Organizing Distilled into 3 Steps!

1). Sort like-with-like.

2). Purge!

3). Define zones for each category based on where and when the item will be used.

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I. Sorting like-with-like
This step is simple and mindless, just take the time to do it. The trick is in knowing how detailed a sort you need.

II. Purge.
Purging yields the quickest satisfaction from organizing. You can get quick results and gained space, but the trick is being willing to part with things. Create your own rules as to what stays, what goes. It helps to have a clear vision of what you want out of organizing. If you have a mental picture of your de-cluttered house, purging will feel useful and productive rather than a sacrifice. Return to that vision every time you find yourself resisting your de-cluttering plan.

Here's an example of the rules you might want to create for yourself:

These things go:

• Anything I haven't worn in 1 year, unless it's special occasion
• All utility bills except the current ones (unless you itemize these on your taxes)
• Any decorative objects that don't represent who I am and my taste right now
• Kitchen items not used in the past year
• Books I've read and won't be re-reading
• Any ghosts from the past -- a cat carrier from a deceased cat who will not be replaced, for example

III. Zoning
I covered this issue in earlier posts. Your goal is to store your categories of things (which by now have been sorted by type), according to where and when you will use them. Infrequent-use items are stored away in the hard-to-reach cabinets and closets, frequent-use items are stored in your high traffic areas.

If you follow these three steps, and you really understand the concept of zoning, you'll be on your way to being organized. Paper management is the next big step, so I'll cover that soon.