Everyone looks forward to Spring - let us open our windows and shed the heavy sweaters and coats! It’s a time to reset and a perfect time to get organized! Let’s stop procrastinating and clean out our closets, basements, garages, pantries… wherever there is clutter. Being organized has many benefits besides just adding extra space and an easier way to find things, but it also helps to reduce stress, and puts you more in control. Who doesn’t want that?!
Here are some simple tips to get started:
Take on one project at a time. Start with something small (a drawer or a closet, or even just your shoes!). Make sure you finish it. Once you see that first task completed, you will be inspired to keep going. Perhaps make yourself a schedule - one clean out per week, or if it’s small, one per day. Save the larger projects for the weekend or when you have a few days to dedicate to it.
Let some things go. You only use about half of what you have and we usually use the same things. If you haven’t worn something or used it in over two years, chances are you won’t miss it if you get rid of it. Going through your closets periodically will give you more room. Try to donate, sell, or give away and throw out as little as possible.
I prefer the “LIkes with Likes” method. This means putting all your hats and gloves in one place, a dish to drop your keys when you come home, and a separate container for recycling your paper or junk mail, just to name a few. Baskets are your friends, and carefully placed shelving can help, as well.
Never get discouraged or think everything should be perfect. There is no such thing. Being organized is a process and requires patience and a plan. Once you put some strategies in place, it should become a habit and easier to keep up with. Before I go to bed, I walk through the rooms and put things back where they belong. I don’t like waking up to a mess, it puts the day at an immediate disadvantage and starts the day with stress.
We can assist you on any organizing project to help put order in your home and bring you to Living Simple. Check out our website for all our services at www.livingsimple.info.
Happy Spring!!