Ask Erin | 10 Things to Do at the Beginning of Every Month

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE | erinlove@panachebyerin.com

Are you the type of person who thrives in an organized and routine-focused atmosphere?  I most certainly am, but sometimes the world throws us a few curveballs that disrupt our patterns and we have to be able to readjust and acclimate immediately!  That is why I have developed several rules and routines to be performed at the beginning of each month.  These routines help to preempt any curveball that may come my way and you can quote me – “Preparedness is the key to a stress-free and organized life! I preplan everything!”

If you are prepared for whatever comes your way you will be less likely to falter and you will be more likely to succeed in all of your endeavors.  

Below is a list of  ten things I do at the beginning of every month to keep my mind clear and my life on the path to true success and happiness.  

1. Set monthly goals – At the beginning of each month I sit down with my journal and map out what I want to accomplish for that month.  I list each as a “to do” item and then write statements as though the goal has already happened.  This sets my brain on the path to success!  

2. Schedule important appointments    These include trips, down time, kid outings, time with friends, date nights, doctor appointments, exercise times and the such.    Once these most important details are scheduled I can schedule work and other appointments around them.  Preplanning will ensure you can keep your priorities straight.

3. Clean out and/or change my purse – I suggest that you take the time at the beginning of each month to clean out and organize your purse.  I don’t know about you, but I always find empty candy wrappers, old receipts, kids toys, and even money!  I also take this time to switch out the purse I am carrying at the moment.  

4. Clean out and organize the vehicle – To tell you the truth I really need to do this weekly, but I definitely do it at the beginning of every month so I am prepared for what’s to come.  I tend to work out of my car a lot, so papers, boxes, decorative items, and catalogs pile up.  Not to mention, I am a Mommy, too, so kids shoes (Do your kids immediately remove their shoes in your car, too?), toys, candy wrappers, trash, and a myriad of other things end up on the floor in my vehicle.  

5. Set a monthly challenge – As you probably know, I am into personal growth.  So, at the beginning of every month I try to find a way to challenge myself a bit.  I may choose a space in my home to refresh and reorganize or I may choose a fun, new book to read or I may even find something new to learn or try (new restaurant anyone?).  Once I figure out my challenge I write it at the top of my “monthly goals” list.  

6. Clean out the fridge –  This may sound a bit underwhelming but, believe me, once you start cleaning out your fridge on a consistent basis you will be hooked!  When I clean out my fridge I inevitably find something that is expired or ruined and I always find leftovers that were never eaten!  Starting each month with a clean slate, so to speak, is so refreshing.  

7. Restock staples – So, once you clean out your fridge you will need to restock any staples that you disposed of.  While you are at it, go ahead and get your meals planned for the entire month and purchase whatever items you will need!  

8. Delete old photos and emails – Free up much needed space on your phone by deleting old emails and photos that you do not need any more.  I typically do this task while sitting in bed at the end of the day.  Then I reward myself with a cup of tea and a good book.

9. Refresh closets, bookshelves, and anything else that has become disheveled – By the end of each month, some spaces have become a bit disheveled from use so I typically whip things back into shape at the start of a new month.  The most common spaces that need a refresh are closets, bookshelves, desk/work area, and the foyer.  What do these areas look like in your home right now?

10. Start a new habit tracker – This is a recent addition to my routine, but I am loving it!  There have been a few habits that I have been wanting to add and a few I’ve been wanting to change, so I have begun to track each habit.  This routine keeps me motivated and on track.  

When you have systems and routines in place you are better prepared for anything life throws at you.  There is no better time to start than now.  Please let me know what systems you have that you couldn’t live without!  I can’t wait to hear!