Ask Erin | Practical Advice from a Pro Organizer

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE  |  erinlove@panachebyerin.com

Have you ever started an organizing project only to end up feeling overwhelmed and aggravated?  I am 100% sure that your answer is “yes” because I, too, have felt overwhelm and aggravation during my own organization endeavors!  Life happens and, unless you are superwoman, your home and surroundings will inevitably suffer.  Don’t worry, though!  Over the years,  I have learned many practical tips and tricks to help us all turn the chaos into calm.  Let’s get going!

1. You can’t do it all, so why are you keeping it all?  How is that for practical advice?  Think about it.  Can you wear all of the clothes in your closet, for instance?  Will you really get to that project you’ve been saving all of the magazines for?  Really get truthful and raw with yourself when it comes to what you keep in your personal spaces.  

2. There is always more where that came from.  You can always find it again.  Don’t let an item take up storage space that isn’t being used and hasn’t been used for quite some time.  

3. Do it now! Procrastinating will only make the task take longer to complete.  This is the one area that kids just can’t comprehend.  Put an item up immediately after using it.  If you leave it out, it will then be easier to add to the pile and that’s when chaos ensues!  Imagine the time you can save by doing it now.  Use this tip with tasks, too. Make that call now.  Send that email now.

4. Not everything is meant to be saved.  It is just not practical (there’s that word again)!

5. You can, in fact, have too much of a good thing!  What was the first thing that popped into your head after reading that statement?  Shoes?  Jewelry?  Kitchen appliances?  Cats?  LOL.  If any of these categories is over it’s limit, clutter is imminent.  

6. Repeat after me – Memories live in my head, not in my things.  It’s okay to hold onto some things for the memories they hold if they are good memories.  Just make sure they are actually being used or seen on a regular basis.

7. I’m not using it so someone else could be!  Donate those items as quickly as possible.

8. Fewer choices leads to more calm.  The more choices you have the more likely you are to feel overwhelmed. “Where do you want to eat tonight?” How does that question make you feel?  A bit overwhelmed?  How about if I narrow it down for you – Where do you want to eat tonight?  Ronin, Genusa’s, or Don Tomas?  Ahhh!  Now it is a much easier decision.  Apply this philosophy to all areas of your life.  

9. The items I keep should add value, not just take up space.  This is a super practical bit of information but not usually considered.  

10. Every item has a maintenance cost.  Is that cost worth it?  When it comes to maintaining an item there are several things to consider – cleaning it, housing it, and fixing it.  Always ask yourself if the item is worth what it costs in time or money to keep.

I hope this helps!  Remember that it will take commitment and drive to complete any and every organizing project.  Find your “why” and make it happen!