“Patricia Mikkelson worked for me in the company called Live Love Laugh. She was always a dynamic and energetic presence in making things happen, coming up with creative new ideas, coordinating many volunteers, organizing events, workshops and publicity– just to name a few of her many contributions to the success of Live Love Laugh. During that time she also helped organize and produce various Self Esteem workshops led by the now famous Jack Canfield, co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. Patricia is a forward thinker and seems to always press for things that make it a better world for everyone.” Cliff Durfee

For various reasons we had only two hours to work for I had a deadline. In some ways, having a deadline is a good thing. It really motivates you to get the job done in a shorter amount of time.

We started by getting the big stuff out that was obvious. Fortunately it was a nice day so it was easy to use the space in the driveway.

Because of lack of time, and because the categories were pretty obvious, we did not make labels.

Instead, I had about 20 shallow boxes which we laid out in the driveway. because the boxes were shallow we could see the items easily so therefore did not need a label.

We started by clearing off one table which was going to be the tool table. we sorted all items on the table quickly into boxes and kept the tools there.

Then we started clearing off another table which we envisioned would be the hardware table.  all things sorted into boxes except hardware.

Now we proceeded to sort the rest of garage. with the tool table and hardware table being the largest categories, we knew that at very least getting these items in one place would make it easier to find things and clear the rest of garage.

Another big category was metal. All that went into a corner. I discovered that he wanted to get rid of a large amount of plastic bags which immediate went out.

As the boxes of categories were filled, the gargae became less cluttered of course. Within 1 1/2 hour  most things were in categories. We did not open new boxes of stuff that were easily stacked.This we saved for a later date.

We took the last 1/2 hour to find places for things. the gardening tools and materials went one place. the larger tools went to antoher. the lawn mower was rearranged. Within the 1/2 hour we had everything in its place.

Now my client says that he can find things and in his own time he can fine tune the sorting. He can now walk around, put his vehicle in the garage, and feel safer as well.

This was the fasted job I have ever done with the most amount of progress. Two people really do make the work go faster. If you use a technique such as mine, then it is easier to make the most out of the helper’s help.

I really hope you try this and it helps you to find a peace of mind so that you can realize your worthwhile goals and make a better world.

http://sparkandhustle.com/resources/hustle-tips/

http://www.ivillage.com/organizing-tips-overwhelmed-ivillagecom/7-a-219203

http://www.thehomeofficeorganizer.com/the-home-office-podcast-13/

• When you are organizing a job, big or small–put the small miscellaneous stuff in shallow boxes to sort.
• Larger miscellaneous can go in larger boxes.
• Stack the boxes up and sort the stuff later.
• Important stuff that you need right away–put in a place where you can find quickly and put away.
• Stuff that can be easily put away because you know where it goes–feel free to put it away if you have time.
• Soft stuff like clothes can be put in plastic bags to sort later.
• Stuff that you immediately know can be  given away can be put in a box and placed in car.
• But don’t sweat the small stuff and the unimportant stuff.
• Schedule a time to sort the small and miscellaneous stuff later. Now you have a de-cluttered house, a clearer mind, and instant gratification.

simple:)

Oh, and if you put on some music or listen to a book on tape or a TED production or something else you enjoy–time will go much faster and you will be motivated to keep moving.  This method does not require a lot of thought so you can listen to informative and enriching talks if you like.

http://www.getorganizednow.com/ideapak-newsletter.html

1. I hired my daughter to help clean. (Her time is included in the five hours)

2. I got a bunch of shallow boxes as well as other sized boxes.

3. Starting with the kitchen I cleared of counters of everything that I knew was superfluous. Since I know this client very well, I had a good idea of what was not needed. In fact, when he came to look for one missing thing that he needed I immediately found it.

4. As I cleared counters, putting in shallow boxes to sort later–some on shelves–my daughter cleaned surfaces.

5. The living room had piles of papers which were obviously in some kind of order. I put each pile in an unmarked folder to keep their integrity. I put all the files and other stuff  in the room into one large shallow box to be sorted later. Since I kept living room stuff together, if client needs to find something, at least he could look in living room box.

6. I did same with all rooms with the papers and miscellaneous.

7. There were obvious things that could go into basement–I piled them in one place and my daughter helped me carry down.

8. As I cleared floors and surfaces, daughter kept cleaning. I stayed ahead of her.

9. I scheduled a time with client very soon to go through stuff which I had piled into one side room that people could not see but which was easily accessible.

10. I covered some piled up boxes with sheets.

People came to the meeting–which I attended–and there were many comments about how attractive the house looked.

Today I go back and we will sort out the stuff that was highest priority. The rest will be dealt with later since there really is a whole house to de-clutter and organize.

It is very satsifying to see a house transformed in five hours, and I loved working with my daughter. Client was happy, too!

What an amazing transformation. With a crew of four people, two of us working 8 hours and two working about six hours, we completed what we wanted to do. Kitchen, dining room and den looking beautiful and almost completely decluttered. Living room has lots of boxes of precious items to sort–but they are stacked so there is plenty of space to put tables on which to sort. Bedroom is all cleaned with mattresses replaced. Bathroom is cleaned. Two car garage that was made into a play room now has an office space where we can sort papers. The largest categories are all together: shoes, clothes, car stuff, precious memories; material, papers and office supplies. The miscellaneous to sort boxes take up very little space and will be easy to get rid of when we have more time. If we had tried to sort all the miscellaneous, we would never have made the progress we did.

Client and her husband keep saying they can’t believe how much was done. Client’s husband estimated we would get about one hundredth of what we got done. Client said it was the best money she ever paid. Client’s husband who eats mostly meat says maybe the reason I came is to show them how to be healthy as I demonstrated that I could have plenty of energy all day on green smoothies and kangen water. He made a very delicious vegetable pot pie for dinner which I happily devoured.

This has been a very rewarding experience. Client’s husband jokes that if they give me a great recommendation I won’t come back. They want to rent me a car so I won’t wear my car out when I come next week. I feel very appreciated. I feel very grateful to use my God-given talents to make a pretty big difference in people’s lives.

Well, I am signing off for this job. Thanks all for your encouragement and comments. I would love to hear more feedback.