This time of year, in Iowa, I am inside so much more than any other time of year. I often times resort to this excuse, as my time when I will get to those indoor house projects. Sometimes, it can be completely overwhelming – getting organized. Like where do I even begin? Every room needs attention, every closet needs help. With children, and especially young children, I often feel as though one room is getting picked up while the other is turning into a disaster.
However; something I have learned is: work at one room at a time. If I can, I like to clean as I go…a bucket filled with soapy water and sponge. A very useful tip that helps with almost anything, is make it fun! I realize how much more I enjoy these “tasks” when I pair it with good music or a meaningful podcast…and it typically takes much less time than what I think. Looking for a great podcast? A favorite one for women that has been shared with me is At Home With Sally.
One of my goals for each room or space is to eliminate “extras” those things that are just not needed. Focus on the function, and purpose of the room. “What do I use the space for?” Then I also ask, “How can I make it better?” Usually, I feel as though there is just too much clutter. If things are out of place, I have noticed how it can affect my mood. When all the extra stuff is outta the way, I feel as though the space is much more comfortable and peaceful.
When I start in a room, as I mentioned before, I start with the overall picture, “What’s working – what’s not?” Then what helps me is by diving into the drawers or the shelves as a starting point. The process usually goes pretty quickly – I can decide to keep, throw away, or give away these items. As I get older, I feel like I am more of a pitcher – I must say it is a great feeling to toss (or give away) what is no longer needed.
Another part of organizing, that I think makes it exciting, are selecting the bins and totes – or for some it may be labeling. For me, it’s the icing on the cake to have matching bins or coordinating colors and /or patterns. They pull the room together and comes in handy for remembering where things go again. Yay!
Now, is my house organized all the time? Of course not! Would I love it to be? Yes, but life happens and things can get out of place easy and often. When I can make organizing more fun and enjoyable, it can be something I look forward to doing much more often.
