•    Work
•    Home
•    Time
•    Space

Before beginning, realize a cluttered existence does not happen overnight, so the task of getting back on track will take some time and effort.  However, the end result will make life a lot easier and ultimately feel like a weight has been lifted off the shoulders.

Home Organization

Organizing the home is basically accomplished by adhering to the same rules used to get a professional life in order.  Unfortunately, the house is not an office, a cubicle, or a desk.  With several rooms, and family members who may not be with the new game plan, it will definitely be a challenge.

Again, realize the house did not become a total disaster overnight. Organization will be a process.  So, begin by getting rid of the clutter.  If something has not been used in 6-12 months, chances are it is not worth keeping.  (Of course, exceptions would include: seasonal clothing, holiday items, and mementos like a first pair of baby shoes, wedding dress, high school annuals, etc.)

If the items are still in good condition, a trip to the consignment shop might even garner a few extra dollars to spend on a treat for all the hard work.  Otherwise, the dumpster is a great place to deposit all the clutter.  Then, the next step is to organize what is left.

For instance, pots and pans used only when company is coming can be placed on a top shelf.  Christmas decorations will be safe in the back of a closet or in a storage shed. Conversely, items used often should be gathered neatly in areas of use, and placed within easy reach.

Unfortunately, the next step is probably going to be the most difficult-time.  When cleaning the house, placing priority over certain jobs is essential.  However, if a family is involved, you will likely not have the time to do everything.  Thus, it is time to delegate.  Someone else can take out the garbage, clean their own room, vacuum the rug, etc.
In other words, if the house is shared by family, it will need to be kept organized by a family effort.

When asked why it is so important to have a well-organized home, here are a few appropriate reasons:

1.    Refuge
2.    Relieve Stress
3.    Empowerment

Home should be the one place individuals can feel comfortable and safe from the cares of the world. It should be a refuge.  Without the clutter, it can truly be an enjoyable place to be at the end of the day, and a sanctuary.

A clean house relieves stress.  At the end of the day, it is okay to relax with a good book or movie.  If someone comes knocking unexpectedly, no worries.  The house is presentable and not a source of embarrassment or guilt.  Coming home to a well-organized home is a joy.

When coming home to a clean house, a sense of empowerment follows.  A personal accomplishment, life is in order.  The home is a great place to be, thanks to individual effort. What a great feeling.  The house is under control.  To begin:

•    Get Started
•    Set a Pace
•    Keep up the good work

Get started- The present is the best time to start organizing the home.  Do not make excuses or delay the process.  Simply commit and begin with one room or one area of the house.

Set a pace- When to clean is a matter of personal choice.  Some people do better by organizing a little bit every evening.  Conversely, others like to power clean over the weekend. Whatever time frame works best is okay, as long as it is a dedicated decision and the pace is kept until the job is done.

Keep up the good work - Almost nothing is more depressing than getting the home organized, only to see it in a shambles within a week or two.  Once the house is orderly, make it a daily task to keep it that way.  It is much easier to stay on top of the cleaning than beginning at square one again.

The office is organized, the house looks great, and now the next step is to get a little more personal.  All the organization in the world is for nothing, if no time is available enjoy the results.