Beautifully Organized: Teaching you how to live life more organized
This post can more accurately be described as Spring cleaning in October. I don’t know what has been going on lately. My need for organization has gone into hyper mode! Perhaps it is the fact that Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner. Or maybe it’s the fact that summer was hectic and the house got a little out of order. Recently, I have cleaned and re-organized the garage and my office. And I am just getting started!
If you too are ready for some Spring cleaning in October here are a few organizing tips.
Start with one area. It can be it a room, closet or simply a chest of drawers. The point is to have a target and get started.
Decide upfront how much time you can devote. Even if it is just 20 minutes a day, get the time scheduled. You would be surprised how much can be accomplished in a short period of time. Then give yourself a goal, for example, I will have the hall closet cleaned out and organized by Friday.
Remove everything from the area. Don’t be timid! Empty out closets, remove everything from drawers and dump out storage boxes. It is important to start with a clean slate.
Have your “TOSS” and “DONATE” boxes labeled and ready to use.
Pick up each item and decide if it is a keeper, toss or donate item. If you are taking more than 5 seconds to decide, it is more likely than not, a toss or donate item. Get rid of anything you have not used in a year. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to toss or donate it. Perhaps this is an item that belongs in the garage or stored somewhere else (like under a bed). Sometimes it is hard to decide on a specific item, so what I typically do is to put it aside and sleep on it. It is amazing how much clarity a good night’s sleep will bring to a decision.
Once a donation box is filled, I immediately record the contents and place it in the trunk of my car. The next time I am out running errands, I can drop off what I have to a favorite local charity. If you are not sure who takes what, I recommend you visit DonateSeattle.org for a list of non-profits. You can find an organization that needs your clothes, books, computers, cell phones, dishes, office supplies etc… A bonus is that cleaning and organizing can have a positive impact on your local community.
For me de-cluttering and getting organized is therapy. It is something I can control. My life feels more light and airy after an organizational project is completed. I love that feeling! And it puts me in a great spot to enjoy the upcoming holidays more fully!
Veronica Mayo
Veronica writes the monthly blog feature Beautifully Organized - one girl, 100 pairs of shoes, teaching you how to live life more organized. Veronica is a former airline marketing executive turned entrepreneur. She launched her own line of cosmetic bags in 2009 after moving from Texas to Bellevue. In addition to her role as an entrepreneur, she is busy with various charities, traveling, and enjoying local restaurants and wines (especially a great Merlot). Veronica’s must have items include her labeling machine, flip flops, flat iron and her cosmetic bag! You can follow Veronica on twitter @Vemayca or on Facebook at Facebook.com/vemayca
* This post is from a Girl Power Hour featured blogger. It is not written, edited or endorsed by Girl Power Hour. The authors are solely responsible for content.
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