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 5: Design & Build
Once you've effectively sorted and contained, it’s time to focus on what goes where. Building wall-to-wall shelving can stretch space to make every inch count. But we’ll also see that if you can’t build out, you can build up. Overhead ledges, bookcases, closets, window seats, and cubbies can now be assembled to display or conceal objects. If this is done well, what was once simply clutter can actually help redefine space, enhance flow, and add design elements to your living environment.
To embark on Layer Five, your home, for the most part, should be clutter free…a bit pulled apart but with newfound space. Your sorting process should be nearly finished, and you should have a pretty good idea where stuff will go.
This layer is broken down into three phases.
Phase 1: Think It Through
What’s the room’s story? How do you want this room to function? How is it used? Is it about multitasking? Whatever the story is, write it down. List everything you want the room to do for you. Get it all down before you make the new commitment.
Phase 2: Design
What do you need to add to the room to achieve your goal, and what’s already there that you can play off of? Is the window high enough to put a work center under? Could you add shelves to the wall?
Start with a clean slate. Forget about where you placed things in past. This is a new start and new you.
To configure your space, use masking tape on the floor to outline the furniture to see how much space will be used, estimating for those pieces you haven’t yet acquired. If painting and window treatments will make this a happier place to be, then do it.
Phase 3: Build
Establish a timeline for your progress. Do what you can when you can. Remember half the fun is getting there. Don’t be afraid to live without something for a while until you find what you really want and need. Here’s a tip: Sometimes if you tackle the built-ins and paint first, you’ll realize that the room needs far less furniture than you thought.
From here on, look around for inspiration. Look through my website, magazines, stores…Don’t forget to look at conventional things in unconventional ways. There are tons of ready to assemble pieces out in the world that you can do yourself. So, don’t think you have to hire a carpenter to have a bookshelf.
