January is “Get Organized Month”, an official holiday designated many years ago by the professional organizing industry. It makes total sense because January is the time when we have this urge to take control of our spaces, our schedules, our habits, so that we can achieve whatever other goals we have set for the year.
The question is, where do you start? Getting organized can be so daunting. Here are three not-so-common strategies for figuring out where to start and how to convert the desire to take control into actual action and results without being overwhelmed.
Know the difference between organizing and decluttering. They are not the same. In fact, they are totally different processes with totally different purposes. Organizing is about designing systems that make you more efficient exactly where you are. In other words, your goal may be to cook more efficiently, or get dressed more easily, or take notes or create reports in a more streamlined way. If that is the case, you need to organize; that is, design a system to be more efficient in that process.
Decluttering is about identifying what is obsolete in your space, schedule, or habits and releasing it to make room for change. We declutter in times of transition to either propel us toward a change that we know we want to make or in response to a transition that maybe was forced upon us. Decluttering (releasing the obsolete) frees up space, mental clarity and energy to discover what'’s next. Another way to put the difference is that organizing is about dropping anchor, and decluttering is about lifting anchor and going to a new place. So, begin your process by defining whether you need to organize or declutter.
Make a list of the projects that you want to do. Whether your goal is to organize or declutter, inventory on a single sheet of paper all the areas that are driving you crazy. For example, kitchen drawers, closets, work bags, note taking system, winter gear. Identify any area that is not working for you and occupying space without adding value. List in hand, you can tackle one area at a time. When organizing, start with the smallest area you spend the most time in–because you will feel the benefits daily. When decluttering, pick the category of stuff that is taking up the most amount of space, that you have the least emotional attachment to. This will enable you to clear alot of space quickly. The beauty of organizing and decluttering is that you don’t have to tackle all of the projects on your list. Any single project you tackle and complete will give you an immediate and satisfying payoff in the form of more time, energy and a sense of control that fuels you.
Schedule the time. Don't organize or declutter impulsively, as in waiting until 11 o'clock at night right before bed, or when you are just about to go out with friends, and you cancel because you cannot take the chaos another minute. You want to go in prepared. Why is that? Because both organizing and decluttering require an enormous amount of mental and emotional energy, focus, and decision-making. Prepare physically by assembling trash bags, giveaway boxes, shredders, post-its. Prepare mentally by getting plenty of rest, and being very clear on what is the payoff for this project. Why are you doing this? Select the targeted area in advance—and in a single session, you will have actually accomplished and checked something off that master list.
Get Organized Month is a great idea. It doesn't mean you have to do all of the projects in January. It means use the momentum and the motivation of the fresh start of the year to tackle areas of your life that can be better organized or decluttered to serve you in your goals.