We are so happy to have Paula DeCuir, a Professional Organizer with Balanced and Organized, guest blogging for us today! She is sharing information about refreshing our spaces in the New Year. Paula’s advice is practical and the first step to a clean and clear space and mind. Here’s what she has to say:

Isn’t it interesting how a new year fills us with a type of energy that we don’t experience at any other time? We are inspired to reinvent ourselves in almost every possible way, to make changes in almost every area of our lives.  The catch is that it can feel overwhelming and may lead to changing nothing

What if there was one change you could make this year that would make the others much, much easier?  Well, there is: it’s Being Organized!

Being organized allows us to refresh and restore order to our personal environment, to clear out those things that aren’t working, and to gain a greater sense of well-being. Organization makes it possible to focus on the things that are most important to us in creating our best life—whether it’s to travel more or to improve health or finances. It is as much about knowing what to keep as it is about what to get rid of, knowing what is working for you right now as well as what’s not. 

Take a look at the space in your home or office that troubles you the most.  What, specifically, bothers you about this area: too small, not enough storage, mis-categorization of papers, more clothes than closet?  Is there anything that you do like: wall color, a great picture, lots of windows, a fireplace?    

It’s important to have a clear vision of how the space will be used and the “mood” you’d like to set. What words come to mind when you think of the ideal purpose and look of the space?  For your bedroom, it could be “Retreat;” for a home office, it might be “Professional;” or for the kitchen, “Family-Friendly.”  Keeping this in mind, develop a plan that will get you there.  

Tackle one area of the room – maybe the closet, desktop, or stacks of papers on the floor.  Trying to clear out a whole room can seem overwhelming, but breaking the job into smaller chunks lets you see progress and keeps your motivation high.  Take a break and move on to another small section.  You’ll see improvement almost immediately, which will fuel your motivation to do more.

Once you’ve cleared out the trouble spots and reclaimed your space, create the mood that you envisioned.  Maybe just rearranging the furniture and painting the walls a new color will give you the space you’ve longed for, or it may be time to get advice on redesigning the space altogether!

Getting organized is not only a great New Year’s resolution, but also a great gift to yourself.  Restoring order to your life gives you a sense of accomplishment and a head start on all those other items on your New Year’s list.

If you don’t have time to get organized, or this feels too daunting, reach out to Paula and she’ll get you on the right track in no time! Her number is 1.800.646.0831 or you may email her at pauladecuir@gmail.com.

Edited by Cassandra Reinhart