Mixed-Up Mess

by Julie
(UK)

I really need help to get organized.
I'm great at cleaning, but when I try to get things organized into the places they should be, I end up in a mess.

Over time, things have been put in boxes all mixed up. Anything from pens, sewing bits, make-up...you name it and it could be in the boxes.

What makes it worse is that I need to sort things ASAP for home improvements we need to start.

Where do i start?

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Mixed-Up Mess

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Sep 18, 2008
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Organizing a Mixed-Up Mess
by: Tracy

This is an excellent question. Your situation is a perfect example of how not having a designated home for everything you own can lead to disorganization. Don't worry...there is a simple solution.

Start with one box at a time. Remove all of the contents from that box and take a look at what you have.

If there is anything in that box that is garbage, throw it away immediately to get the clutter out of the way.

If there is anything in that box the already has a designated home put it away immediately.

The only items left should be items that you want to keep but do not have a designated home for. All you need to do is find a home for these items.

When deciding on a home keep it practical. If it is an item that you use often, its home should be easily accessible. If it is an item that you don't use often its home could be up on a high shelf or some other, out-of-the-way place. Just don't get carried away and create a home so out-of-the-way that you can't find it when you need it.

To avoid this, you may want to start a list of newly created storage spots. Hang the list someplace visible like the front of the refrigerator or a bulletin board. That way, when you can't remember where you put something you can simply consult your list.

When you are finished with the first box, move on to the next box. Continue this process, one box at a time. With each new box that you sort through you will create homes for more and more "lost" items. When you get to the last box, it should simply be a matter of putting things away.

Now comes the tricky part...getting yourself into the habit of putting household items back into their designated homes when you are finished using them. This takes time. Try to remind yourself to do this as often as you can throughout each day.

It is also a good idea to designate at least one day per week as "organize day" when you go around your home putting everything where it belongs. Be sure to consult your list until you get used to the storage spots you have chosen.

Good luck and happy organizing!

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