3 Steps to Organized

If it were only just that easy!

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!