5 Ways To Start Simplifying (Without Feeling Overwhelmed)

08Aug07

Just do it! That’s what people have told you in the past … just start small, and just start somewhere! But perhaps your stuff & junk have become such an epidemic in your household that you are completely overwhelmed. Oh brother, then where do you start? Well, there are a variety of ways to get started on your own (and get that family helping too!)

Just Do It. There is some truth to “Just do it!” Tasks are rarely as monumental as we make them. Once you commit to something, whether it’s a small bookcase or the area under the sink, just do it, and see what happens. Most of the time, you will finish it, and you will be energized enough to find something else to work on. If not, that’s ok too! You can always tackle that new area in an hour or two. The key is, when you feel overwhelmed, take a break and go back to it later.
Multitask. Think of a project that has “waiting time”. For example, maybe you want to transfer your CD songs into MP3 files to save space. If you have 10 CD’s, get started. While everything’s transferring, you can work on something else such as going through each piece of paper on your desk (or inbox, if you have one) and filing. Listen to some music while you do this to make it more fun.
Start Small. Don’t worry about tackling the entire basement in one day. That rarely works unless you have the help of a professional (and a team) along with your family & friends. Tackle one small part of a place that bothers you, such as the basement. Perhaps it’s the “landing ground” for all shtuff that doesn’t have a home. Maybe you throw boxes down the steps, knowing you’ll use them later for ebay sales, or something or other. So, tackle those “boxes”. Break them down and stack them up against a wall out of eyesight. There, a small project completed that improves the look of a room by 100%. The next day, or a couple hours later if you’re REALLY motivated, dust off the treadmill (or remove the clothes that you hung out to dry on it).
Quick Purge. Set the timer for 15 or 20 minutes and just run around your house or apartment throwing things into a medium-sized box (one you can carry from room to room). These “things” can be garbage or donation-worthy. Don’t think, though, just put it in the box if you do not Love, Need or Use the Item. If it’s too big, just start making a pile somewhere that you will go back to at the end of your Quick Purge. Set a goal for yourself, either spend 15-20 minutes, or find 25 items to throw away or donate, whichever comes first, and then STOP. At the end, go through the box and separate garbage from donations. Throw out the garb, and put the donation box in your car so the next time you’re out, you can swing by your favorite charity and drop off the items.
Make It Fun. Invite a friend over, or you and your significant other can set aside an hour or so to do a project (any of the above) together. Sometimes working with another person is motivation in itself. Have a light lunch, toast a glass of water and dig in together! If you still want to do it alone, try putting on some upbeat music to keep you inspired.

I hope these tips will help you get started on any simplification or organizing project you tackle in your home. The main idea is to just get started, no matter how big or small your project may be. Getting started is the most important step towards getting any project finished. For if you don’t start, how can you finish? Here’s to you tackling your shtuff-monsters!