1. Set realistic expectations. De-cluttering can take a lot of physical and mental energy. It may be unrealistic to conquer your project all at once. Be gentle on yourself and recognize that your project may involve multiple phases.

2. Have the necessary supplies on hand. Once you start organizing, you don't want to interrupt yourself to hunt for supplies. Having everything on hand will make it easier to stay focused. Supplies you might need include:

§         Boxes for sorting

§         Cleaning supplies

§         Trash bags

§         File folders

§         Pens, paper and markers

§         Water and a healthy snack

3. Determine where to dig in first. Even if your entire home or workspace is an organizational disaster, you need to start your organizing crusade somewhere. Here are some pointers:
   • Which area or room bothers you the most?
   • Which area will have the biggest impact on your life?
   • What embarrasses you most when a visitor comes to your home or workspace?
   • What small area can you start with, so you can get quick results?
4. Avoid meandering as you organize.  Break your organizing project into sections - bookshelves, closet, desk, etc. - and focus on organizing each section completely before you move on. If you zigzag around the room, it will be difficult to work systematically and see your progress. Here's a tip: Cover everything (except your current project area) with a bed sheet so you won't be distracted!
5. Chip away at it. If you get tired or lose focus, it's time to take a break. If you've concentrated on one area, it should be easy to pick up where you left off. And don't be afraid to ask for help if someone else can help you quickly wrap up the project.
6. Stick with it. I've found that, like many self-improvement endeavors, people often start off gung-ho with getting organized, but soon other things in life get in the way of completing the project. There's nothing more frustrating than a half-done organizing project! Therefore, consider scheduling weekly organizing sessions on your calendar. This way, you make a commitment to yourself to stick with it and get it done.

It's surprising how much de-cluttering helps you clear your physical space - and your head. Plus, with a clean, organized space, you can navigate life's windstorms with less stress. So choose a place to start and dig in! _________________________________________________________________

Clearing the clutter frees up home and head! 

The Situation: Lynn, a single mom, was caught up in the busy life of working full time and raising two teenage sons. Her cluttered home reflected the chaos she felt inside. Her living room overflowed with a mixed-up collection of paperwork, craft supplies, gift-wrapping supplies, dishes, clothing, and more. Lynn and her boys simply did not take time to put things where they belonged. Plus, if she couldn't find something, she'd buy a new one because this was easier than finding the missing item! Lynn felt defeated every time she walked past her living room but was paralyzed when she thought about de-cluttering this room.

The Solution: We helped Lynn create a plan to conquer her living room clutter, then dug in with her to get the job done. We sorted random items into logical categories. With our help, she pared down the categories to reasonable quantities and donated quite a bit to charity.

The Outcome: Lynn was ecstatic at being able to reclaim her living room. "I knew the clutter was weighing me down, but I had no idea how much until I was liberated from it. You helped me clear the clutter and set up routines to keep it under control - and you helped me clear my head by removing the chaos."