1. Prioritize the list of things you want to clean up. The last thing you want to do is bite off more than you can chew. Write the list down so you don’t lose sight of what you want to accomplish

2. Now that you have the list it is time to prepare for it. Is this a weekend project? Or something to do on a rainy afternoon? Be realistic about the time you need to finish a project. Keep in mind if it is something that involves looking through precious photos or family treasures you are going to have to give yourself extra time to walk down memory lane!

3. Envision what you want the space to look like when you are done. Find a picture in a book or magazine and use it for inspiration.

4. Just because a container or basket will store it neatly doesn’t mean you need to keep it. Take stock of the things you are keeping in your home. The more stuff we have the more we have to weigh us down. Recycle, re-gift, or donate unwanted items or things we no longer need.

5. Once you have sorted through the area you are organizing then you can decide how you are going to store the remaining items. You need to consider things like how often you will access the item, the importance of the item, size and weight of the item(s). Once you have taken those points into consideration then you can go and purchase the appropriate storage containers to put it all back together.

The last thing you want to do is end up storing bins in addition to the stuff we already have in the home. Make a plan and get the family involved. Be realistic about how long it will take to get you done. Minor set backs are okay. Embrace what you have accomplished in a day no matter how big or small it was. If you or someone you know needs help getting organized look to a Professional Organizer who can help get you started. Call Laurie of Innovative Solutions specializing in Kitchen, Pantries, Kids Play areas, basements, and garages.