Here are some strategies to start the year off well.

3 Powerful Strategies For A Fabulous New Year

Although the start of a new year is a fairly arbitrary thing, it offers a priceless psychological gift – motivation!

Don’t waste this gift! Take advantage of the January 1 effect to get started the way you want the year to continue.

If you’re like most people, you’re hoping this is the year you get rid of clutter, lose weight, get organized, get healthier, achieve your goals…

To increase the chances that the new year is a fabulous year for you, apply the following strategies. Each one is surprisingly powerful, and can make a huge difference to the way you feel and function throughout the New Year. Read more…

Successful New Year’s Resolutions: 3 Things You Must Know To Achieve Goals and Change Habits

A study of people attempting to change diet and exercise habits, it took between 18 and 245 days for the new behavior to feel automatic.

The duration varied by person and habit, but the average was 66 days.

So 66 days is a good indicator when planning your own goal, habit change or new year’s resolution.

That means you need to allow at least a couple of months to get used to exercising… Read more…

New Year’s Resolutions: 3 Ways to Get Organized

Have you set new year’s resolutions to get better organized?

Here are three strategies for starting off the year on the right track – and boosting your chances of keeping those resolutions beyond January.

1. Scrap the storage

If you’ve got stuff squirreled away in storage, the attic or the garage, then this is the time to get rid if it. You probably don’t even know what’s there, do you?

Schedule a day to clear out your storage unit, attic or garage and take everything to the charity store or tip… Read more…

5 Steps To Making This Your Most Productive & Organized Year Ever

The way you use your diary makes all the difference to the way the year unfolds for you. Many things will be beyond your control, but how you spend your time, to a large extent, will be your choice.

Start thinking of time as your life resource. Learn to use your diary to manage time in ways that bring meaning, fulfilment and happiness to you, and to the people in your life.

Here are 5 steps for using a diary to make this your most productive and organized year ever. Read more…

Goals Goals Goals!

And here’s even more on achieving your goals and keeping your resolutions.

I hope the new year brings you meaning, happiness, love, and success in the things you hold dear.

See you in 2012 my friends!

Related posts:

1. New Year’s Resolutions: Posts & Resources
2. How To Change Habits: My 3-Cubed Formula
3. Successful New Year’s Resolutions: 3 Things You Must Know To Achieve Goals and Change Habits

There are people who love the process of cleaning, decluttering and organizing.

These are the Monica Gellers of the world. They’ll happily spend Saturday afternoon filing or cleaning the kitchen, and they might even write organizing books suggesting you do the same.

Then there are people who love the outcome of cleaning, decluttering and organizing. They crave order and delight in systems, but don’t enjoy the work it takes to get there.

(There are also people who have no interest in the process or outcome of decluttering, but I suspect they’re off reading the Chaos is Amazeballs newsletter.)

I’m definitely in the second category. In fact one of the reasons I have a website, products and blog devoted to personal organization is that I’ve become adept at finding ways to live an ordered life without having to do a lot of organizing work.

If you’re in the second category too, then this article is for you.

See, I recently did a massive declutter of my home and office space – I even gave it a name: Declutter-Fest Project 2011.

I’m not going to lie to you – it was not what I’d call fun. But the results are totally, unequivocally worth it. Every day I feel happier, calmer and more motivated.

So I thought I’d share with you the four strategies I found most useful in getting myself through the icky process to the wonderful outcome.

1. Have A Strong Why

It sounds obvious, but without a good reason for starting a declutter project, you won’t have the energy or motivation to see it though.

In my case, the previous 12 months had been kind of sucky, and I was coming up to my 44^th birthday. I wanted to use a major declutter as a symbolic process, a leaving behind of the past and old energy and bad associations. This was very compelling for me. I strongly wanted to start my 45^th year fresh and focused.

For you, the Strong Why could be anything that drives you, for instance:

• Leaving behind the past
• Discarding negative memories
• Starting afresh
• Being a role model for your kids, family or friends
• Marking a new life or career direction
• A symbolic clearing of old energy before you begin a big goal – like losing weight, starting a business, or refreshing a relationship.

Before you begin a declutter project, think about what it represents to you. Having a cleaner house is a great outcome, but you can find more motivation if you dig a little deeper.

2. Have A Simple How

One of the biggest obstacles to a sizeable declutter project is the sense of overwhelm that engulfs you before you can say, Where do I start?

The best solution to this overwhelm that I’ve found is to make a list, a simple plan for what you have to do.

I made a list of rooms, then main areas within each room. You can see my plan, which I wrote on my office whiteboard, in the image at the start of this article.

In writing your plan, break down your space into logical sub-spaces, then list these.

If you don’t want to make your own list, you can use a ready-made program like 52 Home Organizing Missions or 30-Day Organize-athon.

Having a Simple How plan alone will reduce the sense of overwhelm. You may even find yourself excited to get going on one of the sub-spaces in your plan. Small, achievable goals can be super-motivating!

3. Do It Fast

I wanted to complete my entire house and office declutter in one speedy, big block, because:

• I don’t enjoy the process and wanted to get it over with as fast as possible
• I didn’t know if I had the drive to come back to it once I’d taken a break.

So I allocated five days for my declutter project, and that’s pretty much all I did for those five days. (I was happy to skip gym classes – decluttering burns calories! – and to make up work time on available weekends.)

Knowing I had only five days kept me motivated to persevere when I got tired and helped me to make quick decisions. I really didn’t want to leave the project half-finished! The ticking clock also kept a lid on perfectionism.

Allocate as much time as you can to your declutter project – an afternoon, day, weekend, week – and free yourself of other commitments for this period. Then divide the available time over the tasks on your list and get rid of clutter!

It can also help to use a declutter mantra to keep yourself moving – I like: Move fast. Don’t overthink. Let it go.

If you do your declutter project in one big block of time, then the momentum will carry you through, and you’ll need far less energy and motivation than you’d need if you had to start and stop.

4. Check Off Your Successes As Your Go

When you look at my whiteboard list, do you wish you could cross off those items? Well, I did too!

The lure of checkboxes is powerful. I also put a line through completed areas, which made the list doubly motivating. Each day I would tick off and put a line through finished tasks, and post an updated picture of my whiteboard on Facebook.

Give yourself the pleasure of checking off and/or crossing off each mini-area as you complete it.

Most of us are kids at heart, and these little reinforcers work wonders.

Summary

If you want to run your own declutter project, here are my top strategies:

1. Have a strong why
2. Have a simple how
3. Do it fast
4. Check off your successes as you go.

I’d love to see your before and after photos – or just the after ones if you prefer – on Facebook. And let me know if my suggestions helped!

Related posts:

1. Get Organized With This Declutter Mantra
2. Declutter Your Life – Get More Energy
3. Declutter Your Life and Home

Do you feel like clutter is taking over your life, and sapping your once-great determination to get organized and be tidy?

It might seem inevitable that clutter should overtake your space over time – but it’s not! There are things you can do – simple, but life-changing things – that can insulate you from clutter creep.

Here are 7 easy ways to arrest the overflow of stuff and keep your life clutter-free.

1. Make Cleaning Up Part Of The Task

What this means is that you expand the definition of a ‘task’ to include the pesky tidying-up part.

Um, what now?

You heard me right! You can no longer think of cleaning up as a separate activity to be done later – it’s part of the task, and the task isn’t complete until you’ve done whatever is needed to restore order to the space.

Thinking this way can be a major paradigm shift – and clutter shifter.

Whatever you use, take out, or cook with; whatever the kids watch or play with; it all gets put away as part of that activity.

Imagine how that would look in your life.

2. Become An OCI-OGO-er

OCI-OGO stands for One Comes In – One Goes Out.

Every time something new comes into your home, car, handbag, bookcase, briefcase, shoe collection, closet, tchotchke menagerie, or life – something old goes out.

This is a beautiful concept, allowing you to continually enjoy new things, but without any increase in life disorganization or clutter. The net amount of stuff in your life never grows. No more clutter entropy!

Now doesn’t OCI-OGO sound like a lovely way to live? Decide to become an OCI-OGO-er today.

3. Stop Shopping As A Past-time

Buy what you need, have what you love. Enjoy beautiful, fun, useful stuff.

But!

Don’t go looking for things to buy as a way to distract yourself, procrastinate, pass the time or avoid existential angst. You’ll just end up with existential clutter.

When you do shop, be smart about it and make a list beforehand. While you’re at it, make a ‘What-Not-To-Buy’ list, too.

4. Parse Everything Through The Love/Use Test

Things cost much more than money. They also cost time and energy: to purchase, store, tidy, dust, clean, rearrange, look for, shop for when lost, create mental clutter, undermine peace of mind.

Reminding yourself about the true cost of stuff is like applying a reality filter when you look at the things in your life. It will help you make smart, quick decisions about what to keep and what to lose.

1. When considering what to buy, remind yourself that Things = Time and Energy. If you don’t need it or love it, don’t buy it.
2. When considering what to keep, remind yourself that Things = Time and Energy. Whenever you spot something in your home that you don’t need or love, donate or discard it.

Applying this filter will stop you from tolerating clutter in your life.

5. Have A Ready-For-Donation Basket

In fact, any time you notice something you don’t use or love in your home, wardrobe, car or office, simply pop it into your donation basket.

When the basket gets full, bag the contents and immediately place them in your car to drop off at your local charity store or bin. Don’t leave them in the house, where you may accidentally re-discover them with childlike glee and decide to lovingly re-donate them to yourself.

Let it go. You’ll feel good about giving stuff away, and your home will be more organized, too.

6. Set Up An Outgoing Spot

Choose a convenient spot near the door for things that need to be taken out of your home – DVDs to return, library books, the gift for Friday’s party, that crossbow you’ve been meaning to give back, etc.

If you don’t have such a spot, you could:

• Move a small table near the door
• Clear a shelf in a hallway closet
• Liberate a drawer in a hall table. 

Make it a habit to check this spot as you leave the house. You’ll ‘remember’things more often, keep transient clutter out of your living area, and feel much more organized.

7. Do An Express Bedtime Tidy

Spending 10 minutes to do an express tidy every night will help to stop the daily accumulation of clutter.

Just hit the main problem areas as part of your bedtime routine: load the dishwasher, put toys in a toy bin, hang up clothes or toss them in the hamper, use a hand-vac to scoop up the day’s crumbs.

You’ll feel pretty pleased with yourself as you head to bed, and it will put a smile on your face when you start the next day.

Need a little mantra to motivate you? How about: 10 minutes a day/ Will keep clutter at bay. (Yes I know I won’t be getting a song-writing Grammy. Nice of you to mention that.)

How Will You Clutter-Proof Your Life?

You don’t have to surrender to clutter. Defend your home and sanity with these clutter-busting ideas – and you can enjoy a happily organized world.

Which of these strategies will you use to clutter-proof your life?

[Image by Sean MacEntee]

Related posts:

1. Home Organization: My Very Best Life-Changing Tip For A Clutter-Free Home
2. Simplify Your Life Quick Tip: Have a Ready-For-Donation Basket
3. How Clutter Can Hold You Back – From Love, Success & Health

Before you can get organized, you have to get rid of clutter. It’s impossible to have an organized home, productive office, or simple life with too much stuff for the available space.

A powerful aid to getting rid of clutter is the mantra we use here at Get Organized Wizard:

Move fast. Don’t overthink. Let it go.

1. Move Fast.

Moving fast helps you achieve a lot in a little time – which creates momentum, feels empowering and boosts motivation.

It also bypasses the little lies that keep you caught in clutter – lies like I like it this way (you don’t) or I’ll do it later (you won’t).

One of the reasons programs like 30-Day Organize-athon Pack and 52 Missions Home Organizer are so successful is that they’re broken down into focused, time-based tasks or missions that compel you to act quickly.

Because you’re working against a timer, you don’t have time to waste – you have to keep moving to finish the activity in the allotted time.

So choose an easy organizing project, have a coffee, put on some upbeat tunes, set a timer – and move it!

2. Don’t Overthink.

Not overthinking is the other side of the moving fast coin.

To be a more organized person, you simply have to learn to make quick decisions.

Carefully evaluating the merits of keeping or tossing each and every item is a certain way to keep yourself mired in clutter for life.

My friend Laura has some answers to particular blocks you might have when it comes to keeping versus tossing.

But in general, to master personal organization and become a power declutterer, develop the habit of going with your gut. If your first impression is that something is clutter, then let it go.

Which brings us to…

3. Let It Go.

When decluttering, people often fear they’ll get rid of things they may later need.

The truth is that you might want it later – but the cost of replacing or doing without is usually minor compared with the stress, frustration, and unhappiness of living in clutter and disorganization.

Decide instead that you will have what you love, use what you have, and let go of what you don’t love or use.

There are so many benefits to getting rid of clutter – whether in your closet, kitchen or car.

You’ll enjoy more energy, a simpler life, a home that reflects your values, and sometimes even complete surprises. My friend Erin has reported that decluttering can bring better focus, while my friend Mandi has listed a number of benefits of a decluttered life.

So if you could do with more space, more organization and less clutter in your life, grab a bag and start decluttering!

[Image by DenisHennessy]

Related posts:

1. Get Organized Mission #8: Declutter 50 Items
2. But I Might Need It One Day! [How To Stop Making Excuses & Get Organized, Declutter & Simplify]
3. How To Run Your Own Declutter Project

If you’re part of my Facebook community, you might have seen that I’ve had my (Minnesota-based) sister and her family to stay. I loved spending time with this gorgeous little family, and I must admit I’ve been pretty sad since they left.

Having 2 extra adults and 2 small kids in my compact, usually work-friendly apartment was quite a challenge!

It all went off pretty smoothly though, thanks to just a little organization.

While they’re fresh in my mind, I thought I’d share some ideas to help you prepare for house-guests.

How To Get Organized For House Guests

1. Organize Breakfast

Even if you’ll be taking trips and eating out most days, chances are you’ll have breakfast at home before setting out.

• Ask in advance what your guests like for breakfast, especially if there are kids. The more at home everyone feels as they start the day, the more relaxed things will be.
• It’s a good idea to have a decent supply of breakfast foods on hand. Store them together in your pantry and on fridge shelves, so people can easily find things and help themselves. Include:
• Great coffee
• Tea, including herbal options for people who don’t like caffeine (weird, I know )
• Cereal, muesli
• Plenty of milk
• Bread for toast
• Spreads – butter, peanut butter, Nutella, Vegemite, etc
• Yoghurt.
• Show your guests where to find the crockery, cutlery, cups and mugs, and how to use the coffee maker. This will make things easier on everyone.
• Get the newspaper delivered so it’s available at breakfast time.
• Set the breakfast table each night so everything’s good to go in the morning.

2. Organize Meals

Have some easy-to-prepare food on hand to eat at home or take with you on trips.

Include:

• Bread (store extra in the freezer so you have plenty)
• Luncheon meats and spreads for sandwiches
• Cheese
• Fruit – especially easy-to-grab-and-eat fruit, like apples and bananas
• Salad vegetables
• Snack foods (if you like to have them available)
• Yoghurt tubs
• Pasta and sauces
• Frozen pre-made meals.

3. Organize The Guest Bedroom

Of course you’ll want a nicely made bed with fresh sheets for your guests.

Here are some extra touches to help make your guests feel welcome and comfortable:

• A bedside lamp (a big help if your guest wakes during the night or likes to read before sleep)
• A box of tissues
• Extra blankets
• Extra pillows
• An easy-to-set alarm clock
• A bottle of water and glass
• A cheerful potted plant or vase of fresh flowers – but keep it somewhere well out of the way
• A few books and magazines on the nightstand.

4. Organize The Guest Bathroom

Stock the bathroom that your guests will be using with:

• Fresh towels, bathmat and hand towel
• A place to dry their towels (if there isn’t enough room on built-in towel rails, could you put up a few temporary hooks?)
• A basket of toiletries, in case your guests run out of or forget something -
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Scented soap/shower gel
• Moisturizer
• Hand cream
• Spare toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Small hairdryer.

Idea: If you have international guests, it’s a lovely touch to fill your bathroom with local scented products.

5. Organize Entertainment

Whether you guests are planning a tourist extravaganza or just want to hang out, it’s wise to do a little research and find out what events and sights might be of interest.

• You’ll want to strike a balance between doing too much and too little, so select a range of possibilities and let your guests choose according to their interest and energy
• If there’ll be kids staying with you, have some age-appropriate DVDs and/or games on hand – if you don’t have any in your library, borrow from friends or the video store
• Have some board games, fiction and non-fiction books, and magazines in the living area for down time.

These strategies can help you and your guests relax and enjoy the time together.

What are your best tips for getting organized for house guests?

By the way, if you feel you need to get your whole home organized before you can think about having house guests, then you might like my 52 Missions Home Organizer. It’s a fast, proven way to declutter, simplify and organize your home, in only 30 minutes a week.

[Image by James Jordan]

Related posts:

1. Organizing Q & A | Get Organized For Moving House: My Top 3 Tips
2. Get Organized Mission #16: Streamline Your Books, CDs, & DVDs
3. Create Your ‘Organized Life Bedtime Routine’ [Mission #20]

Do you have too much stuff, but feel conflicted about letting it go?

Part of you feels excited about clearing the clutter and enjoying the space, freedom, and mental clarity of an organized home.

But another part of you is nervous about stepping out of your comfort zone, and facing a future without clutter as your excuse.

Here’s a little trick that will give you a safety net as you step forward into your simpler, more organized life.

Put Your Stuff On Probation

Ready? Take a breath and follow these steps:

1. Start Anywhere

Great places to start include your closet, your kitchen, the living room, or your office. Each of these areas will have a large number of items that aren’t adding to your happiness, productivity or self-esteem.

But start wherever you feel drawn to make a change. Your natural motivation is a gift – use it.

2. Fill A Box

Look through your space and identify items you:

1. Don’t use, and/or
2. Don’t love.

Put them all into the box. That’s right – just plop them in without overthinking. Keep your actions fast and your energy high.

When the box is full or you’ve finished the space, tape up the box securely so it’s difficult to open.

3. ‘Date’ The Box

Write the date six months from now on your box. Use a thick sharpie and write in large, easy-to-read text.

For example, if you fill the box on March 1, 2011, then write September 1, 2011 on the box.

4. Give The Box To A Friend

Now that your box is filled with stuff you don’t use or love, take it to a friend’s house. Be kind and choose a friend who’s pretty organized and not struggling with clutter or hoarding issues of their own.

Say something along these lines to your friend:

I’m taking the first step toward releasing clutter from my life. I’ve filled this box with things I don’t need or love, but I’m nervous about getting rid of it. Could you please hold on to it for me, so I know it’s safe, until the date on the box. [Point to the date using an air steward gesture for emphasis.] On that date, please donate it to charity/put it into the trash [depending on the contents].

5. Get On With Your Life

Now head back home and get on with things.

If you find in the next six months that your life is empty without that ceramic turtle, then by all means return to your friend’s house and retrieve it.

More likely though, you’ll be happily enjoying the lightness and clarity of a more organized home. You’ll have moved on to other rooms, perhaps not needing probation boxes for these.

And you won’t give probation boxes another thought – until someone turns up at your house with one.

Organize Your Home & Life

A fast, proven way to declutter, simplify and organize your home…

“I loved how filling a huge trash bag with junk made me feel better about myself. The satisfaction I felt when I threw that bag into the trash was awesome.” – Sarah

“I did it. Two 30 min sessions and I have 3 bags of trash and a ton of magazines to recycle… It was actually easy, getting started is the hard part. It then becomes quite addictive, I now find myself wandering around looking for more stuff to get rid of! “ – Mandy

“I did it – I actually have 2 bags full of trash and 2 for donations Very freeing… and contagious!” – Amy B

“This has literally changed my life; I had papers everywhere and no idea where to start! Granted, it took longer than 30 minutes, but now everything is categorized and labeled in one folder, Michele, I can’t thank you enough!” – Annie

“Oh this was EASY! I went through the girls’ bedroom and 30 mins later I had a banking box FULL of toys and or garbage to declutter.” – Crystal

Learn more about 52 Missions Home Organizer.

[Image: by lovelihood]

Related posts:

1. Get Organized Mission #10: Clear Out Your Closet
2. Home Organization: My Very Best Life-Changing Tip For A Clutter-Free Home
3. Hoarding: 7 Lies That Keep You Caught In Clutter

In the most recent Get Organized newsletter I wrote about the January 1 Effect – how you can get a gift of energy and motivation from the start of the new year.

Why not take advantage of this once-a-year psychological boost, and start the year well!

Here are 6 dos and don’ts for getting your ducks in a row and having a calm and ordered 2011.

Get Organized For The New Year: 6 Dos And Don’ts

1. Don’t Shop As A Past-time.

Buy what you need, have what you love. Enjoy your stuff!

But don’t go looking for things just to distract yourself or pass the time. You’ll end up with clutter. And 2011 is the year we let the clutter go.

When you do shop, be smart about it – for instance, use GFC-smart strategies, batch birthday shopping, and have a ‘What-Not-To-Buy’ list.

2. Do Adopt OCI-OGO

Unless you’re setting up your first home, chances are you have way more of most things than you’ll ever need or use.

So every time you buy or get given something new, get rid of something old. I call it OCI-OGO: One Comes In, One Goes Out.

Use the principle for clothes, shoes, sports gear, books, DVDs, gadgets, towels, pots and pans, utensils, tools, jewelry, everything. Toss tatty things, donate the rest. Keep a donation basket and get the whole family to use it.

It’s a surefire way to stop clutter from growing.

3. Don’t ‘Clean Up’

Seriously, this is possible.

Instead, restore order as part of every task you complete. Do it for cooking, eating, dressing, doing crafts, paying bills, playing with the kids, reading a book, watching DVDs, everything!

If you get into the habit of tidying as you go, everything will take a little bit longer, or you’ll have to finish everything a little bit earlier.

But the upside is awesome: You’ll never, ever, have to ‘clean up’ again.

4. Don’t Aim For Perfection When You Declutter, Organize Or Simplify

The thing about perfectionism is that it kills motivation. It makes everything feel like such hard work, and who wants to do that? Um, not moi.

Instead, step away from the whip and go for the simple version. You can always do more later.

By Under-engineering every organizing, decluttering, or simplifying task you attempt, you’ll have a far greater chance of (a) starting and (b) finishing.

And guess what – most likely you’ll achieve more than you ever did with perfectionism on your back. Which is very cool, and very motivating.

5. Do Declutter, Organize & Simplify In Little Chunks

I don’t know many people who enjoy decluttering, organizing or simplifying – but most of us love the way it feels to be organized, clutter-free and ordered.

The solution is to sneak in your organizing tasks, so they don’t hurt as much.

Regulars of this site will know that I recommend 30-minute chunks as a great way to avoid procrastination, feel motivated and get great results. It doesn’t seem like a lot of time, but in half an hour you can work wonders – such as de-toxing the car, decluttering your surfaces, or organizing the kids’ bedrooms.

Another idea is to use little blocks of time to do simple but powerful things that help you to be more organized.

6. Do Live Within Your Home’s Boundaries

Many people think their problem is that they’re too undisciplined to get organized. But the truth is usually that they have too much stuff for their space.

One answer is to get a bigger house; but there’s a better one:  Make a commitment to only keep in your home those things that fit comfortably.

As well as helping you avoid clutter, the mindset of living within your home’s boundaries really simplifies decision making too: If you can’t fit it, you don’t buy it.

Have a Happy & Organized New Year!

Remember these do and don’ts and you’ll be making a great start to a calm and ordered 2011.

And I hope it’s a very happy one too!

Got New Year’s Resolutions?

We have a range of cool products and packs to help!

[Top image by pandabearphotography]

Related posts:

1. Getting Organized Quick Tip: How To Make SMART New Year’s Resolutions – Any Day Of The Year!
2. Personal Style Clinic: 7 Dos & Don’ts For Upgrading Your Look
3. 2009: A Happier, More Organized Year

Can’t get organized? Can’t get rid of clutter? Is it because you’ve got an excuse you can’t argue yourself out of?

Maybe I can help. Post your excuse as a comment and I’ll address it in a later post in this series.

Excuse #1:
I can’t get rid of my stuff – I might need it one day!

You know what? Yes, you might. And in that case, one of two things will happen.

1. You’ll have to go out and buy it again.

And this will cost you money and time.

But here’s the thing. Keeping all that stuff is costing you way more, every single day.

It’s costing you time looking for things. It’s costing you stress and distraction and lack of clarity. It’s costing you peace of mind, and maybe a little of your spark.

It’s true, isn’t it?

Now weigh the certain, daily, cumulative cost of keeping your stuff against the the possible, one-off, minor cost of replacing it if you have to.

2. You’ll need it suddenly, without time to replace it.

If this happens, you’ll have to cope without it. Depending on the item, you’ll suffer mild to major inconvenience.

That’s a shame. But is it that big a deal?

Especially when you compare it with the inconvenience you suffer every day because of having too much stuff. The inability to find things, the frustration of family members, the embarrassment when guests come over.

If you think about the daily, soul-destroying frustration of having too much stuff, the potential inconvenience of doing without something you might one day want, seems small in comparison.

Stop Making Excuses – Get Organized, Declutter, Simplify

The truth is that you may later want things that you don’t really need now.

‘Might I possibly need this one day?’ is not the question to ask. The question to ask is: Is all this stuff costing me the simple, organized life I want?

And if the answer is yes, then let stuff go.

There may be a cost: you may occasionally have to replace something, or do without it.

There will certainly be a gain: a simpler, more organized, happier life.

Shall I pass you a trash bag?

Organize Your Home & Life

A fast, proven way to declutter, simplify and organize your home…

“I loved how filling a huge trash bag with junk made me feel better about myself. The satisfaction I felt when I threw that bag into the trash was awesome.” – Sarah

“I love this site and glad I joined. This plan works well for me and I have been applying the mission, using the timer, and as all things will happen as needed, have been able to declutter within the 30 minute timer. I did it and will continue to apply this plan.” – Marti

“This has literally changed my life; I had papers everywhere and no idea where to start! Granted, it took longer than 30 minutes, but now everything is categorized and labeled in one folder, Michele, I can’t thank you enough!” – Annie

“Oh this was EASY! I went through the girls’ bedroom and 30 mins later I had a banking box FULL of toys and or garbage to declutter.” – Crystal

Learn more about 52 Missions Home Organizer.

[Image: by dreamsjung]

Related posts:

1. Declutter Your Life and Home
2. Get Organized With This Declutter Mantra
3. Get Organized Mission #8: Declutter 50 Items

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, so it’s a great time for me to say a heartfelt thank you to my customers and readers. I really cherish you guys. And your intelligence and striking good looks are without parallel.

Anyway, here are 2 little Thanksgiving-y resources from me, to help you to be:

• More organized
• More thankful and happy.

They’re interactive, reusable planners. You can type and save  on your computer, or print and write by hand.

Both are free for members of the Get Organized Wizard Community Forum – which is free, too!

1. Grocery List Template – Interactive

If you need to do some last-minute grocery shopping for Thanksgiving, use this Grocery List Template to keep track of the items you need, by category.

Get it here: Grocery List Template

2. Gratitude Journal – Interactive

Being thankful actually makes you happier, according to a bunch of studies. Any of these will help to increase your happiness:

• Writing about positive events (1)
• Counting your blessings (2)
• Noting 3 good things each day (3).

You can do any or all of these with the Gratitude Journal.

Get it here: Gratitude Journal

So be organized, be grateful, be happy – and bring on the pumpkin pie!

PS The Grocery List Template and Gratitude Journal are among the 550+ planners, to-do lists and schedules available to Ultimate To-Do List Members.

Sources:

(1) Burton, C. M., & King, L. A. (2004). The health benefits of writing about intensely positive experiences. Journal of Research in Personality, 38(2), 150-163.

(2) Lyubomirsky, S., Sheldon, K. M., & Schkade, D. (2005). Pursuing happiness: The architecture of sustainable change. Review of General Psychology, 9(2), 111-131.

(3) Seligman, M. E. P., Steen, T. A., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005). Positive psychology progress: Empirical validation of interventions. American Psychologist, 60(5), 410-421.

[Image by WishUponACupcake]

Related posts:

1. Gratitude Journal Template: My ‘Happy’ Thanksgiving Gift For You
2. Get Organized For Thanksgiving: Grocery List Template
3. How to be Happier: A Scientifically Proven Strategy that Costs Nada

I used to be someone who saved things up. A new pair of boots, a box of premium tea, a gift of my favorite perfume – new things got put aside until the ideal occasion. There was a certain pleasure in knowing I had something special waiting for me, for one day.

But often I’d wait too long.

I’d go to wear a new dress, only to find the season, the fashion or my taste had changed.

I’d open an expensive lip gloss, and discover it had started to smell kinda funky.

After enough of these disappointments I realized I was an over-saver – and it wasn’t a smart strategy.

Not only does over-saving deny you the opportunity to use and enjoy your things, it can also contribute to clutter and hoarding.

Are You An Over-Saver?

A little saving up can be a good thing – you get to enjoy the anticipation and the pleasure of using things.

But if you think you might be an over-saver, take this little quiz:

• Do you have clothes in your closet with tags still on?
• Do you have entire drawers filled with unopened skincare or cosmetics?
• Do you continue to use old or broken things, like sunglasses or umbrellas, while new ones languish in the cupboard?
• Do you have gadgets still in the packaging?
• Do you save crockery, glassware or cutlery for special occasions that happen less than once or twice a year?
• Do you have table or bed linen you’ve never used?
• Do you have artwork you’ve never put up? (Note: ‘leaning’ artwork is aesthetically acceptable these days, so don’t let fancy mounting be your excuse.)
• Do you store new appliances in cupboards, while you soldier on using ancient, semi-functioning ones?
• Do you have jewelry or watches that are too good to wear – ever?

If you answered yes to two or more of the above, you’re probably an over-saver. Why not cut clutter and gain pleasure by making the switch – and becoming a user.

Reduce Clutter And Hoarding – Become a User

To become a user, decide that you’ll use new things immediately.

Here are some tips for making the transition from over-saver to user:

• Wear the new outfit, boots, or bag at the first opportunity
• Take new things out of the packaging and place them where you’ll use them (rather than in a storage place)
• When you buy replacements for broken or damaged things, dispose of the old versions immediately
• Decide whether you want to keep a gift, and if you do, start using it right away (if you don’t want to keep it, then donate, re-gift, or discard it)
• Decide to abandon special occasion crockery, glassware or cutlery and have only good quality, everyday tableware
• Start using your saved-up bed linen
• Put your artwork up this weekend – or ‘lean’ it tastefully today
• Dispose of ill-performing appliances and use the new ones
• Wear your nice jewelry/watch next time you go out.

Are you a User, Saver or Over-saver? I’d love to hear your story in the comments!

[Image by BFS Man]

Related posts:

1. Get Organized With This Declutter Mantra
2. My Partner is a Hoarder. Help!
3. Are You, or is Someone You Love, a Hoarder?

Recently I was looking through the 52 Missions Home Organizer comments.

I re-discovered a comment that reminded me afresh of the wonderful, unexpected gifts that can come when you finally release old stuff from your life:

11 full boxes of books are now sitting by the door, waiting to go to the donation bin at the local library… and I found a gift book I’d never looked at.

Inside it was a note from my father, which I’d never seen. He passed away almost two years ago, and finding that letter tonight was an astonishing, emotional, uplifting reward for finally parting with some of the gargantuan piles of books that have been collecting dust in all corners of my house. Thank you, Michele, for the kick in the motivation!

If you let your old stuff go, what might you discover?

[Image by algo]

No related posts.

Adopt OCI-OGO

1. Decide to adopt OCI-OGO in your life. This means One Comes In – One Goes Out: every time something new comes into your home, car, handbag, briefcase, closet or life – something old goes out.
2. If you like, place a note saying OCI-OGO inside your closet, on your credit card, or wherever you need reminders.

And you’re done!

OCI-OGO is a great way to enjoy new things while avoiding clutter and overwhelm.

Remember: 1. Move fast. 2. Don’t overthink. 3. Feel great about getting organized!

Start the 5-minute timer now.

This 5-minute organizing action is from the Organize in 5 e-program.
It’s the quickest, easiest way to organize your life!
Only $4.95 a month for a limited time. Learn more…

Related posts:

1. 30-Day Organize-athon | Day 29: Get Organized Mindset Shift #1: Adopt OCI-OGO
2. Get Organized in 5 Minutes: Trim Your Toolbox
3. Get Organized in 5 Minutes: Batch Birthday Shopping

Want to get better organized — but don’t want to spend ages sorting through your life?

Then check out these quick and simple things you can do this weekend. Most of them will take only 5 to 30 minutes.

You’ll start next week feeling lighter, more motivated, and better organized.

7 Things To Do To Get Organized This Weekend

1. Buy and Wall-Mount a Hand Vac

I rarely advise you to buy anything, because:

1. Too much stuff is a major cause of personal disorganization, and
2. Buying organizing paraphernalia can be a way to feel virtuous without actually getting organized.

A hand-vac, however, is a useful device that I’m happy to recommend.

Buy the most powerful one you can afford, wall-mount it to store it neatly out of the way, and keep it charged.

Use it every night to pick up the day’s crumbs. It will take only a few moments, but make you feel like you have a nice, clean home before bed.

2. Pull Out Important Papers

Whether your paperwork is strewn throughout the house, covers every surface of your home office, or is assembled in a towering pile, gather it all together.

Quickly flick through the papers and pull out any that need your attention pretty promptly – eg bills, school notices, invitations, etc.

Put these important papers in a separate pile and schedule a time during the week when you’ll action them.

3. Toss 10 Things From Your Closet

Now it’s time for a little closet intervention.

Scan your hanging clothes, shoes, drawers and shelves until you find at least 10 things you don’t wear.

They can be ill-fitting, out of fashion, not your color, uncomfortable, whatever.

Don’t tell me you can’t find 10 things in there – or I’ll make it 20!

4. Look Ahead 30 Days in Your Diary

Check your calendar, diary, iPhone, or whatever you use to keep track of dates*.

Look ahead at the next month so you know what’s coming.

Are there things you need to prepare for? For instance, do you need to:

• Buy a birthday gift?
• Write a report for an important meeting?
• Get your dress/suit dry-cleaned for an event?

Add these tasks to your to-do list and schedule times when you’ll do them.

*Don’t have a way to keep track of dates? Add #8: Get a diary.

5. Do One Repair That’s Been Driving You Crazy

If you’ve been tearing your hair out over an appliance, tool or gadget that’s playing up, get that sorted this weekend.

If you can fix it, fix it. If you have to take it to a repairer, take it. If you need to buy a new one, buy it.

You’ll gain energy and calm by removing that unnecessary source of stress.

6. Do a Brain Dump

You know all those to-dos, ideas, worries, brainwaves, health niggles and other bits of mental clutter rolling around in your head? They can make you feel disorganized and even chaotic. So open a document or grab a pen and notebook and get ready to download it all.

Make lists, write in a journal, create a spreadsheet or use whatever format feels good and lets you get everything out of your head.

Once you’ve done that, go back and highlight your action points, or distil a separate list if you prefer.

7. Find a Home For 10 Things

Take a look around your home at things that look out of place, take up a lot of room, or are always getting in the way. Typical offenders include remotes, toys, games/consoles, rarely-used kitchen appliances, knick-knacks, tossed clothes, bags, backpacks, etc.

If you want to keep them, find a home for them. Choose a home that reflects the item’s frequency of use.

• If you use it often, store it somewhere handy and close to the place you use it. For instance, store remote controls in a drawer under the coffee table or on a shelf beside the TV.
• If you use it rarely, it can go somewhere less accessible. For instance, the juicer that comes out twice a year can go into a high cupboard above the oven.

Relax!

If you’ve done some or all of these 7 things, you’re going to feel so organized next week!

So enjoy the rest of the weekend – you’ve earned it.

[Image by .MegLynn.]

More Quick Solutions for Home Organization

52 Missions Home Organizer guides you step-by-step to simplify, organize and declutter your life – home, work, personal time, health, morning routines, chores, car, kitchen, bedroom, storage spaces, money, productivity, negative thinking, relationships, happiness, and much more.

All you have to do is one 30-minute ‘mission’ each week.

The innovative program is supported by online check-ins, email prompts and interactive tools to keep you accountable – so you stay motivated and make great progress.

There are hundreds of success stories – now you can be one of them!

“This has literally changed my life, I had papers everywhere and no idea where to start! Granted, it took longer than 30 minutes, but now everything is categorized and labelled in one folder, Michele, I can’t thank you enough!” – Annie

“Oh this was EASY! I went through the girls bedroom and 30 mins later I had a banking box FULL of toys and or garbage to declutter.” – Crystal

“I loved how filling a huge trash bag with junk made me feel better about myself. The satisfaction I felt when I threw that bag into the trash was awesome.” – Sarah

“I love this site and glad I joined. This plan works well for me and I have been applying the mission, using the timer, and as all things will happen as needed, have been able to declutter within the 30 minute timer. I did it and will continue to apply this plan.” – Marti

Learn about 52 Missions Home Organizer.

Related posts:

1. Getting Organized Made Easy – and Fast!
2. Get Organized Mission #15: Organize Your Kitchen
3. Get Organized For 2011: 6 Dos And Don’ts For A Calm & Ordered Year

If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of getting organized, remember this:

The less stuff you have, the easier it is to get organized.

Decide to be a person who only has what they

• Need or

• Love.

Every day, look for at least one thing to discard or donate, and keep a donation basket handy.

As you get rid of things, organizing will become easier.

So, what will you get rid of today?

More Like This…

This post originally appeared on my Facebook Page, where I offer tips,
answer questions and share resources and links.
Please come and join me there!

[Image by Capture Queen ™]

Related posts:

1. Take The Initiative
2. Get Organized Mission #50: Get Rid Of Debt
3. How To Get Your Groove Back (THEN You Can Get Organized)

Sometimes in the quest to get organized you can become distracted by the accoutrements. You can find yourself buying all manner of containers, books, systems and paraphernalia, none of which bring you any closer to living a simpler, more productive or more organized life.

These products can be a waste of money – but that’s not all.

Because they’re related to organizing, they can leave you feeling virtuous and stop you taking action that would genuinely improve your life.

So here’s a little reality check to test whether the stuff you’re buying is helping you simplify and organize your life – or whether it’s just stuff.

Storage Containers

• Do they store things you don’t need or love?
• Are they unattractive?
• Do they require work – needing to be dusted or wiped down regularly?
• Do they provide a home for clutter?

If Yes: Get rid of them!

Solution

1. If you must use them, only keep a few storage containers, that match your decor, and contain things you need.
2. Get rid of the stuff you don’t need.

Time-Management Systems

• Are you constantly looking for a new planner system that will finally ‘make’ you organized?
• Do you invest considerable time and money buying and learning time-management systems and applications?
• Do your time-management systems create clutter in your home or office?
• Are your time-management systems unnecessarily complicated?

If Yes: Get rid of them!

Solution

1. Take the effort you put into your time-management systems and instead put it into working out your priorities.
2. Read or listen to a classic time-management book that focuses on the basics – not a complicated system with lots of rules and nomenclature (I recommend Brain Tracy’s Eat That Frog).
3. Commit to buying no more time-management systems until you’ve mastered the art of working with a simple, prioritized to-do list.

Organizing Books and Magazines

• Do they contain discussions on organizing, but little in the way of step-by-step instructions on exactly what to do?
• Do they expect you to commit more time each day or week than a busy person can reasonably afford – eg they ask you to file daily, conduct a weekly review of stationery supplies, etc?
• Do they fail to translate into action that makes your life simpler, less cluttered and better organized?
• Do they pile up and create clutter?

If Yes: Get rid of them!

Solution

1. Cancel your subscription to organizing and simplifying magazines and newsletters that don’t translate into a simpler or more organized life.
2. Only invest in organizing books or programs that provide specific, step-by-step instructions that you can put into action.
3. Only invest in organizing books or programs that require a reasonable commitment of time.

Get Organized Wizard Resources

Need Help Getting Rid of Stuff? 

Try 52 Missions Home Organizer.
It guides you, step-by-step, to declutter and organize
your home, time and life in just 30 minutes a week.

Need Help Taking Action on Your Priorities?

Check out Life & Goal Organizer (for DIY self-starters) or
Design Your Life (for people who like a guided, structured program).
They both focus on identifying priorities and taking action.

[Image by Rev Dan Catt]

Related posts:

1. Organizing Technology: How to never, ever check your email again
2. Get Organized Mission #8: Declutter 50 Items
3. Get Organized For 2011: 6 Dos And Don’ts For A Calm & Ordered Year

Wow – we’ve reached Organizing Mission #52! Can you believe it?

If you’ve been following along with the missions week by week, you’ll have made enormous changes to your home, productivity and life. You’ll have simplified, decluttered and organized many, many areas. Awesome!

In this mission, we’re going to set some resolutions to help maintain the gains we’ve achieved, using my 3-Cubed Formula.

If you want to hold on to your simplified, decluttered and organized home, work and life, then read on!

Remember: you only need 30 minutes for the basic mission. Extended Options are below.
If you’re new, you might like to start here -> 52 Organizing Missions.

Get Organized Mission #52:
Simplify Your Life

Think about how much more time, energy and happiness you have now that your life is a little more organized. Good, huh?

To hold on to these good feelings, all you have to do is make a few changes to your habits. Nothing drastic; just simple, practical principles that will help you maintain a sense of order and keep clutter at bay.

So with that in mind, get yourself a pen and some paper or open a new document on your computer, and let’s get started.

Step 1: Make 3 Simplifying, Decluttering or Organizing Resolutions (20 mins)

Decide on 3 simplifying, decluttering or organizing principles you’re choosing to live by.

They don’t have to be huge.

Small changes are fine, and can be a good way to gradually increase your confidence so you want to take on more challenging goals.

I suggest starting with 3 resolutions. Any time you feel you’ve got something pretty much under your belt, replace it with another.

You don’t have to be perfect.

You can stuff up from time to time and just start again the next day. No problemo. It still works.

Here are some examples of resolutions you can choose from – or make up your own:

• I only shop when I need something, not to pass the time
• When I shop, I stick to a list
• I don’t buy things just because they’re on sale or a bargain
• Whenever I buy something new, I donate or discard something old
• I add at least one item to my donation basket every day
• I include cleaning up as part of the task
• I do not join catalogue mailing lists
• I respect my home’s boundaries and only buy/keep what I can neatly store
• I make quick decisions about where things go
• Every time I feel clutter accumulating I fill a trash bag, declutter 50 items or donate 50 items
• I repeat the 52 Organizing Missions program every year.

Choose your 3 resolutions and write or type them up neatly.

Step 2: Place Copies of Your Resolutions in 3 Places
(10 mins)

Make 3 copies of the resolutions and put them in 3 places around your home, car, office, or wherever they’re most relevant and useful.

For example, you could place them:

• In your wallet
• On your bathroom mirror
• In your diary
• By your bedside
• On your noticeboard
• On your fridge
• On the microwave
• In the car glove box
• On the car dashboard
• On the TV
• As your computer screensaver
• As a recurring appointment in your PDA or iPhone.

Choose your 3 places and put a copy of your resolutions in each one.

Step 3: Read Your Resolutions 3 Times a Day (ongoing)

Your mission is mostly done.

Now all you have to do is keep your focus on these simplifying, decluttering or organizing resolutions. A good way to do that is to read them to yourself 3 times, most days.

If you’ve chosen good spots, this will happen organically as you go about your day. If not, you may have to experiment with different places.

Dos & Don’ts

• Don’t seek perfection with your resolutions; aim for progress instead. You’re more likely to achieve it, and less likely to drive yourself and everyone else mad.
• Do replace a resolution that has become a habit with a new one. That way you’ll keep on expanding the benefits of a beautifully simplified, decluttered and organized life.

Extended Organizing Mission Options

Want to go beyond this 30-minute organizing mission?

• Do this mission as a family. Agree on resolutions you’re all committed to for a more harmonious and ordered home and family life, and encourage and support each other as you put them into practice.
• Do this mission with a group of friends. Choose your resolutions individually, but decide to meet or touch base once a week. You can then review your resolutions together, and support one another in turning your resolutions into habits.

Ready, Set, Go!

Remember – move quickly, act fast, don’t overthink.

Start The 30-Minute Timer

Before You Go: Check In!

Please add a comment to say you’ve completed this week’s Get Organized Mission and you’re keeping your commitment.

Congratulations!
It’s Time To Get Your Badge.

You deserve to show off your achievement!

Grab your I’m Organized! badge here and display it on your blog, website or Facebook profile.

Oh and then? Gloat.

Organize Your Home & Life –
in Just 30 Minutes a Week

With the 52 Organizing Missions Workbook Pack you’ll simplify, organize and declutter dozens of areas, including:

Every workbook includes fully interactive Planning Worksheets, To-Do-Lists, and Success Journals not available elsewhere. Plus there are live accountability and free-download links.

Learn more about the 52 Missions Home Organizer.

[Image: by annia316]

Related posts:

1. How To Change Habits: My 3-Cubed Formula
2. Organizing Mission #44: Live Within Your Home’s Boundaries
3. Create Your ‘Organized Life Bedtime Routine’ [Mission #20]

If your kids and their bedrooms need an organization intervention, then read on.

In this mission we’ll declutter, tidy, and teach the kids some fabulous new habits.

Remember: you only need 30 minutes for the basic mission. Extended Options are below.
If you’re new, you might like to start here -> 52 Organizing Missions.

Get Organized Mission #48:
Organize Your Kids & Their Bedrooms

Before we start, decide whether you want to tackle just one room in this 30 minutes, or if you’d rather spread your time over more than one room.

Depending on how many kids and how many bedrooms you’re working with, you’ll need to adjust the amount of time you spend on each one.

Okay, let’s get started.

Step 1: Declutter Anything They’ve Outgrown (10 mins)

Quickly go through your child’s bedroom, pulling out anything they’ve outgrown – physically or psychologically.

Look for items such as:

• Clothes
• Shoes and boots
• Hats, gloves, etc
• School stuff
• Backpacks
• Books
• Toys
• Games
• DVDs
• Computer games
• Bed linen
• Pictures on walls or shelves
• Things in a color they no longer like
• Anything with bad memories attached
• Pet accessories for deceased pets.

Step 2: Show Them How To Do a Daily Tidy (10 mins)

Now that some of the clutter’s gone, it’s a perfect time to teach kids how to tidy their rooms each day.

Be realistic – you want to make it easy for kids to do it themselves, and do it every day. Keep the target low and you’ll raise the likelihood of success.

Focus your room-cleaning tutorial on simple, basic tasks such as:

• Putting dirty clothes in the laundry hamper (have one in each child’s room to make this easy)
• Putting clean clothes away –
  • Hanging clothes put on hangers
  • Folded clothes folded and put into drawers or on shelves
  • Coats or rain gear hung on hooks
• Putting toys away (have large toy bins to make this easy)
• Clearing things off the floor.

Step 3: Teach Them The ‘OCI-OGO’ Habit (10 mins)

Great – you’ve created some order. But how do you keep things this way?

The answer is to teach your kids the extremely useful habit of OCI-OGO:
One comes in, one goes out.

Every time your kids get a new item of clothing, toy, game, book, DVD, etc – they choose an old one to give away.

Teach your children that this is a wonderful way to keep their rooms neat and their lives organized, and to share with people who don’t have so many nice things.

The younger your kids are when you teach them this invaluable lesson, the easier they’ll find it to avoid the clutter and disorganization habits that burden so many grown ups.

Plus there’s an added benefit – you’ll have to set an example and adopt OCI-OGO too!

Dos & Don’ts

• Don’t get into a fight with the kids over what to get rid of. Focus on the big picture of decluttering (most) outgrown stuff, teaching tidying skills and introducing OCI-OGO.
• Do be prepared to give kids a few friendly reminders over the next week about their daily tidying tasks. It might take a few repetitions before they absorb the habit.

Extended Organizing Mission Options

Want to go beyond this 30-minute organizing mission?

• Do this mission individually with each child. You’ll be able to tailor your decluttering, tidying and OCI-OGO lesson more personally to each one.
• Have something fun planned to follow this mission, so you can reward the kids for their attention and co-operation. A DVD to watch, their fave place for dinner, or some other treat in their preferred currency will make this mission more pleasant for everyone.

Ready, Set, Go!

Remember – move quickly, act fast, don’t overthink.

Start The 30-Minute Timer

Before You Go: Check In!

Please add a comment to say you’ve completed this week’s Get Organized Mission and you’re keeping your commitment.

And see you back here next week!

Get More ‘Me’ Time – With Life & Goal Organizer

Life & Goal Organizer is a 360-degree goal and life organizing
system. Like a personal coach, it helps you take charge of your
goals, plans and life, one step at a time.

By leading you through a system of ready-made action plans –
from home organization and time management to money & finance and family – Life & Goal Organizer provides a motivating way to organize your time, your goals and your life.

Learn about Life & Goal Organizer.

[Image by Andrew Stawarz]

Related posts:

1. Organize Your Laundry [Mission #32]
2. Get Organized Mission #15: Organize Your Kitchen
3. Time Management: How To Simplify Your Home Organization Tasks [Mission #28]

Your garden can be a source of beauty and joy. Don’t let disorganization spoil the pleasure – spend just 30 minutes today and make your garden into a happier place.

Remember: you only need 30 minutes for the basic mission. Extended Options are below.
If you’re new, you might like to start here -> 52 Organizing Missions.

Get Organized Mission #45:
Organize Your Garden

Step 1: Choose Garden-Organizing Projects (5 Minutes)

To make the most of our 30 minutes, we’re going to focus on the one or two tasks that will bring the most transformation to your garden space.

Go out into your garden, yard or balcony, or survey your indoor plants.
Decide which of these mini garden projects you’d like to complete in this mission:

• Clear junk and rubbish
  If you have eyesore junk in your garden, this should be your priority. Looking at rubbish every day is no good for you – get rid of it today!
• Hire a horticulturist, gardener or mower to provide regular attention
  Ask a neighbor for a recommendation or rummage through those letterbox drops you’ve been collecting. Make a call today and book someone.
• Install a water-saving sprinkler system
  If watering the garden is your downfall, investigate options for something automatic and water-smart.
• Remove weeds
  Get your gloves on, cue some good music on your iPod, and out you go. Thinking about it is worse than just doing it.
• Remove plants you don’t like
  Do you feel icky every time you look at that plant? Now’s your chance to move it out of your garden once and for all.
• Trim trees or prune hedges or bushes
  This is another one of those tasks that you dread, but is not so bad once you get started. So get started!
• Fertilize
  If your garden needs it, then show your garden a little fertilizer love. You’ll enjoy the rewards in the weeks and months to come.
• Update garden furniture
  Rusty, ancient furniture brings no joy to you – or to your clothes. Refresh your garden setting, and perhaps have breakfast out there next weekend?
• Plan new plantings
  If your garden is crying out for some new additions, this is the time to pop over to the nursery and stock up on seedlings and such.
• Buy new flowers or plants
  Are your indoor or outdoor plants looking lugubrious? It might be time to update your collection.
• Add a bench, lights or other touches
  If your garden is in pretty good condition but needs something fresh, a slatted bench or some solar lights might do the trick.
• Mow the lawn
  Prosaic I know, but this might just be the touch that makes your garden glow.

If there’s something else that would make your garden a more joyful place, do that instead.

Step 2: Organize Your Garden (25 Minutes)

Next, pull on your gardening gloves and get out there! Or pop over to the nursery or store and complete your purchases, pronto. Or make that call.

Now that you have a plan and a vision, you’ll be amazed at how much you’ll get done in just 25 minutes. Complete as many projects as you can.

You’ll be delighted at the pleasure your rejuvenated garden will bring.

Dos & Don’ts

• Don’t aim for a perfect garden. This mission is about pleasure and joy – focus on creating a garden space that makes you happy.
• Do be guided by your heart and your eye. Choose flowers or plants that have meaning and beauty for you.

Extended Organizing Mission Options

Want to go beyond this 30-minute organizing mission?

• Do this mission as a family. Let everyone choose their preferred mini-projects in Step 1, then power through your allocated tasks together in Step 2.
• If you like, set aside an afternoon or a day and do a bunch of these mini-projects. You’ll really transform your garden.

Ready, Set, Go!

Remember – move quickly, act fast, don’t overthink.

Start The 30-Minute Timer

Before You Go: Check In!

Please add a comment to say you’ve completed this week’s Get Organized Mission and you’re keeping your commitment.

And see you back here next week!

52 Organizing Missions: Get The Workbooks!

Turbo-charge your organizing success with the accompanying 52 Organizing Missions Workbooks.

-   Every mission in attractive, printable format
-   Fully interactive planning worksheet, to-do
list and success journal for every mission
-   Provides a record of achievements as you go
-   Self-guided – progress at your own pace
-   Re-usable – repeat the program whenever you
need a refresher
-   Live links to relevant blog post for
accountability check-ins.

Available now:

• 52 Missions Home Organizer

[Image: by nosha]

Related posts:

1. Organize Your Living Area [Mission #31]
2. Organize Your Bathroom [Mission #22]
3. Organize Your Paperwork [Mission #36]

If you can’t get organized because you have more stuff than space, then this mission is tailor-made for you.

Remember: you only need 30 minutes for the basic mission. Extended Options are below.
If you’re new, you might like to start here -> 52 Organizing Missions.

Get Organized Mission #44:
Live Within Your Home’s Boundaries

Step 1: Make Peace With Your Boundaries (10 minutes)

In this step I’m asking you to make a mental shift, so please just sit calmly for now and see what you think of this.

I’d like to suggest that you make a commitment to only keeping in your home those things that fit comfortably.

Radical I know, but potentially the key to a calmer existence for you and your family.

Here’s what it would mean. You’d only keep the quantity of:

• Clothes that fit neatly in your closet
• Books that fit neatly in your bookshelves
• Tupperware or cookware that fits neatly in your kitchen cupboards
• Stationery that fits neatly in your desk
• Furniture that fits neatly in your house
• Toys that fit neatly in your toy bins.

You get the idea.

Here’s the thing, though. The extent to which your stuff currently exceeds your space? That’s the amount of stuff you’d have to discard or donate. If you have a lot of things that don’t fit properly in your home, then that means – um, getting rid of a lot of stuff.

Now I’m not saying it’s right or fair or necessary that you should move out of your home everything that’s surplus to your space.

I’m simply saying that you’ll probably feel happier, less cluttered and more organized if you only have what your space comfortably accommodates.

So please take a few moments to look around your home and think about whether, or where, you might like to embrace this idea. When you’re done, come back for the next step.

Step 2: Flick What Doesn’t Fit (20 minutes)

Choose one area where you have more stuff than space, and where you’re willing to downsize.

Good areas to consider include:

• Drawers you can barely open/close because they’ve overfilled
• Clutter you can’t put away because there’s no room for it where it belongs
• Closets that are overstuffed with clothes or shoes
• Kitchen cabinets groaning with Tupperware, cookware or utensils
• Toys that overrun their storage bins.

Now, just start removing things you don’t love or don’t really use – and keep removing stuff until what’s left fits nicely.

You can donate or discard as appropriate later, but for now just concentrate on downsizing until your space matches your stuff.

If you have time remaining, tackle another area.

Living within your home’s boundaries is a wonderful habit and a great way to feel calm and clear. Please let me know how it feels for you.

Dos & Don’ts

• Don’t buy more storage bins to justify keeping more stuff! That’s cheating yourself.
• Do take pleasure in simplifying your space. Focus on the feelings of lightness and clarity and you’ll find it easier to part with things you don’t really use or love.

Extended Organizing Mission Options

Want to go beyond this 30-minute organizing mission?

• Do this mission as a family. Discuss step 1 together, then choose zones for each person to tackle during step 2. 

Ready, Set, Go!

Remember – move quickly, act fast, don’t overthink.

Start The 30-Minute Timer

Before You Go: Check In!

Please add a comment to say you’ve completed this week’s Get Organized Mission and you’re keeping your commitment.

And see you back here next week!

Organize Your Whole Life – With Life & Goal Organizer

Life & Goal Organizer is a 360-degree goal and life organizing system. Like a personal coach, it helps you take charge of your goals, plans and life, one step at a time.

By leading you through a system of ready-made action plans, Life & Goal Organizer provides a motivating way to organize your time, your goals and your life.

Learn about Life & Goal Organizer.

[Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/randomurl/ / CC BY 2.0]

Related posts:

1. How To Live a Simpler Life: The 3-Cubed Formula [Get Organized Mission #52:]
2. Organizing Mission #40: Conquer Your Storage Space Demons
3. Organizing Mission #39: Declutter Your Surfaces

If the idea of clearing out your attic, basement, garage, cellar, spare room or storage unit terrifies you, then take a deep breath.

In this organizing mission we’ll face the fear, and make a good start on conquering your storage demons.

Remember: you only need 30 minutes for the basic mission. Extended Options are below.
If you’re new, you might like to start here -> 52 Organizing Missions.

Get Organized Mission #40:
Conquer Your Storage Space Demons

Step 1: Assess Your Storage Space (5 minutes)

First up, let’s take inventory of the situation.

Go to the attic, basement, garage, cellar, spare room or storage unit and take a good, honest look around. Decide which of these descriptions is most applicable:

1. It’s serious: You think you could have a hoarding problem.
2. It’s manageable but overwhelming: You have no idea where or how to start.
3. It’s manageable but scary: You don’t want to face all that stuff on your own.
4. It’s time: You know what you have to do, and you’re ready to get organized.

Step 2: Create a Storage Organization Plan (10 minutes)

Once you’ve determined the scope of your challenge, you can formulate a plan of attack.

Depending on the description you chose, you’ll need to create a storage organization plan.

1. You think you could have a hoarding problem.

Many people have low-level hoarding habits, but if you suspect there’s something more serious going on for you, then you may benefit from professional psychological help.

In that case, your storage organization plan could be something like this:

1. Ask your doctor for a referral to a psychologist or mental health professional skilled in helping people with hoarding problems.
2. Call and make an appointment.
3. To help you learn more in the meantime, search at a bookstore, online or at the library for books that can help.

2. You have no idea where or how to start.

If the reason you can’t face clearing your storage space is a strong sense of overwhelm, then you may need the structure and encouragement of a professional organizer.

Your storage organization plan could be along these lines:

1. Find a local professional organizer. Ideally, choose someone who’s been recommended to you; otherwise try the National Association of Professional Organizers (US) or Australasian Association of Professional Organisers.
2. Call and enquire about the cost of having someone assist you in clearing out your storage space.
• If you’re currently paying for storage, your savings may offset the fee.
• If not, the benefits of getting the problem handled – reduced stress, increased space, greater clarity and lightness – are likely to be worth the investment.
3. Make an appointment.

3. You don’t want to face all that stuff on your own.

If you’re afraid of the decisions you’ll have to make, or simply dread being along with all that stuff, then you may find it easier and more motivating to ask a friend to help you.

Create a storage organization plan something like this:

1. Choose a friend who’s good at keeping their own clutter at bay.
2. Decide how you will ask for their help, including:
• What are you asking for?
  Encouragement to let go of things? Emotional support as you sort through family items? Company as you stick to the task till it’s done?
• How much time are you asking for?
  4 hours? A day at the weekend? An hour per week for the next month?
• When?
  Be ready with days and dates, so you can lock something in.
• Quid pro quo?
  Depending on the relationship, you may not need to offer something back. In general though, it’s a good idea to show you appreciate your friend’s time by offering babysitting, a dinner invitation, or some other thank-you.
3. Make a date.

4. You know what you have to do and you’re ready to get organized

If you’ve been procrastinating, but now feel ready to face up to your storage space, then seize the day!

Formulate a storage organization plan like this:

1. Schedule a storage attack appointment. Put it in your diary, let the family know, do whatever you have to to get this firmly on your calendar.
2. Assemble supplies. Gather rubber gloves, boxes, trash bags, storage bins, labels, sharpies – whatever you need to move quickly and get the area organized.  
3. Make it as enjoyable as possible. My motto for all things challenging is ‘If it must be done, then make it fun!’ Plan to have 80s music, margaritas as rewards, or anything else that will keep you motivated.

Get to work and create your plan for tackling that scary storage space.

Step 3: Implement Your Storage Organization Plan (15 minutes)

Now that you have a plan, it’s time to put it into effect.

Spend the rest of your 30 minutes working through the tasks in the personal storage organization plan you just created in Step 2.

When you’re done, you should have everything in place so that your storage-space attack is scheduled and you’re ready to go.

And I bet you’re even looking forward to it – just a little.

Dos & Don’ts

• Don’t feel that you have to actually attack your storage space in this mission. You’ll get more motivated and increase your chances of finishing the project by doing this planning first.
• Do take any opportunity to add fun. If silly music, a little company or a batch of cocktails is what gets your storage space dealt with – then why not!

Extended Organizing Mission Options

Want to go beyond this 30-minute organizing mission?

• If you chose option 3 or 4 to describe your storage situation in Step 1, then you could complete Steps 2 and 3 with a friend or group of friends. You could even create a schedule for attacking each of your storage spaces as a group.

Ready, Set, Go!

Remember – move quickly, act fast, don’t overthink.

Start The 30-Minute Timer

Before You Go: Check In!

Please add a comment to say you’ve completed this week’s Get Organized Mission and you’re keeping your commitment.

And see you back here next week!

Organize Your Whole Life – With Life & Goal Organizer

Life & Goal Organizer is a 360-degree goal and life organizing system. Like a personal coach, it helps you take charge of your goals, plans and life, one step at a time.

By leading you through a system of ready-made action plans, Life & Goal Organizer provides a motivating way to organize your time, your goals and your life.

Learn about Life & Goal Organizer.

[Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/migrainechick/ / CC BY 2.0]

Related posts:

1. Bust Your Procrastination Demons [Mission #25]
2. Organizing Mission #44: Live Within Your Home’s Boundaries
3. Simplify Your Life – Possessions [Organizing Mission #41]