Challenge Bank | Mission Organization

Well, hello Spring. The new season brings with it a clean slate and the chance to get things in order (once and for all!). Perfection is a futile goal but that doesn't mean every little bit won't help.

Each week of this challenge will have a different life area to focus on for you to organize and get in order. Instead of doing everything all at once, breaking it into smaller pieces can help make organizing seem more manageable. The end goal is to lower the daily stresses that come when life, literally, gets messy.

To earn each week's points be sure to complete any organization necessary for that area in your life.

Spring Cleaning: Its History and Importance -Interesting and fun read from the Encyclopedia Britannica Blog.

55	The number of minutes the average American spends each day looking for things they know they own but can't find. (Newsweek report, 2004)

12-Week Mission...if you choose to accept it
Week 1-Bathroom	Deep clean every surface, then move to organizing cupboards and drawers so you can find what you need and grab it without digging.
Week 2-Closets	From the bedroom to the hall 'junk' closet, clear out what you're not using. Take everything out and then assess what really deserves a spot back in. Donate what you don't love.
Week 3-Kitchen	Aside from the typical counter clean, dig into the fridge and pantry for organizing that can help alleviate the 'There's no food!' syndrome. Think about investing in some high-quality clear containers so you can instantly see what you've got and what you need to restock.
Week 4-Bedroom	Since you already tackled the closet in week 2, spend this time on the bedding, dressers, drawers and storage areas that get overlooked.
Week 5-Garage	If you're lucky enough to have a garage, be sure to take full advantage of the extra space. Make a trip to Goodwill or organize a yard sale with any unused treasures you stumble upon.
Week 6-Yard	While there probably isn't a whole lot of 'organizing' to do, spend this week weeding, planting or getting your maintenance strategy in order.
Week 7-Car	Wash, vacuum and see where you are for getting an oil change or other maintenance work done. Also, dig through the glove box and make sure your insurance card and registration are easily accessible and current.
Week 8-Office	Organizing here might give you a whole new attitude about work. Keep only those things in front of you that you use on a regular basis throughout the day. Keep everything else put away.
Week 9-Finances	Whether you need to set a basic budget or get your investments in order, make sure everything is right where you think it is and you've got a plan for future big ticket items.
Week 10-Health Records	Having these organized before you need them is ideal. Keep track of any prescription meds you (and your family members) are on, any major surgeries you've had or conditions. It's also a good idea to keep names and numbers of doctors and the closest ER handy, just in case.
Week 11-Computer desktop	Get all those random files and images off your computer's desktop and organized into files. Not only will it look better, your computer will run faster, too.
Week 12-Social Networking Sites	How many 'friends' are actual friends? Is all the info you're currently sharing what you want to be sharing? Take some time to clean up your Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace or other social accounts and profiles.