Organize...De-Clutter
Be Proud

The motivation is sometimes hard to come by although the thought is there. Take the time to arrange your thoughts. Plan a strategy and the motivation will come.

First establish a goal.
Determine what you are trying to achieve. Is it the bookcase, the closet or the cabinet that needs work?
Choose one project at a time.
Then plan an approach.

Decide what will be required to achieve the desired end result.
Storage systems, boxes, tissue, newspapers, bubble wrap, cleaning produces, or paint.

Measure to ensure any desired shelving or containers will fit before deciding to use them or purchase them.
Make sure there is proper and adequate cleaning solution or paint for the project.
Make sure that the necessary accessories; rags, towels, brushes, trays, etc. are handy.

Assembling the required objects together will lay the foundation to getting started.

Decide on a day for the project.
Allow enough time, without interruption to start and complete the task.
A bookcase may take a couple of hours, a closet an entire afternoon or day.

Prepare and Begin

Before starting, prepare everything that will be required.
Have the storage system and all necessary parts, screws, drills, etc. ready.
Have proper storage boxes, containers, labels and wrap ready.
Have a location decided upon and ready for articles that are to be packed away and moved. Or for those that are to be given away.
Have the cleaning products, or paint and all associated items in place and ready.

Once everything is ready, begin by emptying the space. Take out everything that is in it. Divide the items up into groups. Items to keep, items to give away or items to throw away. The common rule seems to be that if it hasn’t been used in the last year it is time to part with it. Anything that is in good condition can be passed on to friends or relatives. Or it can be donated to a local church or charitable organization. Call ahead and check first.

Clean or paint the space.
Pack away articles that are not going back into the space.
Move them to their new location. If painting, allow enough time for the paint to dry and the space to air out. Depending on the project, install the storage system or prepare and pack the boxes or containers intended for the space. Otherwise, group similar items together and place them in.

Feel proud and enjoy the sense of accomplishment.
Once a space is organized and everything has a place, chances are good that it will stay that way.

Tips

A closet can be less cluttered if only seasonal items are kept in it. Move the spring/ summer items out for the winter. Pack the out of season items in a well-labeled box, plain or decorative. When the season changes, reverse the items. Move the seldom used to a different location. Choose an area that is still accessible but not used everyday. Or consider donating them.

A bookcase or any display unit does not need to full.
Less is more. The less there is, the better to create an effective display. The less effort it will take to clean and dust. Pack some things away in a well-labeled box or container. Tissue paper, newspaper or bubble wrap will protect delicate glassware or china. Once, twice or three times a year replace some of the items with the ones packed away. This way everything will get its’ own chance to shine on display.

Organize Those Overlooked Spaces