How to Create Order in Any Space

If the thought of cleaning out your purse, never mind a closet or the garage, makes you want to RUN in the opposite direction and play hours of solitaire on the computer or watch a "Petticoat Junction" marathon on t.v., here are some simple steps to get you started in almost any space.

     Before you begin, be clear about your purpose for the space.  Is it going to hold cleaning supplies, winter coats, ex husbands? (Anecdote:  I have a friend who is very clear about the purpose of her handbag, which contains:  grooming and make up center, first aid station, wardrobe malfunction emergency kit, supplies and tools for possible mechanical breakdown, various record keeping items:  address, phone number, calendars, lists of various sorts, financial necessities and  hydration and nutrition items. All perfectly organized).

Allow yourself roughly twice the amount of time you think this project will take.  Hurrying is the enemy of organization!

 EXHIBIT A   (photo from houndrat.com)

Take EVERYTHING out of the space.  As you take it out, you can sort into 4 separate piles or bins.

     Bin #1:  I can't use it and neither can anyone else--toss!  Be ruthless!  I know you don't want to put extra stuff into landfills, and you shouldn't.  Resolve that in the future, you will be mindful of that when you're considering a purchase.  But also consider whether you want it hanging around your house for the rest of your life, only to go right into the landfill anyway once you are gone.

     Bin #2:   I don't use it, love it, or need it, but someone else might--donate. (Warning:  be careful of putting things aside to give to someone else.  Those items have a way of sticking around for a LONG time and sometimes forever!)

     Bin #3:   I use it, love it, or need it, but it doesn't belong in this space.  You don't have to figure out where it will go right this minute....this bin can be put aside to deal with later.

(photo: Jeri's Organizing & Decluttering News)

     Bin #4:   I use it, love it, or need it and it belongs in this space.  Keep in mind the purpose you've given the space, and the amount of space available.

     Now you can put the stuff from Bin #4 back into the space in an orderly way. Group similar items together, and use bins or labels as needed.  Throw the items from Bin #1 in the garbage,  box or bag items from Bin #2 to donate, and find homes for the items in Bin #3 (this could be a separate project).  Dust off your hands and give yourself a big pat on the back.

     You deserve it!  And remember, if you need help, your friendly home organizer is always ready!

   For solutions to your organizing challenges,

to schedule a free consultation,

or have a conversation about your organizing needs:

Call Linda Palmer
262-784-3957

at Create Order

Home Organizing and De-materializing Service

 

                                  In Waukesha and Milwaukee WI counties, and surrounding area

on the web:  createorder.org

email: createorder1@gmail.com

facebook:  Linda Palmer/Create Order Organizing Service

   


 

Order Without Organizing

Would you be surprised to know that you can start to create order in your life without touching or moving even one object?  Yes, you can take action without diving into large piles of "homeless" possessions--even if you don't have time to start sorting objects at this very moment.
Here's how:

Be rested:  Being organized involves a lot of decision making, and fatigue can drastically affect our ability to make decisions and follow through with action.  It's easy to find plenty of information about good sleep habits.  For people like me, it's usually as simple as:  Put down that darn remote!  And go to bed!

Pay attention to your energy level:  Eat well and get exercise. You've heard this many times, so I won't go on about it. It's important.

Meditate: This is huge!  You'd think that sitting still and doing nothing for a short amount of time would be a relief in our over-scheduled lives, so why does it seem difficult for most of us to establish a regular practice of stillness?  I don't have the answer, but I can tell you that it's well worth it to make it a priority and not give up on this one.  The mental and physical benefits will have a positive effect on EVERYTHING in your life. And you don't have to be a yogi or a guru for that to happen.

Practice mindfulness:  After a week in which I lost a glove, a pair of glasses, and my calendar (and found all three plus an extra glove I had lost earlier), this is a big one for me.  I am still working on the habit of doing ONE THING AND ONE THING ONLY at a time and keeping my monkey mind on that one thing.

Shop consciously  (or--shop like a man):   Don't shop because you're feeling bored, angry, inadequate, or stressed -- shop because you need something specific. Go out with a list, and stick to it.   If you happen to see something you love while you're out - yes, even if it's on sale! - tell yourself you can have it if you still want it after a week.  You'll actually save money, because after a week you often forget about the item, or realize you don't really want it anyway.

  Creating order isn't just about having a neat home or office.  It's also about being present in your life, and having the time and energy to do what needs to be done, to relax, and to enjoy yourself.

And, if you find you need help once you're ready deal with the "stuff", your helpful professional organizer is just a phone call away

(Thanks to Julie Gray, of Profound Impact Coaching and Organizing. for the inspiration!  To visit her website:  profound-impact.com )

For solutions to your organizing challenges,

to schedule a free consultation,

or have a conversation about your organizing needs:

Call Linda Palmer
262-784-3957

at Create Order

Home Organizing and De-materializing Service

  In Waukesha and Milwaukee WI counties, and surrounding area

createorder.org

email: createorder1@gmail.com

facebook:  Linda Palmer/Create Order Organizing Service

"Stuff Nirvana"

     I'm always looking for ways to break the organizing process down into ideas that are easy to remember and understand.  That's why my ears sort of perked up when I came across a video on YouTube  featuring Andrew Mellen.  (see video)

     Andrew is described on his website as "The most organized man in America", which made me wonder...is there a "most organized man on the planet?"  If so, I want to know about that guy.

     I watched the 44 minute video, and one minute later I was on Amazon buying his book Unstuff Your Life.  One thing I know for sure about Andrew is that his marketing methods are HIGHLY EFFECTIVE, as I am not normally an easy sell.  The tag line on his website,  andrewmellen.com, is:  "More Love, Less Stuff!"  Now, who can resist that?  I am hooked.

     Andrew has so many great ideas, but my favorite is his "Organizational Triangle" which consists of three rules:

      1)  One home for everything. This sounds like a no-brainer, but when I thought about it, I realized that  I don't always follow this rule.  Example:  keys and glasses.  Need I say more?  I'm always looking for them. Once I lost a set of keys because they were in the refrigerator AT WORK.  Embarrassing story, but it is true.

     2)  Like with like.  Objects that are similar in form or function live together.  Andrew even goes so far as to give preparation utensils and serving utensils separate "homes" in his kitchen, which I greatly admire and would totally do if I had more drawer space.

     3)  Something in, something out.  Genius!  Andrew defines "stuff equilibrium" as the state of having only stuff you use or love, and a home for everything.   Once you've reached "Stuff Equilibrium",  (which I prefer to call "Stuff Nirvana"),  you're no longer in the process of acquiring, but are now replacing items you no longer need, use, or love.

     Easy, right?  Just follow these three rules and your life will be perfect.

      Well, okay, not exactly that easy, but if you keep these three rules in mind as you work, it may help you to navigate your journey toward Stuff Nirvana. And if you need help getting inspired or getting started, remember:  your friendly professional organizer is just a phone call or an email away.

To find solutions for your organizing challenges, 

schedule a free consultation, 

or have a conversation about your organizing needs:

Call Linda Palmer
262-784-3957

at Create Order

Home Organizing and De-materializing Service

  In Waukesha and Milwaukee WI counties, and surrounding area

createorder.org

email: createorder1@gmail.com

On Facebook:  Linda Palmer/ Create Order

I

What Resolution?

 

     Change isn't easy, and if we could do it with resolutions, we'd all be perfect by now!  I'm not a big fan of resolutions, having made and broken many over the years, but if you're looking to live a more orderly life, here are some suggestions:

• Get rid of one item a day for 365 days.  It sounds like a lot, but you might be surprised  how easy it is to find things you don't need.  Even a broken paper clip counts!
• Stop telling people that you need to "get organized."  This only reinforces your thought that you're NOT organized.
• Make a list of ways your life (inner and outer) would be different without all of the extra "stuff".  Read and add to the list on a regular basis.
• Daily or weekly,  fill a box or bag with items to recycle, throw away, or donate. Schedule  a specific time to take donations away weekly or monthly.
• Another list:  A magic fairy appears and offers to do it all for you, but you have to write down every single thing that needs doing, and order it from most to least urgent.  Now, take number one on the list and write down every step she (or he) will need to take to accomplish the task.  Do the first step. (for example:  Task: Clean out the coat closet.  Step 1:  take everything out that is not a coat, boot or hat)
• Practice some form of gratitude, every single day.  Get in the habit of noticing, speaking or writing about your blessings.   This will help you realize that you have  "enough", and it will be easier to let go of items you don't need.  For some tips about keeping a gratitude journal go to :  Simple Abundance . 
• Give some thought to your relationship to your "stuff".  Keep a journal or ask a friend for a listening ear (remember, though, no whining or complaining!)  Most people say they've acquired so much stuff because they just don't have the time to take care of it, but often behind that there are feelings of loss, sadness, and even anger that we may be avoiding.

         Resolutions, dreams, intentions, wishes--whatever you call them, you do have the power to make them come true in 2013, and every year!  Here's hoping this year is the best yet for all of us.

To find solutions for your organizing challenges, 

schedule a free consultation, 

or have a conversation about your organizing needs:

Call Linda Palmer
262-784-3957

at Create Order

Home Organizing and De-materializing Service

  In Waukesha and Milwaukee WI counties, and surrounding area

createorder.org

email: createorder1@gmail.com

On Facebook:  Linda Palmer/ Create Order

   

   

Stress-Free Holidays? Maybe you're not paying attention!

     Everywhere I look I see articles, blogs and posts about how to have a stress-free holidays, and I have to say that the pressure is starting to get to me.

     I think it's pretty good advice, and I know everyone is doing their best to be helpful, but having people constantly tell me not to be stressed is a little unnerving.  It makes me wonder if I'm missing something. There's probably something I should be doing that I have not done, and I'm going to realize it at the last minute and completely RUIN everyone's holiday.  Or I'm not going to realize it at all, and everyone will talk about it for years to come.  So, it's a little....you know.....(stressful)

      Some of us know this about ourselves:  if we're not under pressure, we lie down. We play Christmas music on the radio and dance around the house right past the pilgrims and pumpkins that have not yet been put away.  We may watch Lifetime TV Christmas movies while the store bought cookie dough expires in the refrigerator. Stress may be the only thing between us and total inaction.

     And besides, what will we talk to people about if we aren't talking about how much we have to do and how stressed we are about it all?

     So, I am going to say that if it helps you feel better and get a few things done, go ahead and stress. Like everything else, it will eventually pass! Happy Holidays!  Or, if you are one of those people who stresses about the greetings you get at this time of year:  Merry Christmas!

To find solutions for your organizing challenges, 

schedule a free consultation, 

or have a conversation about your organizing needs:

Call Linda Palmer

at Create Order

Home Organizing and De-materializing Service In the Milwaukee, WI and surrounding areas

                                                                      

                                                                      262-784-3957

createorder.org

email: createorder1@gmail.com

On Facebook:  Linda Palmer/ Create Order

Practice Makes...Good Enough

      So...since it's between lawn work season and snow shoveling season, I thought it would be a good idea to establish some kind of a regular exercise routine.

     Don't get me wrong, I LOVE to exert myself physically.  I just don't like getting up off of the couch to do it.  It's  easier when the lawn needs to be mowed, or the hedge needs trimming, or it's a beautiful day for a hike, but these days, when it gets dark at 4:30 and it's cold, my body only wants to eat carbs and hibernate.

     I thought about what I suggest to people for creating an "orderliness habit", especially when they find themselves resisting or rebelling against the process and aren't doing anything at all:  Don't make it your goal to be done.  That goal is doomed to failure!

     A more realistic goal is to create a daily practice.  So, to begin, it's a good idea to do much LESS than you want to, like 10 minutes a day of sorting paper, or filling a box with items give or throw away.  Play some of your favorite music--you get to choose: energizing or relaxing.  Light a candle and maybe even some incense.  Heck, pour a glass of wine.  Whatever works!

      I emphasize this next part: do not do any more than your allotted time, even if you're on a roll and feeling like you could go on all night.  It's important to stop when you're  enjoying yourself and wanting to do more. That way your brain will make positive associations with the activity.  If you're having trouble doing even that small amount of time, make it less.

      I know people who decided to start by sitting in  an area for five minutes and regarding it silently.  The real fight here is not the amount you accomplish, but that you show up for yourself every time.  At  first you might try to weasel out of it and make excuses:  "I'm tired" , "Work was bad today, I deserve a break", "My show is on t.v. so I won't have time."  Don't listen to that!

      That "showing up" muscle gets weak from inactivity, but each time you use it you get stronger and it's easier to resist the temptation.

     You can decide at the outset to give yourself a day off, say on Sundays, but do NOT allow yourself to skip days. If you do, NO making it up by doubling time the next day...just continue. Here's where an "accountability partner" comes in handy--someone to whom you can report when you're done that will tell you you're awesome. (Many professional organizers offer this service).

     It usually takes about ten days of practice for a habit to begin to take hold, so aim for ten days in a row before you start to increase the time. This might take a long time, but that's OK.  This habit could last for a lifetime!  When you do increase the time, increase it in small increments... like 5 or 10 minutes a week.

     This principle can be applied to just about any kind of a habit you want to establish; eating habits, a regular schedule for meditation, housework or exercise.

     Yep, that's my advice, and today, for the third day in a row I've done 15 minutes on the treadmill at no more than 3.0 mph while listening to some favorite old and new dance tunes.  It's not much--yet--but it does burn more calories than watching "Dancing with the Stars" and eating corn chips, and I will add time, speed and weights gradually.  Better yet, I am not dreading my next "workout" session!

To find solutions for your organizing challenges, 
schedule a free consultation, 
or have a conversation about your organizing needs:
Call Linda Palmer
at Create Order
Home Organizing and De-materializing Service

                                           Photo source

                                                   In the Milwaukee, WI and surrounding areas

                                                                      262-784-3957

createorder.org

email: createorder1@gmail.com

On Facebook:  Linda Palmer/ Create Order

It is What You Think it Is

A number of years ago, Oprah featured a "gratitude journal" on  her show.  It seemed like a great thing.  Every day you're supposed to write, in a journal, three or more things for which you are grateful.  This gets you noticing the good things in your life and being grateful for them, which in turn attracts more of what you are grateful for.  Oprah said it changed her life.

I know I have trillions of things in my life for which I am very grateful.  All I had to do was write them down. Then trillions more would come rushing in!

Only, it didn't work that way for me.  I thought I had to get in all of the really important things:  I am warm, I have a roof over my head, I have food to eat -- to name just a few.  I couldn't possibly get them all in, and if I leave some off the list, does that mean that I'm not grateful?  Which could possibly mean that they'd be snatched right out of my hands.  Somehow I found a way to feel anxious about a gratitude journal. Not exactly the intended outcome.

However, I did think of a way to change it that took the pressure off. Instead of trying to decide which three things to include on my gratitude list,  I wrote about three or more good things that happened to me each day.  Not life-changing events, just little things. Usually, I try to think of random events, not caused by me or my own actions, but sometimes I  include something I've accomplished, or a time when I know I've done something well, or made someone feel better. I even allow myself to be shallow and include compliments I've received.

Once, when I walked into the grocery store, a baby sitting in a cart looked up at me and gave me huge grin, as if  I was exactly what she had been waiting for.  Another time, I came around a corner of my hiking trail and stopped short, actually gasping to see a row of fiery autumn trees blazing  in a pink sunset, with a full harvest moon hung overhead. I have to confess that the Green Bay Packers made it in there a time or two. And, yes, there was that day I wrote: 1) "The really great thing about today is that I made it to the end of the day without seriously hurting anyone. 2) I am in my nice bed now.  3) I have a good book to read."

As soon as I started recording these events, one of two things happened: either 1) the number of good things that happened to me increased dramatically, or 2) they had been there all along, and  I was now noticing them.

I don't much care which it is. I go through my days looking for something good to happen, fully expecting that it will--and that's a great way to spend a day!  At the end of the day, I'm thinking about blessings, instead of worrying about tomorrow.

By paying attention to, and appreciating what we have, we are less inclined to chase happiness by accumulating possessions. And that's a good thing!

To find solutions for your organizing challenges, to schedule a free consultation, or have a conversation about your organizing needs:

Linda Palmer

Create Order

Home Organizing and De-materializing Service

262-784-3957

createorder.org

email:  createorder1@gmail.com

on facebook:  Linda Palmer/ Create Order Organizing Service

Serving Milwaukee, WI and surrounding areas