27 You Asked: Where do I Begin?!

Getting organized doesn't happen overnight.  It doesn't happen in a day.  In a week.  In a year.  It's a life long process that continues to build over time.  Hopefully the more organized you are, the more you will have time for the things you enjoy in life.  Whether that be your kids, family, friends, work, traveling or hobbies, it's all about filling your life with what makes you happy.

I find that I thrive in an organized space.  It takes less time to accomplish daily tasks when everything has a place to go, and I also despise spending time searching through piles when it's time to snag something in a rush.  It's all about creating a lifestyle that is easy to maintain and simple for the family, giving us more quality time for one another!

A stat that I read and now think about ALL the time because it was so jaw dropping to me was this, "American women spend 55.2 minutes a day looking for things, according to a study Real Simple conducted in 2003.  Those 55.2 minutes per day add up to a staggering 14 days per year."  - Real Simple The Organized Home.  OOFTA!!

As I mentioned, getting organized takes time.  And it's not for everyone, some people thrive on getting organized, others dread the tasks that get you there.

Bringing me to an incredible question I received from a reader.

Marian wrote:

Hi Jen,

My name is Marian from Florida. I just want to say how much I really admire your simplicity in everything and the way you organize things.  I wish you were living in Florida and do organizing and interior design for others. I would have hired you in a heart beat. But for now I would love to hear from you. I am in loss of where to start in organizing.do you have a game plan for each space or how do you do it?

Let me know? I know it is such an open question but may be you can lead me on the right path.

Sincerely,

Marian

And here is what I had to say back to Ms. Marian...

Hi Marian!

You have an extremely wonderful question, one that I am sure a lot of individuals face when looking to start either one project, or a zillion of them. 

Organizing can very quickly be extremely overwhelming.  I know, I have been there, and I tend to freak out when too many places or zones are losing order.  But the most important thing to do, is to take one little space at a time.  It really does help.  I start by focusing on one room or zone per month, and then when I have a spare hour, day or weekend to devote to that room, I attack it with a plan.  Picking which room to start with can also be a challenge.  I would recommend starting easy, don't tackle the worst first, because you might lose the energy to keep going.  Start small, then go big.  One small project is just as important and accomplished as a whole room update.

How do I plan?  I spend at least 15 minutes in that room, taking it all in and letting my ideas flow.  How do I ultimately want the space to function?  What is holding it back?  What do I love about the space?  What don't I love?  What is my budget?  What do I have around the house that could work in this room?  I start writing down all of my ideas in a notepad. 

Next, I start sorting.  Paring down and simplifying is one of the best ways to gain a cleaner, more functional space.  I look at a lot of the items residing and ask, do we use this and how often?  How will life change without it?  I also try to take mental note of anything I am getting rid of and why, so next time around I am not investing in things that I don't need or won't be happy with months down the line.  It's very eye opening when sorting, how much money could be saved by buying only things you truly love and save for and will cherish.

I tend to try to sell anything that I believe can be of use to someone or that is still in decent condition, to earn some money back for the room or my savings.  I have used Ebay and had garage sales, and am planning on listing some of my first items on Craigslist this week.  Anything that doesn't sell, is then donated.  I do my best not to be wasteful, there are times when things can be put by the curb with a sign "Free" instead of throwing it away....

After pairing down goods, I look at what's remaining, and again, keep in mind how it will be used.  I group "like" items and look for containers that will fit the items {hopefully I have things laying around the house, like empty boxes, soup cans, baskets or bins}, and locate them in places that are easily accessible.  The whole purpose is to make the space more functional when I am done with it.  And I am so lucky, I have been finding, the more organized I am, the more time I have to do more organizing!  But really, little bits at a time are key.  Don't try to do a whole room in an entire day or weekend.  Realistic time lines are key and really help ensure you don't get a feeling of being overwhelmed and flustered or discouraged.

Once you finish one or two projects, you may {and hopefully will} find that the amazing feeling that rushes over you, will be uber addicting and you will want to go back for more.  And then when life is easier because of the time you invested, you will find benefit and motivation to continue. 

You will do great.  If you need any specific advice on any project, please feel free to shoot me a note and ask.  When I hit roadblocks, I literally just spend extra time taking in the space and scour the blog world, my magazines and the internet for some added inspiration. 

xoxo,
Jen


So to sum it up quickly in a few bullets, here is how to get 'er done:

1.  Pick a space/zone - Start Small
2.  Make a list - Prioritize Projects
3.  Sort belongings
4.  Sell/Donate/Recycle/Toss
5.  Organize - Place items where it makes the most sense
6.  Pat yourself on the back, do a little dance, give a high five... feel accomplished!! 


To be honest, I find a lot of motivation from accomplishing projects that reap rewards on my time investment.  Seeing my kids and family benefit from the energy I have put into, is the biggest reward of all.  But I also find motivation from seeing the benefits others have found from their projects as well.  You all inspire me with your notes and stories every day.  Reading through blogs and magazines also inspire.  Inspiration is EVERYWHERE!

Because we are all so different, and different things work for different people, I gotta know, what works best for you when getting organized?  Anyone have any additional ideas or advice for Marian and the rest of us readers, that seem to work well for you?  What is your biggest organizing success and why?  I can't wait to hear from you incredibly talented readers!