This is the year you have decided to organize an area of your home. Some of you may be very ambitious and decided this year you are going to tackle the entire house from the attic to the basement. Whatever area you have decided to organize I want to give you the push you need to get started so you don’t get overwhelmed or procrastinate leaving the project undone.
I thought it would be helpful if I shared with you how I tackle projects with clients. I use these same strategies when I organize areas of my home. These tips help me stay focused, not become overwhelmed and finish the project so my space is organized.
Janet’s steps to getting organized:
- Select a room or area (bedroom, basement or home-office) to get started.
- Plan how the space will be organized. Do you need additional storage or can you use existing storage or shelving?
- Chose a project in the space that can be completed in a few hours :the closet(shoes), the filing cabinet(a drawer), the northeast corner of the basement(the boxes you moved with and never opened).
- Sort the items into similar categories ( clothes, paperwork, housewares, etc.)
- Next working on each category separate into five piles according to what you want to do with them. Place in bags or boxes and label according to the following categories:
- Stay in the space you are organizing
- Store in other areas of the home
- Donate
- Trash
- Shred
- Once you have the items that will remain in the space separated from those that will not, now it is time to organize. The goal is to make items accessible for you and your family so that you can find items the first time you look for them.
- Use space saving hangers, clearly label containers, use baskets to add a decorative touch
- Once the area is organized schedule time regularly to maintain order.
My final suggestion for you is to take your time and move at your own pace. Remember to do a little at a time and don’t let the piles of clutter overwhelm you. Stay on track and motivated by checking off each completed task and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.
What have your decided to organize this year? Please share by commenting below.
If you are ready to get organized and need some help getting started schedule a FREE 15 minute strategy session with me so we can discuss your project and get you organized.
