National Get Organized Day is Friday!
If there is a national Eggs Benedict Day (there really is!!) why can’t there be a national Get Organized Day?! I love that this exists for a few reasons. First, it gives me yet another excuse to write about organizing. Second, it gives me pause to re-look at the why behind it. Do we need to get organized? Why should you get organized? What does it even mean?
What does Organized Mean?
Let’s start with the basics. The actual definition of “organized” is: arranged in a systematic way - especially on a large scale. So taking what you have and arranging it around the systems you live with day in and day out. Just as we are all different and living different lives, “organized” can mean something completely different from one person to another. For some, it simply means being able to find what they are looking for. For others it means having an Instagram-worthy pantry. For many of us it’s somewhere in between.
What is the Right Way to be Organized?
Is there a right or wrong way to be organized? The answer is a big fat NO. The purpose of spending time and effort minimizing clutter and creating functional spaces is to make your life more enjoyable - simpler and calmer. It is most certainly not to impress your friends or to make your home into a real-life magazine cover. If that’s what you want - great! But the majority of people are simply looking to get a grasp on their home or office so when they walk in the door they feel at peace. I know that I would rather my house feel like a home than look like a museum.
Are you Organized?
Are you organized? What do you think? How much time do you spend each day/week/month looking for things? If you had a last minute call from a friend that was stopping by - would you be able to reset (bring it to what is square one for an ideal daily starting point) in time or would you panic? Do you avoid inviting people over due to the embarrassment over your home? Your answers to these questions will help you understand if you are organized or not. It’s not up to me or anyone else to answer this for you. If your home functions the way you want it to - then great!
Do you have to declutter to be organized?
While my opinion is that most people can benefit from a ruthless declutter, it is not a requirement to be organized. The level to which your things are organized depends on the time and space available. For example, If you have a room in your home that functions as library, a thousand books could be organized in that room - sorted by genre, title, author, or whatever works best for your family. A thousand books organized on the single bookcase available in a one-bedroom apartment might be a problem! The same translates to time. Clutter can mess with your mind. It can slow you down, distract you and give you anxiety. If that is you - a thousand books might not be your best version of “organized” no matter how well they are shelved. The time given to maintaining a large number of items can take a toll - more things equals more work. Simple as that.
What is working with a professional organizer like?
When you decide to work with a professional home organizer like myself, you will start with a consultation. Whether it be in person or on a video call, it’s a great way to get to know each other, tell the organizer your goals and desires for the space, and decide if you are a good fit.
Once you decide to move forward, the fun can begin. I like to find the area that will make the most impact and start there. Entryways, kitchens, and living areas are very impactful because that is where we spend so much of our time. We assess the contents of the area and with the help of decluttering, ensure that what is left is used, loved and/or needed. Organizing clutter is not going to help you in the long run!
Understanding the function of the space will help us decide what types of solutions will work best for you. Sometimes you already have those items in your home, other times I might offer some recommendations that would help solve the problem. For example - most of my clients already have a bounty of empty bins and baskets to select from. Starting with what you already have is a great way to begin, later modifying as your budget allows. If the Instagram-worthy pantry is what you want right away, we can look into solutions that match the style and decor in your home to ensure you have that aesthetic you want.
Once we have completed the process, we will discuss maintenance of the space. Just like a fitness routine, an organized space needs to be properly maintained. This is where labeling can be very helpful - so that all members of the household know where things belong. Enacting a routine around the new space will ensure that it keeps up with the busy home you live in. Additionally, going over expectations with your family will make it clear that they too have a part in keeping the space organized.
As Always, Celebrate
How will you celebrate National Get Organized Day this Friday, April 26th? I encourage you to do something you’ve been putting off whether it be addressing that junk drawer, downsizing your gym clothes, or giving me a call. You’ll be happy you did!
Please subscribe in order to get your very own editable Monthly Reset Checklist. This will help you maintain the regular tasks you do month in and month out so you can stay on top of the chores that keep your home in tip top shape. Some of the items I have on my checklist are: wash the washing machine (yes, that’s a thing!), feed and water our plants, wipe down the top of the refrigerator, and feed my sourdough starter. You can personalize it to what is important to you!