Where do I start organizing?
This is my number one question with organizing your home.
To think about and, as a result, procrastinate for another week or another year is common because its all so overwhelming. Here are a few ways that I recommend starting your organizing project.
START WITH WHAT YOU SEE FIRST
This idea suggests that if you start with whatever area you see first, you will create momentum to clear out the other areas, providing freedom in that space.
Here are the 3 areas that you might "see first."
The garage is the first thing you see when you get home. By tackling this huge problem area, you will have a lot more ease in your transitions. This area also involves a lot more compromise and communication between family members. Setting up zones will help (kid, tools, lawn, etc.).
Whatever is across from your bed, this is what you see when your eyes open. I recommend tackling this area so you create ease when you wake up and fall asleep. Waking and falling asleep to a pile of "to-dos" is not restful at all.
The bathroom, when you’re getting ready in the morning, being able to know where everything is will allow your transition out the door to be much smoother. That pesky catch-all drawer just means you're searching for things. The bathroom is where I highly recommend plastic divider containers to categorize items.
2. START WITH CARDBOARD
If starting in one area of your home is too overwhelming, then I recommend wandering your home to eliminate the crazy amount of cardboard and boxes that you have stored for "someday." You will be amazed by the stack, so much so that most people can't fit it all into their recycling bin.
Don't just collect it; take a knife with you and break it down RIGHT AWAY.
Just because it is a good box doesn't mean that you have to keep it.
You don't need to save the boxes for your electronics and appliances. Nowadays, in MANY cases, it is cheaper to replace them than it would be to repair the item. I allow my clients who feel they NEED these boxes to keep 1 TV box and the appliance boxes that would be easier to move them in the box than try to put them in a regular box.
3. START WITH THE EASY STUFF
If you know you want to downsize the number of movies you have in the living room, then start with this. The idea is to start with the items you KNOW you want to donate from around the house. This will free up some space on those shelves and create momentum from around the house.
If you're still feeling stuck, schedule a free consultation with me today!
