The one thing I hear quite frequently is that people don’t know where to start or it just doesn’t work for them. That is where I am here to help. We are going to break this down into easy follow segments so you can learn how to organize. They will be simple enough that anyone can follow.
Of course, when it comes to trying anything new, such as organizing, you do need to know where to begin. Before you jump in and start to organize that cabinet, drawer, or closet, there are things you need to know.
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WHERE TO START WHEN LEARNING TO ORGANIZE
1. You can only do what you can
One person might be able to organize 5 dressers in one day, but for you, that is too much. You can only tackle one a time and so it takes you three evenings. Don’t worry about it.
The great thing about organizing is that it can be on your own terms. No one is there forcing you to do it. However, I do recommend you set personal goals, which is our next step.
2. Set goals
While you may not have to complete a task by a specific date for anyone but yourself, it is wise to set deadlines. Make a list of the tasks you need to finish and the time by which you want to accomplish them.
By putting this in writing, you instantly become accountable to yourself. Keep this in plain view where you can see it every day – so you won’t overlook it!
3. Create a schedule
You schedule time for work, doctor’s appointments, games, vacations and more. You make sure to carve out time for these things. You do this because it is important to you.
The same holds true for organizing. Schedule time to tackle your tasks. If you only have 30 minutes, then set the timer for 30 minutes and do what you can during that time. I will warn you though, sometimes you get started and don’t want to stop (which is not necessarily a bad thing).
4. Be willing to commit
Only you can commit to the project. No one can do it for you. Before anyone can ever make a change in his or her life, be it weight loss, financial — anything at all — one must be willing to put in the work.
It is not easy to do this, but if you are willing to go all in, with 100% effort, it will be worth it. I promise. However, if you are not able to do that, then you may not be entirely ready to organize your home.
5. Start small
When you are organizing for the first time, don’t start with the messiest room in your home (although, that might be tempting). Instead, select something which might be more manageable.
It might be your bathroom medicine cabinet or even your laundry room. You might select one kitchen drawer to organize. Once you accomplish your first organizing task, you will have figured out what worked and can move on to the next area.
Always remember that your house did not become disorganized or cluttered in a week, so you can’t expect to clean it all up in just seven days.
6. Sort while you organize
Before you start working on any space, make sure you have three boxes, bins or bags ready to go. Label them as follows:
- Donate
- Trash
- Relocate
As you clean and find something you no longer need, determine if it is something you will donate, throw away or if it needs to go somewhere else in your home.
Once you are through with that space, take your donate box and set it to be taken away. Make sure the trash is taken out. Finally, take the box of items you need to relocate and put them back “where they live” in your home. If you place them on a counter, dresser or floor, you are just adding more clutter instead of working on decluttering.
7. Celebrate small successes
Even if you tackle just one drawer, you deserve a pat on the back. That is one less drawer which is unorganized in your home. Perhaps all you can do is clear off one side of the kitchen counter. I say – WAY TO GO!
Once you know how to organize, you can tackle any room or space in your home. Sometimes, you just need someone to show you the way get you started.
