Did you know that one of the top five resolutions made every year is “to get organized”? In fact, it seems to be THE resolution that makes its appearance (along with getting in shape) year after year and is often found on the same person’s list. Why is that? We all long for the satisfying feeling that being organized is sure to bring, but we are like deer in headlights when it comes to fulfilling that goal. Let me explain…The trouble is that often you have no idea where to start! You might have even bought a few organizing products to help you in the process, but you can’t get motivated to begin. As a professional organizer, I know how to help you. You must understand that there is a process to take so that frustration doesn’t creep in and wreck your plans. You see, there is a right and wrong way to get organized. I am here to teach you the RIGHT way! But first, I want to make sure you understand what you are doing WRONG! Here it is – You don’t have a plan! It’s as simple as that, yet as complex as that, too. If you have no starting point, you are doomed from the very beginning. So, let me help you make that plan! The VERY first step to any organizing project is to visualize how you want the space to look when you are finished. The next step is to plan a way to get to that final stage. Without the vision, the ending is so much harder to achieve. The reason most people reach out to me is that they might know how they want the completed project to look, but they lose motivation along the way. To help with this dilemma, follow this step-by-step action plan to an organized space:
- Step 1 = Assess the situation. What is and is not working for you right now? And why is it not working? If the space to be organized is a closet, for instance, perhaps you are unable to find anything to wear, and when you do, the item you want is always wrinkled and disheveled. On the other hand, maybe you love the way your earrings are displayed, but the rest of your jewelry is here and there with no real place to call home. These are all examples of what you should take note of.
- Step 2 = Envision the outcome. Now that you have assessed the good, the bad, and the ugly, it is time to think about the fabulous! What do you want the end result to look like? If you have a hard time envisioning, I suggest searching Pinterest for examples that are similar to your own personal space that needs organizing. For instance, if your closet is driving you crazy, search for a similarly shaped and designed closet and notice how it is organized. Keep searching until you find the one that fits your needs the best. You can always make your own adjustments as needed.
- Step 3 = Create a plan of action. Now that you know where you are going, you can create a plan to get there. Make sure to include every little step of the process, right down to putting everything back into the space. For instance, a plan of action for a closet organization may look similar to this:
- Remove everything from the area
- Sort through each item and make a plan for what stays and what goes.
- Begin changing all hangers to matching hangers and begin putting your“keepers” back into the space.
- Make sure you put the items back in color order and like with like.
- Sort shoes on a shoe organizer to keep them off the floor and easier to see.
- Organize all drawers by “filing” t-shirts, jeans, pajamas, etc.
- Sort jewelry and place back in the closet in a neat and orderly fashion.
- Add finishing touches, such as a rug and pictures.
- Set a date to take any donated items to their specified locations.
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- Step 4 = Go shopping! Notice that this is step four and not the first step. A lot of people make the mistake of shopping BEFORE developing their plan of action. Not only is this a waste of time, but it is also a waste of money. You want to anticipate what you will need based on the plan of action you just made. I do tend to buy a few things extra for “just in case” moments, but I am familiar with the process and with the items that are most needed and used in each space. If I were you though, I would purchase only what you KNOW you will use and fill in with other items as needed.
- Step 5 = Carve out time. As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day and so it goes for organizing spaces. If you are organizing a closet, I suggest carving out an entire day to complete the job. It shouldn’t be rushed. Plus, it will give you time to do any last-minute shopping.
- Step 6 = Pace yourself. I ALWAYS tell my clients that it is going to look worse before it gets perfect! You must take EVERYTHING out of the space and, therefore, into another one in order to complete the process appropriately. This is when most people get overwhelmed and discouraged. Push through and don’t freeze! Just start! Pick up one item and ask yourself “Do I love and use this item?” If “no,” toss it out or put it in the donation bin. Then, move on to the next item, and so on. If you need to step away for a few minutes, do so. Just keep your breaks to a minimum of thirty minutes. The longer you are away, the harder it will be to return. Know this going into the process.
- Step 7 = Flow. Once you get into the flow and develop momentum, you will begin to see the end you envisioned coming to fruition. This is when the process gets exciting and things will begin to move faster and faster. Have fun!
- Step 8 = Add the finishing touches. I do not like to leave a space lackluster. Every place looks better with a little style added. My favorite pieces are rugs, pictures, artwork, and plants.
- Step 9 = Enjoy the view. You did it! You completed the process, and you now have a perfectly organized space.
- Step 10 = Reward yourself. And then get ready to move on to the next project. Organization is addictive.
Well, how do you feel? Do you think you could handle any organizing project? I hope so! But, if not, please feel free to call me at 318-366-4959 or email me with any questions that you have. I am happy to help! Follow me on Instagram here! Find my facebook page here! And for more awesome organizational tips, click here for my website!
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Erin Sharplin Love
erinlove@panachebyerin.com
318.366.4959
