When You Can’t Do It All: Picking One Major Reorg Project for 2012

Community Manager — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:11:00 GMT

January is the month for making resolutions that are too often abandoned by February. This year be realistic and pick just one outstanding organization project that you never seem to find time for and get it done.

Does your messy garage drive you crazy? Or is it the piles of paperwork that have taken over your desk? Are your closets stuffed past capacity? Everyone has a project they really wish they could get to: make 2012 the year you move that back-burner project front and center.

Getting Started

Go for gratification: Pick a project that will really and truly provide a sense of accomplishment. If you feel like you ought to tackle your overflowing attic but would prefer to spend time sorting photos, go with the photos.

Limit chaos: Start with spaces that won't limit your ability to function such as the spare room or attic. Once you have those spaces in better shape, you can tackle future projects in high-traffic zones such as the kitchen or home office. Use the newly organized rooms in your home as staging ground for sorting through paperwork or warehousing kitchen items as you tackle bigger projects in high-traffic zones.

Break down a big project: Determine what steps you need to take to get from the starting line to your end goal. If you want to empty an attic, the first step might be tossing broken and outdated items, next, giving unneeded items to family members and then finally donating the rest to charity. Defining success before you begin allows you to know when a project is successfully completed.

Get equipped: Filing projects require files, moving projects require boxes. Don't overlook the basics when getting started. Carefully consider all your needs before launching a project and then stock up on the tools you need.

Enlist helpers: Many hands make for light work so enlist family and friends. Make the project fun (filing while listening to music! a family reunion garage cleaning!) and you better your odds of getting helpers to pitch in.

Reward yourself: Reward yourself for getting through your project and link your reward to your project if you can. Did you tame a cluttered guest room? Treat yourself to new throw pillows or a duvet cover. Did you tackle a mountain of paperwork? Reward yourself with new desk accessories. Print and frame all those family pictures? Have a party to show off your new home décor.

Making 2012 all about one major project betters your odds of getting it done. Who knows? The glow of accomplishment may even carry you through another project or two.

Good luck!

Do you have a major project in mind? What is the one area of the house you never seem to get to? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook.

Beyond Folders : project management, resolutions

When You Can’t Do It All: Picking One Major Reorg Project for 2012