With all of life’s messiness, even organizing professionals can get a little cluttered. Whether it’s stacks of paperwork that need catalogued, a kitchen yearning for an overhaul or changes to daily habits to make life a bit less messy, these professional organizers tell us their plans to make the new year more manageable.
Reduce your footprint
Like many of us, Christina Hidek has too much stuff. Running a business and managing a young family with two kids involved in sports, activities and school has taken a toll. “I have personally decided I am tired of managing all my stuff,” says Hidek, owner of Streamlined Living. So she’s tackling projects as they crop up and scheduling time for others. “Pick a time and make yourself accountable,” she says. “Set a timer for 15 minutes. You can do anything for 15 minutes.”
Make it pretty
Chris Beers has resolved to eat better and be healthier this year. But as the owner of Field Play Pro Organizing, he knows it’s more than that too. “What’s the bigger picture?” he asks. “How do you want to live your life?” The answers can help you prioritize your space. Beers plans to reorganize his entire kitchen, from cupboards to refrigerator, around his new diet. “Aesthetic perfection is really important,” he says. “When you love the way your drawer or your cabinet looks, you want to keep it that way.”
Refine your system
Controlling the crushing volume of paper flowing into your home from school, work and mail deliveries is challenging for everyone. With two young children bringing home artwork, awards, papers and more from school, it’s especially true for Kerry Miles, owner of Organizing Solutions by Kerry. So rather than organizing simply by child, she is adding tabs to her folders for art, permission slips and more. “Getting really specific helps me,” she says. “I know exactly where this particular piece of paper goes instead of just putting it in a general file.”
Take time for yourself
Muffy Kaesberg tries to make improvements every year. “I try to start each year putting more time on the calendar for myself, to go to the gym,” says Kaesberg, owner of Organizing 4 U. “If things are not on the calendar, then they’re not as likely to actually be remembered to do them.” Getting organized helps create more time for things you actually enjoy. “Once you’re caught up and back on a level playing field, then you can be proactive.”
Cut yourself some slack
As Shoshana Kaye’s house undergoes a renovation, she’s had to change her approach. Accustomed to having everything in order, she is attempting to be more patient and back off the self-criticism. With stuff being moved and dust flying, all she can do is wait, accept it and prepare. “Put perfectionism aside. Live each day,” says Kaye, owner of Savvy Organizing Solutions. “Don’t make yourself crazy.”
