Really need to get organized!

Mrs D in May · September 2010

But...have no ambition to start.

I have let alot of clutter get out of control, and I have no ambition to start. It isn't because I am lazy, but I guess feel overwhelmed and don't even know where or how to begin.

Any advice?

edielaura · September 2010

If you really have the motivation (and the time), get rid of anything you don't need. In your whole house. If that's too overwhelming, do it room by room. I bet there's lots of stuff to donate.

Then go through everything that's left: keep, toss, donate.

Then organize it.

I simplified it (probably too much) but that's the basics.

Play music or only do it during commercials.

nluvntheSE · September 2010

There are a lot of books out there on getting organized, but most of them are only helpful if your personality or situation is similar to the author's. But, a couple years ago I discovered an author, Julie Morgenstern, who has books on organizing that address all kinds of personalities, different reasons for lack of motivation, and different lifestyles. I used her book, Organizing from the Inside Out first and it was really helpful in restructuring how I organize and doing it in a manageable way. It's for sale on amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Organizing-Inside-Out-Second-Foolproof/dp/0805075895/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1284418540&sr=8-1) and your local library probably has a 1st edition copy. I actually just finished her book, Time Management from the Inside Out and it has been life changing for me. I know that sounds like a really strong statement, but it really has been immensely helpful.

Anyway, good luck with the organizing project!

martinilove · September 2010

I guess it really depends on what you're trying to organized. But I definitely agree with pp in doing it room-by-room. It's very easy to get overwhelmed by it all, but I'm feeling like it's time to de-clutter, I usually go to my clothes closet first; I often find that it's the little push I need to get started and help me to continue going through everything else. I go through everything (clothes, shoes, accessories, etc.) and anything I haven't used in the last year, I get rid of or anything that doesn't fit, I get rid of. I put it all in a big garbage bag and donate it. Once I'm done there, I move onto bedding, towels, etc. I just keep moving from there and eventually get into a groove and can't stop!

maxtherat · September 2010

Most of the time, The easy way to start is to look at the mess and the extra clutter and get disgusted with it. . . let that be your motivation . . . Once you've decided, that's it the junk has got to go. . that's when you can start working. . .

Get some good, happy music on the ipod, pick one room and sit down to sort stuff (if you have too much pick one area of one room) make three piles, trash, donate, and keep. Any thing that you haven't used in 1 year goes in the donate pile or garbage pile depending on condition. . (I sometimes go with the 6 months rule, however that doesn't always apply as there are some things that are seasonal like winter coats and camping gear) Once you've gone through a whole section or room, Move the garbage pile to the garbage and the donate pile to another room or garage or wherever you have space to put it and add to it until you are done. Then take a break, treat yourself for your hard work!! (it helps to motivate if you have breaks) Then you go back in and put everything that you are keeping away wherever you like it, try rearranging furniture in that room, or even buying new, (try Ikea for great functional organizing furniture). Then use how great that space looks for your motivation to repeat the cycle until everything is organized. This is never a quick process mind you, It might take a week or even two to go through everything and get it all straight. . . especially if it's been neglected for awhile. Bit it'll be well worth it once you are done!! )

Happy Organizing!!

R&B3-26-05 · September 2010

Another tip: Just get started! Don't let your perfectionism or fears stand in the way. Take small steps, break it down into 15 segments and you will be amazed at what you get done.

Mashara · September 2010

That's pretty much the place I'm in right now. I sat down last weekend and wrote myself a list (kind based on the steps given by edielaura). I made a header for each room and listed 2-5 things for each. I stayed away from little stuff to keep myself from getting bogged down.

First, I named things that I wanted to donate to make more room: futon upstairs, air conditioner in the attic, treadmill in the basement.

Then, I identified organization ideas to help reduce present and future clutter: recycle sorting bins for under the kitchen sink, wall storage shelves for the basement, and mesh or clear plastic bins for the linen closet.

Last, I named projects or wants that we never got around to after moving into the house: white dresser for bedroom, crafting table for hobby room, floor lamps for living room, new dining room set, and hanging artwork in the breakfast nook.

As I work on an item, I clean and organize the surrounding space. So far, I feel very proud of each accomplishment.

ap517 · September 2010

Yea, same boat here. Def attack each room at a time, and do it in small spurts, like one hour, then reward yourself and watch a favorite show, then another hour, etc. otherwise you will be burned out! Really ask yourself, am I going to wear this a year from now? Toss it out. Another thing that helps me, and only if you have a storage place, is pack up all of the spring and summer clothes and put them into storage. When you go to take them out in March, ask yourself if you are really going to wear such and such. It will help you focus on there here and now instead of being bombarded with stuff from the past (or future, depending on how you look at it). Good luck.

Really need to get organized!

Re: Really need to get organized!

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