Dear Reader,

Here we are in week 3 of January - how is 2025 treating you so far?

If you're like many of my clients, you started the year with big plans and fresh motivation. But real life has a way of throwing curveballs, doesn't it?

I want to be real with you - my January hasn't gone exactly as planned. Between weather cancellations and a bout of family illness, some of my carefully laid plans got derailed.

But here's the thing - that's life. Instead of giving up or feeling guilty, I've learned to simply pick up where I left off. What matters isn't how many times we get derailed, but how many times we get back on track. Remember, progress isn't about perfection; it's about consistency and resilience.

If you've fallen behind in our organization journey or haven't even started yet - that's okay! You can download our "7 Steps to Start Your Organized Year" guide [here] and begin right where you are.

And if you're trying to make changes but feeling frustrated by lack of family support or cooperation, you might be falling into some common traps that many busy moms face. Our free guide "7 Mistakes That Keep You Doing It All" [here] reveals these patterns and shows you exactly how to shift your approach for better family buy-in. After all, organizing isn't meant to be a solo journey!

This week, we're focusing on Steps 4 and 5: Transforming Hot Spots and Implementing the 15-Minute Laundry Method. These steps are game-changers for busy moms who feel like they're constantly playing catch-up.

This Week's Focus:

Hot Spot Transformation:

Identify your top 3 clutter magnets (usually entryway, kitchen counter, and primary bedroom)
Set up action/reference/recycle paper system
Create designated drop zones with clear labels
Install hooks and bins at kid-height
Establish a daily 5-minute reset routine for each hot spot

15-Minute Laundry Method:

Choose your daily laundry time (morning or evening)
Set up sorting stations by family member
Create age-appropriate task lists
Post visual guides for folding techniques
Implement the “one load start to finish” rule

Your Week 3 Assignments:

Complete the Hot Spot Analysis worksheet (page 7 in your companion guide here)
Set up at least one organized drop zone
Create your family laundry schedule
Test the 15-minute method for three days
Take “after” photos of your first transformed hot spot

Be careful that you don’t let Mistake #1 from our "7 Mistakes" guide creep in - "It's Just Easier If I Do It"? This week is about breaking that cycle. By setting up systems that everyone can follow, you're building sustainable habits that don't rely solely on you.

Next week, we'll tackle the final pieces of the puzzle - creating your family organization chart and celebrating progress. For now, focus on transforming those hot spots into functional spaces that serve your family's needs.

Keep going, even if it's not perfect!💝

Wishing you the best,

Sandy

P.S. Struggling with getting family buy-in? Check out the "Clear Expectations" section in our "7 Mistakes" guide [here]. It's full of practical tips for getting everyone on board.

Remember - if you live in the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina and need some help getting started, we're here for you!

Check out the organizing services we offer here!