Five Basic Steps to Getting Organized

You probably know that being organized reduces your stress levels. There's less to maintain, less to clean, and you're less likely to lose things.  So what's keeping you back?  Most don't know where to start.  There are hundreds of products that can help, and just as many solutions.  So rather than confuse you more, let's start with the Five Basic Steps to Getting Organized:

1. One In One Out - Being organized isn't about getting rid of everything and never shopping again.  Shoes wear out, children outgrow clothes.  You have to go shopping.  But make it a habit of removing one item from your home for every new item you bring in.  That way, you'll never accumulate too much.
2. Just Say No - When someone tries to give you something, if you really don't want it or like it, then refuse it.  You don't have to take furniture from your great-aunt's home if you have no need or space for it.  You don't have to take the scarf your friend is cleaning out of her closet.  The less you bring in, the less you have to care for.
   
3. Clear It Out - The more you have, the more you have to care for.  So clear out what you don't need.  Get rid of kitchen appliances you never use, or coats you never wear.  They're just taking up valuable space that could be occupied by something you love.
4. Plan Ahead - Get ready the day before. Decide on your outfit, pack your lunch.  Do the same for the rest of the family.  Also, schedule time for yourself to take care of chores like filing or laundry.  If you keep on top of things, they won't pile up.
5. Deal With It - Take care of messes and problems when they happen.  Clean up the spills, put away the laundry, sort the mail, etc. as it comes in.  There may be a day or two where you don't have time, but if you've kept up with tasks all along, the piles won't grow too large to overwhelm you.

Keep this list posted in a place you'll see it as a daily reminder.  It's really that simple.

Eight Questions to Ask Yourself When Organizing

It goes without saying that there are benefits to being organized.  You can find things easily, save money and have peace of mind in a clutter-free home.  But while we know we SHOULD be organized, for many it’s a challenge.  Most of that stems from the stress of sorting through belongings and trying to decide what to keep and what to give away or sell. 

While the task may seem daunting, especially if you’ve lived in your home over twenty years, if you stay focused you’ll make progress.  And to make the process easier, here are some questions to ask yourself while sorting. 

1.      Do I have more than one of this? If so, why? Do you need more than one?  While you need more than one pair of pants, do you need more than one lawn mower? 

2.      How often do I use this item? Is it something you use on a regular basis, that is, at least once a month?  Or do you dig it out every few years?  If you use something rarely,  like a 50-cup coffee maker, get rid of it.  When you need one for your party three years from now, borrow one from a friend or rent one.

3.      Can this item be easily replaced? If you get rid of your ricer today, can you easily find one at the store tomorrow?  Of course.  But if you get rid of your shop vac, it’s easy to find one, but certainly more expensive to replace it.

4.      Do I know what this is? How many times have you gone through junk drawers only to find something unidentifiable?  If nobody in the house can identify it, get rid of it.

5.      Do I know what this belongs to? You fine screws, lids or keys.  You know what it is, but have no idea what the key opens, or what container the lid belongs to.  You don’t need it if you’re not using it.

6.      Do I like this item?  Sometimes we inherit furniture or knick-knacks from deceased family members.  Or we get gifts from friends.  While we accept it gracefully, in our hearts we really don’t like it.  Don’t let things you don’t like take up precious space in your home.  Your home should only be filled with things you love.

7.      What is the worst that could happen if I get rid of it?  If you shred your bank statements today, or donate the hand mixer, what’s the worst that could happen?  You can recreate bank statements.  You can purchase another hand mixer if you find you need it.  On the other hand, original legal documents are not replaceable.  Be mindful of what you donate or shred.

8.      Does it have a place to live in your home? If you don’t have a cabinet or shelf to store it, then it shouldn’t be in your home.  The floors and tables are not storage units.  If you can’t decide where to put it, then you don’t need it.

While some decisions are easier to make than others, you’ll find over time that making those decisions will begin to live in your subconscious.  When you’re shopping, you’ll hear these questions in the back of your mind, helping you decide whether or not to buy it.

 

Clutter-Free Gifts for the Holidays

We all deal with clutter in different ways.  Some of us handle it as it comes into the home.  Some go on weekend binges and clean out large areas of the home in a day or two.  Others wait until January, and make the resolution to get more organized.  Then life happens...

So my question is, do you really want to add to your clutter over the holidays?  Do you want to add clutter to others' homes?  Why would you?  Wouldn't life be easier if you DIDN'T add to the many piles already accumulated? 

And yet, it's fun to exchange gifts.  So how about buying clutter-free gifts?  Gifts that won't get shoved to the back of a closet or end up under the bed?  Here are some ideas:

For the techie in your life:

• A subscription to online back-up storage
• Useful apps for their phone/tablet
• An eBook reader to consolidate their book collection
• A wireless digital frame to enjoy family photos
• Software for their computer
• Pay for a subscription to Amazon Prime - unlimited downloads and free shipping!

For the family:

• What's on their bucket list that you can check off?
• Go out to a nice dinner, no electronic devices allowed!
• Plan a weekend getaway with the family
• Hire a photographer for a family portrait session
• Offer to baby-sit for nieces/nephews and grandchildren
• Buy a gift certificate for a day (or afternoon) at the spa
• Start a savings account for your grandchildren
• Pay for a membership to a museum, botanic garden, or health club

For the elderly:

• Consumables - their favorite desserts, fruits or teas
• Time - spend time visiting.  Use it to write down family history and anecdotes.
• Cleaning service for their home
• Hire a handyman for a day to fix those little things
• Create a coupon book for errands or services, like a trip to the library or a shampoo and cut.

Still not sure what to do?  Donate to a charitable cause close to the person’s heart.  Don’t give to a charity of your choice, rather select a cause that is dear to them, and make a donation in their name.  You'll both feel good, and others will benefit.

What clutter-free gifts have you exchanged with others?

Remove Tripping Hazards for Seniors

Senior Thursday

We have all fallen at some point in our lives.  Maybe it was down a flight of stairs, or perhaps in a slippery tub or on a patch of ice.  With luck, we pick ourselves up and continue on.  As we age, though, these falls not only become more frequent, they also become more dangerous. 

Consider these statistics from the CDC:

·        One out of three adults age 65 and older falls each year.

·        Among older adults (those 65 or older), falls are the leading cause of injury death.

·        In 2010, 2.3 million nonfatal fall injuries among older adults were treated in emergency departments.

·        In 2010, the direct medical costs of falls, adjusted for inflation, was $30.0 billion.

These are serious figures.  So what, exactly, causes this increased risk?  Medication is one.  Some meds can cause dizziness or drowsiness.  Another is poor eyesight.  And finally, tripping hazards.  Meds can be adjusted, and poor eyesight can be treated.  And yes, tripping hazards can be removed.  Here are some tips to help protect the seniors in your life:

·        Remove all throw/area rugs from the home.

·        Make transitions between rooms smooth.  Thresholds are dangerous even at a 1/4” high.

·        Install grab bars in the bathrooms.

·        Install railings on both sides of the staircase.

·        Improve lighting in the home.

·        Have the senior wear shoes or slippers at all times.

·        Have the senior use a walker if they are unsteady on their feet.

·        Purchase recliners that lift for getting up/sitting down.

·        Install a bath transfer seat.

·        Remind the senior to never climb on chairs.

·        Purchase a step stool with a handle for support.

·        Keep floors clear of clutter.

·        Keep sidewalks clear in the winter.

Keep the seniors in your life healthy and happy.

Hanging Door Organizers Not Just for Shoes

Frugal Friday

I am a big proponent of using vertical storage.  One product that is great for this is Over-the Door pockets.  They come in a variety of materials and sizes.  Some have large pockets for shoes, some have smaller pockets.  They are plastic, canvas or fabric.  And their uses are endless.  While these organizers used to be for shoes, now we can find many other uses for them.  Here are a few:

·        Bathroom--use for shampoo, toiletries, face cloths, hair accessories, etc.

·        Bedroom--use for small accessories like bracelets, scarves, bulky necklaces, and belts.

·        Bathroom--use for hair accessories like headbands, elastic bands, barrettes, and bows.

·        Pantry--Use for spices, small packages, small appliances, and appliance attachments.

·        Linen Closet--Use for medications, first aid supplies, and extra toiletries.

·        Bathroom--Use for cosmetics, brushes and nail polish.

·        Craft Room--Use for crafting supplies like scissors, glue, tape, and markers.

·        Use for toy storage, organizing pieces by toy, color or size.

·        Bedroom--Use for socks and tights.

·        Laundry Room--Use for cleaning supplies such as spray bottles, scrub brushes and rags.

·        Bedroom--Use for small stuffed animals.

And don’t forget to label the pockets so everything goes back where it belongs, and you know what to buy when the pocket is empty.

Organizing Your Electronic Gadgets

Tips for Tuesday

If you have teens, pre-teens or college students in your house, you probably have several cell phones, MP3 players, and cameras, all needing to be charged.  In fact, the average household owns about 24 electronic devices.  Walk through your house now, and you'll find a phone in your kitchen, another in the bedroom, another in the laundry room.  What happens when you're ready to walk out the door?  Do you find yourself racing from room to room looking for your phone or camera?

To tame the tangles, designate a central place to charge all your gadgets.  A phone charging station is ideal for this purpose.  They come in a variety of styles to suit your decor and needs, but basically serve the same purpose.  There is a hole in the back of the station for running wires, and individual compartments for holding each of the devices.  Some stations have places to label the compartment.  For those that don't, you should mark them yourself.  A standard label from a label making machine can be folded over the wires, or use one of those plastic tabs that comes on bread wrappers.  Label both the wire and the compartment. 

Finally, corral all the cords in the back with velcro or twist-ties.  Plug your cords into a surge protector, rather than an outlet, to protect them from power outages.

The next time you are running out the door for your workout, you'll know exactly where your MP3 player is.

Discard and Donate Before Moving

Moving on Monday

If you are planning to move soon, that means you are busy packing boxes and making last-minute arrangements.  You've called the moving company and made your reservation.  Like most movers, they charge by the hour.  So that means every box they take out, every piece of furniture, is on the clock.  So I ask you, do you want to pay them to move boxes you haven't opened for 20 years?  Do you want to pay them to move a bookcase that will probably end up in the garage? 

So doesn't it make sense to go through your belongings BEFORE you move? 

Start with big items.  Take a serious look at all your furniture.  Does it have a place in the new home?  Is it in good condition?  Will you have to replace it soon?  If you can do without it, then donate it.

As you pack for the move, do a quick evaluation of what you are putting in the boxes.  How many sets of sheets do you have?  How many do you need?  How many towels are you packing?  How about coffee mugs?  Do you really need every can cooler you received as giveaways at fairs or parades?  Think before packing everything.  Get rid of doubles, and throw away items that are broken or missing parts/pieces. 

Finally, open those boxes that have been sitting for years!  Chances are, if you haven't opened them in a while, you don't need what's inside them.  Donate it all for a tax deduction.

Move lighter!  Move cheaper!

What Can You Do With Spare Buttons?

Tips for Tuesday

Do you have a lot of spare buttons around the house?  Maybe they are from your grandmother's sewing basket.  Perhaps they are from your mother's dresses and coats.  Or maybe they are strays from your own clothing. 

Whether they are from a blouse or a pair of slacks, what can you do with them?  If they are in good condition, it's silly to throw them away.  So what do you do?  Here are some ideas.

·         Give them to a seamstress who might need just one or two of a kind for a project.

·         Give them to a crafter—single or multiples, they can be used in a variety of projects.

·         Use them to hold pairs of post earrings.

·         Put a magnet on the back and use them on your refrigerator to hold notes.

·         Put a thumbtack on the back and use them on your bulletin board.

·         Dump a colorful collection into a glass mason jar and use as a decoration.

·         String them into a bracelet or necklace.

·         Glue them to frames for a personalized look.

·         Sell vintage collections on eBay.

What have you done with spare buttons?

Tips for Tuesday

How you organize your shoes (or anything for that matter) in your home, depends on your individual situation.  Closet size, number of pairs, number of family members, habits, religious beliefs, etc., all play a part in how you can store your shoes.

The first step in organizing your shoes is to get all of them out in one place.  Pair them, and sort them by color and/or style (casual, dressy, work, etc.).  Once they are all laid out, you will see how many pairs of black pumps you have, how many running shoes, how many brown leather sandals, etc.  Seeing them all together will help decide what you really need to keep, and what can be donated. 

When deciding what to keep, think about use and comfort.  Just because a pair you bought five years ago is one of your favorites, if you never wear them because they are uncomfortable, then it's time to donate them.  GO through every color and style, and see where you can pare down.  Once you're done sorting, you'll see what's left to go back in your closet. 

Arrange your shoes by the way you would look for them.  For instance, would you look for a black pair of shoes when getting ready for work?  Then keep all your black shoes together.  Or do you think in terms of function?  Would you look for a pair of comfy shoes for work in the morning?  Then place all work shoes together.  Or store them according to where you would put them on.  For instance, boots and running shoes by the back door, and dressy shoes in your closet.

There are many ways to store shoes.  The first of these is on your closet floor.  That isn't to say they should all just be tossed in.  You should purchase a shoe cubby or shoe rack and pair your shoes accordingly.  Always keep pairs together.  If the shoes are small flats, you can place more than one pair in a cubby. 

If you have closets with shelving, keep your shoes on shelves in your closet.  The shelves can be spaced closer together than they would be for sweaters and pants to make the best use of the space.  This also avoids having to stack several pairs on top of each other.

If you don't have a lot of shelving, but have plenty of hanging space, use a shoe organizer that hangs from the closet rod.  You can usually get about 10 pairs of shoes in 8 inches of hanging space. 

Another place to store shoes is on the back of a door.  There are shoe racks and pockets for this use.  Pair smaller shoes together in one pocket.  Be careful with shoe racks that may stretch out the toes of your shoes. 

Under the bed is a great place for shoes also.  There are bins and bags specifically for this purpose with dividers.  Or purchase a low, long bin and arrange the shoes on their sides, toe to heel for maximum use of space.  If you are storing shoes under the bed that you use often, look for a bin or bag on rollers so it is easy to access.

Some people don't keep shoes in their closets or bedrooms, but rather prefer keeping them in the laundry room or garage.  In this case, special shelving can be installed to house the shoes, or purchase stackable shoe cubbies. 

If you have room for a bench, purchase one that has storage and keep your shoes in or under the bench. 

Whatever you decide, it is important that all family members are on board, and everyone puts their shoes away after wearing them.  Because even the best systems won't work if you don't use them.

How many pairs of shoes do you have, and how do you store them?

Selling Tips for eBay

Moving On Monday

After you've cleaned out your house and thrown away the trash, you are left with piles of items that are in good condition but you don't want any more. As stated earlier, you can donate them to your favorite charity, or try to sell them.

One way to sell your items is through eBay. And although the money sounds good, there is a lot of effort that needs to be expended to make it worth your while. Here are some tips for making your sales experience profitable and fun.

• Research your items before listing. What is the average sale price for your item's condition? How many others are selling the same thing? What are they asking? What are their shipping fees?
• Take quality photos. Use a good digital camera. Take photos from different angles--front, back, bottom or top if appicable, and close-ups of details.
• Write an accurate description. Be sure to include sizes, whether or not it has been used, and if it's new, whether or not there are tags attached or a box included. Always describe anything that is WRONG with the item. Be honest. If you are clear, people will still bid because they know what they are getting into.
• Write a descriptive heading. Select words that you think will draw viewers.
• Set a reasonable price. If you overprice, no one will bid, and your fees are higher. If you list too low, you risk selling it at that price.
• Accept PayPal. It's the safest, easiest way to get payment.
• Ship items as soon as possible after payment. Customers will be impressed and leave good feedback.
• Remember, the customer is always right (even if they aren't.)

Keep Like Items Together--The Kitchen

Tips for Tuesday

This is one of the basics of organizing tips--Keep like items together. But what does that mean? How can you implement this practice in your kitchen or your bath? Here are some tips for your kitchen.

• Keep all baking items togther--pans, cookie sheets, drying racks, etc.
• Keep all baking ingredients together--flour, sugar, baking soda and powder, extracts
• Categorize the food in your pantry--breakfast items, pastas, canned vegetables, fruits, soups
• Keep paper goods together--plates, cups, napkins, tablecloths
• Keep cooking and baking untensils separate from eating utensils.
• Keep dinner plates, bowls, and dessert plates together.
• Keep glasses and mugs together.
• Keep serving pieces together.
• Keep holiday and entertaining pieces apart and away from everyday dishes.
• Keep all plastic containers together with their lids handy.
• Keep wraps (plastic, foil, etc) together with baggies.

Conquering the Feeling of Being Overwhelmed

Tuesday Tips

Are you so overwhelmed you don't know where to start? Is there so much clutter that you feel that any pile which disappears would only be replaced by another?

Look around you. If you were to pick one area to start, which would it be? What area would result in the most impact? What area would give you the most peaceful or calm feelings if cleared?

Start work in that area.

Start with one pile on one surface and work until you are done with that pile. Do not go to another pile, even if the decisions become difficult. Work through your emotions, and get to the bottom of the pile.

The result? You will see a surface you haven't seen in a long time.
And that will make you feel good about your progress, and encourage you to continue

Seasons Change, and So Do We

Summer is finally here! So we decided some changes were needed to our blog and newsletter to help you become more organized and clutter-free.

Starting on Monday, our blog will have a daily theme.

Moving on Monday--tips and advice for those moving or relocating
Tips for Tuesday--General organizing tips and product reviews
Writer Wednesday--Tips and advice for writers and authors
Senior Thursday--Guidance for the Baby Boomer generation
Frugal Friday--These organizing tips will help you save money, too!

We are all about helping you out of clutter and into a life of clarity. These posts will guide you on that path.

Would you like a more indepth look at problems homeowners face, and the solutions we provide? Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter. Click Here!

And don't forget to follow us on Facebook. "Like" our page, and we'll give you one hour of free organizing with the purchase of two hours.

We hope you enjoy our new look. And as always, we welcome suggestions and questions.

It's Springtime--Time for New Beginnings!

It’s springtime. The snow is finally receding, and perhaps even gone for the season. You are hopeful for those long summer days and lazy evenings. But if you are a homeowner, spring also brings responsibilities. There are many chores that need to be done around the house to keep it in tip-top shape.

Appliances:

• Uncover your air conditioning unit. Have it serviced and checked. Change the air filter on the furnace if this is not part of the service.
• Defrost your freezers. Toss any old food.
• Clean your refrigerators, including the coils outside, and vacuuming underneath. Toss any old food.
• Clean out your dryer vent all the way to the outside. Make sure the vent is properly covered on the outside of the house. You want air flow, but need to keep critters out.
• Clean your oven/stove thoroughly. This includes lifting the top and moving the unit away from the wall to vacuum.
• Drain your water heater. Is the water rust-colored? This may indicate damage on the inside.
• Open your dishwasher and scrub the inside, including gaskets and drain. Remove any large food particles or debris that have accumulated. Then place a cup of vinegar on the top shelf and run the (empty) dishwasher on the hottest cycle possible to sanitize.
• Run vinegar through your coffee maker to sanitize it.
• Empty your toaster/toaster oven of crumbs and wash thoroughly.

Don't spend your summer making repairs on your home that could have been prevented with careful maintenance.

March 12 is Genealogy Day

Part Two

How to Store Your Research

File Cabinets and File Folders--Place all papers in folders, then into a file box or filing cabinet. Use different colors for different categories. For example, if you sorted by surname, then each surname would have a different color folder or label.

Binders--Create a binder for each major category, then use dividers within the binders to separate further. For example, the surname "Jones" would have its own binder. Inside, create a tab for "England", "California" and "Pennsylvania." Or tabs for "David", "Martha", "Thomas" etc. If you don't want to damage any documents, place them in page protectors before filing. If you use page protectors, use extra deep tabs so they stick out past the page protectors.

Computer Discs, CDs, DVDs--You can create the same file structure on a computer as you can with folders. Scan your documents and save them in the appropriate folder. Label them as you would your folders. If you have both hard copies and electronic copies, use the exact same headings on the files so they match up.

Genealogy Software--Invest in a program such as Family Tree Maker, or use a free online service like Ancestry.com. It will take time to enter all the information, but you will be able to view and print family trees or pedigree information and share it with others.

You will probably find that a combination of these will be best. Some documents will scan well, some will not. And it's always good to keep backup copies of your files.

Preparing for a Winter Storm--Part Four

Preparing for a Winter Storm--Part Four of our February Series

22. Keep your cell phone charging. If the power goes out, it will still be at full strength. If you are in your car, keep it charging while you drive so it doesn’t drain.
23. Check transportation schedules before you go. If you take a train or bus, check to see if they are on time and running a full schedule. You may be stuck at work if they cancel trains. Do you have a place to stay if that happens? Don’t get caught walking or driving to the station, only to find out al trains have been canceled.
24. Call your destination before you go. If you are scheduled to work or fly, check to see that your place of work is open or flights are still operating. If you must shop or get gas, call first before venturing out.
25. Check on any elderly neighbors, friends or relatives. Do they need help shoveling out? Did they lose power? Do they have enough food?
26. Don’t go out unless absolutely necessary. Not only will this keep you safe, but less drivers means less chance for accidents, and a better opportunity to plow and salt streets. Listen to the news before you go.
27. Use the time as quality time with your family. Make it a movie or game night. Share stories in front of the fire, or bake some cookies.

We can't always predict when a catasrophe will happen, but if we are prepared, the journey home will be much easier.

Daily Tips for Get Organized Month!

Here are tips for Week Three:

Day 15 Tip of the Day
If you are overwhelmed by clutter, start in one room, one area in that room. Work until it’s done. You will see progress after a few hours, and it will motivate you to keep going.

Day 16 Tip of the Day
Are all surfaces in your home cluttered with papers and knick knacks? Clear them to the bare minimum. Your mind will feel as clear as your space.

Day 17 Tip of the Day
Make it easier to find what you want by putting it in order—sort books by subject, movies by titles or genre, etc. Spend more time relaxing instead of searching.

Day 18 Tip of the Day
When displaying pieces of your collections, use the rule of three. Have only three of each collection on display and store or donate the rest.

Day 19 Tip of the Day
Stay healthy this year. Clean out your fridge and pantry. Discard expired foods, and sort the rest by category. Do you have what you need to throw together some quick meals?

Day 20 Tip of the Day
Stay healthy this year. Clean out your medicine cabinet. Safely dispose of expired medicines. (Do NOT toss down the drain.) Make sure you have all the basics on hand.

Day 21 Tip of the Day
What is the first impression someone has when they walk into your home? Clear the foyer of clutter and decorate it simply with greenery and mirrors.

Call us today for special pricing for January sessions in observance of Get Organized Month—847-955-1822.

Daily Tips for Get Organized Month!

Here are some tips for week two!

Day Eight:
Whenever you put boxes away for storage, label them clearly with the contents. If you have several with similar items, store them together and be more specific with the labels.

Day Nine:
Are there things you don’t seem to use very often? Store extra toys, kitchen gadgets, clothes, etc., away for six months. If you never need to access the items, then it’s safe to donate them after the six months is over.

Day Ten:
Put like things together—in closets, in storage, in your pantry, in your kitchen cabinets. You’ll find things more easily.

Day Eleven: Put items where you use them—pots near the stove, glasses near the sink, linens near the bedrooms, etc. It will take less time to do your chores if everything is handy.

Day Twelve:
Have a place for everything. Reduce the risk of piles by assigning everything a home, from keys and phone chargers, to paid bills and school papers. If it has a home, you’re more likely to put it away immediately.

Day Thirteen:
When you are shopping, ask yourself, do you want it or need it? That will help you decide whether or not you should bring it into your home.

Day Fourteen:
Can’t decide whether or not to keep it? Ask yourself—what’s the worst that could happen if I get rid of it? The answer will help with your decision.

Call us today for special pricing for January sessions in observance of Get Organized Month—847-955-1822.

It's Time for Spring Cleaning

It seems the winter is finally starting to ebb away. Flowers are popping up, trees are budding.

Unfortunately, the melting snow also uncovers layers of grime and silt, both outside and inside your home. As you open windows and take the flannel sheets off the bed, other things start bothering you. Like piles of magazines still unread, clothes that need mending, holiday gifts that never got returned.

Now is a good time to take a few minutes each day and conquer some of those tasks. Even if you spend only fifteen minutes a day, you will see an improvement at the end of a month's time.

Here are some areas to address:

• As you swap out your clothes for the season, get rid of anything that doesn't fit or you didn't wear over the winter.
• Sort through the children's toys and get rid of one in every five.
• Look through your kitchen pantry or freezer and toss old food.
• Open a box in storage and see if the contents is still really important.
• Go through some photos and toss duplicates or poor images.
• File some paperwork, purging old papers as you go.
• Take ten books to your library for their annual sale.
• Throw away all the holiday catalogs you received in the mail.
• Erase old messages on your answering machine.
• Return anything that isn't yours to its proper owner.

Taking on little tasks instead of large jobs can be just as rewarding. Results are more immediate, which motivates you to do even more. You don't have to be completely organized overnight. Just clearing a little clutter at a time will go a long way to a calmer life.

What's Stopping You from Getting Organized?

My last post focused on the benefits of being organized. You can save time, save money, and be less stressed. Wouldn't we all like that?

Most everyone would answer yes. So what's stopping you? Here are some reasons why people don't get organized.

1) Lack of Time--We all seem to be so much busier than before. It seems every time we turn around, there's another place to drive the kids, another party to attend, another car that needs repair. This all takes away from taking care of the house. And getting things in order. And yet, being organized can save time. Try to set aside at least three hours for the first session to get started. Once you begin to see the benefits, you will be motivated to continue. Even if it's only ten-fifteen minutes each day, any little bit helps.

2) Incovenient Storage--Are the bins too heavy to lift? Do you have to pull five boxes off a stack of six to get to the bottom one? Is the closet shelf too high to reach? Analyze why your storage doesn't work for you. Then explore your options. Perhaps several smaller bins would work better than one large one. Or maybe sturdy industrial shelving can hold one or two boxes per shelf, thus eliminating stacking. Look at what's stored on those high closet shelves. Is it something you use often, like shoes or sweaters? If so, why not replace it with holiday or seasonal items?

3) No Designated Storage Space--This doesn't mean lack of storage space. It means that the items you haven't put away don't have a home. You can't put something away if you haven't designated a space for it. Once you know what you have to store, you can determine where things will go. This may not come until much later in the process, but once you have set it up, you'll have places to put things.

4) The Speed of Life--Everything is coming at you faster, thanks to technology. Unfortunately, this also means you are probably drowning in paperwork. If you can't slow things down, perhaps you can eliminate some of the contributors. Do you volunteer for more than one organization? Do you belong to more than one club? Do your children participate in more than one event/sport? Only you can slow things down by pulling back. Start to say 'no' and learn your limits.

5) It's just plain boring--Yes, organizing can be boring. Who wants to sift through stacks of papers when you can be out riding your bike? How about turning that around? If you had sorted those papers when they arrived in your house, you WOULD have time for that bike ride. Look to the end result to motivate yourself. Have a friend over if it would make it more fun. Especially when doing closets. Who knows, you may be able to give away your discards to someone who will use them.

Happy organizing!
Michelle