Basic Organizing Tips

The first thing to know about getting organized is that the process is all about mindset; clutter is, in fact, unmade decisions or unresolved emotions. If you look honestly at the stuff that you have lying around, I believe you’ll agree with that assessment. If you want the physical changes you make to be long-lasting, it is imperative for you to learn to make decisions that you can trust – and then make them on a regular basis, or the clutter will reappear. If ongoing clutter has been an issue for you, it may be that you can benefit from some initial help. We all need help with something at some point in our lives; it’s a sign of strength and maturity to know when to ask for it.

Sometimes friends or family will offer to help, and though they mean well, their help often translates into judgment rather than support and guidance – they will scornfully tell you what to keep and what to get rid of, rather than allowing you to discover what matters to you. If that happens, the process of learning to discern exactly what are your priorities is thwarted, and rather than feeling empowered, you may end up feeling like you’ve lost your unique voice to the will of another --- again.

If done consciously, the process of sorting through your stuff and deciding what to keep and what to let go of can indeed be a positive turning point for the rest of your life. This process is a powerful opportunity to decide what matters to you beyond all of the programming that you were raised with or you have perhaps unconsciously let others impose upon you. This is huge! For those who think that getting organized is all about boxes and bins, I say: “Oh, but it’s so much more!”

Tip list:
1) If working alone, dedicate time in half hour increments so that you won’t get overwhelmed and give up.
2) As you sort through your things, ask yourself these simple questions: “Do I love this item? Do I need this item? Do I use this item?” Your first impulse will generally guide you well; listen to it.
3) Have trash and recycling bags ready for those things that fall into those categories.
4) Have something like plastic bins ready – about the size of a laundry basket so they’re not too heavy to lift – for things that you don’t want but intend to either sell at a yard-sale, sell on-line, or donate to your favorite charity.
5) Be sure to return borrowed items to their rightful owners.
6) Keep a pad of paper near you as you embark on this process as things that you need/want to do will readily come to mind, and you won’t be able to recall them all if you don’t write them down at the time.
7) Begin to notice the impulse to buy more things that you don’t really need. When you feel inclined to do so, sit with these feelings – you may be able to get in touch with what the void is that you’re trying to fill with material possessions.
8) Take some time to define what goals you would like to achieve in your life are. Learn to channel your energy towards your higher priorities rather than cluttering your space with excess stuff.

~This article was published in the August 2008 edition of 'Yard, Garage, and Estate Sale' newspaper in Los Angeles.~

Professional Organizer, SASHA LAUREN, 310.927.0297
http://www.remarkabletransformations.com/