I know I’m not alone in making the resolution each and every year to get organized, and each and every year I somehow fall short.  Well not somehow, I know how and why I fall short…because getting organized is hard!  Not to mention once you implement organization you actually have to stick with it and put things in the correct space or location to stay organized!  Well not this year my friends, this year I vow to become, and more importantly stay, organized!  It does help that we’re moving so the task doesn’t seem so daunting, but that’s neither here nor there.  Anyway, I wanted to share some organization tips and ideas that have inspired me in hopes that they inspire you to make 2012 the most obsessive compulsive year ever!  xoxo

Tip #1-MAKE SURE YOU CAN SEE ALL OF THE CRAP YOU HAVE!

When freezing food put them in Ziploc containers and then label with an expiration date.  Yes people even freezing something does not prevent it from spoiling!  Thankfully the queen of domesticity, Martha Stewart, is making this task easier on all of us by providing a FREE printable for your expiration dates.

Next, invest in some glass or plastic (just make sure it’s BPA free) containers to store your pastas, rices, spices, anything dry that goes in your cupboard.  By taking these items out of the boxes they come in it not only gives your kitchen and cabinets a simplified and uniformed look it makes everything easier to find.  Set of 10 Glass Containers

Lazy Susans aren’t just for your 1970’s cabinetry.  Purchase a small plastic one for your fridge so you can save space by putting all of your smaller sauces and jars that don’t stack well on it.

Same thought process as above applies to your closets and shelving units…make sure you can see everything!  These stackable bins come in sets of 12 or sets of 6 and allows everything to be perfectly in view.

Tip #2-UTILIZE EVERY INCH OF SPACE POSSIBLE!

Utilize the inside of your doors…this is unused wasted space people!   Wrapping Paper Door Organizer

Tip #3-DON’T LET EVERY DRAWER IN YOUR HOUSE TURN INTO A JUNK DRAWER!

I’m obsessing over the vertical silverware dividers and this gorgeous knife organizer.  Knives tend to take up too much space on counters and those magnetic strips where people just hang their knives scare me..I mean it’s just an accident waiting to happen!

Wooden Drawer Organizers

Tip #4-WHEN IN DOUBT HANG IT UP!

I’m a sucker for wrapping paper and ribbons of all sort, but I have no where to put them!  I purchased one of those up right wrapping paper bins last year and the problem is not all rolls are made the same height so half of them don’t fit.  These wooden bars are perfect to install under any desk or area you see fit!

Tip #5-MAKE IT FABULOUS & FUN!

Lastly, one of my favorite discoveries is chalkboard paint!  So perfect and functional for an office, craft room or child’s room…I’m designating one wall in my new office to chalk board paint, I’ll make sure to take pics!

All images courtesy of Martha Stewart Living, Better Homes and Gardens, Decor Pad, and Torie & Jayne