The New Year is a great time to get organized
Well, 2016 is more than a week old. Are you still following your New Year’s Resolutions? Whether you vowed to lose weight, save money, or simply get organized, we’ve got you covered here at capecod.com. Check out our “New Year, New You” features for helpful hints on making your resolution become your reality. Today we’ll be covering getting organized. Enjoy some advice from qualified professional organizers who have tips and tricks clearing out all that clutter!
Cape Cod organizers Nicole Gabai, and Beth Patkoske have been doing what they do best, helping people get their lives in order, for more than 15 years collectively.
Patkoske, a former Disney resort operations and marketing agent, and member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, recommends using the “SPACE” method. The SPACE method stands for Sort, Purge, Assign, Containerize, and Equalize.
First off, SORT through whatever area you plan to organize and place similar things together, or items that you plan to store in the same place. While sorting, make a PURGE pile and fill it with things you plan to get rid of. After the purge, ASSIGN things to a new spot. So once you’ve sorted through everything, discarded the things you no longer use or want, then it’s time to assign the piles to places in your home. Buy CONTAINERS that are the correct size for your items and area in your home. Now comes the EQUALIZING. As you purchase new things to will go into those containers, make sure that you throw out an equal number of items so the container does not become cluttered or filled with outdated items.
Nicole Gabai, a woman who has dedicated her life to helping people who feel stuck, discouraged, or overwhelmed, is another professional organizer here on Cape Cod. She’s also got some great advice.
The owner of “B. Organized!” has some tips for straightening out your closet.
“Maximize your space. Look underneath the hanging clothes… there is always lots of unused space from the floor up to the bottom of the hanging items. You can stack shelves for shoes. Also, above the shelf in a closet is another great place for more storage. Think of getting cubbies or shelving so you can stack clothes and other items up to the ceiling.”
Gabia is also a strong believer in the one-year rule. That means if you aren’t sure whether or not to get rid of something, think about whether you have worn or used the item in the past year. If you haven’t throw it out. If you’re torn, put it n a box, write what the item is and the date on the box, and if you haven’t used it within a year then throw it out.
Some final tips: Start small, make a structured plan for attacking the clutter, and remember that it takes time! A mess didn’t accumulate in a week, so don’t expect it to all be gone in a week. And don’t be afraid to contact professional organizers. Not everyone can start the process alone or has the tools to do so.
Good luck, and Happy New Year!
To win $500 towards making your New Year’s Resolution a reality, click here!
– By Kaitlyn Holzworth
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