Every January, it happens like clockwork. Along with promises to drink more water and go to the gym, another resolution rises to the top of the list: Get organized. The intention is sincere, but many simply just don’t know where to start.
According to Certified Professional Organizer Jodi Granok, owner of Organizing Magic, that uncertainty is exactly why so many New Year’s resolutions to declutter and organize fizzle out. “People often say, ‘I need to get organized,’ without knowing what that really means,” she says.
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That’s where professional organizers, like Granok, come in. January, she notes, is the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals’ “GO Month” (Get Organized & Be Productive Month).
To start strong, think about why it matters to you to get organized. In Granok’s words, being organized is “being able to find what you need, when you need it, and being able to get things done in a timely manner.” When that becomes a struggle, she says, that’s your clue that it’s time to get into a new mode. However, it’s perfectly fine—even encouraged—to start with small projects.
“I recommend starting with the area that bothers you the most, which is likely an area that you are actively using on a daily basis. Then, choose a small section of that area to make it a manageable project,” Granok says. “For example, if the kitchen bothers you the most, start with one drawer or cabinet that is causing you stress. Each area you organize is a success that will motivate you to keep going and tackle the next project.”
Another reason resolutions made around the theme of organization fade after January is a drop in motivation once the year gets busy. To avoid burnout, Granok stresses the importance of setting yourself up for success by choosing a time when you have enough energy and focus to see a project to its completion. We’ve all experienced the moment of enthusiasm fading halfway through a closet, cabinet, or room clean out—when piles of clothes suddenly feel overwhelming and quitting seems easier than continuing—but planning ahead can help to avoid such a situation.
“Getting organized requires some pre-planning. You want to make sure you have blocked out a time where you have the energy to work on a project,” she adds. “If you walk into your closet and say, ‘I have 15 minutes before carpool–let’s do this,’ you aren’t setting yourself up for success.”
With organization, of course, comes decluttering. And, for many, that’s the hardest part.
“There is a saying, ‘If everything is special, nothing is special,’” says Granok. “It’s important to ask yourself some questions about your things. ‘Do I need this? Does this help me in my current life? Do I love this? Do I feel good about this item?’”
These questions can help kickstart the decluttering process. Granok also explained that it’s important to get rid of things before bringing in anything new, including organizational tools.
“Until you have gone through items, pared things down, and decided how much you are keeping and where you want to keep it, shopping for supplies usually leads to more clutter in the home,” she says. “Any shopping should happen last. Only then, if you decide that you need a bin or a basket, check your existing stash first. You may already have the ideal product. But if not, at least now you will shop with purpose—getting exactly the right thing to house your newly organized items.”
To keep morale high throughout the project, Granok recommends focusing on “quick wins.” She encourages clients to start with the floor.
“My favorite thing to say to clients is, ‘The floor is for walking,’” says Granok. “When in doubt, start by clearing whatever is on the floor. By clearing clutter from the floor first, it immediately opens up the space and makes it easier to continue working on organizing projects.”
At the end of the day, getting organized isn’t just about making a space look nice. It’s about making the space functional, alongside countless other benefits that reduce everyday stress.
“When you’re organized, you can find things quickly and easily, which saves you time. You avoid buying things in duplication or multiplication simply because you couldn’t find it or forgot you had it, which saves you money,” says Granok. “You can move about your home or office efficiently, which keeps you safe. It is easier to clean your home when surfaces aren’t cluttered, which improves your health.”
With continued effort, these benefits can last far beyond the New Year’s-resolution stage of the year. And for those nervous to tackle a project themselves, hiring a professional organizer like Granok is an easy way to overcome the hurdle and get started.
“I like to compare our profession to that of a personal trainer. We all know how to exercise, and we know the benefits of exercising, but some of us don’t want to do it alone. People hire professional organizers to have an extra pair of hands, to have someone there to bounce ideas off of, to provide guidance and support, and to help them stay focused on the project at hand, among other things,” explains Granok. “I teach someone how to get and stay organized, so they can continue without me. Getting organized is just one half of the equation, staying organized requires regular maintenance.”
And for anyone waiting for the perfect moment to begin, Granok has one final reminder.
“It’s always the right time to get organized,” she says. “All you have to do is start.”
