naked notes

Step #3. Edit and Sort
need: bags or boxes for donations, garbage, recycling, selling, repair, return to owner

Many people get overwhelmed at this part because they don’t have an overall vision in mind, they don’t know where to start, and they get stuck on the things they aren’t sure about keeping. 

DO:
• Unless there’s a looming deadline, or it’s the only thing you have to do, don’t start with paperwork as it takes the most time.
• Make immediate decisions first; when in doubt keep it, sort it, and move on.
• Start out in a small part of the home or room to see fast results and keep you motivated.
• Deal with things in plain site before going into closets, cabinets, or drawers.
• Sort as you go, grouping like things together. Bring pieces that don’t belong to where it goes but come right back! 
• Finish the area you started before moving on to another.
• Keep furniture and storage items like bins, boxes, etc, for possible reuse.
• Bring out all garbage and recycling out at the end of each day.
• Get everything else out asap; don’t let bags of donations, repairs, etc to clog up your space.

It’s important to respect other people’s things. Only go through what is YOURS. When a wife asks to go through their husband’s things, I ask “if you husband wants to go through your things without your knowledge would that would be ok with you?” Not okay! When getting rid of family pieces, ask everyone else in the family if they may want it to help avoid fighting or even a lawsuit.

I don’t believe in getting rid of something for the sake of getting rid of it. Be honest about how and if you will actually use something. Ask yourself “will keeping this help me create my vision for my space, or inhibit me?”

BAD REASON TO KEEP SOMETHING
• It may be useful someday and yet you’ve never used it.
• So and so gave it to you and you don’t love and use it.
• Memorabilia you feel you should keep but don’t have a positive reaction to. For family memorabilia, consult family members before getting rid of anything.

BAD REASON TO GET RID OF SOMETHING
• You haven’t used it in a month (or two or three…); if you didn’t know you had it or couldn’t access it, but believe you‘ll use it.
• Multiples of something that will eventually be used up (as opposed to something like a utensil or tool); think about how long it will take to use up and if it’ll stay good that long.

Category: NY Organize

No Comments