How to Use an Organizing Calendar to Create a Home You Love

How to use an organizing calendar to streamline your home into one that is clutter and mess-free. A great way to keep a clutter free home, do a bit of work every day in just a few minutes a day.

A plan is a great way to get on the easy track for how to organize every area in your home!

Be sure to grab you FREE Organizing Sneak Peek month below!

It’s morning time, and you’re swinging your legs over the side of the bed stretching and yawning, and getting ready to go grab your first cup of coffee. Nothing changed while you were sleeping, everything is still the same.

The kitchen is just as you left it the night before, your clothes are still hanging over the treadmill in your bedroom, and the remote controls are scattered all over the coffee table in the family room. But for some reason, you’ve got this little urge dancing around in your belly. No hint that it was going to surface, it comes out of nowhere right when you least expect it.

You have that magical urge to declutter and organize your entire home.

And even though this is a great urge to have, if you’re not careful you may take an okay slightly cluttered home and turn it into a hot mess-of-a-hurricane-hit battle zone that you can’t even walk through without stepping on debris.

So what are you to do? Do you just ignore that decluttering urge and hope it comes back when you are ready? Absolutely not, you need to seize the moment. Carpe Diem as my brother likes to say, whenever the urge arises.

The trick is to be ready so when it comes you can jump into action and take all those organizing steps forward instead of two steps back into hot mess land.

Okay, if you’re still with me then you might just be excited. You’re probably looking for the end-all-be-all that will get your cluttered home to Martha Stewart organized with a snap of your fingers. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy, but I am going to get it as close to easy as I possibly can.

Now if this is your first time to Declutter in Minutes then let me tell you something about myself.

I love to plan. I have no idea where this gene came from but if you give me a project, I will be the first one hand raised chomping at the bit ready to schedule all the steps out for anyone that is asking. I

seriously think I should have been a party planner, but that ship has sailed, so instead, I plan things for my family, for my friends, and for the readers that come to my blog. Having this planning superpower really does come in handy especially when you’re faced with a project that you may not be too excited about tackling.

And that is my job for today, to give you a plan of attack that you can turn to whenever the decluttering or organizing urge hits so you can just get busy before that motivational ship sails.

When it comes to organizing, it is best to tackle an area, a room, or a theme every single month. By having a decluttering and organizing calendar schedule that takes you through the entire year, you can maintain your home one “lap around” at a time without ever having to be faced with a huge and monumental decluttering or organizing project.

Let’s pause here for just a minute, if you have not done an initial declutter of your home and where you stand now is at the head of a house that is more stuff than storage, let’s get you the help you need right now.

Jump on over and read my post on how to declutter your entire home step by step. Yes, this is a pretty long article to read, but you can jump and skip to the sections that need your attention right now. The goal isn’t to get it all completely done, the goal is to make a dent so that you can move on to smaller projects which, let’s face it, are a lot easier to tackle without freaking out.

READ: HOW TO DECLUTTER YOUR ENTIRE HOME STEP BY STEP

Okay, back to today’s game plan.

I call this my home organizing calendar and you can get a free month by signing up below!

Organize your Home Month by Month with a Home Organizing Calendar

Each month, I have a small section in my home that I like to focus on. It’s not an entire room, but instead, just an area in each room that tends to get messed up easily. As long as I am able to complete a decluttering and organizing session in these spaces, it will make it easier for me to maintain the room throughout the year.

January – Calendars, Planners, Family Planning

For some reason, the New Year for me means a fresh start. Whether that be a brand new calendar, a fresh and clean planner, or a journal. There’s something about a blank page that gets me excited to dive into planning mode. And for that reason, I believe starting here is the best place at the beginning of the year. 

A few ideas are: 

• A wall calendar to hold daily activities using a colored pen for each family member.
• A desk calendar to coordinate office and family appointments.
• A pocket calendar to be sure you always have your schedule with you.
• A digital calendar is a more efficient way to keep your family and work schedule nearby.

Choose a Calendar That Works Best for You:

2024 Desk Calendar – Desk Calendar 2024,12 Monthly Desk/Wall Calendar 2-in-1, 16.8CRANBURY Small Desk Calendar 2023-2024 – (Seasons) 8×6 Standing Desk Calendar, Use Now to December 2024, 6 x 8 Flip Desktop Calendar, Easel Desk Calendar, Small Monthly Desk Calendar, StickersMagnetic Acrylic Calendar for Fridge, 2PCS Transparent Dry Erase Board Monthly & Weekly Calendar for Refrigerator Reusable Plan Board, Including 6 Dry Erase Markers 3 Colors/Pen Holder/Towel/HookFridge Calendar Magnetic Dry Erase Calendar Whiteboard Calendar For Refrigerator Planners 16.9 Inches X 11.8 Inches

 

February – The Master Bedroom

Nothing makes me happier than ending my day in a neat and tidy room. One where the bed is always made and the nightstand is always neat and tidy. And this month that is your goal as well. To set up a space where your main purpose is to get a good night’s rest. Something that is impossible to do if you are sleeping in a mess and clutter and chaos.

Clutter is noisy and can keep us from sleeping if the last thing we see is our clothes piled up a mile high on a chair across the room. Take some time to put in a few baskets or bins to catch things you toss so you are not looking at the pile but instead a nice basket in the corner.

A few ideas are: 

• A dresser top organizer to hold pocket clutter.
• A bedside organizer to hold things you need while you are sleeping.
• A large basket to toss in clothes as you take them off.

homyfort Small Makeup Storage Organizer Bins,Fabric Dresser Top Organizers and Storage for Vanity Bathroom Countertop,Skincare Organization,Cosmetic,Hair Accessories,Lotion,Set of 3 (Grey)skin care organizer,Makeup Desk Organizer With Drawers,Countertop Organizer for Cosmetics,Vanity brush with Holder for Lipstick, Brushes, Eyeshadow, and Jewelry Desktop Finishing Dresser (White)Bedside Caddy, Large Size 15.7”x9.8” inch for Bed Storage Organizer, Bed Hanging Caddy with 8 Pockets for Laptop, Magazine, Remote Holder, using in dorm, Bed, Kids Storage Organizer Gift, Light GrayNordik Leather Valet Tray – Saddle Brown – Premium Vegan Leather Stylish and Organized Nightstand Tray for Men – EDC Catchall Tray for Keys, Watch, Wallet, Jewelry – Modern Bedside Caddy

 

March – The Office

Since this is the month most of us gather up papers for tax time, this is also a great time to set up systems to use so next year, gathering things up is a whole lot easier. Plastic file bins, current papers, and a file drawer that is specific to you and your stage of life are all things you can implement this month.

A few ideas are: 

• A portable office to hold current and past tax papers.
• A basket for each family member to hold papers specific to them.
• A filing cabinet for all past papers that need to be kept close.

Storex Portable File Storage Box with Translucent Organizer Storage Lid- Plastic Office File Storage Box for Letter Paper and Hanging Folders, Black, Model Number: 61504A01CDocSafe File Box with Lock, 2-Layer Fireproof Document Box with Wheels,Collapsible Rolling File Storage Organizer Box with Pockets,Large Portable Home Office Filing Cabinet for Hanging Folders,SilverEASEPRES File Organizer Mesh 5-Tier Black Hanging File Organizer Vertical Holder Rack for Office HomeColarr 6 Pcs Expandable Pocket Wall File Set Plastic Wall Mountable Space Saving Files Clear Office Wall Organizer Wall Mount File Holder Wall Hanging File Organizer for Mail Letter Magazine

 

April – The Kitchen

For us, the kitchen is the hub of the home. The place where our family gathers or friends sit to visit. For that reason, this room is important to have organized so it is neat rather than chaotic and basically, a hot mess. Take this month to sort things out by activity and bring in tools you can use to keep cluttered areas a bit neater.

A few ideas are:

• A bin or tray to hold medicines that always end up on your counter.
• A basket to toss incoming papers in to go over later.
• A trash area where you can toss trash, recyclables, even compost.

Ponpong Plastic Storage Baskets Tray, Plastic Classroom Basket Rectangle, 6 PackWhitmor Espresso Woven Strap Shelf Storage Tote Basket, 1 Count (Pack of 1)13 Gallon/50 L Garbage Can Kitchen Trash Can with Lid for Office Bedroom Bathroom Step Trash Bin Fingerprint-Proof Brushed Stainless Steel 13 Gallon / 50 LiterJO LAVIE – Crystal White Vanity Sink Tray – Modern Bathroom Decor for Restroom, Dressers, Countertop – Versatile House and Apartment Decoration – 12

 

May – The Family Room

Since the weather is warming up, odds are you are now spending more time outside than in. This means the family room is empty and now at your disposal. In my opinion, family rooms are easy to organize because not a lot of times are kept in this room.

Movies, blankets, pillows, ready materials, and games are probably all that is here, so that means setting up organizers is going to be easier in this room as compared to others.

A few ideas are: 

• A large basket to toss blankets in.
• A bin for kids to toss toys in before they leave the room. Remember to put these things away later!
• A tote to hold games that your family loves to play.
• A cabinet for movies.

Sterilite Deep Clear Plastic Stackable Storage Container Bin Box Tote with Clear Latching Lid Organizing Solution for Home & Classroom, 4 Packsisma Video Games Storage Case Compatible with Xbox PS5 PS4, Holds Around 22-25 Game Discs, Games Organizer Home Safekeeping Foldable BoxJUMMICO Farmhouse TV Stand up to 65 Inches, Mid Century Modern Entertainment Center with Sliding Barn Doors and Storage Cabinets, Metal Media TV Console Table for Living Room (Bright White)YOLOXO Toy Box Chest, Collapsible Sturdy Storage Bins with Lids, Extra Large Kids Toy Storage Organizer Boxes Bins Baskets for Kids, Boys, Girls, Nursery Room, Playroom, Closet (BLACK)

 

June – The Garage, Carport, and/or Porch

June is usually a nice, pleasant month no matter where you live, so working outside is a great place to spend your organizing time this month if you have more than a garage to get to break things down and spread it out over the month.

Most folks have a garage, and most folks use that as storage rather than a place to park their car. No worries, you can back up a bit if clutter is more an issue than getting things organized and work on that first.

A few ideas are: 

• A large tote or totes to hold outside toys.
• A garden center for all your planting and growing supplies.
• A pet area to hold your pup’s toys and other items.
• A cabinet for any car care items for both repairs and maintenance.

EAST OAK Deck Box, 31 Gallon Indoor and Outdoor Storage Box with Padlock for Patio Cushions, Outdoor Toys, Gardening Tools, Sports Equipment, Waterproof and UV Resistant Resin, GreyIRIS USA 3-Piece 45 Qt WeatherPro Airtight Pet Food Storage Container Combo with ScoopWall35 Pluto Pet Supplies Organizer Wall Mount Wire Basket Hooks for Hanging Dog Leash Cat Collars Metal BlackVEVOR Metal Storage Cabinet, 200 lbs Load Capacity per Shelf, 70” Tall Lockable Powder-Coating Steel Garage Cabinet with 4 Adjustable Shelves, Magnet Doors & Lock, Perfect for Office Home Garage

 

READ: HOW TO DECLUTTER A MESSY GARAGE

July – Storage Areas

Storage areas are more than just attics; they are closet shelves, crawl spaces, basements, and underneath guest room beds. Anywhere that you store your extra things is what you are going to focus on for July. Again, divide and conquer is best with a project that is this spread out. Make a list of all the areas you use as storage in your home and divide them up by each week. Put them in order of importance so you are sure you are working on the most used first.

A few ideas are: 

• A shelving system to hold numerous totes.
• A series of hooks to hold wreaths, pictures, and other hanging items.
• Colored totes to help you find what you need much easier.

HealSmart 3-Tier Foldable Metal Heavy Duty Storage Shelving Unit with Wheels, Organizer Shelves for Garage Kitchen Holds up to 750 lbs Capacity, BlackFurinno 99634 BK/GY Turn-N-Tube 3-Tier Double Size Storage Display Rack, Black/GreyBEHENO 20 PCS Q-Hanger, Screw Hooks for Outdoor String Lights, Safety Buckle Design, Easy Release

 

August – Family Command Center

Even if you do not have a family at home, a Family Command Center is still a vital part that needs to be set up and streamlined this month. What is a Family Command Center? Basically, it’s a hub of your home where you keep day-to-day items that you need to keep things running smoothly.

A few ideas are: 

• A family address book.
• A basket to hold incoming mail. Be sure to go through this basket each evening.
• A container for coupons or shopping lists for your next errand run.
• A binder that contains all the important things you need to run your home.

More Command Center/Home Hub Resources:

• Best Home Hub Tools
• DIY Family Command Center
• Family Command Center Printables

September – Bedrooms

Luckily you already did your own bedroom a few months ago so this month, you have the rest of them to work on. The kid’s rooms and any guest bedrooms are on the list for September, and if you have a large family, this might be a pretty daunting task. That means you may want to call in help from the person whose room it actually is and get not only their input on what to work on but also their muscle strength to actually do the task.

A few ideas are: 

• Totes for under the bed to store toys or seasonal clothes.
• Sturdy toy bins that will stand up to your kids.
• Closet organizers for a guest bedroom.
• Dresser top organizers to hold pocket clutter.

INDRESSME XXXLarge Cotton Rope Basket 21.7popoly Large Toy Box Chest with Lid, Collapsible Sturdy Toy Storage Organizer Boxes Bins Baskets for Kids, Boys, Girls, Nursery, Playroom, 255 Tier Closet Hanging Organizer, Clothes Hanging Shelves with 4 Hanging Hooks 5 S Hooks, Wire Storage Basket Bins, for Clothing Sweaters Shoes Handbags Clutches Accessories Patent Design6-Tier Hanging Shelves for Closet, Two 3-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer w/ 4 Side Pockets and 3 Drawers, Combinable for Dorm Wardrobe Organizer and RV Storage and Organization (Light Gray, Assembled)Storage Bins For Clothes, Non-Woven Zipper Storage Bag Moving Quilt Storage Basket Travel Large-Capacity Clothing Storage Bag For Closet Storage

 

October – Bathrooms

This includes every bathroom in your home. The guest bath, your master bath, and even your kid’s bath are all on the list this month. Lucky for us they are small rooms and are usually able to be completed in a weekend. Make a list of all your bathrooms and break them down so you can work on one each week. Remember, keep your goals small so you can tuck in working on them throughout the week without stressing out.

A few ideas are:

• A water-friendly mesh bag to hold kid’s bath toys.
• Shelves for additional storage.
• A shower organizer for personal clutter.
• A sink organizer that doubles as visual art where you can hold creams and other personal items.

Ligereza Baby Mesh Bath Toy Organizer, Multiple Ways to Hang, Ultra Large Capacity & Large Opening, Bathroom Toy Holder, Bath Toy Storage Bag with 2 Side Pockets (Large White)Toilet Paper Holder Stand, Storage Cabinet Beside Toilet for Small Space Bathroom with Toilet Roll Holder, White by AOJEZORMAXIFFE Shower Caddy, Adhesive Stainless Steel Shower Organizer Shower Rack, Corner Shower Caddy with 8 hooks, Shower Shelves Storage Shower Shelf for Inside Shower, BlackZenna Home Rust-Resistant Corner Shower Caddy for Bathroom, 4 Adjustable Corner Hugging L-shaped Shelves, with Tension Pole, for Bath and Shower Storage, 60-97 Inch, Satin Nickel

 

November – Holiday Decorations

It’s funny, not many people consider organizing their holiday decorations, but nowhere is a system needed more. Tangle lights, broken ornaments, lost treasures will all be a thing of the past once you set up an organizing system for your decorations. And the very best time to do this is when you have them all out and are putting them all up around your home.

A few ideas are: 

• A tote specifically meant for ornaments.
• A bag to store holiday wreaths.
• A bag to protect your Christmas trees.
• Colored totes to make finding all of your Christmas decorations easier.

Guyuyii 3-layer Stackable Craft Storage Containers – Craft Box Organizer With 30 Adjustable Compartments And Handle – Portable Beads Organizers And Storage For Arts, Crafts, Toy, Washi Tapes, NailHoliday Cheer Premium Christmas Ornament Storage with 4 Tray – Christmas Storage Container with Dividers Perfect for Holiday Decorations– Fits 64 Holiday Ornaments – Tear-Proof FabricChristmas Wreath Storage Container 30 Inch Clear Wreath Storage Bags Plastic Wreath Bags with Dual Zippers and Handles for Xmas Thanksgiving Holiday Artificial Wreath Storage (Clear-Black, 6 Pieces)Lauwell 10 Pieces Christmas Lights Storage Holder Cord Reel Xmas Extension Organizer Cable Light Wire Spool All Purpose and Wind up for GarlandHOMZ 31 Quart Medium Latching Stackable Clear Plastic Holiday Decorations Storage Container Bin with Red Lid and Green Latch, 4 Pack

 

December – Food Storage

Food storage is a great goal to have in December for a few reasons. First, we are usually pretty preoccupied with the holidays and the last thing we have time for is organizing a room. Next, if you are like me then your home is covered in trees and candy canes making organizing any room a struggle.

Finally, new years usually mean new diets and an organized storage area for your food is a perfect project for December. Flor

A few ideas are: 

• Bins that are sturdy to hold canned food.
• Shelves to hold spices.
• Floor bins to hold larger items.
• Baskets to hold snacks for kids. (And dads)

6 Pack [ Extra Large ] Wire Storage Baskets for Organizing with Lables, Pantry Organization Bins Cabinets – Metal Basket Kitchen, Laundry, Garage, Fridge, Bathroom Countertop Organizer, Black4 Pack Lazy Susan Organizer for Cabinet, Upgraded 11.5Che’mar Stackable Can Rack Organizer, for 36 cans, Great for the Pantry Shelf, Kitchen Cabinet or Counter-top, Stack Another Set on Top to Double Your Storage Capacity, (Chrome Finish), StandartOver the Door Pantry Organizer, Metal Over the Door Organizer, 6-Tier Pantry Door Organizer Spice Rack for Easy Install, D5.1xW18xH50.4inch Pantry Door Storage, Black1Easylife Fruit Vegetable Basket, 3 Tier Stackable Metal Wire Basket Cart with Rolling Wheels, Utility Rack for Kitchen, Pantry, Garage, with 2 Free Baskets (3 Tier)

 

When you break down your organizing project list to one goal each month you remove the overwhelm and get your head focused on just what needs to be done. Having an organizing calendar takes that idea and helps you to put it into action.

Create your own annual organizing calendar and use it every year to keep your home streamlined and organized going forward.

More Organizing Resources:

• How to Organize Your Craft Room
• How to Organize a Guest Bedroom
• How to Organize Incoming Mail