Happy New Year! If your resolution is to become more organized than this post is for you. I am launching an 8 week home organization series on the blog next week. My goal for 2014 is to become a go-to organizing expert. I have been getting outside my comfort zone and talking to local groups and putting my processes on paper. The photo above is of my speaking to the local Peninsula chapter of the National Charity League (NCL) last month.
Talking to the girls was a great experience and a reminder that passing on my knowledge of organizing is a true service. I wanted to give the girls something to take home with him so I developed a handout featuring my 6 step organizing process. (Please feel free to print the steps for yourself as a reminder!)
The girls seemed excited to meet with me and go over the process. The steps may seem simple and that is because they are! Here is one of the girls with the handout…
The girls were each given index cards to write their questions for me on. It was fun to read about what piece of the organizing process they are struggling with. I wasn’t surprised at all when many of their questions were about time management and maintenance (that is what EVERYONE struggles with!)
Here is a glimpse at some of the questions, don’t you like the one on the bottom right?
Here is a breakdown of the answers I had for the questions above:
1.) How to figure out how to make your room look good and also have things in the right spot? I have trouble keeping all my small baskets neat?
If you are having issues keeping up the system you have set up (baskets, bins) I would suggest purging more (you might have too much stuff), separate items more specifically (instead of having homework supplies in one bin consider smaller bins for paper, pens, sticky notes, etc..), and spend more dedicated time on maintenance (5-10 minutes a day instead of headaches searching for things all week).
2.) How do you organize a room that looks clean but is actually very messy and disorganized?
I can relate to this question. My house always looks organized but it doesn’t always feel organized. Take the time to find homes for things that make sense. Invest in pretty products like shelf liner, baskets, hangers. Labeling things will also help put your mind at ease. It is a reminder that things are in their place!
3.) If you disorganize your room do you have to start the entire process again?
Not necessarily. If the organizing process isn’t working for you because you don’t have enough space for everything to live or can’t find things you should start at step #1 and be tough about purging. If you have been busy and haven’t had time to put things back where they live go to the maintenance step and take time to put things back where they live.
4.) Do you ever organize boys rooms?
Yes, I have worked with boys of all ages! The process is the same for them, ha!
Starting Monday I am kicking off my 8 week home organizing series. I will be giving you organizing tips and sharing my favorite tricks for just about every room in your house. There will also be before and afters and lots of inspiration to help motivate you to keep up with your resolution.
Please ask lots of questions, leave comments, and even send me pictures of a space you a struggling with! My goal is to help you take control of the spaces that are giving you the biggest headaches!
The series starts on Monday with my organizing tips for kitchens so stay tuned!
ASHLIE says
Can’t wait!
Rosemary says
we can all do with this valuable guidance! Thank You!