Head diva, SimpleSolutionsDiva.com
Special to the Recorder
Why is organizing the hardest thing to do for me? It’s the “getting started.” I have to get to the point where I’ve had enough of dreading opening that drawer (or closet, or garage). I have to be in the mood — it helps for me to feel ruthless and so irritated by the clutter I am ready to burst.
I believe most people have clutter in their homes; some are just better at hiding it. I know it’s a problem because there are people who make a living helping others get organized. Marie Kondo, the Japanese organizing queen, has a new series on Netflix, helping people navigate the difficult (and emotional) task of decluttering. Many of my friends try to follow her guidelines for organizing, but in reality, who has the time to acknowledge every item, ask if it “sparks joy” and then “thank it” as it gets donated.
So, what should you do? My solution was to work with professional organizer, member of NAPO (National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals) and Atlantic Beach resident Christine Stone of Neatly Designed (http://neatlydesigned.com/).
Four years ago, I asked Christine (Chris) to be part of my “Clear The Clutter” video series. I thought it would be great content AND would be an easy way to address the clutter spots in my home. First project — tackle my craft closet (aka my anxiety closet). I thought the process would be straightforward — tackle the closet, Chris gives great tips to declutter and organize and BOOM, we’re done.
What I didn’t expect were the tears, weird hot flashes and ridiculous attachments to things like fuzzy balls and googly eyes. I discovered there’s usually a reason why people hold on to seemingly meaningless things. For me, my oldest left for college and letting go of items in the craft closet meant an end to a sweet phase of her life (and mine!). Thankfully, Chris turned out to be part organizer, part comedian and part counselor.
Recently, I reached out to Chris about organizing as a New Year’s resolution. She made the point that it really shouldn’t be a resolution at all. It should be a part of your everyday life. Now most of us will need to do a deep purge to get things initially started, but once you get organized, you’ll be thankful. Her top tips for organizing and keeping things organized are the following:
Keep like items together: This one step will prevent buying what you already own. Who hasn’t bought items, then a month later found more of the same, squirreled away in their closet or junk drawer?
Have a place for everything: Clutter can become overwhelming if there is not a place for items you want to keep. If you know where things are, you’ll save time and frustration.
The purge — Do you need it, use it, love it or have room to store it: Ask yourself these questions when deciding what to keep and what to let go. If you are stuck at this stage, bring in a professional like Chris to help you get over yourself and move on.
Scan and shred: To minimize paper clutter, scan items into your computer and shred old paperwork. Again, a professional organizer can set up a system that makes sense to you, making this task less daunting.
Label: Labeling is not just for organizers; it is a system that will keep you organized and save you time and money. Two years ago, I labeled every Christmas decor box I had, and it has saved me time and stress with the holiday tree trimming and breakdown.
After the process of decluttering and organizing, I found I felt lighter, calmer, had less anxiety and more time and energy to spend on doing things I wanted to do. I realized the piles of clutter paralyzed me; it felt good to move forward again. So as I embark on another organizing binge, I will focus on that positive feeling. (And if you don’t hear from me for awhile, tell the search party to start in my office.)
Laura Morey is a writer, public relations professional and creator of SimpleSolutionsDiva.com, a website with how-to videos on simplifying things in the home, kitchen, garden and more. Check out her “Clear The Clutter” tips at https://simplesolutionsdiva.com/category/clear-the-clutter/
