The term has huge meaning for me. My mam was ‘gifted’ this title by her sisters when she was younger. As the eldest she would often have to help and sort things at home. Her sisters always said she was the best delegator because she would task them with the jobs and say “let’s get organised girls” and then wouldn’t do any of the hands on work!
Often we find it hard to know where to start. The process of clearing a whole house or even just one whole room can seem overwhelming. If this is how it makes you feel then start small. Pick items with less sentimental meaning or that have the least amount of items. Taking one drawer of a cupboard or one area of a counter space can be enough.
If it is too hard then leave it and move to something else less challenging, don’t give it up as a lost cause. Asking friends to help can be a really great way to get the job done because you will feel comfortable to let the emotions come and supported enough to keep going . Recounting a story about items as they provoke memories can be challenging but also cathartic. It is a matter of remembering and letting go at the same time.
Putting together a time limit can be helpful. Just do one hour each day, or block off a morning and leave it for a week before doing more. Celebrate the wins, no matter how small, and revel in how a space may become slightly clearer after the time you have put in. Taking before and after pictures can allow you to see the progress and also capture items you are unsure of what to do with.
My mam loved a list…..we used to joke she had a list for her lists! I have inherited this trait but now make sure my lists are manageable, or allow myself more time than I had anticipated, in case it becomes overwhelming. The trick is to just get started, one foot in front of the other and if that’s not easy today then just do something nice for yourself and come back to it another time. At Kindred Sorting I can help support you with the process and together sift through what needs to move and to where. Sometimes asking for help is the first step to getting organised.
Kindred Sorting 