One of the most common questions I get is, “Where do I start organizing?” If you’re wanting to organize a million things or you’ve got ambitious plans to declutter your entire home, you need a plan.
If this is the case, I’ve got some suggestions for you.
Exactly what you organize or declutter first will be specific to your needs, but with a specific strategy, you’ll find it much easier to accomplish your organizing goals.
1. Start small and be specific.
Don’t try to clean out the garage; instead, pick a much smaller area (organize the lawn tools, for instance). Don’t try to clean the basement; instead, pick 1 or 2 things to list online and sell. If you’ve got a huge to-do list, trying to tackle it all at once might make you end up doing nothing.
I use a different kind of to do list (grab the free printable!) that really helps me stay on track. It’s especially important to be specific and write down your list if you’re looking at a lot of tasks.
If you need help with decluttering, especially knowing where to start, check out Step-by-Step Decluttering.
2. Next, make a rough plan for your entire week.
This way you can schedule in some fun things as well as some more ordinary things. I try to do a weekly review planning session to help me sketch out my to dos, goals, appointments, activities, when to shop, etc.
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Once you start to see some progress as you organize and declutter, you’ll have more energy and motivation.
3. More about the motivation to organize and feeling “too lazy to organize.”
Spend a little time zeroing in on what you want to gain by cleaning things out, selling things, etc. Finding the right motivation will make all the difference in actually accomplishing your organizing goals. Laziness is usually not the reason that people don’t organize.
4. Fake it til you make it.
Sometimes, you just have to get started and do something. Even clearing off one countertop may get you in the organizing mood! I have a quick printable on how to start organizing even when you don’t feel like it.
Sometimes getting started is half the battle.
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2 thoughts on “Where do I start organizing?”
I say it’s laziness, but you’re right. It’s really not. I’m just overwhelmed with how much there is to get done! I need to pick one small project at a time and just do it. It really is motivating to be able to complete a task!
Yes! I’m so glad you see what I mean. I hope it goes well 🙂