6 Steps To Tackle Any Organizing Project by Lori Krolik

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Have a Plan

How will you use the space once it's organized? What's Your time frame? How will you block the time on your schedule? Where will you donate, trash, or recycle items you no longer want or need? How will you maintain your system?

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Whatever space you're going to tackle it's helpful to create a written plan of the process and the outcome. Without one you may start and never finish or spend more time than you need getting to the end result.

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Gather Your Supplies

Boxes for Sorting, Permenant Markers, Label Maker, Quart Size Plastic Bags, File Folders and Hanging Folders, a Container for Shred, Recycle, Donate, & Trash. Adapt your supply list depending on the space you are organizing.

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In order to keep the organization process moving along, you'll want to make sure you have what you need to get the job done. That does not mean you go out and purchase a bunch of containers as that is part of step #4.

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Sort and Purge

Get "like" items together and get rid of what you don't use or need. Use your "sorting boxes" to hold "like" items in a temporary home if they don't yet have a permanent one.

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This is often the hardest step because deciding what to get rid of can be a challenge. If you are hesitant to get rid of something, ask yourself, "What's the worst that could happen if I did not have this item?" If you can live with the answer, say "Buh-Bye!"

Eden Godsoe: I'm someone who easily purges but have a sister and husband who tend to hold onto things. I like the idea of asking them "what's the worse that could happen without this item." Usually I just throw the thing out and challenge them to recall what is missing. They never can!

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Determine Your Container

Before purchasing a container to house your items consider: Drawer or Cabinet? Will items be more accessible in a container with a lid or without one? Who needs access to the items? How often do I access the items? What size container will work best?

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You want to make your space as efficient as possible. If you use ill-fitting containers it will make accessing your items difficult. Eventually you'll stop using the containers and your organized space will return to a cluttered mess. So put some thought into your container before you head to the store or click the "buy" button on your computer.

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Implement Your Vision

Take out the trash and recycle and remove the donation items so they don't creep back in over time. Place items in the container or home you designate. Label containers as needed. Familiarize others with where things go.

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You started with a plan, put in the work, and are ready to create the space you imagined. Enjoy your newly organized space!

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Maintain Your Success

Make a commitment to maintain your system by scheduling periodic clean ups to continue your success.

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Once your space is organized you don't want to go back to where you were. Know that life is busy and your space will not always look perfectly neat and organized, but you should be able to quickly recover. You'll only have to spend minutes rather than hours cleaning your space because you know where everything goes.

Krista: This is a great tip! I think maintaining (with almost anything) is often the hardest part. I love all of the advice you dispensed here.

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