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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.
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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!
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