ORGANIZING – HOW TO GET STARTED IN FIVE EASY STEPS:
(1) Identify the space you want to conquer
I recommend you start off with a small project. If you choose a room that needs a complete overhaul, like a new paint job or sheet rock on the walls, then I suggest you save that for later. Select something simpler. When selecting a project, think about what challenges you are currently facing on a daily basis that cause you frustration. Do need a way to file all your bills? Do you need one central place to store all your mail? Are your shoes cluttering your hallway? Is your closet a hazard? Are toys all over the floor?
(2) Document your vision. What about this space do you want to change?
Do you have a vision in your head on how you want your new space to look? What specifically do you want to change? (example: need space to hold mail and spare keys or need a better way to keep all the kids arts-n-crafts organized). Developing a checklist will make sure you don’t forget anything and will give you a place to record accomplishments!
(3) Set a deadline for yourself
Understanding and accepting your own self-imposed deadline, will avoid stress later. Be realistic when setting your own deadline.Is this a project that needs immediate attention? Or can it be done gradually over time? Either case, you will likely need to carve out the time to make it happen. Maybe you can take a day off work or possibly you can have your hubby take the kids out one weekend so you can focus on your project.
(4) Get your materials and leverage things you already have
Any organizing project requires materials. However, before you go out and buy anything new, look around your home for things you may already have. You would be surprised what you can pull from one room that works in another. In fact, this is one of the best decorating and organizing tips I ever received! Swapping things from one room to another can yield great results and save you a ton of money! Check in your attic, garage and basement for items you may have stored away.
(5) Execute against your plan
Time to get to work! Now that you have your project identified, your vision documented, your self-imposed deadline set and your materials in check – now it is time to execute. This is supposed to be the FUN part! There is no greater satisfaction that completing a project on your own. Understand that sometimes things “come up” and you may be required to re-evaluate your plan and revise accordingly. Don’t get discouraged and keep your priorities in check.
Happy Organizing!
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About Melissa Potvin
Melissa Potvin is the founder of the Girliemom brand and blog. Melissa has over 15 years working in Information Technology. Her career has spanned Professional Services, Mergers & Acquisitions and Global Operations. Melissa has 3 daughters ages 8, 10 and 12.
New follower from Bloggy Moms!
I so need to do some organizing aound my house! Love the tips!! http://www.jamiemoffatt@blogspot.com
I hope other people find your blog post listed here as helpful as I have. I run a weblog myself and would be pleased for you or the readers on your own website to check out. Please go ahead and read through my site just like I have with your own and leave a remark or two if you discover anything interesting. Thank you.
I hope other people find your write-up here as practical as I have. I manage a site myself and would be happy for you or the guests on your own site to visit. Please go ahead and browse through my website like I have with yours and post a remark or two if you discover anything interesting. Many thanks.
Very informative post, hope others get to see this. Thanks for linking up in Exposure 99% weekday hop, following back and i look forward being part of your blog. Have a great week..
May, thank you sooo much. I will enjoy your blog and hope to learn from you and others about the art of blog hopping. my first blog hop was a bit of a flop
LOL but I won’t let that get me down! i hope to do more. tell me what the secret is to making it uber successful ???
Hi there, I have popped over from Twitter to have a look at your website. It looks great and I enjoyed your post on organising. I used to be very organised prior to kids, I find now it is just the time factor and also the amount of stuff we have has multiplied by too much!
Emma -the Good Parent Guide.
My tip is to keep onto of it. I find that our art drawers go from being organised to not very easily particularly since they are handy for the kids to use.
I have followed your blog and All the best with your blog
thank you Emma for taking a few minutes to check out girliemom. Yes, organizing can definitely be very time consuming and well i will say it – a bit draining actually (hmm, perhaps a good blog post) because i agree it never ends and you have to stay always on it.
if i showed you my art drawers right now, you would have a good laugh., I will need to tidy those up before i show the world. Ha ! maybe another good post idea – a before and after !!!! All the best. look forward to blogging together!
-Melissa
Hello, This was a great thread thank u very much for sharing this info with me. We are going to bookmark your website for further reading. Thanks a bunch.
Your ideas on this topic is very intriguing and I hope to see more pieces on your site about it. I have bookmarked http://girliemom.com/blog-35-organize-your-life-in-5-easy-steps/ so I can avoid missing on any future articles related to this topic.
Great post over again! I am looking forward for your next post!
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