 |
GETTING ORGANIZEDNow Is The Time.... The time for getting organized is before you move, even before you start packing. Now is the time to sort and separate. Let's get everyone involved, even the kids. There is also a moving list (actually many) to help in keeping you organized. The Kids The kids will be excited and pleased that they get to participate in this move. Tell them how important it is that they choose the items from their own rooms for the moving sale (money in their pockets!) or donated to charity. Also if it doesn't fit anymore, why keep it? One Step At A Time This may seem an overwhelming task --- but it doesn't have to be. Choose only one room at a time. And if it is a large room, it may take more time to sort, but stick with it. You will be happy you've done this when you arrive at your new home. Look over the home moving checklist and the great packing tips throughout this website. There's an excellent book by Connie Cox and Cris Evatt called 30 Days to a Simpler Life <<>> Unused Or Unwanted Items Whenever I've had to move, I look at items that I haven't used in say, a year. And then I determine if I really want to keep it. Should I give it away, or sell it? Getting organized also includes de-cluttering my rooms, it opens them up and gives me a feeling of satisfaction. I have just removed a stressful condition! (my messy bedroom) :-) Another great book you can get is Clutter Control: Putting Your Home on a Diet How About Hubby? If the garage, shed or workshop is your husbands favorite area, then who better to organize it? He may need a little help (push) from you. And you are all too happy to give it! He'll be glad he tackled this task himself! (touchdown!!) For some great packing tips, see the The following article is reprinted with permission from Vicki Norris. Getting organized is her specialty, Vicki is a professional organizer. And this article is an interview with her regarding downsizing. Check out Vicki's other organizing articles at:
Check out Vicki's other organizing articles.
Q: After years in a large house, we are downsizing to a much smaller place. What should I do to start paring down my belongings? A: Before you begin, make a list of the categories of things that have the greatest value to you, starting with the few things you’d save in a fire. Once you know your priorities (memorabilia, special books or outdoor gear, for example), you will have more clarity about what to bring with you.Next, tour your future home and assess the space possibilities and constraints. Is most of the square footage in public spaces (like the kitchen, living room and family room) or private spaces (bedrooms, bathrooms and closets)? What is the available storage like? Is there a garage, attic or basement? How many closets (including coat, hall and linen closets) are available?Asking these questions will help you set your expectations properly at the beginning of your organizing process. You will be able to tell how much furniture you can realistically bring and decide on the purpose of each space in advance. Q: There’s a large amount of stuff to go through in a short time. What’s the best way to tackle it? A: The best start to any organizing project, including downsizing, is to dedicate enough time to the process. If you move in a hurry, you may make snap decisions that you’ll regret. Devise a timeline from now to your moving day, and schedule the necessary steps on your timeline. If the thought of transferring the contents of your home to another location terrifies you, it may save your nerves to hire a professional organizing consultant to guide you through the process, maximize your reduced square footage and help you execute a hassle-free move. Q: Are there some rules of thumb you recommend when deciding whether to keep something or get rid of it? A: Before you toss an item in a box, determine what category it belongs to and group it with its type. For example, even though photos and memorabilia may be strewn throughout the house, you can set up boxes in the living room into which all memorabilia will be added as you pack. That way, you will know how much space your memorabilia requires, and you can plan its future “home” in your new environment.Grouping items by type can be shocking once you see all of your similar belongings together. You may discover that you own a disproportionate number of items in one category, like household linens, for example. As you behold a gigantic mound of sheets, bedding, and throw pillows, you may be more willing to pare down that category.Identifying your priorities, realistically evaluating the available space in your new home, and grouping your belongings by type before you pack will make it easier to let go of your excess. Q: Many of my things are antiques, and I’m tempted to keep them in case they’re worth something to me or an heir. Any tips you can offer on that score? A: Antiques have at least two kinds of value: retail value and sentimental value. You must first determine which type of value your antiques offer. If you are keeping something simply because it “cost a lot” or “might be worth something someday,” then you are banking on its retail value. You can only cash in on this purported value, however, if you are willing to part with the goods.If you are holding onto items because they evoke precious memories, that is a legitimate reason for retaining the item, within reason. No conscientious friend or professional should advise you to dispose of an object if it would break your heart. Q: What are the pros and cons of having a garage sale vs. donating the items to a charity? A: I typically advise my clients (who are overwhelmed by clutter already) against garage sales.For those with little time to spare and who relate their time to money (which seems to be most of us these days), a garage sale can sap your time and energy for relatively little compensation. However, if you have items of great value, it might be worthwhile to hold a brief, well-advertised sale or to consign the items. Be sure to evaluate all hidden costs of doing so, such as time spent preparing advertising, pricing items, borrowing and returning tables, and cleaning up.Donating to charity is a win-win choice. Groups often gratefully receive items you no longer use or want, and you get a tax deduction. To learn how to locally donate everything from electronics to musical instruments, visit the Donation Connection at www.RestoringOrder.com under the “Resource” button. Q: When downsizing, do your clients sometimes have to undergo a second round of sifting? A: Clients who are downsizing have engaged our services because they have reached a point where their clutter is costing them time, space, and peace of mind. They want to make a fresh start in their new home.At first, the sorting and purging process can be a struggle because it involves making decisions that have been delayed and facing years of backlog. However, as the process gains momentum, clients begin to feel more freedom with less stuff and are liberated to pursue the things that really matter to them (which is really why many people downsize in the first place). Newly equipped with organized thinking, they make better decisions about accumulation and tend to thin out their possessions on a more regular basis to avoid returning to the burden they left behind. Vicki Norris is president of Restoring Order®, a professional organizing firm based in Portland, Oregon, helping corporate, small business, sole proprietor and residential clients reclaim their environments. Norris is a regular on HGTV’s Mission: Organization. For more information contact Restoring Order® by phone at (888) 625-5774, through email to Info@RestoringOrder.com, or visit us on the web at www.RestoringOrder.com
Back to Home Page from Getting Organized
|
I found this book well written and a real motivator!
by Jeff Campbell. 
