Organize Your Home Day: 10 top tips to get your house in tip-top shape

If organization landed on your New Year's Resolution list, it's time to get dirty! Jan. 14 is Organize Your Home Day, an annual "holiday" that encourages people to clean up and de-clutter the house!

Whether you tackle the clean-up alone or with a little help from the kids and/or significant other, now is the time to clean out those closets and cupboards. If you are sick-and-tired of stuff everywhere, today is the perfect day to do a little spring cleaning! Making a decision to do it, is probably the hardest part. Because once you make up your mind to do it, the rest falls into place.

10 Top Tips to Get Your Home in Tip-Top Shape

• Instead of looking at the entire household, tackle one area of the home at a time. It makes the cleaning process less overwhelming.

• Remind everyone in the house that everything has its place. When you use something, make a habit of putting it back where it belongs. The house will not only look less cluttered, you'll know where your keys are from now on, too!

• If counter-space is at a minimum, put away items you rarely use and only keep things on the counter you frequently use.

• Don't forget the fridge! Clean out those doors, drawers and shelves. And don't forget to toss out that food that has strange things growing on it!

• Instead of throwing things on the floor or stuffing things in drawers, use hooks, shoe racks, hangers, jars, drawer organizers, racks, baskets or bins to keep things neat and tidy.

• Keep cleaning supplies in a handy bin that can easily be picked up and used from room-to-room.

• Roll up bathroom towels and store them in a nice basket, cupboard or bench. They not only look nice, you can grab one when you need one.

• Store important paperwork and bills in one specific location.

• Recycle and Reuse. If you have clothing hanging around that hasn't been worn in decades or items that have never seen the light of day, recycle them! Instead of throwing things away (which end up in overcrowded landfills), have a yard sale and make a few bucks. Or donate them to the Salvation Army or Goodwill (if items are in good/working condition.)

• Start a new fad in your household. Whether it's apparel, toys or tools, if you purchase something new, give away a similar item you already own to someone in need. This way you not only help someone else, but it keeps your closets from becoming overcrowded again.

Jan. 14 is also National Dress Up Your Pet Day!