Do you know what question I’m asked a lot— “What are your favorite tips to GET and STAY organized”? When asked, I could go on and on for hours. But obviously the person who posed the question doesn’t want to hear me ramble on about a topic I’m so passionate (and neurotic) about. So I decided to take some time and document my faves so they’re (drum roll please) — At Your Fingertips! And in case that wasn’t enough, they’re acronymized as well (because I’m such a nerd)!
AT:
A ction Plan; create a prioritized to-do list of your plan of attack.
T emperament- you have to have the right mindset: be ready & committed to downsize your possessions.
YOUR:
Y ippie!!!: Create a reward that you’ll treat yourself to once the project is complete so you have something to look forward to.
O HIO (Only Handle It Once acronym). While you have an item in your hand, try to make an immediate and final decision regarding its status (i.e. keep, donate, gift, etc.).
U se pre-labeled empty boxes/bags identifying the ultimate destination of its contents to sort/contain the items you wish to donate, gift, sell, trash, etc.
R Respect the sentimental items you keep. Don’t store them in a dirty garage, attic, etc. Instead, display them where you can admire/enjoy them daily.
FINGERTIPS:
F ile, don’t pile paperwork.
I tems are not the only source of a memory. You’ll still have the memory if you purge the item.
N eed- Ask yourself; how many of an item do I really NEED?
G oal- set a SMART decluttering goal that you can visualize so you know once you’ve achieved it.
E verything should have a home.
R ecognize that your kids may not want your stuff. Find out now by sending them photos of the items in question.
T ackle large areas first— the places you can make the most visible impact quickly.
I nventory— Shop at home first before you make a purchase.
P urge things that you don’t love, haven’t used in the past year or wouldn’t buy again.
S chedule time to declutter daily (minimum of 15 minutes).
ORGANIZING:
O rganizing bins/containers: don’t buy them until you’re done decluttering when you know the quantity/sizes needed.
R ule: your home should not be a climate-controlled storage unit for either your stuff or others’ stuff.
G enerate keep/purge decisions using A (keep) B (not sure) C (purge) methodology.
A sk for help from a pro or an objective person for an extra set of eyes and hands and to expedite the process.
N onprofits: Identify 1 or 2 you’re passionate about and to whom to donate your unwanted items.
I mprove daily paperwork flow by creating a command center to sort and process mail, etc.
Z ones: create them in your home/office and store similar items together.
I dentify the purpose of a space/zone.
N avigate “keep” and “purge” decisions by starting small to build your decision-making muscle.
G overn your life through improved daily habits. Determine which habits you need to start, stop and/or continue to maintain your organized space.
Could I could up with more than 26 tips for you to get and stay organized? Absolutely! But to keep it acronymized, that means I’d have to make my company name even longer which I refuse to do because my dear departed Mom came up with the name At Your Fingertips Organizing. She was amazing! When I first told her about this crazy business I wanted to start and asked for her help naming it, I said I had only one requirement — I wanted it to start with the letter “A” so it would appear close to the top in a list with other Organizers. It was her first (and only) recommendation! How could I not immediately agree? (And if you still want more tips, check out another blog I wrote.)
So I hope you enjoy this odd (though even) number of tips and that they bring more order into your home, office and life. If not, call me so we can work side-by-side together and I can help you get from point A to point B bigger, better and faster!
“If you’re not using the stuff in your home, get rid of it. You’re not going to start using it more by shoving it in a closet somewhere.”
Joshua Becker
Brenda Tringali, CPO® (Certified Professional Organizer)
Organizing | Productivity | Speaker
At Your Fingertips Organizing
Serving Greater Myrtle Beach, SC or “virtually” anywhere via video
Cell/Text: 603.490.6062
Brenda Tringali is the owner of At Your Fingertips Organizing. She provides Speaking, Organizing & Productivity services to Workplace/Residential clients both in person in the greater Myrtle Beach, SC area & “virtually” anywhere else via video, phone, etc. Brenda is an active member of NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing professionals) and the former Chair of NAPOCares, NAPO’s Social Responsibility Committee.