Here is the second post in the series, called “Organizing Dilemma!” This is where I take a problem area that a reader needs help with and I create an organizing plan for their space. With the reader’s input, I provide tips and tools for how solve their dilemma.
Today’s reader is Margaret, she posted her dilemma via the MWM Organizers Facebook Group. She has a Craft Room that needs some decluttering, streamlining, and good old organizing. This is what Margaret shared:
“Here is my dilemma. Where do I start and what do I do next? And would it be easier to start at the spot farthest from the door?” ~ Margaret
Craft Room
Here are photos of the space and how it currently looks.
This appears to be a large room and Margaret I want you to know that I see a lot of potential! I’ve titled the room “Craft Room” because I see a lot of craft supplies. Although, it looks like this room could easily serve a few different purposes.
The primary problem is that there is just a lot of stuff. To set this room up to serve the purpose(s) desired, the sheer number of items needs to be pared down. In doing so, more space will be revealed allowing you to spend your time crafting versus organizing!
Here’s some inspiration from Cassie at Hi Sugarplum. This is ONLY a closet, so Margaret your possibilities are endless!!! You have an entire room! And how cute are those striped baskets?!?
Steps
Due to the scale of the room and the size of the project, I suggest working through things in the following order:
- Divide the room up into sections, something like 4-8 zones or whatever makes the most sense. Whether or not you start furthest from the door doesn’t matter as much as starting with a manageable section. Doing so will help get you going and increase your motivation.
- Design a system of either sacks or bins to hold items by category – trash, recycling, donation, another zone (items that will move to another section of the room), and things to put away (items that don’t belong in the room and need to go back to another area in your home.)
- Dedicate to working on only one section at a time. Start with the smallest most manageable zone and/or the one the one that is bothering you the most. Then, work first to declutter and second to organize.
Tips & Tools
Purpose(s): As I mentioned above, this is a large room and could naturally serve a few different purposes. Before you begin working on the first zone in the room, make an overall plan for the space. In other words, do you want a section just for sewing, one for books, and one for gift wrap? Really define the overall vision for the room and know what you want the end result to look like. Then, as you begin working through the steps above you’ll know where to place things as you declutter and sort.
Team Work: I suggest asking for a partner in organizing (or two or three). Ask a friend who will be direct, encouraging, and hardworking. Having an organizing buddy will help you commit to one section at a time and get through things faster. Consider playing music, listening to an audio book, or having a favorite movie playing.
Time: Schedule your organizing sessions on your calendar. Block the time frames out and work to protect them. I would suggest anywhere from two-four hours sessions. Any more than four hours, and you (and your friend), will start to get burnt out. Ideally only work on the room during your designated organizing time frames and turn off any and all distractions. The more focus you bring the more you’ll get done!
Donation vs. Selling: Consider only selling items that will be worth your time and energy to sell. Usually this will be larger and/or more expensive items. Otherwise, donate and give away anything that you are no longer using or don’t foresee using in the next one to two years.
Storage & Systems: When you are working through the different zones jot down any organizing related products you need to purchase. Try to use anything you already have and work to transform under utilized storage systems you already have in place. Then as needed, label and store things vertically. Cassie’s closet provides a great example of both.
Thank you Margaret for sharing your Organizing Dilemma with me! This room has so much potential and I’m very excited to see how you transform it!
What do you think? Where would you start in a room like this? Do you find decluttering overwhelming?
If you have an Organizing Dilemma that you would like me to tackle and help you solve, submit photos and a brief description to – morgan@morganizewithme.com.
