don't get overwhelmed...map out your clutter

Sometimes, when you're not very far along on your organizing project, you may start feeling overwhelmed. You have so much to do but you don’t know where start… so you become indecisive.

Should I start in the kitchen? Should I start in the study? …the craft room? …the kids’ rooms?

HELP!

Okay, okay, re-lax…

Here's what I suggest you do:

1. Grab a piece of paper and go to one room. Do not leave the room until you are done!
2. Draw a 6-square grid on the page and write the name of the room you're in on top of the page—let's just say you're in the kitchen.
3. Then write down each section in that room that needs to be organized, one section per square- e.g. refrigerator, pantry, counter tops, cupboards, eating area, etc.
4. Now look at each individual section you wrote down and list off all the areas within that section that need to be organized. For the pantry you may have…shelf 1, shelf 2, shelf 3, hooks, baskets, and so on….

Now you have a visual plan of EVERYTHING that needs to be done in a particular area.

You can now tackle each sub-section until all the little sections are done. As you finish each section, cross it off and move on to the next item or section on your page.

The great thing is, those little bits can easily be done in 15-minute segments and before you know it, you've sorted an entire room.

At least then there's one room you can call a sanctuary - and then the next, and the next…

Start today! Pick your first room (the room that causes you the most stress) and map out the clutter in that room. Then work on one subsection (shelf #1 in the pantry) for 15 minutes a day. With in a few months or even weeks, you could have your entire house under control!

For more organizing ideas, visit my website: www.andreadekker.com