The DOs and DON’Ts of Organizing
Have you tried to get organized and just can’t seem to get started, or once started, can’t get the task accomplished? Are you frustrated by lack of results? Perhaps you just need a few tips to motivate you, help you avoid common pitfalls, and keep you on track.
1. How should I allocate my time?
Do select an uninterrupted chunk of time to accomplish a specific task.
Don’t expect to organize everything in one day. Organizing is a lot of work and it’s better to break the tasks into manageable chunks.
2. Where do I start?
Do have a plan. Identify a manageable project with specific goals based on the amount of time you have. Have boxes for trash and donations handy.
Don’t randomly start organizing without a stated goal and a strategy.
3. What’s the first step?
Do spend time decluttering before you start to organize. Get rid things you don’t need, want, use, or love.
Don’t try to organize clutter because you will be moving things around, but not accomplishing your goal.
4. I’m getting discouraged!
Do understand that things will look worse before they look better as you sort and purge. Remove trash and donations from the house at the end of your session.
Don’t panic – just stick to the plan.
5. Where do I start?
Do start in one corner of the room and work your way around the room. You will be able to see progress in the areas you have completed. Think – divide and conquer!
Don’t work randomly because you will not be able to see your progress.
6. Should I purchase containers?
Do follow the sorting and purging process to eliminate unnecessary items before you purchase any storage containers.
Don’t rush out to buy containers or other organizing products until you know what you will be keeping and how it should be stored.
7. This is such a big job!
Do enlist help from friends, family, babysitters, or professional organizers. Put on some snappy music have beverages handy, and let your teammate provide both moral support and physical assistance.
Don’t undertake the job by yourself unless you are motivated and energetic about it.
8. What about organizing the rest of my family?
Do get yourself organized first. Once the rest of your family sees how easily you find your things and how nice your areas look, they will want some organizing, too.
Don’t declutter your spouse’s things. Your family will not be committed to the process if they aren’t involved in the improvements. Let them decide when they are ready to organize their stuff.
9. How can I stay organized?
Do come up with a plan to avoid bringing clutter into the house. Value memories and relationships over stuff. Enforce the 1-in, 1-out rule. Minimize impulse buying. Purchase only consumables, and only when you need them. Make sure everything has a home and put items away after you use them.
Don’t let clutter happen again. Stick to your plan for avoiding clutter. Don’t buy anything you don’t need.
Now you are prepared to tackle that organizing project that you have been putting off! If you get stuck, go back and review the tips to get back on track. Happy organizing and good luck!
