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.
10 Comments
2/5/2018 07:03:49 am
I agree with you. February is a great month to either complete a project or start and finish a project as little is going on. For me, I don't have my garden to distract me in February - although that is one of my ongoing projects!
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Sara
2/5/2018 02:45:44 pm
Yes, I've been itching to get out and dig in the dirt too, but no real chance of that until mid-late March around here!
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2/5/2018 07:24:40 am
I completely agree! February is one of my most productive months. The daylight is increasing, which is motivating. It is still too cold to want to go outside and "play," so I find i get a lot done. In my case, I start working on all the decorations for our church's summer VBS program. It may be months away, but it gives me something fun to do during the cold evenings. Come June, I'd rather be outside!
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Sara
2/5/2018 02:47:43 pm
That's really planning ahead, Seana! My projects tend to be more oriented towards inside-the-house improvements, but I do have to start thinking about/planning summer camps and volunteer opportunities for my kids.
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2/5/2018 10:26:15 am
This is definitely my least favourite season! I avoid making plans and am secretly relieved when they are cancelled. So yes, I should take advantage of being homebound (whether by choice or not) to get some of those projects done around here!
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Sara
2/5/2018 02:49:36 pm
I agree, Janet. I don't plan much other than the regular routine in February. Here in the South even an inch or two snow can set us all back for several days - a perfect time to clean out a pantry or closet!
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2/5/2018 02:30:13 pm
Whatever provides the motivation or opening for change is a good thing. And if it’s February (the quieter month) that works, then fantastic! Use it to tackle those organizing projects or work on other goals.
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Sara
2/6/2018 07:50:26 am
Absolutely, Linda. I'm always looking for different ways to "spin" motivation for people. Thanks for the comment!
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We refer to this month as the F month. Well, at least it is a shorter month. I am feeling quite motivated right now as I am attempting to do one thing every evening and also weekly challenges. I like that your post just has 3 reasons to organize today. They make a lot of sense. I love to hibernate at this time as well.
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Sara
2/6/2018 07:52:49 am
Hey, you're right - it IS a shorter month. I had forgotten that! I like your idea of a little every night, because you can keep making progress even if you are hibernating. ;-)
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AuthorSara Skillen - Certified Professional Organizer®, Certified Organizer Coach®, wife, mom, dog-lover, author. Learning to trust my intuition more every day. Shall we work together? Archives
January 2021
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