The leaves are turning colors, the temperature drops, and you feel energized. What a great time to tackle an organization project! What about organizing your home office or at least the space you pay bills and surf the web? Whether it is one desk drawer, a file drawer, or your whole office, now is the time!
The problem most people face is actually getting started, so what I recommend is to schedule your organizational project with a date and time and put it on your calendar. This will alleviate all the “I don’t have time” excuses. You can also set an appointment with a professional organizer or a design consultant depending on the size of your project.
Once you have scheduled your project, you must decide the steps required to complete it:
- Is it a one person project or will you need help?
- What organizational tools will be necessary; new file folders, clear boxes, labeling tape, etc.
- How long will your project take?
- Have you focused on a single, attainable project, or have you over-committed?
- What is the ultimate “end result” of your project?
- Can you work with the space allotted or do you need to build shelving and drawers, build walls, remove doors, paint, etc.
Now that you have the necessary woman-power, tools, and goals, it is time to get started! The best way to organize an area is to totally empty it of all contents. For example, if your project is to clean and organize your desk-drawers, empty all contents from the drawers, clean them out, and start over. By emptying all contents you’ve cleaned the slate and are able to focus on your needs.
Start by sorting items into like categories and keep a nice empty trash can near to dispose of all those items you don’t need or don’t use anymore—no need putting junk and trash back into your clean, empty drawer.
Once everything is categorized, put it back together with the thought in mind of “what do I use most”. Items used only occasionally should be put in the harder-to-reach areas. Label everything and make room for a trash can! This makes it so much easier to put things away, find things in a hurry and also make your space easier for others to use.
Now that you’ve tackled that project, you will be filled with great satisfaction and ready for the next organization project—or at least raking leaves.
