So where is the universally most effective place to start organizing? Anywhere! Yup, that's right – the first place you select is perfect. This spot is exactly where you are supposedly to begin. That low hard-to-reach shelf in your pantry? Excellent. The random basket of odds and ends in your bathroom? Right on the money! No need for self-doubt or criticism. There really is no wrong place to begin an organizing project; the important thing is that you start and you give yourself lots of credit for doing just that.
With all of the rules and tips and stories out there it is no wonder you fear starting a new project – especially one that has the ability to impact your daily life and that may even force you to change some of your habits. What if you do something wrong? What if you make things worse ?! You're the one who got yourself into this mess and how can you trust yourself to get out of it?
Here is a little secret for you: YOU are the best person for the job. Yes – you! A Professional Organizer brings space layout and product ideas, objectivity and motivation, and lots of energy to make the job easier. But we also know that our main goal is to extract all of those wonderful strategies and solutions that are rattling around in your brain that will work for you. You know your life best!
So trust that you already have the solution inside, pick a place to start – and get to work! Start off slowly and organize for only 15 – 30 minutes at a time. Allow yourself to work your way up to longer sessions. Organizing is a lot like exercising – it takes time to build your energy and stamina to handle a 3 hour cardio and weight-training session. It is the same with organizing! You need to strengthen those organizing muscles and habits to create a lasting change that you will be motivated to stick with.
What have you got to lose? If the mood strikes today, give it a whirl and work through that kitchen drawer or pile of papers and see what happens. My guess is that it'll feel kind of good, take less time then you expected, and hopefully make you realize that you've got what it takes to get the job done right!