First must come the desire to organize. (Sometimes it is not the desire, but the NEED to organize). And then, overcome the overwhelming dread of the task before any organizing can begin.
Let’s break this down into smaller more manageable steps…
1. SORT
A. Designate an area for the items you plan on
keeping.
i. Choose an area that can be occupied for as
long as needed to complete the task. Choose a location that will not be adding
to the stress that this temporary disorganization will undoubtedly cause.
ii. Do not be tempted to leave items in their
existing location. This space needs to be completely cleared.
iii. This step is important in determining how
much space each sorted group of items will need, in order to properly organize
and divide the space.
B. Designate an area for the items you plan on
throwing away.
i. After a final review of items to throw
away, immediately bag items for disposal.
ii. Take bags to location for disposal.
iii. Do not go back into disposal bags.
C. Designate an area for the items you plan on
selling or donating.
i. Have separate areas for family, friends,
neighbors, consignment and charity.
ii. Immediately bag or box items up and get
them into your car for drop off.
iii. Do not go back into the selling and
donating bags.
2. PLAN
A. Group all like items together.
i. Sub-categorize the frequently and
infrequently used items.
1. Frequently used items will be store where
they are accessible.
2. Infrequently used items will be stored out
of the way.
ii. Make sure that all items are appropriately
stored.
1. Items to hang, should be on hangers (of the
same size and shape).
2. Items to fold, should be folded.
3. Items to be boxed, should be boxed (in
clean, damage free boxes).
4. Loose items, should be loose.
a. Sorting these items will help determine the
best storage accessory.
b. Avoid putting items in this category; it is
counter-productive to organization (to a certain extent).
B. Determine each category’s required amount
of space and best location.
i. Defined by the area.
1. Closets = linear feet (and hang height) per
frequency of use for clothing and accessories.
2. Garages = size, shape and frequency of use
for automotive supplies, sporting equipment (large and small), lawn maintenance
equipment, work bench and tools, etc.
3. Offices = size and frequency of use for
assorted supplies, incoming and outgoing paperwork, office equipment, data
storage, etc.
4. Laundry = the goal is to optimize
productivity and ease of use for clean and soiled clothing, appliances,
cleaning supplies, etc.
C. Determine best storage accessory for loose
items.
i. Defined by the user.
1. Open functional storage for the “I need to
see it” person.
2. Closed and labeled storage for
the“hide-it-away” person.
ii. Best left for last.
1. After organizing and planning for
categorized storage, ideas for compartmentalizing and locating loose storage
usually materializes.
2. If attempted beforehand, time and effort is
usually wasted locating and relocating loose items while trying to find an
appropriate spot.
3. EXECUTE
A. Install a new system or repurpose an
existing system (or a combination of both).
i. The KEY to organization is “A place for
everything; and everything in its place”!
ii. Start with the big components and work your
way to the smaller components and accessories.
B. Put items away in their designed location
i. Don’t be discouraged if the 3-dimensional
reality of the designed space, in comparison to what was planned on paper (or
in your head), needs to be tweaked.
ii. Spatial thought takes practice. Smaller,
shallower items shouldn’t be stored below or behind larger, deeper items – they
will get lost and forgotten, and your space won’t function optimally.
C. Enjoy!
It is a big process. Plan for plenty of time and for a time of day when you are most energetic. Play stimulating music in the background. Stay nourished and hydrated! Enlist the help of an encouraging friend or family member (not someone that will slow you down with distractions or frivolity – at least not until afterwards). You will reach your goal!
