Start wherever you are. The simplest answer to the question organizers hear most, "How do I start?" is that you start wherever you are. Don't wait for a rainy Saturday, or to get more organized first! Everyone is different, but most people like to start with the place that bothers them the most on a regular basis. Don't begin with the guest room just because your aunt thought it seemed cluttered. You're the one who lives there and you're the one who gets the most benefit from being organized.

Choose a goal. This can be anything from clearing off some closet shelves to decluttering your entire house. Pick a goal and keep it in mind as you go along to keep yourself motivated. Imagine how great your office or kitchen will look when it's organized and free of clutter! If your goal is decluttering the house, set smaller goals to prevent yourself from becoming overwhelmed. You could organize room by room, or start at the front door and move forward, or first deal with all the places paper congregates.

Pick a plan and stick with it. Getting organized can be a big job, so be realistic about how much you can do and when you can do it. It usually works better to schedule a few hours a week and expand the time later if you find that works for you. The trick is not to overwhelm yourself by taking on too much, but taking on enough so that you see progress. Make a specific plan for each session such as going through one stack of papers on the desk, three boxes in the garage or one closet shelf. Have on hand necessary tools such as boxes or bags for charity donations, trash and recycling; file folders; and cleaning supplies.

Give yourself a pat on the back! Focus on and reach your goals one at a time. Once the hall closet, for example, is done, you'll be able to check that off your list and move onto the next task. Above all, as you complete each section, note your progress and acknowledge it. Seeing and appreciating what you've accomplished will assure you that your big goal is not impossible to get to, and will motivate you to keep going.


"Whatever you can do or dream, you can begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.
Begin it now."

--Goethe