When the Organizing Bug Bites You

Organization Tips - from a former Professional Organizer

Over the summer I taught a Gathering Place on organization.  It was a nod to my decade long career as a professional organizer & time management consultant...  it felt like a fun blast from the past.

Today I thought I'd share some Organizing 101 Tips & Mindset Shifts with you if you're feeling the urge to organize (as many of us do once the holiday decor comes down and the influx of new 'stuff' takes over our spaces)!

​So if the organizing bug bit you too, read on!

Let's start with the basic steps of organizing (cliff notes version) and then I'll give you some mindset shifts to get you through the decluttering process:

BASIC STEPS OF ORGANIZING

​Evaluate:  What is at the heart of the mess?  ie. lack of storage, ineffective systems, too much stuff, and/or missing routines

Declutter:  This is the LETTING GO part.  Pull it all out, and determine if it's trash/recycle, donation/giveaway, a maybe (which I encourage you to set a timeline for making a firm decision on those things), or an absolute love/need/keep.  You can have a box/bin/bag for each category clearly marked.  (See below for the questions I would ask clients to help them through this when it became challenging.)

Organize:  This means grouping like things together in the most efficient place possible.  I encourage you to consider if where you currently have something is the most efficient place… don’t just put the thing back where it was because it’s always been there.   Everything in your home should have a home.  THIS is just another way to save time.

Containerize:  This is the fun part (for most people anyway) and the step that usually comes to mind when you hear organizing - it’s containerizing.  Once you have decluttered, decided on a home for everything, then it’s time to determine if there is some kind of container, shelf, labeling system, folder, basket, bin and so on that would make that space function better.  Always shop your home first!!

Systemize:  The almost final step is to systemize in any way possible.  This means simply to create a routine on how to keep your “set up” working.  You need to ask yourself, “how can I design a routine around this so I don’t waste my hard work?!”

Maintain:  If it’s worth having it’s worth maintaining, right?  Especially after you’ve spent time going through this whole process.  I always said that getting organized & staying organized were 2 different things… so here are my 5 keys to maintaining your organization:
  1. Effective System
  2. Self-Accountability & Discipline
  3. Family Participation
  4. Ask for Help
  5. Be Open to Change

There is no shortage of inspiration - you can find it everywhere online… there is only lack of action.  You can duplicate the things that speak to you - but you have to do the work.

If You Get Stuck Use These Mindset Shifts