Refining for 2011

Organizing for the New Year by Michele Thrasher

Every year we resolve to be Organized! Here are some tips of the trade to get you started:
Mantra: It didn’t get this way in an hour, so it will take a bit of time to conquer.
Time: Set aside a block of time that is equal to the task/area. If you have 15 minutes, the kitchen countertops might be a good place to use that time. If you have an entire Saturday, maybe the master bedroom closet or garage.

Tools of the Trade: 5 garbage bags or totes clearly labeled

1) TRASH

2) DONATE

3) KEEP in this space

4) MOVE to a more appropriate area

5) REPAIR ~ reserve this for items that you really will repair or sew that button on

6) for those who are having a difficult time purging ~ THINK ABOUT

Ready, Set, Purge/Edit/Organize!

• Empty the space you are organizing completely. Yes, that means unload the garage into the driveway or the closet onto the bed.

• Take a few more minutes to clean the area.

• Okay, now picking up each item SORT into one of the 5 or 6 totes. If you’re organizing your closet, save a step and re-hang the item immediately if it’s a definite KEEP.

• Be ruthless with yourself and give yourself to the count of 3 to make a decision.

The Next Steps

• Take the Trash to the can or recycling bin.

• Take the Donate tote to your car so it will leave the house.

• Keep items are neatly organized where they belong.

• Move items are put in the appropriate room/space.

• Repair items on front and center so they will be taken care of.

• And, the Think About tote is labeled and dated. If you don’t reach for the item in the next 6 months…it’s time to donate it.

Simple “Rules”

 If it doesn’t fit ~ don’t keep it.

 If you don’t like it ~ don’t keep it.

If you can’t remember why you even saved it ~ don’t keep it.

If it’s broken and you’ll NEVER fix it ~ don’t keep it.
Remember, getting Organized is a Project ~ Living Organized is a Process.

Need some assistance? Michele Thrasher of Staging by Mon Brio is also a Professional Organizer and would be happy to assist you!

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