I had every intention of posting this right after the New Year but while my husband and I were on vacation over the holidays we both got hit by a major cold/flu bug. It completely knocked us out and derailed my plans to start off January in full organizational mode. Cleaning was the last thing on my mind while I was sick. And then life just kind of got in the way and we were super busy. But I got better, found some time, and you know what? It doesn’t really matter because anytime is good time to get organized. And since it is the second to last day of January I can still technically claim this as my starting the new year off right post.

I created 4 different cleaning lists to tackle 4 major areas of my home. My plan is to take one week to do each list and by the end of the next month my house will be in tip top shape. I’m a pretty organized person to start with but every home can benefit from a little deep cleaning now and then. And while these lists won’t cover every single area they sure will take care of a lot.

Download the PDF for all four checklists

When it comes to organizing my favorite tip is to use cute bins and baskets. I have so many different bins around my home to hold everything from blankets and toiletries to craft supplies and books. Staying organized is much more fun and enjoyable, not to mention easy, when your container is stylish and looks good. Because of my slight addiction to cute storage bins I was really excited when Shaggy Baggy sent me some Bucket Totes to try. Shaggy Baggy creates and sells Eco-friendly totes, buckets, and handbags and they all darling and adorable. Here are the ones I received:

Now I don’t know if these are made to be reversible, but I actually really loved the stripe pattern on the inside so I turned them inside-out and I’ve been using them that way. You can’t even tell a difference!

I told Sam that it is probably a little silly how excited I am over the mini bucket but honestly it provided the perfect solution to a tiny problem I had. Because I work from home I spend a lot of time sitting on my couch or at my desk. And when I sit down to have a major work session I always like to have a few items nearby, but I hate the look of clutter on my side table! Like I said, it is a little thing but I’ve been using the mini bucket to hold my items and it is perfect.

I can keep some lotion, chapstick, Kleenexes, my cell phone, some gum, etc., and it doesn’t look messy. I can pick it up and take it with me if I move from the couch to the desk and if company is coming over it is easy to tuck it away.

Even though these are made of fabric they are really sturdy and well made. I’ve been tossing my cell phone into the bucket for the last couple of weeks and it hasn’t fallen over once. They hold their shape really well too. The larger bucket found a home in my craft room and is being put to good use holding scrap fabrics.

I highly recommend stopping by Shaggy Baggy’s Etsy Shop and checking it out. Especially since Sharon from Shaggy Baggy is offering all Darling Doodles readers 20% off everything in her shop! How awesome is that!? Just use code DOODLES20 to receive your discount. This code is good until February 15th!

A few of my favorites from the Shaggy Baggy Shop:

Go on over and take a look! I’d love to know what you think or what your favorites are!

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