Secret Weapon to Getting Organized

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Ready to take on the garage so you can get the car in before winter? Want to find the leftover school supplies from last year before you have to spend more money buying more stuff you already know you have? Wondering where to start? Feeling overwhelmed? Major Mom is here to help!

Are You Feeling Overwhelmed? 

Organizing is not easy and can steal your evenings, weekends, and time spent with family and friends. It can drain your energy spending time looking for things you know you have, but just can’t find. You may find yourself getting short with your spouse or kids when you’re in a rush to get out the door. Imagine experiencing life without all the things you own, owning you! This is an opportunity for a fresh start. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process.

Picture It:Visualize the rooms in your home and how they can be set up to serve the needs of your family. They may need to serve more than one purpose. What pieces are missing and what are some possible solutions or alternatives? Get creative! Furniture does not have to be used in traditional ways. Make it work for what you have!

 

Plan It: The Space Plan is essential! First, determine where the furniture will be placed. Once the big items are in place, decide which activities and zones are appropriate for each room. A room may need zones for an office, crafts, and homework. Develop an Action Plan to determine who will be available to help you move furniture. Allow the whole family to be involved, and give them a stake in the final outcome!

 

Sort and Treasure: The things you have may not fit in your space. You may need to downsize and let go of some of your possessions. Things that served you well in the past may not serve you well now. Sort all your like items together and decide what will go back into the space. Treat the area as hot real estate - the items that get to stay must earn their keep! They should be loved, used, and needed. Donate the rest to others in need.

 

Establish Homes & Systems: Look at your zoning plan and make sure things are placed so they are age appropriate – at the right height, and not too heavy for children to lift. Make sure things are at the right height for those that may have physical limitations – trouble bending over. Determine what is used most frequently and make sure it is easily accessible.

 

Plan Your Container Strategy: This is the fun part! Be creative and resourceful by repurposing unused or inefficiently used items in your home. Make note of any containers you discovered during the Sort and Treasure process. Don’t forget to label things to help you get accustomed to the new homes for all your things, and to help your family help you get things put back where they belong.

 

Start New Habits: Stop the incoming! Don’t go to garage sales just because you now have more room. Don’t buy stuff just because it’s on sale. Designate a home for everything before it comes into your home. Schedule a few minutes every day to take the time to put things back where they belong. This will help keep things from getting back to the crazy and stressful way they were. Make sure everyone in the family does their part.