Home Organizing Tips: Managing the Decluttering Process

I have been working with a client who would like to get her home de-cluttered so that she can then make some decisions regarding re-decorating the space. She is now working from home and needs to better accommodate the needs of her home office.

At the beginning of the project, we clearly identified her objectives and prioritized them so that we could keep focused and make the greatest amount of progress.  Starting with this step is is one of my key home organizing tips! My client recognizes that she will need to invest some time in this project.  Due to the scope of this project, it has been extremely important that our progress is evident.  I was very pleased to have her acknowledge that this is the case.

In scheduling each week’s tasks, I have tried to vary the area in which we are working.  I have done this for a couple of reasons….  First, sorting through papers was a slower process than sorting items like clothing.  Hence, it takes longer to see the progress and it’s more challenging as you need to sit in one place for a few hours.  Second, items like clothing, furniture and stuff can occupy a larger space and the process of sorting them requires more physical activity.  Hence, the time goes faster and the progress is evident immediately.

I have assessed our progress at the end of each session and identified our next task.  I have been sure to discuss my plans with my client so that she can share her thoughts and we can be sure to tackle an area that is of more immediate concern in a timely manner.

This is a collaborative effort and in order to be successful we need to work as a team. Another of my best home organizing tips: you don’t have to go it alone!