Posts Tagged ‘Overwhelmed by Summer Break Chaos’
Lessons learned: Staci Shares About Purging & Organizing Homes
Lessons learned: Staci shares about purging & organizing homes
I see it all. The good, the bad and the ugly. So, don’t be embarrassed or ashamed. We all have homes that are ‘well lived in’ with ‘life happens’ clutter lying around. Here’s a few lessons worth sharing from my daily adventures as a Purge & Organize Consultant.
Keep your home flowing
Keep your things moving. I mean everything you see and touch daily- paper, clothes, food, everything. Besides a few storage spaces, every corner of your home should be part of your active life.
- When things get stuck, they pile up
- Wherever your hand lands, that’s where it got stuck
- Piles are where you will find the lost and forgotten
- You’ll have 15 of something before you know it, just because you can’t find it
Deal with it!
Make a decision already. Sit down and do it already. Shrugging things off for later becomes contagious, and soon you’re ‘to-do list’ is overwhelming. So, just deal with it already! You must move it forward!
- If you bought it…. Use it!
- If it’s a project…. Complete it!
- If you want to hang on to it…. Pack it!
- If it’s broke, you won’t fix it…. Buy a new one!
Don’t be consumed by your hobbies
This one tears at my heart strings. It is so easy to become overwhelmed by the hobbies we love. Whether it’s collecting, crafting or an activity; the more we hobby, the more stuff we need to have for it. Be mindful:
- Too many supplies can paralyze your creativity
- That your hobby doesn’t become an exhausting chore
Even your home décor has a shelf life
Ha, get it? Don’t let your pretty things go stale. So, choose to surround yourself with things you like to look at. It’s time for a change if you:
- Say ‘meh’ when describing the design in your home
- Can date your accessories based on relationship timeline
- Suggest someone else’s house for a party
Making shifts in your home will be good for your soul
I promise. I have never worked with someone who didn’t feel better after a purge and organize session. Yes, it’s tough work. But the rewards are so very worth it, so…
- Clear the surface of miscellaneous stuff
- Tear down the pile of random things
- Open the door to the forgotten room
- Choose to live with only the things you love
Nudge. Nudge. These lessons are intended to nudge you if you’re stuck. Ask for help if you need Another Opinion. Call Staci at 314-623-4594.
How to Quickly Reclaim a Space Overwhelmed by Summer Break Chaos
You walk into your house. You’re tired. You set your stuff down and immediately see a mess of stuff that has been left there by your family. The place looks like a grenade went off and exploded your kids’ belongings everywhere. Now, instead of feeling welcomed home, you feel stressed and overwhelmed.
Sound familiar?
Summer break can bring a lot of chaos to your home. With the kids out of their school routine and new activities started up for summer, your once organized home is now out of control. Don’t panic! Here’s a four-step process to help you reclaim any space quickly and easily.
- Assess the Situation
The first step to fixing anything is finding out where it all went wrong. Take a few minutes to assess what is causing chaos in a space that was once organized. New activities and the lazy days of summer are the likely culprits. Before you dig in to regain control, commit to what you want this space to be and how your family will use it. You might enjoy less arguing with your kids if you’re willing to accommodate their chaos as part of your strategy and intention for the space. And, remember it’s ok to have a summertime plan and a schooltime plan to maintain an organized home!
- Group Like Items
The fastest way to reclaim a space is to group like items. When you’re facing a mountain of chaos it’s easy to get overwhelmed and frustrated. So, turn your brain off to get through the mound quicker. Literally, put cups with other cups, clothes with other clothes, etc. As you sort, you’ll begin to notice items that don’t belong, but also items you’re prepared to get rid of or need to be trashed (bonus!). Using this simple method to break down any overwhelmed space will make decisions easier as you move forward with reclaiming it.
- Reset the Space
Now that you’ve regained control and have an intention on how to use the space, you’re ready for the reset! Start by considering others in the family, not just yourself, when creating an organization plan. Make it easy for them! You will keep chaos from returning and minimize future arguments if your reset is based on their willingness to join your commitment. Use colors, labels, bins and nets, or other fun ideas that could inspire your family to pitch in and keep it clutter free. Create a simple plan, all about them, and make it fun…. Now, picking up can be a quick summer activity and not a boring chore.
- Celebrate with a Tour
Show off your hard work! Celebrate your ‘new space’ by giving your family a tour. This is a great way to pass down your intention for how the space should be used. Also, it’s your opportunity to show them what you’ve done, and help them connect and take ownership of their things. Again, make it all about them, that you set the space for it to be fun and easy to pick up. With celebration in your voice and a positive attitude, your family will be more willing to adopt a new behavior and appreciate what you’ve created for them.
Do you need help reclaiming your space? Are you’re struggling to maintain a clutter free home? It might be time to get help from a professional. Instead of letting your space overwhelm you, call Staci with Another Opinion at (314) 623-4594 for a free consultation.