Comments on: Where to start organizing your home http://unclutterer.com/2008/05/27/where-to-start-organizing-your-home/ Daily tips on how to organize your home and office. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:41:41 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: WilliamB http://unclutterer.com/2008/05/27/where-to-start-organizing-your-home/comment-page-1/#comment-40972 WilliamB Sun, 16 Aug 2009 20:44:50 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=1311#comment-40972 When I'm working with someone else, I usually suggest the bathroom as a place to start. It's small, it's usually pretty clear what should go there, and when you're done it's an ENTIRE ROOM that's organized and clean. The quick hit typically gives one a big boost to see how it can be done and what a pleasure it is to have it done. But I'm part of the choir here. Right now I'm taking advantage of a weekend alone by going through kitchen stuff. Sound simple? Not really. My kitchen is the kitchen and dining room with the wall knocked out, with cabinets along two of the walls. What's in the back of all these lovely cabinets, and why if I have them do I need to store a food stockpile in the garage? There's stuff in the attic that's been there for about 5 years; time to unpack it and see what I still want to keep. Oh, look, *four* pitchers! And I haven't used a single of them in 6 years. (Note to self: better check that they all belong to me before disposing of them.) The hardest part was finding an out of the way place to put things, such as the four pitchers, so I can see all I have before making decisions. When I’m working with someone else, I usually suggest the bathroom as a place to start. It’s small, it’s usually pretty clear what should go there, and when you’re done it’s an ENTIRE ROOM that’s organized and clean. The quick hit typically gives one a big boost to see how it can be done and what a pleasure it is to have it done.

But I’m part of the choir here. Right now I’m taking advantage of a weekend alone by going through kitchen stuff. Sound simple? Not really. My kitchen is the kitchen and dining room with the wall knocked out, with cabinets along two of the walls. What’s in the back of all these lovely cabinets, and why if I have them do I need to store a food stockpile in the garage? There’s stuff in the attic that’s been there for about 5 years; time to unpack it and see what I still want to keep. Oh, look, *four* pitchers! And I haven’t used a single of them in 6 years. (Note to self: better check that they all belong to me before disposing of them.)

The hardest part was finding an out of the way place to put things, such as the four pitchers, so I can see all I have before making decisions.

]]> By: Laura http://unclutterer.com/2008/05/27/where-to-start-organizing-your-home/comment-page-1/#comment-34717 Laura Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:14:38 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=1311#comment-34717 Here is the only way that works for me: Find 4 big boxes. Label them "garbage", "recycling", "thrift store", and "keep". Pick one shelf in one room. Put everything in the appropriate boxes. Move to the next shelf and repeat. Have a cup of tea. Do one more shelf. Now take out the garbage and the recycling, take the thrift store stuff to the nearest thrift store. The next day, start over again. Hope this works for you too! Cheers! Here is the only way that works for me:

Find 4 big boxes. Label them “garbage”, “recycling”, “thrift store”, and “keep”.

Pick one shelf in one room. Put everything in the appropriate boxes. Move to the next shelf and repeat. Have a cup of tea. Do one more shelf. Now take out the garbage and the recycling, take the thrift store stuff to the nearest thrift store.

The next day, start over again.

Hope this works for you too!

Cheers!

]]> By: Jen Smith http://unclutterer.com/2008/05/27/where-to-start-organizing-your-home/comment-page-1/#comment-34079 Jen Smith Sat, 30 May 2009 08:09:52 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=1311#comment-34079 I forgot to add - one reason to put away everything but the stuff I use every day is to see if it is TRULY something I cant part with. I mentally picture having to pay for storage for all of those items and if they are worth that fee to me, then it is worth hanging on to... I forgot to add – one reason to put away everything but the stuff I use every day is to see if it is TRULY something I cant part with. I mentally picture having to pay for storage for all of those items and if they are worth that fee to me, then it is worth hanging on to…

]]> By: Jen Smith http://unclutterer.com/2008/05/27/where-to-start-organizing-your-home/comment-page-1/#comment-34078 Jen Smith Sat, 30 May 2009 08:08:12 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=1311#comment-34078 Hi Cathy - I am not moving but I became overwhelmed recently with all my stuff so when I am decluttering/organizing now I added an additional sort item so I now have 1)pitch 2)donate 3)sell/craigslist 4)keep stored 5)keep out. I have put all of my collectibles that i just cant part with yet away in a box because I really want to see how minimalist I can live. I even did this with my kitchen picturing how many dishes/pots/baking pans/tupperware I would need if I lived in an RV (a long time dream) and now everything fits with room to spare. Hi Cathy – I am not moving but I became overwhelmed recently with all my stuff so when I am decluttering/organizing now I added an additional sort item so I now have 1)pitch 2)donate 3)sell/craigslist 4)keep stored 5)keep out. I have put all of my collectibles that i just cant part with yet away in a box because I really want to see how minimalist I can live. I even did this with my kitchen picturing how many dishes/pots/baking pans/tupperware I would need if I lived in an RV (a long time dream) and now everything fits with room to spare.

]]> By: Cathy http://unclutterer.com/2008/05/27/where-to-start-organizing-your-home/comment-page-1/#comment-14358 Cathy Sun, 08 Jun 2008 09:09:28 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=1311#comment-14358 I really appreceiated reading all of these coments. I am a full time working mother of 3 and my husband and I are getting ready to move into a new house. I am looking for all of the advise that I can about uncluttering our space. The house we are moving into is bigger but I really don't think we need to take all of the stuff we have now with us. Where do I start, what is the easiest way to eliminate clutter and how do I get rid of stuff I have had for years (I guess I'm sentimental, it just is hard to get rid of stuff). Please help!! I really appreceiated reading all of these coments. I am a full time working mother of 3 and my husband and I are getting ready to move into a new house. I am looking for all of the advise that I can about uncluttering our space. The house we are moving into is bigger but I really don’t think we need to take all of the stuff we have now with us. Where do I start, what is the easiest way to eliminate clutter and how do I get rid of stuff I have had for years (I guess I’m sentimental, it just is hard to get rid of stuff). Please help!!

]]> By: Sandy http://unclutterer.com/2008/05/27/where-to-start-organizing-your-home/comment-page-1/#comment-13496 Sandy Sun, 01 Jun 2008 17:55:05 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=1311#comment-13496 This site is such an inspiration. I have successfully kept my dining room table clear of stuff for a month now. It used to be where I would drop papers and books and things that seemed to stay there forever. Yesterday, I donated unwanted clothing that was cluttering up the bedroom closet. My lanai is the first thing I see when I come home from work so this afternoon, I moved all of the painting supplies that had blocked my view to the garage. Soon, I hope to clear out the garage. This site is such an inspiration. I have successfully kept my dining room table clear of stuff for a month now. It used to be where I would drop papers and books and things that seemed to stay there forever. Yesterday, I donated unwanted clothing that was cluttering up the bedroom closet. My lanai is the first thing I see when I come home from work so this afternoon, I moved all of the painting supplies that had blocked my view to the garage. Soon, I hope to clear out the garage.

]]> By: Cynthia Friedlob, The Thoughtful Consumer http://unclutterer.com/2008/05/27/where-to-start-organizing-your-home/comment-page-1/#comment-13361 Cynthia Friedlob, The Thoughtful Consumer Thu, 29 May 2008 04:19:28 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=1311#comment-13361 I've always found that my greatest challenge is what I call "the backwards cascade." It's similar to what Anne referred to above when she said her clock didn't get hung on the wall because the hutch was in the wrong place and the rocker was in the way of everything. In her case, she wisely acted on the situation, but sometimes it's easy to get derailed because every act of organizing seems to require that something else get done first. I think Jay and Suzyn have the right idea to get past this blockade: just start throwing away or donating things you know you don't want. Then you will have made visible progress and you'll feel better about taking on the more formidable tasks. I can also relate to Angela's comment about tackling too much at once and ending up with many partially completed projects. I also agree with her solution, which I've been implementing over the last several years: let go of everything you possibly can -- and that's undoubtedly more than you think you can when you begin the process! It does indeed give a wonderful sense of freedom when you no longer feel weighted down by your possessions! Good post and comments! Thanks! I’ve always found that my greatest challenge is what I call “the backwards cascade.” It’s similar to what Anne referred to above when she said her clock didn’t get hung on the wall because the hutch was in the wrong place and the rocker was in the way of everything.

In her case, she wisely acted on the situation, but sometimes it’s easy to get derailed because every act of organizing seems to require that something else get done first. I think Jay and Suzyn have the right idea to get past this blockade: just start throwing away or donating things you know you don’t want. Then you will have made visible progress and you’ll feel better about taking on the more formidable tasks.

I can also relate to Angela’s comment about tackling too much at once and ending up with many partially completed projects. I also agree with her solution, which I’ve been implementing over the last several years: let go of everything you possibly can — and that’s undoubtedly more than you think you can when you begin the process! It does indeed give a wonderful sense of freedom when you no longer feel weighted down by your possessions!

Good post and comments! Thanks!

]]> By: Organized Chaos http://unclutterer.com/2008/05/27/where-to-start-organizing-your-home/comment-page-1/#comment-13331 Organized Chaos Wed, 28 May 2008 17:45:30 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=1311#comment-13331 All of these suggestions are great, especially since starting is often the most difficult step. I find that, when faced with an entire apartment that needs cleaning/organizing, it can become very overwhelming. What I try to do if I want to start with the kitchen or the living room-dining room, is close the doors leading to all other rooms (ie bedroom, closets, bathroom etc) so that I can only physically see a smaller mess. Also, as I have only been living with my fiance for about six months (and we've spent a lot of time bickering about who should do what or who actually did what), I've found that for a couple, a great way to tackle large messes is to divide up tasks and to work on them simultaneously. That way things get done faster, and no one person feels like they're the only one making an effort. And, if both of you have to work to clean up, you will both be more likely to make an effort to keep things clean. My final piece of advice is clothing and shoes related. 1) Besides seasonal clothing, if you haven't worn it in six months, you're not going to. 2) Ask yourself HONESTLY, if you did lose the weight, would you actually wear that again. 3) Needs repairs (buttons, zippers, hems, patches)? If it's been more than 2 months, you're not going to get around to it. 4) Not everything comes back in style. 5) Getting rid of old clothes and shoes makes room for new stuff 6) If it's in good shape DONATE!! 7) If it's faded, lost it's color/shape...it's not coming back...let it go 8) Allow yourself to keep one or two treasured items ie) prom dress, university sweatshirt, etc...an organized closet can make you surprisingly happy. Sometimes I just open my closet door and look at all the folded things and lined up shoes and it gives me the strength to face the rest of my apartment. Good Luck! All of these suggestions are great, especially since starting is often the most difficult step. I find that, when faced with an entire apartment that needs cleaning/organizing, it can become very overwhelming. What I try to do if I want to start with the kitchen or the living room-dining room, is close the doors leading to all other rooms (ie bedroom, closets, bathroom etc) so that I can only physically see a smaller mess.

Also, as I have only been living with my fiance for about six months (and we’ve spent a lot of time bickering about who should do what or who actually did what), I’ve found that for a couple, a great way to tackle large messes is to divide up tasks and to work on them simultaneously. That way things get done faster, and no one person feels like they’re the only one making an effort. And, if both of you have to work to clean up, you will both be more likely to make an effort to keep things clean.

My final piece of advice is clothing and shoes related. 1) Besides seasonal clothing, if you haven’t worn it in six months, you’re not going to. 2) Ask yourself HONESTLY, if you did lose the weight, would you actually wear that again. 3) Needs repairs (buttons, zippers, hems, patches)? If it’s been more than 2 months, you’re not going to get around to it. 4) Not everything comes back in style. 5) Getting rid of old clothes and shoes makes room for new stuff 6) If it’s in good shape DONATE!! 7) If it’s faded, lost it’s color/shape…it’s not coming back…let it go 8) Allow yourself to keep one or two treasured items ie) prom dress, university sweatshirt, etc…an organized closet can make you surprisingly happy. Sometimes I just open my closet door and look at all the folded things and lined up shoes and it gives me the strength to face the rest of my apartment.

Good Luck!

]]> By: Angela Parker http://unclutterer.com/2008/05/27/where-to-start-organizing-your-home/comment-page-1/#comment-13315 Angela Parker Wed, 28 May 2008 14:40:00 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=1311#comment-13315 I find that organizing and minimizing usually hit me all at once and I work until I'm exhausted -- then I end up quitting with several projects complete and even more "in process." This means I have unseemly piles of "it always gets worse before it gets better." My solution? I've started deeply into my belongings. I've decided that too much of my life has been taken up by cleaning, organizing, making lists and contemplating how to keep my environment organized, clean and clutter free. The answer? Get rid of nearly everything. Seriously. And for me, the more I toss, eBay or donate, the happier I feel. There may come a time when I regret some of the stuff I've discarded, but so far I just feel better. More free and at peace. And, my little house is much more enjoyable. I find that organizing and minimizing usually hit me all at once and I work until I’m exhausted — then I end up quitting with several projects complete and even more “in process.” This means I have unseemly piles of “it always gets worse before it gets better.”

My solution? I’ve started deeply into my belongings. I’ve decided that too much of my life has been taken up by cleaning, organizing, making lists and contemplating how to keep my environment organized, clean and clutter free.

The answer? Get rid of nearly everything. Seriously. And for me, the more I toss, eBay or donate, the happier I feel. There may come a time when I regret some of the stuff I’ve discarded, but so far I just feel better. More free and at peace. And, my little house is much more enjoyable.

]]> By: Brooke http://unclutterer.com/2008/05/27/where-to-start-organizing-your-home/comment-page-1/#comment-13308 Brooke Wed, 28 May 2008 13:52:48 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=1311#comment-13308 "Post-it® Notes can be recycled by any mill that accepts mixed-paper recycling." http://www.mmm.com/us/office/postit/faq.html “Post-it® Notes can be recycled by any mill that accepts mixed-paper recycling.” http://www.mmm.com/us/office/postit/faq.html

]]> By: Dream Mom DBA www.dreamorganizers.com http://unclutterer.com/2008/05/27/where-to-start-organizing-your-home/comment-page-1/#comment-13294 Dream Mom DBA www.dreamorganizers.com Wed, 28 May 2008 04:18:53 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=1311#comment-13294 Nice post. I couldn't agree more with organizing the area you see first when you come home. I think it sets a peaceful tone for the whole house as well as setting the mood. I also have a rule of no shoes being visible when I walk in the door. I remove my shoes immediately and put them in the closet. Having a beautiful, welcoming space is calming. Nice post.

I couldn’t agree more with organizing the area you see first when you come home. I think it sets a peaceful tone for the whole house as well as setting the mood.

I also have a rule of no shoes being visible when I walk in the door. I remove my shoes immediately and put them in the closet. Having a beautiful, welcoming space is calming.

]]> By: Anne http://unclutterer.com/2008/05/27/where-to-start-organizing-your-home/comment-page-1/#comment-13288 Anne Tue, 27 May 2008 23:06:51 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=1311#comment-13288 Perfect Timing! Every morning I walk into our combo dining/kitchen semi living room and think why is that clock not on that wall? Because that hutch is in the wrong place and the rocker is in the way of everything! I spend 95% of time in that room and hated it. I dove in this morning and moved the clock and rearranged and got rid of 2 end tables...it is so much more functional now! I decluttered and made functional! Waking up tomorrow will bring a smile to my face as I read the newspaper in the correct corner of the room! You guys are kinda like a RedBull for organizers! Give me a jolt of inspiration! Perfect Timing!

Every morning I walk into our combo dining/kitchen semi living room and think why is that clock not on that wall?
Because that hutch is in the wrong place and the rocker is in the way of everything! I spend 95% of time in that room and hated it.
I dove in this morning and moved the clock and rearranged and got rid of 2 end tables…it is so much more functional now! I decluttered and made functional!
Waking up tomorrow will bring a smile to my face as I read the newspaper in the correct corner of the room!
You guys are kinda like a RedBull for organizers! Give me a jolt of inspiration!

]]> By: Jeri Dansky http://unclutterer.com/2008/05/27/where-to-start-organizing-your-home/comment-page-1/#comment-13284 Jeri Dansky Tue, 27 May 2008 20:53:28 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=1311#comment-13284 Nice list! For some more options, here's a list I wrote with 7 possible places to start: http://www.jdorganizer.com/2007-09newsletter.html Nice list! For some more options, here’s a list I wrote with 7 possible places to start:
http://www.jdorganizer.com/2007-09newsletter.html

]]> By: sylrayj http://unclutterer.com/2008/05/27/where-to-start-organizing-your-home/comment-page-1/#comment-13283 sylrayj Tue, 27 May 2008 20:25:19 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=1311#comment-13283 Thank you very much for this post. :) Too often, figuring out where to begin is the hardest of all. I'm preparing for a smallish gathering of preschool children to come to my daughter's birthday party, and I designated a 'path of cleaning' for us to work on, from the front entry, half-bath, into the kitchen, to the dining room, to the livingroom, we'll close the master bedroom door and my daughter's door, and my son's room will likely not get much attention but that's his issue anyway. I'm hoping to do a quick clean and tidy starting at the start, continuing until there's a place that needs a deeper clean, and then get that done. And repeat every day. Thank you very much for this post. :) Too often, figuring out where to begin is the hardest of all. I’m preparing for a smallish gathering of preschool children to come to my daughter’s birthday party, and I designated a ‘path of cleaning’ for us to work on, from the front entry, half-bath, into the kitchen, to the dining room, to the livingroom, we’ll close the master bedroom door and my daughter’s door, and my son’s room will likely not get much attention but that’s his issue anyway. I’m hoping to do a quick clean and tidy starting at the start, continuing until there’s a place that needs a deeper clean, and then get that done. And repeat every day.

]]> By: Bill http://unclutterer.com/2008/05/27/where-to-start-organizing-your-home/comment-page-1/#comment-13280 Bill Tue, 27 May 2008 19:00:23 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=1311#comment-13280 Mary, funny that you mention that. I used to as a kid (and still occasionally) flip a coin once to decide which half of the room I would start to clean and again to decide which quadrant I would clean. If I hit something that belongs in another quadrant I would just place it in that quadrant until it's time to clean there. If I encountered something that belonged in a quadrant I already cleaned, it would get put away right then. Mary, funny that you mention that.

I used to as a kid (and still occasionally) flip a coin once to decide which half of the room I would start to clean and again to decide which quadrant I would clean. If I hit something that belongs in another quadrant I would just place it in that quadrant until it’s time to clean there. If I encountered something that belonged in a quadrant I already cleaned, it would get put away right then.

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