Do you feel like your cabinets and closets are overflowing? Are you overwhelmed with paperwork? Can you find the items you need? Do you spend too much time cleaning your home? It’s time to get past the roadblocks and have a fresh start in the upcoming year.
Organizing can seem overwhelming. But don’t stress! Here are a few tips to help you get started:
First and foremost, take a deep breath. Remember the end goal: My home will be organized!
Analyze the current organization in your home. Find and acknowledge what isn’t working for
you and why it isn’t working.
Set a timeline. Organizing a home takes time, so setting a timeline keeps you committed. It
doesn’t matter whether it’s a daily, weekly, or monthly plan. Pick a task each day or week. Every
little bit helps.
Know your goals. Make sure you set realistic goals, not impossible ones. You will feel successful
as you complete each goal.
Prioritize the areas that need the most work. Start with one room or area, then work your way
through the house. Pick smaller tasks to start – a cabinet or a junk drawer. Work your way to
larger projects. Setting small goals in the beginning will make it easier to work towards your
ultimate goal.
Retrieve organizational products. Bins and baskets are great for grouping like items together.
You may be surprised by how much space you save by using these products. Labels are another
great tool for organization. Labels are great for visualizing where things go and help kids stay
organized.
Donate! As you organize, decide what you really need. Designate an area for donations. Remember, less is better. The less you have, the less you have to maintain and clean. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask.
Enlist a friend as an accountability partner. Get your kids involved to help with certain tasks, whether it’s sorting magazines or Tupperware.
You can also hire an organizer. This will jumpstart your process and bring in a new perspective. An organizer has experience helping you work through the emotions attached to items and expedites the process with dedicated time and experience. It’s important to find an organizer you feel comfortable with who has a “no judgment” policy.
Celebrate! No matter how small the task, be proud of your progress.
Lastly, create routines and continue maintenance. Maintenance means evaluating areas every quarter or every six months. Life changes, kids’ activities change and your organizational system may also need to change.
Home organization is worth the time investment. It will create calm in your daily schedule. By following these simple tips, you may not even recognize your own home! Call your friends, family, or local organizer and get started today!
Declutter, Organize, and Reclaim Your Space in the New Year: A Fresh Start Guide for a Calmer, More Efficient Home.