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Organizing Essentials

Ten Essentials to Make Your Organizing Project a Success!

I often get asked Amber, What do I need to do or buy before you come to organize with me?  I usually respond, nothing because I really would prefer to see the space in its’ natural or normal state. It is not helpful if the client has cleaned up or tidied the room before I come. It actually hinders the process believe it or not.  In order for me to come up with solutions and systems that best fit the client, I need to understand what’s preventing or hindering the organization. As I continued to think through that commonly asked question, I did come up with ten things that would make the organizing appointment more productive and efficient in the long run. So here they are, in no particular order.

 1. A label maker. Here’s the skinny on label makers. The more money you spend the more bells and whistles you pay for. So if you want lots of font options, tape sizes, and graphics splurge on the more expensive ones. I on the other hand, like the basic $19.99 Brother Model. Labeling tape can be pricey so I use my labels for basic uses and that’s it.

2. Comfy Clothes. In the beginning when I first started organizing, I’d show up in a blouse and nice black slacks. I quickly learned that organizing in those clothes didn’t make any sense. When I organize, I’m moving, lifting, and bending. I’m on the floor, on a ladder, and reaching into different spaces. Some are cleaner than others; most are dusty and dirty. Now I wear a breathable cotton short sleeved polo and khakis. I suggest the same for you. Don’t wear your best clothes while organizing. A t-shirt and jeans will do.

3. Supportive Shoes. Some days I’m on my feet all day-upwards to six to eights hours. I support my feet and I suggest you do the same. A sturdy pair of gym shoes or Dansko’s does the trick.

4. Garbage Bags. As you organize there will always be something to throw out or donate. Buy some nice sturdy Hefty bags. The oversize contractor bags are nice but can’t be filled to the brim. If you do use the contractor bags, you could end up straining your back lifting them.

5. An open mind. Think outside the box. If you’ve been doing something one way forever and it isn’t working, answer the question why? Try something else. Be open to new ideas and new suggestions if you’re working with an organizer or friend. The old way of doing things might not always be the best or easiest way.

6. A giving heart. There’s always a need for downsizing, purging, or editing- whatever you want to call it. Commit to be a giving person and stop holding onto every single little thing. If the item isn’t super expensive and if you could easily find and buy the item again, don’t second guess yourself. Let it go.

7. An optimistic outlook. Think positive. Embrace change. With getting organized, come changes, new challenges, and new ways of doing things. Commit to giving it your best foot forward and trying your best. In anything, there’s a learning curve and hurdle to jump. Stick with it and you’ll surprise yourself.   

8. Minimal distractions. Don’t answer the phone, don’t check your email, and send the kids to grandmas. If you stay focused, you’ll cut off so much time that would otherwise be wasted.  

9. Post-its, Sharpies, and a Notepad. It never fails that as you’re digging through items you want to remind yourself someone to contact or something to research regarding an item. It could be looking up how to recycle something. It could be calling a relative to ask if they want an item back, etc. So always keep a notepad handy. I like to also have Sharpies and Post- Its on hand.  It’s sometimes easier to tag an item or label an item with a Post it. It’s a quick solution for labeling something temporarily.

10. A Certified Professional Organizer.  If you’ve tried to organize on your own and have failed, don’t get yourself down. It’s common. Almost every single person that calls me can relate and admits defeat. It might be the right time for you to say, I’m going to try a professional. Why do you think professional organizers exist? We actually take you from start to finish and walk you through the project, seeing it to completion. If your last organizer didn’t do that for you, they weren’t a qualified organizer. 

 

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