When the new year arrives, many people focus on changes that can be implemented in the months to come. This time of year is a popular one to make resolutions to clean and organize homes and offices.

There are plenty of things that can use a little organizational attention. There's no ideal way to get organized. Getting organized can be as simple as taking small steps that have lasting impact. Whatever works is a good approach, but the following are six strategies to help individuals clear the clutter.

First, utilize to-do lists. People tend to be less productive when they store all of their tasks in their brains. The first step to getting organized is to remove those plans from the head and put them down on paper or in some other tracking tool. A digital to-do list manager, for example, enables people to see all their tasks, deadlines, and due dates in one place so they can get things done more efficiently. Consider carrying around a notepad or using the digital notes app on a phone to jot down thoughts and needs as they come up.

Second, it is a good strategy to corral one's "smalls." Smalls are keys, phones, chargers, wallets, headphones, and other accessories. When these items are grouped together, they are easier to find and allow one to stay on track. Invest in an attractive organizer and install it by the front door or another high-traffic area. It will cut down on trying to find those smaller items when running errands.

It is important to conquer clutter regularly. It is easy to put off cleaning and organizing when clutter has gotten out of control. Instead, by cleaning up items on a daily or weekly basis, it is much easier to keep ahead of clutter. Combatting clutter should be treated like a daily job, including sorting mail and tossing unnecessary items, emptying waste pails, dusting the desk, deleting emails, and putting items back where they belong.

Another strategy is to categorize emails. Individuals can utilize the folder creation option from popular email providers to sort messages. Messages that need attention can then be dropped into categories of one's choosing, such as school, health, and receipts. Then an individual will know which folder to go into when searching for what they need, eliminating the time-consuming task of scrolling through a full inbox.

When bringing new items into the home, follow the procedure of giving away or throwing out one item for each new item that is received or purchased. This can help to tame clutter.

"Mise en place" is French for "put in place." It is used in the kitchen to refer to preparing and setting out all ingredients needed in a recipe. The same concept can be used elsewhere. Clothing can be laid out on the dresser for the next day at work or school. The foyer of a home can be prepped with items one may need, like an umbrella, shoes, and paperwork. Backpacks can be organized so they are ready for the school day. Establishment of a to-go bag at work for items that need to be brought home can also save time by keeping things organized.