As a professional organizer, the top two questions I get asked are:
“How do I decide what I can get rid of?”
“How do I know I won’t need that item in the future?”
The secret will be revealed in this article: knowing where to get started, what to get rid of, and what to keep.
What to Get Rid Of: If it’s not meaningful or useful, get rid of it. How will you know you won’t need it in the future? You don’t! You only know that you don’t need it right now. Here is what you must believe: you will be able to get that item again just as you were able to get it in the first place. You have to trust the market place. It is as ready as you are to swap things. If you find that you do need it in the future, you will be able to simply find a substitute on Craigslist, eBay, or another of the online free markets in the US.
Let’s say you have an unused bookcase that you decide to sell on Craigslist for $40 and that a year later you find that you really need a bookcase. You should be able to find one within a week or so. In most cases, you will find one that meets your needs better than the previous one. Also, you’ve had the bonus of having $40 in your pocket over the past year.
What to Keep: Meaningful or useful items should be kept. If you are someone who loves memorabilia and cannot let it go, try this easy three-step process.
1. Pull out the top 10 items that mean the most to you and that you truly value.
2. Honor your memories by beautifully displaying them. Frame a special t-shirt, hang it on the wall, or create a shadow box of special jewelry, news clippings, and other small items.
3. For each member of your family, get a single large bin or box (less than 15 gallon). Have each person pick out favorite items to fill the bin. Donate or sell the remaining items.
Where to Get Started: Prioritize all the areas you want organized and make a list. Begin with the area you use most often. In one area:
Start clearing out stuff that is obviously garbage or recycling. You will get distracted, but focus on garbage and recycling; don’t touch anything else. Here’s a focusing tip: put on your favorite song and have it cleared out before the song ends.
Next, have three large bins set out in the area you are working. Items to donate go in one bin, items to be sold in another bin, and items that belong in a different area go in the last bin. If necessary, more bins can be used. When you are done sorting, the bins should be removed from your working area.
After all items have been sorted you can begin organizing. Organize only the items you are keeping. Re-evaluate the area. What specific purpose should it serve? How can you make the most of the space? Is there a way to use the walls to display items and keep them off the floor? Let the answers to these questions direct the organizational process.
If you get stuck on one of these steps, or if you need help maximizing your space, consider hiring a professional organizer. Check with the National Association of Professional Organizers (napo.net) to find a qualified organizer in your area.
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