The Next Step

The first step in getting more organized is to create more space. In other words, get rid of stuff. Throw away, give away, whatever it takes. This is so important. The next step is to find places for what you've kept.

In most instances you already have places. You have dressers and shelves and closets and drawers and containers and labels and bags and boxes. And since you've already gotten rid of things, you have even more places. Now that you have more room, you might want to do some re-arranging.

You've taken all the old magazines, empty kleenex boxes, cough drop wrappers, and plastic drinking cups off your nightstand. Now there really is room for your reading glasses, a magazine and a favorite book, maybe even a candle. Now that you've given away all the shoes you never wear, there's nothing under your bed. A nice, neat, enclosed storage box would fit nicely under there.

A word of caution here. Don't feel obligated to fill up empty space. Empty space is wonderful. It really does create a feeling of calm and control, so don't be afraid to leave some places empty. I know it will be hard at first, but you'll get used to it, and then you'll love it.

After you've noticed and utilized (or ignored) your newly found space, we'll talk about adding shelves or hooks or closets. We'll also talk about some wonderfully useful storage items, what might work well for your particular circumstances, new products that are practical as well as beautiful, where to buy them, and how much they cost.