Control.  Laundry. Five People.  Two kids in sports.  Enough said!  This one should be on everyone's list.
  • Closet Patrol.  I am ashamed to say that I have no less than 7 closets in my house that are completely full and have no idea what is in them.  No wonder why I am stressed!  All of the stuff that should go into the closets are out in the open.  Pure chaos!!!  In 2012, I will purge, purge, purge and then stuff those closets to the brim again with the things that should be in there.

OK, now I'm really stressed.  Seeing this on paper really drives home the fact that I have my work cut out for me this year.  My complete list is about 10x longer but to me, these are the most urgent To Do's.  I will get organized in 2012!  I'd love to hear about your feelings about these.  Are you paperless yet?  What are your secrets to keeping laundry under control?  Help out a friend, here!