Thanks to Cindy Bernstein of Aim4Order for this episode of Tips from the Pros to help you find out, “Where do I begin?”
Getting started is probably the biggest obstacle to organizing. Most people have to be in the pits of despair and in total angst to take action. Once you’re ready to take action, sometimes overwhelm causes numbness and immobility. You end up even more distraught and discouraged than before. What’s a person with clutter supposed to do??
Let’s Get Started
Here’s what I suggest:
Before you quit, think about who may be that calming, supportive person for you. If you come up empty, give us a call. We can help.
Deep breath – and another deep breath.
Engage in self-talk to get yourself straightened out. Think something along the lines of “Rome wasn’t built in a day and I can begin right now and make a dent.”
Grab a bag – and decide if you want it for trash, donate or recycle. Start picking easy items to fill the bag. You can do this for 5 minutes. Don’t overthink – just fill the bag for 5 minutes.
How Do You Feel?
Stop for a second and note how you feel – are you ok? If you’re ok, keep going. If you’re not ok, I’m guessing that you’re overthinking or perhaps you’re starting in an area that’s too hard. Pick ‘low hanging fruit- easy to decide’ area and see if it’s a tad easier.
When all else fails and you are unable to toss things in a bag, go back to basics. SORT like things together – put papers in one area/stack/box, put clothes in one area/stack/box, put household items together, put gifts to give in one item, errand items in one area…and before you know it, you’re making some progress.
Faster progress is always made when you can select items to trash/donate/recycle because you are reducing the volume in your house. BUT, when you can’t trash/donate/recycle, you can attempt to organize what’s there – but if the volume is too great, it may be a frustrating battle between you and your space. That may be the time when you need a more objective voice to help you make decisions.
Additionally, if you are thinking about buying or selling your home, contact Gigi today. Oh, by the way, I’m never too busy for any of your referrals!
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