Along
with Spring come thoughts of crisp, fresh air, newly budding flowers,
singing birds and a sense of renewal. Getting organized helps to bring
that wonderful fresh spring feeling into your home and office.
Here
are 10 tips to help you start the season off right.
1. Be
ruthless
If you don't love it, and/or you don't use it, it's clutter. You will
have less to dust, less clutter and an easier time finding the things
you do use.
2. Donate
or sell
If you have items that you do not use, but are in good condition,
sell or donate them.
Consider
giving them to your local church, or other non-profit organization
in your area. Some organizations pick up or have easy drop off locations.
If you choose to sell, set a date for a yard sale or, advertise at
an online auction.
3. Make it fun
Rather than a chore, think of it as a 'feel good' exercise. Get the
family involved and then reward everyone’s efforts by doing something
fun afterwards.
Ask a friend to help, or do a swap. Doing an organizing project is
faster, more fun and much more efficient when you have help to do
it!
4. Make a checklist
Make a checklist of all jobs you need or want to do this spring.
You might store your winter clothes and bring your warm-weather clothes
out of hiding or check the smoke detectors.
Then, do at least one or two of these odd jobs per week, throughout
spring.
5. Enjoy the weather
Do some outside organizing and yard work while enjoying the nice weather
at the same time. Gather your gardening and planting supplies in one
place.
Clean the garage. This is a great time for that garage sale. Ask others
in your neighbourhood to participate. “Multi family” sales add a greater
attraction to your items.
6. Declutter your desk.
A clutter-free desk erases unnecessary distractions and helps keep
your mind on tasks that need immediate attention. Keep only the items
on your desk that relate to your current projects.
7. Clean
out your files.
Before you go through the expense of purchasing more file cabinets,
folders, etc., take the time to purge all unnecessary paperwork and
materials.
8. Make
good use of space.
Add shelving for reference books and manuals. Add space extenders
in desk drawers. Buy full-suspension file cabinets. Use stacking bins.
Remember, purchase only if necessary and after purging.
9. Put
things away each day.
Put things back immediately after you are finished with them or set
up a 15-minute appointment with yourself to put things back at the
end of each day.
10. End
each day on a good note.
Save your easiest tasks for the end of each day. You will be able
to complete them, and end each day on a positive, rewarding note!
Margaret Harlos, Professional Organizer and owner of Living Organized
helps both home owners and small business owners de-stress their busy
lives by de-junking, de-cluttering and organizing space so that it
can be used to its fullest potential.
Call 431-7774 today for a personal consultation to assess your specific
needs!
To see what clients have to say visit: www.livingorganized.ca