As an organizer when I enter a home or office I see things differently than my clients. They see piles, clutter and a mess. I see a space that is clear of all piles, things are within reach and they can find things the first time they look. My task is to eliminate the piles, so clients have an organized space.
The first thing I do it clear the space once I do that clients are amazed at how differently things look and feel. One client commented that she forgot how beautiful her wood floor looked.
Following are a few techniques to help you start this year with less clutter in your home and life.
- Clear the area. I would suggest you start small. It could be under the bed, a drawer, or a shelf. I coached a client that was overwhelmed at the thought of organizing her walk in closet. I suggested that she focus on the floor only and clear everything in that area. She proceeded and I am happy to say that her project is 90% complete. She can walk in the closet, now that the floor is clear, items she needed to toss are gone and she has scheduled a time to drop off donations. All that is left is to purchase a few storage boxes so items can go on the shelves.
- Plan the new look and feel. Now that the area/space is clear plan a space that is functional and allows you to get to items when you need them so whether you need batteries, candles, linens or extra chocolate chips for cookies, you can find them the first time you look.
- Purge. You are going to have to let go of something. The client I mentioned earlier donated a comforter to an animal shelter and scheduled time to shred documents she no longer needs. This gave her more space in the closet and on her floor.
- Like with like. When I organized my closets, I store linens, games and items I need for my July 4th Celebration together which saves me time (I no longer have to search for items) and money (I no longer buy things I already have).
- Decide what will go back. I just repainted my bedroom dresser I inherited from my Mother and after seeing it clear of all the items (jewelry box, perfume, comb, brush, lotions) I decided I did not want it to go back. As you can see from the photo I now have a few items on my dresser.
- Put it someplace else. As you read above there where items I did not want to put back on the dresser so I found other places to store them. There was room in my bathroom for the items and I decided to place the jewelry box in another place.
- Maintain. Now that you have created a space that is functional for you the key to keeping it that way is maintenance. I know it is not easy. Just like you I find myself placing items on the kitchen counter, desk and dresser. If I don’t move it, it may stay there for days, weeks or months. That means I have to discipline myself to put it where it belongs. So I am telling you don’t revert back to old habits and just put it anywhere. You decide where it will go so you can continue to have a home, space and life that is clutter free.
I want to hear from you, send me your photos and email your stories on how you cleared your space. Also check out my “New “ Facebook Group Living Life Totally Organized which is a community of women who want to live a life more organized.
