To keep my sanity I like to break down large projects into small bites. In this case, organization. I’ve started keeping a Life List over on Go Mighty and one of my newly added entries is to get organized. It’s something that creeps on my list year after year. Organize my stuff. Purge my closet of unused items. Get my photos into albums. As I’m nearing 26, though, I’m feeling more self-imposed urgency with this goal. As I slip into my upper-twenties I don’t want to move forward with unwanted baggage. No more books that have gone unread since the age of twelve. Cheap jewelry with broken pieces? They need to go. There’s a quote that I’ve been using as my mantra through this process: If it’s not useful or beautiful to me it does not need to stay with me any longer.
With that decided, it was the next step that had me at a stand still. It’s one thing to say, “This time, I’m going to get organized!” And another thing entirely to follow through with it. Hence, the small bites. My first area to tackle is the hoard of magazines I’ve been keeping around since my tween years. I will not keep full magazines, I do not have the space, instead I will be keeping the pictures and articles that inspire me and turning them into an inspiration book. This means actually sorting through my magazines, which is no small task. To make this a little less daunting I’ve been taking my lunch to sort through a small stack at a time. This gives me a set time limit of about an hour and it leaves me refreshed and inspired to tackle the rest of the afternoon. See, small bites.
Are you undertaking an organization project for the new year? What has been your first step?
Oh Erica, I admire your drive. I love being organized, but unfortunately lately it has been slipping out of my hands. I recently organized a whole closet at Jordan's with bins I bought at the dollar store (i'm posting on it this week!) and I love it. Now my next step is to label them. I can't wait to have it all done and labeled. It will be so spiffy and clean!
ReplyDeleteMargeaux
margeauxknight.blogspot.com
Labelled bins are among my favorite things ever. I heart my label maker, I didn't know you could find bins at the dollar store though, I will definitely have to take a look! I'll be looking forward to seeing the finished project!
DeleteAhh being organized is one of the best habits around. It really keeps your life in check. I've been so obsessed with organizing though, that it sometimes eats my time but I'm trying to set my priorities straight and leave the organizing at certain parts of the day only. :o
ReplyDeleteBy the way, those sandwiches look yummy!!
♡ Valerie
It seriously does, even the little bits I've started with have made a huge impact. I can't wait to see how things progress. I can definitely see how it can be a time eater though. Setting aside a specific time sounds like a great idea.
DeleteThank you! I've been hooked on pesto lately.