By Jamie Lober | Contributor
If you are seeking immediate satisfaction, staying at home might be all you need. “The new year and spring are typically when people feel inspired to declutter, reorganize, and make changes,” mentions Rebecca Darland, a professional organizer based in Dallas. We’ve all felt the irritation of misplacing an item, sometimes leading to unnecessary repurchases. If this resonates with you and you’re ready to eliminate clutter, it’s crucial to prioritize it. Take advantage of smartphone apps to create to-do lists or set reminders for organizing tasks. You shouldn’t have to host a dinner party or gathering to find the motivation to tidy up your space. Darland shares insights on how decluttering your home might be the first step in regaining control of your life this spring.
Start Small
• Tackle one room at a time to avoid being overwhelmed.
• Recognize small achievements, like organizing a junk drawer or a bathroom cabinet.
• Simple tasks, like making your bed each morning, can have a significant impact.
Have a Vision
• Understand what you want and create a plan for it.
• Think about how you wish to use the space, who utilizes it, and who should know where items are stored.
Prioritize
• Go beyond just rearranging items.
• Evaluate what items you truly need or use.
• Categorize belongings into groups like essential items, those for donation or gifting, and items you’re uncertain about.
• Reflect on what is genuinely useful in your life, and let go of items that no longer serve you.
Have a System You Like
• Make the organizing process enjoyable.
• Acquire colorful and decorative storage bins.
• Choose new cabinets.
• Look for attractive shelf liners.
• Digitize documents by scanning and shredding them.
• Find tools and accessories that you enjoy using.
• Consider label makers to help everyone know where items belong.
• Optimize small spaces by organizing vertically rather than horizontally.
• Use hooks on walls or the backs of doors.
• Utilize sliding bins or casters under the bed.
Involve Your Child
• Encourage your child to take ownership of their space and make decisions.
• If they have an item of significance, find ways to display or store it appropriately.
• Ask them to think about who might benefit from items that they no longer find useful.
• Select bins that are lightweight and easily accessible for your child.
Stick With It
• Approach organizing with the same dedication as you would for soccer practice or dance classes.
• Schedule regular organizing sessions on your calendar, even if it’s just once a week.
• Set aside specific times to manage paperwork.
• Ensure your goals for organizing are realistic and achievable.
Remember the Benefits of Decluttering
• You will save time.
• Your mental clarity will improve.
• You will save money.
• Your sleep quality may enhance.
• You will experience an increase in energy.
• Stress levels will decrease.
• The risk of heart disease may lower.
• You will find greater happiness.
• It’s an endeavor everyone can undertake!
If you’re struggling to get started, consider enlisting the help of a professional. According to the National Association of Productivity and Organizing, a professional organizer can help you achieve your desired results regarding functionality, order, and clarity in your life. Following this plan may even make you look forward to spring cleaning.
Resources:
Simplify Your Nest, Rebecca Darland, 214.585.2738
Style By Amy, Amy Levenson Krumholz, 214.232.6601
