4 Ways to Get Organized Without Feeling Overwhelmed
Life is chaotic. The hustle of day-to-day routines and activities keeps getting busier and more complicated.
It's okay if getting your home organized doesn’t fall at the top of your to-do list. But regardless of whether that’s because you don’t have the time or because it seems so daunting that you never actually take steps to put things away… We’ve been there.
If you are nodding along thinking, “Yes, I am so overwhelmed at the state of my home - I don't know where or how to start!” this blog is for you! We know how scary and stressful those feelings can be - it’s one of the reasons we do what we do! We love to help our clients experience the relief and calm of an organized home!
So this month, we’re outlining 4 quick and easy steps you can take to start transforming your home from chaos to calm.
1. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes
Just START.
If the timer ends and you feel like you’re finished, stop! Congratulate yourself for whatever progress you’ve made and give yourself grace if today isn’t the day for more. If you’ve gotten some momentum and have some steam left in you, set another timer and keep going!
2. Select a space
Choose the area you’re going to tackle. Start small as you begin, with one cabinet or drawer. Plan for a small section of your closet, office, or other space before you attempt to organize a full room.
3. Decide on your intention
Decluttering should always be your first intention! Purging items you no longer need, use, or love will instantly lighten your space. If you’ve already decluttered, you’re ready to categorize, micro-organize, or add containers!
Swoon Tip: Keep like with like and store frequently used items in the most accessible areas!
4. Create a productive environment
Select 2-3 songs that put you in a good mood to make your session more enjoyable! Turn on the lights to brighten your space and get the tunes going. Give yourself a reward if you need more motivation! A nice glass of wine, a dessert, some time with your guilty pleasure reality tv show, a bubble bath or a face mask - something to give yourself a little extra incentive!
Space-by-space tips:
CLOSETS:
Get rid of clothes that don’t fit. If you’re keeping items for aspirational reasons, relocate them so that aren’t in prime real-estate areas!
Pull out items that should live elsewhere (and then actually put them there!)
BATHROOMS:
Toss expired makeup or products. Dispose of expired medicine according to the label instructions.
Consider storing extra backstock/duplicate items in a separate cabinet or closet. Only keep items you’re using now and replenish as needed when something runs out.
PLAYROOM:
Toss any toys that are broken or are missing pieces.
Pull out and store or pass along toys that aren’t the appropriate age/group for your kid(s)
PANTRY:
Toss expired food or any ingredients you don’t/won’t use.
Donate any unopened non-perishables to a local food pantry.
LINENS:
Get rid of torn, stained, or well-used linens and towels.
Keep bed linens together according to bed size so that finding whatever set you need is easier
CLEANING CLOSETS:
Remove any duplicates by consolidating partially empty cleaning products
Toss any products you don’t like or don’t use anymore (especially if you are now mindful of children or pets)
HOUSE SWEEP:
Take a quick stroll through your home and pick up any items that aren’t in the proper spaces and put them back into their proper rooms. (This is particularly helpful for bigger homes and/or families.)
We hope you are able to take 10 minutes out of your day or your week to try these four steps and see where it gets you! If the organizing bug bites you and you feel empowered to tackle more spaces in your home, we know the feeling! If you find you’re facing an uphill battle, know that you aren’t alone. We’re here to support you with additional tips and motivation to keep going. If you’re in need of a bit more help, our team of pros is just one call away!
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