Are you stressed by your messy, disorganized, chaotic space? Do you make attempts to clean it, only to walk away feeling overwhelmed, flustered and unsuccessful? Here are some tips to overcome your organizing woes.
First thing's first.
Pick a time and day that you have available to dedicate for this project.
I suggest the morning, as it is the time of day when we have the most energy.
Start with a good breakfast, a cup of coffee or tea, and get ready to dive right in.
Put something on that is loose and comfortable.
Turn on some music to help keep you moving, and off you go.
This problem didn't occur over night, so be prepared to spend a few days or weeks on regaining your space back.
If you only have a few hours a day for this project, I suggest you start with one corner or area of the space at a time.
Trying to do too much at once may prove aggravating and counter productive.
Start by bringing in 3 boxes, baskets, or garbage bags with you.
Label each one keep, trash, and donate.
I find that starting at the very far end of the space is the easiest way to get going.
Follow next three steps: 1.
SORT things by what you decide to keep because you could either use or repurpose it.
2.
TRASH things you haven't touched in one year, you really and truly don't need it.
Get rid of those ugly, outdated clothes and smelly shoes.
Not getting ride of old, broken or unused items is what got you into this predicament to begin with.
Get rid of it, it's taking up valuable space! 3.
DONATE items that are still in good shape.
Someone out there could probably use it and may very well need it.
Donated items maybe picked up by local thrift shop, St.
Vincent de Paul or the Salvation Army and are tax deductible.
Or you could post your items on Craig list or freecycle O.
K.
, so you've decided on what you must keep, what can go in the trash, and what will be donated.
Pat yourself on the back, this was no easy task.
With that behind you, this project will only get easier.
Now you must decide what you want or need to do with the space.
This is the time to paint, dust, vacuum and or mop this area.
Get rid of those dead bugs and cobwebs, they are no longer welcomed.
Decide how you want to store your things and figure out where they will go.
You may have to add shelving units for your new found treasures and buy baskets, or bins to store them in.
Almost done! All you have to do now is put your things away.
Be methodical and neat.
Place books or bins in size order.
Color code items such as clothing.
Organize shoes by style or season.
Group things of the same sort together.
Items stored in bins, should be labeled for easy reference.
If it was a room you decluttered, reward yourself by purchasing a plant, picture, or decoration.
When you are done, step back and take a look at your neat and organized space.
Take a deep sigh of relief.
Give yourself a round of applause and tell yourself job well done! Remember how it looked when you started? Your new rule to live by should be a place for everything and everything in its place.
Before you bring something into this area, ask yourself, do I need it? Is garbage? Do I have a place for it? These questions may help prevent this calamity from happening again.
Enjoy your reclaimed space!