organizing desk

Organizing Tips: Taking the First Steps

Sometimes just thinking about getting organized is overwhelming. What do you start with first? Computer files? Photographs? Closets? Your office? There are many strategies to getting organized,  some we’ve heard along the way and many we have used ourselves. However, taking the first step is the most important and can help you tremendously.  If you feel like there are so many places to start, choose one of these four tasks to kick start your organizing.

Never touch a piece of paper more than once

In some cases, this may be impossible but if you practice this as much as possible you will end up saving yourself a lot of time and may naturally start to avoid procrastinating. Check off the to-do item that the piece of paper provokes — whether that means making a phone call, sending an email, or putting it away in a file to be saved.

Always keep daily items in the same place

Keys, wallets, sunglasses and anything else you take with you every day. Use a bowl or a valet that sits near your door. By creating a routine for these easy to lose items you will lose them less often and will save yourself time. Being more organized at the start of your day will lead you to a more productive day with less stress.

Get rid of stuff

Set a time frame that you are comfortable with — 6 months or 1 year. If you haven’t used or touched an item in this time frame, put it in the to be donated or to be junked pile. Ask Fini Concierge to help you by picking up clothes, books, toys or anything else accumulating in your space and we will drop it off to Goodwill or other non-profits that have a need for these items.

Know when you need additional storage

Maybe you realize you just don’t have enough space for everything. Learn about our Professional Organizing services and start freeing up time and space. Happy Organizing!

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in April 2016 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in 2021