New years resolutions are big commitments that take time and effort. But you can get a head start on being a new you in the new year with some really easy and quick things you can do right now. Seriously, most of these take under thirty minutes so there’s no excuse not to do them!

12 Ways to Start New in 2013

1- Change your toothbrush We’re supposed to do this every three months. But I’m sure it’s been a while since you’ve changed yours! If you forget often, you can buy a subscription service to send you new ones. This one by Preserve is my favorite. Clean teeth and saving the planet all while supporting American business? Yes!

2- Clean out your cosmetics and drug cabinet This isn’t just for the girls! Did you know you are supposed to toss cosmetics after a certain amount of time? Get rid of that nasty mascara you’ve had since last Christmas, toss those well-loved eye palettes that are falling apart, and splurge on some new favorites. While you’re at it, toss anything you haven’t used in a long while, including expired medications. No one needs aspirin that expired in 2001.

3- Purge your closet Likely there’s things you haven’t worn since college in there, maybe stuffed in a corner having a party with some dust bunnies. If it’s still got life in it, donate or sell it. Making a “look” is about curating your closet so get to it. Stepping out in those jeans that just really don’t fit anymore isn’t going to help you achieve that goal of “looking fab” in the new year. And if it doesn’t fit now, don’t keep it around for “motivation.” You and I both know it doesn’t work that way.

4- Mend what’s broken That blouse with the hanging button? Time to get out the needle and thread. That scuff on the liquor cabinet? Walnuts! If you can fix it in under twenty minutes, just do it. No excuses. Your to do list will thank you later.

5- Clean out the fridge Holidays left a mess of leftovers. And that jar of chutney from the summer has mold on it. Clean it out, check dates, and give it a good washing down. Healthy food part of your resolutions? Then get rid of temptations while you’re in there. Bring it to work and I’m sure it’ll disappear like magic.

6- Organize your workspace You’re back at it after a break for the holidays, a stack of paperwork on your desk a mile high and a to do list a mile long. Get organized, make priorities, and things will go much more smoothly.

7- Clean your car Cars are traps for receipts  trash, and all kinds of things. Clean that sucker out, give it a good vacuum  and add in a catch-all bag for trash and things that need to return to the house to keep the car clutter down in the future. And don’t forget to get those nasty coffee goops out of the cup holders.

8- Check batteries Check your fire detectors, your carbon monoxide alarms (you have one, right?!), and all those other batteries that don’t go out all that often but are used pretty continually. Garage door opener, anyone?

9- Clean your phone It goes with you everywhere. So clean it. Because it has everywhere on it. Gross.

10- Get a (new) Journal If you don’t have one, get one. If you have one, get a fresh start for the new year. Unload all that baggage from last year that’s bogging your journal down with clean pages. And it doesn’t have to be words, you know.

11- Get a (new) Calendar This is a surefire way to start your year fresh. There’s nothing like 365 new days on bright, clean paper.

12- Reward yourself! It was a tough year, even if it was your best year ever. So go get yourself something nice to give yourself a spring in your step. A new nail polish or that workout top you’ve been eyeing will do the trick!

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