Space Analysis
Analyze your space and figure out what you want to use it for. For instance, do you like to park your car in your garage, or will it be a workshop or a kids’ playroom? Understand that you want to use the space for more than one activity and realize the potential of the space and all that it can be. Make drawings of what you think it would look like even if you don’t draw well. Cut out pictures from magazines of ideas you have for the space. Visualize the space in your mind’s eye. Discuss the space with family and friends and generate ideas. Call a professional organizer, designer, or home improvement company for free consultations about your space. Next, take everything out of your space so you can see it clearly. To get really informed on decluttering and become your own personal organizer, read The Clutter Remedy Book on Amazon.
Clear the Area
Find an area to sort through the things you will keep and the items you will eliminate. Take everything out of the space. Starting with an empty space will help you determine a home for everything you are keeping and give you a blank canvas to design the space from scratch. Categorize everything you own, then review each item and ask yourself four questions. “Will I use it?” “Does it serve a purpose?” “Is it sentimental?” and “Do I love it?” Anything not meeting the above criteria can be donated, gifted, sold, or thrown responsibly in the trash or recycled.
Eliminate
Eliminate. Of course, the most challenging part is eliminating stuff that you have held onto for some reason or another…and guess what, if you haven’t used it for years and aren’t sure when you will, it is still challenging to get rid of stuff.
Putting Everything in its Place
I always say there is a home for everything, and it’s true. You will find a home for every item you want in your space. The reason it is a good idea to have a home for everything is simple…stuff will end up back where it belongs, and it will be easy to find when you want it. Since you designed the space beforehand, moving everything into place will be straightforward. There are great tools at the hardware store for rolling and sliding heavy pieces if there are heavy items. This is also a time to hire a handyman or get some handy friends over if you need things hung, pictures, racks, wall units put together, etc.… Once you’re finished, sit and relax and take it all in.
Sit and Relax and Take it All In
Finally, your space is complete. This is a time to use the space and see if it works for you. You may want to make adjustments, move things around, and even eliminate more stuff you realize you won’t use in the space. You may also like to purchase some new items for your space. Reflect on the space and ensure it is how you imagined it. Hopefully, with all the planning and carefully considered steps, your space is perfect for you!
Consulting business and residential occupants is easy when you are a NAPO Professional Organizer. Working with a NAPO organizer makes all the difference. Many people running around call themselves “Professional Organizers,” but NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) Organizers are trained regularly in all the upcoming and current ways to get and stay organized.
Working with NAPO
Consulting business and residential occupants is easy when you are a NAPO Professional Organizer. Working with a NAPO organizer makes all the difference. Many people running around call themselves “Professional Organizers,” but NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) Organizers are trained regularly in all the upcoming and current ways to get and stay organized.
