Getting started

How to get organized in 2025.

Happy New Year! It's that time again, when we're all about fresh starts, new goals, and maybe a little bit of de-cluttering. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the thought of tackling your home organization, don't worry - we've got you covered. Here are some great tips t get you out of your head and on your way to an organized life.

1) Inner work

Grab a note pad and a pen and settle in to your favorite spot in your home with a cup of tea (or other warm beverage) . Ask yourself where in your lifeline are you right now. This is not just about your age but about the phase you find yourself in. Young parent, newlywed, fresh out of school, empty nester.....etc. Picture your current life. The you existing now ( not who you once were or strive to be) Now that your focused, write down everything you can think of that describes the "now" version of you. Words, phrases, feelings...put it all down on paper and set it aside, In a few days have a fresh look and cross off anything that does not actually apply.

If this seems confusing think about this. Once I was an athlete. That said, I've aged and sustained several injuries and am no longer a person who can use the word athlete on my list. I have not played tennis in 10 years, or skied in 4 years. While I may not be ready to sell my skis, the 10yr+ old tennis equipment serves no purpose in my life and even if I were to play again, I'd likely want to refresh the racquets and tennis balls. So, Athlete is no longer one of my words. Tennis and skiing enthusiast maybe..

But why do this exercise ? This list of words and phrases is the platform from which you can begin to de-clutter and more importantly curate spaces in your home that support your current life. Just like my ancient tennis racquets, you may be holding on to an idea of your current life that no longer fits, The exercise gets us mentally prepared to organize a home that supports where we are now.

2) Schedule Time to Organize

Just like you would schedule a doctor's appointment or a meeting, it's important to actually block out time on your calendar for organizing. Write it in your planner and treat it like a work meeting .

3) Keep a Donation Bin in the Closet

This is a great way to make de-cluttering a continuous process. Whenever you come across something that you don't need or use anymore, just toss it in the bin. This works especially well for clothes. Find an attractive bin (not a garbage can or bag something like this ). When an item is too loose or too tight, or does not feel like you any more you can place it in the basket. Once full you can donate the items to a charity shop or a friend or to the buy nothing project . Using a basket makes the process feel lighter, more respectful of the items and of yourself. We're gently letting go and moving on from items that no longer support us rather than throwing things away.

4) Start small

The junk drawer, your purse, the glove box in the car.... Pick a tiny project to work on and help you get your sea legs. As you move on, set a timer for 30 mins the first time, 45 mins the second time, etc. When the timer goes off you finish up, put things away and move on to other things.

5) Ask for help

There is no shame in it. You wouldn't hesitate to work with a personal trainer at the gym...so consider the benefits of working with a professional.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Organizer:

• Tailored Solutions: Professional organizers can assess your specific needs and help create a plan that works best for you.

• Sustainable Solutions: We can help you develop habits and systems that will keep your home organized long-term.

• Unbiased Third Party: We can help you make tough decisions about what to keep and what to get rid of with compassion and expertise that comes from years of experience.

• Achieve Goals Quickly: That experience and expertise can help you achieve your de-cluttering goals more efficiently.

• Witness We help bear witness to the stories of your life that have become intermingled with the objects in your home. In being witnessed we can often find clarity and feel more free to let go

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Remember: Getting organized is an ongoing process, and can benefit from support. So don't get discouraged . Just keep at it, get clear on who and where you are in your life, start small, treat yourself and your items with loving kindness ,and you'll eventually have the organized home of your dreams.