On March 17, 2008 I gave a presentation at the Women’s Lifestyle Show entitled 1-2-3 Organize Me! I told the audience that I would post an abridged version of the presentation on my blog with the details of my top Three Tips, Tricks and Texts. 1-2-3 Organize Me! Over the next few weeks, I will post on each area. Today’s post is on my three best tips to kick start your organizing challenge.
Tip # 1 – Take 5 Take 5 minutes to clear some clutter. Maybe it is a junk drawer, part of your linen closet or a 3×3 foot section in your basement or garage. Take 5 minutes to tackle a project. You may surprise yourself and keep going. Build up to one hour and then maybe 1/2 day. Set a time and stick to it. Don’t become overwhelmed but keep at it until the time is up.
Tip # 2 – Have a vision – make a plan Take the time to figure out what you want from your space – this is a VISION. If you are using a guest bedroom as a dumping ground or a have an entire basement as playroom but you want a home office, envision what the room would look like when you finish your project. This means make a simple floor plan. Figure out what can stay, what has to go and what has to change in order to make your vision a REALITY!
Tip # 3 – Use a system Use a system that will help you accomplish you goal. F-A-S-T is a simple one used by Clean Sweep host and best-selling author, Peter Walsh.
- Fast Fix a time and stick too it
- Anything not used in the last twelve months has to go
- Someone else’s stuff has to go back to the them
- Trash what you know to be garbage
A system has to be simple. Use 5 sorting bins labeled ‘keep’, ‘donate’, trash’, ‘recycle’ and ‘somewhere else’. Quickly scan the room in a clockwise manner and toss the items in the bins where they belong. This system is effective and can help you get started – FAST!
Margarita Ibbott is a travel and lifestyle blogger. She blogs about travel in Canada, the United States and Europe giving practical advice through restaurant, hotel and attraction reviews. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and other online media outlets.