Best Organizing Practices

Professional organizer, Julia Morgenstein states that "Being organized has less to do with the way an environment looks than how effectively it functions."  She advocates that organizing should come from within which means creating a system based on your specific personality, needs and goals.  It also means looking at the big picture and discovering what is important to you and what is holding you back from being where you want to be.  

From what I have learned, getting to the place you want to be may take considerable time, taking intermediary steps rather than a ruthless purging spree done in one full swoop.  

International bestselling author, Elaine St. James, of "Simply Your Life" believes that the quality of your life can improve significantly by gradually implementing a simplicity program consistent with your desire to live in peace and harmony.  

How?   You have to choose how you want your life to be.  

First, sit in peaceful silence and draw up a list of things you could do to improve the quality of your life:     

1.   What are the items that you truly love, value and honor?

2.   What items serve your highest needs and interests?

3.   What are the things you don't use anymore?  (My rule of thumb has always been:  If you haven't used it in a year or more, you probably don't need it and should get rid of it).

Second, create a plan of action.  Keep in mind that getting rid of stuffs may take a process of refinement as you get better at letting things go.  It may take several uncluttering rounds but as you begin to experience a sense of freedom, decluttering will become easier.   

Third, get to it!  If you did your analysis, you will be able to zero in on just the items you want to get rid off so the organizing doesn't feel counterintuitive.  It really begins with a mental shift. In the end, it's up to you to decide.  

Begin today to make a conscious decision to live simply.