Building Block for Successful Organizing
The topic of organization garners many opinions, methods and strategies varying from person to person. However, organizing is not a one size fits all.
When starting any organizing project, it is always good to start with the basics. These five tips are simple building blocks for a successful organizing project. Defining the success of your organizing venture really has to do with your desired outcome. The topic of organization garners many opinions, methods and strategies varying from person to person. However, organizing is not a one size fits all.
#1. Read, Think & Learn
Just like any area of your life (relationships, career, or hobbies) we read about them before we make decisions! Organizing is a vast topic that is covered in many media forms. For example, Avance Organizing uses the Kon Mari Method developed by Marie Kondo. Kondo has a Netflix series titled “Tidying Up” and many books on the benefits of her organizing style. Read up and start thinking about the process of organizing and how it fits into your life.
#2. Start With One Category
The Kon Mari Method suggests that you begin your organizing with one category at a time. So maybe you start with the garage or the kitchen. However, do not start both at once. This category method allows you to focus in and really contemplate one area of the home. Without the distraction of multiple projects.
#3. Pull Everything Out (Disturb the Peace!)
Next you are going to want to pull everything out of its place. Have you ever moved in your life? I recommend you think about this process the same way. When you move everything from its spot it is the ultimate test to see if an object is worth your time and space. Doing the same process as moving in small bite size pieces allows us to clearly see everything we own. When everything has a spot, we are less inclined to challenge its worth.
#4. Declutter
Now that everything is out of its spot go through each item and separate them into piles. Whatever piles make sense to you are the best ones to use. You could make one for donations, trash, resale etc.. The Kon Mari method asks you to determine whether each item bring you joy.
#5. Be Generous with Your Time
Organizing takes time, so don’t set a limit. It is an ongoing process that takes commitment and thought. Spending time to think about your projects will allow for a smoother job done. Also allowing space to make decisions about each item in your home will bring a new sense of control and confidence to your space.
I hope this article gave a good overview of the organizing process stripped down and simplified. A big project like a home declutter can be overwhelming but these bite size chunks are hopefully easier to swallow.
