Three Great Reasons to Organize TODAY

As I begin to write this one I’m looking out at one of those gray, blah February days - a day perfectly designed to inspire Googling the term “seasonal affective disorder.”  A day situated firmly in that netherworld between the bustle of holidays and the first halting attempts of budding spring flowers. A day where New Year’s resolutions seem like kind of a distant and cruel joke.

For many of us it's a least-favorite season, and getting geared up for much of anything just isn’t in our calendars. Yet within the grayness are possibilities…open time for choices and thinking and planning. I don’t think it’s an accident that my business picks up at this time of year. People are often craving change. If you’ve been gazing around your spaces and wondering if you should tackle a closet or two, know that February is perfect for organizing because:

1. It’s relatively quiet. For many people February is not the busiest season. Sure, there’s Valentine’s Day (and I guess there’s that football thing too), but overall schedules are a little clearer and weekends aren’t packed with trips or parties. It’s good to pick a free Saturday and dedicate it to purging paperwork or clearing out outgrown kids’ clothes. Clearing things out often leads to more possibility-thinking, and you’ll be even more prepared to fill your calendar in the spring.

2. Sales - there aren’t many, I mean. The temptation to shop and collect more stuff is diminished because frankly, everything on clearance has been picked over (and who is in the mood to buy spring items yet?). I did note in my research that Broadway tickets go on sale in February, but getting into a show theoretically shouldn’t add any additional clutter to the laundry room or paperwork in the office. 

3. It improves the mood. Finishing an organizing project, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is always a boost. So tackling a shelf or two, or just going through the sock drawer and pulling out everything with holes can perk up a space. In turn, it perks up YOU.  I spent a little time last week clearing out a section of the garage and just that one area made me feel lighter and more optimistic. I celebrated with a nice midwinter afternoon nap.

So pick a project that seems doable, maybe dust off that label-maker you got for Christmas 2012, and dig in. Or, if you were pondering a BIG change (and need some support and direction), do a little research on professional organizers in your area - this link from the National Association of Professional Organizers on how to find a qualified one is a great place to start:  http://www.napo.net/?page=find_howtohire.  

When you're done, share your February organizing project with us so we can all get inspired.

The cup of tea helps, but still...