order begins with a conversation
order was born out of an overdue need to bring organized, thoughtful systems to a newly empty nest.
My order story is not uncommon - a struggle between not letting go and yet knowing less would feel so much better. Somehow after raising three children into determined, self-reliant adults, I still struggle between letting the mess run its course and reigning in the chaos.
To truly find order, it would make sense to always try to look at the real root of the mess – long hours at work, kids running through our life, not enough time to think about where things should go, instead of where they just end up…these reasons are all very valid. The issue of time is real, as well as the emotional factors involved. We let things get away from us, trying to convince ourselves that if we don’t look, either theoretically or physically, it will surely all just work itself out! Why? Simply –because we are all human - loving, caring, well-meaning people who try, despite life’s hardballs, to do our very best!
Bringing order back into your home is always a celebration! order brings an opportunity to proclaim control and say goodbye to the stress that your spaces have caused you. Without that stress - think of all the time and mental and physical space you will have to spend on new and different - something for you.
Whenever I meet a new client and hear their concerns and issues, I urge them to take a breath, be kind to themselves – to take a minute and congratulate themselves that they reached out, and by reaching out to order, they have proclaimed out loud that they are open to change! Isn’t that's worthy of a party‽
(Note my new favorite interrobang!)
I want to share with you my idea of the different stages of order – more than a ‘how to’ list, a way to start thinking about order so that it is no longer an overwhelming, stressful obstacle to your daily happiness.
Identify exactly what problem, pile, closet, area is giving you the most stress.
Pick one, just one.
Decide before you start what should be the purpose of this space. Will it now be your reading corner, your linen closet, your new study space?
Take everything out and sort it by use, purpose, age – get rid of that which you don't need, belongs somewhere else, would be better recycled or donated.
Look at what is left – focus on the space’s new purpose. Think about it – walk away, give yourself time, its ok! The clutter didn't happen overnight, nor should the solution. But GO BACK, don't leave your work half done! Reward yourself for going back! ☺
With fresh eyes and new ideas, finish what you started. Can you sort out more, see and feel the lightness of having less? Pick the most important items, donate the rest. (I can give you a great list of places to go to make meaningful donations!)
Now – how will you organize the space so it stays exactly as you want it? Will you use containers to hold like items, do you like to label, do you want to add more shelves or other opportunities for organization?
Arrange your space as you dreamed. Everything should have a home, a place it belongs. Books arranged on a bookshelf, similar towels and sheets grouped and labeled, all your desk supplies divided and easily accessible.
And what of those things that you want to keep but don’t belong in your new space? Pick one or a group of items and make that topic/space your new project!
Start again! Remember – you are doing this for YOU! With each area you declutter, purge, organize and clean, you give yourself added space, less stress, more control.
Like different spaces, different life stages also call for different sorts of order. We have all been there, perhaps this struggle with finding order is why our grandparents (and parents) rarely moved! Whether you are looking to prepare your home for sale and need assistance with the clutter of a life well lived, or are moving into a new home, it’s ok to ask for help. A smaller job of reorganizing one specific space is a wonderful way to regain control and find new, efficient systems that work for you!
We are all, at some point in our lives, searching to find order within the chaos.
Together, let’s stop the search, find the solutions and enjoy the summer!
With love and order,
Laura