Over the past few weeks I have had a few conversations that have the same theme..."I need to declutter and organize but my space is such a mess I don't know where to begin."

I believe that many people have a case of the grandiose idea syndrome with a touch of burnout brought on by overwhelming-ness lol (can you tell I've been watching Doc McStuffins a little too much?). Now if this is your diagnosis don't feel bad it is treatable and is very common. What typically happens is we are inspired by something...someone else's space, a picture or a pin on Pinterest. Whatever the motivation we go in with guns a blazin and try to tackle everything without a plan. We start pulling everything out of the space, or go out and purchase a multitude of organizational tools, but we haven't started with the basic step...planning.  So I want to breakdown the steps in order to reduce your chances of being diagnosed with this illness again.<!--more-->

<strong>Step one - Lets Dream a Little</strong>

Take your inspiration and evaluate it. Identify the things about the inspiration you like...why does it inspire you? Compare it to your space, but don't focus on the stuff or the clutter but bones to bones...size, layout, use, etc.  This is your time to dream a little.  Determine how much time you can dedicate to this project.  Don't worry if it is only 30 mins a day or one day for two hours, it is a commitment you are making to yourself/your family.  I encourage you to schedule it on your calendar and make sure your friends/family know that on this day at this time you will be (fill in the blank)...or better yet the family will be (fill in the blank).  This step will help you determine your overall goal of how you will use the space.  Think about what is currently working and what isn't?  How will changing the space effect your day to day life?  You have visualized the possibilities of the space and that is the first step.  Now, I don't want you to get lost on this step, just spend a day or two, not a month.

<strong>Step two - What Do We Have Here?</strong>

This is the step when you start sorting your space.  Now one issue that many of us have is we start trying to decorate right away.  We focus on the details of the inspiration - the paint color and the storage bins...you know, the fun stuff and not the goal of the space.  We start at the end of the project instead of the beginning.  By sorting as a second step you have started the race...you are making things happen by doing something.  It's no longer an idea, but you have taken action.  Secondly, this is a step you can do without picking up tools or spending money.  Sorting your belongings is free.  Grab a couple of empty paper boxes (free at most business offices) and start sorting items into them or in your designated sorting space(s).  I like using boxes because you can put the lid on them and stack them out of the way if you have a small allotment of time and don't finish this step all at one time.  Once everything is sorted you will feel a sense of accomplishment because your project space will be empty, a blank slate...so the dream is slowing becoming reality.

<strong>Step three:</strong>  <strong>Evaluate and Minimize</strong>

Now that you have all your items sorted, take a real look at them and compare them to your overall goal for your space.   Do you need everything that is there and is the intention to put it all back in the space?  In most cases, this is when you need to honestly go through and weed out the junk, trash, items that are no longer needed, items with too many multiples and items that belong in another space.  Get the items down to the bare bones of what is to return to the space...then revisit your original goal.  Can you see it...can you see that you are one step closer to that goal?  This is another step that doesn't cost you any money.

Following these three basic steps allows you to pace yourself so you aren't overwhelmed. Once you have completed these steps you will be able to really focus on the space and making it what you really want it to be.  Your view isn't clouded with all the unnecessary stuff that was there before.  You are now really focused on the space and defining your systems.  If you move faster than your original plan great!  If you move slower it is ok, re-evaluate your timeline and see if you can make some adjustments.

Happy Organizing!