| Organizing 101: What to Get Rid Of, What to Keep, and Where to Start |
| Written by Heidi DeCoux |
| Tuesday, 10 November 2009 10:28 |
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Are there things that you want to get rid of that are cluttering up your home, but you are afraid you might, at some point, need them in the future?
Are there things that you want to get rid of that are cluttering up your home, but you are afraid you might, at some point, need them in the future? As a professional organizer, the top two questions I get asked are: "How do I figure out what to get rid of?" "How do I know I won't need that item again?" In this article I am going to reveal a secret: knowing what to get rid of, what to keep, and where to get started. What to Get Rid Of: If it's not meaningful or useful, get rid of it. How will you know you won't need it in the future? You don't! You only know that you don't need it right now. Here is what you must believe: you will be able to get that item again just as you were able to get it in the first place. You have to trust the market place. It is as ready as you are to swap things. If you find that you do need it in the future, you will be able to simply find a substitute on Craigslist, eBay, or another of the online free markets in the US. Let's just say you sell an unused bookcase on Craigslist for $40 and that one year later you decide you need a bookcase. You will be able to find one within a week or two. Usually you can find one that even better suits your needs. In addition, you have had $40 in your pocket for the past year. What to Keep: Keep only the things that are useful or meaningful. If you are the type of person that cannot let memorabilia go, give this simple three-step process a try. 1. Prioritize the items you value and keep the top 10 things that mean the most to you. 2. Honor your memories by beautifully displaying them. Frame a special t-shirt, hang it on the wall, or create a shadow box of special jewelry, news clippings, and other small items. 3. Find a single, large bin or box (less than 15 gallon) for each family member. Pull out favorites and fill the bins. Bless another person by donating or selling the remaining items. Where to Get Started: Make a list of areas that you want organized. Choose the area you use the most. In one area: Start clearing out stuff that is obviously garbage or recycling. You will get distracted, but focus on garbage and recycling; don't touch anything else. Here's a focusing tip: put on your favorite song and have it cleared out before the song ends. Next, place three large bins in your working area. One bin for things to be donated, one for things that can be sold, and one for things that belong someplace else. If needed, you can get more bins. When done sorting, move the bins to a different area. You can only begin organizing after all items have been sorted. Only organize the items you are keeping. Reassess the space. What purpose would you like it to serve? What can you do to maximize the space? Can you use the walls to maximize space for displaying items by keeping them off the floor? Let the organizational process be guided by the answers to these questions. If you need help making the most of your space, or if you get stuck on one of these steps, think about hiring a professional organizer. A qualified organizer can be found in your area by checking with the National Association of Professional Organizers (napo.net). About the Author: Heidi DeCoux is publisher of Life Made Simple e-Magazine, a professional organizer and creator of the Fast-Filing Method home office filing system. Heidi energizes her readers' by simplifying their homes ... schedules. For more info, free tips, and to receive her FREE Report: The Fast ... Easy Way to Get Organized and Stay Organized Forever, visit ClearSimpleLiving.com |