My 5 Tasks for January that organize the year.

My 5 must-do tasks for January – every year. Yes, every year. These tasks make for smoother routines, schedules and systems.

Every January I pause amongst all the New Year’s Resolutions and Changes I want to make. I take the time to do these 5 must-do tasks in January to get my office, desk and filing system in order for the year. I feel like having these things clutter free, stocked up and filled out helps me conquer the year. As a result of organizing each month, week and day go a little smoother. So what do I do?

It may seem silly to think I can rock a year by doing these 5 tasks but I feel it. And that is all that counts ~ wink ~ for how I feel for the coming year. So what are the 5 tasks; decluttering, creating financial files for the new year, setting up planners, restocking the office, and maintenance of equipment.

Here’s the breakdown of the 5 tasks for January

Task #1 – Clear the clutter

• If you have a pile of papers from the previous year, it is on the desk.  Put them all in one hanging file folder to be organized later. Note – the key term is to be done at a set time later, not now. Now is the time to keep working on setting things up.
• Put working Project files in their place; designate a file, binder, or bin. If there isn’t a place for them, note the needed organization. It could be a standing file, so it is in one place.
• Throw out papers, catalogs, and calendars you don’t need. Afterward, give the books you no longer want to local libraries (who often sell them for their programs) or the little free library box in someone’s yard.

Task #2 – Create bookkeeping files for the new year 

• I create hanging files for each month to put receipts into after they are paid, along with receipts from any purchases during that month. A system I learned from David Bach This system helps in three ways. Firstly, all sales receipts are in one place for returns. Secondly, a purchase may become a business expense, and the invoice receipt is easy to find. Finally, it is an easy way to track spending at the end of the month, which helps with budgeting.
• Create hanging files for Tax Receipts and Medical Bills. These files make tracking expenses easier throughout the year. Along with having all your tax documents in one spot come tax time.
• If you have a business, put a manilla file inside each monthly hanging one to track business expenses.
• If you need to add hanging files for clients or family members to track any necessary invoices, orders, and important documents
• At the end of the year, I move these files into a storage box for tax purposes.

Task #3 – Fill out Planners, Journals and Calendars

• Sit down with all these and fill in important dates, vacations, birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.
• Also, put down your goals, the milestones along the way, and their deadlines

Task #4 – Restock all office products and yearly needs

• Purchase a scrapbook, photo albums, and memory boxes to document this year’s special moments.
• Figure out office needs – paper, printer ink, pens/pencils, dry-erase markers, staples, etc. Can any item be put on a subscription service to save money and time?
• Replace any item that is worn or not working properly. Do you need a new inbox tray?

Task #5 – Maintain your equipment

• Does your computer, printer, phone, or any equipment need updates? Please do it now.
• Is there regular maintenance that needs to be done? This may sound odd. Do you remember when was the last time you air-sprayed the dust from the printer or keypad? Have you cleaned the printer glass bed lately? Does the tripod for the camera need a little oiling because it is sticking?

After completing these five tasks for January ~ relax and enjoy the flow for the year.

Yes, sit back and enjoy the New Year. Just remember to use the file system and planner. Set a day and time for a weekly 30 minutes to file, check on dates, and clear clutter. This time, it takes a bit to get into a routine, but it has made my year flow smoother. I also cannot say enough for this file system, it is a simplified version of David Bach’s financial filing system. I have used this for years, making every aspect of bookkeeping efficient. You can find my checklist for items needed to organize your office here. After you do these 5 tasks for January, take a photo, and jump over to the Facebook group and share.