When the result you want seems almost impossible, just focus on the task in front of you. Each completed task is another step forward towards what you want to achieve.
Thankfully, no matter how small the space or large the collection, the same basic process can be applied in every situation. And when we get overwhelmed, it can help relieve our stress to bring our focus back to the place right in front of us, to the specific place in the process we are in, to the box or the bag or the item in our hands. The process needs to be worked through to get to the desired result; and it usually can't be rushed through without regrets. So, breathe, go slow...minimize thoughtfully.
Take the time to be considerate of your needs and wants as well as your timeline, finances, workload, and support system. Keep in mind that no two situations will be the same every day and unexpected challenges will probably come along. And that’s just fine. No reason to worry. Just stay with the process.
Before you begin to minimize and organize, take time to consider the long view.
The very first steps are, of course, defining your motivations, getting an idea of your budget, and asking for some support for the process in front of you. But it's equally important to think about what you’ll realistically be able to maintain over the long term. This doesn’t mean what you alone will be able to maintain; but rather what you and your family/team/support system will be able to maintain over time. Each person involved in the minimizing and organizing process needs to have a realistic view or clearly defined expectations of what will be involved in keeping the space up after all the work is done.
You also need to remember that you are a human with interests and projects and collections and a need for self-care! So, you need to plan for room, not just for things that are necessary - like dishes and phone chargers, but for space to do things you enjoy. If family members have hobbies, toys, or projects that require space then this needs to be thought about before you start organizing.
And there will need to be a place to keep these things as well as space to use them. Toys are fun; but only if there is a reasonable and safe space for them to be played with. Building computers or making jewelry are wonderful creative outlets; but only if there is a space to spread out the pieces during the sometimes-extended creative timeline. Fixing your own vehicles, landscaping a beautiful yard, and repairing your own home are admirable; but the tools need to be stored in a way that keeps them accessible and in good repair.
I know the idea of maintaining the space and thinking about all the activities that the area will be used for can be a little overwhelming at the beginning -- when the area you’re planning to clear is still cluttered, disorganized, and dusty. So, below I've included some questions and tips that will help you to create your own map, your own timeline, your own steps to follow...so you won't get lost in the piles during the process!
Write down your answers to the questions anywhere that you'll be able quickly access them when you feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or like your goal is slipping away from you. Focusing on the task in front of you will get you back on track!
1 ) What are the top three rooms you want to clear out and make comfortable?
If three rooms are too many, just start with THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE. Leave the others until you've finished the first room.
2 ) What activities do you visualize happening in these rooms? List specific activities for each room.
3 ) What are the items that need to be in each room for you to use them for what you’re visualizing? For example: sofa, gaming console, television. List items for each room separately.
4 ) What are some hobbies, activities, or personal projects that you want to make space for? List them below along with the type of space/organizing system you think they'll need.
5 ) Make a list of what needs to be removed from each room to make them suitable for the activities you have planned. If there is too much in the room to be specific, then write general categories (e.g., “toys” vs. “blocks, dolls”).
6 ) What are some things that take up a large amount of space that you could immediately sell or donate? For example: extra furniture in good condition, boxes of unused clothing, multiples of appliances or tools, stacks of unused camping or sports gear.
Removing these things will quickly create extra space and help to encourage everyone to keep working!
7 ) Where are you going to donate or list these items for sale (e.g., thrift store, charity, FB Marketplace, online auction, etc.)
Give yourself a deadline to get these things out...don't let them hang around.
8 ) What are some things that are irreplaceable parts of collections or are too sentimental for you to part with? For example: gold coins, family collectables or photos, grandpa’s train set.
List them along with the type of space they will need to store them safely or display them nicely.
9 ) What are the strictly necessary things that you need to keep and store? List them along with the type of space they will need. For example: Clothes – each person’s clothing must fit in their personal closet space; Cleaning supplies – must fit on the laundry shelf or under the sink in the kitchen; Tools to maintain the house – must fit in the garage or tool shed.
The goal is to minimize/get rid of what will not fit in the specifically designated areas. This list can be as short or as long and specific as you want it to be.
Once you know what needs to be in a room ( and what needs to be out of it ), then you can start the process of removing what needs to go and organizing what you've decided to keep. This process may take some time. Embrace it! In most cases you don’t need to finish in a day, a weekend, a week, or a month. You can take the time you need to get your results, your way, without being overwhelmed by the stress of a timeline. And if you need help from a professional cleaner, organizer, or coach then reach out and call someone! Help will be at your door ASAP!
HAPPY ORGANIZING!
Comments