Let’s get real: We all have stuff we need to go through and extra possessions we could move out of our lives. Whether we donate, sell, pass around or throw out, the goal of de-cluttering our space is a very positive one. Organization of possessions, papers, and personal parameters will cause peace and patience to fill your space and your attitudes. My own mantra for this year’s Spring Garage Clear-Out is “de-mess and de-stress!”
Here are some great tips to start you on the road to organizing success:
- Set a budget for the most that you want to spend right now on supplies, and plan to stick to it. “Necessity is the mother of invention” when it comes to making resources stretch in a slow economy, and you might be surprised by the good deals that are waiting to be found. Remember to budget enough time, too, and budget a reward for yourself and your team when the job is done!
- Chose your goals: If the job looks bigger than your budget, scale down and plan to do more when you can afford it. Enlist the help of older family members or friends who have tackled organizing before. You will appreciate their wisdom!
- Establish your personal parameters: Be honest about what you are willing to do to accomplish your goals. Finish these sentences: “I can…; I cannot…; I will…; I will not…” Use the verbs “lift” and “toss” to start your organizing ideas flowing!
- Search websites for the organizing items you need before you spend any money. Check to see if websites give any discounts, coupons, or offer free shipping. Go to “brick and mortar” stores only after finding their online or newspaper ads and getting the best prices available. The truth is, when you have put in a lot of effort to spend wisely and work to complete the task you set out to accomplish, your satisfaction level will be very rewarding and the pride of ownership in your job-well-done will compel you to keep organized!
- Remember to fill your space with beauty when you are finished!
- If you are giving the gift of organizing for an older loved one, you are helping them immensely. Getting an elder organized is a viable way to help keep the Greatest Generation and Boomer Generation aging well at home; free of clutter, safely and organized. Although anyone with a good understanding of their senior’s needs and preferences can assist with cleaning-up and clutter removal, many times a neutral third party is “just the ticket” to avoid family stress and squabbles. Hire a professional organizer at www.napo.net if it overwhelms you on your own.
You may not have heard of at all — or you may be well-acquainted with professional organizers. NAPO, the National Association of Professional Organizers, is an organization that boasts many members, both nationally and internationally. NAPO’s mission is to develop, lead, and promote professional organizers and the organizing industry. NAPO credentials, that is, requires its members to meet ethical and educational standards that the public can count on when seeking to hire a reputable person.
Professional organizers (PO’s) help seniors and their families adjust to their changing housing needs. PO’s believe that they will better serve their clients if seniors are on-track with the natural evolution of their lifestyles, and can create some breathing room for them to enjoy as they “age in place.” Senior-specific organizing has the potential to bring a new dimension of positive social impact to seniors and good business opportunities designed to serve the elderly.
…and remember, wisdom comes with age, so be AgeWise!
