http://www.Think-Homes-Seattle.com on Organizing and Productivity –>
Yesterday I cleared out an old couch from my office and saved the Ikea cream color cushions and made make-shift chairs for visitors. It was broken and I’d fix it after having many people sit on it and have them suddenly sink down. Embarrassing. Almost obsessed, I frantically purged, eliminated, organized and re-arranged my office until 10:00 pm. I started at 4:00 and took a minor break. For the past month my office has been a kitty infirmery for my dying 16-19 year old cat, Beeney. Her bed was by the heater that had her blankey and an angora sweater which she gently possessed. Her food and water were right near her because she had lost her ability to walk well after a blood clot went to her legs. For a cat, losing equilibibrium is losing one’s dignity — very sad. Also, her make-shift 2 inch kitty box was in here.
So, for one month of working at home and caring for her, this room became suffocating. Even a past Professional Organizer, can get unorganized. I had piles of unorganized files in orderly fashion on the floor. I had presents, cards and flowers from the holidays. The corner desk with built in shelves was mis-used. It was time to clean and clear and get it together before I could become more efficient with work. I used some Vastu Shastra ( 8000 yr old eastern Indian “Fung Shui”..but practiced longer) and space planning to open up the space. I always tell clients to remember what “handed” they are when organizing. I’m ambidextrous with a concentration on the right hand. Yet, my mouse is on the left. My Active files are also on the left. Idealistically, I’d like to have NO PAPER or files on my desk, but in real estate that seems nearly impossible. Here are some clues to get your home together — whether you are moving or staying.
Arrange to have an auto of some sort to take away items, BEFORE, doing anything
SPACE: Sort, Purge, Arrange, Condense and Eliminate
In my current Maple Leaf (Seattle) listing, I’m working with my client with subcontractors to clean up his home: repairs, painting, plumbing and cleaning. The Garage has a history of remnants from past room-mates. It is filled with STUFF. The plan is to have one of my subcontractors go there and use the anacronym for space that I wrote above. Anything that is environmentally hazardous will go to the proper resting place. Usable items will be donated to the designated charities — probably Goodwill and Chicken Soup Brigade.
My recommendation was:
- Clear a space to put piles: Trash, Recycle, Donate, Give away, keep
- Start with the Larger things –> Medium size –> Small
- Then start to –> Sort, Purge, Arrange, Condense and Eliminate
The rest is obvious. Yet, make sure to plan out time management with this. Be realistic to how long it may take. Don’t start going through archive boxes of photos from the Nixon administration or begin reading letters from your past or start playing around with some lost or broken item that you once loved — put it aside or toss it! Last night I made my life easier and my mind is at ease. I woke up this morning excited to go into my office! I am blogging in the morning instead of at night. My list is being executed and I simply feel better. Moving in, Moving out or Staying where you are — organize it and get some PEACE of mind.
http://www.seattle-organizers.com this site is not updated about me, at all, but has a list of services that may help you or inspire you to do it yourself! I have some great subcontractors who are absolutely at your service.
