Is It Time?

Is being more organized a goal for the New Year? If so, you’re not alone! Being more organized, getting organized or staying organized are the top goals for the New Year. If this is an area you are hoping to impact, here are some ideas to get you going in the right direction…
· Identify your area of greatest frustration and start there - Making an impact on such a challenging area will help to build momentum and keep you moving forward.
· Stay put - When working on an area of your home, let’s say the closet, it’s tempting to walk to the bathroom to put away the lipstick you found in your jeans pocket; but doing so can quickly derail your efforts and squash what would have been a productive hour. Instead, bring a basket, bags, boxes, or any storage container to the space you are working in and use one for “items that belong somewhere else in the home”. Once you have completed the area you were working in, take the container with you throughout the house to put away the items that didn’t belong. You will find that you will complete one project fully, rather than creating 4 or 5 unfinished projects.
· Allow yourself time to truly complete the project - Schedule in the trips to Goodwill, consignment, locations to make returns, or wherever else your discoveries might take you. This is an important step; otherwise you are simply moving things from one area of your home to another instead of removing what’s been weighing you down. Even if it’s one or two items, make the commitment to finish the process completely. It will make a difference!
· Solicit help - Organizing is a skill. If you find you are more skilled in other areas, bring someone in who has the skills, ideas and experience to partner with you in the process. If being organized isn’t a strong suit for you, it’s okay! You are strong in other areas! A Professional Organizer can offer helpful, realistic and respectful options to help you on your way to a more organized and less stressful 2011!