There are two times of the year when I do some major organizing, both in terms of my physical space and mental outlook and goal setting. The first is in the fall, right after the kids go to school. My home (and my patience/mental well-being) is somewhat of a wreck after a summer of having the kids at home full-time for two months. Our systems that are set-up based on our routine have gone to heck because we’ve either been in full sloth mode or on-the-go. After a summer of pickles counting as a vegetable and a swim being as good as a bath, it is time to get back on a program. We look at our commitments and activities for the year, we establish a routine for chores and homework (and just getting the heck out the door in the morning) and we get our space working for us. We purge, we plan, we prioritize. I guess you could say I do my spring cleaning in the fall.
The second time is right now. Right after the accumulation of Christmas stuff. It actually starts Boxing Day, when I take down the Christmas decorations. I put them up early (by Grey Cup) and come December 26, I’m so over it. I am ready to get my house back. The sheer volume of all the extra stuff – the gifts, decorations and leftovers completely over-stimulate me and I need to get back to order.
Your home can only hold so much and I would wager to guess that in most of your cases, space is a hot commodity. We have 1100 square feet of room and three girls living in our house – three girls, I might add, that would not be considered “minimalists.” We all love our clothes (yes even Kennedy now!), our shoes, our cosmetics, our gadgets. Just as we got through the toy stage, we now have all the sporting equipment, hobbie and crafting items and scheduling issues. No matter what stage of life you’re at, you have a lot to deal with.
For us, even putting away the stocking stuffers (underwear, toiletries etc), necessitates a sort and purge. If you’re at capacity, something’s got to go. Be ruthless. Adhere to the “in-out” rule. While I realize that just getting rid of stuff seems wasteful, really think about how wasteful it is to keep something you don’t use. If purging is an issue with you (as it is with many), we’ll tackle it next week. What to throw out, what not to, how to let-go is a column unto itself. Right now I just want to get you thinking about starting your year by evaluating what areas (be it time or space) make you cringe, give you stress, and hold you back – and possibly committing to getting those under control.
Whatever your New Year’s resolution(s) or goals; whether they’re financial, relationship or health related, I can guarantee you that being organized will play a role in their fruition. The balance and harmony that come from getting control of your physical space and schedule will permeate into every aspect of your life. Surround yourself with the things that you need and love, that reflect these goals. Your home and office (God help you) should be less of a storage facility and more of a place that fuels and inspires you.
I am working with a client right now that articulated perfectly what my business is all about. In our initial phone consultation she told me that every year she gave herself “gifts” instead of making resolutions. These “gifts” were decisions that would fuel her personal growth “I am feeling really good about so many parts of my life,” she explained to me. “I just think getting organized and getting my stuff under control would be so empowering, it would help me continue to move forward.” “That,” I replied “is exactly what I’m talking about!”