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8 Tips for Staying Organized During a Renovation

By Blog, Organizing Paper Files, Quick Organizing Tips No Comments

So, you’ve made the choice to renovate your home…

Redirection and changes are always so exciting!

Until you’re amidst the complete chaos, can’t find anything you need, and are desperate for a lifeboat.

 

There are so many different variables when going through a renovation, so remaining organized is essential.

Luckily, we have compiled the best tips to keep you afloat through this anything-could-happen process, so forage around for a pen and take some notes!

 

1. Keep it simple.

✨ First things first, when renovating, you will need space for storage. You may need to get a storage locker or set aside a space in your basement to keep boxes you’ve packed during a renovation. Keep everything sorted by sections for ease of access and less risk of ending up in the mess of everything once the starting date arrives.

12 Tab Set of Multicolor Binder Dividers – Click photo to view on Amazon

 

2. Minimize the spread.

✨Use a large binder for all important documents and binder tabs to label documents to their respective sections. If you’re like me and like to be over the top, you can also create sections for each of the service providers you will be using. A binder is a great way to keep important drawings, contracts, and samples at your fingertips. Take it from me; I’ve helped many clients who have had several renovations going on simultaneously, and keeping papers organized is vital!

 

3. Don’t forget digital.

✨ Paper and email correspondences also pile up fast, so create a folder in your Inbox for the renovation. An added tip is to create an email filter from your various service providers, that way all relevant emails will automatically go into the designated renovation folder.

 

4. Put “importants” together.

✨ If you need to pack various rooms or move out of your home during the renovation, make sure to separately pack important documents like passports and other hard-to-replace papers you may need. Keep them accessible but out of the way for the entire duration of your renovation or moving process.

 

5. Accept last-minute changes.

✨ Renovations typically take longer than expected due to permit delays, changes to the design, and unexpected late deliveries of products. Always account for those when planning your timeline.

 

6. Pack smart.

✨ When packing boxes, make sure to write on the side of the boxes what the contents are and pack similar items together. This makes it easier to find things if you need to start opening boxes.

 

7. Make it convenient.

✨ Additionally, when you stack the boxes, make sure the side of the box that has your label is facing out and easy to read. So many times, I’ve had to find something for a client, and because the boxes were organized during storage it makes it so much easier to locate items.

 

8. Believe in the process.

✨ Lastly, give yourself a break and let the idea of perfection go.

 

Renovations are notoriously stressful and overwhelming.

There is always some disruption due to the temporary living arrangements and things being out of their regular places. So, remind yourself that this is only momentary and focus on the brand-new home or space that is being renovated.

 

I’m always reminding my clients that this will soon be over and in no time, they will have their new beautiful renovated kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom complete!

 

Focus on the end goal, not the current situation.

 

Save these for later, or share with a friend who is going through renovations! 🤩

7 Psychological Benefits of an Organized Home

By Blog, Quick Organizing Tips, Simple Living 2 Comments

Untidy environments increase stress for most people. Do you declutter your mind while you declutter your home? Science says yes.

 
We all know the feeling after accomplishing that thing we’ve been putting off, and oftentimes that thing is tidying up. But where does that feeling come from, and how can we get more of it?  



Is this you?


People who have a hard time to declutter your home often struggle with:


  • Time management and project motivation
  • Feeling overwhelmed easily, which can lead to procrastination
  • Perfectionism and finishing tasks
  • Holding attention and being distracted frequently
  • Saying “no” to others
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Orderly environments are linked to more healthy choices.


Our surroundings shape our thinking. If you’re constantly looking at all the things you’re putting off, it’s going to reflect poorly on your mental health. It's more enticing to prepare healthy meals in an orderly kitchen with an easily accessible pantry, and most people sleep better in a tidy room with a made bed.

Pro Tip:
Split your fridge, freezer, and pantry into sections that make sense to you, and put items back after use every time.
 


Improve focus.


Disarray makes it harder to find what you need and makes you more prone to frustration. It may also distract you while doing another task. Declutter your home by sorting through visual clutter can help your focus and attention span.

Pro Tip:
Start with your most frequently used spaces. Clear off your kitchen and bathroom counters. Find a place for each item.



 

Alleviate depression and anxiety.


The only thing a messy home can add to your life is more burden to your mind. Clutter will make you feel worse and scatterbrained, and it is more challenging to want to clear up the space when you see piles accumulating. You may not feel like doing it, but any small steps you can take will improve your overall mood.

Pro Tip:
Ask for support while organizing. Having someone around can make the task less dull and more fun.
 



Reduce dust and allergies.


You may think that your home is clean despite being disorganized. But you would be surprised at how much dust, pet debris, and mold can build up when hidden. It's important to regularly declutter your home, otherwise, it's harder to clean around piles of belongings.


Pro Tip:
Give yourself 20 minutes a day to tidy up any piles laying around the house.
 



Enhance self-esteem.

Cluttered spaces erode your confidence because it causes you to feel less in control of your life. Feeling proud and at ease in your home gives you an automatic confidence boost. A living environment that looks more respectable can be extremely empowering.

Pro Tip:
Find inspirational pictures and try to imitate them in your home.
 



Better relationships.


It’s a drain on your energy and for others in the home to keep clutter lying around. When a household can delegate organizational tasks to everyone, it creates a sense of teamwork and strengthens bonds. Plus, it gets everybody motivated when you can declutter your home together.

Pro Tip:
Consider a “Homeless Things” basket for any items you find scattered around the house. Set a ritual once a week where each person checks the container to remove the items that belong to them.



 

Free up time and energy.


When you’re chasing mess after mess it’s impossible to mentally relax. There’s a reason insomnia is linked to disorganization and the accumulation of too many things. Having fewer things means making fewer choices throughout the day.

Pro Tip:
Keeping a schedule for tidying up; maintaining a system is easier than creating a new one each time. Try to donate or sell items that you no longer need.


 
 

Decluttering can actually be quite therapeutic; play some relaxing music, visualize your desired “after” of the space, sort in a system that works for you, and simply enjoy the zen that comes with a tidied home.

 

Which room will YOU start in? Comment below!

 
 
 
 
 

Like this article?

You’ll love this one👇🏼

10 Day Decluttering Challenge

 

 

 

Don’t know where to start decluttering?

 

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3 Day Clutter Free Challenge – 2014

By Announcements, Blog, Business Organizing, Closet Organizing, Events, Home Office Organization, Home Organizing, Organizing Paper Files, Quick Organizing Tips, Resources No Comments

Welcome to 2014!

I know how much I want to clear clutter and get organized at work and at home at the BEGINNING of the year.

There’s nothing more wonderful than feeling the serenity of having a more zen-like space … all year round.

Since I’m going to begin in about two weeks I thought I’d invite you to join me!

Announcing: The 3-Day Clutter Free Challenge!

The challenge kicks off Monday, January 13th and ends Wednesday, January 15th.

Each day, you’ll get a mini-lesson filled with easy tips ‘n tricks to get organized + clutter-free — along with an action step to take immediately.

Here’s what we’ll dive into together:

Day 1. No More Desktop Dust Bunnies: Organize the top of your desk + find your stuff.

Day 2. No More Monsters in the Closet: Organize your closet + free up space.

Day 3: No More Fridge Fiascos: Organize your refrigerator + know what’s for dinner.

Here’s how it works:

1. Sign up for the 3-Day Clutter Free Challenge HERE. You’ll get email instructions and a link to our challenge Facebook group so you can request to join asap!

2. Read your daily challenge email each morning, beginning on January 13th.

3. Take action and do the daily challenge! (Each will take 15-30 minutes to do, more or less.)

4. Post in our Facebook group so we can all pow-wow and encourage each other. You will be eligible to win the daily prize ONLY if you post your results in our Facebook group.

Easy peasy!

Register Now for the 3-Day Clutter Free Challenge.

There’s nothing like having a posse to keep you motivated to get clutter-free!

And, I’ll be with you every step of the way with encouragement and tips to help keep you moving through each of the three days.  Get in on the 3-Day Clutter Free Challenge here.

Can’t wait to see you in our Facebook group!

Again, Happy New Year + wishing you and yours abundant blessings for peace-of-mind, joy and abundance in 2014!

 

Here’s to an outstanding 2014!

Sherry