Start Small When Undertaking Organizational Projects

Getting organized to start the New Year fresh can be a daunting task, but local organizing professionals say it can be easy if you start small.

Sara McKinley is a Co-Owner of Organize Cookeville. She said starting small can help you see more immediate results and be more successful.

“You don’t want to overwhelm yourself and then feel defeated,” McKinney said. “So even something as small as like a linen closet, your car, a closet, bookshelves, just make the decision to minimize and get started.”

McKinley suggested starting with three boxes to create keep, donate, or don’t know piles. She said once you decide to get rid of something, get it out of your house as soon as possible to make sure you do not second guess yourself.

McKinley said that being organized is a mindset. She said to keep up with the process, take five to 10 minutes of your day to do a “mini pick-up.” By taking the time to put away things like cups on a table or blankets on a couch, it can prevent the mess from piling up and make tidying up habitual.

McKinley said it is also important to make sure everyone in the house plays a part. She said though it can be annoying to constantly remind your family to clean up after themselves, it will be beneficial in the long run.

“And also when you clutter and organize a space, there are added health benefits,” McKinley said. “It alleviates depression, and anxiety, it helps you sleep better, it just makes you feel better all around and that’s a great way to start the new year.”