Organize the New Year

Byadmin
by Mary Frances Ballard, Professional Organizer 

Putting other New Year’s resolutions aside, if you have considered getting your home or your life better organized, there are a few strategies that may help. Whether your situation requires a major overhaul or only needs fine tuning, here are a few basic guidelines.

Start somewhere.  Don’t let the fear of not getting it perfect stop you from getting started.  After all, the trial and error method was recognized because we don’t always get it right the first time. Even small attempts at organization add up to create a better situation.  If you are waiting for the perfect time, there probably will not be one.  Make a resolution to get started somewhere in your home.

Start small.  Trying to organize an attic or garage on a Saturday morning is not a good idea.  But cleaning out the cabinet under the kitchen sink or organizing the linen closet can produce the success and motivation you need to continue the process.  You will love using an organized space and it will spur you on to tackle other spaces.  If you continue with one drawer, one shelf or one cabinet at a time, you will eventually have the experience and confidence to move on to larger spaces.  Soon the closets, attic and garage will no longer be a threat.

Use a schedule.  Not much gets done unless you plan for it.  Putting your project in writing on a calendar or planner will be a reminder of what you hope to get done.  Flexibility is a virtue and if it doesn’t get done when planned, you can reschedule it.  But if it is never written down and added to the tasks you need to get done, the chances are you will never do it.  Life is full of ups and downs and we can’t always do what we plan, but moving the task to another date or time is important.  It confirms you intentions and solidifies your commitment to get organized.

Plan ahead.  Before the organizing event arrives, think about what you want the space to be when you are done.  Make a list of what supplies you may need and when you will get them.  You may want to clean the space as you work and will need supplies for that or if containers will be needed, you should measure the spaces before purchasing them.  It is a good idea to make plans for the items you may choose to remove permanently.  Some may be donated to friends, family or charities while others could be sold in a yard sale or online.  Be sure to have containers to sort items into the categories of their final destination.

Getting and staying organized is a process not an event but making a resolution to do it is the first step.  Begin slowly and enjoy the fruits of each step you take.  It will change the way you look at spaces and things.  You will enjoy them more and you will be building skills and strategies that will help you as you continue.

As a professional organizer, Mary Frances Ballard owns Orderly Places, a business that provides organizing solutions for homes and offices. After a 30 year career in teaching she retired to continue her business, to speak to community and professional groups, and to write about organizing strategies. Her book, Orderly Places: getting organized to enjoy more time, space and freedom in your home was published in 2009.  She can be contacted through her website, www.orderlyplaces.com or maryfrances@orderlyplaces.com.

 

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