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Getting Organized-8 Tips for Success

Each New Year, many of us focus on changes we want to make.  There is something about having a clean slate and being able to put past mistakes and bad habits behind us that motivates us.  Unfortunately, resolutions that were strong the first week in January soon dissolve as the days wear on and we find that making changes require more than just a mindset.  They require hard work and perseverance.

Getting organized always ranks at the top of the list for New Year’s resolutions. From vowing to keep our tax records in order, to cleaning out the closets and junk drawers, we want to make our lives simpler and uncluttered.  So what can do to ensure success?  

1. Make a list of all the things you would like to organize. (Closets, files, crafts, etc.)

2. Review the list and prioritize.  (Most important to least important.)

3. Starting at the top of the list, decide on a date to get it done.  For example if you’ve got 5 closets to clean, do one or two in a weekend for the next few weekends.  That way, you won’t get burned out or overwhelmed and you can pace yourself.  Make yourself complete the project until all closets are cleaned.

4. Purchase the necessary tools.  Besides a dust cloth and broom or vacuum, you’re going to need containers to organize your space.  Many lifestyle stores have lots to choose from depending on what it is you are organizing.  Have fun and use bright colors if you want.  The more enjoyment you get in doing it, the better the chance of completing the task.

5. Be brutal.  Pretend you’re doing this job for someone else and look at your “stuff” objectively.  Eliminate the clutter and the things you don’t use or need.  Donate it, give it away, have a yard sale; just simplify!  Get yourself some large containers or garbage bags and label them:  “Throw Away”, “Donate”, “Sell”, “Keep.”  If you find that everything is going in the “Keep” pile, get tougher!  You can do this.

6. Reward yourself.  After you’ve cleaned out all the closets, drawers, sewing room, etc. on your list,  promise yourself a pedicure, a new outfit, a trip to your favorite restaurant, whatever, it’s your reward for all your hard work.

7. Maintain.  This is where a lot of us fall short.  Cleaning and eliminating are one thing, but do we keep it that way?  How long before you can’t tell you ever made an attempt at organizing in the first place.  You have to be diligent and stay on top of it.  That means having a place for everything and putting it back when you’re finished with it.  When you accumulate more than you have room for, guess what?  It’s time to start all over and go back to step one.

8. Professional Organizers and Designers.  If you’ve tried before to get organized and it simply hasn’t worked or you have no idea where to start, it may be time to call in the pros.    Professional Organizers will come in and help you make some hard decisions and changes to assure you will utilize your space effectively.  You may even want to hire a Closet Designer to customize your space. If you have a shoe fetish and need more racks for your designer shoes, a closet designer can help you incorporate that feature.  For the budget conscious, a trip to the local home improvement store will have all sorts of closet organizers to get you on track.