Organize any space is just the same as in anything else ~ taking the first step is always the hardest! Choose just one area to work on so that you can accomplish it and are not overwhelmed. Start with maybe a drawer, a cabinet or a small closet. Learning how to organize any space and getting it done will feel great! Set a date and time on your calendar to get organized! Now for the fun part. Think how great it's going to be once it's done and come up with a reward for yourself when it's completed!

Do not buy containers or organizing tools until the purge and sort is done. Then you can see how much of one item you have and which area you'll want to house it.

Use these guidelines to keep in mind when de-cluttering and organizing, especially when you cannot decide what to do with something. Hold up your hand and count with your fingers, asking yourself, "Do I really love this?" and "Do I really need this?"

Put on your "get it done" attitude and your favorite music.

All you need to start with is black trash bags for trash and white bags for donations.

TAKE IT OUT

Everything has to come out so you can clean the area and put back the items that belong there in an organized fashion. Pulling everything out will also make you aware of all that is in there and help you do a thorough job.

Pull everything out of the area, placing items in four sections: 1) trash 2) donation 3) goes elsewhere 4) keep.

Clean the area before putting "keep" items back.

DISTRIBUTE

Distribute piles of items where they go: 1) take trash out 2) put donation bag directly in car 3) put "goes elsewhere" items where they belong. (These could go elsewhere in the house or in the car ready to return to store, return to friend, etc.)

Keep that "get it done" attitude!

KEEP & ORGANIZE

Put back the items that belong there, being sure to group similar items together and place items that are used more frequently, easiest to get to.

REWARD TIME!

You have learned how to organize any space. Stand back and revel in the beauty and relaxation of having it organized! Remember to claim your reward and mark the job off of your 'To Do' list!

Paper Organization ~ Garage Sale

Party Planning ~ Moving Yourself

File System ~ Kitchen Organization