This month we are focusing on organization. A New Year sometimes needs new surroundings, or just less stuff. These are just the basics to get you started. For more in depth information, check out my Seven Layers of Organization book. It is available at larger bookstores and libraries. Remember, you can do it!
Seven Layers of Organization
Layer 3: Reclaim & Update
Once you’ve assessed what goes (bye-bye, now) and what stays in each room, it’s time to reclaim spaces that have been unlivable until now because of bad planning or clutter. This is also the time to assess the things that you will keep, pending minor updating. Whether the item needs repainting or reupholstering, the key is determining whether the outcome would be worth the effort.
Learning what to reclaim and what to update is about seeing whether the expense and effort will be worth the result.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself while taking stock:
- What does this object need to make it “okay” with me?
- If all this object needs is ______, will I really do it? What will it cost?
- If I do it, when will I do it? Within the next month?
- Is it worth my time to do it? Or is it cheaper to donate and buy a new one?
Remember this: Effort + Expense vs. Result.
Has it hit you yet? A lot of people find themselves half way into the process, only to realize that they’re disconnected from far more in their homes than they ever imagined.
Ask yourself these additional questions:
- Am I interested in living with more junk or with more quality?
- Am I holding onto junk because I am afraid that if it goes I won’t have good stuff to replace it?
- Am I holding onto stuff because I don’t know what to replace it with?
- Am I deserving of an upgrade in life?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you’re doing GREAT! It means you’re looking at things honestly, breaking old habits and gaining confidence. Keep it up, you almost there.
