Spring and fall are commonly chosen as the time to clean up and organize spaces.

No need to wait. Any time of year is a good time to organize.

Any time of year is good time for a sense of accomplishment.

The motivation is sometimes hard to come by, although the thought is there.

Take the time to arrange your thoughts. Plan a strategy and the motivation will come.

1. A Goal

First establish a goal. Determine what you are trying to achieve.

Is it the bookcase, the closet or the cabinet that needs to be sorted and organized?

Choose one project (goal) at a time.

Plan an approach. Use a new notebook or fresh pad of paper.

Starting by writing down your goal.

Organizing means putting things away or in groups and often will also involve cleaning or painting. Write down what is needed to achieve your goal.

Storage systems, boxes, tissue paper, newspapers, bubble wrap, cleaning produces, or paint.

Write down measurements. Measure to ensure any desired shelving or containers will fit before deciding to use them or purchase them.

Make sure there is proper and adequate cleaning solution or paint for the project.

Make sure that the necessary accessories; rags, towels, brushes, trays, etc. are available.

Write down the things that need to be purchased. Establish a day or time to go and acquire them.

Assembling the required items together will lay the foundation to getting started.

Decide and write down a day for the project. Write down the time it is to start and finish.

Allow enough time, without interruption to complete the task.

Be fair. If you allow an hour chances are it will take two hours.

Organizing and cleaning a bookcase may take a couple of hours, a closet an entire afternoon or day.

2. Prepare and Begin

Prepare everything before beginning.

Assemble everything that is needed together at the spot where the project is to take place.

Have the storage system and all necessary parts, screws, drills, etc. ready.

Have proper storage boxes, containers, labels and wrap ready.

Have a location decided upon and ready for articles that are to be packed away or to be given away.

Have the cleaning products, or paint and all associated items in place and ready.

Once everything is together, start by emptying the space. Take out everything that is in it. Divide the items up into groups. Items to keep, items to give away or items to throw away. The common rule seems to be that if it hasn’t been used in the last year it is time to part with it. Anything that is in good condition can be passed on to friends or relatives. Or it can be donated to a local church or charitable organization. Call ahead and check whether you have to deliver the items or if they will be picked up.

Clean or paint the space.

Pack away articles that are not going back into the space.

Move them to their new location.

If painting, allow enough time for the paint to dry and the space to air out.

Depending on the project, install the storage system or prepare and pack the boxes or containers intended for the space.

Group large items or clothes by type, arrange them together and place them in back in the space.

Feel proud and enjoy the sense of accomplishment.

Once a space is organized and everything has a place, chances are good that it will stay that way.

3.Tips

A clothes closet is less cluttered if only seasonal items are kept in it.

Move the spring/ summer items out for the winter. Pack the out of season items in a well-labeled box, plain or decorative. When the season changes, reverse the items.

Move the seldom used to a different location. Choose an area that is still accessible but not used everyday. Such as a closet or space in the basement or garage.

Donate anything that is never used to a local church or charity.

A bookcase or any display unit does not need to full.

Less is more. The less there is, the better to create an effective display.

The less effort it will take to clean and dust.

Pack some things away in a well-labeled box or container.

Tissue paper, newspaper or bubble wrap will protect delicate glassware or china.

Once, twice or three times a year replace some of the items with the ones packed away.

This way everything will get its’ own chance to shine on display.

Add cedar to closets. Cedar protects clothes by keeping moths, etc. out.

Decorative cedar shapes or hanging panels are available from craft or linen shops. Or make your own. Get cedar from the hardware/ lumber store. Cut into smaller sections, drill a hole and add a ribbon. Hang it over a clothes hanger in the closet. Or place pieces in a bit of lace. Tie a ribbon around the lace and hang or place on a shelf. Also consider adding cedar to drawers where clothes are stored.

Get organized, clean the clutter and be proud!