Organizing Your Space
Why it will help and how to make it happen

To welcome in the New Year some of us entertain the idea of setting a New Years Resolution.  I know for myself the recurring simple goal of getting life more organized and being open to learning the techniques has changed my life year after year. Here are some ideas and concepts to help you organize and get control of your life.

Before we discuss the basic components of organized living, it helps to create motivation for the task at hand by understanding the costs and benefits of living a clutter-free lifestyle. By organizing your environment you will be opening the doors of opportunity while solving common problems faced by rental spaces. 

Costs if you don't organize: 

• Spaces will appear smaller.

• Having feelings of being overwhelmed and out of control in other areas of your life. 

• Time is wasted trying to find things.

• Increased allergies due to accumulated dust and debris.

  Most of our rental questions deal with the challenge of small rooms or with finding solutions to make a space appear larger. By clearing away the knick-knacks of life and organizing your space to work more efficiently, you will be surprised at how much is to be gained. Clutter has a way of making things appear smaller and also could be stealing good usable space.  

  The feeling of being overwhelmed with the chaos of life may also stem from a visually disorganized space.  It may give a false perception of what is truly happening in your life. 

  We all know what it's like to be in a hurry and can't find something that was left "right here"!  Disorganization wastes time!

Benefits if you do:

• Peace of knowing where everything is and being able to find it at a moments notice.

• Less time is spent cleaning.

• Healthier environment 

• Helps you focus on opportunities that come your way!

The analogy of the "squeaky door" is a perfect way to create a peaceful environment  in your home.  When a door "squeaks" it causes a brief feeling of irritation.  After a while you consciously don't notice it, but it still causes a nagging feeling every time hear it.  That nagging feeling will continue as long as that door keeps squeaking.  This creates a form of discontent. 

The possible "squeaky doors"  in your home may be anything left undone, like paying bills, filing paperwork, dirty dishes in the sink, papers scattered everywhere,  undeveloped film in your drawer or even an actual squeaking door. Every time you think of these things your brain hears a "squeak" which takes away a little slice of your calm and distract you from your true focus in life.  

Finding a "Home" for Everything. 

This was one of the best lessons I learned about organizing.  Every object has a place or "home" which is the correct terminology used by professional organizers.  This phrase resides on my refrigerator as a reminder, " A Place for Everything, and Everything in its Place". 

• Sort : go through and decide what you would like to keep and what needs to be discarded. 

• House Hunting: What is the most logical location for each item ( cassettes by the stereo, videos by the television etc.).  You may need to invest in storage containers that suit your style 

• Put It Away :  When you are finished using something, put it in its designated home. 

One of the most important things to remember is that you need to be sure everything has its own place.  Use all possible spaces such as closets, pantries and under beds. The renter generally struggles with little storage space and should consider choosing to combine furniture with storage 

Once everything has its own place to live in your environment and you become committed to "walking objects home" after each use, you too can enjoy the benefits of clutter free-organized living.