When I started my professional organising business before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, I was enthusiastic and excited to declutter and organise our home. I was on a mission to transform each room and every cupboard space. The outcome was satisfying and it felt good to look at the neatly arranged items inside my cupboards and drawers. Everything was in its place.
After the pandemic started, I managed to get an office job and was left with little time and energy to maintain the organising flow. Although I still tried to keep items in their place; it was not so neatly arranged anymore. I also started putting things I wasn’t sure about in the guest room and just closed the door. At times I had the frustration of having to search for things, which I find extremely annoying. This is the main reason, why I prefer a more organised environment.
Now with spring around the corner and after a good, long holiday, I have gained new motivation to become more organised again. Even when work is hectic and time is limited, I am trying to keep up the effort to maintain an organised home environment. It’s just like keeping up your exercise regime or hobby, maintaining an organised household takes some effort, but the benefits are rewarding. If you make it part of your lifestyle, then the amount of effort at regular intervals is limited.
Finding Motivation
There are many ways to become more motivated and inspired, in order to start organising your home.
You can:
- look at organising and interior Instagram photos and videos
- watch popular TV Shows like Tidying Up with Marie Kondo or Get Organized with the Home Edit
- read books such as Spark Joy by Marie Kondo
- buy new storage containers from The Container Store or other stores
- plan a reward and treat yourself to something nice afterwards
- get into action when spring starts and you feel full of energy
Getting Started
Some of us like to plan and make lists. If this is you, plan a time when you want to get started. Identify the space you want to declutter and source some storage containers in a variety of sizes. Try to stick to one basic colour. Perspex containers are great as you can effortlessly see what is inside. Have a look at online stores like IKEA and The Container Store for clever storage ideas.
If you are the more spontaneous type, then get started when you feel motivated and energetic. Make a list of the storage containers, you require as you progress with the organising process. Just like Marie Kondo, I like to use existing containers like glass jars, gift boxes and empty packaging, for storing items.
If you feel low or lack energy, it’s normal that you don’t care about exercising or keeping things organised. We all have periods when life is more hectic and challenging. You can try to improve your energy levels by using an energy tonic or adding food supplements such as a Vitamin B complex, iron, magnesium or ashwagandha herbs to your diet. This helped me when my stamina was low.
Once you are ready to get started, I suggest you start with a small room or space e.g., the bathroom or grocery cupboard. A smaller space is a good warming up exercise and feels more manageable to accomplish.
If you just cannot get started, try to seek help from a Professional Organiser …
The Organising Process
Follow my simple step-by-step process:
- Remove everything from the shelves or drawers and place items on a flat surface. No half measures.
- Wipe off the storage space and let it dry. Use an all-purpose cleaning spray.
- Start grouping items by the same type, use, size and shape.
- Remove any old and damaged items, as well as anything that you don’t use or like anymore. Group discarded items into separate piles – trash, donating and for sale.
- Arrange the items in storage containers. See which type of container will work the best, for the available space. You might want to invest in a new cupboard or cabinet.
- Finish the process off by adding a plant, fresh flowers or add some wall art. This is a good time to shift decor items around in your house.
- Make a list of items you need to replace or purchase.
- Get rid of your discarded piles.
I suggest tidying up and cleaning existing storage spaces once a year, when spring starts. Grocery cupboards and wardrobes should be decluttered twice a year. Keep clothing neatly stacked, on a regular basis.
Discard Items without Feeling Bad
Getting rid of smaller or less meaningful things should not be a big thing. In order to maintain sufficient space at home, you need to discard old things to make space for the new. This is especially important for your wardrobe space. Particularly if you have already started to claim space in the guest bedroom, even though your wardrobe space is big enough.
Some of us find it harder to let go of things, even if they don`t have a real purpose. There can be different reasons for being attached to things.
- Sentimental values – The emotional value assigned to the object is much more than the use of the object or product.
- Materialism – When self-worth is attached to material possessions and one is highly possessive of objects.
- Collecting – A collection of items with the same theme for the purpose to display or seeking pleasure in obtaining them.
- Hoarding – Excessive acquiring and refusal to discard items. Believing the items are one of a kind or will be needed at some point in the future.
If you know someone who is affected by a hoarding disorder, you are welcome to read my blog post “Why some People can’t let go of Worthless Things?”
Own Fewer Things
I love the quote, “Less is more” because it is so true. Buying items spontaneously might bring you happiness, but it is only temporary. Afterwards, you might sit with problems like, where to place or store the new item, or additional expenses that you cannot afford.
These days I only buy things that I have planned to purchase or items that create a Wow effect. If you do see something that you don’t really need, but which can be useful, then ask yourself where you will put it. Especially if it is a big item, which will take up a lot of space.
Try to avoid sales. Just because you can get something that is 50% reduced, is still no good reason to purchase it, unless it is part of your shopping list. Rather save the money for something you really need or want.
In Closing
I hope you found this blog post helpful. The saying “Rome wasn’t built in one day” rings true, when organising your home. Take it one step at a time.
Whenever you have an energy splurge or a free moment, tackle the next thing on your To-Do list. This can be a lunch break, while doing home office, at night when you feel bored of watching Netflix or on the weekend when the weather is bad outside. Especially in the mornings, when you feel fresh, it’s easier to tidy up your home.
I wish you a happy spring and cheerful organising!
“Spring adds new Life and new Beauty to all that is.”
Jessica Harrelson
Follow my 52 Week Organise your Life Programme
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