The Bluffton “City-Wide Garage Sale” is scheduled for May 5, 6, and 7. And spring is a great time to organize and purge your stuff. Whether you’re going through a life transition, downsizing, or simply trying to get a little more control of your daily routine, getting organized never hurts.
Life can be overwhelming. It can be complex. And since this pandemic started, some things have simply piled up. Now is the time to make a change. Now is the time to declutter, clean, and reorganize your belongings as well as your time.
Let’s start at the beginning. Once your basic needs are met; everything after that must be organized in some fashion. Getting a handle on your stuff will actually allow you some extra “free time” to engage in more meaningful activities.
It’s garage sale season. Are you ready? It helps to have an action plan. Prepare. Set aside a specific block of time to make decisions about how you will proceed. Be willing to set some organizing goals. For example, what do you want to accomplish? Take small, manageable steps towards a larger goal.
When learning to purge and organize, it also helps to simplify. Try to be more practical in your approach. Do you really need this item? Do you really love this item? If not, let it go!
Have trash cans and boxes at the ready. Trash cans for items you want to throw away. Boxes for items you want to keep, sell, or give away. Only work in one room or one area at a time. Make decisions about each item. How do you want to use your space? Buy shelves. Use drawer organizers. Keep like items together.
Don’t wait. Don’t procrastinate. Go ahead and implement your plan of action. Clear some space so you will have room for new skills and new habits and new ideas.
Be willing to make the necessary changes according to where you are in your own personal development. What worked for you three years ago may not be what will work for you today. As you grow and change, so your environment must grow and change with you. Let your life, your environment, and your possessions reflect more of who you are today, and who you are trying to become.
As you look around your home, your workspace, and your property, consider some of the following:
* Get rid of paper piles by doing something with each piece of paper. File it, shred it, store it, or throw it away.
* Too many clothes too close together can wrinkle each other. Get rid of clothes you don’t wear; clothes that don’t fit right; or clothes you no longer like.
* Open closets. Take everything out. Organize. Make decisions about each item before putting anything back into the closets.
* Do one task at a time. Stay focused until the current task is complete.
* Take stock. What is working well? What needs to change?
* Make a specific time in your schedule for organizing; just as you would any other appointment.
* Don’t worry about being perfect. Just start.
* Stay motivated. Play your favorite music while organizing.
* Set deadlines for when you will complete a specific task.
* Reward yourself as you go. Enjoy the clean empty spaces, your favorite drink, and a snack. Take breaks to relax.
Life can be hectic. It helps to purge and get organized. Stay organized. Simplify. Downsize. File. With the “City-Wide Garage Sale” right around the corner, it will be important to manage your time, manage your stuff, and manage your life.
