1. Where do I start?

I often hear from clients and from presentation participants that they are overwhelmed by where to start - their entire home is disorganized, their office is out of control. They just don't know what the first step is to clearing the clutter and establishing new systems. My answer is always the same: start in the area that has the most negative affect on your day-to-day life. That's where you will have the most immediate positive impact on your everyday existence. In an office, it's most likely the top of your desk. In your home, it could be the piles of paperwork on your kitchen counter, or the clothes in your closet. Whatever has the greatest impact on your daily life, that's where you start.

 

There is often a great deal of emotion involved in letting go of objects that have sentimental value. I suggest not starting with those things: photographs, memorabilia, inherited objects and papers. Instead, start with things with little or no sentimental baggage. For paperwork, the questions you should ask yourself are: Can I find this information in another place? (eg. the Internet.) What would be the worst thing that would happen if I let it go? For objects in your home, my questions would be: When was the last time I used it (if ever?) Does it fit my life AS I LIVE IT NOW?  Does it serve a useful purpose in my life, or does it bring beauty into my home? If the answer to any of the above is "no", then let it go. Pass it on to someone who can enjoy it or find it useful more than you can. (Recycling falls into the last category!)

 

While there are lots of cool and useful organizing tools out there, my answer to this question is always "my brain." Or "your brain." Because there is no file folder, basket, bin, drawer organizer, closet system or filing cabinet that will get you organized. Getting organized is about getting rid of excess, putting new systems into place, and establishing new habits. The "stuff" you use to organize your "stuff" (paper, clothes, whatever) is irrelevant. It's about the process, not the product.